Patent ID: 6602290
Filing Date: 2003-08-05
Classification: A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
A sheath for use in ligament grafting comprising:a holder; a sheath including bioabsorbable fabric mesh material; said sheath having a first end and an intermediate portion in an axially relaxed state mounted on the holder for receiving a connective tissue graft in which the sheath has a first diameter in the range of from about 8 mm to about 15 mm; and said sheath having a second end in an axially tensioned and stretched state extending axially from the holder including a second diameter reduced from the first diameter, so that when the graft is pulled from the holder, the length of the sheath becomes at least five times its length in its relaxed state, whereby the connective tissue graft is captured in axial tension in the reduced sheath and a substantial length of the sheath extends axially from opposite ends of the graft.