US6409743B1 — Devices and methods for securing sutures and liga…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 190 words

A device for securing one or more elongated members, comprising: a collar having a C-shape, said collar being disposed about a central region, said central region extending along a central axis for containing at least a portion of said elongated members aligned with said central axis, wherein said collar extends circumferentially between two end portions, said collar having an innermost surface and an outermost surface, said surfaces extending between said end portions, said collar being resilient so that after cessation of a deforming force, said collar returns to substantially said C-shape, is made of a flexible, fusible material, and wherein said collar is deformable into a nominally closed position so that said end portions of said collar overlap so that regions of said innermost surface and said outermost surface are opposite each other forming overlapping portions, wherein the surfaces of said overlapping portions are substantially smooth and wherein the amount of overlapping is selectively adjustable and wherein said overlapping portions of said collar are adapted to fuse to each other around said central region upon application of sufficient energy to at least one of said overlapping portions of said collar.

Claim 2

Independent Claim 190 words

A device for securing one or more elongated members, comprising: a collar having a C-shape, said collar being disposed about a central region, said central region extending along a central axis for containing at least a portion of said elongated members aligned with said central axis, wherein said collar extends circumferentially between two end portions, said collar having an innermost surface and an outermost surface, said surfaces extending between said end portions, said collar being resilient so that after cessation of a deforming force, said collar returns to substantially said C-shape, is made of a flexible, fusible material, and wherein said collar is deformable into a nominally closed position so that said end portions of said collar overlap so that regions of said innermost surface and said outermost surface are opposite each other forming overlapping portions, wherein the surfaces of said overlapping portions are substantially smooth and wherein the amount of overlapping is selectively adjustable and wherein said overlapping portions of said collar are adapted to fuse to each other around said central region upon application of sufficient energy to at least one of said overlapping portions of said collar.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 49 words

The device according to claim 1 , wherein the elongated members comprise surgical sutures made of a fusible material, wherein the sutures are adapted to fuse to at least one of the collar and to one another in a knotless weld upon application of sufficient energy to the collar.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 74 words

The device according to claim 2 , wherein the collar includes one or more energy directors extending from an said innermost surface of the collar into the central region, wherein the energy directors define fusion regions of the sutures and the collar and are adapted to focus energy applied to the collar to the fusion regions so that one or more of the elongated members and collar are fusible together at the fusion regions.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 40 words

The device according to claim 1 wherein the collar includes one or more protrusions extending from said innermost surface of the collar into the central region and said protrusions are adapted to secure the elongated members within the central region.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 18 words

The device according to claim 1 , wherein the energy applied to the collar is ultrasonic energy .

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 30 words

The device according to claim 1 , wherein the energy applied to the collar is selected from the group consisting of thermal energy, optical energy, electrical energy and current sources.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 17 words

The device according to claim 1 , wherein the collar is made of a thermoplastic polymeric material.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 67 words

The device according to claim 1 where in the collar includes one or more energy directors located on one or more opposing surfaces of the end portions in the overlap area, wherein the energy directors define fusion regions for the end portions within overlapped area and are adapted to focus energy applied to the collar to the fusion regions so that the end portions are fusible together.

Claim 10

Independent Claim 253 words

A device for securing one or more elongated members, comprising: a collar disposed about a central region, said central region extending along a central axis for containing at least a portion of said elongated members aligned with said central axis, wherein said collar extends circumferentially between two end portions, said collar having an outermost surface and an innermost surface extending between said end portions, wherein said collar is made of a flexible, fusible material and is deformable into a nominally closed position so that said end portions of said collar overlap so that regions of said innermost surface and said outermost surface are opposite each other forming overlapping portions, wherein the surfaces of said overlapping portions are substantially smooth and wherein the amount of overlapping is selectively adjustable, wherein said overlapping portions of said collar are adapted to fuse to each other around said central region upon application of sufficient energy to at least one of said overlapping portions of said collar, wherein the elongated members comprise surgical sutures made of a fusible material, and wherein the collar includes one or more energy directors extending from said innermost surface of the collar into the central region, wherein the energy directors define fusion regions of said surgical sutures and collar and are adapted to focus energy applied to the collar to the fusion regions so that one or more of said surgical sutures and collar are fusible together at the fusion regions in a knotless weld upon application of sufficient energy to the collar.

Claim 11

Independent Claim 253 words

A device for securing one or more elongated members, comprising: a collar disposed about a central region, said central region extending along a central axis for containing at least a portion of said elongated members aligned with said central axis, wherein said collar extends circumferentially between two end portions, said collar having an outermost surface and an innermost surface extending between said end portions, wherein said collar is made of a flexible, fusible material and is deformable into a nominally closed position so that said end portions of said collar overlap so that regions of said innermost surface and said outermost surface are opposite each other forming overlapping portions, wherein the surfaces of said overlapping portions are substantially smooth and wherein the amount of overlapping is selectively adjustable, wherein said overlapping portions of said collar are adapted to fuse to each other around said central region upon application of sufficient energy to at least one of said overlapping portions of said collar, wherein the elongated members comprise surgical sutures made of a fusible material, and wherein the collar includes one or more energy directors extending from said innermost surface of the collar into the central region, wherein the energy directors define fusion regions of said surgical sutures and collar and are adapted to focus energy applied to the collar to the fusion regions so that one or more of said surgical sutures and collar are fusible together at the fusion regions in a knotless weld upon application of sufficient energy to the collar.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 24 words

The device according to claim 9 wherein the elongated members comprise a band of material adapted for securing a plurality of anatomical structures together.

Claim 13

Independent Claim 205 words

A device for securing one or more elongated members, comprising: a collar disposed about a central region, said central region extending along a central axis for containing at least a portion of said elongated members aligned with said central axis, wherein said collar extends circumferentially between two end portions, said collar having an outermost surface and an innermost surface extending between said end portions, wherein said collar is made of a flexible, fusible material and is deformable into a nominally closed position so that said end portions of said collar overlap so that regions of said innermost surface and said outermost surface are opposite each other forming overlapping portions, wherein the surfaces of said overapping portions are substantially smooth and wherein the amount of overlapping is selectively adustable, wherein the collar includes one or more energy directors located on one or more opposing surfaces of the overlapping portions, said energy directors defining fusion regions for the end portions within the overlapped portions and are adapted to focus energy applied to the collar to the fusion regions so that the end portions are fusible together and around said central region upon application of sufficient energy to at least one of said overlapping portions of said collar.

Claim 14

Independent Claim 205 words

A device for securing one or more elongated members, comprising: a collar disposed about a central region, said central region extending along a central axis for containing at least a portion of said elongated members aligned with said central axis, wherein said collar extends circumferentially between two end portions, said collar having an outermost surface and an innermost surface extending between said end portions, wherein said collar is made of a flexible, fusible material and is deformable into a nominally closed position so that said end portions of said collar overlap so that regions of said innermost surface and said outermost surface are opposite each other forming overlapping portions, wherein the surfaces of said overapping portions are substantially smooth and wherein the amount of overlapping is selectively adustable, wherein the collar includes one or more energy directors located on one or more opposing surfaces of the overlapping portions, said energy directors defining fusion regions for the end portions within the overlapped portions and are adapted to focus energy applied to the collar to the fusion regions so that the end portions are fusible together and around said central region upon application of sufficient energy to at least one of said overlapping portions of said collar.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 48 words

The device according to claim 11 wherein the elongated members comprise surgical sutures made of a fusible material, wherein the sutures are adapted to fuse to at least one of the collar and to one another in a knotless weld upon application of sufficient energy to the collar.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 258 words

A kit for securing one or more elongated living tissue structures, the kit comprising: a collar having a C-shape, said collar being disposed about a central region, said central region extending along a central axis for containing at least a portion of said elongated members aligned with said central axis, wherein said collar extends circumferentially between two end portions, said collar having an innermost surface and an outermost surface, said surfaces extending between said end portions, said collar being resilient so that after cessation of a deforming force, said collar returns to substantially said C-shape, is made of a flexible, fusible material, and wherein said collar is deformable into a nominally closed position so that said end portions of said collar overlap so that regions of said innermost surface and said outermost surface are opposite each other forming overlapping portions, wherein the surfaces of said overlapping portions are substantially smooth and wherein the amount of overlapping is selectively adjustable, and wherein said overlapping portions of said collar are adapted to fuse to each other around said central region upon application of sufficient energy to at least one of said overlapping portions of said collar; and a fusing tool for compressing the collar around the tissue structures so that the tissue structures are securely retained within the central region, and for applying energy to the collar to fuse the overlapped portions together, wherein the fusing tool includes an energy source, a welding head for effecting the fusion, and an end effect for supporting the collar during compression and fusion.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 258 words

A kit for securing one or more elongated living tissue structures, the kit comprising: a collar having a C-shape, said collar being disposed about a central region, said central region extending along a central axis for containing at least a portion of said elongated members aligned with said central axis, wherein said collar extends circumferentially between two end portions, said collar having an innermost surface and an outermost surface, said surfaces extending between said end portions, said collar being resilient so that after cessation of a deforming force, said collar returns to substantially said C-shape, is made of a flexible, fusible material, and wherein said collar is deformable into a nominally closed position so that said end portions of said collar overlap so that regions of said innermost surface and said outermost surface are opposite each other forming overlapping portions, wherein the surfaces of said overlapping portions are substantially smooth and wherein the amount of overlapping is selectively adjustable, and wherein said overlapping portions of said collar are adapted to fuse to each other around said central region upon application of sufficient energy to at least one of said overlapping portions of said collar; and a fusing tool for compressing the collar around the tissue structures so that the tissue structures are securely retained within the central region, and for applying energy to the collar to fuse the overlapped portions together, wherein the fusing tool includes an energy source, a welding head for effecting the fusion, and an end effect for supporting the collar during compression and fusion.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 43 words

The kit according to claim 13 wherein the energy source is an ultrasonic transducer, and the fusing tool further includes a welding horn extending between the ultrasonic transducer and the welding head for transmitting ultrasonic energy from the transducer to the welding head.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 34 words

A kit according to claim 14 wherein the end effector includes one or more jaw members adapted for selective deployment around at least a portion of the collar to form an ultrasonic welding anvil.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 25 words

A kit according to claim 15 , wherein the end effector includes a pair of opposed jaws which are moveable with respect to each other.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 23 words

A kit according to claim 15 , wherein the end effector includes a pair of jaws which are resiliently biased toward each other.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 259 words

A kit for joining a plurality of surgical sutures together without a knot, the kit comprising: a collar having a C-shape, said collar being disposed about a central region, said central region extending along a central axis for containing at least a portion of said elongated members aligned with said central axis, wherein said collar extends circumferentially between two end portions, said collar having an innermost surface and an outermost surface, said surfaces extending between said end portions, said collar being resilient so that after cessation of a deforming force, said collar returns to substantially said C-shape, is made of a flexible, fusible material, and wherein said collar is deformable into a nominally closed position so that said end portions of said collar overlap so that regions of said innermost surface and said outermost surface are opposite each other forming overlapping portions, wherein the surfaces of said overlapping portions are substantially smooth and wherein the amount of overlapping is selectively adjustable, and wherein the overlapping portions of the collar are adapted to fuse to each other around the central region upon application of sufficient energy to at least one of the overlapping portions of the collar; a fusing tool for compressing the collar around the surgical sutures so that the surgical sutures are securely retained within the central region, and for applying energy to the collar to fuse the overlapped portions together, wherein the fusing tool includes an energy source, a welding head for effecting the fusion, and an end effector for supporting the collar during compression and fusion.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 259 words

A kit for joining a plurality of surgical sutures together without a knot, the kit comprising: a collar having a C-shape, said collar being disposed about a central region, said central region extending along a central axis for containing at least a portion of said elongated members aligned with said central axis, wherein said collar extends circumferentially between two end portions, said collar having an innermost surface and an outermost surface, said surfaces extending between said end portions, said collar being resilient so that after cessation of a deforming force, said collar returns to substantially said C-shape, is made of a flexible, fusible material, and wherein said collar is deformable into a nominally closed position so that said end portions of said collar overlap so that regions of said innermost surface and said outermost surface are opposite each other forming overlapping portions, wherein the surfaces of said overlapping portions are substantially smooth and wherein the amount of overlapping is selectively adjustable, and wherein the overlapping portions of the collar are adapted to fuse to each other around the central region upon application of sufficient energy to at least one of the overlapping portions of the collar; a fusing tool for compressing the collar around the surgical sutures so that the surgical sutures are securely retained within the central region, and for applying energy to the collar to fuse the overlapped portions together, wherein the fusing tool includes an energy source, a welding head for effecting the fusion, and an end effector for supporting the collar during compression and fusion.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 72 words

A kit according to claim 18 wherein the energy source is an ultrasonic transducer, and the fusing tool further includes a welding horn extending between the ultrasonic transducer and the welding head for transmitting ultrasonic energy from the transducer to the welding head, and wherein the end effector includes one or more jaw members adapted for selective deployment around at least a portion of the collar to form an ultrasonic welding anvil.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 25 words

A kit according to claim 19 , wherein the end effector includes a pair of opposed jaws which are moveable with respect to each other.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 22 words

A kit according to claim 19 , wherein the end effector includes a pair of jaws which resiliently biased toward each other.

Claim 27

Independent Claim 256 words

A method for securing one or more elongated members together, comprising the steps of: providing a collar having a C-shape, said collar being disposed about a central region, said central region extending along a central axis for containing at least a portion of said elongated members aligned with said central axis, wherein said collar extends circumferentially between two end portions, said collar having an innermost surface and an outermost surface, said surfaces extending between said end portions, said collar being resilient so that after cessation of a deforming force, said collar returns to substantially said C-shape, is made of a flexible, fusible material, and wherein said collar is deformable into a nominally closed position so that said end portions of said collar overlap so that regions of said innermost surface and said outermost surface are opposite each other forming overlapping portions, wherein the surfaces of said overlapping portions are substantially smooth and wherein the amount of overlapping is selectively adjustable, and wherein the overlapping portions of the collar are adapted to fuse to each other around the central region upon application of sufficient energy to at least one of the overlapping portions of the collar; encircling the elongated members to be joined with the collar; compressing the collar around the elongated members so that the end portions of the collar overlap one another; and applying sufficient energy to the overlapping portions of the collar while the collar is compressed so as to fuse the overlapping portions of the collar to each other around the elongated members.

Claim 28

Independent Claim 256 words

A method for securing one or more elongated members together, comprising the steps of: providing a collar having a C-shape, said collar being disposed about a central region, said central region extending along a central axis for containing at least a portion of said elongated members aligned with said central axis, wherein said collar extends circumferentially between two end portions, said collar having an innermost surface and an outermost surface, said surfaces extending between said end portions, said collar being resilient so that after cessation of a deforming force, said collar returns to substantially said C-shape, is made of a flexible, fusible material, and wherein said collar is deformable into a nominally closed position so that said end portions of said collar overlap so that regions of said innermost surface and said outermost surface are opposite each other forming overlapping portions, wherein the surfaces of said overlapping portions are substantially smooth and wherein the amount of overlapping is selectively adjustable, and wherein the overlapping portions of the collar are adapted to fuse to each other around the central region upon application of sufficient energy to at least one of the overlapping portions of the collar; encircling the elongated members to be joined with the collar; compressing the collar around the elongated members so that the end portions of the collar overlap one another; and applying sufficient energy to the overlapping portions of the collar while the collar is compressed so as to fuse the overlapping portions of the collar to each other around the elongated members.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 25 words

The method according to claim 22 wherein one elongated member is compressed by the collar to restrict the flow of fluid through the elongated member.

Claim 30

Independent Claim 197 words

A method for joining a plurality of polymeric surgical sutures together in a knotless weld, comprising the steps of: a collar disposed about a central recion, the central region extending along a central axis, for containing at least a portion of the polymeric surgical sutures aligned with the central axis, wherein the collar extends circumferentially between two end portions and is made of a flexible, fusible material, and wherein the collar is biasable into a nominally closed position so that the end portions of the collar overlap, and wherein the overlapping portions of the collar are adapted to fuse to each other around the central region upon application of sufficient eniergy to at least one of the overlapping portions of the collar; and encircling a plurality of surgical sutures to be joined together with the collar; compressing the collar around the sutures so that the end portions of the collar overlap one another and contact the sutures; and applying sufficient energy to the overlapped portions of the collar while the collar is compressed around the sutures to fuse the overlapped portions of the collar to each other and portions of the collar to portions of the sutures.

Claim 31

Independent Claim 197 words

A method for joining a plurality of polymeric surgical sutures together in a knotless weld, comprising the steps of: a collar disposed about a central recion, the central region extending along a central axis, for containing at least a portion of the polymeric surgical sutures aligned with the central axis, wherein the collar extends circumferentially between two end portions and is made of a flexible, fusible material, and wherein the collar is biasable into a nominally closed position so that the end portions of the collar overlap, and wherein the overlapping portions of the collar are adapted to fuse to each other around the central region upon application of sufficient eniergy to at least one of the overlapping portions of the collar; and encircling a plurality of surgical sutures to be joined together with the collar; compressing the collar around the sutures so that the end portions of the collar overlap one another and contact the sutures; and applying sufficient energy to the overlapped portions of the collar while the collar is compressed around the sutures to fuse the overlapped portions of the collar to each other and portions of the collar to portions of the sutures.

Claim 32

Independent Claim 222 words

A device for securing one or more elongated members, comprising: a collar assembly disposable about a central region, said central region extending along a central axis for containing at least a portion of said elongated members aligned with said central axis, wherein said collar assembly includes two U-shaped cross-sectioned elements, each extending between a first end portion and a second end portion and each having a innermost surface and an outermost surface extending between said end portions, wherein said U-shaped elements are adapted to interfit to extend circumferentially about said central region, with said first end portions mutually adjacent and said second end portions mutually adjacent, being made of a flexible, fusible material, and wherein said collar assembly, when interfit, is deformable into a nominally closed position so that said first end portions of said U-shaped elements overlap, and said second end portions of said U-shaped elements overlap, so that said innermost surfaces and said outermost surfaces are opposite each other forming an overlap area, wherein the surfaces of said overlapping portions are substantially smooth and wherein the amount of overlapping is selectively adjustable, and wherein said overlapping end portions of said U-shaped elements are adapted to fuse to each other around said central region upon application of sufficient energy to at least one of said overlapping portions of said collar assembly.

Claim 33

Independent Claim 222 words

A device for securing one or more elongated members, comprising: a collar assembly disposable about a central region, said central region extending along a central axis for containing at least a portion of said elongated members aligned with said central axis, wherein said collar assembly includes two U-shaped cross-sectioned elements, each extending between a first end portion and a second end portion and each having a innermost surface and an outermost surface extending between said end portions, wherein said U-shaped elements are adapted to interfit to extend circumferentially about said central region, with said first end portions mutually adjacent and said second end portions mutually adjacent, being made of a flexible, fusible material, and wherein said collar assembly, when interfit, is deformable into a nominally closed position so that said first end portions of said U-shaped elements overlap, and said second end portions of said U-shaped elements overlap, so that said innermost surfaces and said outermost surfaces are opposite each other forming an overlap area, wherein the surfaces of said overlapping portions are substantially smooth and wherein the amount of overlapping is selectively adjustable, and wherein said overlapping end portions of said U-shaped elements are adapted to fuse to each other around said central region upon application of sufficient energy to at least one of said overlapping portions of said collar assembly.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 51 words

The device according to claim 25 , wherein the elongated members comprise surgical sutures made of a fusible material, wherein the sutures are adapted to fuse to at least one to the collar assembly and to one another in a knotless weld upon application of sufficient energy to the collar assembly.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 83 words

The device according to claim 26 , wherein one or both U-shaped elements include one or more energy directors extending from said innermost surface of said one or both U-shaped elements into the central region, wherein the energy directors define fusion regions of the sutures and the collar assembly and are adapted to focus energy applied to the collar assembly to the fusion regions so that one or more of the elongated members and collar assembly are fusible together at the fusion regions.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 24 words

The device according to claim 27 wherein the elongated members comprise a band of material adapted for securing a plurality of anatoimical structures together.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 71 words

The device according to claim 25 wherein one or both U-shaped elements include one or more energy directors located on one or more opposing surfaces of the end portions thereof in the overlap area, wherein the energy directors define fusion regions for the end portions within overlap area and are adapted to focus energy applied to the collar assembly to the fusion regions so that the end portions are fusible together.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 50 words

The device according to claim 29 wherein the elongated members comprise surgical sutures made of a fusible material, wherein the sutures are adapted to fuse to at least one of the collar assembly and to one another in a knotless weld upon application of sufficient energy to the collar assembly.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 44 words

The device according to claim 24 wherein the collar assembly includes one or more protrusions extending from said innermost surface of one or both u-shaped elements into the central region when interfit and are adapted to secure the elongated members within the central region.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 18 words

The device according to claim 25 , wherein the energy applied to the collar assembly is ultrasonic energy.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 31 words

The device according to claim 25 , wherein the energy applied to the collar assembly is selected from the group consisting of thermal energy, optical energy, electrical energy and current sources.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 18 words

The device according to claim 25 , wherein the collar assembly is made of a thermoplastic polymeric material.

Claim 43

Independent Claim 190 words

A device for securing one or more elongated living tissue structures, comprising: a collar having a C-shape, said collar being resilient so that after cessation of a deforming force, said collar returns to substantially said C-shape, said collar being disposed about a central region, said central region extending along a central axis for containing at least a portion of said living tissue structures aligned with said central axis, wherein said collar extends circumferentially between two end portions said collar having an innermost surface and an outermost surface extending between said end portions, and is made of a flexible, fusible material, and wherein said collar is deformable into a nominally closed position so that said end portions of said collar overlap so that regions of said innermost and outermost surfaces are opposite each other forming overlapping portions, wherein the surfaces of said overlapping portions are substantially smooth and wherein the amount of overlapping is selectively adjustable, and wherein said overlapping portions of said collar are adapted to fuse to each other around said central region upon application of sufficient energy to at least one of said overlapping portions of said collar.

Claim 44

Independent Claim 190 words

A device for securing one or more elongated living tissue structures, comprising: a collar having a C-shape, said collar being resilient so that after cessation of a deforming force, said collar returns to substantially said C-shape, said collar being disposed about a central region, said central region extending along a central axis for containing at least a portion of said living tissue structures aligned with said central axis, wherein said collar extends circumferentially between two end portions said collar having an innermost surface and an outermost surface extending between said end portions, and is made of a flexible, fusible material, and wherein said collar is deformable into a nominally closed position so that said end portions of said collar overlap so that regions of said innermost and outermost surfaces are opposite each other forming overlapping portions, wherein the surfaces of said overlapping portions are substantially smooth and wherein the amount of overlapping is selectively adjustable, and wherein said overlapping portions of said collar are adapted to fuse to each other around said central region upon application of sufficient energy to at least one of said overlapping portions of said collar.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 52 words

The device according to claim 35 , wherein the collar includes one or more energy directors extending from said innermost surface of the collar into the central region, wherein the energy directors define fusion regions of the collar and are adapted to focus energy applied to the collar to the fusion regions.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 39 words

The device according to claim 35 wherein the collar includes one or more protrusions extending from said innermost surface of the collar into the central region and are adapted to secure the living tissue structures within the central region.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 17 words

The device according to claim 35 , wherein the energy applied to the collar is ultrasonic energy.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 30 words

The device according to claim 35 , wherein the energy applied to the collar is selected from the group consisting of thermal energy, optical energy, electrical energy and current sources.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 17 words

The device according to claim 35 , wherein the collar is made of a thermoplastic polymeric material.

Claim 50

Independent Claim 221 words

A device for securing one or more living tissue structures, comprising: a collar assembly disposable about a central region, said central region extending along a central axis for containing at least a portion of said elongated members aligned with said central axis, wherein said collar assembly includes two U-shaped cross-sectioned elements, each extending between a first end portion and a second end portion and each having an innermost surface and an outermost surface extending between said end portions, wherein said U-shaped elements are adapted to interfit to extend circumferentially about said central region, with said first end portions mutually adjacent and said second end portions mutually adjacent, being made of a flexible, fusible material, and wherein said collar assembly, when interfit deformable into a norninally closed position so that said first end portions of said U-shaped elements overlap, and said second end portions of said U-shaped elements overlap, so that said innermost surfaces and said outermost surfaces are opposite each other forming overlap areas, wherein the surfaces of said overlapping portions are substantially smooth and wherein the amount of overlapping is selectively adjustable, and wherein said overlapping end portions of said U-shaped elements are adapted to fuse to each other around said central region upon application of sufficient energy to at least one of said overlapping portions of said collar assembly.

Claim 51

Independent Claim 221 words

A device for securing one or more living tissue structures, comprising: a collar assembly disposable about a central region, said central region extending along a central axis for containing at least a portion of said elongated members aligned with said central axis, wherein said collar assembly includes two U-shaped cross-sectioned elements, each extending between a first end portion and a second end portion and each having an innermost surface and an outermost surface extending between said end portions, wherein said U-shaped elements are adapted to interfit to extend circumferentially about said central region, with said first end portions mutually adjacent and said second end portions mutually adjacent, being made of a flexible, fusible material, and wherein said collar assembly, when interfit deformable into a norninally closed position so that said first end portions of said U-shaped elements overlap, and said second end portions of said U-shaped elements overlap, so that said innermost surfaces and said outermost surfaces are opposite each other forming overlap areas, wherein the surfaces of said overlapping portions are substantially smooth and wherein the amount of overlapping is selectively adjustable, and wherein said overlapping end portions of said U-shaped elements are adapted to fuse to each other around said central region upon application of sufficient energy to at least one of said overlapping portions of said collar assembly.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 73 words

The device according to claim 41 , wherein one or both U-shaped elements include one or more energy directors extending from said innermost surfaces of said one or both U-shaped elements into the central region, wherein the energy directors define fusion regions of the collar assembly and are adapted to focus energy applied to the collar assembly to the fusion regions so that the collar assembly are fusible together at the fusion regions.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 45 words

The device according to claim 41 wherein the collar assembly includes one or more protrusions extending from said innermost surface of one or both u-shaped elements into the central region when interfit and are adapted to secure the living tissue structures within the central region.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 18 words

The device according to claim 41 , wherein the energy applied to the collar assembly is ultrasonic energy.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 31 words

The device according to claim 41 , wherein the energy applied to the collar assembly is selected from the group consisting of thermal energy, optical energy, electrical energy and current sources.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 18 words

The device according to claim 41 , wherein the collar assembly is made of a thermoplastic polymeric material.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2005-06-24	2005-12-24	2006-06-25	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2009-06-24	2009-12-24	2010-06-25	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2013-06-24	2013-12-24	2014-06-25	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Devices and methods for securing sutures and ligatures without knots

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