Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
81 words
An apparatus for insertion into and through tissue (60) to provide a mechanism for manipulating and anchoring tissue (60) within a joint of a patient, characterized by: an elongate anchor member (10,50) insertable into and through the tissue (60), the anchor member (10,50) having tapered ends (20,22,64,65); and a flaccid suture (12,52) having one end attached to an approximate mid-point of the anchor member (10,50) and the other end free (13,57) for manipulating and anchoring the tissue (60) within the joint.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
86 words
The apparatus of Claim 1 including a hollow needle (14,54) having a tip (26,51) and a butt (27), and an expulsion member (16,55) positionable within the hollow needle (14,54) to be slidable therein, the anchor member (10,50) being positionable within the interior of the hollow needle (14,54) and expellable from the needle (14,54) by the expulsion member (16,55), the free end (13,57) of the suture (12,52) extending from the interior of the needle butt (27) when the anchor member (10,50) is positioned within the needle (14,54).
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
56 words
The apparatus of Claim 1 or 2 including a retainer (68,69) that is slidable with relatively little resistance along the suture (12,52) toward the anchor member (10,50) and slidable with relatively high resistance away from the anchor member (10,50), the retainer (68,69) and suture (12,52) being configured for retaining tissue (60) near the anchor member (10,50).
Claim 4
Independent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the anchor member (10,50) is formed of resilient and deformable material to restore the anchor member (10,50) from a deformed configuration substantially to a relaxed and straight configuration.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the ends (20,22,64,65) of the anchor member (10,50) is formed in a plane that is slanted relative to the longitudinal axis of the anchor member (10,50).
Claim 6
Independent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the anchor member (10,50) and the suture (12,52) are formed of material that is absorbable by the tissue.