Tissue Repair Device And Apparatus And Method For Fabricating Same

Abstract

A method for fabricating a device for repairing torn tissue or muscle such as the meniscus of the knee. The device includes a pair of anchoring members having a plurality of barb-like projections extending outwardly therefrom. The anchoring members are joined by a flexible linking member which connects the ends of the anchoring members opposite one another. Such a device can be fabricated by insert molding of the appropriate members together.

1 - 9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . A repair device for repairing a torn meniscus in a knee joint, comprising:
 a pair of needles   a pair of anchoring members, each of the pair of anchoring member being secured to one of the pair of needles;   a flexible material interconnecting the pair of anchoring members;   a retaining flange on each of the pair of anchoring members.   
     
     
         11 . The repair device according to  claim 10 , wherein the needles are secured to the anchoring members by a detachable joint. 
     
     
         12 . The repair device according to  claim 10 , wherein each of the pair of anchoring members has a plurality of barbs. 
     
     
         13 . The repair device according to  claim 12 , wherein the barbs are oriented to allow the anchoring members to pass through tissue in a first forward direction, but grip tissue in a second reverse direction. 
     
     
         14 . The repair device according to  claim 10 , wherein each of the pair of needles are curved. 
     
     
         15 . The repair device according to  claim 10 , wherein the flexible material includes filaments. 
     
     
         16 . The repair device according to  claim 10 , wherein the flexible material includes a polymeric material. 
     
     
         17 . The repair device according to  claim 16 , wherein the flexible material includes a bio-absorbable polymer. 
     
     
         18 . The repair device according to  claim 10 , wherein the needles are formed from a metallic material. 
     
     
         19 . The repair device according to  claim 10 , wherein the needles and anchoring members are fused to one another. 
     
     
         20 . The repair device according to  claim 10 , wherein the retaining flanges are separate members that are slipped over the needles onto the anchoring members.