Abstract: A closure device (320) is provided for suturing a puncture. The closure device (320) includes a suture (322, 822), an elongate support (328), a suture-positioning support (330), and an elongate dilator (344). The suture-positioning support (330) is coupled to a distal end portion (332) of the elongate support (328), laterally extendable with respect to the distal end portion (332) of the elongate support (328), and configured to removably receive the suture (322, 822). The dilator (344) is configured to be inserted through the puncture, and has a proximal end (348) that is coupled to the distal end portion (332) of the elongate support (328). The closure device (320) is configured to allow movement of the distal end portion (332) of the elongate support (328) with respect to the proximal end (348) of the dilator (344) with at least two degrees of freedom. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated shaft extending distally therefrom configured to support an end effector at a distal end thereof. A handle operably couples to a drive assembly and is moveable to actuate the end effector. The drive assembly includes: front and rear drive tubes, the rear drive tube including a front washer disposed at a distal end thereof, the front drive tube including a rear washer disposed at a proximal end thereof; a stopper slidably disposed atop the front tube, the stopper and the rear washer defining a dead space therebetween; and a spring operably associated with the stopper. Initial actuation of the handle moves the front and rear drive tubes to close the end effector to grasp tissue and, once closed, further movement of the handle moves the rear drive tube to slide the stopper to eliminate the dead space.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing deployment failure or damage of a movable portion of a treatment device via a force limiting element in the treatment device.

Abstract: Some suturing devices include a pair of flexible arms configured to force two pieces of tissue together and form a protrusion defined by the two pieces of tissue. Some suturing devices include a third flexible arm including a movable needle configured to apply a suture through both pieces of tissue of the protrusion. Some suturing devices include an actuator configured to move each flexible arm of the pair of flexible arms independently relative to the tissue and move the third flexible arm relative to the tissue. Some suturing devices include a pump configured to generate a suction force through the pair of flexible arms to force the tissue towards the pair of flexible arms.

Abstract: A shaft assembly is disclosed which is usable with a surgical system, such as a surgical robot and/or a handle of a surgical instrument, for example. The shaft assembly is configured to receive a rotary input motion from the surgical system and a transmission, or clutch, which is shiftable between a first operating mode and a second operating mode to selectively transmit the rotary input motion to a first drive system and a second drive system.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for surgical suturing are provided. In general, a loading element can be configured to facilitate loading of a plate into a surgical instrument configured to facilitate passage of a suture through tissue. The surgical instrument can be configured to advance the suture through a tissue of a patient, to capture a free end or looped end of the suture after the suture's advancement through the tissue, and to pull the captured suture out of the patient's body with a portion of the suture remaining passed through the tissue within the patient's body.

Abstract: A nail set includes an elongated body having a longitudinal axis and a pivot axis. The nail set also includes a tool member supported by the elongated body at the pivot axis. The tool member includes a first end portion having a first punch tool and a second end portion having a second punch tool that is different than the first punch tool. The tool member is selectively rotatable about the pivot axis. The nail set further includes a locking member supported by the elongated body and is movable between a first position, where the locking member engages the tool member to inhibit rotation of the tool member about the pivot axis, and a second position, where the tool member is rotatable relative to the elongated body about the pivot axis.

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