Patent ID: 6451030
Filing Date: 2002-09-17
Classification: A61B,A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for securing an anchor to biological tissue, said anchor being detachably and pivotably mounted to an insertion tool, said anchor having a longitudinal axis, said insertion tool having a first axis that extends longitudinally with respect to said insertion tool and a second axis which extends perpendicularly to said first axis, said method comprising the steps of:releasably holding said anchor at a distal end of said insertion tool with said anchor being held at least partly within a sheath member of the insertion tool; inserting said anchor held by said insertion tool, with said longitudinal axis of said anchor being disposed in an orientation that is not perpendicular to said first axis, into a borehole in said biological tissue; actuating a member at a proximal end of said insertion tool thereby to move said anchor distally out of said sheath member; applying a biasing force to the anchor to bias said anchor toward a position that is substantially perpendicular to said first axis; said biasing force causing said anchor to rotate about the second axis and engage with a sidewall of said bore hole and to penetrate into said sidewall; rotating said tool about said first axis, whereby said anchor is screwed into said biological tissue as said insertion tool is rotated about said first axis and simultaneously rotated about said second axis until said anchor achieves an orientation substantially perpendicular to said first axis; when the anchor is secured in said sidewall, releasing the anchor from said insertion tool, leaving the anchor secured in the biological tissue; and withdrawing the insertion tool.