Apparatus and method for suturing tissue
US9125644B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 13, 2012 |
| Grant date | Sep 8, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 18, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/0811
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A suturing device of the present invention is in the form a compact, light-weight handheld device that includes a needle and suture assembly, a mechanism for gripping and releasing the needle/suture (a “needle transfer mechanism” or “needle shuttle mechanism”), safely capturing the needle/suture upon exit from the patient's tissue, and returning the needle to a position such that the process of delivering additional sutures to the patient can be repeated. A safety shield mechanism ensures the user is protected from the needle at all times. The device of the present invention accommodates the right or left-handed user, rests comfortably in the user's hand, allows sufficient visualization of the procedure site, and permits the user to either control penetration depth of the needle or default to a device-determined depth. The present device permits the user to utilize a wrist-rotation (pivoting) suture delivery technique.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.