Surgery – Instruments – Sutureless closure
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-22
2002-11-26
Jackson, Gary (Department: 3731)
Surgery
Instruments
Sutureless closure
C606S075000, C606S233000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06485504
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is related to the closure of hard or soft tissue that has been separated. More specifically, the present invention is related to the closure of a sternum with the use of wire sutures inserted through grommets or sleeves and placed into the sternum.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are various circumstances in which separated tissue of a patient needs to be brought together so it can heal. Tissue is defined as bone, muscle or fascia that has been divided to gain access the thoracic cavity, mediastinum, or abdomen. For instance, in chest surgery, many times the sternum is separated so a surgeon can again gain access to the chest cavity and organs, muscle and tissue therein. After the surgeon has finished his procedure regarding the chest cavity, the sternum needs to be closed. Key to the healing process of the sternum is the proper stabilization and contact of the two severed sides together. Heretofore, there have been many techniques used to bring the separated sides of the sternum together and maintain them in contact so the healing process can occur. However, these techniques generally limit the movement the patient can experience without damaging or affecting the healing sternum. Furthermore, the process of introducing tools to bring the separated sides of the sternum together can itself create risk or cause damage to the sternum.
The present invention provides for bringing the separate sides of the sternum together while minimizing damage to them and maintaining them while also allowing some flexibility and movement by the patient without disturbing the healing process.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to an apparatus for holding a first portion of a bone and a second portion of a bone together for the bone to heal. The apparatus comprises a first bendable hollow sleeve adapted for insertion into the first portion of the bone. The apparatus comprises a second bendable hollow sleeve adapted for insertion into a second portion of the bone. The apparatus comprises a suture which is threaded through the first and second sleeves. The apparatus comprises a pusher for pushing the first and second sleeves into the first and second portions of the bone, respectively, wherein when the suture is tightened, the first and second portions are pulled together and the first and second sleeves bend and protect the first and second portions from the suture.
The present invention pertains to a method for holding a first portion of a bone and a second portion of a bone together for the bone to heal. The method comprises the steps of inserting a first bendable hollow sleeve into the first portion of the bone. Then there is the step of inserting a second bendable hollow sleeve into the second portion of the bone. Next there is the step of threading a suture through the first and second sleeves. Then there is the step of pulling the first portion and second portion together with the suture and causing the first and second sleeves to bend and protect the first and second portions from the suture contacting the first and second portions.
The present invention pertains to an apparatus for holding a first portion of a bone and a second portion of a bone together for the bone to heal. The apparatus comprises a first bendable hollow sleeve adapted for insertion into the first portion of the bone. The first sleeve having a cap adapted to seat on a top surface of the first portion. The apparatus comprises a second bendable hollow sleeve adapted for insertion into a second portion of the bone, the second sleeve having a cap adapted to seat on a top surface of the second portion. The apparatus comprises a suture which is threaded through the first and second sleeves.
The present invention pertains to an apparatus for holding a first portion of a bone and a second portion of a bone together for the bone to heal. The apparatus comprises a first bendable hollow sleeve adapted for insertion into the first portion of the bone. The apparatus comprises a second bendable hollow sleeve adapted for insertion into a second portion of the bone. The apparatus comprises a suture which is threaded through the first and second sleeves. The apparatus comprises an implantor which holds the first or second sleeve and inserts the first or second sleeve into the first or second portion, respectively.
The present invention pertains to an apparatus for holding a first portion of a bone and a second portion of a bone together for the bone to heal. The apparatus comprises a hollow tube adapted to extend from the first and second portions. The apparatus comprises a suture which is adapted to extend through the hollow tube when the hollow tube extends through the first and second portion. The apparatus comprises a first bottom cap and second bottom cap disposed on the suture and adapted to fit in the bottom of the first and second portion, respectively. The apparatus comprises a first top cap and second top cap through which the suture is inserted when the tube is removed. The first and second cap is adapted to fit in the top of the first and second portions, respectively.
The present invention pertains to a method for holding a first portion of a bone and a second portion of a bone together for the bone to heal. The method comprises the steps of inserting a first end of a hollow tube into the top surface of the first portion, through the first portion and out the bottom of the first portion. Then there is the step of inserting a second end of the hollow tube into the top surface of the second portion, through the second portion and out the bottom of the second portion. Next there is the step of inserting a first end of the suture having a first bottom cap and second bottom cap on the suture into the first end of the hollow tube until it extends past the top surface of the first portion. Then there is the step of inserting a second end of the suture having the first bottom cap and second bottom cap on the suture into the second end of the hollow tube until it extends past the top surface of the second portion. Next there is the step of removing the tube from the suture and the first and second portion. Then there is the step of sliding the first bottom cap along the suture to the bottom surface of the first portion. Next there is the step of placing the first bottom cap into the bottom surface of the first portion. Then there is the step of sliding the second bottom cap along the suture to the bottom surface of the second portion. Next there is the step of placing the second bottom cap into the bottom surface of the second portion. Then there is the step of placing a first top cap over the first end of the suture and into the top surface of the first portion. Next there is the step of placing a second top cap over the second end of the suture and into the top surface of the second portion. Then there is the step of moving the first portion and second portion together. Next there is the step of closing the first end and second end of the suture together to hold the first portion and second portion together.
The present invention pertains to a suture. The suture comprises a wire adapted to extend through bone of a patient. The suture comprises an insulation portion disposed about the wire and adapted to protect the bone from the wire.
The present invention pertains to a method for holding a first portion of a bone and a second portion of a bone together for the bone to heal. The method comprises the steps of extending a suture comprising a wire and an insulation portion about the wire through the first portion and the second portion. Then there is the step of pulling the first portion and second portion together. Next there is the step of securing the first and second portions together with the suture wherein the insulation of the suture protects the first portion and second portion from the wire.
The present invention pertains to a grommet for a bone. The apparatus comprises a top cap having a top flange that is adapted to seat on the top surface of the bone and a
Antaki James F.
Frushell Matthew R.
Holmes John Andrew
Johnson Greg A.
Magovern James A.
Jackson Gary
Magovern James A.
Schwartz Ansel M.
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