Importance

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Abstract

A device is disclosed for delivery of grafts such as, for example, semitendinosus and/or gracilis tendons for reconstructive surgery. The device is a woven structure whose diameter is reduced when placed in tension. It has a tapering end and an open end. A suture is looped within the device so that the loop extends from the open end to receive the folded graft. The suture is pulled to insert the graft into the device. The graft, after folding and being pulled into the device, may have sutures extending out of one end as an optional feature to facilitate subsequent fixation. The sutures extending through the tapered end are pulled, tightening the device around the graft while pulling the device with the graft inside through the bone tunnels such as, for example, tibial and femoral tunnels. The narrow tapering end traps the graft as the device tightens around the graft for insertion into the tunnels. The suture ends are threaded through a conventional suture-passing device so that the suture can pass through the tunnel and out through a small opening in the lateral femur. The suture pulls the device and the graft into the bone tunnels. The device remains in place and is absorbed due to its construction of compatible suture and the graft is secured in a conventional manner with, for example, bioabsorbable interference screws.

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First Claim