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: An apparatus for ligating a medical protrusion comprises a ligating suture having a proximal end and a distal end configured to circumscribe the medical protrusion, and a one-way lock positioned there between. The apparatus further comprises an endoscope, a cutter blade configured to cut the suture, and a device for ligating a medical protrusion. The device comprises a tubular body having a proximal end and a distal end, a handle positioned at the proximal end, an endoscope controller operably connectable to the endoscope, a cutting controller operably connectable to the cutter blade, a suture controller configured to be operatively coupled with the suture, a curved bridge positioned at the distal end, the bridge having a proximal end and a distal end, and an armature, having a proximal end and a distal end, configured to releaseably retain at least a portion of the suture.

Abstract: A two-part suture cinch includes a collar and a plug. A cinch applicator is also provided, and includes an elongate tubular member, a plunger engaged within the distal end of the tubular member, a flexible shaft extending through the tubular member and plunger, and a proximal handle for moving the shaft longitudinally relative to the tubular member. The plunger includes a distal housing for the collar of the cinch, and the plug is coupled to the distal end of the flexible shaft. The suture is thread through the collar and a portion of the applicator. Operation of the applicator draws the plug into the collar and clamps the suture between the plug and collar. In addition, once the plug is coupled in to the collar, the plunger is displaced proximally to release the two-part cinch form the applicator. A method for applying the cinch is also provided.

Abstract: An adjustable, stand-alone tensioning system requires no additional fixturing, weights, or bone surface modification, and allows a single practitioner to provide an adjustable and repeatable tension to a soft tissue graft, and to install the final fixation implant. Its design facilitates introduction of the suture component of the graft into the tensioning process by simplifying retention of the suture. An even, regulated and reproducible tension is easily achieved without requiring the practitioner to manually pull on the suture strands to maintain graft tension.

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.

Abstract: A suturing system for receiving and retaining a suture is disclosed and includes a suture, at least one retainer, and at least one needle. Each needle is able to receive and removably retain the suture within a groove located in a tapered end. The retainer has a body that defines an aperture therethrough. The shape of the aperture is formed by a central passageway, and a pair of diametrically opposed slots extending radially outward from the central passageway. The central passageway is sized to allow passage of the needle therethrough. Each slot defines a tortured path section that permits passage of the suture in a first direction and inhibits passage of the suture in a second direction.

Abstract: A suture needle driving instrument comprises a shaft and an end effector. The end effector is located at the distal end of the shaft 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. Each jaw has a needle grasping member operable to align a suture needle along a predetermined arc path. The end effector is further operable to pass the needle from one arm to the other arm during a suturing procedure. The instrument may be used through a trocar during minimally invasive surgery.

Abstract: A device for suturing tissue includes a handle that has a proximal end and a distal end. The device also includes a generally hollow suturing needle including a pointed distal end, an opposite proximal end and an inner lumen having an suture exit port through which the suture exits. The device further includes a suture dispensing mechanism disposed within the handle and including an actuator which when manipulated by a user is configured to advance suture material within the handle such that the suture material is guided into the inner lumen of the hollow suturing needle and exits through the suture exit port. The device includes a safety mechanism that shields at least a portion of the needle.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to devices and methods for suturing tissue. The invention provides methods and devices for suturing by pushing two ends of a suture through tissue from a proximal side of the tissue and fastening the two ends together on a distal side of the tissue through one operation of a trigger.

Abstract: A clip device 1 that has a coil-shaped tubular body 6 that is inserted through a curvable treatment instrument insertion channel of an endoscope, the tubular body 6 includes a proximal side coil (first coil) 10 that has a spring constant per unit length of 15 N/mm to 500 N/mm and is disposed on the proximal end side of the tubular body 6; and a distal end side coil 11 that is connected to the distal end of the proximal side coil 10, has a greater inner diameter than the inner diameter of the proximal side coil 10, has a spring constant per unit length of 15 N/mm to 500 N/mm, and has a spring constant that differs from the spring constant of the proximal side coil 10, with the ratio of the spring constants of the proximal side coil 10 and the distal end side coil 11 is greater than 1.0 and less than or equal to 2.0.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for suturing of body lumens allow the suturing of vascular puncture sites located at the distal end of a percutaneous tissue tract. An elongated articulated foot of the device can be inserted through the penetration and actuated so that the foot extends along the lumenal axis. The foot can carry suturing attachment cuffs with one end of the cuff adapted to receive a needle, while the other end receives suture. A portion of the foot and/or lumen of the shaft can receive a portion of the suture and can include friction reducing structure that aid with movement of the sutured during removal of the cuffs from within the penetration.

Abstract: A method of promoting tissue adhesion to reinforce tissue apposition that may include collecting a first tissue portion, collecting a second tissue portion, placing one or more tissue securement devices through the first and second tissue portions, tightening the one or more tissue securement devices to approximate the first and second tissue portions, and placing a fixation agent between the first and second tissue portions. The method promotes tissue adhesion between one or more portions of tissue, wherein the tissue adhesion may reinforce a tissue apposition.

Abstract: An apparatus including a flexible member with two terminal ends configured to form a single closable loop and at least two fixation members. The first fixation member and the second fixation member are slidably received on the single closable loop formed by the flexible member.

Abstract: A suturing device includes a housing having an elongated tubular member extending from a distal end thereof. A head assembly is disposed at a distal end of the elongated tubular member and is configured to retain a portion of a suture therein. At least one arm member is positioned adjacent the elongated tubular member. Each arm members includes a ferrule assembly disposed at a distal end thereof. Each ferrule assembly is positioned within a recess defined within the elongated tubular member and is configured to releasably retain a ferrule therein. Each ferrule is configured to retain a portion of the suture therein. Each arm member is rotatable to rotate the ferrule assembly disposed thereon between a first position, wherein the ferrule assembly is disposed within the recess, and a second position, wherein the ferrule assembly extends at least partially radially outwardly from the recess.

Abstract: A system and associated method for manipulating tissues and anatomical or other structures in medical applications for the purpose of treating diseases or disorders or other purposes. In one aspect, the system includes a delivery device configured to deploy and implant devices for compressing, distracting and/or retracting the lobes of a prostate.

Abstract: Described are methods and devices relating to reconnecting the urethra and bladder after a radical prostatectomy, wherein the devices incorporate tissue approximating structure to maintain contact between a severed bladder neck tissue and a severed urethral stump tissue, preferably without the use of sutures.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for thermally and/or mechanically treating tissue, such as valvular structures, to reconfigure or shrink the tissue in a controlled manner. Mechanical clips are implanted over the leaflets of a valve, e.g., in the heart, either alone or after thermal treatment to cause the valve to close more tightly. The clips are delivered by a catheter and may be configured to traverse directly over the valve itself or to lie partially over the periphery of the valve to prevent obstruction of the valve channel. The clips can be coated with drugs or a radiopaque coating. Alternatively, individual anchors with a tensioning element, like a suture, may be used to approximate the valves towards each other. The catheter can also incorporate sensors or energy delivery devices, e.g., transducers, on its distal end.

Abstract: A ligature device and method of use are disclosed. More specifically, a ligature device capable of maintaining a ligature band in an elongated position, applying a preformed ligation band to an object to be ligated, manually releasing the ligation band from an elongated position, and securing a ligation band in a tensioned position is described. The ligation device may be used to apply ligation bands to various body parts of various animals.

Abstract: Sutures can be placed in difficult to access areas of the human body with devices, and related methods, utilizing a needle carrier. The devices and methods can be used in conjunction with both endosurgical and traditional open surgery procedures.

Abstract: A surgical suture material and a method to the use thereof are represented by different needles and surgical threads. The main embodiments comprises a needle (6), consisting of two needles (7, 8) jointed by a temporary connection having a tetrahedral, diamond or another shape in such a way that a single needle point (9) is formed, and a surgical thread (10) provided with shaped design projections embodied on the thread surface in the form of notches. The method consists in introducing, during a surgical intervention, the twin needle in one puncture at a small depth, wherein the needle is divided into two needles, and in leading each needle along a required contour. The surgical suture material can be extensively used for surgical and cosmetic interventions.

Abstract: A surgical incision suturing device particularly suited for minimally invasive surgical procedures comprising a suturing mechanism built into a trocar stem that enables a surgeon to stitch a patient by utilizing controls on the exposed top portion of the trocar.

Abstract: A suture manipulating instrument for passing and retrieving suture through a tissue includes a handle mechanism, an elongate shaft extending from the handle, and a working distal end. The working distal end includes a needle body, a lumen defined by the needle body, a tissue penetrating distal tip, and a lateral slot. A preformed inner member is movably disposed within the lumen of the needle. The handle mechanism is used to extend the wire from the lateral slot of the needle, and to retract the wire into the lateral slot, allowing the working end of the instrument to grasp and manipulate suture by pinning and/or trapping the suture against the needle.

Abstract: Provided herein are surgical suturing systems, devices, and methods of using the same. The systems and devices are optionally used in surgeries of the stomach.

Abstract: A suturing needle is disclosed having a main longitudinal axis, a distal sharp portion and proximal portion along said axis. The distal portion is hollowed, and the hollow is approximately parallel to said axis. A further embodiment of the suturing needle is disclosed such that the distal portion comprises a notched open bore located at the needle's extreme distal end. Other embodiments of the suturing assembly are described accommodating a suture in the needle bore.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical device for interrupted suture. It integrates a hollow needle (2) suitable for perforating selectable tissues and allowing the passage there through of a biocompatible T-suture thread (3), with an anchor (4); and a cylindrical rod (7) sized to be introduced and linearly displaced through the inside of the channel of said needle to push the mentioned anchor (4), to expulse it through the distal end of the needle (2). The device further comprises driving means comprising a pusher arranged for pushing the mentioned rod (7) by its proximal end and energy retaining and releasing means associated to the mentioned pusher for applying a push force thereto and causing, at will, a quick displacement of predetermined length, for pushing the suture once that the end is in a body cavity.

Abstract: An endoscopic stitching device includes a tool assembly having a pair of juxtaposed jaws pivotally associated with one another, each jaw defining a needle receiving recess formed in a tissue contacting surface thereof; a drive assembly including a pair of concentric, individually rotatably and translatably supported barrels, each barrel defining a central lumen therethrough; and a pair of axially translatable needle engaging blades slidably supported, one each, in a respective jaw. The stitching device further includes a center rod slidably and rotatably disposed through the lumen of the barrels, a distal end of the center rod being operatively engaged with the pair of jaws.

Abstract: A surgical suturing apparatus includes a flexible member having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end has a handle attached thereto and the distal end has a suturing body attached thereto. The handle is operatively connected to the suturing body. The suturing body includes a suture housing in which a needle and drive assembly are housed for movement of the needle with a suture secured thereto about an arcuate path facilitating application of a suture to tissue. A mechanism is provided for accommodating and operating different sized needles and different sized sutures while maintaining the operative connection between the handle and the suturing body.

Abstract: A system for forming a purse string suture, including a suture applicator having a proximal handle, a length of suture wound on a spool, and a hollow suture needle extending from a distal end of the handle. The suture needle projects distally from the handle in a helical shape and terminates in a sharp distal tip with an opening in one side close to the distal tip. A free end of the length of suture may extend out of the distal tip and back into the hollow suture needle through the opening. The suture needle may have a deflection segment adjacent the distal tip that is more flexible than the rest of the helical distal portion of the suture needle. A linear hollow pivot shaft extends from a distal end of the handle substantially along an axis of the helical distal portion of the suture needle.

Abstract: An auxiliary device for a puncture needle allowing an easier manipulation of puncture needles as well as being capable of improving the suture stability. The auxiliary device for a puncture needle comprises a plate-shaped auxiliary device main body on the surface of which parallel guide grooves were formed, and a plate-shaped rotating-sliding contact part rotatably attached to one of the edge parts of the auxiliary device main body. Moreover, a stabilization plate was provided at the lower end part of the auxiliary device main body. And, a window part for confirming an insertion-puncture needle-outer needle and a pullout-puncture needle were provided at the lower part side portion of the auxiliary device main body. Moreover, a projecting edge part was formed at the upper end part of the auxiliary device main body, and an opening side width of a portion located at the projecting edge part of the guide grooves was made wider than the width of the other portion of the guide grooves.

Abstract: Surgical suture instrument for the muscular-skeletal system and the surgical technique used by same. A surgical suture system includes an instrument providing for the suture of muscular-skeletal system tissues by the use of blades which go from a withdrawn position to a position for the incision of the tissue to be sutured. The blades carry the suture, which is attached to the tissue by the incision of the blades, in response to a drive force aimed longitudinally from back to front, towards the surgical field. The instrument and the surgical technique allow for single or continuous stitching of suture on all tissue types. Its use in bone suture is particularly surprising, making it possible to join bones, implants, grafts, chondrocyte membranes, flaps, tendons, cartilage, etc. The surgical technique for which the surgical suture instrument is used can be applied in open surgery and in arthroscopy.

Abstract: The contents include occlusion and/or repair of congenital heart defects including methods, apparatuses, and systems utilizing catheter delivery in order to repair congenital heart defects. In particular, a method of repair includes suturing a septal tissue proximate defect in order to repair the defect with a device introduced through a bodily lumen of a patient. A repair device can include an expansion assembly, a suture delivering portion, and a suture receiving portion.

Abstract: An endoscopic stitching device is provided including a tool assembly having a pair of juxtaposed jaws each defining a needle receiving recess formed in a tissue contacting surface thereof; a selectively rotatably camming hub defining a helical groove formed in an outer surface thereof; a pair of axially translatable needle engaging blades slidably supported, one each, in a respective jaw, each blade having an advanced position wherein a distal end of the blade is engageable with a suture needle, and a retracted position wherein the distal end of the blade is out of engagement with the suture needle, wherein a proximal end of each blade is configured for slidable engagement in the helical groove of the camming hub; and a suture needle operatively associated with the tool assembly.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for closing incisions within biological tissue. In one embodiment, a device and method are provided for suturing biological tissue, such as, for example, an organ or blood vessel. The suturing apparatus is particularly well suited for suturing an incision made in an artery, such as the femoral artery, following a catheterization procedure. The device eliminates the need to apply pressure to a patient's thigh for an extended period of time, and eliminates many of the complications and costs associated with the creation of a thrombus patch. In addition, the device comprises an improved handle portion which enables the physician to quickly and easily apply suture. The handle portion is very reliable and easy to manipulate. The suturing may be used in combination with existing catheter sheath introducers.

Abstract: A surgical device for suturing body lumen is described, as well as methods for suturing tissue employing the surgical device. The device can include a body having a shaft and a foot for insertion into an opening in a body lumen. The device can include tissue ports between configured to receive tissue surrounding the opening in the body lumen. The foot can include a suture secured to needle capture devices. The device can include needles that can be advanced through tissue and into the needle capture devices. The needle capture devices can then be withdrawn, thereby harvesting the suture, which can then be used to close the opening in the body lumen.

Abstract: A device for implanting a suture including an elongated shaft that extends from the main body and has a distal end that includes a pointed tissue piercing tip. A first suture support is mounted to the distal end, and a second suture support may be included. The first suture support has a first opening and is movable between a retracted position where the first suture support does not extend from the distal end and an extended position where the first suture support does extend from the distal end. A first suture capturing device is mounted to the distal end and is aligned with the first suture support. The first suture capturing device is movable between a retracted position in which it does not extend from the distal end and an extended position in which it does extend from the distal end.

Abstract: A handle assembly for operating an articulatable surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing; an actuation shaft translatably and rotatably supported in the housing; a first trigger supported on the housing and connected to the actuation shaft, the first trigger being configured to translate the actuation shaft to operate a first function of the surgical instrument; a second trigger supported on the housing and connected to the actuation shaft, the second trigger being configured to rotate the actuation shaft to operate a second function of the surgical instrument; and a second-trigger release supported in the housing, the second-trigger release having a first position blocking actuation of the second trigger and a second position permitting actuation of the second trigger, where the second-trigger release is actuated from the first position to the second position upon and complete actuation of the first trigger.

Abstract: A surgical suturing device has a grasper device that is translatable within an outer lumen where a first end of a needle is grasped with the grasper device. The needle may be resilient to a curved resting state. The grasper device translates proximally relative to the outer lumen such that the needle is translated into the outer lumen, wherein the outer lumen tends to straighten the needle from the curved resting state. The grasper device may be translated distally relative to the outer lumen such that a second end of the needle extends distally from the outer lumen and pierces the tissue. The needle may return to the curved resting state as it exits the outer lumen. When a second end of the needle emerges from the tissue, the second end of the needle may be grasped with the grasper device.

Abstract: This suture thread pushing apparatus moves a connection portion formed by one end portion and the other end portion of a suture thread used for suturing tissue within a body, which are guided to an outside of the body via a natural orifice, to a sutured portion of the tissue, and includes a flexible outer cylinder, and a flexible shaft member inserted into the outer cylinder so as to advance and retreat, wherein a pair of side holes facing each other is formed in a distal side of the outer cylinder such that the suture thread passes through the side holes, an engaging portion extending in an axial direction of the outer cylinder is formed in an inner surface on the distal side, and an engaged portion engaging with the engaging portion and sliding along the engaging portion is formed on an outer surface of the shaft member.

Abstract: A single catheter valve repair device for stabilizing a tissue portion and selectively applying a tissue fastener thereto. The single catheter valve repair device of the present invention includes an extendable engagement tip having at least one vacuum port formed thereon, at least one deployable fastener in communication with the engagement tip, and at least one actuator member in communication with the port. The deployable fastener is capable of controllably engaging and fastening a tissue segment located proximal to the engagement tip.

Abstract: Organopexy tool set (S) is comprised of suturing tool (30) comprised of rod-shaped securing section (31) and suture (32), puncture needle (10) for insertion that accommodates plural securing sections with the ends of sutures protruding to the outside, and extruding device (20) that is arranged at the base end of puncture needle for insertion and can extrude the securing section accommodated in puncture needle for insertion from an opening at the tip of puncture needle for insertion. Also, plural suture exiting holes (24) are formed at intervals around the axis on extruding device, and the ends of sutures connected to plural securing sections protrude from different suture exiting holes. In addition, extruding device (20) is equipped with extruding rod (22), friction member (29), attachment/detachment pressing section (23), and coil spring (28).

Abstract: The invention is a device for performing remote suturing operations with an atraumatic needle when there is distance between the hand and the place to be sutured. The device, which is adaptable to needles of different sizes used for surgical suturing, utilizes needle thrusting and needle capture mechanisms. These mechanisms allow the needle to pass through the tissue (flesh) and to be captured and released with a single stitch movement.

Abstract: Suture clip deployment devices for applying suture clips to sutures are described. Some embodiments can include a generally tubular main body and a vacuum port located at the distal end, a hollow inner body longitudinally slidable within the main body and extending from the main body at its distal end, and a suture recess located in the generally tubular main body. At least one suture clip configured to frictionally fit on an outer surface of the inner body is deployed during use. Clip deployment can occur after a vacuum source is applied to the device so as to draw the suture into the device. The suture lines can be retrieved through the suture recess, and the device can be actuated so as to deliver the suture clip off the delivery device and onto the suture, locking the suture in place.

Abstract: A knot placement device allows a physician to apply a knot for securing two or more suture ends extending from an incision in a vessel or organ of a patient relative to each other in order to seal an opening in the vessel or organ. The knot placement device has a handle, an elongate shaft, and a push rod slidably inserted in the shaft. A knot is disposed in the distal end of the shaft. An actuator on the handle may be depressed to distally advance the push rod relative to the shaft, thereby distally advancing the knot. The knot may include a knot body having an inner cavity and a plug sized to fit securely within the inner cavity. In use, the plug may be inserted into the inner cavity of the knot body to fixedly hold two or more suture ends between the knot body and the plug.

Abstract: A cable tensioning system includes a reaction frame which contains a sliding platform arranged to move linearly within the frame, and a clam-type cleat attached to the sliding platform. The cleat features one or more grooves, each of which comprises two arrays of opposing ridges that converge to form a V-shape groove adapted to receive a length of cable. The ridges of each groove are tilted relative to an axis perpendicular to the groove's longitudinal axis, such that the cable is progressively captured between the ridges of the opposing arrays as it settles into the crotch of the groove when moved in a first direction, and can be disengaged from the cleat by relaxing the axial force on the cable and moving it in the opposite direction. A linear actuator mechanism may be coupled to the sliding platform to move the platform with respect to the reaction frame.

Abstract: A tissue closure device includes a pusher assembly having a drive arm extending from a drive shaft and a drive mechanism at a distal end of the drive arm, wherein the drive mechanism is capable of releasably engaging and rotating a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end about a rotational axis and a cartridge having a protective housing and the suturing needle, the cartridge extending from a distal end of a cartridge holder assembly and releasably attached to the cartridge holder assembly. A pointed end of the suturing needle may be positioned within the protective housing before and after a complete rotation of the suturing needle about the rotational axis. A removable electronic module may be provided controlled by an actuator that mechanically engages the drive shaft to rotate the drive shaft and the drive mechanism, thereby rotating the suturing needle about the rotational axis.

Abstract: A suture passer including a shaft having an axis; a first jaw mounted to the shaft in alignment with the axis, the first jaw being configured to releasably support a length of suture thereon; a second jaw movably mounted to the shaft; and a needle movably mounted to the shaft, the needle having a hook and being configured to reciprocate in alignment with the axis so that the hook can selectively pass by the second jaw and engage suture releasably supported on the first jaw; wherein the first jaw includes a spring for selectively binding the suture to the first jaw.

Abstract: The suturing instrument includes an elongate member having an articulating distal portion biased offset from the elongate member, and a sheath slideably disposed about the elongate member. The user positions the sheath in contact with the articulating distal portion to actuate the distal portion relative to the elongate member. The articulating distal portion is pivotally coupled to the elongate member for improved maneuverability within the body of a patient during surgical procedures.

Abstract: A suture device including a hollow shaft; a pair of jaws disposed at an end of the hollow shaft, at least one of the jaws being actuated by an actuation arm coupled to an actuation mechanism, and each of the jaws including a channel formed therein for carrying a suture; a locking device disposed in the hollow shaft operable to grip an end of the suture; a cutting device disposed in the hollow shaft operable to cut an opposing end of the suture; and a heating device configured to remove the suture from the channels of the pair of jaws, and fuse the suture. The suture can include a core surrounded by an outer coating, wherein the outer coating has a melting point less than a melting point of the inner core.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to devices and methods for suturing tissue. The invention provides methods and devices for suturing by pushing two ends of a suture through tissue from a proximal side of the tissue and fastening the two ends together on a distal side of the tissue through one operation of a trigger.

Abstract: A medical apparatus including: a projecting member; an introducing sheath; an extrusion member inside the introducing sheath, at a proximal side of the projecting member and movable in an axial direction with respect to the introducing sheath; a cover sheath outside the introducing sheath, the introducing sheath being movable between a first and second position with respect to the cover sheath; an introducing sheath manipulating section at a proximal side of the introducing sheath; an extrusion member manipulating section at a proximal side of the extrusion member; a cover sheath manipulating section at a proximal side of the cover sheath; and a release member on the cover sheath manipulating section and/or the introducing sheath manipulating section to release a fixation between the extrusion member manipulating section and the introducing sheath manipulating section when the introducing sheath is disposed on the first or second position.