Patent ID: 6503267
Filing Date: 2003-01-07
Classification: A61B,A61F,B29C,Y10S

Abstract:
A method comprising the steps of moving an anchor through a first tissue segment with a suture connected to the anchor, moving the anchor into a second tissue segment with the suture connected to the anchor, tensioning the suture, applying force against the first tissue segment with a fastener to press the first tissue segment toward the second tissue segment, conducting energy to the fastener while the suture is being tensioned, and bonding the fastener to the suture while tensioning the suture and applying force against the first tissue segment with the fastener, wherein the second tissue segment is a bone disposed in a patient's body, said method further includes moving a cannula into the patient's body, said step of moving a cannula into the patient's body includes moving the cannula through the first tissue segment into engagement with the bone, moving a tool through the cannula into engagement with the bone, forming a cavity in the bone with the tool, said step of moving the anchor into second body tissue includes moving the anchor through the cannula and into the cavity in the bone.