The present invention generally relates to expanding fasteners having at least one flat shaft portion that enters a jacket and causes expansion of the jacket and, more particularly but not exclusively, to biocompatible expanding fasteners for in vivo use.
When soft tissue, for example a ligament or tendon, detaches from the bone, a variety of fasteners may be used to attempt to attach the soft tissue to the bone.
Some fasteners, however, may fail to protect the soft tissue fibers from damage during the attachment procedure, for example from the rotation of screw threads against the soft tissue.
Further, some fasteners may fail to integrate the soft tissue fibers into the bone structure, possibly accruing a weak union between soft tissue and bone, which may tear under low stress.
In screw soft tissue fasteners having heads that protrude out of the bone, the soft tissue is placed under the screw head or under a washer associated therewith, and compressed against the outer cortex of the bone.
Mini anchors anchor in the bone with the uncompressed soft tissue being secured along the bone surface with sutures extending from the anchor.
A mini anchor comprising a wall that surrounds the graft that is compressed by a shaft deployed in a bore in the bone is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,268,001 (Nichelson et al), the content of which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
An interference screw comprises a headless screw whose threads cut into a graft, is often used to secure an Anterior Cruciate Ligament, (ACL), and/or a Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) to the femur; often possibly accruing the above-note damage to the ligament.
A femoral screw fastener that includes a jacket around the screw threads, to protect the ligament from screw thread damage, is marketed as the BioFix™ by Johnson and Johnson;
A tibial screw fastener that includes a partial jacket around the screw threads is marketed by Cayenne Medical as seen in PCT Application US 2007/006928 (Montgomery et al), now published as WO 2007/109280, the content of which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
Joint prostheses typically have stems that are placed in a bore in the bone to provide support for a prosthetic; and may include a jacket to increase the fastener compression against the bone and/or increase the area of contact between the stem and the bone.
U.S. Patent Applications 2006/0194171; and 2005/0042574 (Lazarof), the content of which are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein, teach prosthetic tooth anchors having a jacket that splits to aid in anchoring the prosthetic stem in the bore in the bone.
Typical intramedullary (IM) rods with cross pins often require complex technique and instrumentation; an example of an IM rod with cross pins is seen in U.S. Patent Application 2005/0069397 (Shavit, et al), the content of which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
The bony vertebral bodies of the spine are separated by intervertebral discs, which serve as a cushion that permit controlled motion between vertebral segments. Intervertebral discs degenerate due to trauma, disease, or wear over an extended period, and may compress a spinal nerve that results in leg pain, loss of muscle control, or even paralysis.
In some surgical treatments, an artificial prosthetic disc replacement is interposed between the adjacent vertebrae in place of the degenerated disc, through an anterior approach. An anterior approach requires repositioning of internal organs and may result in inadvertent internal damage during the procedure.
Additional background art includes the following patent, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth lo herein:
International Publication Number WO 0197677A2 (Elattrache et al) assigned to Arthex, Inc.
According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided an expanding fastener, including: two walls configured to be inserted in a bore in a bone, the two walls including: one first wall having at least one first flat planar wall portion, and one second wall, and a shaft having one flat planar shaft portion configured to slide along the one first flat planar wall portion, the shaft further having a shape configured to cause radial outward movement of at least one of the two walls during the sliding.
According to some embodiments of the invention, at least one of the two walls is configured to secure against at least a portion of the bore in the bone following the radially outward movement.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the one first wall includes a first spine configured to secure a portion of a graft, disposed in the bore, against a portion of the bore.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the graft includes at least one of: a biocompatible material, an autograft, an allograft, and a zenograft.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the first spine includes at least one first rib having a free end extending toward the second wall.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the at least one first rib is configured to press a portion of soft tissue disposed in the bore, against a portion of the bore.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the one second wall includes a second spine.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the second spine includes at least two ribs extending therefrom.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the at least two ribs include: at least one first rib extending from a first side of the second spine, and at least one second rib extending from a second side of the second spine.
According to some embodiments of the invention, prior to the radially outward movement, at least a portion of the one flat planar shaft surface is parallel to the at least one first flat planar wall.
According to some embodiments of the invention, following the radial outward movement, at least a portion the one flat planar shaft surface is parallel to the at least one first flat planar wall.
According to some embodiments of the invention, following the radial outward movement, at least a portion of the one first flat planar wall portion is parallel to the one flat planar shaft portion.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the one first wall includes at least one fold substantially along a longitudinal axis of the fastener.
According to some embodiments of the invention, at least a portion of: the one first wall, and the one second wall, are substantially radially continuous around the shaft.
According to some embodiments of the invention, an elongate stabilizing cord projects from the one first wall, the cord configured to stabilize the position of the one first wall, during the radial outward movement.
According to some embodiments of the invention, an elongate shaft cord projects from the shaft, the cord being configured to pull the shaft during the radial outward movement.
According to another aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided an expanding fastener, including: an elongate shaft, a rearward pointing cone juxtaposed along a rearward portion of the shaft, at least one wall surrounding at least a portion of the elongate shaft, the at least one wall having a rearward edge aligned with a forward surface of the cone, and a cam surface moveably set along a forward portion of the shaft and aligned with a forward edge of the at least one wall, the cam surface configured to cam against, and cause radially outward movement of the at least one wall.
According to an additional aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided an expanding fastener, including: a shaft having two portions, a forward portion and a rearward portion, the rearward shaft portion having a flare, a linearly moveable cam surface slidingly disposed on the forward portion of the shaft, at least one elongate compressed continuous wall member juxtaposed along the shaft and adapted to move radially outward as the cam surface moves toward the flare.
According to a further aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a method for compressing an in vivo tissue, the method including: boring a bore through a surface of an in vivo tissue, positioning at least two walls in the bore, sliding a shaft between the at least two walls, and causing at least a portion of at least one of the at least two walls to move radially outward and press against at least a portion of the bore.
According to a still further aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a fastening device, including: a first spine having two sides and spaced a distance from a second spine: the first spine having at least two transverse ribs, at least one rib extending from each of the two sides, toward the second spine, the at least two ribs spaced a distance from each other, and an elongate insertion member insertable into the space for expanding the spines laterally outwardly.
According to another additional aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a fastening device, including: a first spine spaced a distance from a second spine: the first spine having at least one first transverse rib extending toward the second spine, the second spine having at least one second transverse rib extending toward the first spine and spaced a distance from the at least one first rib, and an elongate insertion member insertable into the space between the first spine and the second spine, thereby expanding the first and second spines laterally outwardly.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.
Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.
In the drawings:
The present invention generally relates to expanding fasteners having at least one flat shaft portion that enters a jacket and causes expansion of the jacket and, more particularly but not exclusively, to biocompatible expanding fasteners for in vivo use.
For purposes of better understanding some embodiments of the present invention, reference is first made to existing fasteners as illustrated in
To prepare graft strands 732, comprising a tendon, many whip stitches 758 are passed through a long portion of graft strands 732. In addition, robust metal fiber sutures 754 are sutured into graft strands 732 and passed through hollow shaft 750.
By moving hollow shaft 750 downward into a bore 734, as seen in
Driver 756 is then connected to a screw 752 and rotated to drive screw 752 into bore 734 causing screw 752 to compress graft strands 732 against the walls of bore 734, as seen in
Metal fiber sutures 754 may possibly protect graft strands 732 from damage or severance as the threads of screw 752 are rotatingly driven across graft strands 732.
Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings.
The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.
Referring now to the drawings:
While flat shaft fastener 100 comprises a four-sided polygon shape, other non-limiting shapes of sheath 150 are contemplated, including a hexagon transverse cross section shape; the shape and configuration of sheath 150 being well-known to those familiar with the art.
While sheath 150 is shown with four contiguous walls, in embodiments, sheath 150 can comprise two wall portions, each consisting of two joined walls 159 similar to that shown in
Alternatively, each side of sheath may have a “c” shaped cross section, as will be explained below.
While fold 157 is shown substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of flat shaft fastener 100, fold 157 is optionally positioned anywhere between zero degrees and 60 degrees to the longitudinal axis of flat shaft fastener 100.
A shaft 140 having an axial guide channel 125 and securing tabs 139 is shown in
To deploy flat shaft fastener 100, securing tabs 139 are compressed radially inward and shaft 140 is pressed in an upward direction 108 so that a shaft cam surface 142 cams against cam edge 152.
Continued pressure from cam surface 142 on cam edge 152 causes axial bore 156 to expand and thereby allow a shaft support surface 148 to enter axial bore 156.
Additionally, slits 143 have opened while thick upper portions 145 have been pushed radially outward by the pressure from shaft 140.
As seen in
In the embodiment shown, rows of outward projections 147 comprise ribs. In other embodiments, outward projections 147 comprise rows of multiple outwardly horizontally disposed bars or any one of many other projection shapes.
In the embodiment shown, rows of outward projections 147 are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fastener. In other embodiments, rows of outward projections 147 are between 90 degrees and 170 degrees to longitudinal axis of the fastener; the many configurations and angles of outward projections 147 being well-known to those familiar with the art.
The in vivo deployment of flat shaft fastener 100 may be facilitated with one or more ancillary devices. Referring to
As used herein, the terms proximal and proximally refer to positions and movement, respectively, deeper into bore 114, and/or toward femur 360. As used herein, the terms distal and distally refer to positions and movement respectively outward, or away, from bore 114; and/or into femur 360.
In embodiments, graft strands 390 comprise an autograft from the pes anserinus of the leg. An alternative source of graft strands 390 include grafts grown ex vivo from stem cells is taught by Altman, et al, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,217,340, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference
Alternatively, graft strands 390 comprise soft tissue harvested and prepared from a cadaver.
In still further embodiments, graft strands 390 may be reinforced with a variety of fibers from man-made materials, including biologically compatible polymers and/or matrixes that aid in fostering graft strength post-operatively.
An example of an artificial graft enhancer is marketed as the LARS artificial ligament (Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System) by Surgical Implants and Devices, Arc-sur-Tille, France); the many sources for graft strands 390 being well-known to those familiar with the art.
As seen in
Following removal of transverse bar 131, guide wire 103 is pulled out of shaft 140 in a downward and distal direction 137.
Sheath 150 and/or shaft 140 do not include projections to secure sheath 150 against rotation during deployment, as is the case with the above-noted Biofix by JnJ.
Without such projections, flat shaft fastener 100 is optionally fully contained within bore 114. The inventor has discovered that maintaining entire flat shaft fastener 100 in bore 114 may possibly reduce irritation by flat shaft fastener 100 on the thin skin covering the anterior tibia, the location of the JnJ Biofix projection.
Sheath 150 is compressed against graft strands 390 substantially without forward or rearward translation of sheath 150, so there is possibly minimal shear force that is transferred to graft strands 390 during outward movement, thereby possibly minimizing damage to graft strands 390, alternatively referred to as “preserving integrity of graft strands 390.
Additionally or alternatively, sheath 150 is compressed against graft strands 390 without rotational translation of sheath 150, so there is possibly minimal cutting action of outward projections 147 into graft strands 390 during outward movement, as may be the case with unsheathed kurosaka screws.
While flat shaft fastener 100 has been shown in securing graft strands 390 in knee 322, flat shaft fastener 100 may be adapted for securing a variety of soft tissue portions of varied thicknesses to any bone in the body. Just a few of the many embodiments and uses for flat shaft fastener 100 are now presented.
In embodiments, a sheath 424 upper end is formed into an arc-shaped transverse cross section that partially encircles at least a portion of bone portion 410. An upper cam portion 470 is similarly shaped in the transverse cross-section in an arc to facilitate shaft 142 sliding into axial bore 156 during expansion of graft fastener 400.
In embodiments, sheath 424 includes wide slots 401 that extend downward from the upper portion of graft fastener 400 and wide slots 403 that extend upward from the lower portion of graft fastener 400.
Wide slots 403 pass in between, and optionally parallel to, wide slots 401 in the center of sheath 424.
In embodiments seen in
Additionally shown is a shaft 728 which is pressed into the space between spines 710 and 714 during deployment of ribbed fastener 700.
As shaft 728 is pressed into the space between spines 710 and 714, spines 710 and 714 are expanded radially outward to secure in bone 730.
As seen in
Further, in optional embodiments, shaft 728 and ribs 726 and 722 are similarly flexible and swing radially outward to secure in bone 730.
Graft strands 732 may for example, comprise a ligament graft for repairing an ACL in bore 738 extending through the tibia.
Alternatively, graft strands 732 may comprises severed portions of a tendon that must be reattached to the bone 730, a procedure referred to tenodesis. Examples of tenodesis include reattachment of a severed head of the biceps to the radius and reattachment of finger tendons to the digital bones.
Embodiments of ribbed fastener 700 may additionally be used in aligning and securing bone fractures; the many applications of fastener 700 being well known to those familiar with the art.
There are many alternative configurations for rib 720 that aid in preventing migration of graft strands 732 and/or aid in securing to bone 730 that may be contemplated in configurations of ribbed fastener 700; and are known to those familiar with the art.
For example, to prevent damage to particularly thin graft strands 732, the angle between lower edge 746 and an upper edge 746 may be increased.
Rib 720 may additionally include a blunt edge 748 for securing particularly delicate graft strands 732 or soft tissue, while possibly minimizing any damage to the graft strands 732.
Additionally, ribs 720, 722, 724 and 726, may be manufactured relatively thick, or alternatively relatively thin with relatively small intervening spaces therebetween; the latter, for example; to aid in fastening against hard bone 730.
In embodiments, spines 710 and 714 optionally extend a distance above ribs 720, 722, 724 and 726 to serve as guide posts to maintain the position of graft strands 732.
There are many embodiments of ribbed fastener 700, the following embodiment being just one such example.
Dynamic spinal stabilizers have shown potential in alleviating back pain. However, some are of a large size that requires a large surgical incision; with the possibility of known sequella. The following is just one example of a dynamic spinal stabilizing fastener according to embodiments of the invention.
Sheath 424 includes lower slots 401 and upper slots 403 that open to form oblique portions which stabilize fastener 850 on either side of posterior processes 812.
Dynamic spinal stabilizing fastener 850 inserts through a small incision with minimal dissection in a compact configuration and then radially enlarges to separate vertebral processes 812.
To provide proper fixation without damage to joint space 942, Kirschner wires 920 are driven across fracture 968. A monofilament wire 980 is then passed through drill holes 930 in cortex 990 and formed into a figure eight that provides compression on fracture 968.
A major drawback of this prior art procedure is that considerable dissection is required to accommodate Kirschner wires 920 and monofilament wire 980; typically a “hockey stick” incision 960, perhaps 17 to 22 centimeters in length. Incision 960, unfortunately will likely heal with considerable scarring, impeding range of motion (ROM) of joint 948.
In distinct contrast, as shown in
Sheath 150 is radially enlarged on one side of fracture 968 and secures against a wide area of bone between cortex 990 walls.
Shaft 140 passes through fracture 968 and is fitted with a nut 982 and a washer 910 that adjustably compress cortex 990, thereby compressing fracture 968.
Sheath 150 is compressed radially outward against cortex 990; thereby spreading forces generated at femoral prosthetic head 1160 to a large surface area of cortex 990; which in turn helps maintain integrity of cortex 990 against the damage caused by focal pressures of an existing prosthetic stem.
In embodiments, mini anchor fastener 500 in the pre-deployed configuration is configured to have a cross sectional area that is less than the cross sectional area of bore 114, thereby allowing placement of soft tissue 570 in bore 114 along with fastener 500.
To secure soft tissue 570, bore 114 is made through cortex 516 and optionally into trabecular bone 512. Fastener 500 is introduced into bore 114, along with soft tissue portion 570 so that a portion of soft tissue 570 passes through a portion of cortex 516.
Mini anchor fastener 500 is expanded, optionally below a portion of cortex 516, thereby compressing soft tissue 570 against trabecular bone 512 where there are appropriate vascular channels to supply healing-promoting nutrients to soft tissue 570. The radially enlarged mini anchor fastener 500 additionally compresses and secures the position of soft tissue 570.
Following compression of soft tissue 570, a suture 510, is optionally passed through soft tissue 570 and tied, thereby providing further stability of soft tissue 570.
The inventors have found that introducing soft tissue 570 along with fastener into trabecular bone 512, may possibly allow easier positioning of soft tissue 570 than that provided by the above-noted Arthrex Biotenodesis™.
As used herein, the term sheath 150 refers to a sleeve, jacket or tube having an axial space or bore into which shaft 140 is deployed.
To allow sheath 150 to be easily placed in bore 114 in the pre-deployed configuration, sheath 150 is optionally formed into a flat curvilinear configuration, or alternatively a flat planar cross sectional configuration, allowing the originally compact circumference to reach maximum diameter upon expansion.
Alternatively, sheath 150 may comprise two curvilinear flat walls, or two flat, substantially planar flat walls, that expand radially outward.
In embodiments, guide wire 103 includes a transverse pin 122 that slides in a direction 124 into a transverse pinhole 123. While transverse pin 122 is shown being slidingly attached to pin hole 123, pin 122 may be fixed to guide wire 103 and comprise any one of several radially outwardly projecting configurations.
To secure sheathed fastener 200 in bore 114, guide element 103 is pressed in an upward direction 108 so transverse pin 122 presses shaft 140 upward. Shaft 140 movement causes the upper portion of sheath 150 to press and stabilize against an upper surface 158 within in vivo tissue bore 114. With continued pressure, sheathed fastener 200 enlarges within bore 114 to secure tissue in bore 114.
Following radial outward movement of sheathed fastener 200, guide wire 103 is removed from guide channel 125, for example by pulling guide wire 103 in a distal direction 162. Alternatively, transverse pin 122 is pulled out of guide wire 103 and guide wire 103 is pulled out of shaft 140 in proximal direction 108.
Upon positioning sheath 150 around shaft support surface 148, tines 182 and 184 lock into flat shaft tine receptacles 82 and 84 respectively, preventing movement of shaft 140 in sheath 150.
To remove shaft 140 from sheath 150, a tine cord 173 is pulled in direction 162 to cause legs 172 and 174 to move toward each other and release tines 182 and 184 from tine receptacles 82 and 84.
Alternatively, legs 172 and 174 which extend beyond sheath 150 when shaft 140 is contained within sheath 150, are pressed toward each other using an instrument, for example a forceps (not shown), to facilitate removal of shaft 140 from bore 156.
Legs 172 and 174 allow an operator to remove sheathed fastener 300, for example for repositioning sheath 150 and or retensioning graft strands 390 shown above. As the interface between surface of sheath 150 and bore 114 is non-threaded, removal of sheathed fastener 300, adjustment of sheathed fastener 300 position, and further deployment of sheathed fastener 300, is optionally repeated without compromising the integrity of trabecular bone 112.
Sheath 150 is positioned within bore 114. Guide wire 103 is pulled in distal direction 162 to cause end projection 121 to press on a shaft upper surface 199. A tool 163 is used to stabilize sheath 150 and shaft 140 is pulled into sleeve 150 as end projection 121 is pulled in distal direction 162.
Following shaft 140 being pulled into sheath 150, as seen in
Tool 163 is optionally configured to press against pre-deployed sheath 150 to aid in aligning two shafts 140 within sheath 150. Following movement of sheath 150, guide wire 103 is turned, so the projection aligns with channel 119, and is removed, as noted above.
During deployment, tool 163 is pressed against shaft 140 in direction 162 while guide member 209 is pulled in direction 108, causing shafts 140 and 205 to enter and expand sheath 150. A radial ledge 207 presses into cam edge 152, causing shaft 205 to enter sheath 150.
A threaded securing nut 1120 having a bore 1169 with threads 1162 and includes bevels 1122 that interface with forward oblique surfaces 1142. A flare nut 1116 includes a bore 1132 that encircles shaft 1194 and a flare cavity 1130 that encircles flare end 1150. Beveled surfaces 1114 interface with rearward oblique surfaces 1148.
To cause radial outward movement, square end 1156 is rotated in a direction 270. By grasping flats 1164, threaded nut 1120 is stabilized against rotating and prevents walls 1149 and flare nut 1116 from rotating.
Shaft 1194 rotates in direction 270, causing threaded securing nut 1120 to move linearly toward flared nut 1116. In an exemplary embodiment, nut 116 remains stationary, while flare end 1150 rotates.
In the pre-deployed configuration, the side edges of portions of walls 1149 are located between each other, herein interdigitation of side edges, to aid in maximizing the diameter of dual wall fastener 702 that is in contact with tissue in the radial outward position.
The inventor has discovered that in addition to maximizing bone contact, graft strands 390 (
A partial ring 1199 of a flexible hard material, for example surgical spring steel, provides radial inward pressure against walls 1149 to maintain proximity to shaft 1194.
In an alternative embodiment, a ring (not shown) that completely surrounds dual wall fastener 702, for example manufactured from an elastomeric material, may be used in place of partial ring 1199.
In
In
Stabilizing cup 6880 includes tabs 6882 and 6884 that secure to bone 1910. Optionally, cup 6880 includes a friction surface 6886 that interfaces with nut body 6830. Rotation counter to direction 6872 allows nut body 6830 to loosen.
Nut 7000 provides compression force along fracture 922 that is adjusted by rotating nut body 6830 in direction 6872 or counter to direction 6872. Typically, shaft 1198 is cut flush with nut body 6830 and removed through a small incision 6822 that was used for insertion of dual wall fastener 702 and nut 7000.
As a ratchet nut 2710 moves toward flare 1430, a forward spiral wall edge 1442 is pressed by a forward nut surface 2723 and rearward spiral wall edge 1444 is pressed by flare 1430, causing spiral wall 1440 to move radially outward, until, as seen in
Additionally deployment tool 800 includes a shaft 820 having a threaded end 804 that threadingly affixes to a threaded receptacle 604 of shaft 140 on fastener 600.
Stabilizing prongs 813 at the ends of stabilizing posts 815 pass through shaft channels 612, while threaded end 804 is threaded into threaded receptacle 604.
It should be noted that fastener 600 could be any one of, or combination of, fasteners heretofore presented.
Deployment of fastener 600 is accomplished with a forward movement in a direction 827 of shaft 820 into a bone bore 631. A deployment plate 821 is pushed forward in direction 827 to cause shaft 140 to pass into jacket 151 and cause jacket 151 to expand radially outward. In embodiments, while jacket 151 expands, stabilizing posts 815 flex radially outward to maintain stabilizing prongs 813 in stabilizing ports 612.
To pull ram shaft 140 out of jacket 151 and collapse fastener 600, for example to reposition fastener 600, removal shaft 820 is pulled in a backward direction 823, so that shaft 140 is pulled out of jacket 151 and jacket 151 at least partially collapses. Fastener 600 may then be repositioned, after which shaft 140 is pushed into jacket 151 to secure fastener 600.
To remove hook 805 from ram shaft 140, removal shaft 820 is rotated to align hook 805 with an exit channel 627. Removal shaft 820 is pulled in backward direction 823 to free hook 805 from shaft 140. Deployment tool 800 is then removed from dual wall fastener 600.
In embodiments, sheath 150 and/or shaft 140 comprise a metallic base from the group consisting of: stainless steel, nitinol, tantalum, MP35N alloy, a cobalt-based alloy, a cobalt-chromium alloy, platinum, titanium, or other biocompatible metal alloys.
In embodiments, sheath 150 and/or shaft 140 comprise a bio degradable/bio-absorbable base from the group consisting of: PGLA, PLLA, PLA, bio-resorbable magnesium, or other bio resorbable compounds.
In embodiments, sheath 150 and/or shaft 140 comprise a material selected from the group consisting of: polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, nylon and a biocompatible polymer fiber.
It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing from this application many relevant expanding fasteners will be developed and the scope of the term expanding fastener is intended to include all such new technologies a priori.
As used herein the term “about” refers to ±10%
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “having” and their conjugates mean “including but not limited to”. This term encompasses the terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of”.
The phrase “consisting essentially of” means that the composition or method may include additional ingredients and/or steps, but only if the additional ingredients and/or steps do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition or method.
As used herein, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “a compound” or “at least one compound” may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.
Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.
Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and a second indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number “to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals therebetween.
As used herein the term “method” refers to manners, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or readily developed from known manners, means, techniques and procedures by practitioners of the chemical, pharmacological, biological, biochemical and medical arts.
As used herein, the term “treating” includes abrogating, substantially inhibiting, slowing or reversing the progression of a condition, substantially ameliorating clinical or aesthetical symptoms of a condition or substantially preventing the appearance of clinical or aesthetical symptoms of a condition.
It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.
Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.
This application is a Continuation in Part of PCT/IL2007/000377, “Curved Wall Fasteners”, filed 22 Mar. 2007, published as WO 2007/110863 which in turn claims priority from: U.S. Provisional Application 60/786,369, “Expanding Curved Walled Fastener”, filed 24 Mar. 2006; andU.S. Provisional Application 60/802508, “Compact Tube Fastener”, filed 07 May 2006, the contents of which are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. This application additionally incorporates by reference as if fully set forth herein: U.S. Provision Application 60/960,338, “Ram Bolt”, filed 26 Sep. 2007; andU.S. Provision Application 60/996,970, “Ribbed Fastener”, filed 13 Dec. 2007.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60786369 | Mar 2006 | US | |
60802508 | May 2006 | US | |
60960338 | Sep 2007 | US | |
60996970 | Dec 2007 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | PCT/IL2007/000377 | Mar 2007 | US |
Child | 12204796 | US |