US6585730B1 — Method and apparatus for attaching connective tis…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 142 words

A bone anchor device for attaching connective tissue to bone, comprising: an outer body having an outer surface and having a protrusion thereon extending outwardly to anchor said outer body in a bone; a lumen extending axially through said outer body, said lumen being defined by inner walls and having a smaller cross-section in a proximal portion of said outer body than in a distal portion thereof, such that at least portions of said inner walls taper inwardly in a proximal direction; and an elongated wedge member disposed in a distal end of said lumen, said wedge member having outer walls which taper inwardly in a proximal direction there along, such that a proximal portion of said wedge member has a smaller cross-section than a distal portion of said wedge member, said wedge member being axially movable in said lumen distal end.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 142 words

A bone anchor device for attaching connective tissue to bone, comprising: an outer body having an outer surface and having a protrusion thereon extending outwardly to anchor said outer body in a bone; a lumen extending axially through said outer body, said lumen being defined by inner walls and having a smaller cross-section in a proximal portion of said outer body than in a distal portion thereof, such that at least portions of said inner walls taper inwardly in a proximal direction; and an elongated wedge member disposed in a distal end of said lumen, said wedge member having outer walls which taper inwardly in a proximal direction there along, such that a proximal portion of said wedge member has a smaller cross-section than a distal portion of said wedge member, said wedge member being axially movable in said lumen distal end.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 16 words

The bone anchor device as recited in claim 1 , wherein said protrusion comprises a thread.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 20 words

The bone anchor device as recited in claim 1 , wherein said protrusion comprises a plurality of outwardly extendable ribs.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 37 words

The bone anchor device as recited in claim 1 , and further comprising a lumen extending axially through said wedge member, in substantially the same directional orientation as said outer body lumen, for receiving a suture therein.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 22 words

The bone anchor device as recited in claim 1 , wherein said wedge member comprises a distal end having a curved surface.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 39 words

The bone anchor device as recited in claim 1 , wherein the tapered proximal surface of said wedge member and said inwardly tapered lumen internal wall together define a tapered distal lumen which communicates with said outer body lumen.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 140 words

The bone anchor device as recited in claim 6 , and further comprising a suture extending through said outer body lumen and around a distal surface of said wedge member, said suture including a free end extending proximally out of said bone anchor device and a bound end attached to soft tissue to be secured to said bone, wherein when said free end is placed in tension by a proximally directed force, the suture travels about said wedge member until increased tension on said bound end causes said suture to move said wedge member axially in a proximal direction, the proximal axial travel of said wedge member continuing until the proximal surface of the wedge member has moved into sufficient proximity to the inwardly tapered internal lumen wall to pinch a length of said suture in said tapered distal lumen.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 198 words

A bone anchor device for attaching connective tissue to bone, comprising: an outer body; a lumen extending axially through said outer body, wherein inner walls which define said lumen in a proximal portion of said outer body extend inwardly relative to inner walls which define said lumen in a portion of said outer body distal to said proximal portion; a suture clamping member comprising a wedge member which is axially movable in said lumen distal portion; and a suture extending through said lumen and around a distal surface of said wedge member, said suture including a free end extending proximally out of said bone anchor device and a bound end attached to soft tissue to be secured to said bone, wherein when said free end is placed in tension by a proximally directed force, the suture travels about said wedge member until increased tension on said bound end causes said suture to move said wedge member axially in a proximal direction, the proximal axial travel of said wedge member continuing until the proximal surface of the wedge member has moved into sufficient proximity to the inwardly extending internal lumen wall to pinch a length of said suture therebetween.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 198 words

A bone anchor device for attaching connective tissue to bone, comprising: an outer body; a lumen extending axially through said outer body, wherein inner walls which define said lumen in a proximal portion of said outer body extend inwardly relative to inner walls which define said lumen in a portion of said outer body distal to said proximal portion; a suture clamping member comprising a wedge member which is axially movable in said lumen distal portion; and a suture extending through said lumen and around a distal surface of said wedge member, said suture including a free end extending proximally out of said bone anchor device and a bound end attached to soft tissue to be secured to said bone, wherein when said free end is placed in tension by a proximally directed force, the suture travels about said wedge member until increased tension on said bound end causes said suture to move said wedge member axially in a proximal direction, the proximal axial travel of said wedge member continuing until the proximal surface of the wedge member has moved into sufficient proximity to the inwardly extending internal lumen wall to pinch a length of said suture therebetween.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 17 words

The bone anchor device as recited in claim 8 wherein said wedge member distal surface is curved.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 34 words

The bone anchor device as recited in claim 8 , wherein said outer body has an outer surface, said outer surface having outwardly extendable ribs disposed thereon for anchoring said outer body in bone.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 26 words

The bone anchor device as recited in claim 8 , and further comprising a lumen extending axially through said wedge member for receiving a suture therein.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 175 words

A bone anchor device for attaching connective tissue to bone, comprising: an outer body having an open distal end; a lumen extending axially through said outer body, wherein inner walls which define said lumen in a proximal portion of said outer body extend inwardly relative to inner walls which define said lumen in a portion of said outer body distal to said proximal portion; a suture clamping member having an outer surface, said suture clamping member being disposed in said lumen distal end and being axially movable therein; and complementary engaging structure disposed on each of said suture clamping member outer surface and said lumen inner surface for retaining said suture clamping member in said lumen distal end when the bone anchor device is not in a portion of bone, said complementary engaging structure comprising a pin disposed on one of said suture clamping member outer surface and said lumen inner surface, and a recess for receiving the pin disposed on the other of said suture clamping member outer surface and said lumen inner surface.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 175 words

A bone anchor device for attaching connective tissue to bone, comprising: an outer body having an open distal end; a lumen extending axially through said outer body, wherein inner walls which define said lumen in a proximal portion of said outer body extend inwardly relative to inner walls which define said lumen in a portion of said outer body distal to said proximal portion; a suture clamping member having an outer surface, said suture clamping member being disposed in said lumen distal end and being axially movable therein; and complementary engaging structure disposed on each of said suture clamping member outer surface and said lumen inner surface for retaining said suture clamping member in said lumen distal end when the bone anchor device is not in a portion of bone, said complementary engaging structure comprising a pin disposed on one of said suture clamping member outer surface and said lumen inner surface, and a recess for receiving the pin disposed on the other of said suture clamping member outer surface and said lumen inner surface.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 125 words

A bone anchor device for attaching connective tissue to bone, comprising: an outer body having an outer surface; a lumen extending axially through said outer body, wherein inner walls which define said lumen in a proximal portion of said outer body extend inwardly relative to inner walls which define said lumen in a portion of said outer body distal to said proximal portion; a suture clamping member disposed in said lumen distal portion and being axially movable therein; and at least one outwardly extendable rib disposed on said outer body outer surface for anchoring said outer body into surrounding bone, wherein said inner walls which define said outer body lumen do not move outwardly when said at least one outwardly extendable rib is extended outwardly.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 125 words

A bone anchor device for attaching connective tissue to bone, comprising: an outer body having an outer surface; a lumen extending axially through said outer body, wherein inner walls which define said lumen in a proximal portion of said outer body extend inwardly relative to inner walls which define said lumen in a portion of said outer body distal to said proximal portion; a suture clamping member disposed in said lumen distal portion and being axially movable therein; and at least one outwardly extendable rib disposed on said outer body outer surface for anchoring said outer body into surrounding bone, wherein said inner walls which define said outer body lumen do not move outwardly when said at least one outwardly extendable rib is extended outwardly.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 25 words

The bone anchor device as recited in claim 13 , wherein said at least one outwardly extendable rib comprises a plurality of outwardly extendable ribs.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 29 words

The bone anchor device as recited in claim 13 , said suture clamping member comprising a wedge member having outer walls which taper inwardly in a proximal direction therealong.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 158 words

The bone anchor device as recited in claim 13 , and further comprising a suture extending through said lumen and around a distal surface of said suture clamping member, said suture including a free end extending proximally out of said bone anchor device and a bound end attached to soft tissue to be secured to said bone, wherein when said free end is placed in tension by a proximally directed force, the suture travels about said suture clamping member until increased tension on said bound end causes said suture to move said suture clamping member axially in a proximal direction, the proximal axial travel of said suture clamping member continuing until a proximal surface of the suture clamping member has moved into sufficient proximity to the inwardly extending internal lumen wall to pinch a length of said suture in a tapered distal lumen disposed between said suture clamping member proximal surface and the inwardly extending internal lumen wall.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 38 words

The bone anchor device as recited in claim 13 , wherein said outer body comprises a distal anchor portion and said device further comprises a proximal driver portion connected to a proximal end of said distal anchor portion.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 28 words

The bone anchor device as recited in claim 17 , wherein said proximal driver portion comprises an actuator for outwardly extending said at least one outwardly extendable rib.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 73 words

The bone anchor device as recited in claim 18 , wherein the connecting joint between said distal anchor portion and said proximal driver portion includes a designed failure point, so that upon deployment of said at least one outwardly extendable rib to its extended position, additional force may be applied to separate the driver portion from the anchor portion so that only the driver portion may be proximally removed from the patient's body.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 108 words

A bone anchor device for attaching connective tissue to bone, comprising: a distal wedge anchor portion comprising an outer body having an outer surface, on which an outwardly deployable anchoring element is situated; a proximal driver portion connected to said distal wedge anchor portion at a proximal end thereof, said driver portion including an actuator for deploying said anchoring element outwardly, wherein the connection between said proximal driver portion and said distal wedge anchor portion is releasable once the anchoring element has been deployed; a suture clamping member movable within said distal wedge anchor portion; and a length of suture disposed in proximity to said suture clamping member.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 108 words

A bone anchor device for attaching connective tissue to bone, comprising: a distal wedge anchor portion comprising an outer body having an outer surface, on which an outwardly deployable anchoring element is situated; a proximal driver portion connected to said distal wedge anchor portion at a proximal end thereof, said driver portion including an actuator for deploying said anchoring element outwardly, wherein the connection between said proximal driver portion and said distal wedge anchor portion is releasable once the anchoring element has been deployed; a suture clamping member movable within said distal wedge anchor portion; and a length of suture disposed in proximity to said suture clamping member.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 68 words

The bone anchor device as recited in claim 20 , and further comprising a designed failure point in the connection between the proximal driver portion and the distal wedge anchor portion, so that upon deployment of said anchoring element outwardly, additional force may be applied to separate the driver portion from the anchor portion so that only the driver portion may be proximally removed from the patient's body.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 79 words

The bone anchor device as recited in claim 20 , said distal wedge anchor portion further comprising a lumen extending axially through said outer body, wherein inner walls which define said lumen in a proximal portion of said outer body taper inwardly relative to inner walls which define said lumen in a portion of said outer body distal to said proximal portion; and said suture clamping member is disposed in said lumen distal portion and is axially movable therein.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 158 words

The bone anchor device as recited in claim 22 , wherein said length of suture extends through said lumen and around a distal surface of said suture clamping member, said suture including a free end extending proximally out of said bone anchor device and a bound end attached to soft tissue to be secured to said bone, wherein when said free end is placed in tension by a proximally directed force, the suture travels about said suture clamping member until increased tension on said bound end causes said suture to move said suture clamping member axially in a proximal direction, the proximal axial travel of said suture clamping member continuing until a proximal surface of the suture clamping member has moved into sufficient proximity to the inwardly extending internal lumen wall to pinch a length of said suture in a tapered distal lumen disposed between said suture clamping member proximal surface and the inwardly extending internal lumen wall.

Claim 29

Independent Claim 198 words

A method for securing connective tissue to bone, comprising: securing a first end of a length of suture to a portion of soft tissue to be attached to a portion of bone; threading a second end of the length of suture through a lumen in an outer body of a bone anchor device and about an axially movable suture clamping member disposed in a distal portion of said lumen; placing said outer body in a blind hole disposed in said portion of bone; and pulling the second end of the length of suture proximally, so that the suture travels about the axially movable suture clamping member and draws the first end of the length of suture toward the bone anchor device, thereby securing the portion of soft tissue snugly to the portion of bone; wherein when the tension on the first end of the length of suture increases, as the portion of soft tissue is bound to the portion of bone, the suture clamping member is pulled proximally toward inwardly extending walls defining a portion of said lumen, thereby clamping a portion of the length of suture between the inwardly extending lumen walls and the suture anchoring device.

Claim 30

Independent Claim 198 words

A method for securing connective tissue to bone, comprising: securing a first end of a length of suture to a portion of soft tissue to be attached to a portion of bone; threading a second end of the length of suture through a lumen in an outer body of a bone anchor device and about an axially movable suture clamping member disposed in a distal portion of said lumen; placing said outer body in a blind hole disposed in said portion of bone; and pulling the second end of the length of suture proximally, so that the suture travels about the axially movable suture clamping member and draws the first end of the length of suture toward the bone anchor device, thereby securing the portion of soft tissue snugly to the portion of bone; wherein when the tension on the first end of the length of suture increases, as the portion of soft tissue is bound to the portion of bone, the suture clamping member is pulled proximally toward inwardly extending walls defining a portion of said lumen, thereby clamping a portion of the length of suture between the inwardly extending lumen walls and the suture anchoring device.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 22 words

The method as recited in claim 24 , and further comprising a step of anchoring said outer body in said blind hole.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 31 words

The method as recited in claim 25 , wherein said anchoring step is accomplished by deploying ribs disposed on an outer surface of said outer body to an outwardly extended position.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 26 words

The method as recited in claim 24 , and further comprising a step of cutting a portion of the suture second end to complete the procedure.

Claim 34

Independent Claim 175 words

A method for securing connective tissue to bone, comprising: securing a first end of a length of suture to a portion of soft tissue to be attached to a portion of bone; threading a second end of the length of suture through a lumen in an outer body of a bone anchor device and about an axially movable suture clamping member disposed in a distal portion of said lumen; inserting said bone anchor device into a blind hole disposed in said portion of bone; extending a deployable anchoring member disposed on an outer surface of said outer body outwardly to secure said bone anchor device in surrounding bone; separating a driver portion of said bone anchor device from said outer body and withdrawing said driver portion from the patient's body; and pulling the second end of the length of suture proximally, to secure the portion of soft tissue properly to the portion of bone and to anchor the suture in said outer body by moving the suture clamping member axially to a suture clamping position.

Claim 35

Independent Claim 175 words

A method for securing connective tissue to bone, comprising: securing a first end of a length of suture to a portion of soft tissue to be attached to a portion of bone; threading a second end of the length of suture through a lumen in an outer body of a bone anchor device and about an axially movable suture clamping member disposed in a distal portion of said lumen; inserting said bone anchor device into a blind hole disposed in said portion of bone; extending a deployable anchoring member disposed on an outer surface of said outer body outwardly to secure said bone anchor device in surrounding bone; separating a driver portion of said bone anchor device from said outer body and withdrawing said driver portion from the patient's body; and pulling the second end of the length of suture proximally, to secure the portion of soft tissue properly to the portion of bone and to anchor the suture in said outer body by moving the suture clamping member axially to a suture clamping position.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 140 words

A bone anchor device for attaching connective tissue to bone, comprising: a body having a longitudinal axis, a distal end, and a proximal end; a surface on said body distal end which slopes inwardly toward said axis from a distal portion of said surface toward a proximal portion thereof; a suture anchoring member which is movable axially toward and away from said sloping surface, between a proximal position and a distal position, said suture anchoring member having a distal end surface and opposing axial surfaces, said distal end and opposing axial surfaces all comprising suture receiving surfaces for contacting suture material wrapped thereabout; and a length of suture material disposed about said suture anchoring member, such that when said suture anchoring member is in said proximal position, said suture material is clamped between said suture anchoring member and body surface.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 140 words

A bone anchor device for attaching connective tissue to bone, comprising: a body having a longitudinal axis, a distal end, and a proximal end; a surface on said body distal end which slopes inwardly toward said axis from a distal portion of said surface toward a proximal portion thereof; a suture anchoring member which is movable axially toward and away from said sloping surface, between a proximal position and a distal position, said suture anchoring member having a distal end surface and opposing axial surfaces, said distal end and opposing axial surfaces all comprising suture receiving surfaces for contacting suture material wrapped thereabout; and a length of suture material disposed about said suture anchoring member, such that when said suture anchoring member is in said proximal position, said suture material is clamped between said suture anchoring member and body surface.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 30 words

The bone anchor device as recited in claim 29 , wherein said length of suture material is in physical contact with each of said distal end and opposing axial surfaces.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 38 words

The bone anchor device as recited in claim 29 , wherein one of said opposing axial surfaces is sloped so that a width of said suture anchoring member tapers from a distal end to a proximal end thereof.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 29 words

The bone anchor device as recited in claim 31 , wherein said sloped axial surface and said inwardly sloped body distal end surface together define a tapered distal lumen.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 23 words

The bone anchor device as recited in claim 1 , wherein said inner walls which define said lumen are not substantially radially expandable.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 147 words

A bone anchor device for attaching connective tissue to bone, comprising: an outer body; a lumen extending axially through said outer body, said lumen being defined by inner walls and having a smaller cross-section in a proximal portion of said outer body than in a distal portion thereof, such that at least portions of said inner walls taper inwardly in a proximal direction; a wedge member disposed in a distal end of said lumen, said wedge member having outer walls which taper inwardly in a proximal direction therealong, such that a proximal portion of said wedge member has a smaller cross-section than a distal portion of said wedge member, said wedge member being axially movable in said lumen distal end; and a lumen disposed axially in said wedge member, said wedge member lumen being disposed in a substantially same orientation as is disposed the outer body lumen.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 147 words

A bone anchor device for attaching connective tissue to bone, comprising: an outer body; a lumen extending axially through said outer body, said lumen being defined by inner walls and having a smaller cross-section in a proximal portion of said outer body than in a distal portion thereof, such that at least portions of said inner walls taper inwardly in a proximal direction; a wedge member disposed in a distal end of said lumen, said wedge member having outer walls which taper inwardly in a proximal direction therealong, such that a proximal portion of said wedge member has a smaller cross-section than a distal portion of said wedge member, said wedge member being axially movable in said lumen distal end; and a lumen disposed axially in said wedge member, said wedge member lumen being disposed in a substantially same orientation as is disposed the outer body lumen.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 131 words

A bone anchor device for attaching connective tissue to bone, comprising: an outer body; a lumen extending axially through said outer body, said lumen being defined by inner walls and having a smaller cross-section in a proximal portion of said outer body than in a distal portion thereof, such that at least portions of said inner walls taper inwardly in a proximal direction; and an elongated wedge member disposed in a distal end of said lumen, said wedge member having outer walls which taper inwardly in a proximal direction therealong, such that a proximal portion of said wedge member has a smaller cross-section than a distal portion of said wedge member, and a distal end having a curved surface, said wedge member further being axially movable in said lumen distal end.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 131 words

A bone anchor device for attaching connective tissue to bone, comprising: an outer body; a lumen extending axially through said outer body, said lumen being defined by inner walls and having a smaller cross-section in a proximal portion of said outer body than in a distal portion thereof, such that at least portions of said inner walls taper inwardly in a proximal direction; and an elongated wedge member disposed in a distal end of said lumen, said wedge member having outer walls which taper inwardly in a proximal direction therealong, such that a proximal portion of said wedge member has a smaller cross-section than a distal portion of said wedge member, and a distal end having a curved surface, said wedge member further being axially movable in said lumen distal end.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 122 words

A bone anchor device for attaching connective tissue to bone, comprising: an outer body; a lumen extending axially through said outer body, said lumen being defined by inner walls and having a smaller cross-section in a proximal portion of said outer body than in a distal portion thereof, such that at least portions of said inner walls taper inwardly in a proximal direction; and an elongated wedge member disposed in a distal end of said lumen, said wedge member having outer walls which taper inwardly in a proximal direction therealong, such that a proximal portion of said wedge member has a smaller cross-section than a distal portion of said wedge member, said wedge member being axially movable in said lumen distal end.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 122 words

A bone anchor device for attaching connective tissue to bone, comprising: an outer body; a lumen extending axially through said outer body, said lumen being defined by inner walls and having a smaller cross-section in a proximal portion of said outer body than in a distal portion thereof, such that at least portions of said inner walls taper inwardly in a proximal direction; and an elongated wedge member disposed in a distal end of said lumen, said wedge member having outer walls which taper inwardly in a proximal direction therealong, such that a proximal portion of said wedge member has a smaller cross-section than a distal portion of said wedge member, said wedge member being axially movable in said lumen distal end.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2006-06-30	2006-12-30	2007-07-01	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2010-06-30	2010-12-30	2011-07-01	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2014-06-30	2014-12-30	2015-07-01	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Method and apparatus for attaching connective tissues to bone using a knotless suture anchoring device

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