Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
606147000 | Means for clamping needle to handle | 54 |
20080200932 | Surgical Needle Holder for Stitch Suturing - The invention relates to a surgical needle holder for stitch suturing. The inventive needle holder is designed to facilitate suturing in areas that are difficult for the surgeon to access. The invention comprises two arms ( | 08-21-2008 |
20080312668 | RIGIDLY-LINKED ARTICULATING WRIST WITH DECOUPLED MOTION TRANSMISSION - The present invention is a device having a rigidly linked jaw that is decoupled from an articulating wrist. The device provides for articulating motion as well as actuation that may be used in grasping, cutting, suturing or the like. | 12-18-2008 |
20090240263 | Intracoelomic suturing and ligating method - A manipulator includes a composite input unit that is manually operable by the fingers, a connector shaft extending from an operating unit, and a working unit mounted on the distal end of the connector shaft. The working unit comprises a rolling mechanism, a tilting mechanism, and an opening and closing mechanism. The composite input unit includes a shuttle ring for actuating the rolling mechanism. The manipulator also includes a gripper for gripping a curved needle. The gripper is placed near a DVC, whereupon the rolling mechanism is actuated to roll the gripper and to pierce a living body with the curved needle, until the point of the curved needle projects outside of the living body. | 09-24-2009 |
20090312775 | Endoscopic Suturing System - An endoscopic suturing system and method are disclosed as are devices for use with the system and method such as a suture dispenser, a cinch device, and a tissue grasper. In one embodiment the suturing system includes a cap assembly arranged at the distal end portion of an endoscope or guide member, with the cap assembly including a rotatable needle holder. The needle holder is actuated through a transmission element extending outside the endoscope or guide member. A needle capture device may be inserted through a channel of the endoscope or guide member in order to capture a needle held in the needle holder when the needle holder is rotated so that the needle punctures tissue. | 12-17-2009 |
20090326559 | Rotational Driver - A rotational driver that comprises a interactive portion, wherein each interactive portion comprises a first extended member and a second extended member, a rotational system and a linear motion system, wherein the rotational driver permits a left or right handed surgeons to perform the surgical suturing procedure in a less complicated and more secure way by allowing more control over the suturing needle and the area to be stitched, even when the suturing area is small, deep, and/or restricted. | 12-31-2009 |
20100030242 | SUTURING DEVICES AND METHODS FOR SUTURING AN ANATOMIC VALVE - A device for suturing an anatomic valve can comprise an elongate body, a suture catch mechanism and a suture clasp arm. The suture catch mechanism can be operatively coupled to the elongate body for movement between a retracted position and an advanced position. The suture clasp arm can be attached to the elongate body for movement between a retracted position and an extended position. The suture clasp arm can comprise a suture clasp configured to releasably retain a suture portion. In some embodiments, the suture clasp is positioned on the suture clasp arm such that the suture catch mechanism retrieves the suture portion from the suture clasp arm while the arm is at least partially retracted. In some embodiments, the suture clasp arm can be closed about a tissue portion without damaging the tissue portion. | 02-04-2010 |
20100114122 | SEWING DEVICE FOR MAKING A MECHANICAL ENCIRCLING STITCH - The inventive sewing device for overcasting a mechanical twisted suture comprises a body ( | 05-06-2010 |
20100114123 | ARTHROSCOPIC SUTURE PASSING DEVICES AND METHODS - A system for transdermal repair of soft tissue includes an instrument comprising a proximal actuator portion, a fixed needle having a lumen and extending distally from the proximal actuator portion, and a movable needle having a lumen and extending distally from the proximal actuator portion. The movable needle is movable axially between an advanced position and a retracted position relative to the proximal actuator portion. A suture needle is disposed within the lumen of one of the fixed and movable needles, and has a length of suture connected thereto. Needle graspers are disposed in the lumen of each needle, for securing the suture needle and assisting in the transfer of the suture needle from one needle to the other to complete a suture passing step. | 05-06-2010 |
20100217284 | RIGIDLY-LINKED ARTICULATING WRIST WITH DECOUPLED MOTION TRANSMISSION - The present invention is a device having a rigidly linked jaw that is decoupled from an articulating wrist. The device provides for articulating motion as well as actuation that may be used in grasping, cutting, suturing or the like. | 08-26-2010 |
20110054499 | Continuous driver with changeable parameters - The present invention relates generally to continue driver device with changeable parameters, more specifically, continues driver with changeable parameters used in surgical procedure such as suturing, wherein said continues driver device is employed in as continuous suture rotational needle driver which enhances the tissue suturing procedure, particularly the one performed on restricted, deep and less accessible locations. The device incorporates a plurality of interactive portion comprising several extended member wherein in said extended members are provided with rotational needle driving points at a distal end into a single device and is operated by the twist of a single knob. The use of the mechanism prevents problems associated with loss of needle control during the suturing procedure as well as the ones associated with the handedness of existing needle drivers. | 03-03-2011 |
20110106111 | Suture Fixation Arthroscope Apparatus of the Temporomandibular Joint Disk - A suture fixation arthroscope apparatus of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disk comprises a first suture needle and a first inner core, a second suture needle and a second inner core, and a third suture needle. The tail ends of the first and second suture needles are connected with a big handle via a valve panel, a vertical groove is opened towards the center of a circle of the surface of the big handle, a horizontal groove which is the same size as the vertical groove is vertically set at the place of the big handle connecting the valve panel. The first inner core includes a seamless tube and a top welded with wire snares, the second inner core includes a seamless tube and a top welded with a crochet hook, the radian near the tails of the first and second inner cores is 90 degrees, a small handle is connected at the tails. The first and second inner cores can pass through the vertical groove of the big handle of the first and second suture needles respectively, the corner of the 90 degrees tail is able to lock rightwards or leftwards at the horizontal groove, the wire snare or the crochet hook at the top of inner cores are able to come out from the top of the suture needles. | 05-05-2011 |
20110190794 | MEDICAL NEEDLE HOLDER - A medical needle holder is provided having a handle arranged at the proximal end and a needle receiver arranged at the distal end. The needle receiver has a first and a second clamping surface, which clamping surfaces face toward each other and extend in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the holder. The clamping surfaces are movable relative to each other via the handle, in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the holder. | 08-04-2011 |
20110270281 | Articulating Axial Needle Grasper - An end effector is presented having an elongate body portion having a proximal end and a distal end. The end effector also includes a rotating head configured to be disposed at the distal end of the body portion and an actuation member configured to be disposed at the proximal end of the body portion. The actuation member is in operative cooperation with a handle assembly to enable rotational movement of the rotating head. The rotating head further cooperates with a needle movable relative to the rotating head. | 11-03-2011 |
20120130405 | SUTURE SYSTEM - A suture system includes a plurality of double-stranded needles connected in sequence with a single-stranded needle at each end. The double-stranded suture needles incorporates two suture strands into a single needle. The suture system of the present invention facilitates the implantation of valve prostheses. | 05-24-2012 |
20120143223 | LAPAROSCOPIC SUTURING INSTRUMENT WITH PERPENDICULAR ECCENTRIC NEEDLE MOTION - A suture needle driving instrument comprises a shaft and an end effector. The end effector is located at the distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of needle grasping arms. Each grasping arm extends along a respective arm axis. The grasping arms are operable to drive a suture needle along a rotational path about an axis, such as one of the arm axes, that is offset from the central longitudinal axis of the shaft. The rotational path may be perpendicular to the axis of the shaft. A needle driven by the end effector may have an arc radius that is greater than the radius of the shaft. At least one of the needle grasping arms may include a dogleg feature positioning a distal portion of the grasping arm outside the radius of the shaft. The instrument may be used through a trocar during minimally invasive surgery. | 06-07-2012 |
20120150198 | Ergonomically Correct Needle Holder - An ergonomically correct suture needle holder is disclosed. The ergonomically correct suture needle holder comprises a thumb handle having a thumb spinning grip and a ring finger handle having a ring finger grip with a finger holder extending therewith. The ring finger handle and the thumb handle can be pivoted from an open position to a closed position. The needle holder is maintained in the closed position by engaging a first ratchet locking member protruding from the thumb handle with a second ratchet locking member protruding from the ring finger handle. The suture needle holder facilitates the user to twist the user's wrist without moving the user's hand thereof. The thumb spinning grip is custom sized to accommodate a user's thumb and facilitates a swiveling motion of the user's thumb while engaging in surgical movements for allowing the user to suture comfortably without changing the grip on the needle holder. | 06-14-2012 |
20120150199 | LAPAROSCOPIC SUTURING INSTRUMENT WITH DUAL-ACTION NEEDLE GRASPERS - A suture needle driving instrument comprises a shaft, an end effector, and a grasping actuation assembly. The end effector is located at the distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of grasping arms. Each grasping arm comprises a respective pair of jaws. Each pair of jaws is operable to cooperate to grasp and release a suture needle. The grasping actuation assembly is operable to drive one jaw of each pair in one direction while simultaneously driving the other jaw of the pair in an opposite direction, to selectively grasp or release the suture needle. The actuation assembly may include a drive shaft having separate threaded regions with opposing pitch. The end effector is further operable to pass the needle from one arm to the other arm during a suturing procedure. The instrument may be used through a trocar during minimally invasive surgery. | 06-14-2012 |
20120150200 | Endoscopic Needle Assembly - A needle and suture assembly is provided for use with an endoscopic suturing device with a needle holder arm. The needle assembly includes a needle tip and a needle body. The needle tip has a sharp end, a capture groove, a tab groove and a plug portion positioned between the capture groove and the tab groove. The needle body has first and second ends, tip tabs, retainers for removably retaining the needle body relative to the needle holder arm, and a suture opening. The needle tip is fixed relative to the needle body by plastic deformation of the tip tabs into the tab groove. A suture extends into the suture opening of the needle body and is fixed therein. | 06-14-2012 |
20120150201 | VASCULAR SUTURING DEVICE WITH NEEDLE CAPTURE - A surgical device of suturing vascular vessels is described, as well as methods for suturing tissue employing the surgical device. The device includes at least one needle advanceable through tissue and into a needle capture element within a distal end of the surgical device to draw lengths of suture material which can then be used to close various puncture wounds, particularly in vascular tissue. | 06-14-2012 |
20120165839 | Medical Needle Holder - A medical needle holder with a shaft, a tool that is mounted on the distal end of the shaft and two jaw members, such that one jaw member of the tool is configured to pivot with respect to the other jaw member of the tool, as well as with a handle that is mounted on the proximal end of the shaft and at least two gripping members, such that the pivotable jaw member of the tool can be actuated by a movably configured gripping member of the handle, such that at least one portion of at least one jaw member of the tool is configured to slide with respect to the other jaw member of the tool in the longitudinal direction of the shaft. The slidable jaw member or the slidable portion of the jaw member is pre-tensed in a starting position by a spring element. | 06-28-2012 |
20120165840 | Medical needle holder - A medical needle holder having a shaft, a tool mounted on the distal end of the shaft, two jaw members, such that one jaw member of the tool is configured to pivot with respect to the other jaw member, a handle positioned on the proximal end of the shaft and at least two gripping members, such that the pivotable jaw member of the tool can be actuated by a movably configured gripping member of the handle. | 06-28-2012 |
20120232567 | FLEXIBLE SUTURING INSTRUMENT - A suturing instrument includes a handle, an elongate shaft, and a suturing head. One or more pull wires extend from the handle into the elongate shaft for controllably deflecting a deflectable portion of the elongate shaft in one or more directions and/or planes for improved maneuverability within the body of a patient during an endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical procedure and for changing the positioning of the suturing head. | 09-13-2012 |
20120245601 | Knot tying surgical needle driver - A modification to a standard needle driver in the form of a deployable and retractable projection at the working end of the needle driver with which the operator can control the suture in order to facilitate tying a knot in the suture. This modification solves the difficult problem of controlling the suture during the rate-limiting step of knot tying allowing for faster, easier knot tying in laparoscopic and single port surgery. | 09-27-2012 |
20120271329 | NEEDLE HOLDER - A needle holder includes a first shaft on which a first gripping body is provided at a front end, and a second shaft on which a second gripping body is provided at a front end and which slides in an axial direction relative to the first shaft. The first gripping body and the second gripping body have continuous curved convex shapes at at least sides opposed to each other and abut against each other as the second shaft slides relative to the first shaft. An abutment keeping mechanism by which abutment between the first gripping body and the second gripping body is kept while the first shaft and the second shaft are separated from each other as the second shaft further slides relative to the first shaft in the same direction from a state where the first gripping body and the second gripping body abut against each other is provided. | 10-25-2012 |
20120277769 | Flexible Endoscopic Stitching Devices - An endoscopic stitching device including a tool assembly having a pair of juxtaposed jaws; a rotatably supported camming hub defining a groove formed in an inner surface of a central lumen thereof; and a center rod slidably and rotatably disposed within the lumen of the camming hub. The center rod is operatively engaged with the groove formed in the camming hub and engaged with the pair of jaws. The inner groove of the camming hub is configured such that, in at least one position, axial translation of the center rod relative to the camming hub results in rotation of the camming hub and at least one of opening and closing of the pair of jaws. The inner groove of the camming hub is configured such that, in at least one other position, rotation of the canter rod results in rotation of the tool assembly. | 11-01-2012 |
20120289975 | ARTICULATING NEEDLE DRIVER - A needle holder includes a shaft and a needle driver located at the distal end of the shaft. The needle driver is operable to rotate a needle such that the needle forms a non-perpendicular angle with a longitudinal axis of the shaft. In some versions, the needle driver includes a first arm and a rotatable assembly that is configured to longitudinally clamp about a portion of a needle. The rotatable assembly may include self-righting features to right the needle perpendicular to the first arm. The needle driver may further include a second arm that is pivotable relative to the first arm. The rotatable assembly may include a top member associated with the second arm and a bottom member associated with the first arm. In some versions, spring-loaded collets may secure the needle to a rotatable assembly. Alternatively, a pair of actuating arms may pivot the needle about a curved surface. | 11-15-2012 |
20130012965 | SUTURE PASSER AND METHOD - Instruments and techniques to pass a suture are presented. The instruments and techniques are particularly useful where access to confined spaces and the ability to pass a suture through difficult to penetrate materials are needed. The instruments and techniques are particularly useful in surgery of the hands and feet. | 01-10-2013 |
20130158570 | SUTURE PASSER AND METHOD - Instruments and techniques to pass a suture are presented. The instruments and techniques are particularly useful where access to confined spaces and the ability to pass a suture through difficult to penetrate materials are needed. The instruments and techniques are particularly useful in surgery of the hands and feet. | 06-20-2013 |
20130190782 | ARTHROSCOPIC SUTURE PASSING DEVICES AND METHODS - A system for transdermal repair of soft tissue includes an instrument comprising a proximal actuator portion, a fixed needle having a lumen and extending distally from the proximal actuator portion, and a movable needle having a lumen and extending distally from the proximal actuator portion. The movable needle is movable axially between an advanced position and a retracted position relative to the proximal actuator portion. A suture needle is disposed within the lumen of one of the fixed and movable needles, and has a length of suture connected thereto. Needle graspers are disposed in the lumen of each needle, for securing the suture needle and assisting in the transfer of the suture needle from one needle to the other to complete a suture passing step. | 07-25-2013 |
20130245647 | LAPAROSCOPIC SUTURING INSTRUMENT WITH MANUAL DRIVE - A suture needle driving instrument comprises a shaft, an end effector, and a handle assembly. The end effector is located at the distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of grasping arms operable to grasp and release a needle. The handle assembly comprises a trigger-operated actuation assembly that is operable to rotate a second grasping arm relative to the shaft. The trigger-operated actuation assembly may include a trigger and a trigger gear assembly that is operable to rotate the second grasping arm. A clutch assembly may also be included to selectively couple a drive shaft associated with the second grasping arm to another shaft. The handle assembly may further include a toggle actuation assembly that is operable to grasp and release a needle with the grasping arms. A locking feature may be included to prevent use of the toggle actuation assembly until trigger-operated actuation assembly has been operated. | 09-19-2013 |
20130245648 | LAPAROSCOPIC SUTURING INSTRUMENT WITH RACK DRIVE - A suture needle driving instrument comprises a shaft, an end effector, and a handle assembly. The end effector is located at the distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of grasping arms having a respective pair of jaws driven by a respective drive shaft. Each pair of jaws is operable to cooperate to grasp and release a suture needle. The handle assembly includes a control assembly that is operable to rotate the drive shafts to transfer the suture needle between the grasping arms. In some versions, the control assembly may include an actuatable rack. The rack may include one or more control features that selectively rotate the drive shafts as the rack is actuated. The rack may further include cam surfaces to selectively restrict the motion of the drive shafts as the rack is actuated. In some versions the rack may actuate vertically. | 09-19-2013 |
20130267969 | CONTROL INTERFACE FOR LAPAROSCOPIC SUTURING INSTRUMENT - An apparatus comprises an end effector, a shaft assembly, and a drive assembly. The end effector comprises needle receiving arms operable to grasp a needle. The drive assembly comprises drive members that are rotatable about respective drive axes that are perpendicular to the axis of the shaft assembly. The drive assembly is operable to drive the needle receiving arms to selectively engage and disengage the needle; and to selectively pass the needle from one needle receiving arm to the other needle receiving arm. The drive assembly provides an interface to a controller that is operable via a remote user interface. The drive assembly may include helical gears, clutch assemblies, a rack and pinion, or other components to convert motion of the drive members into motion at the end effector. | 10-10-2013 |
20130282031 | LAPAROSCOPIC SUTURING INSTRUMENT WITH MULTI-DRIVE SEQUENCED TRANSMISSION - An apparatus comprises a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector assembly, and a drive assembly. The body may include a handpiece with an integral motor. The shaft assembly may include two pairs of concentric shafts. The end effector assembly may include arms that selectively grasp and release a suturing needle. The drive assembly is operable to drive the end effector assembly via the shaft assembly. The drive assembly is operable to convert a single rotary input into at least two rotary outputs. In some versions, the drive assembly comprises a plurality of shaft assemblies that include an input shaft, a first output shaft, a second output shaft, and a third output shaft. The drive assembly is operable to selectively rotate and hold the shaft assemblies in accordance with a predetermined sequence, such as to perform tissue suturing through a trocar in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. | 10-24-2013 |
20130331866 | SUTURE SYSTEM - Sutures can be placed in difficult to access areas of the human body with devices, and related methods, utilizing a needle carrier. The devices and methods can be used in conjunction with both endosurgical and traditional open surgery procedures. | 12-12-2013 |
20130345725 | SUTURING INSTRUMENT FOR PASSING MULTIPLE SUTURES - An instrument for passing sutures in tissue repair and/or other mini-open procedures. The instrument includes a pair of jaws mounted on a distal end of a shaft, a hand assembly mounted on a proximal end of the shaft, and a needle mounted on the hand assembly and through a cannulation of the shaft. The pair of jaws includes a lower jaw and an upper jaw, the lower jaw being provided with a slot configured to engage a plurality of sutures. The hand assembly has a finger lever with a ratchet and a releaser with a hook, the hand assembly being designed to move the needle from a first position to a second position, and to sequentially engage the needle with each of the plurality of sutures. | 12-26-2013 |
20140074125 | Vertical Stitcher and Suturing Method - A surgical stitching device intended for suturing deep and difficult-to-reach wounds. It is a distinctive type of needle-holder designed to carry a straight needle alongside its main body. This instrument is distinguished from the currently available devices because it may not need laparoscopic visualization and sutures wounds from an inside out direction rather than from side-to-side. | 03-13-2014 |
20140128890 | MEDICAL DEVICE AND RELATED METHODS OF USE - A medical needle driver including an elongated member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The medical needle driver may also include an end-effector disposed at the distal end of the elongated member, the end-effector may include at least two arms connected at their proximal ends to form a jaw-like structure, wherein at least one of the at least two arms may be configured to rotate relative to the other arm. In addition, each arm may include an inner face, the inner face of at least one of the arms including at least one groove configured to receive a portion of a needle, wherein the groove may include a first geometric structure configured to mate with a corresponding second geometric structure on the needle. | 05-08-2014 |
20140222036 | Suturing Device, System, and Method - Improved medical suturing devices, systems, and methods may hold a suture needle at a fixed location relative to a handle of the device, allowing the surgeon to grasp and manipulate the handle of the suturing device to insert the needle through tissues in a manner analogous to use of a standard needle gripper. Cycling the handle from a closed position to an open position and back to the closed position may alternate the device between gripping the needle with a first clamp (for example, along a proximal portion of the needle) to gripping the needle with a second clamp (for example, along a distal portion of the needle) and optionally back to gripping with the first clamp, with the needle often staying at a substantially fixed location relative to the suturing device body. Related single-clamp needle grasping devices can be bent plastically by a surgeon, and/or have bodies that are grasped by a hand while a portion of the hand actuates a handle. | 08-07-2014 |
20140276989 | MEANS AND METHODS FOR SUTURING TISSUE - A device according to one exemplary embodiment is a compact, light-weight handheld device that includes a needle and suture assembly, a mechanism for gripping and releasing the needle and suture assembly (a “needle transfer mechanism” or “needle shuttle mechanism”), safely capturing the needle assembly upon exit from the patient's tissue, and returning the needle to position such that the process of delivering additional sutures to the patient can be repeated. The device of the present invention accommodates the right or left-handed user, rests comfortably in the user's hand, allows sufficient visualization of the procedure site, and permits the user to either control penetration depth of the needle or default to a device-determined depth. The present device permits the user to utilize a wrist-rotation (pivoting) suture delivery technique that is familiar to a user based on experience with other surgical techniques. | 09-18-2014 |
20140288581 | REPLACEABLE TIP SUTURING DEVICES, SYSTEM, AND METHODS FOR USE WITH DIFFERING NEEDLES - Medical suturing devices, systems, and methods will be useful for endoscopic or open surgeries, including ear, nose, and throat procedures. Articulation motions may be transferred from a handle to needle grasping jaws using an axial movement of a shaft. Portions of the devices may be disposable, replaceable, and/or reusable, with different needle-grasping jaws and/or different elongate extension bodies having different configurations optionally being selectably coupleably to an articulatable handle and housing so as to allow the user to configure the device for a particular procedure. | 09-25-2014 |
20140303654 | SUTURING DEVICES AND METHODS FOR SUTURING AN ANATOMIC VALVE - A device for suturing an anatomic valve can comprise an elongate body, a suture catch mechanism and a suture clasp arm. The suture catch mechanism can be operatively coupled to the elongate body for movement between a retracted position and an advanced position. The suture clasp arm can be attached to the elongate body for movement between a retracted position and an extended position. The suture clasp arm can comprise a suture clasp configured to releasably retain a suture portion. In some embodiments, the suture clasp is positioned on the suture clasp arm such that the suture catch mechanism retrieves the suture portion from the suture clasp arm while the arm is at least partially retracted. In some embodiments, the suture clasp arm can be closed about a tissue portion without damaging the tissue portion. | 10-09-2014 |
20150038994 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING SURGICAL ACCESS AND FACILITATING CLOSURE OF SURGICAL ACCESS OPENINGS - A suture passer includes a handle, an elongated sleeve defining a distal end, an inner shaft slidably disposed within the elongated sleeve, and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end of the inner shaft. The end effector assembly includes first and second arms, at least one which is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for retaining a portion of a suture therebetween. The inner shaft and elongated sleeve are relatively movable between a first condition, wherein the first and second arms are disposed in the approximated position and the distal end of the elongated sleeve is exposed, a second condition, wherein the first and second arms are disposed in the approximated position and the distal end of the elongated sleeve is shielded, and a third condition, wherein the first and second arms are disposed in the spaced-apart position. | 02-05-2015 |
20150127025 | REPLACEABLE TIP SUTURING DEVICES, SYSTEM, AND METHODS FOR USE WITH DIFFERING NEEDLES - Medical suturing devices, systems, and methods will be useful for endoscopic or open surgeries, including ear, nose, and throat procedures. Articulation motions may be transferred from a handle to needle grasping jaws using an axial movement of a shaft. Portions of the devices may be disposable, replaceable, and/or reusable, with different needle-grasping jaws and/or different elongate extension bodies having different configurations optionally being selectably coupleably to an articulatable handle and housing so as to allow the user to configure the device for a particular procedure. | 05-07-2015 |
20150127026 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR ACHILLES TENDON REPAIR - Apparatus and methods for Achilles tendon repair are described where an elongate tendon repair assembly may be introduced into a single incision to access the damaged tissue. The assembly may define a channel for receiving a portion of the tendon and which may provide support to the tissue during repair. One or more retractable needles each carrying a length of suture may be deployed within the channel for piercing through the tendon and a cinching member may secure each of the suture lengths for tensioning the suture against the damaged tendon. Once the suture lengths have been deployed, the needles may be retracted and the device removed from the incision. | 05-07-2015 |
20150142020 | LAPAROSCOPIC SUTURING INSTRUMENT WITH PERPENDICULAR ECCENTRIC NEEDLE MOTION - A suture needle driving instrument comprises a shaft and an end effector. The end effector is located at the distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of needle grasping arms. Each grasping arm extends along a respective arm axis. The grasping arms are operable to drive a suture needle along a rotational path about an axis, such as one of the arm axes, that is offset from the central longitudinal axis of the shaft. The rotational path may be perpendicular to the axis of the shaft. A needle driven by the end effector may have an arc radius that is greater than the radius of the shaft. At least one of the needle grasping arms may include a dogleg feature positioning a distal portion of the grasping arm outside the radius of the shaft. The instrument may be used through a trocar during minimally invasive surgery. | 05-21-2015 |
20150305735 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INCREASED OPERATING ROOM EFFICIENCY - Systems, devices and methods to improve safety and efficiency in an operating room comprise providing a suture package that holds new suture needles and needle receptacles for storing used needles. The devices can be safely worn for the surgeon to self-dispense new suture needles in the near surgical field and to secure the used needles into a needle trap or a needle retainer located on his extremity, on his operative instruments or on the surgical drapes. The device may provide automated and/or simplified needle counting both during use and after removal from the surgical field. The device may be configured for ergonomic and efficient use so as to minimize the actions and motions of the surgeon to dispense and secure the needle. | 10-29-2015 |
20160000423 | NEEDLE DRIVER - A needle driver includes a first elongated body that defines an interior chamber. A second elongated body defines an interior space, and is slideable within the interior chamber defined by the first elongated body between a retracted position and an extended position. The needle driver also includes a clamping device having a clamping end and a connecting member, which is affixed to the first elongated body and coupled within the clamping end. A biasing shaft is slideably disposed within the interior space defined by the second elongated body. An actuator is affixed to the biasing shaft and is slideable in a proximal direction and a distal direction. | 01-07-2016 |
20160030036 | Endoscopic Suturing Needle Loader Device, System And Method - Improved medical suturing devices, systems, and methods for loading a needle in a suturing device, particularly standard surgical needles. An exemplary device includes a body having one or more clamps for grasping a needle and a needle loader supporting the needle in a delivery position suitable for advancing through a minimally invasive aperture and a needle loading position suitable for grasping with a clamp of the device. Preferably, the needle loader includes an elongate body having a rotatable needle holding member and is releasably coupleable with the device body such that the needle is moveable between positions from a proximal portion of the device. Methods includes selecting a standard surgical needle, advancing the needle loader device into a body of a patient, and moving the needle to a needle loading position for grasping and suturing with one or more clamps of the device. | 02-04-2016 |
20160045197 | Endoscopic Needle Assembly - A needle and suture assembly is provided for use with an endoscopic suturing device with a needle holder arm. The needle assembly includes a needle tip and a needle body. The needle tip has a sharp end, a capture groove, a tab groove and a plug portion positioned between the capture groove and the tab groove. The needle body has first and second ends, tip tabs, retainers for removably retaining the needle body relative to the needle holder arm, and a suture opening. The needle tip is fixed relative to the needle body by plastic deformation of the tip tabs into the tab groove. A suture extends into the suture opening of the needle body and is fixed therein. | 02-18-2016 |
20160051254 | GRASPING APPARATUSES FOR HOLDING NEEDLES AND RELATED METHODS - This disclosure includes needle holders and related methods. Some holders use or include an elongated handle having a proximal portion and a distal portion, a first jaw member coupled to the distal portion of the handle, a second jaw member pivotally coupled to the first jaw member, and a lever pivotally coupled to the handle and coupled to the second jaw member such that the lever can be actuated by a user's thumb to selectively open and close the jaw members. In some holders, the handle extends proximally beyond the lever such that the lever can be actuated by the user's thumb to selectively open and close the jaw members while the handle is grasped within the user's hand. In some holders, the handle is defined by an elongated housing defining an interior volume configured to receive at least a portion of the lever when the jaw members are closed. | 02-25-2016 |
20160074031 | SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING SURGICAL ACCESS - One embodiment is directed to a system for advancing a needle into a tissue structure, comprising: an elongate needle member having a tapered distal tip; an insertion member having proximal and distal ends, the distal end being coupled to the elongate needle member, and the proximal end being configured to be manipulated by an operator; and a tissue interface indentor member coupled to the insertion member and operatively coupled to the elongate needle member, the tissue interface indentor member comprising a distally protruding shape feature configured to contact one or more portions of the tissue structure adjacent to the distal tip of the elongate needle member and change an available angle of penetration between such portions and the distal tip of the elongate needle member as the distal tip is inserted into tissue structure. | 03-17-2016 |
20160074032 | Rotational Action Needle Driver - A rotational action needle driver that comprises an cumbersome ergonomically designed handle, rotational mechanism and an integrated locking/unlocking system that permits surgeons to perform the surgical suturing procedure in a less complicated and more secure way by allowing more control over the suturing needle and the area to be stitched, even when the suturing area is small, deep, and/or restricted. | 03-17-2016 |
20160151064 | SUTURING DEVICES AND METHODS FOR SUTURING AN ANATOMIC STRUCTURE | 06-02-2016 |
20190142413 | FLEXIBLE SUTURING INSTRUMENT | 05-16-2019 |