US5989282A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Suture anchor
Assignee: Bonutti Skeletal Innovations LLC
•
Filing: 1997-09-15
•
Granted: 1999-11-23
•
Expires: 2017-09-15
Abstract
Abstract An improved suture anchor is formed from body tissue. The body tissue is shaped to a desired configuration for the anchor and defines a passage through the anchor. A suture is inserted into the passage in the body tissue of the anchor. The anchor is then positioned in a patient's body with a suture extending into the passage in the anchor. The anchor may be formed of osseous body tissue, hard compact bone, dense connective body tissue, or other body tissue. The body tissue may be dried so that it absorbs fluid and expands upon being inserted into a patient's body.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter M. Bonutti
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 15:57
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/04; A61B17/0401; A61B17/16; A61B17/1637; A61B2017/00526; A61B2017/00831; A61B2017/00933; A61B2017/0409; A61B2017/0414; A61B2017/0417
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 128
Claim 1
Independent Claim
148 words
A method of anchoring a suture, said method comprising the steps of forming a piece of connective body tissue to have first and second end portions, an outer side surface extending between said first and second end portions, and a passage extending through the piece of connective body tissue, said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes removing cartilage from the patient's body inserting a suture into the passage in the piece of connective body tissue, and inserting the piece of connective body tissue into a patient's body with the first end portion of the piece of connective body tissue leading and with the suture extending from the passage in the piece of connective body tissue, said step of inserting the piece of connective body tissue into the patient's body includes applying force against the second end portion of the piece of connective body tissue.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
148 words
A method of anchoring a suture, said method comprising the steps of forming a piece of connective body tissue to have first and second end portions, an outer side surface extending between said first and second end portions, and a passage extending through the piece of connective body tissue, said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes removing cartilage from the patient's body inserting a suture into the passage in the piece of connective body tissue, and inserting the piece of connective body tissue into a patient's body with the first end portion of the piece of connective body tissue leading and with the suture extending from the passage in the piece of connective body tissue, said step of inserting the piece of connective body tissue into the patient's body includes applying force against the second end portion of the piece of connective body tissue.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
63 words
A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes compressing the cartilage, cutting a portion from the compressed cartilage to at least partially form the outer side surface of the piece of connective body tissue, and inserting a thin elongated member into the compressed cartilage to at least partially form the passage.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
64 words
A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes rotating a cutting tool and moving the cutting tool into the cartilage along a path which extends parallel to an axis about which the cutting tool is rotated to at least partially form the outer side surface of the piece of connective body tissue.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
63 words
A method as set forth in claim 3 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes rotating a thin elongated member and moving the thin elongated member into the cartilage along a path which extends parallel to an axis about which the thin elongated member is rotated to at least partially form the passage which extends through the cartilage.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
45 words
A method as set forth in claim 4 wherein said steps of rotating a cutting tool and moving the cutting tool into the cartilage and said steps of rotating a thin elongated member and moving the thin elongated member into the cartilage are performed together.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
72 words
A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes forming a piece of cartilage which is at least partially dried, said step of inserting the piece of connective body tissue into a patient's body includes positioning the cartilage in the patient's body at a location where the cartilage is exposed to body fluid to enable the cartilage to absorb body fluid.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
51 words
A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes placing the cartilage in a press, and operating the press to apply pressure against the cartilage in the press to shape the cartilage in the press during operation of the press.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method as set forth in claim 7 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue further includes cutting the cartilage shaped by operation of the press to at least partially form the passage.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
72 words
A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue further includes freeze drying the cartilage, said step of inserting the piece of connective body tissue into a patient's body includes positioning the freeze dried cartilage in the patient's body at a location where the freeze dried cartilage is exposed to body fluid to enable the freeze dried cartilage to absorb body fluid.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
91 words
A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue further includes at least partially drying the cartilage, said step of inserting the piece of connective body tissue into a patient's body includes positioning the dried cartilage in the patient's body at a location where the dried cartilage is exposed to body fluid in the patient's body, and expanding the cartilage under the influence of fluid absorbed from the patient's body to retain the cartilage against movement relative to the patient's body.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
154 words
A method of anchoring a suture, said method comprising the steps of forming a piece of connective body tissue to have first and second end portions, an outer side surface extending between said first and second end portions, and a passage extending through the piece of connective body tissue, said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes removing at least a portion of a tendon from the patient's body, inserting a suture into the passage in the piece of connective body tissue, and inserting the piece of connective body tissue into a patient's body with the first end portion of the piece of connective body tissue leading and with the suture extending from the passage in the piece of connective body tissue, said step of inserting the piece of connective body tissue into the patient's body includes applying force against the second end portion of the piece of connective body tissue.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
154 words
A method of anchoring a suture, said method comprising the steps of forming a piece of connective body tissue to have first and second end portions, an outer side surface extending between said first and second end portions, and a passage extending through the piece of connective body tissue, said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes removing at least a portion of a tendon from the patient's body, inserting a suture into the passage in the piece of connective body tissue, and inserting the piece of connective body tissue into a patient's body with the first end portion of the piece of connective body tissue leading and with the suture extending from the passage in the piece of connective body tissue, said step of inserting the piece of connective body tissue into the patient's body includes applying force against the second end portion of the piece of connective body tissue.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
63 words
A method as set forth in claim 11 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes compressing the tendon, cutting a portion from the compressed tendon to at least partially form the outer side surface of the piece of connective body tissue, and inserting a thin elongated member into the compressed tendon to at least partially form the passage.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
64 words
A method as set forth in claim 11 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes rotating a cutting tool and moving the cutting tool into the tendon along a path which extends parallel to an axis about which the cutting tool is rotated to at least partially form the outer side surface of the piece of connective body tissue.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
63 words
A method as set forth in claim 13 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes rotating a thin elongated member and moving the thin elongated member into the tendon along a path which extends parallel to an axis about which the thin elongated member is rotated to at least partially form the passage which extends through the tendon.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
45 words
A method as set forth in claim 14 wherein said steps of rotating a cutting tool and moving the cutting tool into the tendon and said steps of rotating a thin elongated member and moving the thin elongated member into the tendon are performed together.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
68 words
A method as set forth in claim 11 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes forming a piece of tendon which is at least partially dried, said step of inserting the piece of connective body tissue into a patient's body includes positioning the tendon in the patient's body at a location where the tendon is exposed to body fluid to enable the tendon.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
51 words
A method as set forth in claim 11 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes placing the tendon in a press, and operating the press to apply pressure against the tendon in the press to shape the tendon in the press during operation of the press.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method as set forth in claim 17 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue further includes cutting the tendon shaped by operation of the press to at least partially form the passage.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
71 words
A method as set forth in claim 11 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue further includes freeze drying the tendon, said step of inserting the piece of connective tissue into a patient's body includes positioning the freeze dried tendon in the patient's body at a location where the freeze dried tendon is exposed to body fluid to enable the freeze dried tendon to absorb body fluid.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
90 words
A method as set forth in claim 11 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes at least partially drying the tendon, said step of inserting the piece of connective body tissue into a patient's body includes positioning the dried tendon in the patient's body at a location where the dried tendon is exposed to body fluid in the patient's body, and expanding the tendon under the influence of fluid absorbed from the patient's body to retain the tendon against movement relative to the patient's body.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
211 words
A method of anchoring a suture, said method comprising the steps of forming a piece of connective body tissue to have first and second end portions, an outer side surface extending between said first and second end portions, and a passage extending through the piece of connective body tissue, said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes compressing connective body tissue to form a sheet having a thickness corresponding to the distance between opposite ends of the piece of connective body tissue, cutting a portion from the sheet of connective body tissue to at least partially form the outer side surface of the piece of connective body tissue, and inserting a thin elongated member into the connective body tissue to at least partially form the passage, inserting a suture into the passage in the piece of connective body tissue, and inserting the piece of connective body tissue into a patient's body with the first end portion of the piece of connective body tissue leading and with the suture extending from the passage in the piece of connective body tissue, said step of inserting the piece of connective body tissue into the patient's body includes applying force against the second end portion of the piece of connective body tissue.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
211 words
A method of anchoring a suture, said method comprising the steps of forming a piece of connective body tissue to have first and second end portions, an outer side surface extending between said first and second end portions, and a passage extending through the piece of connective body tissue, said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes compressing connective body tissue to form a sheet having a thickness corresponding to the distance between opposite ends of the piece of connective body tissue, cutting a portion from the sheet of connective body tissue to at least partially form the outer side surface of the piece of connective body tissue, and inserting a thin elongated member into the connective body tissue to at least partially form the passage, inserting a suture into the passage in the piece of connective body tissue, and inserting the piece of connective body tissue into a patient's body with the first end portion of the piece of connective body tissue leading and with the suture extending from the passage in the piece of connective body tissue, said step of inserting the piece of connective body tissue into the patient's body includes applying force against the second end portion of the piece of connective body tissue.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
58 words
A method as set forth in claim 21 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes cutting connective body tissue of an animal other than a human, said step of inserting the piece of connective body tissue into a patient's body includes inserting the piece of connective body tissue into a human patient's body.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
71 words
A method as set forth in claim 21 wherein said step of cutting a portion from the sheet of connective body tissue includes rotating a cutting tool and moving the cutting tool into the sheet of connective body tissue along a path which extends parallel to an axis about which the cutting tool is rotated to at least partially form the outer side surface of the piece of connective body tissue.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
53 words
A method as set forth in claim 23 wherein said step of inserting a thin elongated member into connective body tissue includes rotating the thin elongated member and moving the thin elongated member into connective body tissue along a path which extends parallel to an axis about which the thin elongated member is.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
50 words
A method as set forth in claim 24 wherein said steps of rotating a cutting tool and moving the cutting tool into the sheet of connective body tissue and said steps of rotating a thin elongated member and moving the thin elongated member into connective body tissue are performed together.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
52 words
A method as set forth in claim 24 wherein said steps of rotating a cutting tool and moving the cutting tool into the sheet of connective body tissue are performed after performance of said step of rotating a thin elongated member and moving the thin elongated member into the connective body tissue.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
86 words
A method as set forth in claim 21 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes forming a piece of connective body tissue which is at least partially dried, said step of inserting the piece of connective body tissue into a patient's body includes positioning the piece of connective body tissue in the patient's body at a location where the piece of connective body tissue is exposed to body fluid to enable the piece of connective body tissue to absorb body fluid.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as set forth in claim 21 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes removing cartilage from a body.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method as set forth in claim 21 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes removing at least a portion of a tendon from a body.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
44 words
A method as set forth in claim 21 wherein said step of compressing connective body tissue to form a sheet includes placing the connective body tissue in a press, and operating the press to apply pressure against the connective body tissue in the press.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as set forth in claim 21 wherein said step of inserting a thin elongated member into the connective body tissue includes piercing connective body tissue with the thin elongated member.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method as set forth in claim 21 wherein said step of cutting a portion from the sheet of connective body tissue includes moving a cutting tool along a linear path to cut connective body tissue.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
80 words
A method as set forth in claim 21 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue further includes freeze drying the connective body tissue, said step of inserting the piece of connective body tissue into a patient's body includes positioning the freeze dried connective body tissue in the patient's body at a location where the freeze dried connective body tissue is exposed to body fluid to enable the freeze dried connective body tissue to absorb body fluid.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
101 words
A method as set forth in claim 21 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes at least partially drying the connective body tissue, said step of inserting the piece of connective body tissue into a patient's body includes positioning the dried connective body tissue in the patient's body at a location where the dried connective body tissue is exposed to body fluid in the patient's body, and expanding the dried connective body tissue under the influence of fluid absorbed from the patient's body to retain the connective body tissue against movement relative to the patient's body.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
179 words
A method of anchoring a suture, said method comprising the steps of forming a piece of connective body tissue to have first and second end portions, an outer side surface extending between said first and second end portions, and a passage extending through the piece of connective body tissue, said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes placing the connective body tissue in a press, and operating the press to apply pressure against the connective body tissue in the press to shape the connective body tissue in the press during operation of the press, inserting a suture into the passage in the piece of connective body tissue, and inserting the piece of connective body tissue into a patient's body with the first end portion of the piece of connective body tissue leading and with the suture extending from the passage in the piece of connective body tissue, said step of inserting the piece of connective body tissue into the patient's body includes applying force against the second end portion of the piece of connective body tissue.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
179 words
A method of anchoring a suture, said method comprising the steps of forming a piece of connective body tissue to have first and second end portions, an outer side surface extending between said first and second end portions, and a passage extending through the piece of connective body tissue, said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes placing the connective body tissue in a press, and operating the press to apply pressure against the connective body tissue in the press to shape the connective body tissue in the press during operation of the press, inserting a suture into the passage in the piece of connective body tissue, and inserting the piece of connective body tissue into a patient's body with the first end portion of the piece of connective body tissue leading and with the suture extending from the passage in the piece of connective body tissue, said step of inserting the piece of connective body tissue into the patient's body includes applying force against the second end portion of the piece of connective body tissue.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
85 words
A method as set forth in claim 35 wherein said step of operating a press to apply pressure against the connective body tissue includes compressing connective body tissue to form a sheet, said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes cutting a portion from the sheet of connective body tissue to at least partially form the outer side surface of the piece of connective body tissue, and inserting a member into the connective body tissue to at least partially form the passage.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
58 words
A method as set forth in claim 35 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes cutting connective body tissue of an animal other than a human, said step of inserting the piece of connective body tissue into a patient's body includes inserting the piece of connective body tissue into a human patient's body.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
49 words
A method as set forth in claim 35 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes rotating a cutting tool and moving the cutting tool into connective body tissue along a path which extends parallel to an axis about which the cutting tool is rotated.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
52 words
A method as set forth in claim 38 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes rotating a thin elongated member and moving the thin elongated member into connective body tissue along a path which extends parallel to an axis about which the thin elongated member is rotated.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method as set forth in claim 39 wherein said steps of rotating a cutting tool and moving the cutting tool into connective body tissue and said steps of rotating a thin elongated member and moving the thin elongated member into connective body tissue are performed together.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
49 words
A method as set forth in claim 39 wherein said steps of rotating a cutting tool and moving the cutting tool into connective body tissue are performed after performance of said step of rotating a thin elongated member and moving the thin elongated member into the connective body tissue.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
86 words
A method as set forth in claim 35 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes forming a piece of connective body tissue which is at least partially dried, said step of inserting the piece of connective body tissue into a patient's body includes positioning the piece of connective body tissue in the patient's body at a location where the piece of connective body tissue is exposed to body fluid to enable the piece of connective body tissue to absorb body fluid.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as set forth in claim 35 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes removing cartilage from a body.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method as set forth in claim 35 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes removing at least a portion of a tendon from a body.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method as set forth in claim 35 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue further includes cutting the connective body tissue shaped by operation of the press to at least partially form the passage.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method as set forth in claim 35 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue further includes cutting the connective body tissue shaped by operation of the press to further shape the piece of connective body tissue.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method as set forth in claim 35 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue to have a passage includes piercing connective body tissue to at least partially form the passage.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
55 words
A method as set forth in claim 35 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue to have an outer side surface includes moving a cutting tool along a linear path to cut connective body tissue and at least partially form the outer side surface of the piece of connective body tissue.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as set forth in claim 48 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue further includes piercing connective body tissue to at least partially form the passage.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as set forth in claim 35 wherein said step of operating the press to apply pressure against the connective body tissue includes removing the fluid from the connective body tissue.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method as set forth in claim 35 wherein said step of operating the press to apply pressure against the connective body tissue includes reducing the volume of the connective body tissue from a first volume to a second volume which is less than the first volume.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method as set forth in claim 35 further including expanding the connective body tissue in the patient's body from a first volume to a second volume which is greater than the first volume.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
80 words
A method of anchoring a suture, said method comprising the steps of forming a piece of connective body tissue to have a passage extending through the piece of connective body tissue, said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes compressing the connective body tissue to remove fluid from the connective body tissue, inserting a suture into the passage in the piece of connective body tissue, and inserting the piece of connective body tissue into a patient's body.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
80 words
A method of anchoring a suture, said method comprising the steps of forming a piece of connective body tissue to have a passage extending through the piece of connective body tissue, said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes compressing the connective body tissue to remove fluid from the connective body tissue, inserting a suture into the passage in the piece of connective body tissue, and inserting the piece of connective body tissue into a patient's body.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
56 words
A method as set forth in claim 53 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes forming a sheet of connective body tissue, cutting a portion from the sheet of connective body tissue, and inserting a member into the portion of the connective body tissue to at least partially form the passage.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method as set forth in claim 53 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes rotating a cutting tool and moving the rotating cutting tool into connective body tissue.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method as set forth in claim 53 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes rotating a thin elongated member and moving the rotating thin elongated member into connective body tissue.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
66 words
A method as set forth in claim 53 wherein said step of compressing connective body tissue includes forming a sheet of connective body tissue, cutting a portion from the sheet of connective body tissue to at least partially form an outer side surface of the piece of connective body tissue, and inserting a member into the connective body tissue to at least partially form the passage.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
58 words
A method as set forth in claim 53 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes cutting connective body tissue of an animal other than a human, said step of inserting the piece of connective body tissue into a patient's body includes inserting the piece of connective body tissue into a human patient's body.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
65 words
A method as set forth in claim 53 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes rotating a cutting tool and moving the cutting tool into connective body tissue along a path which extends parallel to an axis about which the cutting tool is rotated to at least partially form an outer side surface of the piece of connective body tissue.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
92 words
A method as set forth in claim 59 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes rotating a thin elongated member and moving the thin elongated member into connective body tissue along a path which extends parallel to an axis about which the thin elongated member is rotated to at least partially form the passage which extends through the piece of connective body tissue, said step of moving the thin elongated member into connective body tissue is performed after performing said step of compressing the connective body tissue.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method as set forth in claim 60 wherein said steps of rotating a cutting tool and moving the cutting tool into connective body tissue and said steps of rotating a thin elongated member and moving the thin elongated member into connective body tissue are performed together.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
49 words
A method as set forth in claim 60 wherein said steps of rotating a cutting tool and moving the cutting tool into connective body tissue are performed after performance of said step of rotating a thin elongated member and moving the thin elongated member into the connective body tissue.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
62 words
A method as set forth in claim 53 wherein said step of inserting the piece of connective body tissue into a patient's body includes positioning the piece of connective body tissue in the patient's body at a location where the piece of connective body tissue is exposed to body fluid to enable the piece of connective body tissue to absorb body fluid.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as set forth in claim 53 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes removing cartilage from a body.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method as set forth in claim 53 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes removing at least a portion of a tendon from a body.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method as set forth in claim 53 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue further includes cutting the connective body tissue after performing said step of compressing the connective body tissue.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
45 words
A method as set forth in claim 53 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue to have a passage includes piercing connective body tissue to at least partially form the passage after performing said step of compressing the connective body tissue.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method as set forth in claim 53 wherein said step of compressing the connective body tissue includes reducing the volume of the connective body tissue from a first volume to a second volume which is less than the first volume.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method as set forth in claim 53 further including expanding the connective body tissue in the patient's body from a first volume to a second volume which is greater than the first volume.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
56 words
A method as set forth in claim 53 wherein said step of inserting the piece of connective body tissue into a patient's body includes positioning the connective body tissue in the patient's body at a location where the connective body tissue is exposed to body fluid to enable the connective body tissue to absorb body fluid.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method as set forth in claim 53 further including the step of expanding the piece of connective body tissue after performing said step of inserting the piece of connective body tissue into a patient's body.
Claim 77
Independent Claim
115 words
A method of anchoring a suture, said method comprising the steps of forming a piece of connective body tissue to have a passage extending through the piece of connective body tissue, said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes forming a sheet of connective body tissue having a thickness corresponding to a distance between opposite ends of the piece of connective body tissue, cutting a portion from the sheet of connective body tissue, and inserting a thin elongated member into the portion of the connective body tissue, inserting a suture into the passage in the piece of connective body tissue, and inserting the piece of connective body tissue into a patient's body.
Claim 78
Independent Claim
115 words
A method of anchoring a suture, said method comprising the steps of forming a piece of connective body tissue to have a passage extending through the piece of connective body tissue, said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes forming a sheet of connective body tissue having a thickness corresponding to a distance between opposite ends of the piece of connective body tissue, cutting a portion from the sheet of connective body tissue, and inserting a thin elongated member into the portion of the connective body tissue, inserting a suture into the passage in the piece of connective body tissue, and inserting the piece of connective body tissue into a patient's body.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method as set forth in claim 72 wherein said step of cutting a portion from the sheet of connective body tissue includes rotating a cutting tool and moving the rotating cutting tool into the sheet of connective body tissue.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
55 words
A method as set forth in claim 72 wherein said step of inserting a thin elongated member into the portion of the connective body tissue includes rotating a thin elongated member and moving the rotating thin elongated member along a path which extends parallel to an axis about which the thin elongated member is rotating.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as set forth in claim 72 wherein said step of forming a sheet of connective body tissue includes removing fluid from the connective body tissue.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
56 words
A method as set forth in claim 75 wherein said step of inserting the piece of connective body tissue into the patient's body includes positioning the connective body tissue in the patient's body at a location where the connective body tissue is exposed to body fluid to enable the connective body tissue to absorb body fluid.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
43 words
A method as set forth in claim 72 wherein said step of forming a sheet of connective body tissue includes reducing the volume of the connective body tissue from a first volume to a second volume which is less than said first volume.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as set forth in claim 77 further including the step of expanding the connective body tissue in the patient's body.
Claim 85
Independent Claim
184 words
A method of anchoring a suture, said method comprising the steps of forming a piece of connective body tissue to have first and second end portions, an outer side surface extending between said first and second end portions, and a passage extending through the piece of connective body tissue, said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes reducing the volume of connective body tissue from a first volume to a second volume which is less than the first volume by compressing the connective body tissue, inserting a suture into the passage in the piece of connective body tissue after having performed said step of reducing the volume of the connective body tissue, and inserting the piece of connective body tissue into a patient's body with the first end portion of the piece of connective body tissue leading and with the suture extending from the passage in the piece of connective body tissue, said step of inserting the piece of connective body tissue into the patient's body includes applying force against the second end portion of the piece of connective body tissue.
Claim 86
Independent Claim
184 words
A method of anchoring a suture, said method comprising the steps of forming a piece of connective body tissue to have first and second end portions, an outer side surface extending between said first and second end portions, and a passage extending through the piece of connective body tissue, said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes reducing the volume of connective body tissue from a first volume to a second volume which is less than the first volume by compressing the connective body tissue, inserting a suture into the passage in the piece of connective body tissue after having performed said step of reducing the volume of the connective body tissue, and inserting the piece of connective body tissue into a patient's body with the first end portion of the piece of connective body tissue leading and with the suture extending from the passage in the piece of connective body tissue, said step of inserting the piece of connective body tissue into the patient's body includes applying force against the second end portion of the piece of connective body tissue.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
66 words
A method as set forth in claim 79 wherein said step of reducing the volume of the connective body tissue includes forming the connective body tissue into a sheet, said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes cutting a portion from the sheet of connective body tissue to at least partially form the outer side surface of the piece of connective body tissue.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
58 words
A method as set forth in claim 79 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes cutting connective body tissue of an animal other than a human, said step of inserting the piece of connective body tissue into a patient's body includes inserting the piece of connective body tissue into a human patient's body.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
65 words
A method as set forth in claim 79 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes rotating a cutting tool and moving the cutting tool into connective body tissue along a path which extends parallel to an axis about which the cutting tool is rotated to at least partially form the outer side surface of the piece of connective body tissue.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
68 words
A method as set forth in claim 82 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes rotating a thin elongated member and moving the thin elongated member into connective body tissue along a path which extends parallel to an axis about which the thin elongated member is rotated to at least partially form the passage which extends through the piece of connective body tissue.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method as set forth in claim 83 wherein said steps of rotating a cutting tool and moving the cutting tool into connective body tissue and said steps of rotating a thin elongated member and moving the thin elongated member into connective body tissue are performed together.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
49 words
A method as set forth in claim 83 wherein said steps of rotating a cutting tool and moving the cutting tool into connective body tissue are performed after performance of said step of rotating a thin elongated member and moving the thin elongated member into the connective body tissue.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
50 words
A method as set forth in claim 82 wherein said step of moving a cutting tool into connective body tissue is performed after performance of said step of reducing the volume of connective body tissue from a first volume to a second volume which is less than the first volume.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
86 words
A method as set forth in claim 79 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes forming a piece of connective body tissue which is at least partially dried, said step of inserting the piece of connective body tissue into a patient's body includes positioning the piece of connective body tissue in the patient's body at a location where the piece of connective body tissue is exposed to body fluid to enable the piece of connective body tissue to absorb body fluid.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as set forth in claim 79 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes removing cartilage from a body.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method as set forth in claim 79 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue includes removing at least a portion of a tendon from a body.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
65 words
A method as set forth in claim 79 wherein said step of reducing the volume of connective body tissue from a first volume to a second volume includes placing the connective body tissue in a press and operating the press to apply pressure against the connective body tissue in the press to shape the connective body tissue in the press during operation of the press.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method as set forth in claim 90 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue further includes cutting the connective body tissue shaped by operation of the press to at least partially form the passage.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method as set forth in claim 90 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue further includes cutting the connective body tissue shaped by operation of the press to further shape the piece of connective body tissue.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
64 words
A method as set forth in claim 79 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue to have a passage includes piercing the connective body tissue to at least partially form the passage after performance of said step of reducing the volume of connective body tissue from a first volume to a second volume which is less than the first volume.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
55 words
A method as set forth in claim 79 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue to have an outer side surface includes moving a cutting tool along a linear path to cut connective body tissue and at least partially form the outer side surface of the piece of connective body tissue.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as set forth in claim 94 wherein said step of forming a piece of connective body tissue further includes piercing connective body tissue to at least partially form the passage.
Claim 103
Independent Claim
60 words
A method of anchoring a suture, said method comprising the steps of forming a piece of cartilage to have a passage extending through the piece of cartilage, inserting a suture into the passage in the piece of cartilage, and inserting the piece of cartilage into a patient's body with the suture extending into the passage in the piece of cartilage.
Claim 104
Independent Claim
60 words
A method of anchoring a suture, said method comprising the steps of forming a piece of cartilage to have a passage extending through the piece of cartilage, inserting a suture into the passage in the piece of cartilage, and inserting the piece of cartilage into a patient's body with the suture extending into the passage in the piece of cartilage.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as set forth in claim 96 wherein said step of forming a piece of cartilage includes compressing the cartilage to remove fluid from the cartilage.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method as set forth in claim 96 wherein said step of forming a piece of cartilage includes forming a sheet of cartilage, cutting a portion from the sheet of cartilage, and inserting a member into the portion of the cartilage cut from the sheet of cartilage.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method as set forth in claim 96 wherein said step of forming a piece of cartilage includes rotating a cutting tool and moving the rotating cutting tool into the cartilage.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method as set forth in claim 99 wherein said step of forming a piece of cartilage includes rotating a thin elongated member and moving the rotating thin elongated member into the cartilage.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method as set forth in claim 100 wherein said steps of rotating a cutting tool and moving the rotating cutting tool into the cartilage and said steps of rotating a thin elongated member and moving the rotating thin elongated member into cartilage are performed together.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
66 words
A method as set forth in claim 96 wherein said step of forming a piece of cartilage includes forming a piece of cartilage which is at least partially dried, said step of inserting the piece of cartilage into a patient's body includes positioning the cartilage at a location where the piece of cartilage is exposed to body fluid to enable the cartilage to absorb body fluid.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method as set forth in claim 96 wherein said step of forming a piece of cartilage includes placing the cartilage in a press and operating the press to shape the cartilage during operation of the press.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as set forth in claim 103 wherein said step of forming a piece of cartilage further includes cutting cartilage shaped by operation of the press.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method as set forth in claim 104 wherein said step of cutting cartilage shaped by operation of the press includes cutting the cartilage to form the passage and cutting the cartilage to at least partially form an outer side surface of the piece of cartilage.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
58 words
A method as set forth in claim 96 wherein said step of forming a piece of cartilage further includes freeze drying the cartilage, said step of inserting the piece of cartilage into the patient's body includes positioning the freeze dried cartilage in the patient's body at a location where the freeze dried cartilage is exposed to body fluid.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method as set forth in claim 96 wherein said step of forming a piece of cartilage includes compressing the cartilage from a first volume to a second volume, said method further includes expanding the cartilage in the patient's body.
Claim 116
Independent Claim
60 words
A method of anchoring a suture, said method comprising the steps of forming a piece of tendon to have a passage extending through the piece of tendon, inserting a suture into the passage in the piece of tendon, and inserting the piece of tendon into a patient's body with the suture extending into the passage in the piece of tendon.
Claim 117
Independent Claim
60 words
A method of anchoring a suture, said method comprising the steps of forming a piece of tendon to have a passage extending through the piece of tendon, inserting a suture into the passage in the piece of tendon, and inserting the piece of tendon into a patient's body with the suture extending into the passage in the piece of tendon.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as set forth in claim 108 wherein said step of forming a piece of tendon includes compressing the tendon to remove fluid from the tendon.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method as set forth in claim 108 wherein said step of forming a piece of tendon includes forming a sheet of tendon, cutting a portion from the sheet of tendon, and inserting a member into the portion of the tendon.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method as set forth in claim 108 wherein said step of forming a piece of tendon includes rotating a cutting tool and moving the rotating cutting tool into tendon.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method as set forth in claim 111 wherein said step of forming a piece of tendon includes rotating a thin elongated member and moving the rotating thin elongated member into the tendon.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method as set forth in claim 112 wherein said steps of rotating a cutting tool and moving the rotating cutting tool into the tendon and said steps of rotating a thin elongated member and moving the rotating thin elongated member into tendon are performed together.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
66 words
A method as set forth in claim 108 wherein said step of forming a piece of tendon includes forming a piece of tendon which is at least partially dried, said step of inserting the piece of tendon into a patient's body includes positioning the tendon at a location where the piece of tendon is exposed to body fluid to enable the tendon to absorb body fluid.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method as set forth in claim 108 wherein said step of forming a piece of tendon includes placing the tendon in a press and operating the press to shape the tendon during operation of the press.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as set forth in claim 115 wherein said step of forming a piece of tendon further includes cutting tendon shaped by operation of the press.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method as set forth in claim 116 wherein said step of cutting tendon shaped by operation of the press includes cutting the tendon to form the passage and cutting the tendon to at least partially form an outer side surface of the piece of tendon.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
58 words
A method as set forth in claim 108 wherein said step of forming a piece of tendon further includes freeze drying the tendon, said step of inserting the piece of tendon into the patient's body includes positioning the freeze dried tendon in the patient's body at a location where the freeze dried tendon is exposed to body fluid.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method as set forth in claim 108 wherein said step of forming a piece of tendon includes compressing the tendon from a first volume to a second volume, said method further includes expanding the tendon in the patient's body.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-11-22 | 2003-05-24 | 2003-11-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-11-22 | 2007-05-24 | 2007-11-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-11-22 | 2011-05-24 | 2011-11-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |