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Suture anchor and installation tool

  • US 5,217,486 A
  • Filed: 02/18/1992
  • Issued: 06/08/1993
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/18/1992
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. Apparatus for attaching an object to a workpiece comprising:

  • an anchor comprising a body and at least two barbs;

    said body having a longitudinal axis, a maximum cross-section transverse to said longitudinal axis, a distal portion having an outer end and an inner end, a proximal portion having an outer end and an inner end, and a middle portion joining said inner end of said distal portion and said inner end of said proximal portion;

    said middle portion and said proximal portion together defining at least two equally-circumferentially-spaced channels extending inwardly from an axial projection of said maximum transverse cross-section of said distal portion, said channels extending longitudinally from said inner end of said distal portion to said outer end of said proximal portion, each of said channels having a base which is substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis in said middle portion and which slants outwardly relative to said longitudinal axis as it extends from said inner end of said proximal portion to said outer end of said proximal portion, said channels being separated by longitudinal walls extending radially outwardly from said longitudinal axis to an outer surface located on said axial projection of said maximum transverse cross-section;

    one of said barbs extending axially and radially outwardly from said inner end of said distal portion adjacent the base of each of said channels to an outer end located radially outwardly of said axial projection of said maximum transverse cross-section, each said barb being curved in its normal, unrestrained state but capable of being deformed into a substantially straight configuration; and

    attachment means associated with said proximal portion for connecting an object to said anchor.

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