US 12,446,871 B2
Method and apparatus for attaching tissue to bone, including the provision and use of a novel knotless suture anchor system
Jeremy Graul, Elk Grove, CA (US); J. Brook Burley, Mountain View, CA (US); James Flom, Redwood City, CA (US); and Chris Pamichev, Cupertino, CA (US)
Assigned to Stryker Puerto Rico, LLC, San Juan, PR (US)
Filed by Stryker Puerto Rico, LLC, San Juan, PR (US)
Filed on Dec. 14, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/550,754.
Application 17/550,754 is a continuation of application No. 16/155,038, filed on Oct. 9, 2018, granted, now 11,197,663.
Application 16/155,038 is a continuation of application No. 14/876,091, filed on Oct. 6, 2015, granted, now 10,092,285, issued on Oct. 9, 2018.
Application 14/876,091 is a continuation of application No. 13/830,501, filed on Mar. 14, 2013, granted, now 9,149,268, issued on Oct. 6, 2015.
Application 13/830,501 is a continuation in part of application No. 13/642,168, granted, now 9,451,943, issued on Sep. 27, 2016, previously published as PCT/US2011/021173, filed on Jan. 13, 2011.
Application 13/642,168 is a continuation in part of application No. 12/839,246, filed on Jul. 19, 2010, granted, now 9,179,905.
Application 13/830,501 is a continuation in part of application No. 13/538,378, filed on Jun. 29, 2012, granted, now 9,101,355, issued on Aug. 11, 2015.
Claims priority of provisional application 61/326,709, filed on Apr. 22, 2010.
Claims priority of provisional application 61/271,205, filed on Jul. 17, 2009.
Claims priority of provisional application 61/502,621, filed on Jun. 29, 2011.
Claims priority of provisional application 61/644,129, filed on May 8, 2012.
Claims priority of provisional application 61/718,997, filed on Oct. 26, 2012.
Prior Publication US 2022/0175367 A1, Jun. 9, 2022
Int. Cl. A61B 17/04 (2006.01)
CPC A61B 17/0401 (2013.01) [A61B 17/0485 (2013.01); A61B 2017/0409 (2013.01); A61B 2017/0412 (2013.01); A61B 2017/0414 (2013.01); A61B 2017/0422 (2013.01); A61B 2017/0424 (2013.01); A61B 2017/0445 (2013.01); A61B 2017/0446 (2013.01); A61B 2017/0448 (2013.01); A61B 2017/045 (2013.01); A61B 2017/0453 (2013.01); A61B 2017/0458 (2013.01)] 21 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An apparatus for securing a suture to a bone, the apparatus comprising:
a body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end, wherein the body is configured to receive a suture;
an elongated element extending through the lumen of the body, the elongated element comprising a proximal end and a distal end;
an inserter for manipulating the body, wherein the inserter comprises a hollow tube having a lumen extending therethrough, wherein the lumen of the hollow tube communicates with the lumen of the body, and further wherein the elongated element extends through the lumen of the hollow tube; and
a locking element connected to the distal end of the elongated element and movably disposed in the lumen of the body, such that proximal movement of the elongated element moves the locking element proximally to (i) create an interference fit between an outer surface of the locking element, a suture disposed within the lumen of the body, and an inner wall of the body, and (ii) expand a circumference of a portion of the body that extends continuously about a longitudinal axis of the body, whereby to secure the suture to the bone.