Method for implanting a flowable fastener
First Claim
1. A method for securing an implant in the human body, the method comprising:
- providing a fastener including a substantially smooth outer surface and at least one tapered end portion, at least a portion of the fastener including a polymeric material;
inserting the fastener in the body with the tapered end portion leading;
heating the polymeric material of the fastener in the body; and
applying pressure to the polymeric material of the fastener while heating to cause the polymeric material to flow while in the body,wherein the application of heat and pressure to the fastener causes the fastener to shorten, to secure the fastener relative to tissue in the body.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides a method for securing an implant in the human body. The method includes providing a fastener having a substantially smooth outer surface and a conical shaped portion having a first end and a tapered end. The fastener is made of a polymeric material. The method also includes inserting the fastener in the body with the tapered end of the conical shaped portion leading the first end, heating the polymeric material of the fastener in the body, and applying pressure to the polymeric material of the fastener while heating to cause the polymeric material to flow in the body. Furthermore, the method includes collapsing the fastener with the heat and pressure to thereby secure the fastener relative to tissue in the body.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. A method for securing an implant in the human body, the method comprising:
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providing a fastener including a substantially smooth outer surface and at least one tapered end portion, at least a portion of the fastener including a polymeric material; inserting the fastener in the body with the tapered end portion leading; heating the polymeric material of the fastener in the body; and applying pressure to the polymeric material of the fastener while heating to cause the polymeric material to flow while in the body, wherein the application of heat and pressure to the fastener causes the fastener to shorten, to secure the fastener relative to tissue in the body. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for securing an implant in the human body, the method comprising:
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providing a fastener including a substantially smooth outer surface and at least a slotted portion, at least a portion of the fastener including a polymeric material; providing a fastener anchor configured for receiving the fastener, at least a portion of the fastener anchor including a polymeric material; positioning the anchor against tissue in the body; inserting the fastener in the body with the slotted portion contacting at least a portion of the fastener anchor; heating the polymeric material of at least one of the fastener and fastener anchor in the body; and applying pressure to the heated polymeric material while heating to cause the polymeric material to flow while in the body, wherein the application of heat and pressure causes the fastener to shorten to secure relative to tissue in the body. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A method for securing a fastener relative to body tissue, the method comprising:
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providing a fastener including a body with a substantially smooth outer surface and a tapered shaped portion, the tapered shaped portion having a leading end and a trailing end, the fastener made of a polymeric material; inserting the fastener in the body with the leading end of the tapered shaped portion preceding the trailing end; heating the polymeric material of the fastener in the body; and applying pressure to the polymeric material of the fastener while heating to cause the polymeric material to flow while in the body, wherein shortening of the fastener with the heat and pressure secures the fastener relative to tissue in the body. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23)
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24. A method for securing an implant in the human body, the method comprising:
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providing a fastener including a substantially smooth outer surface and a longitudinal channel at least at an end portion of the fastener, at least a portion of the fastener including a polymeric material; inserting the fastener in the body with the end portion leading; heating the polymeric material of the fastener in the body; and applying pressure to the polymeric material of the fastener while heating to cause the polymeric material to flow while in the body, and wherein shortening the fastener with the wherein the application of heat and pressure causes the fastener to shorten to secure the fastener relative to tissue in the body.
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Specification