Suture locking device and methods

Abstract

The present invention relates to devices and methods for securing a pair of suture lengths together or for using a single strand of suture to secure tissue(s) together at an operative site in a patient without necessarily tying a knot. The suture lock device according to the present invention includes a suturing securing device having an outer body member having a lumen extending therethrough, the lumen defining a suture path through the outer body, an inner wedge member axially insertable into the outer body member to secure a portion of a suture between the wedge and the interior surface of the lock member, an outer tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the outer tube carrying the outer body member at the distal end of the outer tube, the outer tube carrying the wedge proximal to the outer body member, and a pusher member slidable within the outer tube to push the wedge into the lock member.

1 . A suture lock device usable to secure at least one end of a suture and retain the suture, the suture lock device comprising: 
 an outer body member having a proximal end, a distal end, and an aperture extending from said proximal end to said distal end, said aperture defining a suture path through said outer body; and    an inner member axially insertable into said outer body member to secure a portion of the suture between said inner member and a wall of said aperture formed in said outer body member.    
   
   
       2 . The suture lock device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein axially inserting said inner member into said outer body member frictionally engages the suture with said wall of said aperture formed in said outer body member and said inner member.  
   
   
       3 . The suture lock device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said inner member further comprises at least one of a projection or an alignment member.  
   
   
       4 . The suture lock device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said inner member further comprises at least one projection.  
   
   
       5 . The suture lock device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said outer body member defines a recessed portion extending from said distal end and partially along a length of said outer body.  
   
   
       6 . The suture lock device as recited in  claim 5 , wherein said recessed portion terminates a distance from said proximal end of said outer body member.  
   
   
       7 . A suture lock device usable to secure at least one end of a suture and retain the suture, the suture lock device comprising: 
 an outer body member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a wall extending from said proximal end to said distal end to define an aperture, said aperture defining a suture path through said outer body; and    an inner member axially insertable into said aperture of said outer body to space said inner member apart from said wall and secure a portion of the suture between said inner member and said wall.    
   
   
       8 . The suture lock device as recited in  claim 8 , wherein said aperture comprises a reduced diameter portion between said proximal end and said distal end of said outer body member.  
   
   
       9 . The suture lock device as recited in  claim 8 , wherein said outer body member further comprises an increased diameter section disposed adjacent said distal end of said outer body member.  
   
   
       10 . The suture lock device as recited in  claim 8 , wherein an end of the suture is overmolded with said outer body member.  
   
   
       11 . The suture lock device as recited in  claim 8 , wherein said outer body member and said inner member are constructed of a bio-compatible material.  
   
   
       12 . The suture lock device as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the bio-compatible material is bio-absorbable.  
   
   
       13 . The suture lock device as recited in  claim 8 , where said inner member is an inner wedge member.  
   
   
       14 . A suture lock device usable to secure at least one end of a suture and retain the suture, the suture lock device comprising: 
 a generally cylindrical outer body member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a wall extending from said proximal end to said distal end to define an aperture, said aperture comprising a defining a suture path through said outer body; and    an inner member axially insertable into said aperture of said outer body to space said inner member apart from said wall to define a space between said inner member and said wall and secure a portion of the suture within said space.    
   
   
       15 . The suture lock device as recited in  claim 14 , wherein a portion of said inner member extends beyond said proximal end of said outer body member.  
   
   
       16 . The suture lock device as recited in  claim 14 , wherein said inner member is fully received within said aperture.  
   
   
       17 . The suture lock device as recited in  claim 14 , wherein the suture secured within the space comprises a loop of suture.  
   
   
       18 . The suture lock device as recited in  claim 14 , wherein said outer body and said inner member are each constructed of plastic, composite, metal, or ceramic.  
   
   
       19 . The suture lock device as recited in  claim 14 , wherein a portion of said aperture has a cone shape.  
   
   
       20 . The suture lock device as recited in  claim 14 , wherein a portion of said aperture has an inverted cone shape.