Importance

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Abstract

A surgical device and method used to assist in the surgical repair and rehabilitation of damaged and/or severed tendons. In one embodiment of the present invention, the device includes a hollow member, preferably shaped as a partial funnel and/or cone, having an inner and outer surface, a flared mouth, a shaft, and an apical end. In another embodiment, the device includes a hollow member, preferably shaped as funnel or barrel cut in half along its longitudinal axis, having an inner and outer surface, two flared mouths, and a shaft. The device may further include a thin, elongated handle for ease of manipulation, and can be implantable or non-implantable. The present invention further discloses a method of passing a severed flexor tendon and/or repair site through the edge of a pulley in the flexor tendon sheath, wherein the hollow member of the device disclosed in the present invention is introduced into the edge of a flexor tendon sheath's pulley and a severed tendon end and/or repair site is passed through the flared mouth of the device and is gently compressed through the shaft and apical end of the device so that the tendon end or repair site can be simultaneously squeezed into the pulley in a smooth and non-damaging manner.

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First Claim