Devices, systems and methods for meniscus repair
First Claim
1. A method of repairing a torn meniscus using a suture passer having a distal first arm and a distal second arm and a proximal elongate body extending in a distal to proximal long axis, the method comprising:
- forming a bend between the distal second arm and the long axis;
placing distal region of the second arm of the suture passer adjacent to the superior surface of the meniscus, wherein the second arm is bent relative to the long axis;
extending the first arm of a suture passer distally in the long axis so that the first arm is adjacent to the inferior surface of the meniscus and so that the distal regions of the first and second arms of the suture passer form a distal-facing, angled opening in which at least a portion of the meniscus is positioned; and
extending and withdrawing a tissue penetrator across the opening between the first and second arms to pass a suture between the first and second arms.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Described herein are meniscus suture passers for repair of the meniscus of the knee. These devices are typically suture passers that may include an elongate body having a pair of arms. One or more of the arms may be angled or bent at the distal end region relative to the long axis of the device, forming a distal-facing opening that is configured to fit meniscus tissue. One or both arms may be movable in the axial direction (e.g., the direction of the long axis of the device). The devices typically include a tissue penetrating element housed within one of the arms but configured to extend across the distal opening between the arms. Thus, a suture may be passed from a first side of the tissue to a second side.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A method of repairing a torn meniscus using a suture passer having a distal first arm and a distal second arm and a proximal elongate body extending in a distal to proximal long axis, the method comprising:
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forming a bend between the distal second arm and the long axis; placing distal region of the second arm of the suture passer adjacent to the superior surface of the meniscus, wherein the second arm is bent relative to the long axis; extending the first arm of a suture passer distally in the long axis so that the first arm is adjacent to the inferior surface of the meniscus and so that the distal regions of the first and second arms of the suture passer form a distal-facing, angled opening in which at least a portion of the meniscus is positioned; and extending and withdrawing a tissue penetrator across the opening between the first and second arms to pass a suture between the first and second arms. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15)
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13. A method of repairing a torn meniscus using a suture passer having a distal first arm and a distal second arm and a proximal elongate body extending in a distal to proximal long axis, the method comprising:
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forming a bend in a distal region of the second arm relative to the long axis; placing the bent distal region of the second arm adjacent to the superior surface of the meniscus; extending the first arm of a suture passer distally relative to the long axis, to position the first arm adjacent to the inferior surface of the meniscus, so that the distal end regions of the first and second arms of the suture passer form a v-shaped distal-facing opening in which at least a portion of the meniscus is positioned; passing a suture through the meniscus by extending a tissue penetrator from the first arm, across the opening between the first and second arms, and through the meniscus to the second arm, and withdrawing the tissue penetrator back into the first arm.
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16. A method of repairing a torn meniscus using a suture passer having a proximal elongate body extending in a distal to proximal long axis, a distal first arm configured to extend and retract in the long axis, and a distal second arm configured to form a bend relative to the long axis, the method comprising:
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placing the second arm of the suture passer adjacent to the superior surface of the meniscus, wherein the distal region of the second arm is bent relative to the long axis; sliding the first arm of the suture passer distally so that the first arm is adjacent to the inferior surface of the meniscus, so that at least a portion of the meniscus is between the first and second arms of the suture passer within a distal-facing opening; and extending and withdrawing a tissue penetrator across the opening between the first and second arms to pass a suture between the first and second arms.
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Specification