Mechanical Suture Or Ligature Applier Patents (Class 606/144)
  • Patent number: 9545251
    Abstract: An apparatus for tissue repair, comprising first and second fixation members, a flexible coupling member coupling the first and second fixation members, the flexible coupling member having two terminal ends, one of the two terminal ends terminating adjacent one of the first and second fixation members, the flexible coupling member slidably coupled to at least one of the first and second fixation members such that when the other of the two terminal ends of the flexible coupling member is pulled, a length of the flexible coupling member between the first and second fixation members is shortened, and a Chinese trap formed in the flexible coupling member through which a portion of the flexible coupling member slides when the flexible coupling member is pulled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond A. Bojarski, George Sikora, Paul Alexander Torrie, Steven W. Ek
  • Patent number: 9545191
    Abstract: A method for suture lacing includes providing a suture with a needle attached thereto, inserting the needle and suture into an organ through a passageway, throwing a single stitch through a first tissue member, throwing a single stitch through an opposed and spaced apart second tissue member, repeating the preceding step at least once, bringing the first and second tissue members in contact by tensioning the suture, whereby suture drag is minimized during the tensioning and even tissue compression substantially achieved, and securing the suture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Stokes, Andrew M. Zwolinski, Mark S. Ortiz, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 9539002
    Abstract: A tissue closure device to assist in retrieving a suture during a suturing procedure, the device including an elongated body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending axially through the elongated body. The device further including an actuator rod at least partially extending through the lumen of the elongated body to actuate a plurality of wings and a plurality of shields attached to a distal end of the elongated body. The elongated body including at least one needle guide lumen with an opening an exit, the at least one needle guide lumen traversing the elongated body at an angle with respect to a central axis of the elongated body to guide a suture grasper to an enclosed suture retrieval cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: TELEFLEX MEDICAL INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Celso Bagaoisan, Suresh S. Pai, Brad Labarbera
  • Patent number: 9532776
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a suture anchor are provided that generally include a suture anchor body including a securing structure for securing the suture anchor in tissue or bone. The suture anchor body includes an internal cavity configured and dimensioned to receive therein a suture and a locking pin. Exemplary embodiments are also directed to suture anchor systems that generally include a suture anchor and a driver configured and dimensioned to interlock relative to the suture anchor. Exemplary embodiments are further directed to methods of anchoring a suture in tissue or bone that generally include providing a suture anchor, passing the suture through the suture anchor body, and driving the suture anchor into the tissue or bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Soteria Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ian Lo
  • Patent number: 9498198
    Abstract: Surgical devices for stabilizing the heart are disclosed which facilitate anastomosis under beating heart conditions. Various instruments or devices may be maneuvered and secured on a retractor device to provide stabilization of the heart. An instrument mount is provided which is preferably configured to accept a surgical instrument, such as a tissue stabilizer, and to allow the instrument to be easily maneuvered to a desired position and subsequently locked into position with a simple operation of a single locking actuator. Further disclosed are stabilizer devices each having at least one surface for contacting the heart and each being adapted to be mounted to the retractor while having the ability to be positioned in the desired location against the heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: MAQUET CARDIOVASCULAR, LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence W. Hu, David J. Paul, Eugene Edward Reis, Harry Leonard Green, II, Joshua K. Wallin, Morejohn P. Dwight, Charles S. Taylor, Gary B. Weller, Richard M. Ferrari
  • Patent number: 9492163
    Abstract: A device to assist in securing a holding a portion of a suture during an intra-abdominal suturing procedure, the device including an elongated tubular body, a handle, an inner member element, and a push button. The inner member element may include at least one grasping element that expands as the at least one grasping element is extended beyond a distal end of the elongated tubular. The device may include a proximal spring disposed within the push button and abutting against a proximal end of the inner member element to allow the at least one grasping element to retract into the elongated tubular body in a proximal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: TELEFLEX MEDICAL INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Celso Bagaoisan, Suresh Pai, Brad Labarbera
  • Patent number: 9492162
    Abstract: Suture passers and methods of use. Described herein are suture passers preloaded with suture, including cartridges that couple to a suture passer to form a loaded suture passer; the suture passer may be operated to pass one or more lengths of suture without having to be manually reloaded. In particular, described herein are preloaded and automatically reloading apparatuses typically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Ceterix Orthopaedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Murillo, Michael J. Hendricksen, Yoav Ben-Haim
  • Patent number: 9486208
    Abstract: A device for repairing a tear in a portion of tissue comprises a proximal actuator portion, a transfer needle extending distally from the proximal actuator portion and a catch needle extending distally from the proximal actuator portion. A suture needle is disposed in the transfer needle, and is extendable from the transfer needle toward the catch needle and retractable from the catch needle toward the transfer needle. An extendable catch plunger is disposed in the catch needle for capturing suture therein when it is transferred from the transfer needle. A retractable insertion sheath is provided for covering the transfer needle and the catch needle when the device is inserted into a procedural site. A depth limiting apparatus limits the depth of insertion of the needle into the procedural site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Cayenne Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin N. Baird, Nicanor A. Domingo, Hoang Nguyen, Brad Niese, Melissa Toman
  • Patent number: 9463011
    Abstract: Soft anchor constructs and methods for soft tissue to bone repairs. The soft anchors may be knotted or knotless constructs. The soft anchors include a body formed of various soft materials (including, but not limited to, suture) and provided in various shapes and configurations that confer the anchors the ability to be easily inserted within bone tunnels or sockets and be bunched up within the bone tunnels or sockets. At least one closed loop or soft eyelet is attached to the soft anchor to allow additional sliding strands and/or shuttle/pull devices (suture passing devices) to pass through the eyelet and aid in the knotted or knotless fixation of tissue to bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Dreyfuss, Thomas Dooney, Jr., E. Lyle Cain, Jr., Jeffrey R. Dugas, Kyle Anderson, Peter J. Millett
  • Patent number: 9456822
    Abstract: Bleeding arising from the left atrial appendage (LAA) can have fatal consequences because it can result in cardiac tamponade. The present invention provides apparatuses and methods for treating and preventing bleeding arising from the LAA, at the pre-hemorrhage and post-hemorrhage stages. In particular, catheters having inflatable catheter balloons are advanced into the LAA and the inflatable catheter balloons are inflated in and around the LAA in a manner that occludes the LAA ostium and the LAA cavity. Additionally, electromagnetic coils are present within the inflatable catheter balloons to create electromagnetic forces that help to further occlude the LAA ostium firmly. When the catheter balloons are inflated, these electromagnetic coils also expand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Subramaniam Chitoor Krishnan
  • Patent number: 9451946
    Abstract: A suture needle driving instrument comprises a shaft assembly, an end effector, and a grasping actuation assembly. The end effector is located at the distal end of the shaft assembly and includes a pair of grasping arms. Each grasping arm comprises a respective pair of jaws. Each pair of jaws is operable to cooperate to grasp and release a suture needle. The grasping actuation assembly is operable to drive one jaw of each pair in one direction while simultaneously driving the other jaw of the pair in an opposite direction, to selectively grasp or release the suture needle. The shaft assembly includes two pairs of parallel concentric shafts, which form part of the actuation assembly. Each shaft pair is operable to drive a respective internal drive shaft having separate threaded regions with opposing pitch. The instrument may be used through a trocar during minimally invasive surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: James A. Woodard, Jr., Aaron J. Brickner, Jason R. Lesko, William J. White, David T. Martin
  • Patent number: 9445928
    Abstract: A delivery system for delivering a prosthesis, the delivery system including a housing, a sheath extending from within the housing, a clutching mechanism housed within the housing, and a cable. The clutching mechanism includes a one-way clutch that transmits a torque from an actuator to an inner shaft assembly when the actuator is rotated in a first direction and does not transmit a torque from the actuator to the inner shaft assembly when the actuator is rotated in a second opposing direction. The actuator is accessible from an exterior of the housing. The cable has a first end coupled to a proximal portion of the sheath and a second end coupled to the inner shaft assembly, and actuation of the actuator causes the actuator to rotate in the first direction, thereby causing the inner shaft assembly to wind up a portion of cable and retract the sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffery Argentine
  • Patent number: 9439646
    Abstract: A medical fastening device is provided. The fastening device may include a first arcuate needle adapted to rotate about a first axis in a first direction, entering through a first section of one of a tissue and a prosthetic material, and exiting through a second section of one of the tissue and the prosthetic material; a second arcuate needle adapted to rotate about a second axis in a second direction, entering through the second section of one of the tissue and the prosthetic material, and exiting through the first section of one of the tissue and the prosthetic material; and a drive mechanism operatively coupled to each of the first and second arcuate needles and configured to engage each of the first and second arcuate needles between a retracted position and an extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Surgimatix, Inc.
    Inventors: Wai N. Chin, Gary M. Kobylewski, Jafar S. Hasan
  • Patent number: 9439643
    Abstract: An instrument for delivering a suture transfascially may include a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and a pair of needles that are moveable to an extended position beyond the end of the shaft. One or more sutures are carried by the instrument and may be delivered transfascially. A transfascial suture assembly includes a suture having a first segment, a second segment, and an intermediate segment therebetween. A force distributing member is locatable at the intermediate segment. Suture retainers may be provided at the end of each suture segment, and may be moveable relative to the suture segment connected therewith. A method of delivering transfascial sutures includes inserting a twin-needle instrument loaded with one or more sutures into an abdominal cavity and deploying, from within the abdominal cavity, the suture carrying needles through a soft tissue repair patch and then through at least part of the abdominal wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger E. Darois, Donald E. Ziniti, Kevin J. Ranucci
  • Patent number: 9398905
    Abstract: A surgical suturing device comprises an arced needle track. An arced needle is positioned in the needle track, the needle having a leading end, a trailing end, a medial face, and a lateral face. A length of suture is connected to the needle. An arced carrier track is spaced from the needle track. A reciprocating needle driver has a carrier positioned in the carrier track and a driver positioned in the needle track and is operative to engage and move the needle in the needle track. A transmission is operative to reciprocate the carrier in the carrier track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventor: David T. Martin
  • Patent number: 9398907
    Abstract: A suturing device for suturing a portion of biological tissue includes a needle attached to a suture, a needle holder that releasably holds the needle, and a needle driver adapted to be advanced and retracted substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the suturing device. A distal needle holder adapted to releasably hold the needle is positioned in a distal position relative to the portion of biological tissue and a distal end of the needle driver is positioned in a proximal position relative to the portion of biological tissue. The needle is positioned in either the proximal position or the distal position. The needle driver is moved longitudinally in a first direction along a path substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis such that the needle and suture pass through the portion of biological tissue, thereby forming a suture incision through which the suture passes. By repeating the above-described processes, a series of stitches is thereby formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: QuickPass, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony A. Nobles, Rod Peterson, Steven Decker, Benjamin Brosch
  • Patent number: 9393009
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a surgical device for passing suture through soft tissue. The surgical device can include at least one elongate superelastic member having a thickness and having a first resting configuration that defines at least one curve having a first radius of curvature greater than or equal to 3 times the thickness of the superelastic member. The surgical device also can include a thermally formed opening in the superelastic member, the opening adapted to receive at least one strand of suture. Moreover, the surgical device can include a superelastic member adapted to be straightened into a second configuration having a second radius of curvature larger than the first radius of curvature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Inventors: David R. Diduch, James G. Whayne
  • Patent number: 9393091
    Abstract: A suture-less pelvic implant system and method is provided for treating pelvic conditions, such as incontinence or vaginal prolapse. The implant can include a fixation portion, rectangular or suture line, having a plurality of fixation elements, e.g., barbs, extending therefrom to fixate within target pelvic tissue, such as the vaginal apex. In a sacralcolpopexy, an opposing end or anchor of the implant is fixated within the sacrum or like structure to stabilize, raise, support or reposition the vaginal apex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Astora Women's Health, LLC
    Inventors: Chaouki A. Khamis, James A. Alexander
  • Patent number: 9386980
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Robert C. Smith
  • Patent number: 9381033
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for transecting soft tissue, such as a ligament, and more particularly, the transverse carpal ligament. A retrieval tool and a threadlike cutting element enable the method to performed in a minimally invasive manner. The cutting element is routed into position about the target ligament such that the cutting element both enters and exits the body from the same side of the ligament. The smooth exterior surface of the cutting element serves to provide for a kerf-less cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Inventor: Joseph Guo
  • Patent number: 9375211
    Abstract: A device for suturing an opening in a tissue, having an elongated shaft, at least two arms movable to a deployed positioning which the arms are non-perpendicular to the shaft, the arms having needle receiving portions; and needles advanceable longitudinally along the shaft toward the needle receiving portions, the needles exiting through side walls of the shaft at a location proximal to the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: ABBOTT LABORATORIES
    Inventor: Joshua Stafford
  • Patent number: 9375212
    Abstract: A surgical suturing device comprises an arced needle having a leading end, a trailing end, and a length of suture. A needle driver is operable to drive the needle in a first rotational direction along a circular path. A cleat projects into the circular path and is operable to engage and prevent the needle from rotating in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction. The cleat may project inward into the plane of the circular path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: David T. Martin, William J. White, Michael D. Cronin
  • Patent number: 9358077
    Abstract: A vascular closure assembly configured to seal a puncture in a vessel that is accessible through a tissue tract. The vascular closure assembly includes a vascular closure device comprising a handle assembly, an insertion shaft, an anchor assembly, and at least one suture member. The insertion shaft extends distally from the handle assembly and carries a plurality of needles. The needles are operable to position at least one suture across the vessel puncture. The anchor assembly is positioned distal of the insertion shaft. The at least one suture member is positioned distal of the insertion shaft. The insertion shaft extends into the tissue tract to position the anchor assembly through the puncture and into the vessel and includes a first depth indicator on an outer surface thereof that indicates a depth of the tissue tract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: ST. JUDE MEDICAL PUERTO RICO LLC
    Inventor: Zachary J. Tegels
  • Patent number: 9357998
    Abstract: A surgical suturing device has an elongate shaft has a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis between the proximal and distal ends. An actuator is connected to the proximal end of the elongate shaft. A circular needle applier is on the distal end of the elongate shaft. The circular needle applier has an arced needle and a needle driver operatively connected to the actuator to rotate the arced needle in a circular path. A joint is positioned between the proximal and distal ends of the elongate shaft. The joint is operatively connected to the actuator to selectively articulate the shaft. A bearing is on the shaft positioned distally of the joint. The bearing is operatively connected to the actuator to selectively rotate the circular needle applier about the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: David T. Martin, Wells D. Haberstich, Mark S. Zeiner, James A. Woodard, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9357997
    Abstract: Instruments and techniques to pass a suture, particularly in instances where access to confined spaces and the ability to pass a suture through difficult to penetrate materials are needed. According to certain embodiments, a suture passer is provided including a housing, a needle assembly, and a barrel assembly. The needle assembly may include a needle that is displaceable along a linear motion axis of the housing, and which is adapted to engage a suture. The barrel assembly may include a foot having an opening in a proximal facing surface to receive passage of the needle. The foot may include an elbow having proximal and distal portions, with the proximal portion having a distal facing surface that extends along a proximal portion axis diverging distally away from the motion axis, and the distal portion extending distally from the proximal portion and having a proximal facing surface that extends along a distal portion axis that is arranged transverse to the motion axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: M. Mary Sinnott, Thomas Wade Fallin
  • Patent number: 9357999
    Abstract: An automatic suturing apparatus comprises triggers that activate suturing and securing of the tissue of a patient. An automatic suturing apparatus also comprises triggers that activate suturing and securing of a valve to tissue of a patient. The automatic suturing apparatus can be used in systems and kits. An automatic suturing apparatus can be used in methods of suturing a tissue or a valve to tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventor: Vinay Badhwar
  • Patent number: 9339267
    Abstract: Sutures can be placed in difficult to access areas of the human body with devices, and related methods, utilizing a suture carrier with a sharpened tip and a notch for holding a formed suture tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Dreyfuss, Reynaldo Sylvester, Barry N. Gellman
  • Patent number: 9339366
    Abstract: Surgical instruments for prolapse repair are disclosed. The surgical instruments have straight portions and helical portions. Surgical methods for treating prolapse are also disclosed, including passing a distal end region of the surgical instruments through the obturator foramen, associating an implant with the surgical instruments, and securing the implant in place to stabilize the vagina.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Astora Women's Health, LLC
    Inventor: Georges Mellier
  • Patent number: 9333068
    Abstract: A tubular tissue graft device is provided comprising a tubular tissue and a restrictive fiber matrix of a bioerodible polymer about a circumference of the tubular tissue. The matrix may be electrospun onto the tubular tissue. In one embodiment, the tubular tissue is from a vein, such as a saphenous vein, useful as an arterial graft, for example and without limitation, in a coronary artery bypass procedure. Also provided is method of preparing a tubular graft comprising depositing a fiber matrix of a bioerodible polymer about a perimeter of a tubular tissue to produce a tubular tissue graft device. A cardiac bypass method comprising bypassing a coronary artery with a tubular tissue graft device comprising a vein and a restrictive fiber matrix of a bioerodible polymer about a circumference of the vein also is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Mohammed S. El-Kurdi, Yi Hong, Lorenzo Soletti, John J. Stankus, David A. Vorp, William R. Wagner
  • Patent number: 9326764
    Abstract: A device for suturing an anatomic valve, the device having 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 have 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Nobles Medical Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony A. Nobles, Benjamin G. Brosch, John R. Crew
  • Patent number: 9314298
    Abstract: A tissue ablation apparatus includes a body having at least two lumens extending therethrough and an ultrasound ablation element positioned within a distal region of the body. The ultrasound ablation element includes an ultrasound transducer and a membrane. One of the lumens is arranged so as to deliver a fluid into a cavity defined between the transducer and the membrane. A first orifice is provided in the body proximal of the ultrasound ablation element and is open to the first lumen to define a first vacuum pathway. A distal vacuum chamber, opening to a second orifice in the body, is defined by the body distal of the ultrasound ablation element and is in communication with the first lumen to define a second vacuum pathway. At least one flow control apparatus is provided to regulate flow through one of the vacuum pathways independent of flow through the other vacuum pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Divisions, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven C. Christian, John P. Goetz, Thomas B. Eby
  • Patent number: 9307981
    Abstract: A method for suturing a gastric wall including: inserting a flexible elongated loop-forming member perorally into a stomach; advancing the loop-forming member along a lesser curvature line of the stomach to contact with the gastric wall in vicinity of the pyloric antrum, such that the loop-forming member returns along a greater curvature line of the stomach to a predetermined position and connects to a distal end portion of an overtube to form a closed loop in the stomach; suctioning air from the stomach after forming the closed loop such that an anterior gastric wall is in proximity with a posterior gastric wall within a region encircled by the closed loop; and suturing at least a portion of the anterior gastric wall to the posterior gastric wall that are in proximity in the region encircled by the closed loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takayasu Mikkaichi, Kunihide Kaji, Takayuki Suzuki, Takahiro Kogasaka
  • Patent number: 9307977
    Abstract: A suture assembly including a first suture having a generally U-shaped configuration including a first arm, a second arm and a bridge connecting the first arm to the second arm; a second suture including a first arm, a second arm and a bridge connecting the first arm to the second arm; the first arm of the second suture being wrapped around the first arm of the first suture in a first direction, and the second arm of the second suture being wrapped around the second arm of the first suture in a second, opposite direction. The suture assembly being capable of assuming (i) a longitudinally-extended, radially-contracted first configuration, and (ii) a longitudinally-contracted, radially-expanded second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: ConMed Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis McDevitt, Vincent Novak
  • Patent number: 9301842
    Abstract: A repair device for repairing a heart valve leaflet in a patient includes a hollow body with a capture tool and a tissue puncture element at the distal end thereof. The capture tool may be used to capture and stabilize the heart valve leaflet tissue. The tissue puncture element may puncture the leaflet tissue and deploy at least one anchor having a length of suture attached thereto. By tensioning the suture, the leaflet tissue may become plicated. The tensioned suture may then be cinched to maintain the plication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric E. Bielefeld
  • Patent number: 9301746
    Abstract: Devices for closing a passage through tissue communicating with a body lumen. The device may include an elongate body, a sheath disposed at the distal end of the device for disposition within a body lumen, a hollow needle disposed within a needle lumen of the body, the needle being selectively advancable through the needle lumen, a suture-anchor ejection mandrel disposed within the hollow needle that is also selectively advancable through the hollow needle, a suture-anchor and suture disposed within the hollow needle, a distal end of the suture attached to the suture anchor for ejection out the hollow needle by the mandrel. A needle guide disposed between the sheath and proximal end of the body may include a needle port through which the needle can exit. A hemostatic plug is disposed over the needle port so as to be penetrated by the needle upon exiting the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron M. Fortson
  • Patent number: 9301828
    Abstract: A device for retrieving items endovascularly includes a sheath having a first lumen containing a snare that can be deployed out a distal end of the sheath and retracted back into the sheath for pulling an IVC filter into the sheath. The sheath has a second lumen that opens through a sidewall of the sheath proximal of the distal end. The second lumen contains a removal assist device that can be deployed through the sidewall and used to dislodge and/or cut an item to be retrieved from a vein wall. The removal assist device includes a catheter, a cutting head, and a pull wire. The pull wire has a proximal portion protruding from a proximal end of the catheter and a distal end connected to the cutting head. The pull wire is movable within the catheter to selectively extend and retract the cutting head from the distal end of the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventor: Matt D. Pursley
  • Patent number: 9289564
    Abstract: A blister piercing element for puncturing the lid of a blister containing a dose of medicament for inhalation by a user. The piercing element has an outlet opening for the passage of medicament entrained in an airflow out of the blister and, a piercing head extending beyond and overhanging the opening that cuts a flap in a lid of a blister and pushes it away from the opening during insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Vectura Delivery Devices Limited
    Inventors: Quentin John Harmer, Roger William Clarke, Stephen William Eason, Andreas Mark Meliniotis
  • Patent number: 9271704
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a component (101) intended to be mounted on the ejection barrel of a device for dispensing surgical staples, characterized in that it comprises: fixing means (102) designed to fix said component (101) on said ejection barrel removably or non-removably, securing means (103) for securing a surgical tape to said component (101), said securing means allowing said tape to slide within said component (101). The invention further relates to a kit comprising such a component and/or a device for dispensing surgical staples and/or a surgical tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Sofradim Production
    Inventors: Pierre Bailly, Karine Trogneux, Jacques Tostain
  • Patent number: 9271702
    Abstract: A medical instrument includes a shaft which is connected at the proximal end to a handle, and it also includes an insert which is guided along the shaft and which is connected at the proximal end to a movable grip part of the handle. At its distal end, the insert has a tool which can be actuated by pivoting of the grip part. A lock is also provided which can be brought into locking engagement with the movable grip part. To cancel the lock function, a detent is provided which can be brought between lock and movable grip part, such that the lock function can be cancelled by the detent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Uwe Bacher, Sabine Zahler, Sebastian Frey
  • Patent number: 9271722
    Abstract: Methods for passing multiple sutures through tissue are provided herein. In particular, the methods described herein allow multiple sutures to be passed through tissue without removing a suture passing instrument from a patient's body. In one embodiment, a method for passing a suture through tissue is provided that includes loading first and second suture limbs into a suture passing instrument, positioning the instrument within a patient's body, actuating the instrument to pass a portion of the first suture limb through the tissue, pulling the first suture limb through the tissue, pulling the second suture limb to reload the suture passing instrument without removing the instrument from the patient's body, actuating the instrument a second time to pass a portion of the second suture limb through the tissue, and pulling the second suture limb through the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: MEDOS INTERNATIONAL SARL
    Inventors: John R. Cournoyer, Howard Tang
  • Patent number: 9254128
    Abstract: A medical device enables a user to bend it into a shape to suit a specific patient need or to orient efficiently the medical device for use. The medical device includes an elongate member, a mechanism, and an actuator. The mechanism is disposed at the distal portion of the elongate member. The actuator is at least partially disposed within the elongate member and coupled to the mechanism for actuating the mechanism relative to the elongate member. The elongate member is capable of being bent into a shape by the user and of retaining the shape during use. The shape may include multiple bends, in multiple directions, as needed for an application. Thereafter, the elongate member is capable of being bent into a second shape by the user and of maintaining the second shape during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. H. Chu, Alfred P. Intoccia, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9241708
    Abstract: A vascular closure system includes a body portion, an anchor, a suture carrying portion, and a plurality of needles. The body portion has a distal end surface. The anchor is positionable through a vessel puncture in a vessel wall of a vessel. The anchor defines a vessel contact surface, wherein withdrawal of the anchor captures a portion of the vessel wall between the vessel contact surface and the distal end surface. The suture carrying portion is positionable through the vessel puncture and carries at least one suture member. The plurality of needles extend through the portion of the vessel wall adjacent to the vessel puncture and are configured to connect to the at least one suture member. Withdrawal of the plurality of needles through the portion of the vessel wall positions the at least one suture member through the portion of the vessel wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: ST. JUDE MEDICAL PUERTO RICO, LLC
    Inventors: James A. McCrea, Troy T. White, Bernhard Kaeferlein, Jason M. Halac, Zihan Lin, Zachary J. Tegels, Martha Escobar, Catherine A. Pipenhagen
  • Patent number: 9227078
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a medical device including: a positioning catheter to be inserted into a blood vessel in the vicinity of an affected region; a treatment catheter to be inserted to reach the affected region; and attracting means provided at respective predetermined positions of both the catheters to apply a magnetic force in a direction of attracting each other; wherein the magnetic force of the attracting means restricts floating of the treatment catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Atsuhiko Nogawa, Fumihisa Hirose, Yasushi Kinoshita, Shigeki Ariura, Hiroshi Shiono
  • Patent number: 9226746
    Abstract: Endoscopic devices and methods used for fastening multiple tissue layers, such as, for example, an endoscopic fundoplication procedure, are disclosed. The endoluminal device includes a tissue fastener, a flexible needle having means for grasping and releasing a portion of the tissue fastener, and a deflector for deflecting and guiding the needle toward the multiple tissue layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Sergey S. Grigoryants, Liem T. Vu
  • Patent number: 9220497
    Abstract: A suture passer device for creating a suture loop in tissue has a handle having a fixed handle portion and a movable handle portion, a tubular shaft with a proximal and a distal end for capturing a suture, and a needle attached to the movable handle and positioned internal of the fixed handle and the tubular shaft. When the movable handle closes the needle is passed through a distal opening transverse to the tubular shaft. The needle has an end to hold a suture and form a loop in the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Valeris Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Brian Lanois, C. Grey Friend
  • Patent number: 9220496
    Abstract: Packaging for a surgical needle comprises a cartridge having a surgical needle and a needle driver operative to engage and move the needle relative the cartridge. The packaging has a bobbin, and a length of suture connected to the needle and wound around the bobbin. The packaging may further comprise an outer shell enclosing the cartridge, bobbin, and suture. The outer shell may comprise a sheet of material folded over the cartridge and bobbin. The packaging may further comprise a platform resiliently holding the cartridge. The bobbin may be a rotating spool. The cartridge may comprise a pair of arms defining a generally U-shaped distal end, and the packaging may have a block interposed between the arms. The packaging may further comprise a housing and a top sheet enclosing the enclosing the cartridge, bobbin, and suture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: David T. Martin, Mehmet Reyhan
  • Patent number: 9220498
    Abstract: A method for automatic continuous suturing for reduced or minimized scarring and reduced suturing time, wherein a suturing device, including a spiral shaped needle, a suture thread supply, a hook, and a catcher, creates sutures composed of a parallel series of continuous loops along a suture tissue line, in plane with the tissue edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: iSuturing, LLC
    Inventors: Adel W. Mohamed, Mansour H. Mohamed, Dmitri D. Mungalov
  • Patent number: 9211141
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a vaginal manipulator configured to be inserted through a vaginal opening. The vaginal manipulator includes an elongated portion having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The elongated portion has an actuating mechanism. The vaginal manipulator further includes a head portion extending from the distal end portion of the elongated portion. The head portion includes a linear piercing member. The piercing member is configured to temporarily help retain a bodily implant proximate an outer surface of a vaginal wall. The piercing member is configured to move from a retracted position to an extended position with respect to the head portion. Further, the actuating mechanism is operatively coupled to the piercing member and is configured to move the piercing member from its retracted position to its extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher L. Oskin, Michael F. Weiser
  • Patent number: 9211118
    Abstract: A suturing device for grasping soft tissue and placing stitches in soft tissue during endoscopic procedures is described. An elongate housing with a stationary jaw and a movable jaw disposed at the distal end are configured for grasping and releasing soft tissue. A movable needle disposed within the housing is actuated to engage a length of suture and drive the suture into and through the grasped soft tissue. A suture capture member is disposed on the movable jaw and is configured to allow passage of the needle therethrough while securing a portion of the stitched length of suture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: ArthroCare Corporation
    Inventors: David Gregoire, George W. White
  • Patent number: 9204875
    Abstract: Provided is a suture apparatus for selecting an appropriate suture from among various sutures and supplying the selected suture. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a suture apparatus including: a suture keeping unit for keeping at least two types of sutures, and a suture supply unit for selectively supplying at least one of the at least two types of sutures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: RIMSCIENCE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sang Jin Yoon