Method and device for securing body tissue

摘要

A suture and a suture retainer are positioned relative to body tissue. Ultrasonic vibratory energy is utilized to heat the suture retainer and effect a bonding of portions of the suture retainer to each other and/or to the suture. Portions of the body tissue may be pressed into linear apposition with each other and held in place by cooperation between the suture and the suture retainer. The suture retainer may include one or more portions between which the suture extends. The suture retainer may include sections which have surface areas which are bonded together. If desired, the suture may be wrapped around one of the sections of the suture retainer. The suture retainer may be formed with a recess in which the suture is received. If desired, the suture retainer may be omitted and the sections of the suture bonded to each other.

主权项

1. A surgical device for securing tissue comprising:
an energy transmission member configured to contact a retainer; a tubular member including a proximal end and a distal end, the tubular member is movable along a linear path relative to the energy transmission member from a first position to a second position, the tubular member configured to engage a periphery of the retainer to position the retainer substantially transverse to a longitudinal central axis of the energy transmission member, the distal end tubular member having a flange configured such that a retainer is positionable between the flange and the energy transmission member; and a transducer positioned in the surgical device and operably connected to the energy transmission member to deliver energy to the retainer through the energy transmission member.