Apparatus and method for securing sutures to surgical needles
US5448823A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 8, 1991 |
| Grant date | Sep 12, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 8, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/53091
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus for manufacturing suture-needle assemblies in which the suture thread is connected to the needle shank through the provision of heat shrinkable tubing. The apparatus for securing the heat shrink tubing to the shank of the needle essentially comprises a needle holder, a heat source, a video camera and monitor device and means for insuring heating of the tubing only at the shank. An apparatus is also disclosed for securing the suture thread to the needle shank where the needle shank is already provided with the heat shrink tubing secured thereon. The apparatus for securing the suture thread to the needle shank includes a needle holder, a heat source, a heat cover to create a heating chamber, as well as video camera and monitor means to enlarge the image for an operator, as well as temperature regulating equipment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.