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EP-3506838-B1 - FLEXIBLE CONSTRUCTS

EP3506838B1EP 3506838 B1EP3506838 B1EP 3506838B1EP-3506838-B1

Inventors

  • JOLLY, JACOB A.
  • Perez III, Arley
  • Laviano, Anthony A.
  • OSIKA, Andrew K.

Dates

Publication Date
20260513
Application Date
20170721

Claims (5)

  1. A flexible construct (100, 200), comprising: a suture (102, 202); at least one splice (110, 206) in the suture (102, 202); and a barbed device (114, 208) located at least partially within the splice (110, 206) and configured to reinforce the splice (110, 206), characterized in that the barbed device (114, 208) includes a first plurality of barbs (118a, 210a) and a second plurality of barbs (118b, 210b), and wherein the first plurality of barbs (118a, 210a) and the second plurality of barbs (118b, 210b) are directed towards a mid-portion (115) of the barbed device (114, 208).
  2. The flexible construct (100, 200) of claim 1, wherein the at least one splice (110, 206) includes a splice entrance (110a, 206a) and a splice exit (110b, 206b); and a portion of the barbed device (114) is located between the splice entrance (110a, 206a) and the splice exit (110b, 206b).
  3. The flexible construct (100, 200) of claim 2, wherein the barbed device (114, 208) includes a second portion located within the suture (102, 202) spaced from the at least one splice (110, 206).
  4. The flexible construct (100, 200) of claim 1, wherein the at least one splice (110) forms an eyelet splice (108a).
  5. The flexible construct (100) of claim 4, wherein the at least one splice (110) comprises a second splice (112) and a button (104) wherein the second splice (112) forms a second eyelet splice (108b) and the first eyelet splice (108a) and the second eyelet splice (108b) form an adjustable loop (106) with the button (104).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This disclosure claims priority U.S. Application No. 15/255,286 filed on September 2, 2016. BACKGROUND This disclosure relates to surgical devices and methods for attaching body tissue, such as soft or hard tissue, to another piece of body tissue. More particularly, this disclosure is directed to flexible constructs that form loops using a barbed member to prevent the loop from loosening. Orthopedic procedures are often performed to repair musculoskeletal injuries. For example, soft tissue may tear away from bone during vigorous exercise or sporting activities. When such tears occur, reattachment is often necessary to repair the damaged tissue. Suture anchors are one type of surgical device that has been developed to facilitate these repairs. Additional advancements in this field of technology are desired. US2014/121700 relates to systems and methods for soft tissue to bone repairs. The splice incorporates an insert in the form of a flexible strand with at least one barb, or simply in the form of a cut length of suture or braid that is inserted into the center of the cinching loop to create a thicker portion. When the cinching loop is tightened, the insert prevents loosening of the loop, locking in the cinching loop and preventing movement of the loop. US2004/032332 A1 teaches a linkage device that can be connected with other linkage devices and to itself, the linkage device comprising a strip having a first end and a second end, a closure hub attached to the first end of the strip and having an opening to receive a second end and a locking mechanism within the closure hub, a connecting surface protruding from the strip operable to secure the second end within a closure device, and a tampering detection device connected to the linkage device. US5683417 A relates to a suture for use in endoscopic surgery includes a distal end needle, a preferably braided suture body, and a bulbous proximal end. The method includes stitching the tissue, then passing the needle/distal end through the bulbous proximal end, where the body of the suture is held frictionally or adhesively under proper tension. WO2007/098212 A2 relates to endoscopic suturing devices for transgastric flexible endoscopy procedures. In a first aspect, the endoscopic suturing device includes a hollow helical needle carrying an elongated suture thread with a suture anchor on the distal end of the suture thread. The suture anchor has a low-profile insertion position and an expanded anchoring position. A suture lock is provided for attachment at the proximal end of the suture thread. In another aspect, the suture device includes a microcarabiner and suture lock. The suture device may take the form of a conventional suture thread or a zip-tie fastener. In an alternate configuration, the microcarabiner can be combined with a tissue anchor. One or more such tissue anchors can be used to form a running suture, purse string suture or other suture configurations. US2014/257379 A1 relates to a device including a self-locking suture including both a braided section and a monofilament section. The monofilament includes a single strand. The braided section includes three or more strands that are intertwined or woven together. The terminal end of the braid is compressible to take on a radially expanded configuration. The braided structure is temporarily fixable in the open configuration providing a wide berth opening. A needle at the terminal end of the monofilament is insertable through the wide berth opening and pushed out through the back wall of the expanded braid, after which the braid can be pulled on to collapse it down onto the barbed monofilament. The construct may then be tightened onto the tissues to be joined, and the one-way locking mechanism between the braided trap and the directionally biased suture automatically engages. SUMMARY Aspects of the present invention are set out in the appended claims. This disclosure relates to surgical fixation devices and methods. The surgical fixation devices include a flexible construct that forms an adjustable loop that can be tightened but restricts movement that would loosen the adjustable loop. The surgical fixation devices can be used in various tissue reconstruction procedures, including but not limited to, ACL and PCL reconstructions and capsular closure. A flexible construct, not within the scope of the appended claims includes, inter alia, a sheath and a suture connected to the sheath to form an adjustable loop. The suture includes a plurality of barbs that permit movement of the suture in a first direction relative to the sheath and restrict movement in a second direction relative to the sheath. A surgical method, not within the scope of the appended claims includes, inter alia, attaching a first piece of tissue to a second piece of tissue using a tissue closure assembly. The tissue closure assembly includes a sheath and a barbed suture. The barbed suture includes a p