Abstract: A suture lock according to the present invention provides sufficiently secures a suture thread in place in a quick and efficient manner. It eliminates the need for a laproscopic surgeon to tie complex or multi-step knots. The suture lock generally comprises a suture lock body having a suture channel that allows a suture thread to be drawn into the suture lock body. A plurality of teeth extends into an opening of the suture channel in such a manner that an inserted suture thread will be locked in place. In addition, a guide portion eases insertion of a suture thread free end by simplifying relative rotational adjustment of the lock. An embodiment of the present invention may be fabricated from a material or materials that naturally dissolve within the human body.

Abstract: A suture lock to be used with a suture thread. The suture lock comprises at least one passageway for receiving a suture thread, with the passageway having at least a portion of its length having a longitudinal side opening arranged to slidably receive the suture. The passageway is tapered inwardly and including an interior surface having inwardly converging teeth. The invention may also comprise a suture lock having an adjustable channel located within the suture lock. The channel may be adjusted between an open and a closed position, thereby allowing the suture to be secured. Translation of the suture itself may be utilized to adjust the positioning of the channel. The suture lock may contain a releasable device to retain the channel in multiple positions between the closed and open position.

Abstract: What is claimed is a suture retainer having a retainer body and a plurality of suture attachment mechanisms spaced circumferentially about the retainer body, each adapted to hold a suture strand at a discrete attachment point. One embodiment has a wheel portion and a plug portion. The wheel portion has a center aperture that the plug portion is configured to be insertable in and to engage with. The plug portion is configured to receive the non-needle end of a suture strand, securing it in place upon insertion of the plug into the wheel portion. The plug portion has a latch member extending therefrom which pushes the moveable arm into a flexed position during insertion. When the plug portion is fully inserted, the notch engagement ledge associates with the latch member and allows the moveable arm to return to a neutral position and secure the plug portion within the wheel portion.

Abstract: A suture lock according to the present invention sufficiently secures a suture thread in place in a quick and efficient manner. It eliminates the need for a laparoscopic surgeon to tie complex or multi-step knots. The suture lock generally comprises a suture lock body having a suture channel that allows a suture thread to be drawn into the suture lock body. A plurality of teeth extends into an opening of the suture channel in such a manner that an inserted suture thread will be locked in place. In addition, a guide portion eases insertion of a suture thread free end by simplifying relative rotational adjustment of the lock. An embodiment of the suture lock may be fabricated from a material or materials that naturally dissolve within the human body.

Abstract: The suture retainer according to one aspect of the invention has a retainer body and a plurality of suture attachment mechanisms spaced circumferentially about the retainer body, each of the suture attachment mechanisms (such as a pair of teeth) being adapted to hold a suture strand at a discrete attachment point. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of securing a suture in a suture retainer, including the following steps: providing a suture retainer having a retainer body and a plurality of suture attachment mechanisms spaced circumferentially about the retainer body; and attaching a suture strand to the retainer body at each of the suture attachment mechanisms.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to retainers and methods of using retainers. In particular, the invention relates to a suture retainer adapted for application on a subject by use of an introducing device, such as a catheter. The suture retainer comprises two elements, such as wedge-shaped or substantially wedge-shaped elements, that are positioned such that the elements are juxtaposed with respect to each other. In operation the two elements are engaged by a spring which forces the two elements into contact. Additionally, a housing can be provided.

Abstract: A suture lock to be used with a suture thread. The suture lock comprises at least one passageway for receiving a suture thread, with the passageway having at least a portion of its length having a longitudinal side opening arranged to slidably receive the suture. The passageway is tapered inwardly and including an interior surface having inwardly converging teeth. The invention may also comprise a suture lock having an adjustable channel located within the suture lock. The channel may be adjusted between an open and a closed position, thereby allowing the suture to be secured. Translation of the suture itself may be utilized to adjust the positioning of the channel. The suture lock may contain a releasable device to retain the channel in multiple positions between the closed and open position.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to retainers and methods of using retainers. In particular, the invention relates to a suture retainer adapted for application on a subject by use of an introducing device, such as a catheter. The suture retainer comprises two elements, such as wedge-shaped or substantially wedge-shaped elements, that are positioned such that the elements are juxtaposed with respect to each other. In operation the two elements are engaged by a spring which forces the two elements into contact. Additionally, a housing can be provided.

Abstract: A suture lock to be used with a suture thread. The suture lock comprises at least one passageway for receiving a suture thread, with the passageway having at least a portion of its length having a longitudinal side opening arranged to slidably receive the suture. The passageway is tapered inwardly and including an interior surface having inwardly converging teeth. The invention may also comprise a suture lock having an adjustable channel located within the suture lock. The channel may be adjusted between an open and a closed position, thereby allowing the suture to be secured. Translation of the suture itself may be utilized to adjust the positioning of the channel. The suture lock may contain a releasable device to retain the channel in multiple positions between the closed and open position.

Abstract: A suture lock to be used with a suture thread. The suture lock comprises at least one passageway for receiving a suture thread, with the passageway having at least a portion of its length having a longitudinal side opening arranged to slidably receive the suture. The passageway is tapered inwardly and including an interior surface having inwardly converging teeth. The invention may also comprise a suture lock having an adjustable channel located within the suture lock. The channel may be adjusted between an open and a closed position, thereby allowing the suture to be secured. Translation of the suture itself may be utilized to adjust the positioning of the channel. The suture lock may contain a releasable device to retain the channel in multiple positions between the closed and open position.