Patent ID: 6203565
Filing Date: 2001-03-20
Classification: A61B,A61F,B29C

Abstract:
A method comprising the steps of moving an anchor connected with a suture into engagement with a first segment of body tissue, said step of moving an anchor connected with a suture into engagement with a first segment of body tissue includes embedding the anchor in the first segment of body tissue with the suture connected with the anchor and extending from the first segment of body tissue and expanding the anchor while the anchor is disposed in the body tissue, moving at least the suture through a second segment of body tissue, thereafter, moving a retainer along the suture toward the second segment of body tissue, pressing the first and second segments of body tissue together, said step of pressing the first and second segments of the body tissue together includes tensioning the suture, transmitting force from the suture through the anchor to the first segment of body tissue, transmitting force from retainer to the second segment of body tissue while maintaining the portion of the suture between the anchor and the retainer straight under the influence of tension in the suture, gripping the suture with the retainer by plastically deforming the retainer while continuing to press the first and second segments of the body tissue together, thereafter, transmitting force between the suture anchor and retainer to continue to press the first and second segments of body tissues together while maintaining the portion of the suture between the anchor and the retainer straight under the influence of tension in the suture.