Method and device for securing body tissue

摘要

A suture and a suture retainer are positioned relative to body tissue. Energy is utilized to heat the suture retainer and effect a securing 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. An implantable fastener for securing an object relative to a body tissue within the body, comprising:
a first section including a first surface and an extension member projection extending from said first surface, and a second section including a second surface with a recess and a projection configured to contact the first surface and resist movement of the first surface toward the second surface, the second surface opposing the first surface and being configured to receive at least a portion of the extension member in the recess, and the extension member projection and a surface of the recess configured to be bondable together with the application of energy, wherein the extension member projection is configured to shorten in length when the first and second sections are bonded together.