Method of using ultrasonic vibration to secure body tissue with fastening element

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 method of using ultrasonic vibratory energy to secure an object within a body, the method comprising:
providing a polymeric fastening element having a base portion and first and second arm portions, the base and first arm portions connected together to form a first recess and a first opening into the first recess, the first arm having a first detent portion extending into the first opening, the first detent portion operative to narrow the first opening, to partially block the first opening; and the base and second arm portions connected together to form a second recess and a second opening into the second recess, the second arm having a second detent portion extending into the second opening, the second detent portion operative to narrow the second opening, to partially block the second opening; passing a first portion of the object larger than said narrowed first opening through the first opening thereby pushing the first detent portion and resiliently bending the first arm to widen the first opening sufficiently for the first portion of the object to pass through the first opening past the first detent portion, whereby the first arm resiliently returns to a position narrowing the first opening, the first detent portion thereby operating to retain the first portion of the object within the first recess; applying ultrasonic vibratory energy to the fastening element to heat the polymeric material such that the material becomes moldable and flows when subjected to pressure; interrupting the application of ultrasonic vibratory energy such that as the heated material of the first side cools, a bond between the fastening element and the object is formed.