Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for cutting a strand of suture. The apparatus comprises a solid outer member defining a lumen there-through. An inner member is received at least partially within the lumen, a portion of the inner member defining a curve. The inner member further defines a feature for retaining a strand of suture. At least one of the inner and outer members are moveable with respect to the other of the inner and outer members for cutting the strand of suture.

Abstract: Embodiments of a knot pusher and methods of use thereof are disclosed, that are usable for pushing a knot formed from a suture, two limbs of the suture extending from the knot. The knot pusher comprises a distal head defining top and bottom walls terminating in a distal knot pushing surface. The distal head includes at least two side grooves defined between the top and bottom walls that extend proximally from the knot pushing surface. Each of these side grooves is operable to receive one of the limbs of suture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for cutting a strand of suture. The apparatus comprises a solid outer member defining a lumen there-through. An inner member is received at least partially within the lumen, a portion of the inner member defining a curve. The inner member further defines a feature for retaining a strand of suture. At least one of the inner and outer members are moveable with respect to the other of the inner and outer members for cutting the strand of suture.

Abstract: Embodiments of a knot pusher and methods of use thereof are disclosed, that are usable for pushing a knot formed from a suture, two limbs of the suture extending from the knot. The knot pusher comprises a distal head defining top and bottom walls terminating in a distal knot pushing surface. The distal head includes at least two side grooves defined between the top and bottom walls that extend proximally from the knot pushing surface. Each of these side grooves is operable to receive one of the limbs of suture. The distal head additionally comprises at least one suture guide coupled to the top and bottom walls for guiding the one of the limbs of suture into one of the side grooves.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for loading a closing device onto a delivery device at the point of use and for using the apparatus for treating the intervertebral disc. The apparatus includes a cartridge for loading a closing device onto a delivery device at the point of use, the cartridge comprising a tab holding feature for holding one or more tabs of the closing device and a tab loading feature for loading tabs onto the delivery device. A method of treating an intervertebral disc includes the steps of loading a closing device into a delivery device at the point of use, the closing device comprising at least two tabs coupled to a connecting element, and substantially approximating a defect in the intervertebral disc using the closing device delivered by the delivery device.

Abstract: Embodiments of a knot pusher and methods of use thereof are disclosed, that are usable for pushing various types of knots including sliding knots and overhand knots formed from a suture, two limbs of the suture extending from the knots, for example using a single device. The knot pusher comprises a distal head defining top and bottom walls terminating in a distal knot pushing surface. The distal head includes side grooves that are defined between the top and bottom walls. Each of these side grooves are operable to receive one of the two limbs of suture during advancement of the distal head to aid in pushing the overhand knot. The distal head additionally comprises a suture receiving element associated with the top wall for receiving one of the two suture limbs during advancement of the distal head to facilitate advancement of the sliding knot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for loading a closing device onto a delivery device at the point of use. The apparatus may include a cartridge comprising an anchor holding feature for holding one or more anchors of the closing device; and an anchor loading feature for loading the one or more anchors onto the delivery device. The anchors may include tabs such as suture tabs. Embodiments of methods of loading the closing device onto a delivery device at the point of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of a knot pusher and methods of use thereof are disclosed, that are usable for pushing a knot formed from a suture, two limbs of the suture extending from the knot. The knot pusher comprises a distal head defining top and bottom walls terminating in a distal knot pushing surface. The distal head includes at least two side grooves defined between the top and bottom walls that extend proximally from the knot pushing surface. Each of these side grooves is operable to receive one of the limbs of suture. The distal head additionally comprises at least one suture guide coupled to the top and bottom walls for guiding the one of the limbs of suture into one of the side grooves.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for cutting a strand of suture. The apparatus comprises a solid outer member defining a lumen there-through. An inner member is received at least partially within the lumen, a portion of the inner member defining a curve. The inner member further defines a feature for retaining a strand of suture. At least one of the inner and outer members are moveable with respect to the other of the inner and outer members for cutting the strand of suture.

Abstract: Embodiments of a knot pusher and methods of use thereof are disclosed, that are usable for pushing various types of knots including sliding knots and overhand knots formed from a suture, two limbs of the suture extending from the knots, for example using a single device. The knot pusher comprises a distal head defining top and bottom walls terminating in a distal knot pushing surface. The distal head includes side grooves that are defined between the top and bottom walls. Each of these side grooves are operable to receive one of the two limbs of suture during advancement of the distal head to aid in pushing the overhand knot. The distal head additionally comprises a suture receiving element associated with the top wall for receiving one of the two suture limbs during advancement of the distal head to facilitate advancement of the sliding knot.