Abstract: A puncture device and method are disclosed, the puncture device includes a puncture member having a puncture needle for puncturing a biological tissue, a shaft portion, and a connection portion for connecting the puncture needle and the shaft portion to each other. The puncture needle includes a needle main body for puncturing the biological tissue, and an extension needle provided for movement relative to the needle main body along a longitudinal direction of the needle main body and configured to puncture the biological tissue. The puncture device includes, as extension means for moving the extension needle in a direction toward the distal end of the needle main body with respect to the needle main body to extend the puncture needle, and/or a pusher for pushing the extension needle to move in the direction toward the distal end of the needle main body.

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: The present teachings provide devices and methods of treating a tricuspid valve regurgitation. Specifically, one aspect of the present teachings provides devices and methods for reshaping and resizing the right ventricle by reducing the distances between two papillary muscles. Another aspect of the present teachings provides devices and methods for reshaping and resizing the right ventricle by reducing the distances along the right ventricle wall. Another aspect of the present teachings provides devices and methods for reshaping and resizing the right ventricle by reducing the distance between the distance of right ventricle outflow track and the right ventricle wall. Another aspect of the present teachings provides devices and methods for reshaping and resizing the right ventricle by changing the right ventricle sphericity index. Another aspect of the present teachings provides devices and methods for reshaping and resizing the right ventricle by reducing the tricuspid valve tethering height.

Abstract: A suturing device is provided. The suturing device may include at least one needle configured to engage a suture for deployment, at least one release mechanism coupled to the needle configured to release an engaged suture upon deployment, and a drive mechanism operatively coupled to the needle and configured to advance the needle from a retracted position to an extended position during engagement, and retract the needle from the extended position to the retracted position during disengagement.

Abstract: The wound closure device includes an outer tubular housing, an inner shaft that extends through the housing, a needle control assembly at least partially disposed with the housing, a pair of hollow needles in communication with the needle control assembly, sutures in the housing, and a suture deployment assembly connected to a distal end of each suture and to the inner shaft. The needles can be inserted into a tissue to deposit the sutures and suture anchors at or near wound edges. The needles can thereafter be completely withdrawn from the tissue.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, at least one user input feature, an elongate shaft, a needle applier, and a motor. The needle applier includes a needle and a drive assembly coupled to the needle. The drive assembly is configured to drive the needle along an orbital path about a rotation axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, in response to an actuation of the user input feature. The motor is configured provide motion to the needle applier to thereby actuate the drive assembly.

Abstract: A system for securing a device in tissue, having a sheath having a plurality of side openings; a rotatable element disposed within the sheath; and a plurality of curved projections extending from the rotatable element, wherein rotation of the rotatable element within the sheath pushes distal ends of each of the curved projections outwardly through one of the plurality of openings and into the tissue.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, an input feature, an elongate shaft, and a needle applier. The needle applier is coupled to the elongate shaft, which extends distally from the body. The needle applier includes a needle, a drive assembly, and a guide assembly. The drive assembly includes a link configured to drive the needle orbitally about a rotation axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft in response to actuation of the input feature. The guide assembly is in communication with the input feature and the drive assembly. The guide assembly is responsive to the input feature to guide a distal portion of the link along a semi-circular path.

Abstract: A wound closure device includes a shaft and a tubular member disposed about the shaft. A plurality of arms are coupled to the shaft in a distal region of the shaft. A plunger is slidably disposed within the shaft and coupled to the plurality of arms. The plunger is selectively translatable relative to the shaft for moving the plurality of arms between a retracted position and a deployed position. A plurality of needles is disposed within needle lumens defined within the tubular member. An actuator sleeve is slidably disposed about the tubular member and coupled to the plurality of needles. The actuator sleeve is translatable between an un-actuated position, wherein the distal end of each needle is disposed within its respective needle lumen, and an actuated position, wherein the distal end of each needle extends distally from its respective needle lumen into a respective one of the plurality of arms.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, first and second drive elements, a shaft, and a needle applier. The first drive element has a distal portion located at a distal end of the body. The second drive element has a proximal portion located at a proximal end of the shaft. The proximal portion of the second drive element is configured to removably couple with the distal portion of first drive element such that the first and second drive elements are aligned along a common axis and such that the first drive element is configured to communicate motion to the second drive element. The needle applier includes a needle and a drive assembly, which is configured to drive the needle along an orbital path about a rotation axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis, in response to motion of the second drive element.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to surgical instruments for use in handheld applications or with robotic surgical systems. The surgical instruments may comprise an end effector to treat tissue and a shaft extending proximally from the end effector along a longitudinal axis. Some embodiments may be usable with an instrument mounting portion of a robotic surgical instrument. For example, the shaft may extend proximally to the instrument mounting portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vascular closure device adapted for use in closing a puncture in a blood vessel after e.g. a percutaneous interventional procedure. The disclosure also relates to a method for vascular closure using such a vascular closure device.

Abstract: A surgical kit includes an instrument and two or more cartridges. The instrument includes a body, a shaft assembly, and a cartridge receiving assembly. The cartridge receiving assembly has a movable output feature, which is configured to move in response to activation of the actuation input feature. The cartridges may include a first suturing cartridge and a second suturing cartridge, with first and second suture needles, respectively. The second suture needle may extend along an arc that has a larger radius of curvature than an arc associated with the first suture needle. The cartridges may also include a drive assembly that is operable to drive the needle along an orbital path in response to movement of the actuation input feature. The cartridges may also include features that are operable to apply clips or staples. The cartridges may also include features that are operable to grasp or cut.

Abstract: A suturing device is disclosed. The suturing device includes an end effector assembly disposed on a distal end of the suturing device. The end effector assembly includes at least one guide tube housing at least one elongated member, a clamshell, and a probe configured for disposal in a graft tubular tissue circumferentially offset from the clamshell. The probe includes at least one guide tube attached to a suture having a first end and a second end. The at least one elongated member is deployed to puncture graft tubular tissue and mate with the at least one aperture of the probe such that extraction of the at least one elongated member simultaneously draws out the suture through the punctured graft tubular tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for surgical suturing with thread management. An illustrative apparatus for tissue suturing includes a cartridge having a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis, a reciprocating needle drive, and an actuator capable of releasably engaging the needle rotation drive to rotate the needle. A method for suturing tissue is provided that includes placing a suturing device having a cartridge containing a suturing needle to span at least one tissue segment, activating an actuator to cause rotational movement of the suturing needle through the at least one tissue segment, and deactivating the actuator to stop an advancing movement of the suturing needle to cause a suturing material to be pulled through the at least one tissue segment forming a stitch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a quilting machine and more specifically a long-arm stitching machine, or stitcher. The stitcher includes handles that are used to trace a laser dot on a pantograph pattern located in front of the fabric being quilted. Tracing the laser dot ensures that the needle and thread associated with the sewing machine head duplicates the pattern being traced. In the present invention, the handles are placed to one side of the sewing machine head to allow an operator to remain upright when watching the laser trace the pattern or the needle and thread quilting the fabric.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a drive gear assembly, and a drive arm. The housing defines a channel that receives a needle such that the needle is movable within the channel. The drive gear assembly is positioned within the housing and includes a first gear, a second gear, and a rack. The rack is translatable relative to the housing and is coupled with the first and second gears to rotate the first and second gears. The drive arm is coupled with the drive gear assembly and engages the needle to move the needle within the channel of the housing.

Abstract: A trocar adapted for insertion through a fascia layer of an abdominal wall, comprising a proximal end configured for handling by a user; a distal end configured for insertion into tissue; and a shaft extending in between the proximal end and distal end, wherein the shaft comprises a narrow portion proximal to the distal end, the narrow portion defining at least one recess shaped and sized to receive fascia tissue, the recess ending, at a distal end, with a generally proximally facing surface of the shaft configured directly below the narrow portion, the proximally facing surface and the narrow portion shaped and sized to stabilize the trocar in the abdominal wall by the fascia. In some embodiments, a trocar and external cannula assembly are provided. In some embodiments, the trocar and/or trocar and external cannula assembly are configured for deployment of one or more anchors and/or sutures in the tissue.

Abstract: A device is provided for closing a wound, such as a percutaneous access site. The device is inserted into the wound, and a helically shaped pusher is actuated to penetrate a wall of the wound. The pusher extends a suture through the tissue wall. After the suture is extending through the tissue wall, the pusher is retracted out of the tissue, while the suture remains extending through the tissue. The suture may then be used to close the wound.

Abstract: A suturing device provided. The suturing device may include at least a firing aperture, a drive mechanism and an autoloading mechanism. The firing aperture may include at least one needle rotatably disposed therein configured to engage a suture for deployment. The drive mechanism may be operatively coupled to the needle and configured to advance the needle from a retracted position to an extended position during engagement, and retract the needle from the extended position to the retracted position during disengagement. The autoloading mechanism may be operatively coupled to the drive mechanism and configured to slidably retrieve and position a suture to be deployed over the firing aperture during disengagement of the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A suturing instrument is configured for to apply sutures to approximate, ligate, or fixate tissue in, for example, open, mini-incision, trans-vaginal, or endoscopic surgical procedures. The suturing instrument includes an elongate body member, a needle exit port, a needle receiving port, and a needle deployment mechanism. The suturing instrument eliminates the need for a preassembled needle and suture and reduces or eliminates the possibility of needle loss during suturing.

Abstract: A stitching assembly including upper and lower cradles, upper and lower needles, and first and second sutures supported by the upper and lower needles respectively. The cradles moves along a curved path in relation to the carriages between advanced and retracted positions. When each cradle is moved from the retracted position towards the advanced position a stitch loop is formed when the respective needle is retracted. This process is repeated alternating between the first and second cradles with the upper and lower needles passing through the previous stitch loop formed by the other needle before passing through the tissue.

Abstract: A suture trimmer having a shaft, a cutting member, an actuating device, and a snare. The shaft has a first end and a second end and bounds a bore extending from the first end toward the second end. The shaft has an opening formed in a side adjacent the first end. The cutting member is slidably disposed within the bore of the shaft and can be moved between a first position and a second position, such that when disposed in the second position the cutting member closes the opening formed in the side of the shaft. The actuating device is in communication with the cutting member and is operable to move the cutting member from the first position to the second position. The snare extends through the opening and out of the bore at the first end of the shaft.

Abstract: A hair extension applicator including a base, an opening, a needle, a hook, a pair of curved hook extenders, a pair of grips, a concave thumb controller, an activation control, and a motor. The thumb controller has a selectively activated position. The hook is configured to create a loop in a thread when the thumb controller is in the activated position. The needle is configured to stitch the thread through a hair extension when the thumb controller is in the activated position. Each of the pair of hook extenders is configured to protect a user's head from injury.

Abstract: A surgery automatic suturing and knot tying apparatus is to suture and tie knots on a surgical suture having a needle end and a tail end. The surgery automatic suturing and knot tying apparatus comprises a positioning board, a threading module located on the positioning board, and two thread drawing modules and two needle threading arms located on the positioning board. The two needle threading arms wind the surgical suture around the threading module, and collaborate with the two thread drawing modules to draw the surgical suture to make the surgical suture finally be separated from the threading module, thereby can tie knots automatically on the surgical suture to meet use requirements and alleviate the burden of doctors during surgical operation.

Abstract: The handheld hair weaving sewing machine has a motor driven by electric power and an on/off switch for providing electricity to the motor. A dial is provided for selecting a stitch pattern. A power switch is pressed to apply power to the motor to sew. A bobbin case containing a bobbin of thread and a bobbin thread spool for delivering thread to the needle are disposed within the machine housing. Rubber guards are provided to protect the scalp from injury. A tension dial is provided for adjusting the tension of the thread leaving the bobbin thread spool. A rotary wheel is provided for moving a needle up and down and moving the needle high enough to position the hair for properly sewing.

Abstract: Machine for styling hair in the form of long locks of hair entwined in dreadlocks includes a container body accommodating an electric or pneumatic motor. There is a handle which, in its lower front part, forms a nose through which an interchangeable harpoon needle projects, the needle being provided with at least one traction harpoon and being installed in a particular rotary position with the aid of removable device. The container body has a switch above and behind the nose. The electric or pneumatic motor has a regulator for the speed and has a shaft, which extends parallel to the interchangeable harpoon needle, rotationally coupled to it.

Abstract: A hand-held stitching tool for forming decorative patterns of yarn on mesh materials has a stitching needle with a blunt end and an elongated handle having a top surface and a bottom surface and sized for holding between the thumb and the index finger with the index finger resting along the top surface of the handle. Preferably, the handle is wide enough to allow the third finger to be supported by the handle, allowing the user to clamp the yarn with the third finger. The stitching needle has a distal end region with an eye passage bounded by flattened surfaces that are parallel to the top and bottom surfaces of the handle. A guide passage can be provided on the handle to carry the yarn along the handle. The tool is well suited for practicing the described methods for forming decorative loops and chain stitches on a mesh material.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a micro sewing device for percutaneous, endoscopic, laporscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures for suturing in very small internal body spaces. The device is of cylindrically specific design to provide suturing in the small spaces available.

Abstract: The surgical suturing instrument incorporates a pressurized fluid suture feed system for passing a suture through the instrument and the tissues to be joined thereby. A fluid jet in communication with a suture feed conduit selectively entrains a suture in a stream of pressurized fluid, which carries the suture through the instrument's hollow tissue penetrating needle. The tissue penetrating needle may be shaped to direct the suture's free end to a point external the body cavity. Alternatively, a suture return conduit may be provided to engage the hollow tissue penetrating needle to receive and carry the suture's leading end to a point external the body cavity. External or internal pressurized fluid sources are utilized. A surface irregularity proximal the suture's leading end enhances the entrainment of the suture with the fluid stream. Individual, cartridge and spool fed sutures may all be utilized.

Abstract: A portable sewing machine powered by a battery can be used for carpet binding and other tasks. A pod having a motor and a battery are releasably attached to the side of the sewing machine and can be used on several different sewing machines such that only one pod need be purchased. The battery can be plugged into a plug on the pod to use a different battery while the first battery is being recharged. The battery-powered sewing machine can be on wheels for running on the floor for carpet binding, or it can be used in a stationary position. The portable sewing machine eliminates cords, which limit its use in carpet binding applications. The battery-powered sewing machine can operate in environments where no electricity is available such as in buildings under construction or sailboats needing sail repairs.

Abstract: A device for snaring cord-like objects is provided. The device comprises a hollow shaft having a pointed distal end, a rod having a pair of wires attached to its distal end, the wires being spring biased away from one another, and activation means. The rod and wires are located in the lumen of the shaft in reciprocally movable relationship therewith. The activation means is attached to the proximal ends of the shaft and the rod so as to allow the controlled movement of the rod and wires relative to the shaft. One of the wire-like elements defines a hook-shaped configuration at its distal end. The device allows the wire-like elements to be selectively located within the distal end of the shaft or in a configuration wherein the wire-like elements extend outwardly from the distal end of the shaft in flaring relationship to one another.

Abstract: Described is a surgical instrument and method for treating female urinary stress incontinence. The instrument includes a first curved needle-like element defining in part a curved shaft having a distal end and a proximal, a mesh for implanting into the lower abdomen of a female to provide support to the urethra; a second curved needle element having a proximal end and a distal end, and a coupler for simultaneous attachment to the distal end of the first needle and the distal end of the second needle.

Abstract: A closure device for a puncture in a blood vessel is formed of a needle holder having a pair of first needle passages at a front side, and a needle catcher located at the front side of the needle holder to be movable thereto and having a pair of second needle passages aligned with the first needle passages. A pair of needle pushers is slidably located in the first needle passages, and a needle handle is attached to the needle pushers. A pair of needles joined with a suture is disposed in the first needle passages at a side close to the needle catcher. When the needle handle is actuated, the needles in the first needle passages are pushed by the needle pushers and transferred to the second needle passages. Thus, when wall portions are held between the needle holder and the needle catcher, the wall portions are sutured by the needles with the suture.

Abstract: A portable carpet binder applies and sews a binding tape to a carpet edge. The binder includes a sewing head having a carpet support table, a sewing mechanism, a motor, means for folding the binding tape over the carpet edge, and wheels to move the carpet binder on a floor. The binder operates using a puller having a U-shaped puller bracket, means for mounting the puller bracket on the sewing head above the table, a first longitudinally serrated roller rotatably mounted on the puller bracket, a second longitudinally serrated roller rotatably mounted on the puller bracket parallel to the first roller, and coupling means for rotatably and synchronously coupling the first roller to the second roller so as to transfer rotary motion from the first roller to the second roller. Also provided are driving means for intermittently driving the puller in unidirectional rotation, and timing means for adjusting a timing relation between the driving means and the sewing mechanism.

Abstract: A method and device for the placement of sutures and for the purpose of approximating tissue. The invention relates to devices for approximation, ligation and fixation of tissue using a suture, to various constituent parts comprising said devices, and particularly to the placement of sutures into certain difficult to access ligamental structures, to the approximation of tissue separated by means of an endosurgical trocar being inserted into a body cavity, and to approximation, ligation, and fixation of body tissue using both traditional open surgical and endosurgical techniques and instruments.

Abstract: An improved suturing device and method is provided. The suturing device is of the type including a guide body and means on the guide body for translating at least one needle relative to the guide body. The suturing device is improved by providing a rotatable sleeve disposed over at least a distal portion of the guide body to facilitate introduction of the device to a puncture site.

Abstract: A suture threader comprises a body having first and second ends, a first suture threader extending from the body first end, and a second suture threader extending from the body second end.

Abstract: An improved suturing device and method is provided. The suturing device is of the type including a guide body and means on the guide body for translating at least one needle relative to the guide body. The suturing device is improved by providing a rotatable sleeve disposed over at least a distal portion of the guide body to facilitate introduction of the device to a puncture site.

Abstract: A one-piece fastener or staple includes a base that contacts tissue and a prong that extends through the tissue. A suture lead is anchored to the base and a needle is attached to the suture lead. A tool positions the fastener adjacent to the tissue, and is operated to drive the prong and the suture needle through the tissue. The tool includes a needle grabber that is operated to grab the needle and pull the needle out of the patient. Since the suture lead is attached to the fastener, a prosthesis can be placed on the suture lead and pushed down to the tissue. A cassette is releasably mounted on the tool and contains the fastener, the suture lead and the suture needle. Alternative forms of the anchor have sutures attached to a base at locations that are spaced apart from each other, and sutures associated with each of two adjacent anchors can be tied together or sutures associated with a single anchor can be tied together. A suture threadably connected to an anchor can be used as a running suture.

Abstract: A portable carpet binding machine comprising a housing defining an interior region, a drive mechanism supported by the housing and at least partially disposed in the interior region, a prime mover operatively coupled to the drive mechanism for providing motive power to the drive mechanism, a sewing assembly driven via the drive mechanism for sewing a strip of material to a piece of carpet, the sewing assembly including a binder guide, a sewing needle and a looper, the binder guide operating to fold the strip of material around an edge portion of the piece of carpet, the sewing assembly, when driven, operating to stitch the strip of material to opposite sides of the edge portion of the piece of carpet using first and second pieces of thread. The portable carpet binding machine includes a carpet feeding assembly including a feed driver mechanism and a coacting puller mechanism operating in substantially synchronous movement to linearly feed the piece of carpet relative to the sewing assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for facilitating the use of sutures in arthroscopic, laparoscopic or other similar surgical procedures includes a housing having an internal cavity. A plunger extends within the cavity of the housing and is supported therein for relative sliding movement between first and second axial positions. A spring disposed within the cavity urges the plunger to the first axial position. A tubular introducer needle is secured to the housing and extends co-axially therefrom. An extension tube is disposed within the introducer needle and is secured to the plunger for axial movement therewith relative to the housing. The extension tube has an extension finger axially extending therefrom. A resilient wire having a wire finger portion is operatively coupled to the extension tube. When the plunger is in the first position, the extension finger and the wire finger are retracted within the introducer needle so that the wire extends generally alongside the extension finger in a closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing a wound in a vessel wall of a patient includes an elongated member having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion spaced from the proximal end portion in a longitudinal direction. First needle lumens extend in the elongated member between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion. A tip is disposed near the distal end portion of the elongated member and includes second needle lumen portions aligned with the first needle lumens. The tip is spaced apart from the elongated member in the longitudinal direction to form a recess between the tip and the elongated member for receiving the vessel wall.

Abstract: A suture threader comprises a body having first and second ends, a first suture threader extending from the body first end, and a second suture threader extending from the body second end.

Abstract: A reusable ligation apparatus includes a suture tying or knot tying instrument and a suture cartridge containing a preformed ligature. The cartridge is releasably attached to the instrument so that after a first ligature is made, the apparatus enables one-handed ligation, and can be quickly reloaded with a second cartridge for making another ligature without delay. The cartridge contains a preformed ligature and the instrument includes an activation system which automatically pulls one end of the preformed ligature through loops formed in the other end to thereby form a completed ligature knot.

Abstract: A sewing device is provided for passing a thread through a substrate portion, particularly a portion of a patient's tissue. The device comprises a hollow needle movable between a first position in which it is out of the substrate portion and a second position in which it passes through the substrate portion. A thread carrier is attached to the thread and can be moved from a position being within the hollow needle to a position outside it.

Abstract: A suture applying device comprises a shaft which carries a pair of needles near its distal end. The needles are joined by a length of suture, and the shaft is used to both introduce the needles into a lumen of a body structure and to push the needles back through tissue on either side of the puncture site. After the needles have passed through the tissue, they are captured on the shaft and drawn outward through the tract, leaving a loop of suture behind to close the puncture site near the body lumen. The suture can then be tied and the knot pushed back through the tract to complete the closure. Alternatively, a locking fastener formed of a resorbable material can be placed into the penetration over the sutures and the sutures tied over the fastener.

Abstract: A device for locating and sealing a small incision or puncture in a blood vessel includes a housing with a plurality of openings formed therethrough. A plunger is slidably mounted in the housing and has a plurality of apertures formed therethrough. The apertures in the plunger are aligned with the openings in the housing. A tube extends through each of the aligned apertures and openings and accommodates a piercing stylet that extends through the tubes. A suture guide extends from one end of the housing for releasably retaining a suture therein.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a magazine that is loaded with a needle and an attached length of suture pre-tied in a knot on the magazine. The magazine is used in loading the needle onto a surgical instrument and in loading the tied length of suture onto the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A suture passer comprises a longitudinally extending hollow cannula having a central passage slidingly receivable of a surgical suture; a manually graspable handle connected to the hollow cannula for manipulation thereof, the handle having an upper surface; first guide means, connected to the upper surface of the handle, proximate a proximal end of the handle for releasably, guidingly, holding the surgical suture; second guide means, connected to the upper surface of the handle, distal to the first guide means, for releasably, guidingly, holding the surgical suture. The suture passer can be provided in a kit, for use in the suturing of internal tissue, along with a cannula bender, various hollow surgical needles and surgical suture material. The suture passer finds particular use in the suturing of internal tissues which are at least partially accessible through a body cavity, e.g., arthroscopic surgery.