US 11,744,574 B2
Systems, devices, and methods for extruding a suture core
David B. Spenciner, North Attleboro, MA (US)
Assigned to Medos International Sarl, Le Locle (CH)
Filed by Medos International Sàrl, Le Locle (CH)
Filed on Sep. 22, 2016, as Appl. No. 15/273,089.
Application 15/273,089 is a division of application No. 14/229,474, filed on Mar. 28, 2014, granted, now 9,474,521.
Prior Publication US 2017/0007232 A1, Jan. 12, 2017
Int. Cl. A61B 17/04 (2006.01); A61B 17/295 (2006.01); A61B 17/29 (2006.01); A61B 17/00 (2006.01)
CPC A61B 17/0467 (2013.01) [A61B 17/0483 (2013.01); A61B 17/295 (2013.01); A61B 2017/0042 (2013.01); A61B 2017/2925 (2013.01)] 19 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A system for cutting a suture having an extrudable core, comprising:
a suture comprising an outer sleeve, an extrudable core disposed within the outer sleeve, and a knot formed proximate to a terminal end of the outer sleeve, wherein the extrudable core is configured to extend on a first side of the knot, within the outer sleeve, and on a second, laterally opposed side of the knot, past the terminal end of the outer sleeve;
a device comprising:
a compression element having a first jaw and a second jaw pivotally coupled thereto, the first and second jaws being configured to engage therebetween a length of the suture having the extrudable core, the jaws being configured to close to compress the extrudable core away from a knot associated with the suture;
a cutting element configured to pass out of the first jaw to cut the suture having the extrudable core at a point located along a portion of the length of the suture that is engaged by the first and second jaws after the jaws have been closed; and
a handle assembly operable to first actuate the compression element to close the jaws and subsequently to actuate the cutting element to cut the suture having the extrudable core that is disposed between the closed first and second jaws; and
wherein the first and second jaws are configured to engage a portion of the extrudable core disposed on the second, laterally opposed side of the knot, and
wherein the first and second jaws are configured to apply a force gradient to the length of the suture having extrudable core, the suture being disposed between the first and second jaws, and the force gradient being greater at a distal end of the jaws than at a proximal end of the jaws when the jaws close on the suture in response to the compression element being actuated by the handle assembly.