Suture tensioning device

• US 20080275477A1
• Filed: 05/02/2008
• Published: 11/06/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 05/02/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Arthrex Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Arthrex Incorporated
• Inventors: Albertorio, Ricardo, Jolly, Jacob, Sterrett, Jerry
• Granted Patent: US 8,298,247 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/148
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/0469 Suturing instruments for use in minimally invasive surgery, e.g. endoscopic surgery
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/0483 Hand-held instruments for holding sutures A61B17/0469 takes precedence; other holders for needles or sutures A61B17/06061; surgical forceps A61B17/28; surgical pincettes A61B17/30
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/8869 Tensioning devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0496 for tensioning sutures

Abstract

A device for tensioning suture which includes a cannulated tube that allows a suture to be fed through at least a portion of the tube. An adjustment device (for example, a wheel or a knob) is actuated to turn a threaded post on the end of the tube. A length of suture passes through at least a portion of the cannulated tube and is secured into a forked pin attached to the adjustment device. Turning the adjustment device draws against the suture, increasing therefore the tension on the suture. The suture tensioning device may be employed in conjunction with a tensiometer.

Claims

1. A suture tensioning device, comprising:

a cannulated tube having a proximal end and a distal end;

a handle attached to the proximal end of the cannulated tube, the handle being configured to allow a strand of suture to pass through at least a portion of the cannulated tube and through the handle; and

an adjustment device located on the handle, the adjustment device being adapted to be coupled to an end of the strand of suture passing through the cannulated tube and the handle, such that rotation of the adjustment device adjusts suture tension.

2. The suture tensioning device of claim 1, further comprising at least one spring compressibly disposed between the cannulated tube and the handle for biasing the tube and the handle apart.

3. The suture tensioning device of claim 1, wherein the adjustment device is a wheel.

4. The suture tensioning device of claim 1, wherein the adjustment device is a knob configured to be actuated between an out position and an in position.

5. The suture tensioning device of claim 1, wherein the adjustment device is provided with a forked pin configured to capture the strand of suture.

6. The suture tensioning device of claim 1, wherein the cannulated tube is provided with a longitudinal slit extending on the whole length of the cannulated tube, the longitudinal slit being configured to allow the suture strand to pass through it.

7. The suture tensioning device of claim 1, wherein the cannulated tube is provided with a side opening located at the distal end of the cannulated tube, the side opening being configured to allow the suture strand to pass through it.

8. The suture tensioning device of claim 1, wherein the suture comprises a bioabsorbable material.

9. The suture tensioning device of claim 1, wherein the suture comprises wire.

10. The suture tensioning device of claim 1, wherein the tube is provided at its most distal end with a stabilizing device configured to engage bone cortex.

11. The suture tensioning device of claim 10, wherein the stabilizing device is a modular piece with a plurality of spikes for engaging bone cortex.

12. A suture tensioning device, comprising:

a cannulated tube having a proximal end and a distal end;

a handle attached to the proximal end of the cannulated tube, at least a portion of the handle being provided with a slit to allow a strand of suture to pass through at least a portion of the cannulated tube and through the handle;

at least one spring compressibly disposed between the cannulated tube and the handle for biasing the handle and the tube apart; and

an adjustment device removably attached to the handle, the adjustment device comprising a structure for capturing and securing the strand of suture therein, the adjustment device being configured to be released from the handle, and to be subsequently reinserted into the handle, the adjustment device being further configured such that rotation of the device adjusts overall length of the device, thereby adjusting suture tension.

13. The suture tensioning device of claim 12, wherein the structure is a forked pin.

14. The suture tensioning device of claim 12, wherein the adjustment device is a wheel or a knob.

15. The suture tensioning device of claim 12, wherein the tube is provided at its most distal end with a stabilizing device configured to engage bone cortex.

16. The suture tensioning device of claim 15, wherein the stabilizing device is a modular piece with a plurality of spiked for engaging bone cortex.

17. The suture tensioning device of claim 12, wherein the tube is provided with a longitudinal slit having an “

S”

configuration.

18. A method of tensioning a strand of suture, comprising the steps of:

looping a strand of suture around a first section of a tissue and a second section of tissue to be joined;

advancing a first end of the suture through a cannulated suture tensioner, the suture tensioner comprising;

a cannulated tube having a proximal end and a distal end;

a handle attached to the proximal end of the cannulated tube, the handle being configured to allow a strand of suture to pass through at least a portion of the cannulated tube and through the handle; and

an adjustment device located on the handle, the adjustment device being adapted to be coupled to an end of the strand of suture passing through the cannulated tube and the handle, such that rotation of the adjustment device adjusts suture tension, the adjustment device being provided with a structure for capturing the strand of suture; and

two springs compressibly disposed between the cannulated tube and the handle for biasing the tube and the handle apart;

securing the end of the suture passing through the cannulated suture tensioner to the structure of the adjustment device; and

rotating the adjustment device with the secured end of the suture to adjust the overall length of the suture tensioner and exert tension on the suture, thereby tightening the loop of suture around the first and second sections of tissue.

19. The method of tensioning a strand of suture according to claim 18, wherein the adjustment device is an adjustment wheel or a knob.

20. The method of tensioning a strand of suture according to claim 18, further comprising the step of securing the end of the suture to at least one cleat of the structure of the adjustment device.

21. The method of tensioning a strand of suture according to claim 18, further comprising the step of determining the amount of tension exerted on the suture by reading a scale provided on the cannulated tube or on the handle of the suture tensioner.

22. The method of tensioning a strand of suture according to claim 18, wherein the first section of a tissue and the second section of a tissue include bone.

23. The method of tensioning a strand of suture according to claim 18, wherein the first section of a tissue includes bone and the second section of a tissue includes soft tissue.

24. The method of claim 18, wherein the suture comprises wire.

25. The method of claim 18, wherein the suture is formed of a bioabsorbable material.