Method of using ultrasonic vibration to secure body tissue

Abstract

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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of using ultrasonic vibration to secure body tissue, the method comprising:
 moving a leading end portion of a fastener into engagement with body tissue; and applying ultrasonic vibratory energy to the fastener to heat material forming the fastener   such that the material becomes moldable and flows when subjected to pressure,   wherein compressive force is applied during the application of the ultrasonic vibratory energy.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the ultrasonic vibratory energy is between 20 and 70 kilohertz. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the ultrasonic vibratory energy is applied for a period of time between 0.25 and 1.0 seconds. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2  further comprising the step of maintaining the compressive force after interruption of the ultrasonic vibration. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the compressive force is maintained for a predetermined amount of time sufficient to allow the material of the fastener to cool. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the compressive force is applied for 1.0 seconds after interruption of the ultrasonic vibratory energy. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the material is a polymer. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the polymer is a biodegradable. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the polymer is an amorphous thermoplastic material. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the polymer is crystalline. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the polymer is amorphous. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the ultrasonic vibratory energy is generated by an apparatus that includes a horn and the horn contacts the fastener during the application of the ultrasonic vibratory energy. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the compressive force is applied by the horn. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12  wherein heat is applied to the fastener along with the ultrasonic vibratory energy. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the horn extends into a passage formed in the fastener. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the horn has a generally cylindrical configuration that corresponds to the configuration of the passage. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the horn and the passage have frustroconical configurations. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the fastener is implanted with a force transmitting member and application of the ultrasonic energy bonds the fastener to the force transmitting member. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18  wherein the force transmitting member is made of a metallic material. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18  wherein the force transmitting member is a k-wire.