Suture securement apparatus

A suture securement assembly, comprising:

• a suture securement apparatus comprising:
• a body;
• and
• a plunger slidably disposed with respect to the body, the plunger comprising an opening configured to accommodate a portion of a suture, the opening comprising a first tear drop shaped cross-section;
• an extension tube extending from the body, the extension tube defining an extension tube lumen, a portion of the extension tube lumen comprising a second tear drop shaped cross-section, wherein the first and second tear drop shaped cross-sections are oriented such that pointed portions of each tear drop extend in opposite directions and wherein slidable displacement of the plunger with respect to the body displaces the first and second cross-sections in parallel planes;
• and
• a threading assembly comprising a base and a suture engaging portion to facilitate threading of a portion of the suture through a suture ring and through the suture securement apparatus;
• wherein the plunger is biased such that in a released configuration the suture extending through the opening and the extension tube lumen tends to be engaged between the pointed portions of each tear drop shaped cross-section and
• wherein when the plunger is in a fully depressed position, rounded portions of each tear drop shaped cross section are aligned such that the suture extending through the opening and the extension tube lumen is displaceable with respect to the suture securement apparatus.

A suture securement device, comprising:

• a body;
• and
• a plunger slidably disposed with respect to the body, the plunger comprising an opening configured to accommodate a portion of a suture, the opening comprising a first tear drop shaped cross-section;
• a lumen extending through the body, a portion of the lumen comprising a second tear drop shaped cross-section, wherein the first and second tear drop shaped cross-sections are oriented such that pointed portions of each tear drop extend in opposite directions and wherein slidable displacement of the plunger with respect to the body displaces the first and second cross-sections in parallel planes;
• and
• wherein the plunger is biased such that in a released configuration the suture tends to be engaged between the pointed portions of each tear drop shaped cross-section when the suture is also extending through the opening and the lumen, and
• wherein when the plunger is in a fully depressed position, rounded portions of each tear drop shaped cross section are aligned such that the suture is displaceable with respect to the suture securement apparatus when the suture is also extending through the opening and the lumen.