Method and apparatus for applying a cinch member to the ends of a suture

A surgical apparatus for applying a securing member to a length of suture material comprising:

• (a) a handle assembly;
• (b) an elongated body portion extending distally from said handle assembly and defining a longitudinal axis, said elongated body portion including a driving member movable by said handle assembly in a direction along the longitudinal axis;
• (c) a tool assembly extending from a distal end portion of said elongated body portion in a direction of the longitudinal axis, said tool assembly being driven by said driving member;
• and
• (d) a suture securing member positioned in said tool assembly, said tool assembly remotely operable from said handle assembly, by movement of said driving member in a direction along the longitudinal axis, for enclosing and deforming said securing member to secure said securing member upon said length of suture material, said tool assembly being detachably connected to said elongated body portion.

A surgical apparatus for applying a securing member to a length of suture material comprising:

• (a) a handle assembly;
• (b) an elongated body portion extending distally from said handle assembly and defining a longitudinal axis, said elongated body portion including a driving member movable by said handle assembly in a direction along the longitudinal axis;
• (c) a securing member having an opening on an outer surface portion;
• and
• (d) a deforming assembly configured and dimensioned to receive said securing member, said deforming assembly extending from a distal end portion of said elongated body portion in a direction of the longitudinal axis, said deforming assembly remotely operable from said handle assembly, by movement of said driving member in a direction along the longitudinal axis, for enclosing and deforming said securing member to secure said securing member upon said length of suture material.

A surgical apparatus for applying an atraumatic-shaped securing member to a length of suture material comprising:

• (a) a handle assembly;
• (b) an elongated body portion extending distally from said handle assembly and defining a longitudinal axis, said elongated body portion including a driving member movable by said handle assembly in a direction along the longitudinal axis;
• (c) a securing member having an atraumatic shape;
• and
• (d) a deforming assembly configured and dimensioned to receive said atraumatic-shaped securing member, said deforming assembly extending from a distal end portion of said elongated body portion in a direction of the longitudinal axis and remotely operable from said handle assembly, by movement of said driving member in a direction along the longitudinal axis, for enclosing and deforming said securing member upon said length of suture material.