Patent ID: 6013083
Filing Date: 2000-01-11
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
A system of apparatus for implanting and securing an expandable suture anchor onto a bone for arthroscopic reattachment of torn tissue to the bone, comprising:a tubular suture anchor deployment tool with proximal and distal ends and an axial bore, said deployment tool distal end configured to releasably receive an expandable suture anchor;an insertion cannula having a tubular portion with proximal and distal ends, and an axial bore sized to allow passage therethrough of said deployment tool having an expandable suture anchor releasably received on its said distal end and to maintain said anchor in a radially compressed condition during passage therethrough;an expandable suture anchor having a shank portion with proximal and distal ends;at least one suture secured at one end to said shank portion proximal end and having a free end extending therefrom;a plurality of resilient circumferentially spaced wing elements extending radially outward from said shank portion distal end and having free ends spaced from said shank portion, said wing elements capable of being compressed and deflected radially inward when passed through said insertion cannula axial bore and a hole drilled through the bone and resume their outwardly expanded state upon exit therefrom; anda flat circular button member having at least one hole extending through its flat surface through which said at least one suture free end is received, and said button sized to be slidably received through the tubular portion of an outer cannula; whereinsaid at least one suture free end is placed through said button hole, said button is run down on said at least one suture to engage the outer surface of the torn tissue, and said at least one suture free end is secured over said button such that the torn tissue is secured to the bone by said at least one suture and said at least one suture is anchored to the bone exterior surface by said outwardly expanded wing elements of said suture anchor.