Suture tie device system and applicator therefor

Claim 2

A suture tie device for suturing bodily tissue, comprising at least one leg member having a proximal portion and a distal portion, at least one of said leg members comprising a tissue engaging portion, terminating at a distal end and having a configuration defining a tissue receiving space therein; and typing means selectively displaceable along at least one of said leg members for engaging said distal end to form a suture loop.

Claim 3

A suture tie device as recited in claim 1, further comprising coupling means for inhibiting movement of said tying means in at least a single predetermined direction along said leg member.

Claim 4

A suture tie device as recited in claim 2, wherein said coupling means is configured to permit distal movement of said tying means and to inhibit proximal movement of said tying means.

Claim 5

A suture tie device as recited in claim 2, wherein said tying means is selectively manipulable to release said coupling means to permit displacement of said tying means along said leg member.

Claim 6

A suture tie device as recited in claim 2, wherein said tying means comprises a locking/tying member having an aperture formed therein for receiving said leg member and said coupling means comprises a plurality of engaging members formed along at least one of said leg member and said locking/tying member.

Claim 7

A suture tie device as recited in claim 2, wherein said coupling means comprises a plurality of engaging members which are formed along a section of an exterior surface of said leg member and along an inner surface of said aperture of said locking/tying member.

Claim 8

A suture tie device as recited in claim 6, wherein said engaging members comprise a plurality of angularly extending teeth.

Claim 9

A suture tie device as recited in claim 6, wherein said engaging members comprise a plurality of filaments.

Claim 10

A suture tie device as recited in claim 6, wherein said engaging members comprise a plurality of outwardly extending ridges.

Claim 11

A suture tie device as recited in claim 6, wherein said engaging members comprise a plurality of micro-holes formed along one of the leg member and the locking/tying member aperture, and at least one filament formed on the other of the leg member and locking/tying member aperture.

Claim 12

A suture tie device as recited in claim 6, wherein said engaging members comprise a plurality of ridges and recesses arranged in an alternating configuration.

Claim 13

A suture tie device as recited in claim 5, wherein said leg member is configured as a generally tubular member having a wall which defines a tubular lumen and a generally longitudinally-extending slot extending between said tubular lumen and an exterior surface of said leg member, said locking/tying member comprising an arm that extends through said leg slot, said locking/tying member arm and said leg wall each being provided with a plurality of engaging members, said engaging members of said arm being selectively displaceable into and out of engagement with said engaging members of said leg wall.

Claim 14

A suture tie device as recited in claim 5, wherein the leg member defines a cavity at its proximal portion and the locking/tying member further comprises a second aperture axially aligned with a tip of the leg member distal end.

Claim 15

A suture tie device as recited in claim 13, further comprising a plug member comprising first and second arms extending outwardly from a plate member and being insertable through corresponding ones of said locking/tying member apertures, one of the plug arms being dimensioned so as to be received within the leg member cavity and the other of the plug arms defining an arm cavity that is dimensioned to be received within the distal end of the leg member.

Claim 16

A suture tie device as recited in claim 5, wherein the leg member defines a cavity at its proximal portion and an opening at its distal end, and the locking/tying member is provided with a second aperture axially aligned with the distal end leg member opening.

Claim 17

A suture tie device as recited in claim 15, further comprising a plug member comprising a pair of arms extending from a plate member, said plug arms being insertable through corresponding ones of said locking/tying member apertures, each of the arms being dimensioned so as to be insertable in a corresponding one of the leg member cavity and distal end opening.

Claim 18

A suture tie device as recited in claim 15, wherein the cavity extends from the proximal portion of the leg member to the distal end opening.

Claim 19

A suture tie device as recited in claim 2, wherein the proximal portion of the leg member comprises a a collar member defining a collar aperture having a plurality of engaging members mounted along an interior surface of the collar aperture and the tying means comprises a plug member insertable through said collar aperture, the plug member being provided with a plurality of engaging members for interacting with the engaging members of said collar aperture.

Claim 20

A suture tie device as recited in claim 17, wherein the plug member is provided with a distal end configuration complementary to the configuration of the tissue engaging portion of the leg member.

Claim 21

A suture tie device as recited in claim 15, wherein the plug member distal end configuration includes means for receiving the distal end of the leg member.

Claim 22

A suture tie device as recited in claim 1, wherein the tying means comprises means for receiving the distal end of the leg member.

Claim 23

A suture tie device as recited in claim 1, wherein the proximal portion of the leg member is configured so as to be severable from the suture tie device.

Claim 24

A suture tie device as recited in claim 1, wherein at least a section of the leg member is formed from a bioabsorbable material.

Claim 25

A suture tie device as recited in claim 1, wherein both the leg member and the tying means are formed from a bioabsorbable material.

Claim 26

A suture tie device as recited in claim 1, wherein said tying means includes a recess formed therein for accommodating tissue to be sutured.

Claim 27

A suture tie device as recited in claim 1, wherein the distal end of the leg member is configured with a sharp tip.

Claim 28

A suture tie device as recited in claim 1, wherein the distal end of the leg member is configured with a blunt tip.

Claim 29

A suture tie device as recited in claim 1, wherein the tissue receiving space has a generally U-shaped configuration.

Claim 30

A suture tie device as recited in claim 1, wherein the distal end extends toward the proximal portion of the leg member.

Claim 33

A method according to claim 30, wherein the bodily tissue is engaged and penetrated by a sharp distal edge provided along the distal end of the suture tie device.

Claim 34

A method according to claim 30, wherein the suture tie device is applied to the bodily tissue by a suture tie device applicator.

Claim 35

A method according to claim 32, wherein bodily tissue engagement is accomplished by manipulating the applicator so as to direct the suture tie device along a curved path extending through the bodily tissue to be sutured.

Claim 36

A method according to claim 32, wherein the bodily tissue is engaged and penetrated by a distal end of the applicator prior to tissue engagement by the suture tie device.

Claim 37

A method according to claim 30, wherein the tying means and at least a section of the leg member are provided with coupling means comprising a plurality of mutually engageable engaging members, the method further comprising the step of selectively disengaging the plurality of mutually engageable engaging members to effect advancement of the tying means along the leg member of the suture tie device.

Claim 38

A method according to claim 35, further comprising the step of re-engaging the mutually engageable engaging members to inhibit movement of the tying means in at least a single predetermined direction of movement.

Claim 39

A method according to claim 36, wherein re-engagement of the mutually engageable engaging members inhibits movement of the tying means along the leg member in a proximal direction.

Claim 40

A method according to claim 36, wherein re-engagement of the mutually engageable engaging members inhibits movement of the tying means along the leg member in both a proximal and a distal direction.

Claim 41

A method according to claim 30, further comprising the step of severing a section of the proximal portion of the leg member following suture loop formation.

Claim 42

A method according to claim 30, wherein at least one part of the leg member and the tying means of the suture tie device engaging the bodily tissue is formed from a bioabsorbable material.

Claim 43

A method according to claim 30, wherein the entire suture tie device engaging the bodily tissue is formed from a bioabsorbable material.

Claim 44

A method according to claim 30, further comprising the step of storing a plurality of suture tie devices with the applicator and installing at least two of the plurality of suture tie devices in the bodily tissue.

Claim 45

A suture tie device for suturing bodily tissue, comprising at least two generally opposed leg members, each of said leg members being provided with a proximal portion and a distal portion having a tissue engaging portion, said distal tissue engaging portion terminating at a distal end; and suture tying means selectively displaceable a said generally opposed leg members for engaging said distal ends thereof to form a suture loop.

Claim 46

A suture tie device for suturing bodily tissue, comprising at least two generally opposed leg members, each of said leg members being provided with a proximal portion and a distal portion having a tissue engaging portion, said distal tissue engaging portion terminating at a distal end; and suture tying means selectively displaceable a said generally opposed leg members for engaging said distal ends thereof to form a suture loop.

Claim 47

A suture tie device as recited in claim 43, further comprising coupling means for inhibiting movement of said suture tying means in at least a single predetermined direction along said leg members.

Claim 48

A suture tie device as recited in claim 44, wherein said coupling means is configured to permit distal movement of said suture tying means and to inhibit proximal movement of said suture tying means.

Claim 49

A suture tie device as recited in claim 44, wherein said suture tying means is selectively manipulable to release said coupling means to permit longitudinal movement of said suture tying means along said leg members.

Claim 50

A suture tie device as recited in claim 46, wherein said tying means comprises a locking/tying member having an aperture formed therein for receiving at least one of said leg members, and said coupling means comprises a plurality of engaging members formed along a section of an exterior surface of said at least one leg member receivable within said locking/tying member aperture and along an inner surface of said locking/tying member aperture.

Claim 51

A suture tie device as recited in claim 47, wherein said engaging members comprise a plurality of angularly extending teeth.

Claim 52

A suture tie device as recited in claim 47, wherein said engaging members comprise a plurality of filaments.

Claim 53

A suture tie device as recited in claim 47, wherein said engaging members comprise a plurality of outwardly extending ridges.

Claim 54

A suture tie device as recited in claim 47, wherein said engaging members comprise a plurality of micro-holes formed along one of at least one of the two leg members and the locking/tying member aperture, and at least one filament formed on another of the at least one of the two leg members and locking/tying member aperture that is not provided with said plurality of micro-holes.

Claim 55

A suture tie device as recited in claim 47, wherein said engaging members comprise a plurality of ridges and recesses arranged in an alternating configuration.

Claim 56

A suture tie device as recited in claim 43, wherein the generally opposed leg members extend from a common base member.

Claim 57

A suture tie device as recited in claim 43, wherein the suture tie device is comprised of an even number in excess of two leg members, the leg members being arranged in generally opposed pairs.

Claim 58

A suture tie device as recited in claim 43, wherein an odd number of at least three leg members is provided.

Claim 59

A suture tie device as recited in claim 43, wherein the distal end portion of the leg members extend generally toward one another.

Claim 60

A suture tie device as recited in claim 43, wherein one of the leg member distal ends is configured as a female member and another of the leg member distal ends is configured as a male member, the female member having a lumen which is defined by an interior surface that is dimensioned to receive the male member.

Claim 61

A suture tie device as recited in claim 57, wherein the male and female members are provided with means mutually engageable with one another to effect interlocking engagement of the respective leg member distal ends.

Claim 62

A suture tie device as recited in claim 58, wherein the distal end of the female member is provided with a plurality of perforations that extend into the distal end lumen, and the male member is provided with a plurality of locking protrusions that are dimensioned to be received within said perforations to effect said interlocking.

Claim 63

A suture tie device as recited in claim 58, wherein the interior surface of the female member is provided with at least one rib-like protrusion that extends into the distal end lumen, and the male member is provided with a plurality of conical protrusions engageable with said at least one rib-like protrusion to effect said interlocking.

Claim 64

A suture tie device as recited in claim 58, wherein the interior surface of the female member is provided with at least one rib-like protrusion that extends into the distal end lumen, and the male member is provided with a plurality of angled teeth engageable with said at least one rib-like protrusion to effect said interlocking.

Claim 65

A suture tie device as recited in claim 58, wherein the female member comprises a slot that divides the female member into at least two longitudinal sections, the lumen defined by the female member having a diameter that is less than the diameter of the male member to be inserted therein.

Claim 66

A suture tie device as recited in claim 62, wherein the longitudinal sections are configured to resiliently engage the male member upon insertion of the male member into the lumen of the female member.

Claim 67

A suture tie device as recited in claim 63, wherein the interior surface of the female member is provided with at least one rib-like protrusion that extends into the distal end lumen, and the male member is provided with a plurality of conical protrusions engageable with said at least one rib-like protrusion to effect said interlocking.

Claim 68

A suture tie device as recited in claim 58, wherein each of said distal ends includes a proximal surface and a distal surface, said interlocking means being provided along the distal surface of one of the distal ends and a proximal surface of another of the distal ends.

Claim 69

A suture tie device as recited in claim 65, wherein the interlocking means comprises a protruding member formed along one of said distal end surfaces and at least one recess formed along the opposed surface of another of the distal ends dimensioned to receive said protruding member.

Claim 70

A suture tie device as recited in claim 43, wherein one of the distal ends is configured as a male member having a plurality of angled teeth extending therefrom and another of the distal ends comprises an aperture dimensioned to received said male member.

Claim 71

A suture tie device as recited in claim 67, wherein the distal end comprising the aperture terminates at a proximally-extending tip.

Claim 72

A suture tie device as recited in claim 43, wherein one of the distal ends is provided with a slot for receiving the distal end of another of the leg members.

Claim 73

A suture tie device as recited in claim 69, wherein the distal end received by said slot includes a recess engageable with a portion of the distal end defining said slot.

Claim 74

A suture tie device as recited in claim 43, wherein said at least two leg members are displaceable toward one another.

Claim 75

A suture tie device as recited in claim 43 wherein one of said leg members is displaceably fixed in position relative to the other of said leg members.

Claim 76

A suture tie device as recited in claim 43, wherein at least one of said leg members is provided with a recess adjacent the distal end of the leg member for receiving bodily tissue therein.

Claim 77

A suture tie device as recited in claim 43, wherein the tying means comprises means for receiving the distal end of at least one of the leg members.

Claim 78

A suture tie device as recited in claim 43, wherein each of the distal ends of the opposed leg members terminates at a distal tip, the distal tips being configured so as to be positionable in a generally parallel relation relative to one another.

Claim 79

A suture tie device as recited in claim 75, wherein at least one of the distal tips is provided with a sharp edge.

Claim 80

A suture tie device as recited in claim 76, wherein said sharp edge has a jagged configuration.

Claim 81

A suture tie device as recited in claim 75, wherein at least one of the distal tips is provided with a blunt edge.

Claim 82

A suture tie device as recited in claim 75, wherein the distal tips are configured to be positionable in a parallel, angularly inclined orientation relative to a longitudinal axis of the suture tie device.

Claim 83

A suture tie device as recited in claim 43, wherein the proximal portion of at least one of the leg members is configured to be severable from the suture tie device.

Claim 84

A suture tie device as recited in claim 43, wherein at least a section of at least one of the leg members is formed from a bioabsorbable material.

Claim 85

A suture tie device as recited in claim 43, wherein all of the leg members and the tying means are formed from a bioabsorbable material.

Claim 86

A suture tie device as recited in claim 43. wherein the tying means includes a recess formed therein for accommodating tissue to be sutured.

Claim 87

An applicator in combination with a suture tie device for suturing tissue, the applicator being applicable for use in applying the suture tie device to anatomical tissue, the suture tie device having at least one tissue engaging leg member and a locking/tying member movable along the leg member, the applicator comprising: an elongate outer member having a proximal portion and a distal portion for holding a suture tie device in a tissue suturing position; means for storing a plurality of suture tie devices; means for engaging the locking/tying member of the suture tie device; handle means connected with the proximal portion of said outer elongate member and said engaging means for selectively advancing said engaging means distally relative to said outer elongate member to advance the locking/tying member along the tissue engaging leg member to effect suturing of anatomical tissue positioned between said leg member and said locking/tying member at said outer member distal portion; and actuator means for delivering a suture tie device from said storing means to said distal portion of said outer elongate member; and means for effecting release of at least one suture tie device into the anatomical tissue following distal advancement of said locking/tying member thereof.

Claim 88

An applicator in combination with a suture tie device for suturing tissue, the applicator being applicable for use in applying the suture tie device to anatomical tissue, the suture tie device having at least one tissue engaging leg member and a locking/tying member movable along the leg member, the applicator comprising: an elongate outer member having a proximal portion and a distal portion for holding a suture tie device in a tissue suturing position; means for storing a plurality of suture tie devices; means for engaging the locking/tying member of the suture tie device; handle means connected with the proximal portion of said outer elongate member and said engaging means for selectively advancing said engaging means distally relative to said outer elongate member to advance the locking/tying member along the tissue engaging leg member to effect suturing of anatomical tissue positioned between said leg member and said locking/tying member at said outer member distal portion; and actuator means for delivering a suture tie device from said storing means to said distal portion of said outer elongate member; and means for effecting release of at least one suture tie device into the anatomical tissue following distal advancement of said locking/tying member thereof.

Claim 89

1. An applicator as recited in claim 84, wherein said storing means comprises a housing for storing a plurality of suture tie devices in an end-to-end serial arrangement and means for retaining the suture tie devices in said housing, said retaining means being selectively displaceable relative to a distal end of said storing means to permit release of a suture tie device toward said distal portion of said outer elongate member.

Claim 90

An applicator as recited in claim 85, wherein said housing is provided with a generally tubular configuration having a proximal end and a distal end, said actuator means being disposed adjacent said housing proximal end and said retaining means being disposed adjacent said housing distal end.

Claim 91

An applicator as recited in claim 86, wherein said retaining means includes at least two radially displaceable arms which extend from said housing distal end.

Claim 92

An applicator as recited in claim 86, wherein said retaining means includes at least two radially displaceable arms which extend from said outer elongate member adjacent said distal portion thereof.

Claim 93

An applicator as recited in claim 88, wherein said retaining means comprises at least one resilient guide member disposed in said housing.

Claim 94

An applicator as recited in claim 86, wherein said housing comprises two coaxially arranged generally elongate members, one of the generally elongate members being provided with at least two radially expandable arms extending from a distal end of the elongate member, the other generally elongate member including means for manipulating said radially expandable arms, said actuator means being operable to effect distal and proximal movement of said elongate members relative to one another.

Claim 95

An applicator as recited in claim 90, wherein the outermost of the two elongate members is provided with said radially expandable arms and the inner elongate member is configured such that distal movement thereof relative to said outer elongate member effects radial expansion of said radially expandable arms.

Claim 96

An applicator as recited in claim 90, wherein said inner elongate member further comprises means to connect the distal end of said inner elongate member with said radially expandable arms such that proximal movement of said inner elongate member relative to said outer elongate member effects said radially expandable arms to move toward one another.

Claim 97

An applicator as recited in claim 90, wherein said inner elongate member is provided with said radially expandable arms, said outer and inner elongate members being arranged relative to one another such that proximal movement of said outer elongate member relative to said inner elongate member effects radial expansion of said expandable arms.

Claim 98

An applicator as recited in claim 90, wherein said inner elongate member is provided with said radially expandable arms, said outer and inner elongate members being arranged relative to one another such that distal movement of said outer elongate member relative to said inner elongate member effects said radially expandable arms to move toward one another.

Claim 99

An applicator as recited in claim 90, further comprising means for selectively adjusting the relative spacing between ends of the radially expandable arms.

Claim 100

An applicator as recited in claim 90, wherein ends of said radially expandable arms are provided with sharp edges for severing a portion of the tissue engaging leg.

Claim 101

An applicator as recited in claim 90, further comprising means for locking the handle in a user-selected position.

Claim 102

An applicator as recited in claim 84, wherein said distal portion of said outer elongate member comprises a cradle for receiving a suture tie device to be applied to the tissue to be sutured.

Claim 103

An applicator as recited in claim 98, wherein the cradle terminates at a sharp distal end.

Claim 104

An applicator as recited in claim 84, wherein the storing means comprises a replaceable housing having a plurality of suture tie devices serially arranged therein.

Claim 105

An applicator as recited in claim 84, wherein the applicator is configured as a disposable instrument for use with a single patient.

Claim 106

An applicator as recited in claim 84, wherein said distal portion of said outer elongate member comprises at least two forcep arms, each of said forcep arms being configured to receive a leg member of the suture tie device.

Claim 107

An applicator as recited in claim 102, further comprising means for displacing one forcep arm relative to the other of the at least two forcep arms.

Claim 108

An applicator as recited in claim 102, wherein one of said forcep arms comprises means for receiving another of the forcep arms.

Claim 109

An applicator as recited in claim 104, wherein said forcep arm receiving means comprises a lumen formed in said forcep arm.

Claim 110

An applicator as recited in claim 102, wherein at least one of said forcep arms terminates at a sharp distal tip.

Claim 111

An applicator as recited in claim 102, further comprising means for inhibiting distal movement of the suture tie device locking/tying member beyond a predetermined position of the applicator.

Claim 112

An applicator device in combination with a suture tie device, the applicator being applicable for use in applying the suture tie device to anatomical tissue, the tie device including at least one elongate, tissue-engaging member having a distal end configured to engage tissue and a proximal end, and tying/locking means received on the tissue engaging member proximal end and movable toward the tissue engaging member distal end to lock tissue therewithin, the applicator device including an inner, elongate member received telescopically within a middle tubular member which, in turn, is telescopically received within an outer, elongate tubular member, said inner, middle and outer tubular members each having a distal end and a proximal end, said outer tubular member distal end having means for temporarily receiving a suture tie device therewithin, said inner member distal end abutting the tissue engaging member proximal end to retain the suture tie device within the tie device receiving means, said middle tubular member distal end being configured and dimensioned to engage the tying/locking means, whereby upon sliding movement of said middle tubular member with respect to said inner member and towards the distal end thereof, the tying/locking means is caused to slide along the tissue engaging member towards the distal end thereof, said tissue engaging member proximal end being configured to initially receive said tying/locking means, said tissue engaging member being configured so that said tying/locking means is displaceable along said tissue engaging member from said proximal end toward said distal end to lock tissue therewithin, means being provided on said tissue engaging member and said tying/locking means for permitting movement of said locking means towards said tissue engaging member distal end and for preventing movement of said tying/locking means toward said tissue engaging member proximal end, said tissue engaging member comprising a base member positioned adjacent said tissue engaging member proximal end and a pair of jaws extending from said base member in the distal direction, said jaws being displaceable between an open position and a generally closed position, said locking means comprising a ring-like locking member having a configuration and internal dimensions generally mating the external dimensions and configuration of said base member, said jaws being configured to receive tissue when open and to lock tissue therewithin when in the generally closed position upon sliding of said locking member over said base member and said jaws towards said tissue engaging member distal end, thereby closing said jaws a desired distance in accordance with the amount of sliding movement of said locking member.

Claim 113

An applicator device in combination with a suture tie device, the applicator being applicable for use in applying the suture tie device to anatomical tissue, the tie device including at least one elongate, tissue-engaging member having a distal end configured to engage tissue and a proximal end, and tying/locking means received on the tissue engaging member proximal end and movable toward the tissue engaging member distal end to lock tissue therewithin, the applicator device including an inner, elongate member received telescopically within a middle tubular member which, in turn, is telescopically received within an outer, elongate tubular member, said inner, middle and outer tubular members each having a distal end and a proximal end, said outer tubular member distal end having means for temporarily receiving a suture tie device therewithin, said inner member distal end abutting the tissue engaging member proximal end to retain the suture tie device within the tie device receiving means, said middle tubular member distal end being configured and dimensioned to engage the tying/locking means, whereby upon sliding movement of said middle tubular member with respect to said inner member and towards the distal end thereof, the tying/locking means is caused to slide along the tissue engaging member towards the distal end thereof, said tissue engaging member proximal end being configured to initially receive said tying/locking means, said tissue engaging member being configured so that said tying/locking means is displaceable along said tissue engaging member from said proximal end toward said distal end to lock tissue therewithin, means being provided on said tissue engaging member and said tying/locking means for permitting movement of said locking means towards said tissue engaging member distal end and for preventing movement of said tying/locking means toward said tissue engaging member proximal end, said tissue engaging member comprising a base member positioned adjacent said tissue engaging member proximal end and a pair of jaws extending from said base member in the distal direction, said jaws being displaceable between an open position and a generally closed position, said locking means comprising a ring-like locking member having a configuration and internal dimensions generally mating the external dimensions and configuration of said base member, said jaws being configured to receive tissue when open and to lock tissue therewithin when in the generally closed position upon sliding of said locking member over said base member and said jaws towards said tissue engaging member distal end, thereby closing said jaws a desired distance in accordance with the amount of sliding movement of said locking member.

Claim 114

The applicator device as claimed in claim 108, further comprising generally U-shaped handle means having first and second handle members, said first handle member being fixed to said outer tubular member proximal end and said second handle member being fixed to said middle tubular member proximal end, whereupon a grasping, squeezing action of said generally U-shaped handle means effects displacement of the middle tubular member toward and beyond the distal end of the inner member.

Claim 115

The applicator device as claimed in claim 108, wherein said outer tubular member distal end means for temporarily receiving a suture tie device therewithin comprise forceps means, constructed so as to be in a normally open configuration, said applicator further comprising a supplemental outer tubular member telescopically mounted over said outer tubular member and having a distal end and a proximal end, said supplemental outer tubular member being displaceable relative to said outer tubular member to effect displacement of said forcep means between an open and a closed position.

Claim 116

The applicator device as claimed in claim 108, wherein said outer tubular member distal end means for temporarily receiving a suture tie device therewithin comprise an open cradle with a closed distal end.

Claim 117

The applicator device as claimed in claim 108, wherein said middle tubular member is internally dimensioned and configured to receive a plurality of suture tie devices therewithin, in end-to-end series fashion.

Claim 118

An applicator device for use in applying a suture tie device to anatomical tissue, the tie device including at least one elongate, tissue engaging member having a distal end and a proximal end and a locking member received on the tissue engaging member proximal end and movable toward the tissue engaging member distal end to lock tissue therewithin, the applicator device comprising: an inner, elongate member received telescopically within a middle tubular member which, in turn, is telescopically received within an outer, elongate tubular member, said inner, middle and outer tubular members each having a distal end and a proximal end, said outer tubular member distal end having means for temporarily receiving a suture tie device therewithin, said inner member distal end abutting the tissue engaging member proximal end to retain the tie device within the tie device receiving means, said middle tubular member distal end being configured and dimensioned to engage the device locking member, whereby upon sliding movement of said middle tubular member with respect to said inner member and towards the distal end thereof, the locking member is caused to slide along the tissue engaging member towards the distal end thereof, wherein said outer tubular member distal end means for temporarily receiving a tie device therewithin comprise forceps means, constructed so as to be in a normally open configuration, said applicator further comprising an additional outer tubular member telescopically mounted over said outer tubular member and having a distal end and a proximal end, said additional tubular member being movable along said outer tubular member, over and beyond the distal end thereof thus to close said forceps means, wherein said forceps means include distal end cooperating cutting means for severing a proximal portion of a tissue engaging member of the tie device after the engaging member is locked by the locking member thereof.

Claim 119

An applicator device for use in applying a suture tie device to anatomical tissue, the tie device including at least one elongate, tissue engaging member having a distal end and a proximal end and a locking member received on the tissue engaging member proximal end and movable toward the tissue engaging member distal end to lock tissue therewithin, the applicator device comprising: an inner, elongate member received telescopically within a middle tubular member which, in turn, is telescopically received within an outer, elongate tubular member, said inner, middle and outer tubular members each having a distal end and a proximal end, said outer tubular member distal end having means for temporarily receiving a suture tie device therewithin, said inner member distal end abutting the tissue engaging member proximal end to retain the tie device within the tie device receiving means, said middle tubular member distal end being configured and dimensioned to engage the device locking member, whereby upon sliding movement of said middle tubular member with respect to said inner member and towards the distal end thereof, the locking member is caused to slide along the tissue engaging member towards the distal end thereof, wherein said outer tubular member distal end means for temporarily receiving a tie device therewithin comprise forceps means, constructed so as to be in a normally open configuration, said applicator further comprising an additional outer tubular member telescopically mounted over said outer tubular member and having a distal end and a proximal end, said additional tubular member being movable along said outer tubular member, over and beyond the distal end thereof thus to close said forceps means, wherein said forceps means include distal end cooperating cutting means for severing a proximal portion of a tissue engaging member of the tie device after the engaging member is locked by the locking member thereof.

Claim 120

An applicator device in combination with a suture tie device, the applicator being applicable for use in applying a suture tie device to anatomical tissue, the tie device including at least one elongate, tissue-engaging member having a distal end provided with open hook means for securing tissue, a proximal end, and a ring-like locking member received on the tissue engaging member proximal end and movable toward the tissue engaging member distal end to substantially close said open hook means to lock tissue therewithin, means being provided along said tissue engaging member and said locking member for permitting movement of said locking member toward said tissue engaging member distal end and for inhibiting movement of said locking member toward said tissue member proximal end, the applicator device including an inner, elongate member received telescopically within a middle tubular member which, in turn, is telescopically received within an outer, elongate tubular member, said inner, middle and outer tubular members each having a distal end and a proximal end, said outer tubular member distal end having means for temporarily receiving a suture tie device therewithin, said inner member distal end abutting the tissue engaging member proximal end to retain the suture tie device within the tie device receiving means, said middle tubular member distal end being configured and dimensioned to engage a tie device locking member, whereby upon distal sliding movement of said middle tubular member with respect to said inner member, the locking member is directed to slide along the tissue engaging member towards the distal end thereof.

Claim 121

An applicator device in combination with a suture tie device, the applicator being applicable for use in applying a suture tie device to anatomical tissue, the tie device including at least one elongate, tissue-engaging member having a distal end provided with open hook means for securing tissue, a proximal end, and a ring-like locking member received on the tissue engaging member proximal end and movable toward the tissue engaging member distal end to substantially close said open hook means to lock tissue therewithin, means being provided along said tissue engaging member and said locking member for permitting movement of said locking member toward said tissue engaging member distal end and for inhibiting movement of said locking member toward said tissue member proximal end, the applicator device including an inner, elongate member received telescopically within a middle tubular member which, in turn, is telescopically received within an outer, elongate tubular member, said inner, middle and outer tubular members each having a distal end and a proximal end, said outer tubular member distal end having means for temporarily receiving a suture tie device therewithin, said inner member distal end abutting the tissue engaging member proximal end to retain the suture tie device within the tie device receiving means, said middle tubular member distal end being configured and dimensioned to engage a tie device locking member, whereby upon distal sliding movement of said middle tubular member with respect to said inner member, the locking member is directed to slide along the tissue engaging member towards the distal end thereof.