Suture placement apparatus

US7122040B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• J. Donald Hill · US

Inventors

• John Donald Hill · San Francisco, US
• Geoff Briggs · Los Altos, US
• Michael Sims · Montara, US
• Richard C. Fortier · Concord, US
• Denis LaBombard · Georgetown, US
• Gary Whipple · South Attleboro, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 17, 2002
• Grant date: Oct 17, 2006
• Expiry date: Jan 21, 2024

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2017/06071
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A suture placement device includes a crook-shaped needle having a suture passage through which a suture thread passes; a suture opening in a tip portion of the needle, from which the suture thread exits the needle; and a bend in the needle including an open portion of the suture passage. The bend defines a suture capture zone in which the suture thread is separated from the needle. A shuttle includes a shuttle body and a shuttle hook. The shuttle hook is formed at a distal end of the shaft. The needle and the shuttle extend from the barrel, and the barrel includes a source of the suture thread and a rotating shaft or cable that causes the shuttle to traverse over the needle. A guide groove guides the shuttle over the needle. The shuttle hook engages the suture thread in the suture capture zone and draws the suture thread to the barrel.