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Suture fasteners and methods of use

  • US 7,048,754 B2
  • Filed: 03/01/2002
  • Issued: 05/23/2006
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/01/2002
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method for securing two or more suture strands together, comprising the steps of:

  • providing at least one fastening element comprised of a shape-recovery material, wherein the element is in a tensioned position for engaging the suture strands while allowing sliding of the element relative to the suture strands, and wherein the element comprises a coil where each turn of the coil includes two or more suture retention loops;

    engaging the suture strands with the element, wherein the engaging step comprises positioning the suture strands along a path through at least a portion of the element, and wherein positioning includes positioning the suture strands through two or more suture retention loops; and

    transitioning the element to a relaxed shape-recovery position wherein the strands are in a fixed position relative to the element or to each other.

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