Patent ID: 8303591
Filing Date: 2012-11-06
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A surgical tensioning device for dynamically holding two tissue portions in contact with one another, the device comprising: a resilient body having a plurality of spring elements; a plurality of stop members for limiting travel of the spring elements in order to control energy stored or delivered by the spring elements; and a length of suture, wherein a first end of the suture is connected to said resilient body at a first attachment point and a second end of the suture is connected to said resilient body at a second attachment point; wherein when the suture is placed in tension, the spring elements move to an extended configuration and the stop members move apart, creating gaps between ends of each of the stop members, and further wherein when the gaps become sufficiently large, edges of the stop elements contact corresponding spring elements to impede further widening of the gaps and consequent further extension of the spring elements.