Tissue repair device and apparatus and method for fabricating same
View Patent ↗A method for fabricating a device for repairing torn tissue or muscle such as the meniscus of the knee. The device includes a pair of anchoring members having a plurality of barb-like projections extending outwardly therefrom. The anchoring members are joined by a flexible linking member which connects the ends of the anchoring members opposite one another. Such a device can be fabricated by insert molding of the appropriate members together.
1. Composite device formed from two members possessing different flexibilities or rigidities, a substantially flexible member and a substantially rigid member, said substantially flexible member being formed from fibers or filaments having a braid structure and being fused to said substantially rigid member across the entire cross-section of the braid structure, forming a secure, reliable attachment between the members of different flexibilities or rigidities, and a needle detachably secured to the substantially rigid member.
2. The composite device of claim 1 , wherein the needle is coupled to the substantially rigid member by one of adhesives, swaging, and crimping.
3. The composite device of claim 1 , wherein the needle is secured to the substantially rigid member by heat shrinkable tubing.
4. The composite device of claim 1 , wherein the needle is detachable from the substantially rigid member by one of pulling or cutting.
5. The composite device of claim 1 , wherein the needle is straight.
6. The composite device of claim 1 , wherein the needle is curved.
7. The composite device of claim 1 , wherein the needle is constructed of stainless steel.
8. The composite device of claim 1 , wherein the needle is constructed of a surgical grade metal alloy.