Patent ID: 6443963
Filing Date: 2002-09-03
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
Apparatus for use in installing an implant in soft tissue, comprisinga guide structure insertable through a body portal and into proximity with the soft tissue, the guide structure being configured to guide a length of the implant through the soft tissue and to bring legs of the length of implant into proximity with each other, the guide structure being further configured to be withdrawn toward the body portal in a manner which (a) causes the guide structure to become disengaged from the length of implant, and (b) leaves the length of implant extending through the soft tissue and the legs of the length of implant in proximity with each other, wherein the guide structure includes (a) a pair of guide portions supported in spaced apart relation to each other and defining a gap which enables soft tissue to be disposed between the guide portions, (b) a tissue piercing device moveable in the gap between the guide portions and configured to pierce soft tissue disposed in the gap between the guide portions, and (c) an introducer tube configured to receive and guide the length of implant, the introducer tube being moveable in opposite directions in the gap between the guide portions, the introducer tube being moveable in one direction to form a passageway in the gap for guiding the length of implant through soft tissue in the gap and in an opposite direction for reestablishing the gap between the guide portions, the guide portions being configured to guide the legs of the length of implant into proximity with each other, and the re-established gap between the guide portions enabling legs of the length of implant to pass therethrough as the guide structure is being withdrawn toward the body portal; and a force applying device including a drive wheel extending at least partially into the introducer tube, the drive wheel being rotatable about an axis and having an external surface configured for applying force to the length of implant disposed in the introducer tube to move the length of implant in the introducer tube.