Patent ID: 7442201
Filing Date: 2008-10-28
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A biocompatible fastener, said biocompatible fastener comprising a pair of members matingly engageable with one another, at least one of said members comprising an outer coating coated over an inner core, said outer coating comprising a first bioabsorbable material, said inner core comprising one of a second bioabsorbable material and a non-bioabsorbable material, said first bioabsorbable material having a first degradation rate, said second bioabsorbable material having a second degradation rate, said second degradation rate being slower than said first degradation rate, wherein, after said pair of members have been matingly engaged with one another, degradation of said outer coating over said inner core causes said pair of members to disengage from one another, and wherein one of said pair of members is a male member and the other of said pair of members is a female member, said male member comprising a head, said female member comprising a bore adapted to receive said head and comprising a flange extending into said bore, said head being engageable with said flange once said head has been inserted therepast so as to inhibit withdrawal of said head.