Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 21
Claim 1
Independent Claim
53 words
An implant assist apparatus for implanting material in tissue to be reapproximated or reinforced comprising: cannula means having a hollow body and an open proximal and distal end, said cannula dimensioned to receive the implant material; and point means detachably fixed to said open proximal end of the cannula means for penetrating tissue.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
29 words
An implant assist apparatus as in claim 1 further comprising guide wire means attached to said point means and extending into said open proximal end of the cannula means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
48 words
An implant assist apparatus as in claim 2 further comprising a loop formed in said guide wire means in an end opposite said point means and said implant material being releasably attached to said guide wire means and extending from said open distal end of the cannula means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
An implant assist apparatus as in claim 1 wherein an end of said implant material is preattached through said cannula to said point means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
An implant assist apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said cannula means is linear in shape, arcuate in shape or partially linear and partially arcuate in shape.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
An implant assist apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said implant material is selected from the group consisting of sutures, prosthetic devices and tissue augmentation devices.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
An implant assist apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said implant material comprises a braided suture.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
An implant assist apparatus as in claim 1 further comprising suture means releasably attached to said point means through said cannula.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
An implant assist apparatus as in claim 8 wherein said suture means comprises at least one needle attached to said suture.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
An implant assist apparatus as in claim 8 wherein said suture means comprises at least one needle attached to each end of said suture.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
An implant assist apparatus as in claim 9 wherein a needle of said suture is releasably attached to said point means by heat shrink tubing.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
23 words
An implant assist apparatus as recited in claim 11 wherein said cannula is dimensioned to receive said heat shrink tubing enveloping said needles.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
26 words
An implant assist apparatus as in claim 11 wherein said cannula is linear in shape, arcuate in shape or partially linear and partially arcuate in shape.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
20 words
An implant assist apparatus as in claim 10 wherein said cannula further comprises at least one flute formed longitudinally therein.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
24 words
An implant assist apparatus as in claim 14 wherein said point means is formed in the shape of a trocar or an arcuate cone.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
22 words
An implant assist apparatus as in claim 8 wherein said point means is formed integrally with said cannula and is detachable therefrom.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
30 words
An implant assist apparatus as recited in claim 10, wherein a pair of sutures extend side by side through said cannula, each suture having a needle attached to both ends.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
168 words
Apparatus for implanting material in tissue for reapproximating or reinforcing defects therein for use in a method comprising the steps of: providing cannula means having a hollow body open at both ends and a detachable point at a proximal end thereof, said detachable point having implant material attached and extending into said hollow body; passing said cannula means with detachable point and implant material into the tissue at an entry point remote from one side of the defect and out of an exit point in an opposite side remote from the defect such that a distal end of said hollow body extends from the entry point and a distal end extends from said exit point; removing said detachable point from said cannula means and drawing the implant material out of the proximal end of said hollow body until the implant material is exposed at both the distal and proximal ends of the hollow body; and withdrawing said cannula means from said tissue, leaving the implant material in place.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus far a method of implanting material as in claim 18 further comprising the step of anchoring the implant material to reapproximate or reinforce the defect.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus for a method of implanting material as in claim 19 wherein said length of implant material is at least partially contained within said hollow body.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus for a method of implanting material as in claim 20 wherein said implant material comprises a suture having a needle attached thereto, and wherein removing said detachable point from said cannula exposes said needle.