BACKGROUND

The present disclosure generally relates to implantable devices, and particularly to a clip attachable at the end of a broad suture, such as mesh suture, that has been sewn or woven into tissue.

Broad sutures, such as mesh sutures or tape sutures, are used to close high-tension wounds such as a hernia, and may be used for soft tissue to soft tissue fixation or soft tissue to bone fixation. A broad suture, or tape suture, is much wider than a typical thread suture, and the width offers many advantages. One continuing problem of these broad sutures is anchoring the suture in the flesh so that it does not pull out. While standard thread sutures are typically anchored with knots, knots are not as effective with broad sutures. Large knots are susceptible to increased palpability, pain, foreign body response, and may increase the risk of an infection. Thus, there is a need for an alternative anchoring device for broad sutures to prevent broad sutures from being pulled out or loosening once they have been implanted in tissue.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In one embodiment, a clip includes a first side portion and a second side portion fastenable together and configured to attach to a broad suture. The first side portion has a first aperture sized to permit passage of the broad suture therethrough. The second side portion has a second aperture sized to permit passage of the broad suture therethrough, and at least one prong in the second aperture configured to penetrate the broad suture. A stopper surface is provided on the first side portion, wherein the prong contacts the stopper surface when the first side portion and the second side portion are fastened together so as to maintain the prong in the broad suture to thereby attach the clip thereto.

One embodiment of a clip for a broad suture includes a first side portion hingedly connected to a second side portion such that the first side portion and the second side portion are moveable with respect to one another to open and close the clip. The first side portion has a first aperture sized to permit passage of the broad suture therethrough. The second side portion has a second aperture sized to permit passage of the broad suture therethrough. The clip is configured such that the broad suture can pass through the first aperture and the second aperture when the clip is open so that the clip can be slid down a length of the broad suture. At least one prong is provided that engages the broad suture when the clip is closed so that the clip attaches to the broad suture.

Various other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be made apparent from the following description taken together with the drawings.

