Abstract: A suturing apparatus comprises a pair of jaws. A bendable needle housed in one of the jaws is adapted to carry a suture. An optional suture receiver may be disposed adjacent to the opposite jaw. A transition block curves the needle and directs it in a direction generally unparallel to an axis of the carrying jaw. The needle may also be configured to retrieve a suture. A retaining mechanism holds a suture in place to be engaged by the needle. The jaw housing the needle may include a lateral opening through which the suture may be inserted. The needle may also include a lateral notch which may be aligned with lateral opening to receive the suture. An actuator coupled to the needle enables the user to move the needle proximally to align the notch with the lateral slot.

Abstract: A suture anchor (e.g. 100) for knotlessly securing nearby tissue to bone is formed from an anchor body (e.g. 101/102) that includes a mechanism for being securely anchored to the bone, an elongated suture puller (e.g. 122) extending through the anchor body with a proximal end for being pulled in a proximal direction by a surgeon and a distal end (e.g. 125) with a suitable mechanism for engaging suture (e.g. 127), suture (e.g. 132) carried by the engaging mechanism (e.g. 127) at the distal end (e.g. 125) of the elongated suture puller (e.g. 122), and a suture locking mechanism (e.g. 110) that substantially prevents the suture (e.g. 122) from moving in at least a first direction after being pulled into and through the anchor body (e.g. 101/102) by the elongated suture puller (e.g. 122).

Abstract: A medical device includes an articulating shaft with a pair of slat assemblies. By moving an articulator, the slat assemblies are configured to concurrently push while the other pulls in order to bend the articulating shaft. The articulating shaft includes a series of alternating pins and pivot members. Each pin defines an aperture that collectively forms a passageway for receiving an actuator or a tube. The pair of slat assemblies extend generally parallel to each other on opposite sides of the pins. A method for articulating a shaft of a medical device is also provided.

Abstract: A surgical suturing device (10) having an axis extending between a proximal end and a distal end is operable to move a suture (32) through body tissue (34). A handle assembly (110) is coupled to an elongated shaft (14) having a hollow configuration. An actuating rod (16) is disposed to extend between the handle assembly (110) and the shaft (14). A thumb actuation assembly is coupled to a proximal end of the actuating rod (16) for moving the rod both axially and rotationally. A needle assembly (2) at the distal end of the actuating rod (16) is movable with the actuating rod (16) between an extended state and a retracted state and at various angular orientations. Bifurcated portions (24, 26) of the needle assembly (20) define a suture slot (28), the bifurcated portions having a proximate relationship when the needle assembly (20) is in the retracted state and having a separated relationship when the needle assembly (20) is in the extended state.

Abstract: An articulating shaft includes an outer tubular member having a longitudinal axis and portions defining a slot. An inner tubular member is disposed within the outer member and movable about the axis of the outer member. A wedge carried by the inner member is movable within the slot in an interference fit with the slot portions to articulate the outer member. In an associated method, the inner member can be turned in a first direction to bend the outer member in an associated second direction, and the inner member can be turned in a third direction to move the outer member in an associated fourth direction.

Abstract: A surgical suturing device having an axis extending between a proximal end and a distal end is operable to move a suture through body tissue. A handle assembly is coupled to an elongated shaft having a hollow configuration. An actuating rod is disposed to extend between the handle assembly and the shaft. A needle assembly at the distal end of the actuating rod is movable with the actuating rod between an extended state and a retracted state. Bifurcated portions of the needle assembly define a suture slot, the bifurcated portions have a proximate relationship when the needle assembly is in the retracted state and having a separated relationship when the needle assembly is in the extended state. The needle assembly is biased to the retracted state and the bifurcated portions are biased to the separated relationship. A handle assembly is operable to move the needle assembly between a free suture state and a captured suture state.

Abstract: An articulating shaft includes an outer tubular member having a longitudinal axis and portions defining a slot. An inner tubular member is disposed within the outer member and movable about the axis of the outer member. A wedge carried by the inner member is movable within the slot in an interference fit with the slot portions to articulate the outer member. In an associated method, the inner member can be turned in a first direction to bend the outer member in an associated second direction, and the inner member can be turned in a third direction to move the outer member in an associated fourth direction.