Hand Implements Patents (Class 112/169)
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Patent number: 5741277Abstract: A method and device for the placement of sutures and for the purpose of approximating tissue. A particular utility is effected in the approximation of the tissue separated by means of an endosurgical trocar being inserted into a body cavity. The invention provides for the loading of suture material including needles into the device, introduction and placement of the device into the body cavity, with the distal end having deployable needle guides, extending the needle guides either simultaneously or individually to the periphery of the wound, engaging the wound with the needle guides, driving the needles and suture material through the tissue to be approximated into a catch mechanism, retracting the needle guides and withdrawing the device, leaving a loop of suture material in the margin of tissue. The suture may then be tied to approximate the wound and excess suture material cut off.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1996Date of Patent: April 21, 1998Assignee: Laurus Medical CorporationInventors: Norman S. Gordon, Robert P. Cooper, Gordon C. Gunn
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Patent number: 5741276Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the performance of surgical procedures such as the placement of sutures, ligatures and the like, having a cannula portion and a stylet portion. The apparatus is configured to hold a suturing needle or the like, having an attached thread. The apparatus holds the trailing end of the thread in an orientation internal to the apparatus for controlled handling and protection of the thread.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 1996Date of Patent: April 21, 1998Assignee: Innovative Surgical InstrumentsInventors: Alexandr Poloyko, Raymond Firfer
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Patent number: 5741280Abstract: A method and apparatus for placing a knot such as a laparoscopy knot. Knot material containing a knot is wound around a ferrule surrounding a cylinder. A second ferrule surrounds the first ferrule so that the edge of the second ferrule abuts and attaches to the end windings of the knot material. Sliding the second ferrule pushes the windings of knot material including the knot off of the first ferrule and free of the cylinder. The cylinder, ferrules, and knot material containing the knot may be assembled as one disposable unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1995Date of Patent: April 21, 1998Assignee: Coral MedicalInventor: Richard P. Fleenor
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Patent number: 5735862Abstract: A semi-automatic suturing device passes a single or double pointed needle back and forth between two needle holders in order to avoid the need for manually grasping and otherwise manipulating the needle after it has passed through body tissue or other material being sewn. The needle holders are provided in the form of respective sets of vise-like jaws on a pair of arms which are pivotally attached to each other. The holders are thereby manually movable into and out of proximity with each other. The needle holding jaws are automatically alternatingly actuated to open and close when they are pivoted into proximity with each other, such that a hand-off of the needle can occur. Actuation of the needle gripping jaws is power driven, e.g., by a solenoid, and automatically initiated by a proximity switch which detects when the jaws have been brought together.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1996Date of Patent: April 7, 1998Inventors: Erwin Reeves Jennings, Jaime D. B. Klatt
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Patent number: 5728113Abstract: An endoscopic apparatus for suturing vascular tissue including a body portion having a first and a second jaw mounted for movement on a distal end thereon and moveable between an open position spaced apart to a closed position wherein the first and second jaws are in close cooperative alignment and a handle member for moving the first and second jaws to move them between the open and closed positions. The apparatus further includes a reciprocating mechanism associated with the first and second jaws and movable between a first position securing a surgical needle within the first jaw and a second position releasing the surgical needle from the first jaw and a cam actuating lever engagable with the reciprocating mechanism such that the cam actuating lever cams the reciprocating mechanism between the first and second positions in response to predetermined movement of the handle member.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1996Date of Patent: March 17, 1998Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventor: Charles R. Sherts
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Patent number: 5716368Abstract: A surgical instrument facilitates tying of a knot in a length of suture material at a remote surgical location. The instrument is comprised of an inner rod having a length of suture wrapped over the rod in a particular pattern. A needle may be secured to a free end of the suture and the pattern of wrapping the suture on the rod enables loops of suture to move off the rod end and over the needle to form a knot in the suture. The inner rod is received in an interior bore of an outer rod for manually controlled reciprocating movement therein. The inner rod is manually retracted into the interior bore of the outer rod to cause the outer rod to move the loops of suture off the inner rod end and over the needle in forming a knot in the suture. An extendable filament is contained in the inner rod and has a connector at its distal end for holding the free end of the suture.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: February 10, 1998Assignee: General Surgical Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Roger A. de la Torre, James Stephen Scott, James E. Jerivs, Kenneth H. Mollenauer
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Patent number: 5713910Abstract: A method and device for the placement of sutures and for the purpose of approximating tissue. A particular utility is effected in the approximation of the tissue separated by means of an endosurgical trocar being inserted into a body cavity. The invention provides for the loading of suture material including needles into the device, introduction and placement of the device into the body cavity, with the distal end having deployable needle guides, extending the needle guides either simultaneously or individually to the periphery of the wound, engaging the wound with the needle guides, driving the needles and suture material through the tissue to be approximated into a catch mechanism, retracting the needle guides and withdrawing the device, leaving a loop of suture material in the margin of tissue. The suture may then be tied to approximate the wound and excess suture material cut off.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1995Date of Patent: February 3, 1998Assignee: Laurus Medical CorporationInventors: Norman S. Gordon, Robert P. Cooper, Richard L. Quick
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Patent number: 5709694Abstract: An endoscopic intracorporeal suture tying aid allows a suture to be looped around itself multiple times and cinched, enabling a throw of a surgeon's knot to be easily made. The tying aid includes a needle holder connected to a proximal end of a shaft for releasably holding a needle; a hook that slides longitudinally with respect to the beaks; and the shaft being axially rotatable with respect to the hook.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 1995Date of Patent: January 20, 1998Assignees: Human Factors Industrial Design, Inc., Greenberg Surgical Technologies, LLCInventors: Alex M. Greenberg, Douglas M. Spranger, Paul J. Mulhauser, Mark C. Newby
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Patent number: 5709692Abstract: A surgical instrument for use in placing suture or fasteners in tissue at a remote location such as a laproscopic surgery is comprised of an elongated handle having a coiled projection at its distal end. The coiled projection is employed in penetrating and positioning a length of suture or fastener in tissue, for example, as in tissue proximation.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1996Date of Patent: January 20, 1998Assignee: General Surgical InnovationsInventors: Kenneth H. Mollenauer, Michelle Y. Monfort
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Patent number: 5697941Abstract: A surgical suturing apparatus for closing an incision penetrating a plurality of layers of tissue includes a tubular body in which a "J"-shaped suture needle resides. In this position the tubular body may be inserted into the incision without damaging tissue. Once the tubular body has been inserted into the incision, the pointed end and suture gate of the suture needle are deployable out of a slot through the side of the tubular body to permit deep suturing of tissue layers without also suturing surface tissue layers. Several embodiments are presented for deploying the needle, including one in which the straight section of the suture needle having the pointed tip is biased to flare away from the other straight section of the suture needle, and the deploying is accomplished by moving the pointed tip section adjacent the tubular body slot and permitting the bias to cause that section to flare out of the slot.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1996Date of Patent: December 16, 1997Inventor: William J. Christy
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Patent number: 5694871Abstract: A manually driven stitcher or sewing machine. A lever of the stitcher is manually pivotable through an arc to reciprocate a stitching mechanism. When pivoted through the arc, the lever also actuates a clamping assembly, an article advancing mechanism, and a stitching material supplying assembly. The stitcher or sewing machine of the present invention may be used to manually stitch a variety of materials including heavier ones such as leather, nylon strapping, plastic, and rubber.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1996Date of Patent: December 9, 1997Assignee: Tippmann Pneumatics, Inc.Inventor: Dennis J. Tippmann, Sr.
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Patent number: 5681331Abstract: A surgical instrument facilitates tying of a knot in a length of suture material at a remote surgical location. The instrument is comprised of a rod having a length of suture wrapped over the rod in a particular pattern. A needle may be secured to a free end of the suture and the pattern of wrapping the suture on the rod enables loops of suture to move off the rod end and over the needle to form a knot in the suture.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1995Date of Patent: October 28, 1997Inventors: Roger A. de la Torre, James Stephen Scott, James E. Jervis, Kenneth H. Mollenauer, Karl Van Dyk, George D. Hermann
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Patent number: 5669318Abstract: A portable lock stitch sewing machine includs a driving mechanism, a transmitting mechanism and a number of guiding mechanisms. The function of the driving mechanism is to transfer a battery power to pivotally connected members to make them move as required by a user. The transmitting mechanism then transmits the power of the battery to related members to fulfill the sewing performance and the number of guiding mechanism are used to ensure the tension on threads.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1996Date of Patent: September 23, 1997Assignee: Airtek Industry Corp.Inventors: Shi-chour Tsay, Jen-hsin Ho
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Patent number: 5662664Abstract: A suturing device includes a shouldered surgical needle where the shoulder has a cross sectional transverse dimension. A suture is attached to a distal portion of the needle. A needle catch having a flexible aperture with a relaxed dimension which is smaller than the cross sectional transverse dimension of the shoulder allows insertion of the needle into the flexible aperture by expansion of the flexible aperture to a stretched dimension which is substantially equal to the cross sectional transverse dimension of the shoulder. The shoulder on the needle prevents removal of the needle from the flexible aperture in a direction which is the reverse of its direction of insertion into the flexible aperture.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1995Date of Patent: September 2, 1997Assignee: Laurus Medical CorporationInventors: Norman S. Gordon, Robert P. Cooper, Richard L. Quick
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Patent number: 5662663Abstract: The present invention is directed to a surgical suture instrument specifically designed for suturing body tissues in enclosed surgical operations. The instrument includes a casing with a slot or housing a suture needle. The needle includes a first puncture end and a second manipulation end. The needle is pivotally positioned on an axis within the casing, such that the puncture end may be exposed or retracted as needed. The casing also includes equipment to manipulate the needle within the casing.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1995Date of Patent: September 2, 1997Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventor: Richard W. Shallman
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Patent number: 5662666Abstract: A ligative suturer according to the present invention comprises a first rod which is connected with a ligative sutural member, and a second rod which is connected with the first rod to be bendable in the horizontal direction (L, R). A thread guard member which is capable of protrusion and storage is provided in the first rod, while a lever which can select the bending direction of the first rod in response to the situation of employment by an operator is provided in the second rod. Due to this ligative suturer, the operator can regularly bend the first rod toward him whether he handles the suturer with his left or right hand.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 1996Date of Patent: September 2, 1997Assignees: Takamasa Onuki, Masayoshi Yokoyama, Sugan Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takamasa Onuki, Masayoshi Yokoyama, Tetsuya Yamamoto
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Patent number: 5651322Abstract: A miniature electric sewing machine includes a shaft support bracket mounted on one side of a casing, a rotatable shaft supported on the shaft support bracket for rotation so as to extend in parallel with the side surface of the casing, a spindle support arm fixed to the rotatable shaft, and a bobbin winder spindle fixed to a distal end of the spindle support arm so as to extend in parallel with the rotatable shaft. The spindle support arm has a length of 35 mm or more. The spindle support arm fixed to the rotatable shaft assumes a position where it is normal to the side face of the casing or another position where the bobbin winder spindle fixed to the distal end of the arm is directed obliquely downwardly. A stopper is formed on the spindle support arm to be abutted against the side face of the casing when the arm is normal to the casing side face, preventing further upward rotating movement of the arm from the normal position.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1996Date of Patent: July 29, 1997Assignee: Royal Industries Co., Ltd.Inventor: Huji Koike
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Patent number: 5643292Abstract: A suturing device includes a handle and an elongate needle having a hollow lumen. The needle is insertable percutaneously to form a suture around tissue portions within a body cavity. Initially the needle is inserted through the tissue portions and one end of a suture is deployable through the lumen of the needle by operation of the handle. The needle can then be retracted leaving the suture extending through the tissue portions. A snare also positioned within the lumen of the needle is deployable by operation of the handle to engage and capture the free end of the suture. Both ends of the suture can then be removed and a slip knot tied to form the suture. The snare can be formed in a hook configuration and maintained in a particular plane as it is deployed and retracted. This enables the hook to be guided back into the lumen in order to capture the free end of the suture line and facilitate retraction of the suturing device.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 1995Date of Patent: July 1, 1997Assignee: Applied Medical Resources CorporationInventor: Charles C. Hart
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Patent number: 5643293Abstract: A medical instrument performs at least one of suture and ligation to form a suitable knot in a piece of suture within a body cavity. This medical instrument includes a suture having a first end portion, a second end portion, and at least one loop formed in advance at an intermediate portion between the first and second end portions to have a predetermined size, and a suture suitable for application to a body tissue, and a cylindrical body for holding the loop to almost maintain the size thereof. The body has a fastening portion for fastening at least one portion of the suture. The medical instrument further includes an inserting instrument which is to be inserted into the body cavity, which has a distal end portion that can be arranged in the body cavity, and an operating portion, arranged outside the body, for operating the distal end portion thereof, and on which a holding member having the suture wound thereon is mounted.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1994Date of Patent: July 1, 1997Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takahiro Kogasaka, Toshihiko Suzuta, Shiro Bito, Minoru Tsuruta, Naoki Uchiyama, Kunihide Kaji
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Patent number: 5632752Abstract: An improved device and method for suturing penetrations and incisions through tissue into a body cavity. The device should find particular use in laparoscopic and other types of minimally invasive surgical procedures. A device according to the invention includes a shaft and an inverted needle joined to the shaft. Two ends of a length of suture material are attached at or near a sharpened proximal tip on the needle. The device may include a movable shield that is slidable to alternately cover and expose the sharpened tip of the needle. This shield may include a blunt distal end and an inclined proximal surface to assist the surgeon in guiding the hook into and out of the body cavity. The device may be provided with a visual and tactile indicator on one side of the device to assist the user in threading and removing the suture material into and out of a selected side of the hook.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1994Date of Patent: May 27, 1997Assignee: Urohealth Systems, Inc.Inventor: Terry Buelna
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Patent number: 5626588Abstract: A trocar wound closure device includes an elongated body having a distal end for insertion through a trocar puncture wound, a proximal end, and a first and second retractable needle holders disposed at the distal end of the body. The needle holders are movable between a retracted position and an extended position. An actuator disposed at the proximal end of the body moves the needle holders from the retracted position to the extended position, so that the needle holders can be retracted to allow the device to be inserted through a trocar wound preferably through a cannula inserted into the wound, and extended to position the needles adjacent the wound, to allow the wound to be sutured.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1995Date of Patent: May 6, 1997Assignee: LaserSurge, Inc.Inventors: Jude S. Sauer, Roger J. Greenwald, Mark A. Bovard
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Patent number: 5613974Abstract: A suture-applying device comprises a guide body having a needle guide at its distal end. Needles are reciprocatably carried on a shaft so that they may be advanced through the needle guide and tissue into the guide body. The suturing device is used by placing the needle guide within a vascular puncture. A contact surface is provided on the guide body, and the needle guide is configured so that the vascular wall surrounding the puncture is fully exposed to the needles passing therethrough. The suturing device may be combined with a predilator to form a system for suturing vascular punctures.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1994Date of Patent: March 25, 1997Assignee: Perclose, Inc.Inventors: Bernard H. Andreas, T. Daniel Gross, Tomoaki Hinohara, James W. Vetter
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Patent number: 5613975Abstract: A surgical suturing apparatus for closing an incision penetrating a plurality of layers of tissue includes a tubular body in which a "J"-shaped suture needle resides. In this position the tubular body may be inserted into the incision without damaging tissue. Once the tubular body has been inserted into the incision, the pointed end and suture gate of the suture needle are deployable out of a slot through the side of the tubular body to permit deep suturing of tissue layers without also suturing surface tissue layers. Several embodiments are presented for deploying the needle, including one in which the straight section of the suture needle having the pointed tip is biased to flare away from the other straight section of the suture needle, and the deploying is accomplished by moving the pointed tip section adjacent the tubular body slot and permitting the bias to cause that section to flare out of the slot.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1995Date of Patent: March 25, 1997Inventor: William J. Christy
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Patent number: 5609116Abstract: A miniature handy electric sewing machine includes a casing including a grip portion, a sewing table projecting from one end of the casing, a sewing head pivotally mounted on a rear end of the sewing table and including a sewing needle fastened to its front end, and a cloth presser lever having at its front end a pressing portion which is pressed against an upper surface of the sewing table by a spring force. The cloth presser lever is pivotally mounted on the rear end of the sewing table together with the sewing table. The sewing machine further includes an oscillation mechanism for vertically oscillating the sewing head and a feed mechanism operatively connected to the oscillation mechanism for feeding an object to be sewed by predetermined pitches, the object being held between the sewing table and the pressing portion of the cloth presser lever.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1996Date of Patent: March 11, 1997Assignee: Royal Industries Co., Ltd.Inventor: Huji Koike
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Patent number: 5603718Abstract: A suturing device includes a first needle retaining member for causing the basal end part of an arcuate needle to be held in place at the leading end of an insertion lever, a second needle retaining member capable of holding the leading end part of said needle, open-close mechanism swingably supporting the first needle retaining member and the second needle retaining member and switching the needle retaining members between the "close" posture in which the leading end of the needle is abutted against the leading end of the second needle retaining member and the "open" posture in which the abutting leading ends are separated to allow insertion of the needle through a trocar, and rotary mechanism for rotating the two needle retaining members in each of the "open" and "close" postures. The insertion lever is provided at the basal end thereof with a manipulating part for effecting remote control of the rotary means and the open-close means.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1995Date of Patent: February 18, 1997Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Zhongren Xu
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Patent number: 5591180Abstract: An apparatus for suturing body tissue is disclosed comprising first and second elongated body halves detachably connected to one another and first and second needles movable with respect to the first and second body halves. Each of the needles has a penetrating tip facing in a distal direction. At least one actuator is provided which is operatively associated with each of the first and second needles, wherein actuation of the at least one actuator advances the first and second needles into body tissue. The needles are advanced through the body tissue positioned in the window formed in each of the body halves to engage a ferrule having a suture connected thereto.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 1995Date of Patent: January 7, 1997Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventor: Peter W. J. Hinchliffe
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Patent number: 5591179Abstract: A surgical suturing device comprises an elongate body having an axis extending between a proximal end and a distal end. A lumen of the body has a generally axial portion and a transverse portion which extends laterally and is adapted to receive a needle and associated suture. An elongate deployment member is disposed in the axial portion of the lumen and biased to a proximal position. The deployment member is movable to a distal portion to expel the needle and suture from the lumen through tissue surrounding the device. An associated method for operating the device includes the steps of deploying the needle and suture from the lumen, moving the device distally to expose the empty transverse lumen, and reloading the lumen with a second needle and suture.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 1995Date of Patent: January 7, 1997Assignee: Applied Medical Resources CorporationInventor: Robert A. Edelstein
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Patent number: 5586986Abstract: A surgical instrument for applying sutures including an elongated housing having a proximal end and a distal end, means associated with the distal end of the elongated housing for carrying at least one needle, the needle carrier means being movable between a retracted position and an extended position, at least one needle positioned on the needle carrier means, and means associated with the needle carrier means for moving the needle carrier means to the extended position to deploy the at least one needle such that upon movement of the needle carrier means by the moving means, the needle carrier moves from the retracted position to the extended position whereby the at least one needle is caused to travel through a tissue engaging path in one continuous motion.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1995Date of Patent: December 24, 1996Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventor: Peter W. J. Hinchliffe
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Patent number: 5578044Abstract: A method and device for the placement of sutures and for the purpose of approximating tissue. A particular utility is effected in the approximation of the tissue separated by means of an endosurgical trocar being inserted into a body cavity. The invention provides for the loading of suture material including needles into the device, introduction and placement of the device into the body cavity, with the distal end having deployable needle guides, extending the needle guides either simultaneously or individually to the periphery of the wound, engaging the wound with the needle guides, driving the needles and suture material through the tissue to be approximated into a catch mechanism, retracting the needle guides and withdrawing the device, leaving a loop of suture material in the margin of tissue. The suture may then be tied to approximate the wound and excess suture material cut off.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1994Date of Patent: November 26, 1996Assignee: Laurus Medical CorporationInventors: Norman S. Gordon, Robert P. Cooper
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Patent number: 5575800Abstract: A method and device for approximating tissue, particularly the tissue separated by means of an endosurgical trocar being inserted into a body cavity. The invention provides for the introduction and placement of the device into the body cavity, with the distal end having deployable needle guides, extending the needle guides to the periphery of the wound, engaging the wound with the needle guides, driving the needles and suture material through the tissue to be approximated into a catch mechanism, retracting the needle guides and withdrawing the device, leaving a loop of suture material in the margin of tissue. The suture is then tied to approximate the wound and excess suture material cut off.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1994Date of Patent: November 19, 1996Assignee: Laurus Medical CorporationInventor: Norman S. Gordon
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Patent number: 5573542Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1994Date of Patent: November 12, 1996Assignee: Tahoe Surgical Instruments-Puerto RicoInventor: Jon A. Stevens
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Patent number: 5569269Abstract: A device for snaring cord-like objects and a methods for using same to pass portions of the cord-like objects through tissue are provided. The device includes a shaft containing a wire assembly having an object capturing device at its distal end. The wire assembly is reciprocally movable relative to the shaft between a first position wherein the capturing device is located within the distal portion of the shaft, and a second position wherein the capturing device extends distally outwardly from the distal end of the shaft. An activation device is attached to the proximal end of the shaft and the proximal end of the wire assembly so as to allow the controlled axial movement of the wire assembly relative to the shaft, and so as to allow the shaft and the wire assembly to be rotated as a unit about the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The methods include snaring and grasping a length of cord-like material and passing the cord-like material through one or more layers of tissue.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1994Date of Patent: October 29, 1996Assignee: Innovasive Devices, Inc.Inventors: Rickey D. Hart, John T. Rice
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Patent number: 5569270Abstract: A surgical instrument provides a simplified method of inserting sutures in laparoscopic surgery. A suture needle is hollow, and the suture thread extends through the needle. A liquid, such as a saline irrigation fluid, is driven through the hollow needle. This liquid carries the suture thread. The suture needle initially passes through the tissue, and the liquid is then actuated to drive the suture thread through the needle. The needle may then be withdrawn, leaving the suture thread in the tissue. The suture thread can then be tied off to complete the suture. In another aspect of this invention, the suture needle, or any other surgical tool, is connected to the body of the surgical instrument through a universal connection such that the angular orientation of the surgical tool relative to the surgical instrument can be universally adjusted in a three dimensional space.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1994Date of Patent: October 29, 1996Inventor: Edward E. Weng
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Patent number: 5562685Abstract: A surgical instrument for use in placing suture or fasteners in tissue at a remote location such as a laproscopic surgery is comprised of an elongated handle having a coiled projection at its distal end. The coiled projection is employed in penetrating and positioning a length of suture or fastener in tissue, for example, as in tissue proximation.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1994Date of Patent: October 8, 1996Assignee: General Surgical Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth H. Mollenauer, Michelle Y. Monfort
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Patent number: 5562686Abstract: An apparatus for suturing body tissue is provided having an elongated housing, first and second jaws pivotably mounted to the distal portion of elongated housing, and first and second needles movable with respect to the first and second jaws. A first actuating mechanism is operatively associated with the first and second jaws such that actuation moves the jaws from the first position to a second position. A second actuating mechanism is operatively associated with the first and second needles wherein actuation advances the first and second needles into body tissue. Each of the jaws has a recess for receiving body tissue and a ferrule attached to each end of the suture such that advancement of the needles engages the ferrule to pull the ferrule and suture through the body tissue when the needle is retracted.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 1995Date of Patent: October 8, 1996Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: Jude S. Sauer, Roger J. Greenwald, Theodore J. Tiberio, Jeffrey M. Shaw, John F. Hammond, Peter W. J. Hinchliffe
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Patent number: 5556402Abstract: A needle holder which is used in laparoscopic surgeries by being inserted into a trocal tube inserted into a body cavity of a patient includes an elongated insertion rod having a tip portion; a holding member provided at the tip portion of the insertion rod for removably holding the needle; position control mechanism operable from the outside of the body for adjusting the position of the needle to be held by the holding member; fixing members for fixing the holding member with respect to the insertion rod at a state that the holding member has been adjusted by the position control mechanism; and switching mechanism for switching the state of the holding member between a first state in which the holding member is adjustable with the position control mechanism and a second state in which the holding member is fixed with respect to the insertion rod by means of the fixing members. The holding member is formed from a pair of pinch members each having a semi-spherical shape.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1994Date of Patent: September 17, 1996Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Zhongren Xu
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Patent number: 5549617Abstract: A method and apparatus for elevating, approximating and/or restraining internal organs or structures, and more particularly for treating female urinary stress incontinence are provided. The apparatus include an anchoring device having an elongated suture with an anchor at each end thereof and a cinching member therebetween for adjusting the operative length of the suture, an articulating apparatus for applying the anchoring device during an endoscopic or laparoscopic procedure, and an apparatus for drawing the suture relative to the cinching member after it has been emplaced.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1995Date of Patent: August 27, 1996Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: David T. Green, Henry R. Sienkiewicz, Keith Ratcliff, Salvatore Castro, Scott E. Manzo
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Patent number: 5549618Abstract: A method and apparatus for placing and tying a knot such as laparoscopy knot. A knot pusher assembly including an outer tube and an inner tube are positioned, and a plunger assembly is plunger through the knot pusher assembly. The plunger assembly includes a knot carrier having an at least partially formed knot with a free end. The free end is placed around the object to be tied and grasped with a clamp. The knot is released from the knot carrier and the free end is pulled back through the partial knot to complete and tighten the knot. The knot is tightened and placed using the knot pusher assembly, and the free end is cut by placing it into aligned slots on the outer tube and inner tube, and rotating the inner tube in relation to the outer tube to unalign the slots.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1995Date of Patent: August 27, 1996Assignee: Coral MedicalInventors: RIchard P. Fleenor, Daniel P. Bryce
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Patent number: 5540704Abstract: A method and device for the placement of sutures and for the purpose of approximating tissue. A particular utility is effected in the approximation of the tissue separated by means of an endosurgical trocar being inserted into a body cavity. The invention provides for the loading of suture material including needles into the device, introduction and placement of the device into the body cavity, with the distal end having deployable needle guides, extending the needle guides either simultaneously or individually to the periphery of the wound, engaging the wound with the needle guides, driving the needles and suture material through the tissue to be approximated into a catch mechanism, retracting the needle guides and withdrawing the device, leaving a loop of suture material in the margin of tissue. The suture may then be tied to approximate the wound and excess suture material cut off.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1994Date of Patent: July 30, 1996Assignee: Laurus Medical CorporationInventors: Norman S. Gordon, Robert P. Cooper, Gordon C. Gunn
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Patent number: 5527322Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1993Date of Patent: June 18, 1996Assignee: Perclose, Inc.Inventors: Enrique J. Klein, Bernard H. Andreas
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Patent number: 5527323Abstract: A surgical instrument facilitates tying of a knot in a length of suture material at a remote surgical location. The instrument is comprised of an inner rod having a length of suture wrapped over the rod in a particular pattern. A needle may be secured to a free end of the suture and the pattern of wrapping the suture on the rod enables loops of suture to move off the rod end and over the needle to form a knot in the suture. The inner rod is received in an interior bore of an outer rod for manually controlled reciprocating movement therein. The inner rod is manually retracted into the interior bore of the outer rod to cause the outer rod to move the loops of suture off the inner rod end and over the needle in forming a knot in the suture.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 1994Date of Patent: June 18, 1996Assignee: General Surgical Innovations, Inc.Inventors: James E. Jervis, Kenneth H. Mollenauer, Karl Van Dyk, George D. Hermann, Roger A. de la Torre, James S. Scott
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Patent number: 5527321Abstract: A surgical instrument for applying sutures including an elongated housing having a proximal end and a distal end, means associated with the distal end of the elongated housing for carrying at least one needle, the needle carrier means being movable between a retracted position and an extended position, at least one needle positioned on the needle carrier means, and means associated with the needle carrier means for moving the needle carrier means to the extended position to deploy the at least one needle such that upon movement of the needle carrier means by the moving means, the needle carrier moves from the retracted position to the extended position whereby the at least one needle is caused to travel through a tissue engaging path in one continuous motion.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1993Date of Patent: June 18, 1996Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventor: Peter W. J. Hinchliffe
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Patent number: 5520128Abstract: A toy embroidery apparatus has a needle mounted movement reciprocally within the housing. An arm is pivotally mounted on the housing for movement between an operational position and a standby position. When the arm is in the operational position, a tubular shroud encloses a tip of the needle as it reciprocates and prevents the arm from pivoting until the tip of the needle is fully retracted within the housing. A drive effects reciprocating movement of a tip of the needle in and out of the housing. A switch selectively energizes the drive. The switch is rotatable between a locked condition wherein the arm is locked in the operational position and the drive is selectively energizable and an unlocked condition wherein the arm is pivotable.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1994Date of Patent: May 28, 1996Inventors: Hugh Rich, Judy Shackelford
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Patent number: 5507754Abstract: A method and apparatus for elevating, approximating and/or restraining internal organs or structures, and more particularly for treating female urinary stress incontinence is provided. The invention includes an anchoring device having an elongated suture with an anchor at each end thereof and a cinching member therebetween for adjusting the length of the suture, an apparatus for applying the anchoring device, and an apparatus for drawing the suture relative to the cinching member after it has been emplaced. The method involves securing a first anchor to a first structure, such as the vaginal wall, securing a second anchor to a second structure, such as Cooper's ligament, and drawing the suture relative to the cinching member to approximate the first and second anchors, and thereby move the first structure and the second structure into juxtaposition so as to approximate them.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1993Date of Patent: April 16, 1996Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: David T. Green, Henry R. Sienkiewicz, Keith Ratcliff, Salvatore Castro, Scott E. Manzo
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Patent number: 5507757Abstract: A trocar wound closure device includes an elongated body having a distal end for insertion through a trocar puncture wound, a proximal end, and a first and second retractable needle holders disposed at the distal end of the body. The needle holders are movable between a retracted position and an extended position. An actuator disposed at the proximal end of the body moves the needle holders from the retracted position to the extended position, so that the needle holders can be retracted to allow the device to be inserted through a trocar wound preferably through a cannula inserted into the wound, and extended to position the needles adjacent the wound, to allow the wound to be sutured.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1994Date of Patent: April 16, 1996Assignee: LaserSurge, Inc.Inventors: Jude S. Sauer, Roger J. Greenwald
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Patent number: 5503634Abstract: A device and method are provided for the surgical suturing of narrow incisions that penetrate through a plurality of tissue layers. An elongated, "J"-shaped needle, through which suture material is threaded, is inserted into the wound, bringing the tip through one or more layers of tissue on one side of the wound and pulling suture material up through the wound. After repeating these steps on the other side of the wound, the suture material is knotted. A slidable locking member serves the dual purpose of covering the tip of the suture needle when not in use and also of maintaining pneumoperitoneum.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1993Date of Patent: April 2, 1996Inventor: William J. Christy
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Patent number: 5501692Abstract: An instrument for facilitating the use of sutures in laparoscopic surgical procedures includes a hollow housing defining 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 relative to the housing. An introducer needle is secured to the housing and extends co-axially therefrom, terminating in an angled tip having a sharp point. An actuator tube is disposed within the introducer needle and is secured to the plunger for axial movement therewith relative to the housing. A flexible wire is disposed within portions of the actuator tube and is secured thereto for axial movement with the plunger. The wire is folded back over itself to form a looped end. When the plunger is in the first axial position, the looped end of the wire is withdrawn within the angled end of the introducer needle.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 1994Date of Patent: March 26, 1996Inventor: Erol D. Riza
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Patent number: 5477794Abstract: A suturing apparatus for connecting tissue edges using a single-thread overcast stitch arrangement incorporates an arc needle and a forked rocking gripper provided at an end of a gripper rod that passes through an aperture in the front wall of the apparatus housing. The needle and the gripper are driven in a rocking motion and cooperate to form the stitches with the arc needle transversely piercing the tissue edges and the gripper being displaceable along an arcuate path over the tissue edges. The gripper rod passes through the front wall of the apparatus housing at which it is connected through a universal joint. The gripper rod is displaceable inside the apparatus housing along a path that is symmetrical to the arcuate path of the rocking gripper.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1994Date of Patent: December 26, 1995Assignee: J. Strobel & Sohne GmbH & Co.Inventor: Kurt Klundt
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Patent number: 5470338Abstract: A novel surgical instrument for applying sutures through body tissue including an elongated body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, at least one needle carrier member operatively mounted in the distal end portion and movable between at least a retracted position and a deployed position, a needle releasably retained in the at least one needle carrier member, a predetermined length of suture material having one end affixed to the needle, and a suture material tensioning member disposed within the elongated body for maintaining the suture material in tension during movement of the at least one needle carrier member from the retracted position to the deployed position the suture material. The instrument may also include a retaining mechanism adapted to retain the at least one needle carrier in the partially deployed position, and a needle skewing mechanism operatively associated with an actuator member to change the alignment thereof relative to the retaining member.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1993Date of Patent: November 28, 1995Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: Kenneth H. Whitfield, Ian M. Scott, Michael Castro
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Patent number: 5468251Abstract: An improved device and method for suturing penetrations and incisions through tissue into a body cavity. The device should find particular use in laparoscopic and other types of minimally invasive surgical procedures. A device according to the invention includes a shaft and an inverted needle joined to the shaft. Two ends of a length of suture material are attached at or near a sharpened proximal tip on the needle. The device may include a movable shield that is slidable to alternately cover and expose the sharpened tip of the needle. This shield may include a blunt distal end and an inclined proximal surface to assist the surgeon in guiding the hook into and out of the body cavity. The device may be provided with a visual and tactile indicator on one side of the device to assist the user in threading and removing the suture material into and out of a selected side of the hook.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 1993Date of Patent: November 21, 1995Assignee: Advanced Surgical, Inc.Inventor: Terry Buelna