Patent ID: 8734520
Filing Date: 2014-05-27
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A locking apparatus securable in a cavity, the apparatus comprising: an elongate body comprising an elongate threaded body having a distal end and a proximal end and being adapted to be disposed in a cavity; and a locking device comprising a plurality of implants, each of the implants including a plurality of flexibly connected segments wherein each segment is flexibly connected to each immediately adjacent segment by a flexible connecting member including at least one of a group of a string, a fiber, and a wire, each of the segments comprising a pellet secured to the flexible connecting member in such a manner that the pellet is not rotatable relative to the flexible connecting member, each of the pellets having at least one of (a) a hole therethrough through which the associated flexible connecting member is threaded, (b) one or more attachments sites to which the associated flexible connecting member is tied or otherwise attached, (c) one of a track or a groove that mates to the associated flexible connecting member, (d) adhesive attaching the pellet to the associated flexible connecting member, or (e) a crimped or swaged attachment to the flexible connecting member; and at least two of the plurality of implants being connected to one another by a coupler to which each of the implants is attached, the coupler defined by one of a loop or a ring disposed at a first end of the locking device, the coupler disposed near the distal end of the elongate body, thereby attaching the locking device to the elongate body, the implants being adapted to, when inserted in the cavity, become engaged against the elongate body to help anchor the elongate body in the cavity, and the segments of the implant being configured to couple with the threads of the elongate body to secure the elongate body within a non-soft body tissue.