Device for assisting in flexor tendon repair and rehabilitation

Abstract

A surgical device and method used to assist in the surgical repair and rehabilitation of damaged and/or severed tendons. In one embodiment of the present invention, the device is comprised of a hollow member, preferably shaped as a partial funnel and/or cone, having an inner and outer surface, a flared mouth, a shaft, and an apical end. In another embodiment, the device is comprised of a hollow member, preferably shaped as funnel or barrel cut in half along its longitudinal axis, having an inner and outer surface, two flared mouths, and a shaft. The device may further include a thin, elongated handle for ease of manipulation, and can be implantable or non-implantable. The present invention further discloses a method of passing a severed flexor tendon and/or repair site through the edge of a pulley in the flexor tendon sheath, wherein the hollow member of the device disclosed in the present invention is introduced into the edge of a flexor tendon sheath's pulley and a severed tendon end and/or repair site is passed through the flared mouth of the device and is gently compressed through the shaft and apical end of the device so that the tendon end or repair site can be simultaneously squeezed into the pulley in a smooth and non-damaging manner.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A surgical device for assisting in the repair or rehabilitation of damaged or severed tendons comprising a hollow member further comprising an inner and outer surface and a flared mouth. 
     
     
         2 . The surgical device of  claim 1 , said hollow member further comprising a shaft and an apical end. 
     
     
         3 . The surgical device of  claim 1  or  2  further comprising a handle attached to said hollow member. 
     
     
         4 . The surgical device of  claim 3  wherein said handle is detachable from said flared mouth. 
     
     
         5 . The surgical device of  claim 1  or  2  wherein said device further comprises non-biodegradable material. 
     
     
         6 . The surgical device of  claim 1  or  2  wherein said device further comprises biodegradable material. 
     
     
         7 . The surgical device of  claim 1  or  2  wherein the inside of said hollow member is coated with a slick, non-hazardous material. 
     
     
         8 . The surgical device of  claim 1  or  2  further comprising a material that can be sutured to fibrous tissue. 
     
     
         9 . A surgical device for assisting in the repair or rehabilitation of damaged or severed tendons comprising a shaft having an inner and outer surface, a first and second end, and a first and second flared mouth located at said first and second ends. 
     
     
         10 . The surgical device of  claim 9  further comprising a detachable handle attached to said first or second flared mouths. 
     
     
         11 . The surgical device of  claim 9  wherein said device further comprises non-biodegradable material. 
     
     
         12 . The surgical device of  claim 9  wherein said device further comprises biodegradable material. 
     
     
         13 . The surgical device of  claim 9  wherein the inner surface of said shaft is coated with a slick, non-hazardous material. 
     
     
         14 . The surgical device of  claim 9  further comprising a material that can be sutured to fibrous tissue.