Suturing Or Ligating Aid Or Guide Patents (Class 606/148)
  • Patent number: 9089325
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: APOLLO ENDOSURGERY, INC.
    Inventors: Vladimir Mitelberg, Donald K. Jones
  • Patent number: 9089322
    Abstract: A suture passing mechanism is disclosed having an elongated delivery member and a suture capture fitting at a distal end of the delivery member. The suture capture fitting includes a recess for receiving a length of suture. The recess is bounded by a proximal wall and a lateral opening leads therein. An expeller at the recess is adapted to expel suture out of the recess through the lateral opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: DePuy Mitek, LLC
    Inventors: David B. Spenciner, Justin M. Piccirillo, Jeffery Tolonen
  • Patent number: 9066717
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to suture passer guides and related kits and methods. In certain aspects, a suture passer guide includes an elongate member and a suture positioning member that can be radially extended from a distal end region of the elongate member and rotated relative to the elongate member such that the suture positioning member can reposition a suture from a first side area of the elongate member to a second side area of the elongate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: CooperSurgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Sherts, Binh Bao Vu, David G. Reed, Todd J. Kent, Craig Hidalgo
  • Patent number: 9060763
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for securing soft tissue to bone, for securing one or more objects using a surgical filament, and for drawing two or more tissues together so they can be secured in a desired location. One exemplary embodiment of a surgical repair construct that is configured to atraumatically pass through soft tissue to secure tissue in a knotless manner includes a snare linkage, a collapsible loop, and a flexible suture pin. The snare linkage can include a collapsible snare for receiving the collapsible loop, and in use the snare can be collapsed around the collapsible loop and advanced distally towards the bone until the snare is proximate to the tissue, while the collapsible loop can be collapsed distally towards the bone to bring the tissue into proximity with the bone. Other exemplary systems, devices, and methods for use with soft tissue repair are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: MEDOS INTERNATIONAL SÀRL
    Inventor: Mehmet Ziya Sengun
  • Patent number: 9060764
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for securing soft tissue to bone, for securing one or more objects using a surgical filament, and for drawing two or more tissues together so they can be secured in a desired location. One exemplary embodiment of a surgical repair method includes selecting a surgical repair construct that includes a snare linkage having a collapsible snare and a collapsible loop coupled to the snare linkage. Steps can be performed as part of the method such that the snare of the snare linkage is collapsed around a portion of the loop passing through the snare. The snare linkage and loop construct can be coupled to tissue and bone such that the snare and loop are both advanced distally towards bone to bring the tissue into proximity with the bone. Other exemplary systems, devices, and methods for use with soft tissue repair are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: MEDOS INTERNATIONAL SÀRL
    Inventor: Mehmet Ziya Sengun
  • Patent number: 9050090
    Abstract: A device and method for facilitating access to a perimeter surface of a body structure is provided. The device includes an elongate flexible member configured to be positioned adjacent the perimeter surface of the body structure, an atraumatic tip positioned at a distal end of the elongate flexible member, and an elongate body. The elongate body has a surface positioned to guide the elongate flexible member and to permit longitudinal movement of the flexible member with respect to the elongate body. The body also has a curved distal portion and a distal end for releasably engaging the atraumatic tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania
    Inventor: Joseph Friedberg
  • Patent number: 9044260
    Abstract: A cutting implement includes a first tubular portion and a second tubular portion. Each tubular portion is hollow and includes a blade element at a distal end. The blade element helps define an aperture that allows access to the interior hollow portion of the tubular portion. A ligament graft element is threaded through the aperture of each tubular portion and the respective tubular portions are interoperated to cut the ligament graft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Inventor: Paul Leach Burroughs, III
  • Publication number: 20150148822
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide an improved laparoscopic, surgical instrument, particularly though not exclusively for gynaecology and in particular for Laparoscopic Colposuspension. According to the invention there is provided a laparoscopic, surgical instrument having an elongate shank, a ball head on one end and an eye in the other end. The instrument is such that the ball head is of a larger diameter than that of the elongate shank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Andrew Kent
  • Publication number: 20150142022
    Abstract: Knot pushers and suture cutter apparatuses to be used arthroscopically, for example, in an arthroscopic knee surgery may be operated with a single control to both lock the suture within the distal end of the apparatus and cut the suture once the knot has been pushed to the appropriate location. The apparatus may include a safety lock preventing deployment of the cutter until the safety lock (e.g., cutter release) has been released.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: William R. GEORGE, Michael J. HENDRICKSEN, Chad R. YOLLAND, Michael MURILLO
  • Publication number: 20150142021
    Abstract: A multiple-firing crimp device comprises crimps, a shaft, a crimp movement assembly, and a snare. Each crimp has an internal hollow. The shaft has a distal crimping location, an exterior surface, and an interior with the clips stacked therein, the crimps moving therein along a longitudinal axis. The shaft defines a lateral opening proximal to the crimping location and communicates the interior to the environment outside the exterior surface. The crimp movement assembly within the shaft delivers the first crimp to the distal crimping location by moving the first crimp longitudinally from a first proximal position into the distal crimping location and returning to a second proximal position without the first crimp. The snare pulls at least one cord from distal of the first crimp through the first crimp and through a portion of the shaft and out the side of the shaft through the lateral opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, Max Pierre Mendez, Matthew A. Palmer, M. Sean McBrayer, Thomas O. Bales, JR., Derek Dee Deville, Richard Cartledge, Korey Kline, Carlos Rivera, George Nunez
  • Patent number: 9034000
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for facilitating the implantation and secure positioning of implantable medical devices within a subcutaneous pocket formed by a surgeon within the patient. Such apparatus and method are configured to address the above-described challenges of containing implantable medical devices within such subcutaneous pockets, and the spring-like leads or catheters that may be attached to them, during implantation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventor: Richard B. North
  • Publication number: 20150127023
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a suturing bead, a suturing needle, a side suction cap and to an endoscopic organ suturing implement using same. More specifically, the present invention relates to an endoscopic organ suturing implement comprising a suturing bead which can be naturally rested lying against the organ wall during discharge, a suturing needle by means of which it is possible to control discharge of the suturing bead, and a side suction cap constituted in such a way as to be able to prevent damage to other organs during surgery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: Korea University Research and Business Foundation
    Inventors: Dae Hie Hong, Byung Gon Kim, Kyoung Nam Kim, Yoon Jin Kim, Hoon Jai Chun, Bo Ra Keum, Hyuk Soon Choi
  • Patent number: 9023058
    Abstract: A surgical instrument may be used to apply tension to a flexible suture to close and secure a broken or cut bone (e.g. a sternum following a sternotomy). The device preferably applies an adjustable tension to the flexible suture in order to secure the bone together. Multiple instruments may be used together to ensure the desired tension is applied to the entire bone structure being secured with the flexible sutures. Once the desired tension is achieved, the device preferably provides a mechanism to apply a uniform twist to the flexible suture to lock the flexible suture in place and maintain the tension previously achieved. The device may automatically cut the flexible suture, or the flexible suture may be cut by the surgeon once the twisting action has been performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Kardium Inc.
    Inventors: Jorge Jaramillo, Doug Goertzen, Kevin Chaplin, Daniel Gelbart
  • Patent number: 9011467
    Abstract: A suture-based vessel closure device can perform the dilation of an arteriotomy puncture and does not require previous dilation of the arteriotomy puncture by a separate device or by a procedural sheath dilator. The suture-based vessel closure device can place one or more sutures across the vessel access site such that, when the suture ends are tied off after sheath removal, the stitch or stitches provide hemostasis to the access site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Silk Road Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Michi E. Garrison, Gregory M. Hyde, Richard Renati, Alan Schaer, Tony M. Chou
  • Patent number: 9011454
    Abstract: Described herein are suture passers that may be used for repair of the meniscus of the knee. These suture passers typically include an elongate body having a pair of arms. One or more of the arms may be radiused at the distal end region relative to the long axis of the device, to better fit between a target tissue and a body non-target tissue (e.g., the curvature of the femoral condyle). The arms may form a distal-facing opening that is configured to fit the target tissue. One arm may be movable in the axial direction (e.g., the direction of the long axis of the device), while the other arm may be bendable. A tissue penetrator may be housed within one of the arms to extend across the distal opening between the arms. Thus, a suture may be passed from a first side of the tissue to a second side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Ceterix Orthopaedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Hendricksen, Michael Murillo, Christopher P. Bender, Mark Y. Hirotsuka, Justin D. Saliman, John G. McCutcheon, Alexander Jasso, George V. Anastas, Thomas D. Mina
  • Patent number: 9005221
    Abstract: A surgical knot setter includes an elongated shaft having a long axis and proximal and distal portions. A tip is provided at the distal end of the shaft. The tip has a loop with an interior loop opening and a gate opening for permitting ingress and egress of a suture into the loop opening. The loop is laterally offset from the long axis and distal to the distal end of the shaft, such that the loop is laterally and longitudinally offset from the distal end of the shaft. A closure is provided for selectively opening and closing the gate opening between open and closed positions to selectively permit or prevent the suture from passing through the gate opening. An actuator moves the closure between the open and closed positions. A method for tying suture knots is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Miami Instruments LLC
    Inventors: Ramon E. Poo, Joseph Lamelas
  • Patent number: 8998948
    Abstract: Provided is a manipulator including a first forceps piece and a second forceps piece, which are connected by a pivotal axle and have a gripping part opened or closed on a leading end side thereof. The manipulator includes a manipulation member that is connected to a base end side of the pair of forceps pieces, and moves forward or backward in an axial direction to open or close the gripping part, a first buffer part that has a first spring constant, and undergoes elastic deformation to change a grasping force generated at the gripping part on the basis of the first spring constant and a pulling amount of the manipulation member, and a stopper that regulates the elastic deformation of the first buffer part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Ryoji Hyodo
  • Patent number: 8998932
    Abstract: A system for securing a device in tissue, having a sheath having a plurality of side openings; a rotatable element disposed within the sheath; and a plurality of curved projections extending from the rotatable element, wherein rotation of the rotatable element within the sheath pushes distal ends of each of the curved projections outwardly through one of the plurality of openings and into the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventor: Laveille Kao Voss
  • Patent number: 8992550
    Abstract: A method of suturing tissue includes driving a needle from a tool through tissue to form a channel in the tissue; inserting the needle into a capsule that is connected to a first length of suture attached to the capsule; engaging the needle with a second length of suture that is inserted through the capsule; and pulling both the first length of suture and the second length of suture through the channel formed in the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Coloplast A/S
    Inventor: Thomas Kubalak
  • Patent number: 8992548
    Abstract: A method for ligating an internal body tissue using an outer cylinder member and an inner cylinder member including the processes of projecting the inner cylinder from a front end of the outer cylinder member; attaching a ligation band member to an outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder member; contacting a front end of the inner cylinder member with an internal body tissue; suctioning an inside of the inner cylinder member via a channel communicated with the inside of the inner cylinder member such that the internal body tissue is drawn into the inner cylinder member; and ligating the internal body tissue with the ligation band member by disconnecting the ligation band member from the front end of the inner cylinder member when the inner cylinder member is drawn into the inside the outer cylinder member at a position where the ligation band member is disconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyotaka Matsuno, Takayuki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8992570
    Abstract: Suture clips and suture clip loading, delivery, locking and severing devices in both catheter and endoscopic embodiments are disclosed that permit the delivery and application of suture clips directly in contact with or in close approximation to sutured tissue. The catheter or endoscopic versions incorporate a collet cage with a plurality of flexible collet fingers that captivate a suture clip ring and a suture clip plug for assembly with a suture. An outer sliding sleeve constrains the collet fingers when distally advanced to minimize potential trauma during delivery and assembly of the suture clip in close proximity to the stitched tissue. Proximal retraction of the sliding sleeve coupled with the distal advancement of a pusher against cam surfaces on the inner walls of the collet fingers causes the collet fingers to open. The catheter is designed to hold and assemble the suture clip in a first position and release the suture clip and sever the suture ends proximal to the suture clip in a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Gambale, Michael F. Weiser, Edward Carlton Page, Alexander Kolnick
  • Patent number: 8986343
    Abstract: A surgical device includes a first member, deformable to move a pair of opposing projections toward one another. The projections are received in a pair of opposing openings in a second member, so the first member can pivot relative to the second member about an axis defined by the projections. In another aspect, a surgical instrument includes a first pinless joint pivotably coupling a first jaw to a second jaw, a second pinless joint coupling a distal end of an actuating member to the first jaw, and a third pinless joint coupling a handle to a proximal end of the actuating member. The third pinless joint translates movement of the handle into axial movement of the actuating member, and the second pinless joint translates axial movement of the actuating member into pivotable movement of the first jaw relative to the second jaw about the first pinless joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew
    Inventors: Bernard J. Bourque, Michael C. Ferragamo
  • Patent number: 8986325
    Abstract: Described here are devices, systems and methods for closing the left atrial appendage. Some of the methods described here utilize one or more guide members having alignment members to aid in positioning of a closure device. In general, these methods include advancing a first guide having a first alignment member into the left atrial appendage, advancing a second guide, having a second alignment member, into the pericardial space, aligning the first and second alignment members, advancing a left atrial appendage closure device into the pericardial space and adjacent to the left atrial appendage, and closing the left atrial appendage with the closure device. In these variations, the closure device typically has an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, and a closure element at least partially housed within the elongate body. The closure element comprises a loop defining a continuous aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: SentreHEART, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary H. Miller, Russell A. Seiber, Gregory W. Fung
  • Publication number: 20150080917
    Abstract: A combined knot pusher/suture cutter device for manipulating a knotted suture to properly locate the knot relative to the tissue being sutured, and then for removing excess suture from the knot. The knot pusher/suture cutter includes a body member with a handle and an inner member (or inner rod) having a knot-engageable section at the opposite end (distal end) for engaging and moving the knotted suture by manipulation of the handle. The knot-engageable section of the inner member is provided with a slot at its distal end which allows suture to be threaded through it. The inner member is provided within an outer sleeve that is designed to be actuated by a spring and a thumb pusher (trigger) located on a surface of the handle. By actuating the thumb trigger (for example, by sliding forward the thumb trigger), the outer sleeve is advanced and the suture post is cut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: David C. Koogle, JR., Jerry F. Sterrett
  • Publication number: 20150073443
    Abstract: A surgery automatic suturing and knot tying apparatus is to suture and tie knots on a surgical suture having a needle end and a tail end. The surgery automatic suturing and knot tying apparatus comprises a positioning board, a threading module located on the positioning board, and two thread drawing modules and two needle threading arms located on the positioning board. The two needle threading arms wind the surgical suture around the threading module, and collaborate with the two thread drawing modules to draw the surgical suture to make the surgical suture finally be separated from the threading module, thereby can tie knots automatically on the surgical suture to meet use requirements and alleviate the burden of doctors during surgical operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: Kuan-Ju Chen
  • Patent number: 8974476
    Abstract: A tissue puncture closure device includes an anchor, a sealing plug, a compaction member, a suture, and a suture cutting member. The compaction member is configured to compress the sealing plug toward the anchor. The suture is coupled to the sealing plug and anchor, and a portion of the suture extends through at least a portion of the compaction member. The suture cutting member extends through an aperture in a sidewall of the compaction member and is operable to cut the suture at a location within the compaction member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical Puerto Rico LLC
    Inventor: Zachary J. Tegels
  • Patent number: 8968343
    Abstract: A puncturing needle assisting tool. A first rotating portion 122 rotates from an open to a closed position, around a first hinge connecting portion 126 as the rotating center, to the surface side of an assisting tool main unit 112 to close the surface opening of a first guide groove 116a. A second rotating portion 124 rotates from an open position to a closed position, around a second hinge connecting portion 128 as the rotating center, to the surface side of an assisting tool main unit 112 to close the surface openings of second guide grooves 116b through 116d. The puncturing needles move along the guide grooves to puncture into the body in a proper state, without shifting. Locking protrusions 134, 130 maintain the closed positions of the first and second rotating portions 122, 124 respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Shigeaki Funamura, Hisataka Harada, Satoru Igarashi, Kazuhiro Abe
  • Patent number: 8968341
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Robert C. Smith
  • Publication number: 20150045817
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a medical device includes a tissue suction housing and a moveable member disposed in the tissue suction housing. The tissue suction housing has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end has an opening and the tissue suction housing has at least two suturing device openings. The tissue suction housing is configured to pull up bodily tissue through the opening in the distal end when placed under a vacuum and to receive a suturing device through one of the suturing device openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Jamie Li, Leo James Lichte
  • Patent number: 8951270
    Abstract: A surgical securement apparatus for selectively securing one or more ends of a cord while allowing adjustments in the tension or a full release of the cord intermittently after a prolonged period of time. A surgical securement and marking system utilizing one or more surgical securement apparatus that are color-coded to convey information about the associated intercorporeal structures. The surgical securement apparatus can be particularly adapted for use in securing intracorporeal structures such as nerves, blood vessels, and tendons during a surgical procedure. An extender tube connected to the surgical securement apparatus enables securement of intracorporeal structures within the surgical site from outside the surgical site. A threading assembly for use with the surgical securement apparatus that is adapted to facilitate threading of a cord along the length of the surgical securement apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Marit Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred P. Lampropoulos, Timothy W. Clark, Gregory R. McArthur
  • Patent number: 8951271
    Abstract: A threading device assembly for use in plastic surgery that includes a first elongated rod having first and second opposite ends, a second elongated rod having first and second opposite ends, and a suture having first and second opposite ends. The first end of the suture is secured to the first elongated rod at a location that is approximately halfway between the first and second ends, and the second end of the suture is secured to the second elongated rod at a location that is approximately halfway between the first and second ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Implicitcare, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Paul Mueller, Corbett W. Stone, Paul Molina
  • Publication number: 20150038997
    Abstract: A guide member configured for guiding a suture passer through a cannula and tissue surrounding the cannula to facilitate closure of an opening in tissue. The guide member includes a guide housing and an elongated guide shaft. The guide housing is configured for releasably engaging the guide member with the cannula and defines an entry aperture. The elongated guide shaft extends distally from the guide housing and defines an annular exterior surface. An exit aperture is defined through the annular exterior surface. The guide member defines a lumen extending from the entry aperture, through the guide housing and the elongated guide shaft, to the exit aperture. The entry aperture, lumen, and exit aperture cooperating to define a passageway extending through the guide member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: JAROSLAW T. MALKOWSKI, SCOTT J. PRIOR, JOHN D. HENDERSHOT, III, KENNETH W. HORTON, CHRISTOPHER A. TOKARZ, DANNY R. BERRY, WAYNE A. JOHNSON
  • Publication number: 20150038995
    Abstract: A wound closure device includes outer and inner members. The inner member is configured for receipt of a suture passer and is pivotably coupled to the outer member. The inner member is pivotable relative to the outer member between a first position, wherein the inner member is coaxially disposed relative to the outer member, a second position, wherein the distal end of the inner member extends outwardly from the outer member in a first direction and the proximal end of the inner member extends outwardly from the outer member in a second, opposite direction, and a third position, wherein the distal end of the inner member extends outwardly from the outer member in the second direction and the proximal end of the inner member extends outwardly from the outer member in the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: JAROSLAW T. MALKOWSKI
  • Publication number: 20150038996
    Abstract: A method of surgery includes positioning a cannula within an opening in tissue and inserting a guide member into the cannula. The cannula includes an elongated portion having a base and an elongated tubular member extending distally from the base. The elongated tubular member includes an annular wall defining a longitudinal passageway. At least one slot extends through the annular wall and is disposed in communication with the longitudinal passageway. The guide member includes a guide housing and an elongated guide shaft. The guide member defines at least one lumen extending therethrough. The method further includes releasably engaging the guide housing with the base. Upon engagement of the guide housing with the base, the at least one lumen is aligned with the at least one slot to define a guide passageway through the guide member and cannula.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: JAROSLAW T. MALKOWSKI, SCOTT J. PRIOR, JOHN D. HENDERSHOT, III, KENNETH W. HORTON, CHRISTOPHER A. TOKARZ, DANNY R. BERRY
  • Patent number: 8945180
    Abstract: A closure device and system for closing openings in tissue. After placing sutures in the tissue, the sutures are clamped by the closure device to hold the sutures in place and close the opening in the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Wouter E. Roorda
  • Patent number: 8940000
    Abstract: A surgical instrument for surgically joining tissue is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a handle portion, an endoscopic portion, a pair of jaw members and at least one flexible member attachment structure. The endoscopic portion extends distally from the handle portion and defines a first longitudinal axis. The pair of jaw members is disposed adjacent a distal end of the endoscopic portion and extends generally distally therefrom. At least one of the jaw members is movable with respect to the other between an open position and an approximated position for engaging body tissue therebetween. The flexible member attachment structure is disposed in mechanical cooperation with at least one jaw member and is configured to facilitate the attachment of a flexible member thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Dino Kasvikis, Joshua Snow, Thomas Wenchell
  • Patent number: 8939999
    Abstract: A device for tensioning suture which includes a cannulated tube that allows a suture to be fed through at least a portion of the tube. An adjustment device (for example, a wheel or a knob) is actuated to turn a threaded post on the end of the tube. A length of suture passes through at least a portion of the cannulated tube and is secured into a forked pin attached to the adjustment device. Turning the adjustment device draws against the suture, increasing therefore the tension on the suture. The suture tensioning device may be employed in conjunction with a tensiometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry Sterrett, Ricardo Albertorio, Jacob A. Jolly
  • Publication number: 20150018854
    Abstract: A suture passer includes a stylet and a cannula having an open distal end defining a cannula outer diameter. The stylet has a proximal segment configured for receipt within the cannula and including a suture retention notch, and a distal segment having an expanded outer diameter substantially matching the cannula outer diameter. The distal segment of the stylet terminates at a distal cutting edge. The suture passer includes a retracted position in which the proximal segment of the stylet is received within the cannula through the open distal end and a shoulder defining a transition between the proximal segment and the distal segment abuts the open distal end of the cannula, and an extended position in which the suture retention notch is distally disposed relative to the open distal end of the cannula.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Joshua Haines, Amro Kamel, Brian Feng, Jeff Melsheimer
  • Patent number: 8932324
    Abstract: A tissue closure device including a tissue eversion apparatus, and a first and a second, redundant closure element that are placed on the external surface of a tissue puncture wound to enhance the efficacy of closure. The first closure element and the second closure element are left resident on the external surface of or in proximity to the tissue puncture wound in order to provide redundancy of closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Abbott Vascular Inc.
    Inventors: Wilmer L. Sibbitt, Jr., Robert M. Curtis, Randy R. Sibbitt
  • Patent number: 8932328
    Abstract: A method and device for anchoring a length of self-retaining suture. The method of anchoring includes providing for an assembly having a length of self-retaining suture and a suture insertion device. The length of suture includes at least a portion of the length having a plurality of retainers thereon extending in a first direction. The insertion device has a length and a recess to receive a portion of the suture length. The method further includes placing a portion of the suture length in the recess and inserting the device into the body of a mammal until the recess reaches a predetermined location thereby forming an insertion pathway. The method further includes retrieving the insertion device from the body by moving the insertion device in a direction substantially opposed to the insertion pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony R. Megaro, Matthew A. Megaro
  • Patent number: 8926639
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating a tissue opening, for example a trocar opening used in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. In a tissue closure device, a finger guard or shield can be used, handle or holding area or areas can be used, and positioning indicators can be used. A resiliently flexible target material can also be used for reliably holding a suture during the procedure. Introducers can be used having a suture holder, an alignment indicator and insertion limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Teleflex Medical Incorporated
    Inventors: Celso Bagaoisan, Suresh Pai, James Dreher
  • Patent number: 8926640
    Abstract: A device for placing sutures through thick and/or moving tissue such as the wall of a beating heart. The device includes a tissue welting tip having a trough for forming a welt in a tissue section, an alignment guide having an opening receiving a guide wire and pivotally mounted in the distal end adjacent to the trough, and an elongated sleeve slidably engagable with the guide wire. The device also includes one or more expandable tissue engaging member(s) on the sleeve expandable from a collapsed configuration having a diameter small enough to pass through the opening in the tip to an expanded configuration having a diameter large enough to engage a tissue section and urge it into the trough to form a welt in the tissue section and a retractable needle extendable through at least two portions of a tissue section while the tissue section is engaged with the trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: LSI Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Jude S. Sauer, Mark A. Bovard, John F. Hammond
  • Patent number: 8915932
    Abstract: The present invention describes apparatus and methods for tying a filament across subcutaneous punctures. According to some embodiments, the apparatus and methods provide pre-tied knots that are inserted into a bodily lumen. Needles flanking the subcutaneous puncture are inserted into the lumen and grab the pre-tied knots. The pre-tied knots are pulled through tiny holes flanking the subcutaneous puncture by the needles, leaving an internal length of the filament across the subcutaneous puncture. The filament is then externally tied, closing the subcutaneous puncture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical Puerto Rico LLC
    Inventors: Catherine A. Pipenhagen, John Avi Roop, Kedar R. Belhe
  • Patent number: 8915927
    Abstract: Implant delivery systems are disclosed. In general overview, an exemplary system includes any number of the following: a delivery device, a sling assembly, guide members, and connectors that interconnect the above. Embodiments of all the above components and their combinations are disclosed. Methods of using the above system in suprapubic, prepubic, transvaginal, trans-obturator and other approaches are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. H. Chu, Alfred P. Intoccia, Michael G. McGrath, David Wayne Robertson
  • Patent number: 8911454
    Abstract: A suturing device that sutures tissues by releasing a suture unit includes: a first anchor and a second anchor included in the suture unit; a hollow needle receiving the first and second anchors inside of the needle; a tube which is fixed to a proximal end of the needle; a wire inserted into the tube and the needle; a first sheath through which the tube and the needle are inserted; an operating portion main body fixed to a proximal end of the first sheath; a slider fixed to a proximal end of the tube and configured to move forward and backward freely in a sliding manner with respect to the operating portion main body; a slider control portion configured to regulate movement of the slider with respect to the operating portion main body at all times; a handle portion provided in the slider; and a deactivation member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Kensuke Hayashi, Junji Shiono
  • Patent number: 8911461
    Abstract: Suture cutters and methods of cutting suture in a surgical procedure. The suture cutter may include an actuator, an intermediate cannula portion and a movable cutting assembly. The cutting assembly may be operatively coupled to the actuator and include a cutting element. An adjustably sized cutting window receives the suture. The adjustably sized cutting window may be bound on at least one side with the cutting element for cutting the suture received inside the cutting window. Actuation moves the cutting assembly to cut the suture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Mitralign, Inc.
    Inventors: Kate E. Traynor, Steven D. Cahalane, Edward I. McNamara, Joseph A. Meranda, Paul T. Modoono, Joseph P. Lane, Aaron M. Call
  • Patent number: 8911457
    Abstract: A combined knot pusher/suture cutter device for manipulating a knotted suture to properly locate the knot relative to the tissue being sutured, and then for removing excess suture from the knot. The knot pusher/suture cutter includes a body member with a handle and an inner member (or inner rod) having a knot-engageable section at the opposite end (distal end) for engaging and moving the knotted suture by manipulation of the handle. The knot-engageable section of the inner member is provided with a slot at its distal end which allows suture to be threaded through it. The inner member is provided within an outer sleeve that is designed to be actuated by a spring and a thumb pusher (trigger) located on a surface of the handle. By actuating the thumb trigger (for example, by sliding forward the thumb trigger), the outer sleeve is advanced and the suture post is cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Koogle, Jr., Jerry F. Sterrett
  • Publication number: 20140364876
    Abstract: In repairing soft tissue with a bone anchoring instrument (such as reattaching a tendon of a torn rotator cuff), the bone anchoring instrument may be used to anchor the soft tissue to a region of bone. The anchors inserted into the underlying bone may have one or more lengths of suture or wire attached thereto which may be tensioned independently of one another to affix the soft tissue to the bone by having a selector mechanism selectively engage and disengage ratcheted tensioning wheels from one another. Suture loading mechanisms may be employed for passing suture lengths into and/or through the anchors prior to deployment into the bone where such mechanisms may employ suture snares which are configured to reconfigure from an expanded shape through which suture lengths may be easily passed to a low-profile shape which secures the suture lengths within the snare.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: George W. White, David Gregoire, David Aldridge, Edward E. Dolendo, Emil Karapetian, Norman S. Gordon, Tri Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8906044
    Abstract: A knot pusher device for deploying a plurality of pretied knots to a surgical site is provided. In one embodiment, the knot pusher device comprises a shaft, an inner tubular member, and an inner rod, each having a proximal end and a distal end. The inner tubular member is provided within the shaft and is radially translatable with respect to the shaft. The inner rod is provided within the inner tubular member and is slidably coupled to the inner tubular member and is axially translatable with respect thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Jyue Boon Lim, Raimar Boehlke
  • Patent number: 8906040
    Abstract: A surgical system for performing gastrointestinal procedures is disclosed. The system includes an elongated body defining an endoscope lumen. The body is adapted to be inserted into the esophagus with a proximal end extending from a body orifice. A working member includes at least one side disposed suction cavity and a cutting device configured to excise a surface layer from the tissue that is captured in the suction cavity. One or more needles are also provided in the working portion, which can be used to apply suture to the captured tissue and/or to inject fluid into the captured tissue prior to excision. Particular applications may be to treat Barrett's esophagus, to treat GERD, or for performing gastroplasty in the stomach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Creighton University
    Inventors: Charles J. Filipi, Jason L. Addink, Scott D. Klopfenstein, Aaron B. Moncur, Timothy B. Hunt