Suture welding system and method

A method for welding a first length of suture to a second length of suture to create a fixed attachment therebetween, comprising:

• (a) providing an electrosurgical energy source;
• (b) providing a suture welding device, having:
• a working end;
• a suture contacting element disposed on the working end, the suture contacting element having two opposing faces having a variable gap therebetween, each face having one of a first electrode and a second electrode disposed thereon;
• the first electrode electrically coupled to the electrosurgical energy source and disposed on the suture contacting element for providing electrical energy to the first and second lengths of suture;
• and
• the second electrode electrically coupled to the electrosurgical energy source and disposable proximate to the suture welding site for providing a return electrical energy path to the electrosurgical energy source;
• (c) placing a first length of suture and a second length of suture into contact with the suture contacting element;
• and
• (d) providing energy from the electrosurgical energy source through the first electrode to the first and second lengths of suture to weld the first length of suture to the second length of suture to create a fixed attachment therebetween.

A suture welding system for fixedly attaching a first length of suture to a second length of suture at a suture welding site, comprising:

• an electrosurgical energy source;
• and
• a suture welding device, having:
• a working end;
• a suture contacting element disposed on the working end, the suture contacting element having at least one pod configured to prevent the first and second sutures from sliding off of the suture contacting element;
• a first electrode electrically coupled to the electrosurgical energy source and disposed on the suture contacting element for providing electrical energy to the first and second lengths of suture;
• and
• a second electrode electrically coupled to the electrosurgical energy source and disposable proximate to the suture welding site for providing a return electrical energy path to the electrosurgical energy source;
• wherein provision of electrical energy by the first electrode to the first and second lengths of suture welds the first and second lengths of suture into a fixed attachment.