Patent ID: 7175659
Filing Date: 2007-02-13
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for automatically fixing sutures used in the surgical replacement of a heart valve, comprising: a first cylinder having a first end and a second end and an interior surface and an exterior surface; first securing means formed on said exterior surface adjacent to said second end of said first cylinder; a second cylinder having second securing means formed on an interior surface of said second cylinder, such that said second securing means corresponds to and is adapted to fixedly engage said first securing means, wherein said first securing means and said second securing means are adapted to secure fixing sutures therebetween; and a guiding rod including a rod end piece formed at a first end of said rod, said rod end piece having a plurality of support brackets extending from said rod end piece and a guiding ring affixed to said support brackets, said ring being adapted to engage said second end of said first cylinder, wherein said interior surface of said second cylinder slidingly engages an exterior surface of each of said support brackets; a securing member including a rod sleeve which slidingly engages said guiding rod, and a sleeve end piece formed on a first end of said rod sleeve, said sleeve end piece having plurality of securing brackets, which are adapted to engage said second cylinder and which are positioned to interfit with said support brackets; and means for sliding said securing member on said guiding rod, whereby said second securing means of said second cylinder are urged into engagement with said first securing means on said first cylinder.