Suture bridges
US3931821A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 26, 1974 |
| Grant date | Jan 13, 1976 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 26, 1994 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T24/3916
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The disclosure is directed to a surgical bridge for supporting incision sutures under continuous tension. The bridge is elongated in shape, including two feet which engage the surface of a patient's skin on opposite sides of an incision, and which are connected by a bridge portion that overlies the incision. The bridge further includes a pair of resiliently flexible cantilevered arms each of which defines a suture support point elevated from the skin surface to preclude cutting or slicing of the patient's skin by the suture. In one embodiment, the suture bridge is made from two interlocking pieces, which enables the advantageous usage of two materials having different resilience, and also simplifies manufacture of the device. Improved structure is also disclosed in conjunction with the suture bridge for effecting tying or securing of a suture end to the bridge quickly and easily.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.