Patent US4501029A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4501029A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tendon repair
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1983-04-13
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Granted: 1985-02-26
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Expires: 2003-04-13
Abstract
Abstract A device for assisting in repair of a severed tendon comprises a main tube for insertion between a replacement tendon and its sheath, and a plurality of passages extending transversely of the bore of the main tube and communicating therewith, through which passages a blood supply from the sheath to the replacement tendon is established. The lengths of the passages are such that free movement between the tendon and its sheath is permitted after the blood supply is established.
Inventors
- 👤 Derek J. W. McMinn
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 23:36
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/08; A61B; A61B90/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
81 words
A device for assisting in repair of a severed tendon, comprising a main tube for insertion between a replacement tendon and its sheath, and a plurality of transversely extending passages which communicate with the bore of said main tube at intervals over substantially the whole length thereof, the lengths of said passages being at least equal to the minimum required lengths of blood vessels between the tendon and its sheath which will permit free movement of the tendon within the sheath.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
81 words
A device for assisting in repair of a severed tendon, comprising a main tube for insertion between a replacement tendon and its sheath, and a plurality of transversely extending passages which communicate with the bore of said main tube at intervals over substantially the whole length thereof, the lengths of said passages being at least equal to the minimum required lengths of blood vessels between the tendon and its sheath which will permit free movement of the tendon within the sheath.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
A device as claimed in claim 1 in which said tube is of a synthetic material which is absorbable in the body.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device as claimed in claim 2 in which said transversely-extending passages are moulded integrally with the remainder of said device.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
A device as claimed in claim 1 in which said transversely-extending passages are provided within thin-walled flexible tubes.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device as claimed in claim 4 in which said main tube and said thin-walled tubes are of an elastomeric material.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
111 words
A method of repairing a severed tendon, including the steps of inserting into the sheath of the tendon a device comprising a main tube of flexible material and a plurality of transversely extending passages which communicate with the bore of said main tube at intervals over substantially the whole length thereof, the lengths of said passages being at least equal to the minimum required lengths of blood vessels between the tendon and its sheath which will permit free movement of the tendon within its sheath, inserting said replacement tendon through the bore of said main tube, and securing the ends of said replacement tendon to undamaged parts of the original tendon.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
111 words
A method of repairing a severed tendon, including the steps of inserting into the sheath of the tendon a device comprising a main tube of flexible material and a plurality of transversely extending passages which communicate with the bore of said main tube at intervals over substantially the whole length thereof, the lengths of said passages being at least equal to the minimum required lengths of blood vessels between the tendon and its sheath which will permit free movement of the tendon within its sheath, inserting said replacement tendon through the bore of said main tube, and securing the ends of said replacement tendon to undamaged parts of the original tendon.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as claimed in claim 6 in which said device remains within said tendon sheath.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-02-26 | 1988-08-27 | 1989-02-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-02-26 | 1992-08-27 | 1993-02-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-02-26 | 1996-08-27 | 1997-02-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |