APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR ACHILLES TENDON REPAIR

摘要

Apparatus and methods for Achilles tendon repair are described where an elongate tendon repair assembly may be introduced into a single incision to access the damaged tissue. The assembly may define a channel for receiving a portion of the tendon and which may provide support to the tissue during repair. One or more retractable needles each carrying a length of suture may be deployed within the channel for piercing through the tendon and a cinching member may secure each of the suture lengths for tensioning the suture against the damaged tendon. Once the suture lengths have been deployed, the needles may be retracted and the device removed from the incision.

主权项

1. A tissue repair apparatus, comprising:
a housing defining an elongated channel therealong; one or more needles which are movable from a first configuration where the one or more needles are absent from the channel to a second configuration where the one or more needles extend in a curved shape at least partially within the channel; one or more lengths of suture having at least one segment positionable upon a portion of the one or more needles such that the at least one segment is advanced through the channel by the portion of the one or more needles when in the second configuration; and, a locking channel positioned to receive the portion of the one or more needles at an angle and in a corresponding manner such that the at least one segment is aligned along the locking channel when in the second configuration.