Needle for laparoscopic suturing instrument

US9125646B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. · US

Inventors

• James A. Woodard, Jr. · Mason, US
• Michael V. Sherrill · Batavia, US
• Jason R. Lesko · Cadiz, US
• David T. Martin · Melbourne, AU
• Katherine J. Schmid · Loveland, US
• Michael J. Miller · New Lisbon, US
• Gary W. Knight · Sharonville, US
• Richard F. Schwemberger · Cincinnati, US
• Atul M. Godbole · Monroe, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 14, 2011
• Grant date: Sep 8, 2015
• Expiry date: May 11, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2017/2929
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A surgical needle includes a pair of ends, a mid-region extending between the ends, and at least one grasping feature configured for grasping by a suturing instrument. An end of a suture is secured to the mid-region of the needle in a manner such that the end of the suture defines an oblique angle with at least part of the centerline defined by the mid-region of the needle. The end of the suture may be disposed in a hollow portion of the needle. The grasping feature may include a notch such as a scallop. The suture may be pivotally coupled with the needle via a ball or pin. The needle may have one or more sharp points. The sharp point may include three converging cutting edges, at least two planar surfaces bounded by the three cutting edges, and a rounded surface bounded by two of the three cutting edges.