Patent ID: 8267943
Filing Date: 2012-09-18
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for stabilizing a spinal segment comprising a first and second vertebrae and disc space therebetween comprising the steps of: attaching first and second anchors to the first vertebra and third and fourth anchors to the second vertebra, each of said anchors comprising a shaft and an enlarged head; positioning a first suture in a looped configuration to form a first suture loop around said shaft of said first anchor and said shaft of said third or fourth anchors, said first suture loop having overlapping first and second ends; applying tension to said first and second ends of said first suture to tighten said first suture loop around said first anchor and one of said third and forth anchors; welding said overlapping first and second ends of said first suture together to form a first band connecting said first anchor and said third or forth anchor; positioning a second suture in a looped configuration to form a second suture loop around said shaft of said second anchor and said shaft of said third or fourth anchors, said second suture loop having overlapping first and second ends; applying tension to said first and second ends of said second suture to tighten said second suture loop around said second anchor and one of said third and forth anchors; welding said overlapping first and second ends of said second suture together to form a second band connecting said second anchor and said third or forth anchor; wherein said positioning said first suture comprises advancing a banding tool adjacent to said first anchor and said third or fourth anchors, said banding tool holding said first suture in a looped configuration to form a first suture loop wherein said suture loop extends from a distal end of said banding tool and said first and second ends of said first suture overlap and extend from a proximal end of said banding tool.