Compact line locks and methods

摘要

A line lock includes a body at least partially bounding two passageways that cooperate to receive a locking portion of a line such as a suture in such a manner that the locking portion can only be drawn through the passageways along one direction. A second suture locking portion may also be received by the passageways, or by one of the two passageways in combination with a third passageway. The body may have an elongated, compact shape that is easily implantable in the body.

主权项

1. A system comprising:
a line, wherein the line comprises a standing portion, a working portion, and a locking portion between the standing and working portions, wherein the locking portion comprises a compression section and a compressed section; and a line lock, wherein the line lock comprises a body, a primary passageway, and a working passageway, wherein the line lock comprises a hollow chamber at least partially bounded within the body, wherein the body comprises a top wall and an opposing bottom wall, wherein the primary and working passageways extend through the bottom wall to communicate with the chamber; wherein the locking portion is routed through the primary and working passageways so that the compressed section is disposed between the compression section and the body, such that the line slides through the line lock in response to tension on the line in a first direction so that the working portion lengthens and the standing portion shortens, and such that the line passively locks in response to tension on the line in a second direction, wherein the second direction is opposite the first direction, wherein the compression section biases the compressed section against the body in response to tension on the line in the second direction.