Patent ID: 9149268
Filing Date: 2015-10-06
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for securing a first object to a second object, the apparatus comprising: an elongated body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end, the lumen comprising a distal section and a proximal section, the distal section of the lumen having a wider diameter than the proximal section of the lumen; a window extending through the side wall of the elongated body and communicating with the lumen, the window being disposed in the vicinity of the intersection between the distal section of the lumen and the proximal section of the lumen and being sized to receive the first object therein; an elongated element extending through the lumen of the elongated body, the elongated element comprising a proximal end and a distal end; a locking element mounted to the distal end of the elongated element and disposed in the distal section of the lumen; and an inserter comprising a hollow tube having a distal end, a proximal end and a passageway extending between the distal end and the proximal end, wherein the distal end of the hollow tube is configured to releasably connect with the proximal end of the elongated body so that the passageway of the hollow tube communicates with the lumen of the elongated body, and further wherein the hollow tube comprises an opening extending through the side wall of the hollow tube and communicating with the passageway of the hollow tube, the opening being sized to receive the first object therein; wherein the inserter further comprises a retractable sheath coaxially mounted over the hollow tube, the retractable sheath having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end of the retractable sheath comprising a slot, the slot overlying at least a portion of the opening of the inserter and at least a portion of the window of the elongated body and being sized to receive the first object therein; wherein the slot of the retractable sheath, the window of the elongated body, the lumen of the elongated body, the passageway of the hollow tube and the opening of the hollow tube together form a continuous pathway for receiving the first object so that the first object may pass from outside of the retractable sheath, into the elongated body, through the lumen of the elongated body, through the passageway of the hollow tube and out of the hollow tube to a region outside of the retractable sheath; whereby, when the elongated body is disposed in a second object, and the first object extends along the continuous pathway, and the locking element is thereafter moved proximally, proximal movement of the locking element causes the elongated body to capture the first object to the elongated body, whereby to secure the first object to the elongated body and hence to the second object.