Implant assist apparatus.

摘要

An implant assist apparatus is disclosed for implanting material such as a suture (41) in tissue (56) to reapproximate or reinforce the tissue (56). A cannula (36) is provided having a hollow body and an open proximal (24) distal end (44). Point means (38) is detachably fixed to the open proximal end (24) of the cannula (36) for penetrating tissue (56). A method of implanting the material (41) in tissue (56) for reapproximating or reinforcing the tissue (56) with the implant assist apparatus is also disclosed whereby a length of the implant material (41) is attached to a guide wire (40) for partial containment within the cannula (36). The cannula (36) with detachable point (38) is passed into the tissue (56) at an entry point (68) remote from one side of the defect (58,62) and out an exit point (70) on the opposite side remote from the defect (58,62) such that the distal end (44) of the hollow body (36) extends from the entry point (68) and a proximal end (24) extends from the exit point (70). The detachable point (38) is removed from the cannula (36) and a guide wire (40) with implant material (41) attached is drawn out of the proximal end (24) of the hollow body (36) until the implant material (41) is exposed at both the distal (44) and proximal (24) ends of the hollow body (36). Thereafter, the cannula (36) is withdrawn from the tissue (56) leaving the implant material (41) in place and the implant material (41) is anchored (74) to reapproximate or reinforce the defect (58,62).