Automatic needle-passer suturing instrument
US5814054A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 23, 1996 |
| Grant date | Sep 29, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 23, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/0609
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An automatic suturing instrument generally includes a proximal actuation handle assembly, a flexible tubular member, a control wire, and an end effector assembly. The control wire extends through the tubular member and the end effector-assembly is coupled to the distal end of each of the tubular member and the control wire, while the handle is coupled to the proximal end of each of the tubular member and the control wire. Actuation of the handle moves the control wire relative to the tubular member and thereby moves the end effector assembly from an open to a closed position. The end effector assembly generally includes two end effectors, a needle engaged by one of the end effectors (but which can be engaged by either end effector alternately), and a suture material. The end effector assembly further includes a needle passing mechanism that automatically alternates which end effector engages the needle each time the end effectors are moved into a closed position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.