Abstract For reinforcing a junction between a tendon or ligament and another (portion of) tendon or ligament or a graft or bioprosthesis, the junction or anastomosis is closely surrounded by an augmentation device. This comprises a tube woven from a biocompatible thread such that as the tube is shortened its internal diameter increases, and as it is lengthened, the diameter decreases. The tube may be loosely woven with both the warp and weft threads extending helically through the tube in opposite directions. It may be of slowly degrading polyester. The device preferably includes a shield which prevents adhesion of surrounding tissue following insertion of the augmentation device, suitably of bovine pericardium, xenograft fascias or resorbable polymeric membranes or weaves.
An anastomosis augmentation device comprising a tube woven from a biocompatible thread such that as the tube is shortened its internal diameter increases and vice versa, the tube being dimensioned so as to fit over and closely surround an anastomosis between a tendon or ligament on the one hand and another element selected from a tendon, a ligament, a graft and a bioprosthesis on the other.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
66 words
An anastomosis augmentation device comprising a tube woven from a biocompatible thread such that as the tube is shortened its internal diameter increases and vice versa, the tube being dimensioned so as to fit over and closely surround an anastomosis between a tendon or ligament on the one hand and another element selected from a tendon, a ligament, a graft and a bioprosthesis on the other.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
An anastomosis augmentation device as claimed in claim 1 in which the augmentation device is provided with a shield which prevents adhesion of surrounding tissue following insertion of the augmentation device.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
An anastomosis augmentation device as claimed in claim 2 in which the shield material is selected from bovine pericardium, xenograft fascias and resorbable polymeric membranes or weaves.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
An anastomosis augmentation device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 in which the tube is loosely woven with both the warp and weft threads extending helically through the tube in opposite directions.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
An anastomosis augmentation device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 in which the warp and weft threads are slowly degrading polyesters.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
An anastomosis augmentation device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 in which the augmentation device is provided with a draw-string at each end of the device.