Surgical instruments

Abstract

A surgical instrument having an anchor and a plug is capable of anchoring a suture. The anchor has a wall that has an outer surface having threads and an inner surface, and a first end, and a second end. The plug has a first end, a second end, and an outer wall. The surgical instrument may be used during surgical procedures and can be used in the re-tensioning of a suture.

1 . A surgical instrument comprising: 
 (a) an anchor comprising 
 (i) a wall comprising 
 (1) an outer surface having threads; and  
 (2) an inner surface;  
 
 (iii) a first end; and  
 (iv) a second end; and  
   (b) a plug comprising a first end, a second end, and an outer wall;    wherein the anchor and the plug form a suture anchor capable of anchoring a suture.    
   
   
       2 . The surgical instrument of  claim 1 , wherein the outer wall of the plug comprises threads capable of engaging the inner surface of the anchor via a friction fit.  
   
   
       3 . The surgical instrument of  claim 1 , wherein the inner surface comprises threads.  
   
   
       4 . The surgical instrument of  claim 2 , wherein the outer wall of the plug and the inner wall of the anchor each have threads capable of engaging each other in a screw-like fashion to secure the plug in the anchor.  
   
   
       5 . The surgical instrument of  claim 1 , wherein the plug is made of a compressible material.  
   
   
       6 . The surgical instrument of  claim 5 , wherein the compressible material is a polymer selected from the group consisting of high density polyethylenes, polyurethanes, silicones, blends of any two or more thereof, or copolymers thereof.  
   
   
       7 . The surgical instrument of  claim 1 , wherein the first end has the same diameter as the second end.  
   
   
       8 . The surgical instrument of  claim 1 , wherein the first end has a larger diameter than the second end.  
   
   
       9 . A method of using the surgical instrument of  claim 1 , comprising: 
 securing the anchor into a bone;    draping a suture through an interior of the anchor and touching the inner surface; and    inserting the plug in the anchor to secure and tension the suture.    
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the securing is via screwing or cementing of the anchor in the bone.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising: 
 removing the plug;    re-tensioning the suture; and    replacing the plug in the anchor.    
   
   
       12 . A surgical instrument comprising 
 a cannula comprising at least one chamber extending the entire length of the cannula;    at least one inflatable donut; and    an air passageway having an air inlet;    wherein the inflatable donut has a circumference at full inflation that is greater than a circumference of the cannula.    
   
   
       13 . The surgical instrument of  claim 12 , wherein the cannula further comprises a divider, dividing the cannula into at least two chambers.  
   
   
       14 . The surgical instrument of  claim 13 , wherein the divider is a flexible diaphragm or divider.  
   
   
       15 . The surgical instrument of  claim 12 , wherein the cannula further comprises a second donut.  
   
   
       16 . The surgical instrument of  claim 15 , wherein the second donut is rigid or inflatable.  
   
   
       17 . A method of using the surgical instrument of  claim 12  comprising: 
 making an incision in the subject at the location in which the cannula is to be inserted;    inserting the cannula; and    inflating the at least one inflatable donut.    
   
   
       18 . A surgical instrument comprising: 
 a body having a tunnel;    an articulating arm connected to the body at a position proximal to a first end of the body; and    a fore end located at a position distal to the first end of the body;    wherein the instrument is a suture passer.