Devices and methods for minimally invasive suturing

US10881392B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC. · US

Inventors

• Gerald I. Brecher · North Andover, US
• John C. Meade · Mendon, US
• John Aho · North Andover, US
• Roger Baske · Old Mill Creek, US
• James H. Bleck · Chelmsford, US
• John F. Carlson · Lake Elmo, US
• Thomas Eagan · Chelmsford, US
• Michael J. Helander · Somerset, US
• James W. Murray · Durham, US
• Ashley Perkins · Lowell, US
• Wayne A. Shakal · Shafer, US
• Jonathan Towle · Amherst, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 31, 2018
• Grant date: Jan 5, 2021
• Expiry date: Jun 14, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2017/2927
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Devices and methods for minimally invasive suturing are disclosed. One suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes a proximal section a distal end, and an intermediate region therebetween. The device includes a suture head assembly having a suturing needle with a pointed end and a second end. The suturing needle is capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to deployment of guides that are adapted and configured to guide the needle around a circular path when advanced by a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.