# US 9,750,496 B2 · System for securing a portion of a body

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- Number: US 9,750,496 B2
- Document ID: US9750496B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 13/455,093
- Filed: 2012-04-24
- Published: 2012-08-23
- Granted: 2017-09-05
- Earliest claimed: 2002-08-27
- Assignees: P Tech, LLC
- Applicants: Peter M. Bonutti; Matthew J. Cremens
- Inventors: Peter M. Bonutti; Matthew J. Cremens
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9750496B2

## CPC

- A61B 17/0487: {Suture clamps, clips or locks, e.g. for replacing suture knots; Instruments for applying or removing suture clamps, clips or locks (suture anchors A61B17/0401; wound clamps or clips A61B17/08; ligaturing clamps or clips A61B17/122)}
- A61B 2017/045: {snug fit within the anchor}
- A61B 2017/0459: {Multiple holes in the anchor through which the suture extends and locking the suture when tension is applied}
- A61B 2017/0464: {for soft tissue}
- A61B 2017/0488: {Instruments for applying suture clamps, clips or locks}
- A61B 2017/0619: {thermoplastic, e.g. for bonding, welding, fusing or cutting the suture by melting it}
- Y10T 24/39: Cord and rope holders
- A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D)
- Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION

## Abstract

Embodiments may have one or more projections which engage one or more recesses to position the sections of the retainer relative to each other. An applicator assembly may be used to apply energy to the retainer. Energy applied to the retainer may affect bonding of end portions of the projections to bottom portions of recesses in the retainer. The end portions of the projections may function as energy directors which concentrate energy. The applicator assembly may grip the retainer with a predetermined force. While the applicator assembly is gripping the retainer, the applicator assembly may apply energy to the retainer to effect bonding of sections of the retainer together.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A system for securing a portion of a body, comprising:
a first implant having a body and two first implant projections extending from the body;
a second implant having a body, two recesses configured to receive the two first implant projections, and a second implant projection positioned between the two recesses configured to be positioned against the first implant; and
at least one suture configured to be positioned between the body of the first implant and the body of the second implant,
wherein application of a force and ultrasonic energy to the first or second implant joins and deforms the first and second implants, such that the second implant projection of the second implant directly joins to the body of the first implant when the at least one suture is positioned between the body of the first implant and the body of the second implant.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1 wherein the second implant projection and at least one of the first implant projections are configured to concentrate the ultrasonic energy.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1 wherein the application of the ultrasonic energy softens at least a portion of the second implant projection and at least one of the first implant projections.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1 wherein the application of the force is initiated during the application of the ultrasonic energy.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1 wherein the application of the force is continued after the application of the ultrasonic energy.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first and second implants are configured to be positioned by a robotic mechanism.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first and second implants are comprised of at least one of a biodegradable and nonbiodegradable material.

### Claim 8

A system for securing a portion of a body, comprising:
a first implant having a body including a top side and a bottom side configured to be positioned on a portion of tissue, the top side having two recesses formed within the top side and a projection positioned between the two recesses on the surface of the top side;
a second implant having a body and two projections configured to be positioned within the two recesses of the first implant; and
at least one suture configured to be positioned between the surface of the top side of the first implant and the body of the second implant,
wherein application of a force and ultrasonic energy to the first or second implant joins and deforms the first and second implants, such that the projection on the surface of the top side of the first implant directly joins to the body of the second implant when the at least one suture is positioned between the surface of the top side of the first implant and the body of the second implant.

### Claim 9 (depends on 8)

The system of claim 8 wherein at least one projection is configured to concentrate the ultrasonic energy.

### Claim 10 (depends on 8)

The system of claim 8 wherein the application of ultrasonic energy softens at least a portion of at least one projection.

### Claim 11 (depends on 8)

The system of claim 8 wherein the application of the force is initiated during the application of the ultrasonic energy.

### Claim 12 (depends on 8)

The system of claim 8 wherein the application of the force is continued after the application of the ultrasonic energy.

### Claim 13 (depends on 8)

The system of claim 8 wherein at least one of the first and second implants are configured to be positioned by a robotic mechanism.

### Claim 14 (depends on 8)

The system of claim 8 wherein at least one of the first and second implants are comprised of at least one of a biodegradable and nonbiodegradable material.