Patent ID: 7608092
Filing Date: 2009-10-27
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of repairing a tear in body tissue comprising: inserting a needle containing a retaining head therein from a first insertion position on a first outer surface of the body tissue, through the tear and to a second outer surface of the body tissue; ejecting said retaining head from said needle, said retaining head grasping said second outer surface in an engaged position; and locating a blunt end of a hollow tube adjacent to the body tissue without penetrating the body tissue at a second insertion position distinct from said first insertion position, said hollow tube containing an anchor therein; and advancing said anchor by advancing a plunger within said hollow tube toward said blunt end, said anchor piercing the body tissue ahead of said plunger and advancing to a position within the body tissue intermediate a portion of the tear and said second outer surface of the body tissue, said anchor coupled to said retaining head by a flexible member that extends from said first insertion position to said second insertion position, wherein a first terminal end of said flexible member is coupled to said retaining head and a second terminal end of said flexible member is coupled to said anchor.