Wedge operated retainer device and methods

Abstract

This invention relates generally to retainers and methods of using retainers. In particular, the invention relates to a suture retainer adapted for application on a subject by use of an introducing device, such as a catheter. The suture retainer comprises two elements, such as wedge-shaped or substantially wedge-shaped elements, that are positioned such that the elements are juxtaposed with respect to each other. In operation the two elements are engaged by a spring which forces the two elements into contact. Additionally, a housing can be provided.

1 . A method of retaining a surgical suture comprising placing a suture between first and second substantially parallel suture contact surfaces of a suture retainer, the first and second contact surfaces defining a distance between them, one of the first and second contact surfaces defining a suture contact axis; and moving at least one of the first and second contact surfaces along a movement axis not perpendicular to the suture contact axis to reduce the distance between the first and second suture contact surfaces to engage the suture in the retainer. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising increasing the distance between the first and second contact surfaces prior to the placing step. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the suture retainer comprises a biasing member adapted to bias the first and second contact surfaces toward each other, the increasing step comprising applying an opening force to move at least one of the first and second contact surfaces against the biasing member bias. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the second moving step comprises removing the opening force. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2  further comprising, after engaging the suture in the suture retainer, increasing the distance between the first and second contact surfaces to release the suture from the suture retainer. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  further comprising, after releasing the suture from the suture retainer, moving at least one of the first and second contact surfaces along a movement axis not perpendicular to the suture contact axis to reduce the distance between the first and second suture contact surfaces to re-engage the suture in the retainer. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  further comprising, after releasing the suture from the suture retainer, moving the suture relative to the suture retainer prior to re-engaging the suture in the suture retainer. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the step of increasing the distance comprises engaging a tool with the suture retainer and using the tool to remotely increase the distance between the first and second contact surfaces. 
     
     
         9 . A method of retaining a surgical suture comprising placing a suture between first and second substantially parallel suture contact surfaces of a suture retainer; and applying a compressive force on the suture with the contact surfaces to engage the suture in the retainer, the compressive force having a force vector that is greatest in a direction not substantially perpendicular to the contact surfaces.