Suturing device and method for sealing an opening in a blood vessel or other biological structure
US6245079A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 23, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jun 12, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 23, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/2911
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A suturing device allows a physician to remotely seal an incision in a blood vessel or other biological tissue. The device comprises an elongated tubular body having a distal portion which is adapted to be inserted percutaneously through the incision and into the blood vessel. The distal portion has first and second retractable arms which extend from the distal portion of the body and releasably hold a suture within the blood vessel. First and second retractable needles, each of which is configured to catch the suture from a respective arm, are provided along the body proximal to the retractable arms. The arms and the needles are remotely movable by the physician using a handle or other control mechanism provided at a distal portion of the device. In operation, the arms are initially deployed within the blood vessel to hold the ends of the suture beyond the circumference of the tubular body. The needles are then deployed from and then retracted into the body, during which time the needles pierce the vessel wall on opposite sides of the incision, release the suture ends from the retractable arms, and pull the suture through the vessel wall. The device is particularly useful for clos…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.