Suturing Needle Patents (Class 606/222)
  • Patent number: 12137530
    Abstract: A method that includes receiving an indication at a modular electronic system of initiation of online removal for a module removably inserted into a slot of the modular electronic system, increasing a fan speed at the modular electronic system before the module is removed, monitoring an internal temperature at the modular electronic system, and providing an indication that the module is ready for removal upon reaching a specified cooling state at the modular electronic system based on the temperature monitoring. A panel on an adjacent module is opened and extends into the slot upon removal of the module to substantially block airflow bypass from the slot and maintain cooling within the modular electronic system. An apparatus and logic are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2024
    Assignee: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Rohit Dev Gupta, Joel Richard Goergen, Sarma V M K Vedhanabhatla, Damaruganath Pinjala, Jatin Kohli, Robert Gregory Twiss
  • Patent number: 11846882
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a high-density neural probe including needles having various forms. The method, in which only a photolithography process and an etching process are used, simplifies a manufacturing process of the neural probe, minimizes changes in the characteristics of the neural probe depending on process equipment or conditions, and may thus ensure a high yield, thereby being advantageous in terms of commercialization. In addition, various forms of needles may be manufactured depending on the shape of patterns included in a mask, the height of the needles may be controlled by adjusting the size of the patterns and the gap between the patterns, and thereby, a neural probe having a plurality of needles having different heights may be manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Maesoon Im, Byung Chul Lee, Young Jun Yoon, Jin Soo Park, Seung Min Kwak
  • Patent number: 11666681
    Abstract: A method of reducing surgical site infection (SSI), using a coated medical device having a tissue penetrating surface and an abradable coating on the medical device comprising at least one antimicrobial agent in the coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Duan Li Ou, Robert J. Tannhauser, Leo B. Kriksunov
  • Patent number: 11553917
    Abstract: A loading unit includes a shell assembly and a locking collar. The shell assembly has an annular ring that defines a locking slot and a proximal opening. The proximal opening configured to receive a distal end portion of the surgical instrument. The locking collar is rotatably disposed about the annular ring. The locking collar has a body including a flexible tab that has an inwardly extending lock. The locking collar is moveable about the annular ring between a locked and unlocked configuration. In the locked configuration, the lock passes through the locking slot and into the proximal opening of the annular ring. In the unlocked configuration, the body of the locking collar is rotated about the annular ring from the locked configuration to move the lock from within the proximal opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Anthony Sgroi
  • Patent number: 11439386
    Abstract: An interlocking two-part sewing needle includes a first needle portion having a needle tip and a second needle portion configured to be inserted into the first needle portion for removably connecting the first needle portion and the second needle portion together. A needle receiver is formed in the first needle portion and is configured to receive the second needle portion when the second needle portion is inserted into the first needle portion. The needle receiver includes one or more non-resistance sections. Each non-resistance section is configured to exert only a friction force on the second needle portion when the second needle portion is inserted into the needle receiver. Additionally, the needle receiver includes one or more resistance sections. Each resistance section is configured to exert a compressive force on the second needle portion when the second needle portion is inserted into the needle receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Winter Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Lia Lynn Winter, Preston Dishner, Ted Vermette
  • Patent number: 11234689
    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: October 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony R. Megaro, Matthew A. Megaro
  • Patent number: 10864079
    Abstract: Devices and methods for the repair of the functioning of heart valves are provided. A device may comprise a ventricular winding having a generally spiral shape, wherein the device is free of any atrial stabilizing section. A method involves positioning the device such that chords associated with the heart valve are positioned within the path of the generally spiral shape of the ventricular winding and turning the ventricular winding such that the chords move closer to the center of the ventricular winding. The ventricular winding draws the chords closer together, thereby pulling the valve leaflets closer together in order to facilitate their coaptation and proper closing. A delivery system for maneuvering and releasing a heart valve repair device comprises an applicator tube and internal rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: MITRALIX LTD.
    Inventors: Ira Yaron, Yonatan Ben-Zvi
  • Patent number: 10828159
    Abstract: A method of repairing an aortic valve includes, in a following order: an aortic wall incision step; an aortic valve forming step; and an aortic wall suturing step. In the aortic wall incision step, an aortic wall is cut so as to expose an aortic valve side in the inside of an aortic duct to an open atmosphere. In the aortic valve forming step, the aortic valve is formed by restricting a distance between commissures disposed adjacently to each other by placing a thread between the plurality of commissures disposed adjacently to each other. In the aortic wall suturing step, the aortic wall cut in the aortic wall incision step is sutured so as to close the aortic wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: SUN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kenji Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 10751046
    Abstract: A medical suture needle made of stainless steel includes a cutting blade component and a body part continuing to the cutting blade component. The cutting blade component, whose degree of thickness decreases from the body part to a sharp point, includes a first cutting blade part and a second cutting blade part continuing from the first cutting blade part. The first cutting blade part includes two first slanted surfaces formed sandwiching an apex and a first bottom surface sandwiched by the two first slanted surfaces. Cutting blades are formed at an edge constituting the apex and at edges where the first bottom surface and the two first slanted surfaces intersect. The second cutting blade part includes first slanted surfaces, second slanted surfaces having rims approximately parallel to the apex and formed on the respective first slanted surfaces, and a second bottom surface sandwiched by the second slanted surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: MANI, INC.
    Inventors: Takashi Ishida, Shinichi Akutsu, Motoichi Sugino
  • Patent number: 10668189
    Abstract: Disclosed is a medical needle used for performing a piercing or insertion operation on an object repetitively, the medical needle comprising a needle body and a metallic glass material layer formed on a surface of the needle body, the metallic glass material layer comprising an alloy consisting of aluminum, zirconium, copper and tantalum. With the presence of the metallic glass material layer covering the needle body, the medical needle may maintain its sharpness after having performed multiple piercing or insertion operations to enhance durability, minimize the increase of maximum piercing or insertion force resulted from piercing or insertion operations, and decrease injury to the object caused by piercing or insertion operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: National Taiwan University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Jinn P. Chu, Guei-Huang Jiang, Shih-Hsin Chang, Ming-Jen Chen
  • Patent number: 10639028
    Abstract: A suture needle system includes a first needle and at least one second needle. Each of the first and second needles preferably has a common needle body construct. The first needle includes an elongate suture having a length sufficient to extend at least the length of an instrument channel of an endoscope. The second needle includes an opening formed by a loop of suture at which the second needle can be advanced over the elongate suture. In use, the first needle is secured to a first tissue location using an endoscopic suturing system. A second needle is advanced at its opening over the elongate suture and secured to a second tissue location. Additional second needles may be advanced over the elongate suture to respective tissue locations. The elongate suture is pulled taut, drawing the second needles into proximity, and secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Apollo Endosurgery US, Inc.
    Inventors: John Mims, Charles Dean, Nicole Pinto, Mitchell Gilkey, Vladimir Mitelberg, Donald K. Jones
  • Patent number: 10610251
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides medical devices for creating a channel in a biological soft tissue. The devices comprise an integral rotatable tool formed by an elongated distal member and a proximal shaft, the elongated member having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, the distal end portion comprising a tissue piercing tip of a pyramid-like shape, and the proximal end portion comprising an elongated prism-like portion having at least three surfaces and respective prism edges, with at least one of the prism edges between the surfaces being configured as a tissue cutting blade, and the proximal shaft interfacing and extending from the prism-like portion and having a cross section larger than a cross section of the prism-like portion at the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignees: SANOCULIS LTD., TEL HASHOMER MEDICAL RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES LTD.
    Inventors: Gilad Lavi, Yoseph Glovinsky, Vadim Shmukler, Nir Israeli
  • Patent number: 10470861
    Abstract: Implant systems can include one or more needles, such as those used in pelvic floor repair procedures, and one or more elongate implants. A syringe or similar style hollow needle can be used to deliver the elongate mesh or other implant devices through one or more small stab incisions into the target tissue location inside the pelvis, proximate the vagina. The implant devices can be placed upon insertion through the incisions to engage and pull or tighten support tissue, such as the endopelvic fascia, pubocervical fascia, rectovaginal fascia, levator muscles, or other supportive muscles or tissue within the pelvis of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Chaouki A. Khamis, James A. Alexander
  • Patent number: 10456128
    Abstract: A method for suture lacing includes providing a suture with a needle attached thereto, inserting the needle and suture into an organ through a passageway, throwing a single stitch through a first tissue member, throwing a single stitch through an opposed and spaced apart second tissue member, repeating the preceding step at least once, bringing the first and second tissue members in contact by tensioning the suture, whereby suture drag is minimized during the tensioning and even tissue compression substantially achieved, and securing the suture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: ETHICON LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Stokes, Andrew M. Zwolinski, Mark S. Ortiz, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 10342527
    Abstract: There is provided a repeated type organ fixing instrument having a plurality of suturing tools. The organ fixing instrument includes a rod-shaped engaging portion, a suture fixed to the engaging portion, a puncture needle for housing a plurality of the engaging portions. A plurality of the engaging portions are extruded one by one from the puncture needle by the operation of a operation unit main body. The suture fixed to at least one of the plurality of engaging portions is inserted within the inside of the puncture needle and wherein the other suture is derived from the inside to the outside of the puncture needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: SUMITOMO BAKELITE COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Yutaka Suzuki, Kazuki Okada, Shinetsu Harata, Kiyotaka Arikawa, Yasunori Kojo
  • Patent number: 10076352
    Abstract: A non-coring hair implantation needle is provided which provides for a smaller opening than a conventional hypodermic needle, and includes a bevel of shorter length. The needles are configured to provide a non-cutting feature, and aid in placement and retention of an implanted hair graft when the needle is withdrawn from the body surface. Furthermore, methods of fabricating needles includes bevels of shorter length and non-cutting features are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: RESTORATION ROBOTICS, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford A. Oostman, Jr., Steven E. Jakubowski
  • Patent number: 9962149
    Abstract: A tissue repair assembly for attachment of tissue to bone or tissue to tissue having a soft anchoring implant 100 with a length of suture 120 there through for tensioning the implant and facilitating attachment of other tissue. The implant 100 is a soft, flexible, three-dimensional structure that has a resident volume 200. An inserter tube 310 facilitates the placement of the implant 100 into bone or adjacent soft tissue where it may be deployed. Upon deployment, the soft anchoring implant 100 shortens axially and expands radially, achieving a larger diameter than the hole through which it was placed, thus resisting pull out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: ArthroCare Corporation
    Inventors: Treg Brown, Nathaniel Cohen, Robert Fernandez, Richard D'Elia, Christopher D'Elia, Annette Branger, Steve Golden, Marnette Atkinson, Stewart Kume
  • Patent number: 9855034
    Abstract: A tissue fixation device includes an elongated body defining a longitudinal axis and including a proximal end and a distal end. At least two barbed segments diverge distally away from the distal end of the elongated body and a pledget is disposed at distal ends of the barbed segments. The elongated body, barbed segments, and pledget are provided in a variety of configurations depending upon the performance requirements desired of the tissue fixation device for the envisaged application of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Daniel Broom, Joshua Stopek, Timothy Sargeant, Nicholas Maiorino, Arpan Desai, Saumya Banerjee, Timothy Flavin
  • Patent number: 9844366
    Abstract: A surgical needle includes a pair of ends, a mid-region extending between the ends, and at least one grasping feature configured for grasping by a suturing instrument. An end of a suture is secured to the mid-region of the needle in a manner such that the end of the suture defines an oblique angle with at least part of the centerline defined by the mid-region of the needle. The end of the suture may be disposed in a hollow portion of the needle. The grasping feature may include a notch such as a scallop. The suture may be pivotally coupled with the needle via a ball or pin. The needle may have one or more sharp points. The sharp point may include three converging cutting edges, at least two planar surfaces bounded by the three cutting edges, and a rounded surface bounded by two of the three cutting edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: James A. Woodard, Jr., Michael V. Sherrill, Jason R. Lesko, David T. Martin, Katherine J. Schmid, Michael J. Miller, Gary W. Knight, Richard F. Schwemberger, Atul M. Godbole
  • Patent number: 9839504
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes implantable slings suitable for use in a variety of medical applications, the implantable slings include at least one a biocompatible support member having a first surface and a second surface, the first and second surfaces including a first end, a second end, and a central region positioned therebetween, a first set of fixation elements positioned on the first end of the first surface, a second set of fixation elements positioned on the second end of the first surface, and a spacer positioned on the central region of the first surface for contacting a tissue in need of support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Jeffrey Miller
  • Patent number: 9675436
    Abstract: Systems, method, and devices related to surgically implantable supportive slings are presented herein. More specifically, in various embodiments, the systems, devices and methods relate to a surgically implantable supportive sling adapted to anchor in patient tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. H. Chu, Brett Nowlin
  • Patent number: 9446164
    Abstract: Materials and methods for immobilizing bioactive molecules, stem and other precursor cells, and other agents of therapeutic value in surgical sutures and other tissue scaffold devices are described herein. Broadly drawn to the integration and incorporation of bioactive materials into suture constructs, tissue scaffolds and medical devices, the present invention has particular utility in the development of novel systems that enable medical personnel performing surgical and other medical procedures to utilize and subsequently reintroduce bioactive materials extracted from a patient (or their allogenic equivalents) to a wound or target surgical site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: BIOACTIVE SURGICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Richard H. Spedden, Laura J. Pingel, Lew C. Schon
  • Publication number: 20150142023
    Abstract: Novel recessed surgical fastening devices are disclosed. The fastening devices have a compressible member and a fastening element disposed at least partially within the compressible member. The fastening element has at least one tissue engagement member that is extensible through the compressible member to engage tissue when a force is applied to the fastening device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Tannhauser, Emil Richard Skula
  • Publication number: 20150141995
    Abstract: A device for securing tissue or bone. The device includes a self-locking construct, which includes first and second adjustable loops. The first adjustable loop includes a loop passage portion through which a first portion of the self-locking construct extends. The second adjustable loop extends through a sleeve defined by the self-locking construct. The self-locking construct is configured such that moving the second adjustable loop away from the first loop closes the first adjustable loop, and pulling the first portion further through the loop passage portion closes the second adjustable loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: Biomet Sports Medicine, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel NORTON
  • Publication number: 20150142018
    Abstract: A needle for use with an endoscopic stitching device includes a first end portion that is movable relative to a second end portion to allow the needle to convert from a first, mis-aligned orientation to a second, aligned orientation, thereby allowing the length of the needle in the aligned orientation to exceed the height of an end effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Kevin Sniffin, Mark Russo, Gregory Fischvogt, Russell Pribanic, Eric Taylor
  • Publication number: 20150133868
    Abstract: A novel high tensile strength semi-absorbable composite suture with minimized non-absorbable mass. The suture has a core made from a bioabsorbable polymer. The core is covered by a braided sheath. The braided sheath is made from an absorbable yarn and a bioabsorbable yarn. The bioabsorbable yarn is made from a least one filament of a bioabsorbable polymer. The nonabsorbable yarn is made from at least one filament of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: IIya Koyfman, Terry E. Lawler, Robert C. Di Luccio, Dennis D. Jamiolkowski
  • Publication number: 20150088166
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for lifting, suspending and stiffening a patient's tissue are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method of lifting and stiffening a patient's tissue includes inserting at least one suture into the patient's tissue in a first direction, pulling the suture in a second direction so as to lift and suspend the tissue in a lifted position and stiffen the tissue in the lifted position, and cutting the suture so that the tissue remains in the lifted position. Preferably, the patient's tissue is the patient's soft palate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Yosef P. KRESPI, David VOLPI
  • Publication number: 20150039008
    Abstract: Provided is a suture instrument capable of shortening operation time required to ligate a wound, and cauterizing the wound. Provided is a surgical needle including a shape memory alloy which has been shape memory-processed to return, at a temperature equal to or higher than its transformation point, to its original shape selected from a group consisting of a ring shape, a spiral shape, a coil shape and a clinch shape. Use of the surgical needle of the present invention makes it unnecessary to employ a threaded suture needle, shortens the operation time required to ligate an incised part or a wound in an organ such as the digestive tract in the body or the skin or the like, and allows cauterization of the wound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Naoki SUZUKI
  • Patent number: 8905033
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for the securement of tissue and in particular for placement of a tongue base suspension fiber for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. The system incorporates disposable connectors with releasable needles to facilitate the placement of fibers with minimal increase in suture site dilation or trauma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Rousseau, David Lindh
  • Publication number: 20140288594
    Abstract: A suture for use in cardiac valve repair comprises a flexible rod of ePTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) formed with end sections of a first diameter and a center section of a second diameter, the second diameter being greater than the first diameter, and the end sections having a length sufficient to enable one to be fastened to the other. In one embodiment, the first diameter is about 1-1.6 mm and the second diameter is between about 1.8-4 mm. The center section can be about 2-9 cm in length. Surgical needles are preferably provided attached to the distal ends of the end sections. The center section has a density less than the end sections, the density of the center section being chosen to promote tissue ingrowth following implantation in heart tissue. Representative density range for the center section is 0.25-0.35 g/cm3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Genesee Biomedical, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Shaefers, Robyn Peterson, Woodrow G. Mathison
  • Patent number: 8840604
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a surgical aimer including a shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion and a handle coupled to the proximal portion of the shaft. The handle includes a mechanism for coupling the shaft to the handle and releasing the shaft from the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary R. McCarthy, Michael C. Ferragamo, Susan L. Spear
  • Publication number: 20140277120
    Abstract: A novel silicone coating process for surgical needles is disclosed. Coating solutions are applied to a surgical needle and a stream of air is directed at the needle in a direction substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the distal section of the needle, providing superior coatings and performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Frank Cichocki, Duan Li Ou, Brian Blasic
  • Patent number: 8821658
    Abstract: A method of thermal forming of refractory alloy suture needles is disclosed. Needle blanks made from refractory alloys are used to form surgical needles, which are heated to a temperature above the ductile to brittle transition temperature but below the recrystallization temperature of the refractory alloy. The heated needle blanks are then mechanically formed into a surgical needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank R. Cichocki, Thomas Nering, David Demarest
  • Patent number: 8795308
    Abstract: A trocar needle includes an elongate body having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, a penetrating tip formed at the distal end portion of the body, and an attachment portion formed at the proximal end portion for attaching a tether thereto. A grip region can further be provided and can be formed for example, at the proximal end portion of the body to facilitate gripping by a surgical grasping device. Additionally or alternatively, a notch or otherwise reduced cross-sectional area can be provided. Such a feature can be formed, for example, at the distal end portion of the body, arranged proximal from a distal end thereof for enhancing haptic perception by a surgeon when utilizing the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: Elmer Valin
  • Patent number: 8764835
    Abstract: Instrumentation and methods facilitate reconstruction of the anulus fibrosus (AF) and the nucleus pulposus (NP). An intra-aperture component is dimensioned for positioning within a defect in the AF, with one or more components being used to maintain the intra-aperture component in position. The intra-aperture component may be porous and flexible while being intentionally non-expandable in cross section following its positioning within the defect. A component used to maintain the intra-aperture component within the defect includes a flexible longitudinal fixation component that passes through the intra-aperture component and a region of the AF apart from the defect. If available, this may be a region of the AF having overlapping layers with intact fibers in different directions. The flexible longitudinal fixation component may be anchored to one of the upper and lower vertebral bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: Bret A. Ferree
  • Patent number: 8728121
    Abstract: A puncture needle includes: a needle part that has a first needle part and a second needle part that are hollow, adjacent, and have resiliency; and a sheath that retractably accommodates the needle part; in which a bend part that separates distal end sides of the first needle part and the second needle part to be further apart than proximal end sides thereof is provided in at least one of the first needle part and the second needle part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Takumi Dejima, Manabu Miyamoto, Kiyotaka Matsuno
  • Publication number: 20140128912
    Abstract: Curved surgical needles made from tungsten rhenium alloys are disclosed. The curved surgical needles have body flats. The needles have improved resistance to cracking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Wilkes, Frank Cichocki
  • Publication number: 20140100607
    Abstract: A method of closing a thoracic incision includes providing a barbed suture and threading the suture around first and second ribs of a chest wall in a generally S-shaped configuration to close an incision positioned therebetween. The barbed suture is threaded through the chest wall by introducing the barbed suture through a first terminal tissue layer and around a surface of the first rib that is facing a second terminal tissue layer, passing the barbed suture across the incision and around a surface of the second rib that is facing the first terminal tissue layer, and withdrawing the barbed suture through the second terminal tissue layer. A second barbed suture may be threaded through the chest wall in a complementary S-shaped configuration in which the second barbed suture enters and exits the chest wall through the opposing terminal tissue layer from that of the first barbed suture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Daniel Broom
  • Patent number: 8685040
    Abstract: Disclosed is a shaped electrode and dissecting tool configured to aid in controlling the path of an electrode as it is moved into its intended position within the epidural space of a patient. The shaped electrode and dissecting tool is configured with a contoured leading edge having at least one concavity that aids in moving the electrode and dissecting tool through the intended tissues within the patient's body. A variety of concavity contours may be provided and used for particular surgical applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Richard B. North
  • Patent number: 8679134
    Abstract: Methods and devices for driving a suture assembly employing elastically pre-shaped needles for piercing a tissue. The pre-shaped needles are held in a constrained state and can revert to a natural pre-shaped state prior to or during ejection from the device before entry into tissue allowing for the suture to follow a defined path similar to the pre-shaped needle such that removal of the needle allows for subsequent securing of the suture in or around tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Spirx Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Scott H. Heneveld, Lars Chrisman
  • Patent number: 8623048
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for surgical suturing with thread management. An apparatus for tissue suturing including a cartridge having a suturing needle having a pointed end, a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis; a pusher assembly comprising a cartridge holder having a needle rotation drive capable of releasably engaging the cartridge and rotating the suturing needle about the axis; and an actuator capable of releasably engaging the needle rotation drive to rotate the needle rotation drive. A method for suturing tissue including placing a suturing device having a cartridge containing a suturing needle to span separated tissue segments; activating an actuator to cause rotational movement of the suturing needle through the separated tissue segments; and deactivating the actuator to stop an advancing movement of the suturing needle to cause a suturing material to be pulled through the separated tissue segments forming a stitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: EndoEvolution, LLC
    Inventors: Gerald I. Brecher, John C. Meade, Niall Deloughery, James H. Bleck
  • Patent number: 8568427
    Abstract: A suturing device for suturing a portion of biological tissue includes a needle attached to a suture, a needle holder that releasably holds the needle, and a needle driver adapted to be advanced and retracted substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the suturing device. A distal needle holder adapted to releasably hold the needle is positioned in a distal position relative to the portion of biological tissue and a distal end of the needle driver is positioned in a proximal position relative to the portion of biological tissue. The needle is positioned in either the proximal position or the distal position. The needle driver is moved longitudinally in a first direction along a path substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis such that the needle and suture pass through the portion of biological tissue, thereby forming a suture incision through which the suture passes. By repeating the above-described processes, a series of stitches is thereby formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Quickpass, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony A. Nobles, Rod Peterson, Steven Decker, Benjamin Brosch
  • Patent number: 8545523
    Abstract: A method for tissue repair including providing a kit including a mesh placer, mesh stitcher and mesh tacker, placing the mesh at a tissue repair site with the mesh placer, holding the mesh in place with the mesh placer, and fastening the mesh to tissue with at least one of the mesh tacker and mesh stitcher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: EasyLap Ltd.
    Inventors: Moshe Mizrahy, Ofir Rimer, Nir Altman, Einat Fabian
  • Patent number: 8540737
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for arthroscopic or open rotator cuff repair by advancing a suture pin and a suture which the pin carries through a humerus, rotator cuff and adjacent soft tissue and skin using an insertional guide and thereafter tensioning and securing the suture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Steven C. Chudik
  • Patent number: 8518078
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventors: Marlen Andreevich Sulamanidze, Georgiih Marlenovich Sulamanidze, Constantin Marlenovich Sulamanidze
  • Patent number: 8480689
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: James T. Spivey, Kempton K. Carroll, II, David B. Griffith
  • Patent number: 8418851
    Abstract: An apparatus houses a plurality of surgical elements, such as needles and sutures, both before and after use. The largest cross-sectional dimension of the housing is preferably less than about 12 mm. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a substantially rigid housing having a first section that holds a plurality of unused needles and a second section that receives the plurality of needles after use. In other embodiments, the apparatus includes a flexible panel having a plurality of pockets therein, wherein each pocket is configured to house a single needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventors: Patrick John Culligan, Roger P. Goldberg, Douglas S. Scherr
  • Patent number: 8366845
    Abstract: An apparatus for thermally treating a plurality of curved suture needles. The apparatus includes a conveyer for transferring the plurality of curved suture needles from a source of curved suture needles to a receiver, a housing positioned adjacent the conveyer, the housing having a first end, a second end, and an opening running from the first end to the second end, the opening aligned with the conveyer to enable the plurality of curved suture needles to pass therethrough, and a heat source located within the housing for heating the plurality of curved suture needles as the plurality of curved suture needles are transferred by the conveyer from the first end of the housing to the second end of the housing. Also provided is a process for thermally treating a plurality of curved suture needles to enhance the stiffness and yield moment of the curved suture needles. The curved suture needles so treated have a desirable combination of stiffness, strength and ductility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Richard Cichocki, Jr., David DeMarest, Gregory Hollin, Eugene D. Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20130023927
    Abstract: A whip stitched graft construct and method of formation. The whip stitched graft construct includes a plurality of tendon strand regions or soft tissue grafts placed together so that at least a portion of the plurality of the tendon strand regions are stitched together by employing multiple suture passes placed according to a whip stitching technique. Preferably, the multiple suture passes start at about the mid length of the plurality of tendon strand regions and are advanced toward one of the free ends of the tendon strands. The whip stitched graft construct is provided with at least two regions, one region formed of at least a plurality of tendon strand regions tied and whip stitched together, and the other region formed of untied segments of the plurality of tendon strands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: Mark A. Cassani
  • Patent number: 8292920
    Abstract: A surgical needle which is particularly suited for use in limited space applications and a method for its use are disclosed. The surgical needle generally includes an arcuate portion having a first end and a second end. A pointed tip is disposed near the first end. There is a relatively short, straight shank near the second end of the arcuate portion which extends from the arcuate portion at a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle is defined by the intersection of the arcuate portion and the shank. This predetermined angle is within a range of about 23° to about 29°. In a particularly useful embodiment, the predetermined angle is approximately 26°. Further, an extrapolation of a longitudinal axis of the shank intersects the arcuate portion of the surgical needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Reza Dabir, Michael Primavera, Gregg Krehel