DESC:TITLE
Meniscus Repair Device

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to the field of surgical devices, and more particularly to a surgical suture to repair a tear within a meniscus of a patient or a user.

BACKGROUND
The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also correspond to implementations of the claimed technology.
A meniscus is a C-shaped structure of fibrocartilage that is located within the knee and acts as a shock absorber to stabilize the knee. The meniscus is located between the femur and the tibia at the lateral and medial sides of the knee to protect the articular cartilage that covers the ends of the bones and helps the knee to bend and straighten. Usually, a person has two menisci in each knee, first a medial meniscus and second a lateral meniscus.
A tear in the meniscus is a common injury that can occur as a result of a twist or rotation of a knee. The meniscus may also be torn by arthritis or age-related wear and tear on the cartilage. The torn meniscus may cause pain as well as affect the functionality of the knee joint. Further, the tear in the meniscus may cause early arthritis and destroy the surrounding annular cartridge.
The torn meniscus may usually be repaired using conventional techniques and devices such as outside-in meniscus repair devices, inside-out meniscus repair devices, or all inside meniscus repair devices. However, these conventional devices and techniques are either difficult to use, may cause damage to the meniscus, or require a large skin incision outside a knee capsule. For instance, in repair using the outside-in meniscus repair device, repairing posterior horn tears is challenging due to difficulty in accessing that region of the meniscus using the outside-in meniscus repair device. Further, in the outside-in meniscus repair device, suture knots are tied outside the knee capsule which sometimes leads to irritation or discomfort due to the presence of sutures in the subcutaneous tissue.
Further, in the conventional meniscus repair device, a skin incision is required to be made outside the knee capsule. Further, the size of the skin incision depends on the size of the tear in the meniscus. For instance, a large tear in the meniscus requires a larger skin incision to tie the knot outside the knee capsule.
Alternatively, in the all-inside meniscus repair device, a needle of a large diameter is required to pass through the torn meniscus to transfer an anchor across the meniscus. The diameter of the needle is usually larger than the size of the anchor. This larger dimension of the needle may sometimes damage the meniscus.
Further, the all-inside meniscus devices are complex in construction and comprise a plurality of components. The plurality of components makes the device complicated and increases the cost of the device.
Therefore, there is a need for a device that applies the sutures to the meniscus without making a large incision on the skin of the patient. Further, there is a need for a device that may have suture knots all inside the inner side of the meniscus without passing a needle of a large diameter and possibly damaging the meniscus. Additionally, there is a need for a device that is less complex and more efficient compared to traditional meniscus repair devices.

SUMMARY
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further disclosed in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.
The present disclosure discloses a meniscus repair device that may be used to repair the tear caused in the meniscus of the patient. The meniscus repair device may comprise a suture that further comprises a first free end and a second free end opposite to the first free end. The suture may further comprise a first loop and a second loop formed on the suture wherein the first loop may extend from the first free end and the second loop may extend from the second free end. Further, a junction knot may be formed between the first loop and the second loop.
The first loop may be formed by passing the suture, extending from the first end, through the junction knot, and returning back to the junction knot. Similarly, the second loop may be formed by passing the suture, extending from the second end opposite to the first end, through the junction knot, and returning back to the junction knot. The meniscus repair device may further comprise a first anchor located on the first loop and a second anchor located on the second loop.
The meniscus repair device may further comprise a first needle connected to the first loop through the first anchor and a second needle connected to the second loop through the second anchor. The first needle may be configured to pierce through the torn meniscus at a first position from a first side and transfer the first anchor across the meniscus. The first anchor is transferred from the first side to a second side opposite to the first side through the meniscus. Similarly, the second needle may be configured to pierce through a torn meniscus at a second position, spaced from the first position, from the first side, and transfer the second anchor across the meniscus. The second anchor is transferred from the first side to the second side opposite to the first side, through the meniscus.
In one embodiment, the first anchor may be connected to the first needle through a first extension member and the second anchor may be connected to the second needle through a second extension member. In an alternate embodiment, the first anchor and the second anchor may be directly connected to the respective first needle and the second needle.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the length of the first loop with respect to the junction knot may be adjusted using the first free end. Similarly, the length of the second loop with respect to the junction knot may be adjusted using the second free end.
Further, the first anchor and the second anchor may be transferred to the second side of the meniscus wherein the first free end and the second free end are configured to reduce the respective lengths of the first loop and the second loop to reduce the distance between the first position and the second position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
The embodiments of the disclosure itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 shows a partial view of the meniscus repair device, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 discloses a view of the meniscus repair device, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3 is a partial view of the meniscus repair device showing a first anchor, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a knee joint of a patient with a torn meniscus tissue, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method to use the present meniscus repair device shown in FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view of a first anchor being introduced to a first position on the meniscus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 6B illustrates a perspective view of a first anchor being introduced to a first position on the meniscus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the first anchor being introduced to the first position on the meniscus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the first anchor being introduced to the first position on the meniscus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the first anchor being introduced to the first position on the meniscus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the first anchor being introduced to the first position on the meniscus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a first anchor being introduced to the first position on the meniscus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the first anchor being introduced to the first position on the meniscus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a second anchor being introduced to a second position on the meniscus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of the second anchor being introduced to the second position on the meniscus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of the second anchor being introduced to the second position on the meniscus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of the second anchor being introduced to the second position on the meniscus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of the second anchor being introduced to the second position on the meniscus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of the second anchor being introduced to the second position on the meniscus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of the first anchor passing through the first position on the meniscus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view showing the first anchor, at the first position, transmitted across the meniscus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective view showing the second anchor passing through the second position on the meniscus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 22 illustrates a perspective view showing the second anchor, at the second position, transmitted across the meniscus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of knotting of the suture from a first angle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective view of knotting of the suture from a second angle different from the first angle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 25 illustrates a perspective view of knotting of the suture from the first angle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 26 illustrates a perspective view of knotting of the suture from the second angle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 27 illustrates a perspective view of knotting of the suture, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 28 illustrates a perspective view of a knotted suture, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 29 illustrates a perspective view of the knotted suture from the second angle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 30 illustrates a perspective view of the knotted suture, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
FIG. 31 illustrates a perspective view of the knotted suture from another angle, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention overcomes the aforesaid drawbacks of the above, and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will now be described in greater detail. Before the present apparatus and its components are described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular apparatus and its arrangement as described, as there can be multiple possible embodiments that are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application. This description is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in detecting or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.
The present disclosure relates to the field of a surgical device, and more particularly to a meniscus repairing device to repair a tear in the meniscus of a patient.
FIG. 1 shows a partial view 100 of the meniscus repair device, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 discloses a view 200 of the meniscus repair device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 shows a partial view 300 of the meniscus repair device showing a first anchor, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a perspective view 400 of a knee joint of a patient with a torn meniscus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the meniscus repair device comprises a suture 102 having a first free end 104 and a second free end 106, a first loop 108, a second loop 110, a junction knot 112, a first anchor 114, and a second anchor 118. The meniscus repair device further comprises a first needle 202, a second needle 204, a first extension suture 116, and a second extension suture 120.
The meniscus repair device comprises the suture 102, which is configured to pass through the patient's tissue and stitch a torn tissue. In a preferred example, the tissue may be a meniscus 402 of the patient and the meniscus repair device may be configured to repair the tear 404 in the meniscus 402 of the patient.
Further referring to FIG.1, the suture 102 comprises the first free end 104 and the second free end 106 disposed opposite to the first free end 104. In an embodiment, the first free end 104 may be adjacent to the second free end 106.
The suture 102 may comprise the first loop 108 extending from the first free end 104. Similarly, the suture 102 may comprise the second loop 110 extending from the second free end 106. Further, the junction knot may be 112 formed between the first loop 108 and the second loop 110, as seen in the FIG. 1.
In an embodiment, the suture 102 may be made from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) material. In an alternative embodiment, the material of the suture may be selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to stainless steel, monofilament polyglyconate fiber suture, polyester suture, or any other suitable suture material.
The suture 102 may be first looped near the first free end 104 to form the first loop 108. Further, the suture 102 may be second looped between an intersection point of the first loop 108 and the second free end 106 to form the second loop 110. Further, a junction knot 112 is formed over the intersection point using at least the first free end 104 or the second free end 106. The junction knot 112 is slidable with respect to at least the first free end 104 or the second free end 106. Accordingly, the size of the first loop 108 and the second loop 110 may be adjusted using the corresponding first free end 104 and the second free end 106.
It is to be noted that an end of the first loop 108 that is near the junction knot 112 may be referred to as the proximal end of the first loop 108. Further, an end opposite to the proximal end of the first loop 108 may be referred to as a distal end of the first loop 108. Similarly, an end of the second loop 110 near the junction knot 112 may be referred to as a proximal end of the second loop 110. Further, an end opposite to the proximal end of the second loop 110 may be referred to as a distal end of the second loop 110.
The meniscus repair device further comprises the first anchor 114 configured on the distal end of the first loop 108 and similarly, the second anchor 118 is configured on the distal end of the second loop 110. The first anchor 114 is configured to secure the suture 102 at a first position on the meniscus 402. Whereas, the second anchor 118 is configured to secure the suture 102 at the second position on the meniscus 402. The zoomed-in view of the first anchor 114 configured on the first loop 108 is shown in FIG. 3.
According to an embodiment, the first anchor 114 may be configured to be introduced from a first side of the meniscus 402, at a first position, and pass across the meniscus 402 towards a second side. The second side is opposite to the first side. Similarly, the second anchor 118 may be configured to be introduced from the first side of the meniscus 402, at a second position, and pass across the meniscus 402 towards the second side. The second position may be spaced from the first position. Preferably, the first position may be at one side of the tear on the meniscus 402 and the second position may be at an opposite side of the tear on the meniscus 402, as shown in FIG. 30 and descried later in this document.
According to an embodiment, the first side refers to the interior side of the meniscus, toward a center of the knee. Further, the second side refers to the outer side of the meniscus, towards a skin of the patient. In another embodiment, the first side may refer to a torn side of the meniscus 402 and the second side may refer to an opposite side to the torn side of the meniscus 402.
In an embodiment, the first anchor 114 and the second anchor 118 may be external anchors made from an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) material with a braided structure and secured on the respective first loop 108 and the second loop 110 such that the anchors are sleeved over the suture 102.
In another embodiment, the first anchor 114 and the second anchor 118 may be made from the suture 102 by forming braids on the first loop 108 and the second loop 110 of the suture 102. This may eliminate the requirement to attach a separate anchor on the respective first loop 108 and the second loop 110. In an embodiment, the suture may comprise any other suitable type of knot configured to act as the first anchor 114 and the second anchor 118.
According to an embodiment, the junction knot 112 is movable with respect to the first free end 104 and the second free end 106. For instance, the first free end 104 may be pulled to reduce the size of the first loop 108 with respect to the junction knot 112 pushing the junction knot 112 away from the first free end 104 and reducing the distance between the first anchor 114 and the junction knot 112. Similarly, the second free end 106 may be pulled to reduce the size of the second loop 110 with respect to the junction knot 112 pushing the junction know 112 away from the second free end 106 and reducing the distance between the second anchor 118 and the junction knot 112, which may be explained in a greater detail in the following paragraphs.
The junction knot 112 may be a self-locking knot created by the junction of the first free end 104, the second free end 106, the first loop 108, and the second loop 110. Further, the junction knot 112 may be a sliding knot. In another embodiment, the junction knot 112 may be a sliding knot with a locking mechanism. In yet another embodiment, the junction knot 112 may be a slip knot. In yet another embodiment, the junction knot 112 may be a slip knot with a locking mechanism.
The meniscus repair device further comprises the first needle 202 and the second needle 204, as shown in FIG. 2. The first needle 202 and the second needle 204 may be configured to be inserted to reach the torn meniscus 402 and pierce through the meniscus 402 of the patient. The first needle 202 and the second needle 204 may pierce the meniscus 402 at two different positions, across the tear or damage on the meniscus 402. The first anchor 114 is sleeved over the suture of the first loop 108 and the second anchor 118 is sleeved over the suture of the second loop 110. The first anchor 114 and the second anchor 118 may be sleeved at the proximal end of the respective loops. The first needle 202 may be connected to the first anchor 114 through the first extension suture 116. Similarly, the second needle 204 may be connected to the second anchor 118 through the second extension suture 120. The first extension suture 116 may be connected to the distal end of the first needle 202 and the second extension suture 120 may be connected to the distal end of the second needle 204.
It is to be noted that the first needle and the second needle may be referred to as needles (202 & 204) collectively, hereinafter. In an embodiment, the needles (202 & 204) comprise a sharp pointed proximal end and a swaged hollow distal end. Further, the extension suture (116 & 120) may be permanently connected to the swaged hollow distal end of the respective needles (202 & 204). In another embodiment, the needles (202 & 204) may comprise an eye configured at the distal end of the needles (202 & 204). Further, the extension suture (116 & 120) may be knotted passing through the corresponding eye at the distal end of the respective needles (202 & 204).
The needles (202 & 204) may further penetrate the meniscus 402 from the pointed proximal end and emerge from the opposite end of the insertion position. Accordingly, the needles (202 & 204) are provided for piercing the meniscus 402 and carrying the respective anchors (114 & 118) across the meniscus 402.
The needles (202 & 204) may be made from a stainless-steel material such as austenitic stainless steel or martensitic stainless steel. In another embodiment, needles (202 & 204) may be made from any other suitable material such as carbon steel, titanium, metal alloys of Nickel, Chromium, and Molybdenum, or any alloys made thereof. Further, the needles (202 & 204) may have a diameter and length of any suitable value. Preferably, the needles (202 & 204) may have a diameter of 0.8 mm.
In an embodiment, the needles (202 and 204) may be swaged needles. The first extension suture 116 and the second extension suture 118 may be placed inside the respective hollowed ends of the first needle 202 and the second needle 204. Further, the hollowed end of the first needle 202 may be crimped to form the swaged first needle 202, and similarly, the hollowed end of the second needle 204 may be crimped to form the swaged second needle 204 to permanently connect the respective extension suture (114 & 118) with the corresponding needles (202 & 204). In another embodiment, the first needle 202 may be the eyed needle and the first extension suture 116 may be connected to the eye of the first needle 202. Similarly, the second needle 204 may be the eyed needle, and the second extension suture 120 may be connected to the eye of the second needle 204. The respective extension suture (114 & 118) may be passed through the eye of the corresponding needle (202 & 204) and the free end of the respective extension suture is knotted to connect with the corresponding needles (202 & 204).
Referring to FIG. 4, the damaged meniscus 402 with a tear 404 is shown, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. According to an example of the present disclosure, the meniscus 402 may be the medial meniscus. In another example, the meniscus 402 may be lateral meniscus. Further, the tear 404 in the meniscus 402 may be a longitudinal tear. In another example, the tear 404 in the meniscus 402 may be a horizontal tear. In yet another example, the tear 404 in the meniscus 402 may be a radial tear. In yet another example, the tear 404 in the meniscus 402 may be a traumatic tear. Further, the tear may be formed on any side of the meniscus 402.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart 500 of a method to use the meniscus repair device, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The cannula 602 may be introduced to the first side of the meniscus 402 and set at a first position, at step S502. For example, a small incision may be made on the skin of the patient to insert the cannula 602 to reach the torn side of the meniscus 402. In an example, an arthroscopic camera (not shown) may be inserted along with the cannula 602 towards the first side of the meniscus 402. The arthroscopic camera may provide visual assistance during the insertion of the cannula 402 accurately to reach the first side of the meniscus 402. Further, an arthroscopic light may be configured along with the arthroscopic camera to provide better illumination during the use of the meniscus repair device.
Further, the cannula 602 is placed at the first position in close proximity to the tear 404 on the meniscus 402. The first position may be a position above or below the tear 404, in case of a horizontal tear 404. Alternatively, the first position may be a position on right side or left side of the tear 404, in case of a vertical tear 404. Generally, the first position may be at one side of the tear 404.
Further, the first needle 202 may be inserted through the cannula 602 to reach the first side with a tear 404 and pierce through the meniscus 402, at the first position, at step S504. For example, the first needle 202 may be introduced within the cannula 602 to pierce the meniscus 202 from the first side of the first position.
Further, the first needle 202 may be further extended piercing through the meniscus 402 from the first side at the first position and extending out from the second side of the meniscus 402, opposite to the first side, at S506. For example, the first needle 202, at the first position, is forced by the practitioner to pierce the meniscus 402 and the skin on the second side of the meniscus 402. Further, the first needle 202 is retrieved from the skin of the patient.
Further, the cannula 602 may be removed after the first needle 202 is retrieved out of the second side of the meniscus 402 and the skin of the patient, at step S508.
The first needle 202 is further pulled until the first extension suture 116 completely passes through the meniscus 402, at step S510. According to an example, first needle 202 is further pulled until the first extension suture 116 and the connected first anchor 114 completely passes through the meniscus 402 and secured at the second side of the meniscus 402, outside the capsule.
According to another example, the first needle 202 is further pulled until the first extension suture 116 completely passes through the meniscus 402 and the first anchor 114 is secured at the first side of the meniscus 402, inside the capsule, at step S512.
The cannula 602 may be placed at the second position on the first side of the meniscus 402, at step 512. For example, the cannula 602 may be set at the second position, which is different from the first position. The second position may be a position on the opposite side of the tear 404 on the meniscus 402 so that the suture 102 may close the tear by reducing the distance between the first position and the second position upon the actuation and/or adjustment of the junction knot 112.
Further, similar to the first needle 202, the second needle 204 may be introduced through the cannula 602 to reach the first side of the meniscus 402, at step S514. The second needle 204 may be introduced to pierce the meniscus 402 from the first side, at the second position, pass through the meniscus 402, and extend out from the second side, opposite to the first side of the meniscus 402, at step S516.
The second needle 204 may be further pushed and/or pulled to pierce the skin of the patient adjacent to the meniscus 402, on the second side, For example, the second needle 204 may be pushed from the distal end to pierce the skin and pulled from the proximal end to be retrieved piercing through the meniscus 402 and the skin, at step S518. Further, the cannula may be removed once the second needle is retrieved out from the second side of the meniscus and the skin, at step S520.
According to an example, the second needle 204 is further pulled until the second extension suture 120 completely passes through the meniscus 402 and reaches the second side of the meniscus 402, outside the capsule, at step S522. For example, the second needle 204 is pulled to pass the second anchor 118 through the meniscus and secure at the second side of the meniscus 402, out of the capsule (not shown). According to another example, the second needle 204 is further pulled until the second extension suture 120 completely passes through the meniscus 402, and the connected second anchor 118 reaches the first side of the meniscus 402, inside the capsule, at step S524.
According to an example, the second anchor 114 is passed through the meniscus and secured at the second side of the meniscus 402, out of the capsule, at step S526. Similarly, the second anchor 118 is passed through the meniscus and secured at the second side of the meniscus 402, out of the capsule, at step S528.
Once the first anchor 114 and the second anchor 118 are secured or deployed at the second side at the respective first position and the second position on the meniscus 402, the first free end 104 and the second free end 106 may be pulled to slide the junction knot 112, at step S530. As the first free end 104 and the second free end 106 are pulled, the size of the first loop 108 and the second loop 110 are reduced causing the junction knot 112 to slide towards the first anchor 114 and the second anchor 118, and get deployed at the first side of the meniscus 402.
The first free end 104 and the second free end 106 may be further pulled to tighten the junction knot 112 until the tear 404 on the meniscus 402 is close, at step S532. For example, the tear 404 on the meniscus 402 may be closed by pulling the first free end 104 and the second free end 106 until the tear 404 on the meniscus 402 is closed completely which is explained in the following paragraphs below.
Once the junction knot 112 is secured at the first side and the anchors (114 & 118) are secured at the second side, opposite to the first side, of the meniscus 402 the excess portion of the suture 102 including the first free end 104 and the second free end 106, and the extension sutures (116 & 120) may be trimmed, at the step S534.
FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view 600A of the first anchor 114 being introduced to a first position on the meniscus 402, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6B illustrates a perspective view 600B of a first anchor 114 being introduced to a first position on the meniscus 402, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view 700 of the first anchor 114 being introduced to the first position on the meniscus 402, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view 800 of the first anchor 114 being introduced to the first position on the meniscus 402, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view 900 of the first anchor 114 being introduced to the first position on the meniscus 402, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view 1000 of the first anchor 114 being introduced to the first position on the meniscus 402, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view 1100 of a first anchor 114 being introduced to the first position on the meniscus 402, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view 1200 of the first anchor 114 being introduced to the first position on the meniscus 402, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the cannula 602 may be placed at the first position of the meniscus as seen in the FIG.6. The cannula 602 may be configured as per step S502 to guide and deliver the first needle 202 to the first side of the first position of the meniscus 402.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a cannula 602 may be used to introduce the first needle 202 and the second needle 204 to the respective first position and the second position on the meniscus 402. In an embodiment, the cannula 602 may be a metal cannula. In another embodiment, the cannula 602 may be a plastic cannula. The plastic cannula may be a translucent plastic cannula to provide the surgeon visual assistance during the insertion of the first needle 202 or the second needle 204 correctly to the respective side of the respective position of the meniscus 402. Further, the cannula 602 may be a straight-slotted cannula, or an oblong slotted cannula.
The first needle 202 may be introduced to the cannula 602 to pass through the cannula 602 as seen in the FIG. 7. The first needle 202 may be introduced to be inserted to the first side at the first position of the meniscus 402 and configured to reach and pierce the meniscus 402 from the first side at the first position of the meniscus 402 as per the step S504.
Referring to FIG. 8, the first needle 202 may further pass through the cannula 602 to reach the first side of the meniscus 402, pierce the meniscus 402 at the first position, and extend out from the second side of the meniscus 402, opposite to the first side, as per step S506.
Referring to FIG. 9, the cannula 602 may be removed from the first position once the first needle 202 is passed through the first position of the meniscus 402 as per step S508.
Referring to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the first needle 202 may be progressed further into the meniscus 402 (at the first position) to completely through the meniscus 402 as per step S510. Further, the first extension suture 116 may be passed through the first position along with the first needle 202 as seen in the FIG. 11. The first extension suture 116 may be pulled through the first position until the first anchor 114 reaches near the first side of the meniscus 402.
Referring to FIG. 12, the first anchor 114 may be secured on the first position at the first side of the meniscus as per step S512.
FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view 1300 of a second anchor 118 being introduced to a second position on the meniscus 402, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view 1400 of the second anchor 118 being introduced to the second position on the meniscus 402, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view 1500 of the second anchor 118 being introduced to the second position on the meniscus 402, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view 1600 of the second anchor 118 being introduced to the second position on the meniscus 402, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view 1700 of the second anchor 118 being introduced to the second position on the meniscus 402, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view 1800 of the second anchor 118 being introduced to the second position on the meniscus 402, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 13, the cannula 602 may be placed at the second position of the meniscus as per step S514. The second position may be a position on the opposite side of the tear 404 on the meniscus 402 as seen in the FIG.13.
Referring to FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, the second needle 204 may be introduced to be inserted from the first side (at the second position) of the meniscus 402, and configured to reach the meniscus 402 to pierce the meniscus 402 from the first side, at the second position, of the meniscus 402 as per the step S516.
Referring to FIG. 16, the second needle 204 may be progressed further to completely pass through the meniscus 402 at the second position, as per step S518.
Further referring to the FIG. 17, the cannula 602 is removed as per step S520 and the second extension suture 120 may be further transferred through the second position along with the second needle 204 according to step S422.
Referring to FIG. 18, the second extension suture 120 is further pulled through the second position until the second anchor 118 reaches the first side (at the second position) of the meniscus 402 as per step S524.
FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view 1900 of the first anchor 114 passing through the first position on the meniscus 402, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view 2000 from another angle of the first anchor 114 passing through the first position on the meniscus 402, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring to the FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, the first anchor 114 may further be transferred from the first side to the second side of the meniscus 403 as per step S526. Further, the first anchor 114 is secured to the second side by pulling the first needle 202 along with the first extension suture 116 until the first anchor 114 is transferred through the meniscus 402 and secured at the first position on the second side of the meniscus 402.
FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective view 2100 of the second anchor 118 passing through the second position on the meniscus 402, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 22 illustrates a perspective view 2200 from another angle of the second anchor 118 passing through the second position on the meniscus 402, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 21 and FIG. 22, the second anchor 118 may be transferred from the first side to the second side as per step S528. Further, the second anchor 118 is secured to the second side by pulling the second needle 204 along with the second extension suture 120 until the second anchor 118 is transferred through the meniscus 402 and secured at the second position on the second side of the meniscus 402.
FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view 2300 of knotting of the suture 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective view 2400 of knotting of the suture 102 from another angle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 25 illustrates a perspective view 2500 of knotting of the suture 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 26 illustrates a perspective view 2600 of knotting of the suture 102 from another angle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 27 illustrates a perspective view 2700 of knotting of the suture 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring to the FIG. 23 and FIG. 24, the junction knot 112 at the first side of the meniscus 402 is moved towards the meniscus, once the first anchor 114 and the second anchor 118 are secured at the respective first position and second position on the second side of the meniscus 402, as per step S430. The junction knot 112 is moved by pulling the first free end 104 and the second free end 106 which may be seen in the FIG. 25 and FIG. 26. In an example, either the first free end 104 or the second free end 106 may be pulled to move the junction knot 112. In yet another example, any one free end from the first free end 104 or the second free end 106 may be held rigidly and the other free end may be pulled to move the junction knot 112.
Referring to FIG. 27, the junction knot 112 may be tightened until the junction knot 112 at one side and the secure anchors at the opposite side completely secure the tear in the meniscus 402, as per step S432. In an embodiment, a knot pusher may be configured to tighten the junction knot 112.
FIG. 28 illustrates a perspective view 2800 of a knotted suture 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 29 illustrates a perspective view 2900 of the knotted suture 102 from another angle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 30 illustrates a perspective view 3000 of the knotted suture 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 31 illustrates a perspective view 3100 of the knotted suture 102 from another angle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 28 to FIG. 31, the first free end 104 and the second free end 106 may be removed once the suture 102 tightly closes the tear in the meniscus 402, as per step S434. In an embodiment, a knot cutter may be used to cut and separate the first free end 104 and the second free end 106 from the suture 102 closing the tear in the meniscus 402.
Various modifications to the embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
The foregoing description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in any limiting sense. A person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that certain modifications could come within the scope of this disclosure.
The embodiments, examples, and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs or the description and drawings, including any of their various aspects or respective individual features, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless such features are incompatible.
,CLAIMS:We Claim,
1. A surgical device to repair meniscus (402) tissue, comprising:
a suture (102) comprising:
a first free end (104);
a second free end (106) opposite to the first free end (104);
a first loop (108) and a second loop (110) formed on the suture, wherein
the first loop (108) extends from the first free end (104) and the second loop (110) extends from the second free end (106);
a junction knot (112) formed between the first loop (108) and the second loop (110);
a first anchor (114) on the first loop (108);
a first needle (202) connected to the first loop (108) through the first anchor (114);
a second anchor (118) on the second loop (108);
a second needle (204) connected to the second loop (110) through the second anchor (118).

2. The surgical device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first loop (108) is formed by passing the suture (102), extending from the first end (104), through the junction knot (112), and returning back to the junction knot (112).

3. The surgical device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second loop (110) is formed by passing the suture (102), extending from the second end (106) opposite to the first end (104), through the junction knot (112), and returning back to the junction knot (112).

4. The surgical device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first needle
(202) is configured to:
pierce through a torn meniscus (402) at a first position from a first side; and
transfer the first anchor (114), from the first side to a second side opposite to the first side, through the meniscus (402.

5. The surgical device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first anchor (114) is connected to the first needle (202) through a first extension member (116).

6. The surgical device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second needle (204) is configured to:
pierce through a torn meniscus (402) at a second position, spaced from the first position, from the first side; and
transfer the second anchor, from the first side to the second side opposite to the first side, through the meniscus (402.

7. The surgical device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second anchor (118) is connected to the second needle (204) through a second extension member (120).

8. The surgical device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a length of the first loop (108) with respect to the junction knot is adjustable using the first free end (104).

9. The surgical device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a length of the second loop (110) with respect to the junction knot is adjustable using the second free end (106).

10. The surgical device as claimed in claim 6, wherein in a case where the first anchor (114) and the second anchor (118) are transferred to the second side of the meniscus (104), the first free end (104) and the second free end (106) are configured to be pulled to reduce the respective lengths of the first loop (108) and the second loop (110), secure the first anchor (114) and the second anchor (118) at the second side, and reduce the space between the first position and the second position.

11. The surgical device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the suture (102), the first anchor (114), the second anchor (118), the first extension suture (116), and the second extension suture (120) are made from Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).

12. The surgical device as claimed in claim 1, wherein anchors (114 &118) are made from a braided suture and connected to the first loop (108) and the second loop (110).

13. The surgical device as claimed in claim 1, wherein anchors (114 &118) are made by creating a knot in the suture (102).

14. The surgical device as claimed in claim 1, further comprises a cannula (602) configured to guide needles (202 & 204) through the meniscus (402).