Retractable suture needle with self-contained driver
US5571119A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 10, 1995 |
| Grant date | Nov 5, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 10, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/2927
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for suturing in physically confined and visually restricted areas are disclosed. Suturing instruments are described that serve to deliver suture material through biological tissue by extending and retracting the distal portion of the instrument through the tissue. Suture needles are described that include structure for piercing through biological tissue to a position on the opposite side of the anastomotic site structure for delivering suture material through the tissue. In this way, a stitch is formed as the suture needle retracts. In one embodiment, the suture needle includes a notch located on the needle surface which can receive a loop of suture material. Upon passing the suture needle through the tissue, the suture material can be seated within the notch so that the suture material is drawn through the tissue as the needle is retracted. The needle can include a coupling mechanism that mounts the needle for pivoting action in response to a linear actuating motion of a rod. The suture needle can further have an interior passage extending from the end of the needle to the means for receiving suture. The interior passage can be the dimensioned for receiving s…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.