Patent · US Expired

Suturing device

US5766186A · kind A · utility

1,008Cited by
21References
22Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 3, 1996
Grant dateJun 16, 1998
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 3, 2016

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61B2017/2926
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A suturing device is disclosed. The suturing device has particular application in surgery and is readily adaptable for use in laparoscopic surgery. The suturing device has an arcuate needle which is circulated around a circular path. The needle is driven by a drive belt which bears against the rear faces of a pair of closely spaced guides. Idler rollers behind the belt pinch the needle against the guides and slightly deform the drive belt. The needle is firmly gripped between the belt and the guides. The guides and the needle each subtend an angle of about 240.degree.. The motion of the needle is reversible. A surgeon can regulate the motion of the needle by turning a wheel with a fingertip. A pair of tissue gripping jaws are provided to hold tissues in place during suturing. The suturing device may be used to form a knot after a suture has been placed.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.