Abstract: A device for repair meniscus tears utilizing transfer cannulas that are pulled or kedged through the meniscus tear by a pulling element. The transfer cannulas are positioned via sliding guide to prevent a shear force acting on the meniscus.

Abstract: A surgical staple cartridge comprising a cartridge housing and a knife channel is disclosed. The cartridge housing comprises a longitudinal axis. The knife channel is disposed along the longitudinal axis dividing the cartridge housing into a first side and a second side. The surgical staple cartridge further comprises a first, a second, and a third row of staple pockets located on the first side of the cartridge housing. The first, the second, and the third row of staple pockets are aligned parallel to the knife channel. The second row of staple pockets is offset from the first and the third rows of staple pockets along a transverse axis. The surgical staple cartridge further comprises staples removably stored in the first, the second, and the third row of staple pockets. The surgical staple cartridge further comprises a staple driver configured to drive at least four staples from the staple pockets simultaneously.

Abstract: Embodiments include an end effector including an anvil, the anvil having an anvil face, an anvil blade channel defined by the anvil face, a first pocket row of first row staple pockets, a second pocket row of second row staple pockets, a third pocket row of third row staple pockets, a fourth pocket row of fourth row staple pockets, a fifth pocket row of fifth row staple pockets, a sixth pocket row of sixth row staple pockets, a cartridge having a cartridge face defining a cartridge blade channel, the cartridge being configured to retain a plurality of staples, and a blade, the blade having a cutting edge, where the blade is movable from a first position at a distal end of the cartridge to a second position at a proximal end of the cartridge.

Abstract: A medical wound closure device for portable and single usage is provided. The device has first and second approximation members supported by a housing, a wound closure mechanism supported for translation within the housing by a translational drive mechanism and configured to insert at least one fastener into tissue to close the wound, and a controller configured to operate the translational drive mechanism to move the wound closure mechanism relative to the housing, and operate the wound closure mechanism to insert the at least one fastener. Automatic suturing mechanisms are provided. A method of closing a wound using a device is also provided.

Abstract: A surgical suturing device is disclosed. The surgical suturing device may include a first or a second tissue gap, a first pair of needles configured to be movable across the first tissue gap, a second pair of needles configured to be movable across the second tissue gap, and a first suture having first and second ends. The surgical suturing device also includes a second suture having first and second ends and a needle actuator which selectively engages either: the first pair of needles to drive them through the first tissue gap and into communication with the first end of the first suture and the first end of the second suture, respectively; or the second pair of needles to drive them through the second tissue gap and into communication with the second end of the first suture and the second end of the second suture.

Abstract: A suturing device for minimally invasive surgery is disclosed. The suturing device has a head defining one or more ferrule holders and a tissue bite area. The device also has a first needle comprising a flywheel portion and one or more curved arms extending from the flywheel portion, each of the one or more curved arms comprising a ferrule engaging tip, wherein the first needle is pivotably coupled to the head. The suturing device further has a first actuator coupled to the first needle and configured to rotate it from a retracted position, where the ferrule engaging tip of each of the one or more curved arms starts away from the one or more ferrule holders, through the tissue bite area, and to an engaged position where the ferrule engaging tip of each of the one or more curved arms is operationally aligned with the one or more ferrule holders.

Abstract: A suturing device is provided, including a needle and a shuttle. The needle has an elongated shape extending in a predetermined direction and is configured to hold a first thread-like member. The needle is reciprocally movable forward and backward in the predetermined direction and is rotatable about an axis extending in the predetermined direction. Rotation of the needle about the axis permitting the first thread-like member to cross the needle to form a loop in the first thread-like member. The shuttle includes a holding portion. The holding portion is configured to hold a second thread-like member. The shuttle is configured to permit the holding portion to pass through the loop.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for closing a port site incision after a minimally invasive surgical procedure is performed. The closure device includes an access device and a suture needle. A body of the access device has a proximal portion and a distal portion and defines a channel that extends between the proximal and distal portions. A head of the access device is supported on the proximal portion of the body. The suture needle includes a shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion, and a curved portion that extends from the distal portion of the shaft and includes a tip configured to penetrate tissue. The shaft extends through and is movable within a slot in the head to move the curved portion of the suture needle from an inactive position located within the channel to an active position positioned located externally of the channel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for closing a patent foramen ovale. Some of the disclosed apparatuses include an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, with first and second suture clasp arms adapted to hold end portions of a suture when in an extended position. A first suture catch mechanism is slidably housed in the elongate body and moves in a proximal-to-distal direction to engage the suture end held by the first suture clasp arm, and a second suture catch mechanism is slidably housed in the elongate body and moves in a distal-to-proximal direction to suture end held by the second suture clasp arm. The first suture clasp arm can be positioned around the septum primum to deliver a suture thereto, and the second suture clasp arm can be positioned around the septum secundum to deliver a suture thereto.

Abstract: In a suturing device, a casing has an elongated shape extending in a longitudinal direction. A needle is positioned in the casing, is configured to hold a first thread-like member, and has a tip end reciprocally moving along a path extending between a first position and a second position positioned backward than the first position in the longitudinal direction. A depression is formed in a peripheral wall of the casing, is positioned between the first and second positions in the longitudinal direction, and is configured to expose the needle to an outside of the casing. The shuttle includes a holding portion configured to hold a second thread-like member. The shuttle is configured to move within the casing at a third position between the first position and the depression in the longitudinal direction to change relative position between the second thread-like member and a loop formed in the first thread-like member.

Abstract: A medical apparatus that includes a distal member, a needle disposed in the distal member and proximally advanceable from the distal member, and a needle capture portion positioned proximal to the distal member and which includes a through-hole to direct the needle from the needle capture portion towards a graspable member at a trajectory narrower than a trajectory of the needle from the distal member to the needle capture portion.

Abstract: A suture manipulating instrument for passing and retrieving suture through a tissue includes a handle mechanism, an elongate shaft extending from the handle, and a working distal end. The working distal end includes a needle body, a lumen defined by the needle body, a tissue penetrating distal tip, and a lateral slot. A preformed inner member is movably disposed within the lumen of the needle. The handle mechanism is used to extend the wire from the lateral slot of the needle, and to retract the wire into the lateral slot, allowing the working end of the instrument to grasp and manipulate suture by pinning and/or trapping the suture against the needle. In embodiments the inner member is further retracted within the needle lumen, drawing a length of suture into the needle lumen. The suture is subsequently ejected from the needle lumen to form a suture loop.

Abstract: A suturing device includes an elongate body, an actuator, and a curved needle holder. The elongate body includes a distal end portion extending along a longitudinal axis. The actuator is operable between a first operating position and a second operating position. The curved needle holder extends away from the distal end portion or is provided as part of the distal end portion of the elongate body. The curved needle holder includes a distal end section having a distal-most tip, and defines a curved needle passage and a distal opening adjacent the distal-most tip. A distance measured parallel with the longitudinal axis between where the curved needle holder begins to curve away from the longitudinal axis to either where the elongate body begins to curve away from the longitudinal axis or where the elongate body connects with a handle can be between about 10 cm to about 20 cm.

Abstract: A cannulated plunger assembly for setting a tether with anchors on both ends to extend between adjacent vertebrae. The cannulated form enables minimally invasive access to an evacuated space between the vertebral endplates. Each of the anchors are coupled to a respective one of a pair of plunger arms, the plunger arms being configured to deploy the anchors beyond an outer radius of a tubular housing. In some embodiments, in a retracted configuration, the pair of plunger arms are surrounded by the housing, and in a deployed configuration, the pair of plunger arms extend through an open distal end of and beyond an outer radius of the housing to drive the anchors into the vertebral end plates.

Abstract: Generally, a suturing system including apparatus and methods for reinforcing a substrate through which a thread passes. Specifically, embodiments of a thread carrier which passes through a substrate reinforcement element adjoining a substrate to reinforce the substrate at a first location and at a second location through which the thread passes.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for retracting, lifting, compressing, supporting or repositioning tissues, organs, anatomical structures, grafts or other structures within the body of human or animal subjects for the purpose of treating a diseases or disorders and/or for cosmetic or reconstructive purposes and/or for research and development purposes or other purposes.

Abstract: An arthroscopic bone channel forming and suturing system useful following formation of a first and a second generally straight channel in a bone, the second channel not intersecting the first channel, the system including a curved bone puncture needle configured to be insertable into the first channel, a curved needle driving assembly configured to manipulate the curved needle to form a curved junction between the first channel and the second channel, a suture snare wire assembly configured to insert a suture snare wire to a suture snare wire pick-up location via the second channel in the bone and a coordinated multi-function driving assembly operative to operate the curved needle driving assembly and the suture snare wire assembly in coordinated operation to cause the suture snare wire to be pulled from the suture pick up location and through the first channel via the junction.

Abstract: An arthroscopic bone channel forming and suturing system useful following formation of a first and a second generally straight channel in a bone, the second channel not intersecting the first channel, the system including a curved bone puncture needle configured to be insertable into the first channel, a curved needle driving assembly configured to manipulate the curved needle to form a curved junction between the first channel and the second channel, a suture snare wire assembly configured to insert a suture snare wire to a suture snare wire pick-up location via the second channel in the bone and a coordinated multi-function driving assembly operative to operate the curved needle driving assembly and the suture snare wire assembly in coordinated operation to cause the suture snare wire to be pulled from the suture pick up location and through the first channel via the junction.

Abstract: A suturing end effector includes a first jaw member, a second jaw member, and a helical needle. The first and second jaw members are moveable relative to one another between open and closed configurations. Each of the first and second jaw members defines a first row of wells that define a helical path when the first and second jaw members are in the closed configuration. The helical needle is rotatable through the helical path between retracted and extended positions. The helical needle is configured to draw a suture through tissue between the first and second jaw members when the helical needle is rotatably advanced through the helical path and configured to be independently moveable relative to the suture when retracted from the advanced position to the retracted position.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus used in an ostomy procedure includes an introducer configured for atraumatic insertion in a tissue opening and a dilator. The dilator includes an elongate body and an extension movably coupled to the elongate body. A distal portion of the elongate body is disposed within and axially movable relative to the introducer between first and second positions. The extension is configured to move from a retracted state to an expanded state in response to movement of the dilator relative to the introducer from the first position to the second position. In the retracted state, the extension is disposed within the introducer, and in the expanded state the extension projects laterally outward from the distal portion of the elongate body.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a handle, a cartridge configured to removably couple to the handle, an actuator movably coupled to the handle, and a lock operably coupled to the actuator. A first needle assembly and a second needle assembly of the cartridge are operably coupled to a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion, respectively, of the actuator when the cartridge is coupled to the handle. The first coupling portion is configured to transition the first needle assembly from a first configuration to a second configuration such that a first capture portion engages a first needle. The second coupling portion is configured to transition the second needle assembly from a first configuration to a second configuration such that a second capture portion engages the second needle. The lock is configured to selectively limit movement of the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion.

Abstract: A hair extension attachment device comprises a housing that includes a sewing mechanism, and a guard configured to shield the sewing mechanism from an individual. The sewing mechanism is configured to receive a first hair section from the individual (e.g., a braid) and a second hair section (e.g., a hair extension or weft) not from the individual, and sew the first and second hair sections together, affixing the second hair section to the individual.

Abstract: A suturing device includes an elongate body, a needle holder, an actuator, a needle and a needle retainer. The needle holder extends away from a distal end portion or is provided as part of the distal end portion of the elongate body. The needle holder includes a distal end section having a distal-most tip, and defines a needle passage and a distal opening adjacent the distal-most tip. The actuator is operable between a first operating position and a second operating position. Movement of the actuator from the first operating position toward the second operating position moves the needle in an advance direction. The needle is in the needle passage. The needle retainer engages the needle holder and the needle when the actuator is in the first operating position and inhibits movement of the needle toward distal opening while the actuator is in the first operating position.

Abstract: A suturing device include a handle, an elongate body, an actuator, and a needle holder. The elongate body connects with the handle. The actuator interacts with the elongate body and is operable between a first operating position and a second operating position. The actuator includes a manually operated member including an operator contact surface. The needle holder extends away from a distal end portion or is provided as part of the distal end portion of the elongate body. The needle holder includes a distal end section having a distal-most tip and defining a needle passage and a distal opening adjacent the distal-most tip. The needle passage is configured to receive at least a portion of an associated needle when the actuator is in the first operating position. The needle holder and the elongate body are rotatable with respect to the handle about a rotational axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stapler including: a body including a fixed plate provided on a top portion of one end thereof and formed with a needle insertion hole, and a lower thread supplier provided below the fixed plate to feed a lower thread through the needle insertion hole; and a presser which is connected to the other end of the body at one end thereof by a rotating shaft, includes a fastening needle installed to the other end to stitch an object, and penetrates the needle insertion hole together with an upper thread, in which the object is stitched with the upper thread and the lower thread when pressure is applied to the presser. Since the sheets of paper are bound with the thread, it is possible to prevent the paper from being discolored or crumbed.

Abstract: Aspects of a device are described herein. The device may comprise: a housing including a track with a plurality of segments; a plunger including a pin located in the track; a sheath extending distally from the housing; a wire extending distally from the plunger into the sheath; and an end effector on a distal end of the wire, wherein the housing is movable relative to the plunger to move the pin between the plurality of segments, and each of the plurality of segments corresponds with a position of the end effector relative to the sheath. Related devices, kits, and methods also are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a catheter actuation handle for deflecting a distal end of a tubular catheter body, the handle including an auto-locking mechanism. The handle comprises upper and lower grip portions, an actuator, and an auto-locking mechanism. The auto-locking mechanism is adapted to hold a deflected distal end of the catheter in place without input from the operator. When the distal end of the catheter is deflected from its zero position, it typically will seek a return to its zero position, and as a result exerts a force on the actuator. The auto-locking mechanism acts by providing a second force that resists this force from the distal end and holds the distal end in place. As a result, the operator does not need to maintain contact with the buttons to maintain the distal end 18 in a set position once placed there by actuating the actuator.

Abstract: A needle for use with an endoscopic stitching device includes a first end portion that is movable relative to a second end portion to allow the needle to convert from a first, mis-aligned orientation to a second, aligned orientation, thereby allowing the length of the needle in the aligned orientation to exceed the height of an end effector.

Abstract: A suturing device includes a needle, a suture, an elongate body, an actuator and a curved needle holder. The needle has first end, which is pointed, a second end, a curved distal section and a straighter proximal section, which is straight or has a radius of curvature greater than the curved distal section. The suture connects with the needle. The actuator includes a mechanism operable to move the needle with respect to the elongate body. The curved needle holder extends away from a distal end portion or is provided as part of the distal end portion of the elongate body. The curved needle holder includes an inner surface defining a curved needle passage for holding the needle and a distal opening through which the needle exits the curved needle holder. The needle frictionally engages the inner surface when the needle is in a retracted position.

Abstract: Embodiments include an end effector including an anvil, the anvil having an anvil face, an anvil blade channel defined by the anvil face, a first pocket row of first row staple pockets, a second pocket row of second row staple pockets, a third pocket row of third row staple pockets, a fourth pocket row of fourth row staple pockets, a fifth pocket row of fifth row staple pockets, a sixth pocket row of sixth row staple pockets, a cartridge having a cartridge face defining a cartridge blade channel, the cartridge being configured to retain a plurality of staples, and a blade, the blade having a cutting edge, where the blade is movable from a first position at a distal end of the cartridge to a second position at a proximal end of the cartridge.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a medical needle with which, compared to a conventionally known suture thread guide needle, puncture, handling, and perforation are easy when guiding a suture thread along a hernia orifice beneath the skin, and therefore, the medical needle enables the execution of an LPEC method using simpler procedures.

Abstract: A delivery device for inserting a plurality of T-fastener-equipped sutures into a body of a patient in a spaced-apart configuration for the purpose of securing the stomach wall against the abdominal wall, also known as gastropexy, is disclosed. The suture delivery device is configured to deliver multiple sutures using a single needle and without need for reloading, saving time and effort for the clinician and simplifying the suture placement process. In one embodiment, a T-fastener-equipped suture delivery device comprises a housing, a hollow needle extending from the housing, and a plurality of T-fastener-equipped sutures at least partially disposed within one of the needle and the housing. An ejection assembly for successively ejecting the T-fasteners from a distal end of the needle without reloading the delivery device is also included in the housing.

Abstract: A suturing device is provided. The suturing device may include at least one suturing needle, a drive mechanism and an impulse mechanism. The drive mechanism may be operatively coupled to the suturing needle and configured to advance the suturing needle from a retracted position to an extended position during engagement, and retract the suturing needle from the extended position to the retracted position during disengagement. The impulse mechanism may be operatively coupled to the drive mechanism and configured to accumulate energy during engagement of the suturing needle, and instantaneously release the accumulated energy through the drive mechanism during disengagement.

Abstract: A device and method for selectively engaging or penetrating a layer of a luminal organ wall where the luminal organ wall has a plurality of layers including an outermost layer and an innermost layer adjacent to the lumen of the organ. The device and method select one of the plurality of layers of the organ wall other than the innermost layer and deploy from within the lumen of the organ a tissue device through the innermost layer to a specific depth to engage or penetrate the selected one of the plurality of layers. The device and method may be employed to create luminal pouches or restrictive outlets. In a stomach organ, the device and methods may be employed to treat obesity by forming a gastric pouch with or without a restrictive outlet.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, a shaft, and a cartridge receiving assembly. The body has an actuator. The cartridge receiving assembly includes a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position. The first and second jaws are configured to receive a suture cartridge therebetween when the first jaw is in the open position. The first and second jaws are configured to secure a suture cartridge therebetween and thereby operatively couple the actuator with the suture cartridge when the first jaw is in the closed position. The first jaw is further configured to receive a needle of the suture cartridge directly thereagainst when the first jaw is in the closed position such that the first jaw is configured to capture the needle within the suture cartridge.

Abstract: The invention encompasses devices and methods used to provide wound closure based on rings positioned within the tissue layers of the wound opening (with the rings regionally separate the wound depth tissue layers into 2 compartments), followed by suture transport through the rings and full-thickness tissue layers of both compartments. Upon suture transport via synchronous or asynchronous manner and device removal, wound closure is achieved by tying the 2 ends of the suture without incorporating tissue above the level of the rings such as skin. When the device is applied to abdominal or chest wall wound opening, all tissue layers except the skin are incorporated in the suture closure of the wound. The closure process can be performed in a simple, reliable, and expeditious manner.

Abstract: A device for suturing an anatomic valve can comprise an elongate body, a suture catch mechanism and a suture clasp arm. The suture catch mechanism can be operatively coupled to the elongate body for movement between a retracted position and an advanced position. The suture clasp arm can be attached to the elongate body for movement between a retracted position and an extended position. The suture clasp arm can comprise a suture clasp configured to releasably retain a suture portion. In some embodiments, the suture clasp is positioned on the suture clasp arm such that the suture catch mechanism retrieves the suture portion from the suture clasp arm while the arm is at least partially retracted. In some embodiments, the suture clasp arm can be closed about a tissue portion without damaging the tissue portion.

Abstract: An arteriotomy closure device. The arteriotomy closure device includes a proximal end and a distal end designed to be inserted into an arteriotomy opening resulting from an endovascular procedure. The arteriotomy closure device provides a pair of doors operated by a door drive that stabilize the arteriotomy closure device within an artery during a closure operation. A plurality of needles with a suture attached to each penetrate the arterial wall. When the needles are engaged with a plurality of needle receptors, a cap trap is engaged with the needle receptors so that when the needles are retracted, the suture is secured in a position to close the arteriotomy opening. When the needles are retracted, the doors are lowered and the arteriotomy closure device is removed from the closure site, the suture is used to close the arteriotomy opening.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a stapling head assembly, an anvil, a firing assembly, a load sensor, and an indicator. The firing assembly actuates the stapling head assembly to drive an annular array of staples through tissue toward the anvil. The load sensor is operable to sense a load in the firing assembly while the firing assembly actuates the stapling head assembly. The indicator is operable to provide feedback based on the load sensed by the load sensor. The firing assembly may include a longitudinally translatable member. The instrument may further include a position sensor that is operable to sense a longitudinal position of the translatable member while the firing assembly actuates the stapling head assembly. The indicator may be activated based on data from at least one of the sensors indicating completion or failure of a full actuation stroke of the firing assembly.

Abstract: A suture apparatus having a housing, actuator and capture rod, the actuator being engaged to the capture rod to form an actuator-capture rod assembly, an elongated cannula shaft having a lumen that extends through the shaft, and capture rod retraction means, the housing including an internal region that is configured to receive and support the capture rod retraction means, actuator proximal end and actuator rod distal end therein, wherein said capture rod retraction means is in communication with said actuator. The actuator-capture rod assembly and capture rod retraction means being positioned and configured to transition from a retracted position to an extended position when an actuation force is applied to the actuator and return the retracted position by the retraction means when the actuation force is released.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a handle, a cartridge configured to removably couple to the handle, an actuator movably coupled to the handle, and a lock operably coupled to the actuator. A first needle assembly and a second needle assembly of the cartridge are operably coupled to a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion, respectively, of the actuator when the cartridge is coupled to the handle. The first coupling portion is configured to transition the first needle assembly from a first configuration to a second configuration such that a first capture portion engages a first needle. The second coupling portion is configured to transition the second needle assembly from a first configuration to a second configuration such that a second capture portion engages the second needle. The lock is configured to selectively limit movement of the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a stapling head assembly, an anvil, an anvil adjustment assembly, and an indicator assembly. The anvil is configured to couple with the stapling head assembly. The anvil adjustment assembly includes a translating member, which is operable to translate relative to the body to thereby adjust a gap distance between the anvil and a distal surface of the stapling head assembly. The indicator assembly includes a first member and a second member. The first member is configured to translate in response to translation of the translating member relative to the body. The second member is configured to remain stationary relative to the body. The indicator assembly is configured to provide feedback indicating whether the gap distance is sized to release tissue from between the anvil and the distal surface based on positioning of the first member in relation to the second member.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a sling implant system are provided. Embodiments of the implants can include one or more collapsibility and expandability features or portions adapted to improve introduction and deployment of the implant within the patient. The implants can be folded, collapsed or otherwise reduced in size or construct to fit within a delivery tool or catheter for later expandability upon deployment of the implant.

Abstract: A suture device includes a needle operating device movable longitudinally with respect to a housing between at least an insertion position and a needle transfer position. The needle operating device includes an elongate operating element arranged extending from a distal end of the housing to or near a housing proximal end. A needle holder connected at a distal end of the operating element holds two or more needles, with free ends directed in proximal direction. The holder is movable with respect to a protection device between at least a protecting position shielding the free ends, and a non-protecting position for the same. A needle receive device at a distal end of the housing receives the free ends when the operating device is moved to the transfer position. In at least the insertion position the holder and the protection device are spaced longitudinally from the housing to receive a tissue therebetween.

Abstract: A suture placement device provides a lateral extension element, such as a slotted t-bar or wings, which is inserted into a trocar and deployed to position receptor ports about 1 cm from the trocar. The trocar is removed, and stylet guides are deployed to create a path from the housing to the receptor ports, thereby creating a suture path with segments from the outside of the device to each port, and between ports. A stylet is inserted through the suture path, and used to pull a suture of choice through the path. A stylet guide has a partially extended position to permit precise intra-muscular location of an anesthetic injection before being fully deployed. The t-bar is rotated back to a vertical position to permit removal to of the suture placement device so that the suture can be tied.

Abstract: A tissue closure device includes a pusher assembly having a drive arm extending from a drive shaft and a needle driver at a distal end of the drive arm, wherein the needle driver is capable of releasably engaging and rotating a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end about a rotational axis and a cartridge having a protective housing and the suturing needle, the cartridge extending from a distal end of a cartridge holder assembly and releasably attached to the cartridge holder assembly. A pointed end of the suturing needle may be positioned within the protective housing before and after a complete rotation of the suturing needle about the rotational axis. A removable electronic module may be provided controlled by an actuator that mechanically engages the drive shaft to rotate the drive shaft and the needle driver, thereby rotating the suturing needle about the rotational axis.

Abstract: A suturing device includes a housing, a rod, a ferrule assembly, and a needle. The housing defines a guide lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. The rod is engaged with the housing and extends distally therefrom. The ferrule assembly is disposed at a distal end of the rod and is configured to releasably retain a ferrule therein. The ferrule is adapted to retain of a portion of a suture therein. The needle is configured for translation through the guide lumen defined within the housing. A distal end of the needle is configured to engage the ferrule within the ferrule assembly for removal of the ferrule from the ferrule assembly.

Abstract: A medical device for installing sutures to close an incision in tissue or human skin is disclosed. The suturing device may provide first and second arcuate needles. Once properly positioned, the first and second arcuate needles are driven through the sub-dermal layer, or alternatively through a superficial surface, of two sections of skin to be joined. This is done in arcuate fashion and at identical and symmetrical rates of angular displacement. In so doing, the sections of skin are pushed toward one another thus assuring horizontal and vertical alignment of the two sections of skin. During the driving or retraction process of the first and second arcuate needles, a suture is positioned within both the first and second sections of skin and transformed from a planar or a multi-planar serpentine orientation to a helical orientation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle, and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a reciprocating needle drive having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.

Abstract: According to a first configuration, a hand tool is configured to include a shaft, a handle disposed at a proximal end of the shaft, and a tubular tip disposed on a hinge at a distal end of the shaft. The tubular tip pivots about the hinge, providing a way to steer a resource to a specific location in a medical site. In accordance with a second configuration, a hand tool includes a flexible section of tube, a flexible sheathing, and a link. The flexible sheathing encases the flexible section of tube. At least a portion of the link resides between an outer surface of the flexible section of tube and an inner surface of the flexible sheathing. One end of the link is affixed to a distal tip of the flexible section of tube. Pulling on the link causes the flexible section of tube to arc.