US6056772A — Method and apparatus for positioning a suture anc…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 111 words

A method of positioning a suture anchor relative to body tissue, said method comprising the steps of providing a suture anchor having a suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor, positioning an end portion of a tubular member having a sheath which encloses a plurality of wires relative to body tissue, and moving the suture anchor through the end portion of the tubular member into the body tissue with the suture engaging the suture anchor, said step of moving the suture anchor through the end portion of the tubular member into the body tissue includes sliding an outer side surface of the suture anchor along side surfaces of the wires.

Claim 2

Independent Claim 111 words

A method of positioning a suture anchor relative to body tissue, said method comprising the steps of providing a suture anchor having a suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor, positioning an end portion of a tubular member having a sheath which encloses a plurality of wires relative to body tissue, and moving the suture anchor through the end portion of the tubular member into the body tissue with the suture engaging the suture anchor, said step of moving the suture anchor through the end portion of the tubular member into the body tissue includes sliding an outer side surface of the suture anchor along side surfaces of the wires.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 85 words

A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said step of positioning an end portion of a tubular member having a sheath which encloses a plurality of wires relative to body tissue includes engaging the body tissue with a leading end portion of at least one of the wires and a leading end portion of the sheath and piercing the body tissue with the leading end portion of the one wire and the sheath under the influence of force transmitted through the tubular member.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 60 words

A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said step of moving the suture anchor through the end portion of the tubular member into the body tissue includes transmitting force from the suture anchor to the side surfaces of the wires and expanding the sheath under the influence of the force transmitted from the suture anchor to the wires.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 58 words

A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said step of moving the suture anchor through the end portion of the tubular member includes maintaining the outer side surface of the suture anchor in a spaced apart relationship with an inner side surface of the sheath while sliding the suture anchor along side surfaces of the wires.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 61 words

A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said step of moving the suture anchor through the end portion of the tubular member includes holding longitudinally extending portions of an inner side surface of the sheath spaced apart from an outer side surface of the suture anchor as the suture anchor moves through the end portion of the tubular member.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 78 words

A method as set forth in claim 1 further including moving the suture anchor along a main portion of the tubular member connected with the end portion of the tubular member prior to moving the suture anchor through the end portion of the tubular member, at least a portion of said step of moving the suture anchor along a main portion of the tubular member includes engaging side surfaces of portions of the wires with the suture anchor.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 122 words

A method as set forth in claim 6 wherein the main portion of the tubular member has a first cross-sectional area as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of the tubular member and the end portion of the tubular member has a second cross-sectional area as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of the tubular member, the first cross-sectional area being greater than the second cross-sectional area, said step of moving the suture anchor through the end portion of the tubular member includes increasing the cross-sectional area of the end portion of the tubular member from the second cross-sectional area to a cross-sectional area which is greater than the second cross-sectional area.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 159 words

A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the tubular member has a main portion with a first cross-sectional area as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of the tubular member, the end portion of the tubular member has a cross-sectional area which is smaller than the first cross-sectional area as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of the tubular member, and a transition portion of the tubular member has a cross-sectional area which tapers from the first cross-sectional area to the second cross-sectional area, said method further including moving a leading end portion of the suture anchor along the side surfaces of the wires in the transition portion of the tubular member and expanding at least a portion of the transition portion of the tubular member under the influence of force transmitted to the side surfaces of the wires in the transition portion of the tubular member.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 103 words

A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said step of positioning an end portion of a tubular member relative to body tissue includes inserting the end portion of the tubular member into body tissue, measuring the distance which the end portion of the tubular member is inserted into body tissue during insertion of the end portion of the tubular member into body tissue, and interrupting said step of inserting an end portion of the tubular member into body tissue in response to measuring of a distance which corresponds to a desired distance of insertion of the tubular member into body tissue.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 87 words

A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said step of positioning an end portion of a tubular member relative to body tissue includes inserting the end portion of the tubular member into body tissue, covering indicia on the tubular member with body tissue as the tubular member is inserted into the body tissue, and interrupting said step of inserting the tubular member into body tissue in response to covering of indicia corresponding to a desired depth of insertion of the tubular member into body tissue.

Claim 12

Independent Claim 154 words

A method of positioning a suture anchor relative to body tissue, said method comprising the steps of providing a suture anchor which has a passage, providing a suture having a first portion which extends through the passage in the suture anchor and a second portion which extends along an outer side of the suture anchor, providing a tubular member having a sheath with a plurality of wires which extend along an inner side of at least a portion of a passage in the sheath, and moving the anchor along the passage in the sheath, said step of moving the anchor along the passage in the sheath being at least partially performed with the first portion of the suture extending through the passage in the suture anchor and the second portion of the suture extending along the outer side surface of the suture anchor at a location between adjacent wires of the plurality of wires.

Claim 13

Independent Claim 154 words

A method of positioning a suture anchor relative to body tissue, said method comprising the steps of providing a suture anchor which has a passage, providing a suture having a first portion which extends through the passage in the suture anchor and a second portion which extends along an outer side of the suture anchor, providing a tubular member having a sheath with a plurality of wires which extend along an inner side of at least a portion of a passage in the sheath, and moving the anchor along the passage in the sheath, said step of moving the anchor along the passage in the sheath being at least partially performed with the first portion of the suture extending through the passage in the suture anchor and the second portion of the suture extending along the outer side surface of the suture anchor at a location between adjacent wires of the plurality of wires.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 38 words

A method as set forth in claim 11 wherein said step of moving the suture anchor along the passage in the sheath includes sliding an outer side surface of the suture anchor along side surfaces of the wires.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 57 words

A method as set forth in claim 11 wherein said step of moving the anchor along the passage in the sheath includes applying force against a trailing end portion of the anchor with a pusher member and applying force against the wires with a leading end portion of the anchor to expand the passage in the sheath.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 34 words

A method as set forth in claim 11 further including the steps of inserting at least a portion of the tubular member into body tissue and piercing the body tissue with the tubular member.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 41 words

A method as set forth in claim 14 wherein said step of piercing the body tissue includes engaging the body tissue with a leading end portion of at least one of the wires and a leading end portion of the sheath.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 76 words

A method as set forth in claim 11 further including the steps of inserting at least a portion of the tubular member into body tissue, covering indicia on the tubular member with body tissue as the tubular member is inserted into the body tissue, and interrupting said step of inserting the tubular member into body tissue in response to covering of indicia corresponding to a desired depth of insertion of the tubular member into body tissue.

Claim 19

Independent Claim 111 words

A method of positioning a suture anchor relative to body tissue, said method comprising the steps of providing a tubular sheath having a passage and a plurality of wires which extend along an inner side of the passage, inserting an end portion of the sheath and end portions of the wires into body tissue, and moving a suture anchor through the passage in the sheath into the body tissue with a suture engaging the suture anchor, said step of moving the suture anchor through the passage in the sheath into body tissue includes expanding the sheath by applying force against the wires and transmitting force through the wires to the sheath.

Claim 20

Independent Claim 111 words

A method of positioning a suture anchor relative to body tissue, said method comprising the steps of providing a tubular sheath having a passage and a plurality of wires which extend along an inner side of the passage, inserting an end portion of the sheath and end portions of the wires into body tissue, and moving a suture anchor through the passage in the sheath into the body tissue with a suture engaging the suture anchor, said step of moving the suture anchor through the passage in the sheath into body tissue includes expanding the sheath by applying force against the wires and transmitting force through the wires to the sheath.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 75 words

A method as set forth in claim 17 wherein said step of expanding the sheath includes increasing a cross-sectional size of at least a portion of the passage in the sheath from a first cross-sectional size in which movement of the anchor through at least the portion of the passage in the sheath is blocked to a second cross-sectional size in which the anchor can move through the portion of the passage in the sheath.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 30 words

A method as set forth in claim 17 wherein said step of applying force against the wires includes pressing an outer side surface of the suture anchor against the wires.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 56 words

A method as set forth in claim 17 further including the step of at least partially enclosing the suture anchor with an expansion member during movement of the anchor through the passage in the sheath, said step of applying force against the wires includes pressing an outer side surface of the expansion member against the wires.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 62 words

A method as set forth in claim 17 wherein said step of inserting an end portion of the sheath and end portions of the wires into body tissue includes piercing the body tissue to form an opening in the body tissue and moving the end portion of the sheath and end portions of the wires into the opening in the body tissue.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 36 words

A method as set forth in claim 21 wherein said step of piercing the body tissue to form an opening in the body tissue includes cutting body tissue with a leading end portion of the sheath.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 42 words

A method as set forth in claim 21 wherein said step of piercing the body tissue includes engaging the body tissue with a leading end portion of a t least one of the wires and a leading end portion of the sheath.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 32 words

A method as set forth in claim 21 wherein said step of piercing the body tissue includes initiating the formation of an opening in an imperforate surface area on the body tissue.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 75 words

A method as set forth in claim 17 wherein said step of inserting an end portion of a tubular sheath into body tissue includes covering indicia on the tubular sheath with body tissue as the tubular sheath is inserted into the body tissue, and interrupting said step of inserting the tubular sheath into body tissue in response to covering of indicia corresponding to a desired depth of insertion of the tubular sheath into body tissue.

Claim 29

Independent Claim 123 words

A method of positioning a suture anchor relative to body tissue, said method comprising the steps of providing a tubular sheath having a passage which extends through the sheath, inserting an end portion of the sheath into body tissue, expanding the end portion of the sheath inserted into the body tissue, said step of expanding the end portion of the sheath includes moving a tubular member cross-sectional size of the end portion of the sheath from a first cross-sectional size to a second cross-sectional size under the influence of force transmitted from the tubular member to the sheath, and moving a suture anchor through the tubular member into the body tissue while the end portion of the sheath has the second cross-sectional size.

Claim 30

Independent Claim 123 words

A method of positioning a suture anchor relative to body tissue, said method comprising the steps of providing a tubular sheath having a passage which extends through the sheath, inserting an end portion of the sheath into body tissue, expanding the end portion of the sheath inserted into the body tissue, said step of expanding the end portion of the sheath includes moving a tubular member cross-sectional size of the end portion of the sheath from a first cross-sectional size to a second cross-sectional size under the influence of force transmitted from the tubular member to the sheath, and moving a suture anchor through the tubular member into the body tissue while the end portion of the sheath has the second cross-sectional size.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 46 words

A method as set forth in claim 26 wherein said step of inserting an end portion of the sheath into body tissue includes piercing the body tissue with the end portion of the sheath and moving the end portion of the sheath into the body tissue.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 70 words

A method as set forth in claim 26 wherein said step of increasing the cross-sectional size of the end portion of the sheath from a first cross-sectional size to a second cross-sectional size under the influence of force transmitted from the tubular member to the sheath includes transmitting force from the tubular member to the outer side surfaces of the wires and transmitting force from the wires to the sheath.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 70 words

A method as set forth in claim 26 wherein said step of inserting an end portion of the sheath into body tissue includes covering indicia on the sheath with body tissue as the sheath is inserted into the body tissue, and interrupting said step of inserting the sheath into body tissue in response to covering of indicia corresponding to a desired depth of insertion of the sheath into body tissue.

Claim 34

Independent Claim 106 words

An apparatus for use in positioning a suture anchor relative to body tissue, said apparatus comprising a tubular member through which the suture anchor is movable and a pusher member which is at least partially disposed in and is movable relative to said tubular member to move the suture anchor relative to said tubular member, said tubular member includes a sheath and an array of wires which extend along an inner side of said sheath, said wires of said array of wires have longitudinally extending surface means for engaging the suture anchor as the suture anchor is moved through said tubular member by said pusher member.

Claim 35

Independent Claim 106 words

An apparatus for use in positioning a suture anchor relative to body tissue, said apparatus comprising a tubular member through which the suture anchor is movable and a pusher member which is at least partially disposed in and is movable relative to said tubular member to move the suture anchor relative to said tubular member, said tubular member includes a sheath and an array of wires which extend along an inner side of said sheath, said wires of said array of wires have longitudinally extending surface means for engaging the suture anchor as the suture anchor is moved through said tubular member by said pusher member.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 41 words

An apparatus as set forth in claim 30 wherein said sheath is resiliently expandable under the influence of force transmitted from the suture anchor to said sheath as the suture anchor is moved through said tubular member by said pusher member.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 70 words

An apparatus as set forth in claim 30 wherein said tubular member has an end portion which is operable between a closed condition blocking movement of the suture anchor through the end portion of said tubular member and an open condition in which the end portion of said tubular member is ineffective to block movement of the suture anchor through the end portion of said tubular member into body tissue.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 34 words

An apparatus as set forth in claim 30 wherein at least a portion of each of said wires is integrally formed as one piece with said sheath to interconnect said wires and said sheath.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 51 words

An apparatus as set forth in claim 30 wherein each of said wires includes a longitudinally extending core having a generally circular cross sectional configuration and a jacket which at least partially encloses said core, said surface means for engaging the suture anchor being disposed on said jackets of said wires.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 38 words

An apparatus as set forth in claim 30 wherein said array of wires blocks engagement of the suture anchor with the sheath during movement of the suture anchor relative to at least a portion of said tubular member.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 37 words

An apparatus as set forth in claim 30 wherein said tubular member has a pointed end portion for piercing body tissue, said pointed end portion of said tubular member being formed by said sheath and said wires.

Claim 42

Independent Claim 92 words

An apparatus for use in positioning a suture anchor in body tissue, said apparatus comprising a longitudinally extending tubular sheath, a plurality of longitudinally extending wires which are enclosed by said sheath and extend along an inner side of said sheath, and pusher means for transmitting force which moves the suture anchor along said wires and into the body tissue, said wires have surface means for engaging the suture anchor and holding the suture anchor in a spaced apart relationship with said sheath during movement of the suture anchor along said wires.

Claim 43

Independent Claim 92 words

An apparatus for use in positioning a suture anchor in body tissue, said apparatus comprising a longitudinally extending tubular sheath, a plurality of longitudinally extending wires which are enclosed by said sheath and extend along an inner side of said sheath, and pusher means for transmitting force which moves the suture anchor along said wires and into the body tissue, said wires have surface means for engaging the suture anchor and holding the suture anchor in a spaced apart relationship with said sheath during movement of the suture anchor along said wires.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 55 words

An apparatus as set forth in claim 37 wherein a pair of said wires cooperate with said sheath to at least partially define a longitudinally extending channel, said pusher means being effective to move the suture anchor along said wires with a suture connected with the suture anchor at least partially disposed in the channel.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 112 words

An apparatus as set forth in claim 37 wherein said sheath is formed of a material capable of being extended from a first condition in which at least a portion of a longitudinally extending passage through said sheath has a relatively small cross sectional size to a second condition in which at least a portion of the passage has a relatively large cross sectional size, said pusher means being effective to transmit force which is transmitted from the suture anchor through said wires to said sheath to extend at least a portion of said sheath from the first condition to the second condition during movement of the suture anchor along said wires.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 41 words

An apparatus as set forth in claim 39 wherein said sheath is formed of a material which is resiliently expandable, said sheath being extended from the first condition to the second condition by resilient expansion of the material of said sheath.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 29 words

An apparatus as set forth in claim 37 wherein each of said wires is integrally formed as one piece with said sheath to interconnect said sheath and said wires.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 51 words

An apparatus as set forth in claim 37 wherein each of said wires includes a longitudinally extending core having a generally circular cross sectional configuration and a jacket which at least partially encloses said core, said surface means for engaging the suture anchor being disposed on said jackets of said wires.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 27 words

An apparatus as set forth in claim 42 wherein said jackets are integrally formed as one piece with said sheath to interconnect said wires and said sheath.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 28 words

An apparatus as set forth in claim 37 wherein said plurality of wires extend along the inner side of said sheath between opposite end portions of said sheath.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 41 words

An apparatus as set forth in claim 44 wherein said plurality of wires extend along the inner side of said sheath from a location disposed between opposite end portions of said sheath to one of the end portions of said sheath.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 28 words

An apparatus as set forth in claim 45 wherein said one of said end portions of said sheath has a pointed configuration to facilitate piercing of body tissue.

Claim 53

Independent Claim 167 words

A method of positioning a suture anchor relative to body tissue, said method comprising the steps of providing a suture anchor having a suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor, providing a tubular member, said step of providing a tubular member includes providing a tubular member having a sheath which at least partially encloses a plurality of wires which extend along at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member, moving the suture anchor along a passage in the tubular member with the suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor, said step of moving the suture anchor along a passage in the tubular member includes sliding the suture anchor along the wires, expanding at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member while moving the suture anchor along the passage in the tubular member, and moving the suture anchor out of the passage in the tubular member into the body tissue with the suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor.

Claim 54

Independent Claim 167 words

A method of positioning a suture anchor relative to body tissue, said method comprising the steps of providing a suture anchor having a suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor, providing a tubular member, said step of providing a tubular member includes providing a tubular member having a sheath which at least partially encloses a plurality of wires which extend along at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member, moving the suture anchor along a passage in the tubular member with the suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor, said step of moving the suture anchor along a passage in the tubular member includes sliding the suture anchor along the wires, expanding at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member while moving the suture anchor along the passage in the tubular member, and moving the suture anchor out of the passage in the tubular member into the body tissue with the suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 82 words

A method as set forth in claim 47 wherein said step of expanding at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member includes transmitting force from a leading end portion of the suture anchor to the tubular member while moving the suture anchor along the passage in the tubular member and expanding at least a portion of the tubular member under the influence of the force transmitted from the leading end portion of the suture anchor to the tubular member.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 52 words

A method as set forth in claim 47 further including the step of inserting the tubular member into the body tissue by piercing the body tissue with an end portion of the tubular member prior to performing said step of expanding at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 38 words

A method as set forth in claim 47 wherein said step of expanding at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member includes resiliently stretching material which forms at least a portion of the tubular member.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 71 words

A method as set forth in claim 47 further including the steps of inserting the tubular member into body tissue, covering indicia on the tubular member with body tissue as the tubular member is inserted into the body tissue, and interrupting said step of inserting the tubular member into body tissue in response to covering of indicia corresponding to a desired depth of insertion of the tubular member into body tissue.

Claim 59

Independent Claim 178 words

A method of positioning a suture anchor relative to body tissue, said method comprising the steps of providing a suture anchor having a suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor, providing a tubular member, said step of providing a tubular member includes providing a tubular member having a sheath which at least partially encloses a plurality of wires which extend along at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member, moving the suture anchor along a passage in the tubular member with the suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor, said step of moving the suture anchor along a passage in the tubular member includes applying force against the suture anchor with a pusher member and sliding the pusher member along the wires, expanding at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member while moving the suture anchor along the passage in the tubular member, and moving the suture anchor out of the passage in the tubular member into the body tissue with the suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor.

Claim 60

Independent Claim 178 words

A method of positioning a suture anchor relative to body tissue, said method comprising the steps of providing a suture anchor having a suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor, providing a tubular member, said step of providing a tubular member includes providing a tubular member having a sheath which at least partially encloses a plurality of wires which extend along at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member, moving the suture anchor along a passage in the tubular member with the suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor, said step of moving the suture anchor along a passage in the tubular member includes applying force against the suture anchor with a pusher member and sliding the pusher member along the wires, expanding at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member while moving the suture anchor along the passage in the tubular member, and moving the suture anchor out of the passage in the tubular member into the body tissue with the suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 82 words

A method as set forth in claim 52 wherein said step of expanding at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member includes transmitting force from a leading end portion of the suture anchor to the tubular member while moving the suture anchor along the passage in the tubular member and expanding at least a portion of the tubular member under the influence of the force transmitted from the leading end portion of the suture anchor to the tubular member.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 52 words

A method as set forth in claim 52 further including the step of inserting the tubular member into the body tissue by piercing the body tissue with an end portion of the tubular member prior to performing said step of expanding at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 38 words

A method as set forth in claim 52 wherein said step of expanding at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member includes resiliently stretching material which forms at least a portion of the tubular member.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 71 words

A method as set forth in claim 52 further including the steps of inserting the tubular member into body tissue, covering indicia on the tubular member with body tissue as the tubular member is inserted into the body tissue, and interrupting said step of inserting the tubular member into body tissue in response to covering of indicia corresponding to a desired depth of insertion of the tubular member into body tissue.

Claim 65

Independent Claim 188 words

A method of positioning a suture anchor relative to body tissue, said method comprising the steps of providing a tubular sheath having a passage which extends through the sheath, said step of providing a tubular sheath includes providing a tubular sheath having a plurality of wires disposed in the passage through the sheath, inserting an end portion of the sheath into body tissue, expanding the end portion of the sheath inserted into the body tissue, said step of expanding the end portion of the sheath includes moving a tubular member into the end portion of the sheath and increasing the cross-sectional size of the end portion of the sheath from a first cross-sectional size to a second cross-sectional size under the influence of force transmitted from the tubular member to the sheath, said step of moving a tubular member into the end portion of the sheath includes sliding an outer side surface of the tubular member along outer side surfaces of the wires, and moving a suture anchor through the tubular member into the body tissue while the end portion of the sheath has the second cross-sectional size.

Claim 66

Independent Claim 188 words

A method of positioning a suture anchor relative to body tissue, said method comprising the steps of providing a tubular sheath having a passage which extends through the sheath, said step of providing a tubular sheath includes providing a tubular sheath having a plurality of wires disposed in the passage through the sheath, inserting an end portion of the sheath into body tissue, expanding the end portion of the sheath inserted into the body tissue, said step of expanding the end portion of the sheath includes moving a tubular member into the end portion of the sheath and increasing the cross-sectional size of the end portion of the sheath from a first cross-sectional size to a second cross-sectional size under the influence of force transmitted from the tubular member to the sheath, said step of moving a tubular member into the end portion of the sheath includes sliding an outer side surface of the tubular member along outer side surfaces of the wires, and moving a suture anchor through the tubular member into the body tissue while the end portion of the sheath has the second cross-sectional size.

Claim 67

Independent Claim 170 words

A method of positioning a suture anchor relative to body tissue, said method comprising the steps of providing a suture anchor having a suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor, providing a tubular member having a longitudinally extending body portion and an end portion, moving the suture anchor along a passage in the tubular member with the suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor, expanding at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member while moving the suture anchor along the passage in the tubular member, said step of expanding at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member includes expanding at least a portion of the longitudinally extending body portion of the tubular member while the suture anchor is spaced from the end portion of the tubular member, and moving the suture anchor out of the passage in the tubular member into the body tissue through the end portion of the tubular member with the suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor.

Claim 68

Independent Claim 170 words

A method of positioning a suture anchor relative to body tissue, said method comprising the steps of providing a suture anchor having a suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor, providing a tubular member having a longitudinally extending body portion and an end portion, moving the suture anchor along a passage in the tubular member with the suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor, expanding at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member while moving the suture anchor along the passage in the tubular member, said step of expanding at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member includes expanding at least a portion of the longitudinally extending body portion of the tubular member while the suture anchor is spaced from the end portion of the tubular member, and moving the suture anchor out of the passage in the tubular member into the body tissue through the end portion of the tubular member with the suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 46 words

A method as set forth in claim 58 wherein said step of expanding at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member includes expanding the end portion of the tubular member after performing said step of expanding the body portion of the tubular member.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 54 words

A method as set forth in claim 59 wherein said step of moving the suture anchor out of the passage in the tubular member into the body tissue through the end portion of the tubular member is at least partially performed after performing said step of expanding the end portion of the tubular member.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 35 words

A method as set forth in claim 59 wherein said step of expanding the end portion of the tubular member is performed while at least a portion of the longitudinally extending body portion remains expanded.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 111 words

A method as set forth in claim 58 wherein said step of expanding at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member includes transmitting force from a leading end portion of the suture anchor to the tubular member while the suture anchor is spaced from the end portion of the tubular member and while moving the suture anchor along the passage in the tubular member and expanding at least a portion of the tubular member under the influence of the force transmitted from the leading end portion of the suture anchor to the tubular member while the suture anchor is spaced from the end portion of the tubular member.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 52 words

A method as set forth in claim 58 further including the step of inserting the tubular member into the body tissue by piercing the body tissue with an end portion of the tubular member prior to performing said step of expanding at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 54 words

A method as set forth in claim 58 wherein said step of expanding at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member includes resiliently stretching material which at least partially forms the body portion of the tubular member while the suture anchor is spaced from the end portion of the tubular member.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 73 words

A method as set forth in claim 58 wherein said step of moving the suture anchor out of the passage in the tubular member includes moving segments of the tubular member from an initial position in which portions of the segments of the tubular member are disposed in engagement with each other to an extended position in which the portions of the segments of the tubular member are spaced apart from each other.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 73 words

A method as set forth in claim 58 wherein said step of providing a tubular member includes providing a tubular member having a sheath which at least partially encloses a plurality of wires which extend along at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member, said step of expanding at least a portion of the longitudinally extending body portion of the tubular member includes sliding the suture anchor along the wires.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 68 words

A method as set forth in claim 66 wherein said step of expanding at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member includes expanding at least a portion of the sheath under the influence of force applied against the wires by the suture anchor while sliding the suture anchor along the wires while the suture anchor is spaced from the end portion of the tubular member.

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 81 words

A method as set forth in claim 58 wherein said step of providing a tubular member includes providing a tubular member having a sheath which at least partially encloses a plurality of wires which extend along at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member, said step of expanding at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member includes applying force against the suture anchor with a pusher member and moving the pusher member along the wires.

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 71 words

A method as set forth in claim 58 further including the steps of inserting the tubular member into body tissue, covering indicia on the tubular member with body tissue as the tubular member is inserted into the body tissue, and interrupting said step of inserting the tubular member into body tissue in response to covering of indicia corresponding to a desired depth of insertion of the tubular member into body tissue.

Claim 80

Independent Claim 102 words

A method of positioning a suture anchor relative to a patient's body tissue, said method comprising the steps of providing a suture anchor formed of body tissue having a suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor, providing a tubular member, moving the suture anchor formed of body tissue along a passage in the tubular member with the suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor, and moving the suture anchor formed of body tissue out of the passage in the tubular member into the patient's body tissue with the suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor formed of body tissue.

Claim 81

Independent Claim 102 words

A method of positioning a suture anchor relative to a patient's body tissue, said method comprising the steps of providing a suture anchor formed of body tissue having a suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor, providing a tubular member, moving the suture anchor formed of body tissue along a passage in the tubular member with the suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor, and moving the suture anchor formed of body tissue out of the passage in the tubular member into the patient's body tissue with the suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor formed of body tissue.

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 92 words

A method as set forth in claim 70 further including the step of expanding at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member by transmitting force from an expansion member to the tubular member while moving the suture anchor formed of body tissue along the passage in the tubular member without transmitting force from the suture anchor formed of body tissue to the tubular member and expanding at least a portion of the tubular member under the influence of the force transmitted from the expansion member to the tubular member.

Claim 83

Dependent Claim 76 words

A method as set forth in claim 70 further including the step of forming an opening in the patient's body tissue by piercing the patient's body tissue with an end portion of the tubular member, said step of moving the suture anchor formed of body tissue out of the passage in the tubular member includes moving the suture anchor through an opening in the end portion of the tubular member which pieced the patient's body tissue.

Claim 84

Dependent Claim 54 words

A method as set forth in claim 71 further including the step of expanding at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member by resiliently stretching material which forms at least a portion of the tubular member without transmitting force from the suture anchor formed of body tissue to the tubular member.

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 76 words

A method as set forth in claim 70 further including the step of moving segments of the tubular member from an initial position in which portions of the segments of the tubular member are disposed in engagement with each other to an extended position in which the portions of the segments of the tubular member are spaced apart from each other without transmitting force from the suture anchor formed of body tissue to the tubular member.

Claim 86

Dependent Claim 56 words

A method as set forth in claim 70 further including the step of providing an inner member, said step of moving the suture anchor formed of body tissue along the passage in the tubular member is performed with the suture anchor formed of body tissue enclosed by the inner member and spaced from the tubular member.

Claim 87

Dependent Claim 40 words

A method as set forth in claim 72 further including the step of expanding at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member without transmitting force from the suture anchor formed of body tissue to the tubular member.

Claim 88

Dependent Claim 57 words

A method as set forth in claim 75 further including the step of expanding at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member by applying force against the tubular member with the inner member while the suture anchor formed of body tissue is enclosed by the inner member and is spaced from the tubular member.

Claim 89

Dependent Claim 98 words

A method as set forth in claim 70 wherein said step of moving the suture anchor formed of body tissue along a passage in the tubular member is performed with at least a portion of the suture anchor formed of body tissue enclosed by an inner member, said method further includes the step of expanding at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member includes transmitting force from the inner member to the tubular member while moving the inner member and the suture anchor formed of body tissue together along the passage in the tubular member.

Claim 90

Dependent Claim 78 words

A method as set forth in claim 70 further including the steps of inserting the tubular member into the patient's body tissue, covering indicia on the tubular member with body tissue as the tubular member is inserted into the patient's body tissue, and interrupting said step of inserting the tubular member into the patient's body tissue in response to covering of indicia corresponding to a desired depth of insertion of the tubular member into the patient's body tissue.

Claim 91

Independent Claim 162 words

A method of positioning a suture anchor relative to body tissue, said method comprising the steps of providing a suture anchor having a suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor, providing a tubular member, inserting the tubular member into body tissue, covering indicia on the tubular member with body tissue as the tubular member is inserted into the body tissue, interrupting said step of inserting the tubular member into body tissue in response to covering of indicia corresponding to a desired depth of insertion of the tubular member into body tissue, moving the suture anchor along a passage in the tubular member with the suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor, and moving the suture anchor out of the passage in the tubular member into the body tissue with the suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor while the indicia corresponding the a desired depth of insertion of the tubular member into body tissue is covered with body tissue.

Claim 92

Independent Claim 162 words

A method of positioning a suture anchor relative to body tissue, said method comprising the steps of providing a suture anchor having a suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor, providing a tubular member, inserting the tubular member into body tissue, covering indicia on the tubular member with body tissue as the tubular member is inserted into the body tissue, interrupting said step of inserting the tubular member into body tissue in response to covering of indicia corresponding to a desired depth of insertion of the tubular member into body tissue, moving the suture anchor along a passage in the tubular member with the suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor, and moving the suture anchor out of the passage in the tubular member into the body tissue with the suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor while the indicia corresponding the a desired depth of insertion of the tubular member into body tissue is covered with body tissue.

Claim 93

Dependent Claim 53 words

A method as set forth in claim 80 further including the step of expanding at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member by transmitting force from a leading end portion of the suture anchor to the tubular member while moving the suture anchor along the passage in the tubular member.

Claim 94

Dependent Claim 33 words

A method as set forth in claim 80 wherein said step of inserting the tubular member into the body tissue includes piercing the body tissue with an end portion of the tubular member.

Claim 95

Dependent Claim 39 words

A method as set forth in claim 80 further including the step of expanding at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member by resiliently stretching material which forms at least a portion of the tubular member.

Claim 96

Dependent Claim 61 words

A method as set forth in claim 80 further including the step of moving segments of the tubular member from an initial position in which portions of the segments of the tubular member are disposed in engagement with each other to an extended position in which the portions of the segments of the tubular member are spaced apart from each other.

Claim 97

Dependent Claim 69 words

A method as set forth in claim 80 wherein said step of providing a tubular member includes providing a tubular member having a sheath which at least partially encloses a plurality of wires which extend along at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member, said step of moving the suture anchor along a passage in the tubular member includes sliding the suture anchor along the wires.

Claim 98

Dependent Claim 55 words

A method as set forth in claim 85 further including the step of expanding at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member by expanding at least a portion of the sheath under the influence of force applied against the wires by the suture anchor while sliding the suture anchor along the wires.

Claim 99

Dependent Claim 80 words

A method as set forth in claim 80 wherein said step of providing a tubular member includes providing a tubular member having a sheath which at least partially encloses a plurality of wires which extend along at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member, said step of moving the suture anchor along a passage in the tubular member includes applying force against the suture anchor with a pusher member and sliding the pusher member along the wires.

Claim 100

Dependent Claim 86 words

A method as set forth in claim 80 wherein said step of moving the suture anchor along a passage in the tubular member is performed with at least a portion of the suture anchor enclosed by an expansion member, said method further includes the step of expanding at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member by transmitting force from the expansion member to the tubular member while moving the expansion member and the suture anchor together along the passage in the tubular member.

Claim 101

Independent Claim 142 words

A method of positioning a suture anchor relative to body tissue, said method comprising the steps of providing a suture anchor having a suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor, providing a tubular member, inserting the tubular member into body tissue by piercing the body tissue with an end portion of the tubular member and moving at least a portion of the tubular member through an opening formed in the body tissue by piercing the body tissue with the end portion of the tubular member, moving the suture anchor along a passage in the tubular member with the suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor, and moving the suture anchor out of the passage in the tubular member through the end portion of the tubular member into the body tissue with the suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor.

Claim 102

Independent Claim 142 words

A method of positioning a suture anchor relative to body tissue, said method comprising the steps of providing a suture anchor having a suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor, providing a tubular member, inserting the tubular member into body tissue by piercing the body tissue with an end portion of the tubular member and moving at least a portion of the tubular member through an opening formed in the body tissue by piercing the body tissue with the end portion of the tubular member, moving the suture anchor along a passage in the tubular member with the suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor, and moving the suture anchor out of the passage in the tubular member through the end portion of the tubular member into the body tissue with the suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor.

Claim 103

Dependent Claim 53 words

A method as set forth in claim 89 further including the step of expanding at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member by transmitting force from a leading end portion of the suture anchor to the tubular member while moving the suture anchor along the passage in the tubular member.

Claim 104

Dependent Claim 34 words

A method as set forth in claim 89 wherein said step of piercing the body tissue includes forming an opening in the body tissue at a location which is free of naturally occurring openings.

Claim 105

Dependent Claim 39 words

A method as set forth in claim 89 further including the step of expanding at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member by resiliently stretching material which forms at least a portion of the tubular member.

Claim 106

Dependent Claim 77 words

A method as set forth in claim 89 further including the step of moving segments of the end portion of tubular member which pierced the body tissue from an initial position in which portions of the segments of the end portion of the tubular member are disposed in engagement with each other to an extended position in which the portions of the segments of the end portion of the tubular member are spaced apart from each other.

Claim 107

Dependent Claim 69 words

A method as set forth in claim 89 wherein said step of providing a tubular member includes providing a tubular member having a sheath which at least partially encloses a plurality of wires which extend along at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member, said step of moving the suture anchor along a passage in the tubular member includes sliding the suture anchor along the wires.

Claim 108

Dependent Claim 46 words

A method as set forth in claim 94 further including the step of expanding at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member under the influence of force applied against the wires by the suture anchor while sliding the suture anchor along the wires.

Claim 109

Dependent Claim 80 words

A method as set forth in claim 89 wherein said step of providing a tubular member includes providing a tubular member having a sheath which at least partially encloses a plurality of wires which extend along at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member, said step of moving the suture anchor along a passage in the tubular member includes applying force against the suture anchor with a pusher member and sliding the pusher member along the wires.

Claim 110

Dependent Claim 87 words

A method as set forth in claim 89 wherein said step of moving the suture anchor along a passage in the tubular member is performed with at least a portion of the suture anchor enclosed by an expansion member, said method further includes the step of expanding at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member by transmitting force from the expansion member to the tubular member while moving the expansion member a nd the suture anchor together along the passage in the tubular member.

Claim 111

Dependent Claim 65 words

A method as set fort h in claim 89 further including the steps of covering indicia on the tubular member with body tissue as the tubular member is inserted into the body tissue, and interrupting said step of inserting the tubular member into body tissue in response to covering of indicia corresponding to a desired depth of insertion of the tubular member into body tissue.

Claim 112

Independent Claim 134 words

A method of positioning a suture anchor relative to body tissue, said method comprising the steps of providing a suture anchor having a suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor, providing a tubular member, providing a tubular inner member, at least partially enclosing one end portion and at least a portion of an outer side surface of the suture anchor with the tubular inner member, inserting the tubular inner member into the tubular outer member, moving the suture anchor and the tubular inner member along a passage in the tubular outer member with the suture anchor at least partially enclosed by the tubular inner member, and moving the suture anchor out of the passage in the tubular outer member into the body tissue with the suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor.

Claim 113

Independent Claim 134 words

A method of positioning a suture anchor relative to body tissue, said method comprising the steps of providing a suture anchor having a suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor, providing a tubular member, providing a tubular inner member, at least partially enclosing one end portion and at least a portion of an outer side surface of the suture anchor with the tubular inner member, inserting the tubular inner member into the tubular outer member, moving the suture anchor and the tubular inner member along a passage in the tubular outer member with the suture anchor at least partially enclosed by the tubular inner member, and moving the suture anchor out of the passage in the tubular outer member into the body tissue with the suture disposed in engagement with the suture anchor.

Claim 114

Dependent Claim 76 words

A method as set forth in claim 99 further including the step of transmitting force from a leading end portion of the tubular inner member to the tubular outer member while moving the suture anchor along the passage in the tubular outer member and expanding at least a portion of the tubular outer member under the influence of the force transmitted from the leading end portion of the tubular inner member to the tubular outer member.

Claim 115

Dependent Claim 36 words

A method as set forth in claim 99 further including the step of inserting the tubular outer member into the body tissue by piercing the body tissue with an end portion of the tubular outer member.

Claim 116

Dependent Claim 41 words

A method as set forth in claim 99 further including the step of expanding at least a portion of the passage in the tubular outer member by resiliently stretching material which forms at least a portion of the tubular outer member.

Claim 117

Dependent Claim 64 words

A method as set forth in claim 99 further including the step of moving segments of the tubular outer member from an initial position in which portions of the segments of the tubular outer member are disposed in engagement with each other to an extended position in which the portions of the segments of the tubular outer member are spaced apart from each other.

Claim 118

Dependent Claim 62 words

A method as set forth in claim 103 wherein said step of moving segments of the tubular outer member from an initial position to an extended position is performed under the influence of force transmitted from the tubular inner member to the segments of the tubular outer member while the suture anchor is spaced from the segments of the tubular outer member.

Claim 119

Independent Claim 207 words

A method of positioning a suture anchor relative to body tissue, said method comprising the steps of providing a tubular sheath having a main portion and an end portion, inserting the end portion and at least part of the main portion of the sheath into body tissue, expanding at least the part of the main portion of the sheath which is inserted into the body tissue in a direction transverse to a longitudinal central axis of the sheath, said step of expanding at least the part of the main portion of the sheath which is inserted into the body tissue is at least partially performed while the suture anchor is spaced from the end portion of the sheath, expanding the end portion of the sheath while the end portion of the sheath is inserted into the body tissue, said step of expanding the end portion of the sheath is performed after performing said step of expanding at least part of the main portion of the sheath, and moving the suture anchor along a passage in the sheath and out of the sheath into the body tissue while the end portion and at least part of the main portion of the sheath are inserted into the body tissue.

Claim 120

Independent Claim 207 words

A method of positioning a suture anchor relative to body tissue, said method comprising the steps of providing a tubular sheath having a main portion and an end portion, inserting the end portion and at least part of the main portion of the sheath into body tissue, expanding at least the part of the main portion of the sheath which is inserted into the body tissue in a direction transverse to a longitudinal central axis of the sheath, said step of expanding at least the part of the main portion of the sheath which is inserted into the body tissue is at least partially performed while the suture anchor is spaced from the end portion of the sheath, expanding the end portion of the sheath while the end portion of the sheath is inserted into the body tissue, said step of expanding the end portion of the sheath is performed after performing said step of expanding at least part of the main portion of the sheath, and moving the suture anchor along a passage in the sheath and out of the sheath into the body tissue while the end portion and at least part of the main portion of the sheath are inserted into the body tissue.

Claim 121

Dependent Claim 93 words

A method as set forth in claim 105 wherein said step of inserting an end portion and at least part of the main portion of the sheath into body tissue includes piercing the body tissue with the end portion of the sheath and moving the end portion and at least part of the main portion of the sheath into the body tissue prior to performing said step of expanding at least part of the main portion of the sheath and prior to performing said step of expanding the end portion of the sheath.

Claim 122

Dependent Claim 68 words

A method as set forth in claim 105 wherein said step of providing a tubular sheath includes providing a tubular sheath having a plurality of wires disposed in at least part of the main portion of the sheath, said step of moving the suture anchor along a passage in the sheath includes sliding an outer side surface of the suture anchor along outer side surfaces of the wires.

Claim 123

Dependent Claim 47 words

A method as set forth in claim 107 wherein said step of expanding at least part of the main portion of the sheath includes transmitting force from the suture anchor to the outer side surfaces of the wires and transmitting force from the wires to the sheath.

Claim 124

Dependent Claim 70 words

A method as set forth in claim 105 wherein said step of inserting an end portion of the sheath into body tissue includes covering indicia on the sheath with body tissue as the sheath is inserted into the body tissue, and interrupting said step of inserting the sheath into body tissue in response to covering of indicia corresponding to a desired depth of insertion of the sheath into body tissue.

Claim 125

Dependent Claim 45 words

A method as set forth in claim 105 further including the steps of inserting a tubular member into the sheath, said step of expanding at least part of the main portion of the sheath includes moving the tubular member along the passage in the sheath.

Claim 126

Dependent Claim 54 words

A method as set forth in claim 81 wherein said step of expanding at least a portion of the passage in the tubular member includes expanding at least a portion of the sheath under the influence of force applied against the wires by the suture anchor while sliding the suture anchor along the wires.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2003-05-02	2003-11-01	2004-05-02	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2007-05-02	2007-11-01	2008-05-02	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2011-05-02	2011-11-01	2012-05-02	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Method and apparatus for positioning a suture anchor

Abstract

Inventors

Bibliographic Details

Claims Analysis

References Cited (Backward Citations)

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Assigned Categories & Tags

Assign Category Tag