Patent ID: 8696710
Filing Date: 2014-04-15
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A system for adjusting tension in a surgical tether, said system comprising: an implantable surgical tether structure having a tether comprising a free end and a locking mechanism adapted to receive the tether, the locking mechanism adapted to lock the free end of the tether in the locking mechanism when the tether is disposed in the locking mechanism such that the tether structure forms a loop that is adapted to encircle an anatomical structure, the locking mechanism adapted to allow adjustment of loop size or tension therein; a locking instrument operably coupled with the locking mechanism, wherein actuation of the locking instrument in a locking direction frictionally locks the tether in the locking mechanism thereby preventing slidable movement of the tether; a tightening instrument adapted to receive the free end of the tether, wherein actuation of the tightening instrument in a tightening direction reduces the loop size or increases loop tension, and wherein actuation of the tightening instrument in a loosening direction opposite the tightening direction increases the loop size or decreases loop tension; and a braking component coupled to the tightening instrument, wherein the braking component is coupled to the tightening instrument with sufficient friction to hold the tightening instrument in a tightened position after actuation of the tightening instrument in the tightening direction, and wherein the braking component is coupled to the tightening instrument with sufficient friction to allow the tightening instrument to move from the tightened position to a loosened position when the locking instrument is actuated in the locking direction, and wherein the braking component comprises a first arm coupled to a second arm, the first and second arms adapted to flex outward and biased to return to an inward position, thereby frictionally coupling the braking component with the tightening instrument and wherein the tightening instrument comprises a friction element, and wherein the first and second arms on an end of the braking component comprise an aperture for receiving the friction element.