Abstract: A method for siliconizing surgical needles is provided whereby the needles are treated with acid before they are siliconized.

Abstract: A siliconized surgical needle is provided which requires significantly less force to effect tissue penetration than a standard siliconized needle.

Abstract: Methods for siliconizing surgical needles include a plasma polymerization coating process.

Abstract: A suture punch system is capable of directly passing braided suture through tissue in a simple, one-step process. The system includes three principle components: a malleable needle with braided suture attached, a handheld instrument for grasping tissue and controlling needle placement, and a trocar to supply the force required for needle placement. Needle deformation begins at the tip of the instrument, which preferably includes a curved segment. As the distal tip of the needle pierces the tissue, it continues its radial path through the tissue. When the proximal end of the needle exits from the instrument, the needle is entirely radial in shape and traverses an essentially radial path through the tissue. Non-radial linear or non-linear segments may alternatively be used. In one embodiment, the tissue to be sutured is constrained by pressure applied through closure between an upper, moveable jaw the distal portion of the instrument which acts as a fixed jaw.

Abstract: A system for performing minimally invasive cardiac procedures. The system includes a pair of surgical instruments that are coupled to a pair of robotic arms. The instruments have end effectors that can be manipulated to hold and suture tissue. The robotic arms are coupled to a pair of master handles by a controller. The handles can be moved by the surgeon to produce a corresponding movement of the end effectors. The movement of the handles is scaled so that the end effectors have a corresponding movement that is different, typically smaller, than the movement performed by the hands of the surgeon. The scale factor is adjustable so that the surgeon can control the resolution of the end effector movement. The movement of the end effector can be controlled by an input button, so that the end effector only moves when the button is depressed by the surgeon.

Abstract: A system for performing minimally invasive cardiac procedures. The system includes a pair of surgical instruments that are coupled to a pair of robotic arms. The instruments have end effectors that can be manipulated to hold and suture tissue. The robotic arms are coupled to a pair of master handles by a controller. The handles can be moved by the surgeon to produce a corresponding movement of the end effectors. The movement of the handles is scaled so that the end effectors have a corresponding movement that is different, typically smaller, than the movement performed by the hands of the surgeon. The scale factor is adjustable so that the surgeon can control the resolution of the end effector movement. The movement of the end effector can be controlled by an input button, so that the end effector only moves when the button is depressed by the surgeon.

Abstract: A surgical needle (1) for implanting a tape (2) has a needle tip (12) at the distal end (10) of the needle (1) and a shaft (14). An insertion wing (20) with a distal (24) and a proximal (26) end extends from the shaft (14). The insertion wing (20) widens from its distal end (24) in proximal direction and has in the area of its proximal end (26) an attachment device (32) for the tape (2) to be implanted.

Abstract: A device (10) for introducing and removing a laparoscopic needle (200) through an incision (301) in a wall (302) of a body cavity (300) wherein the device (10) comprises a rod unit (11) including an elongated rod member (20) having a proximal (21) and a distal (22) end segment disposed on the opposite ends of an interior chamber (34) provided with an elongated slot (33) dimensioned to receive a curved laparoscopic needle (200) and a handle member (40) for manipulating the position of the laparoscopic needle (200) within the body cavity (300). In one version of the preferred embodiment, the curved needle (200) is releasably engaged between the tubular proximal end segment (21″) and distal end (51) of the elongated slot (33′) of the rod member (20′).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an instrument for closing, by subcutaneous suturing, an orifice made in the abdominal wall of a patient.

Abstract: An apparatus used with a helical suture device has a first end and a second end. The first end includes a spatulate member having a length along a first axis. The second end includes a guide shaped to receive a cylindrical axle of the helical suture device for rotation on a second axis. The guide is shaped to constrain the first axis in fixed position relative to the second axis, the first and second axes each lying within a plane. The spatulate member extends, typically symmetrically, in a first direction and a second direction from the first axis, the first direction and second direction being on opposite sides of the plane. The apparatus lies between a first tissue that is to be sutured, and a second tissue that is desired not to be sutured.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument used for endoscopically suturing tissue in the living body.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for surgical suturing with thread management. An apparatus for tissue suturing comprising a cartridge having a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis; a pusher assembly comprising a cartridge holder having a needle rotation drive capable of releasably engaging the cartridge and rotating the suturing needle about the axis; and an actuator capable of releasably engaging the needle rotation drive to rotate the needle rotation drive. A method for suturing tissue comprising placing a suturing device having a cartridge containing a suturing needle to span separated tissue segments; activating an actuator to cause rotational movement of the suturing needle through the separated tissue segments; and deactivating the actuator to stop an advancing movement of the suturing needle to cause a suturing material to be pulled through the separated tissue segments forming a stitch.

Abstract: The invention provides a device having two components: a needle advancing apparatus slidable longitudinally along a catheter to advance needles into a tissue membrane, such as a blood vessel wall, around an opening in the membrane; and, a suture retrieval assembly insertable through the catheter beyond a distal side of the tissue membrane. The needle advancing apparatus advances suture through the tissue wall. The suture retrieval assembly grabs the suture on the distal side of the tissue membrane for extraction thereof through the opening in the tissue membrane. A method for suturing a membrane beneath the patient's skin is also disclosed.

Abstract: A suture applying device comprises a shaft having a nose piece attached at its distal end. The shaft and the nose piece are separated by a transition region, and a needle entry lumen in the shaft permits a flexible needle to be introduced in the distal direction. The needle is able to cross the transition region and penetrate tissue held therein and enter into a return lumen in the nose piece. The return lumen is U-shaped and acts to bend the flexible needle as it is advanced. In this way, the needle passes from the nose piece through the transition region in a proximal direction, and is able to pass through tissue within the transition region generally on the opposite side of a tissue puncture from the first suture passage. The needle then exits from the device, permitting the suture attached to the needle to be drawn fully through the device. The suture may then be tied in order to close and seal the tissue penetration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a suturing needle for medical use comprising a needle tip portion for piercing a body tissue, a distal end portion for coupling a suture and a body portion formed between the needle tip portion and the distal end portion The body portion is constituted of a pair of flat surfaces opposing to each other and a pair of grooves opposing to each other in a direction intersecting with the opposing direction of the flat surfaces.

Abstract: A suture hook for use in arthroscopic repairs of the shoulder has a tapered shaft and a handle disposed on the proximal end of the shaft. An O-ring post for holding suture is disposed on the handle. A curved hook on the distal end of the shaft terminates in a sharp point for piercing tissue. A slot is formed distally on the convex side of the hook for receiving a loop of the suture. A length of suture loaded as a loop onto the suture anchor is held in the slot and secured by wrapping the suture tails around the O-ring post. The loaded suture hook is advanced through tissue by piercing the tissue with the sharp tip. The suture is then released from the post and the hook is retrograded leaving the loop of suture available for further surgical manipulation.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of suturing a body part by the use of an elongated articulable suture device comprising the steps of: providing a handle having a proximal end and a distal end; attaching an elongated, articulable suture needle at the distal end of said handle; placing a movable sheath about the suture needle; threading a tensionable member through the suture needle from a proximal to distal path and back again through a distal to proximal path, one end of the tensional member being fixed to the handle, and a second end of the tensional member being attached to a tension adjusting member; placing a suture thread in a holder in said distalmost end of the suture and threading a body part by movement of the suture needle about a body part.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing vascular anastomosis. A needle passer is used to pass one or more needles through tissue to thread one or more lengths of suture through the tissue. The needle passer is operable using one hand and includes a handle supporting a shaft assembly carrying first and second sets of needles connected by lengths of suture. An actuator assembly uncovers the first set of needles, moves them into a radially extended position, and then passes them through tissue, for example, the wall of a patient's aorta. The needle passer may be pistol-shaped with a trigger that is moved in one direction to sequentially uncover, radially extend, and move the first set of needles through the aorta around an aortotomy. The needles may then be pulled away from the patient to thread the suture through the tissue. A delivery device is used to deliver a member adapted to be secure to body tissue, such as a vascular conduit.

Abstract: A surgical needle is attached to a handle which includes a vibrating device for inducing vibrations in a prescribed frequency range to the needle. The needle's vibration helps avoid damage to major blood vessels and nerves when the needle is pushed through subcutaneous patient tissue. In one form the needle has provision to grip the end of a suture, so that the suture may be attached after the needle is pushed through and emerges out of subcutaneous tissue. In a face-lift operation the needle may be pushed through a path where support is desired, then the end of a one-way suture can be attached to the distal end of the needle, after which the one-way suture can be retracted so that the one-way suture occupies the same path where the needle was inserted.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a staple into torn tissue such as the meniscus of the knee. The apparatus includes a pair of shafts individually movable in a longitudinal directing which are actuable from a handle mechanism. The shafts are movable sequentially so that the shafts disjunctively advance the prongs of the staple which is releasably held adjacent distal end portions of the shafts. A further embodiment of the device consists of a pair of needles detachably secured to a pair of anchoring members having a plurality of barb-like projections extending outwardly therefrom. The anchoring members are joined by a suture which connects adjacent the trailing ends of the anchoring members opposite the penetration end of the needles.

Abstract: A suturing needle assembly enables simultaneous passage of suture and introduction of local anesthetic into body tissue. Two suturing needle assembly embodiments are described and methods of using the needle assemblies include cystopexy, cystourethropexy, urethropexy and uteropexy procedures.

Abstract: A threading needle threads the eye of the needle with relative ease and has the threader as an integral part of the device. The threading needle has a relatively rigid needle post and a relatively flexible eye that is attached to the needle post proximate the post's pointed end. The eye is bent sidewardly to form a gap between the needle post and the eye in order to allow a thread to be positioned therebetween. The eye is then bent to the other side causing the needle post to push the thread through the eye. The eye is returned to its normal position and the device is ready for use.

Abstract: In a surgical suturing needle having opposite pointed tips and a mid-section provided with an eye for receiving and retaining a surgical thread and being bent corresponding to a path of movement of the needle when transferred between the jaws of a suturing instrument, the pointed needle tips have a cone angle of between 25 and 35.degree. for non-traumatic piercing of the tissue to be sutured and, adjacent both of its opposite pointed tips, the needle has recessed surface areas to be engaged by pressure pins disposed in the jaws of the suturing instrument for firmly retaining and engaging the needle with the jaws in a predetermined position.

Abstract: An anastomotic instrument is provided for use in the performance of an anastomosis after a prostate has been removed. The instrument has an elongated housing, and an end plate fixed at an end of the housing. Provided in the end plate are a plurality of needle guide holes. A needle driving plunger is provided in the housing to move needles loaded in the instrument through the needle guide holes. The plunger is advanced by a plunger rod connected to an actuator mechanism upon depression thereof by a surgeon. An end cap is detachably connected to the housing for the purpose of covering exposed tips of the needles loaded in the housing.

Abstract: A surgical needle or surgical incision member is provided including a body portion defining first and second longitudinal ends, a radiused tissue penetrating portion adjacent at least one longitudinal end of the body portion having a radius of approximately 0.005 to 0.015 inches, suture attachment structure formed in the body portion and a suture attached to the suture attachment structure. A method of suturing is also provided wherein the surgical needle may be passed through tissue while minimizing trauma to adjacent bony structures or the like.

Abstract: A surgical needle to simplify rotator cuff muscle tendon surgery and reduce the cost thereof, has a semi-circular body including a proximal end portion terminating in a point, a blunt distal end, an intermediate portion, and through-openings at each end. The proximal end of the needle is passed through bone and exits a trough formed therein. A suture from the rotator cuff tendon is passed through the proximal end through-opening. Thereafter, the needle is backed out from the bone, drawing the suture through the bone, following which the suture is tightened and secured to retain the rotation cuff tendon within the trough of the bone.

Abstract: A wound suturing assembly and method of use employing elastically precurved suture needles for piercing a patient's tissue to suture closed a wound. The needles are ejected out of the assembly and whereupon they assume a pre-curved shape and in the process curve back to pierce the tissue a second time prior to reentering the assembly. Each needle carries a length of suture through the wound so that the sutures can be tied and the wound tightly sealed.

Abstract: Channel-bodied surgical needles and surgical incision members are disclosed having a generally U-shaped cross-sectional body portion and a penetrating tip portion formed on at least one end thereof. Preferably, penetrating tip portions are formed at both ends of the channel-bodied portion. The surgical needle and/or surgical incision member may additionally includes apparatus engagement structure formed adjacent either end of the body portion and engagable with a suitable surgical suturing apparatus. The channel-bodied surgical needle and/or surgical incision member may additionally include securement structure for attachment of a length of suture material thereto. There is also disclosed apparatus for forming a channel-shaped body portion and the suture attachment structure. Additionally, methods for suturing tissue sections, particularly vascular tissue sections, with the channel-bodied surgical needle and the channel-bodied surgical incision members, are disclosed.

Abstract: A needle for everting body tissue is a linear member having a back portion, an arcuate tissue penetrating portion, and a generally U-shaped tissue everting portion therebetween. The U-shaped tissue everting portion includes a base and first and second tissue abutment arms, the back portion preferably being collinear with the first arm and oriented at an angle with respect to the base. The needle can be incorporated into an instrument for use in endoscopic procedures. In such instruments the needle can be attached in a fixed position with respect to the instrument, or retractable within a tubular sleeve.

Abstract: Channel-bodied surgical needles and surgical incision members are disclosed having a generally U-shaped cross-sectional body portion and a penetrating tip portion formed on at least one end thereof. Preferably, penetrating tip portions are formed at both ends of the channel-bodied portion. The surgical needle and/or surgical incision member may additionally includes apparatus engagement structure formed adjacent either end of the body portion and engagable with a suitable surgical suturing apparatus. The channel-bodied surgical needle and/or surgical incision member may additionally include securement structure for attachment of a length of suture material thereto. There is also disclosed apparatus for forming a channel-shaped body portion and the suture attachment structure. Additionally, methods for suturing tissue sections, particularly vascular tissue sections, with the channel-bodied surgical needle and the channel-bodied surgical incision members, are disclosed.

Abstract: A microneedle includes an elongated body with a top surface, a bottom surface, a first side wall between the top surface and the bottom surface, and a second side wall between the top surface and the bottom surface. An end is defined by the bottom surface converging into a tip, an isotropically etched portion of the first side wall converging into the tip, and an isotropically etched portion of the second side wall converging into the tip. The elongated body is less than approximately 700 .mu.m wide and less than approximately 200 .mu.m thick. The elongated body may incorporate a fluid channel. The elongated body may be formed of silicon that is not doped with Boron. In such a configuration, integrated circuitry or a micromachined device, such as a heater or pump may also be formed on the device. A number of novel processing techniques are associated with the fabrication of the device. The device may be formed by relying solely on isotropic etching.

Abstract: A curved surgical needle and a method for producing the same from a solid sheet of material rather than from coiled wire including the steps of drilling a bore in one edge of the material, grinding an edge opposite the drilled edge to form a sharpened point, curving the material and cutting the material at a point of equal distance between each drilled bored to provide a surgical needle. A suture is then attached to the surgical needle, optionally lubricated, sterilized, and packaged by suitable means known in the art.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of suturing a body part by the use of an elongated articulable suture device comprising the steps of: providing a handle having a proximal end and a distal end; attaching an elongated, articulable suture needle at the distal end of the handle; placing a movable sheath about the suture needle; threading a tensionable member through the suture needle from a proximal to distal path and back again through a distal to proximal path, one end of the tensional member being fixed to the handle, and a second end of the tensional member being attached to a tension adjusting member; placing a suture thread in a holder in said distalmost end of the suture and threading a body part by movement of the suture needle about a body part.

Abstract: A taper point surgical suture needle. The suture needle is an elongated member having a proximal suture mounting end and a distal piercing point. The elongated member has a first tapered region adjacent to the piercing point having a taper ratio of about 12:1. The member also has a second tapered region adjacent to the first tapered region having a taper ration of from about 6:1 to about 11:1. And, the member additionally has a third region adjacent to the second tapered region having a taper ratio of at least about 12:1.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical needle having a needle tip end and a clamping portion to be clamped by a needle holder for applying a current, whereinthe needle tip end is made from a conductive material which is electrically connected to a conductive material of the clamping portion,an insulating layer is provided over the clamping portion and a tip surrounding portion of the surgical needle, whereas at least the needle tip end is electrically exposed, andwhen the insulating material over the clamping portion is clamped by the needle holder, the conductive material of the clamping portion is electrically connected to the needle holder.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a microsurgical needle for use in microsurgical techniques. The distal segment of the needle is straight with a circular cross section, and has a sharpened tip with a triangular cross section having three sharp edges for cutting rather than tearing tissue during penetration. The middle segment of the needle has an acutely angled arched shape, and a transitional cross section which transitions between a squared cross section of the main shaft segment and the circular cross section of the straight distal segment. The main shaft segment of the needle has a generally squared cross section, and forms a broadly curved or arched shaft segment which may be easily gripped by a needle holder. The proximal end of the needle forms a suture attachment segment, and may be circular in cross section. The shape of the needle provides an easy angle, better stability, superior tissue alignment, and better control than conventional. needles, while the point is designed to minimize tissue trauma.

Abstract: A surgical suturing needle is disclosed for use in limited space applications as well as a method for its use. The needle has an arcuate body and a relatively straight shank extending therefrom. The shank and arcuate body form an abrupt angle therebetween. The surgical suturing needle has a pointed tip on one end of the arcuate body and suture attachment structure formed in the shank. The method of using the surgical needle to join a pair of vascular tissue sections together includes penetrating into a lumen of a first vascular tissue section, advancing the pointed tip into the lumen of a second vascular tissue section and out through a side wall thereof, grasping the pointed tip and drawing the needle substantially parallel to an outer surface of the second vascular tissue section to thereby move the surgical suturing needle and an attached length of suture material through the first and second vascular tissue sections.

Abstract: A needle-suture combination includes a suture having first and second portions, the first portion having a pliability greater than that of the second portion. The needle is preferably a double tipped shuttle needle having a lateral aperture into which the suture is affixed. In one embodiment the first portion of the suture is multifilament suture material that is connected to a monofilament second portion by means of shrink wrap type tubing. In another embodiment the entire suture is an integral length of monofilament material, the first portion being a reduced diameter section of the monofilament suture.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of suture needles and, more particularly, a process for enhancing the physical strength of the suture needles through an expedient cold-working or cold-forming procedure. Also disclosed is the provision of a novel and physically strengthened suture needle, particularly a surgical suture needle possessing a curvilinear configuration wherein the cross-sectional configuration of the needle is cold-formed into varying shapes in order to produce a needle having superior physical characteristics and strengths imparted thereto through the inventive process.

Abstract: A surgical needle includes an elongated needle shaft and a needle head having a sharp point. A frangible neck, with a reduced cross-section, joins the needle shaft and the needle head and permits the needle head to be broken away from the needle shaft.

Abstract: A continuous process for heat treating and cleaning and tempering martensitic stainless steel surgical needles is disclosed. The method comprises exposing the surgical needles to a partial vacuum at a temperature less than the heat treating temperature to remove volatile surface contaminant. Then the needles are heat treated in an argon gas environment at a pressure equal to or greater than 1.0 Torr. Next the temperature of the oven is lowered to temper the needles.

Abstract: A guide is used to position a suture spring device in anatomical tissue in an elastically deformed, expanded state and is subsequently removed to permit the suture spring device to move from the elastically deformed, expanded state toward a relaxed, contracted state to apply a predetermined compression to the tissue engaged by the device. In one embodiment, the guide includes a hollow, tubular body of coiled configuration defining a plurality of connected coils or rings with a predetermined radius of curvature and a predetermined axial spacing therebetween.

Abstract: A cutting edge surgical suture needle. The suture needle is an elongated member having a proximal suture mounting end and a distal piercing tip. The distal section of the needle has a cross-section having a top side with opposed edges. The cross-section also has opposed curved concave lateral sides having top edges and bottom edges. The top edges of the concave sides and the opposed sides of the top side are coextensive and form cutting edges. The bottom edges of the opposed concave sides are coextensive and form a bottom cutting edge.

Abstract: A method of heat treating and cleaning maraging or precipitation hardening stainless steel surgical needles is disclosed. The method comprises exposing the surgical needles to a partial vacuum at a temperature less than the aging temperature to remove volatile surface contaminants. Then the needles are heat treated in an argon gas environment at a pressure equal to or greater than 1.0 atmosphere.

Abstract: A mechanism for guiding an instrument to and locating it at a surgical site comprising a flexible, movable, elongated guide having a proximal end constructed to receive a projecting portion of a surgical instrument and a distal end constructed to receive a flexible leader. There is at least one dilating portion located between the proximal and distal ends to dilate an area at the site to which the surgical instrument is being guided before the instrument reaches the site and while the guide is pulled in the direction of the distal end to facilitate locating the instrument in the area without injuring adjacent tissue.

Abstract: A surgical needle has a top edge formed by two pressed faces located inside or outside of curvature from pressing a material blank made of austenitic stainless steel having fibrous texture and cutting edges formed on both sides of a base. The top edge is sharp at a needle point and the sharp needle point is constituted of fibrous texture formed at the surface layer of the material blank. Grinding marks extending crosswise formed on the face of the mold are transferred to the pressed faces. A mold constitutes plural faces forming projecting angles (angle between two intersecting faces is 180.degree. or below, and the line at which the two faces intersect is made as a projecting line) along edges of the blocks made of two rectangular prisms, and constitutes a cavity by suitably contacting the edges of the blocks.

Abstract: A surgical tool for endoscopic suture placement which permits a surgeon to place controlled and precise internal ligatures. The tool utilizes a drive rod including an articulating or deflecting portion. When forced to an extended position, the deflecting or articulating portion forms a hook or J-shaped needle, the tip of which can be used to accurately position the suture.

Abstract: A non-magnetic surgical needle. The needle is made from Type 316 stainless steel or ERSTE 4456CA stainless steel and is work hardened to have mechanical properties substantially equivalent to a surgical needle made from conventional magnetic stainless steel. The needle is useful in the magnetic field of a magnetic resonance imaging diagnostic apparatus.

Abstract: An atraumatic needle intended for use in surgical suturing machines has a shaft curved in a defined manner and is provided with a cutting tip located on the outer radius of curvature of the shaft.

Abstract: A suturing needle assembly enables simultaneous passage of suture and introduction of local anesthetic into body tissue. Two suturing needle assembly embodiments are described and methods of using the needle assemblies include cystopexy, cystourethropexy, urethropexy and uteropexy procedures.