Methods for approximating a tissue defect using an anchor assembly

摘要

An insertion instrument is configured to eject one or more of anchor bodies across an anatomical gap so as to approximate the gap. The insertion instrument can include a single cannula that retains the pair of anchor bodies in a stacked relationship, or a pair of adjacent cannulas that each retains respective anchor bodies. The insertion instrument can be actuated so as to eject the anchor bodies into respective target anatomical locations.

主权项

1. A method of treating an anatomical defect, comprising:
inserting at least a portion of an anchor body at least into an anatomical location, the anchor body including an anchor body strand defining an eyelet and at least two openings, the anchor body strand including an expandable portion, the anchor body including an actuation member that extends through the at least two openings; and applying an actuation force to the actuation member along a direction away from the expandable portion so as to 1) draw the actuation member through the at least two openings, 2) cause the eyelet to be pulled through the anchor body and out of the anchor body, and 3) actuate the expandable portion from an initial configuration in which the expandable portion has an initial maximum thickness, to an expanded configuration in which the expandable portion has an expanded thickness that is greater than the initial maximum thickness.