Abstract: An apparatus for anulus fibrosus repair includes a shaft, a pair of curved suturing needles mounted in parallel on the shaft, and a rotational driving mechanism connected to the shaft, which is configured to rotate the shaft and the pair of needles about a rotation axis of the shaft. Each needle includes a substantially semi-annular body having a proximal end, a distal end, an inner periphery, and an outer periphery, and an arm extending radially inward from the proximal end, in which a concavity is formed in the body proximate to the distal end extending in a direction away from it. Also disclosed is a suturing technique associated with use of the repair apparatus.

Abstract: A needle for medical uses, for example for inserting a dialysis membrane into human or animal tissue, wherein the needle has an end portion made of solid material and provided with at least two areas which intersect a longitudinal axis of the needle and each other whereby at least one line or point of intersection is formed between the at least two areas, the line or point of intersection in a needle region adjacent to the end portion.

Abstract: Disclosed therein are instruments necessary for a surgical operation performed to keep a length of lengthened tissues, for instance, a raised nose on the face, using an improved thread embedded in a living body. More particularly, the present invention provides instruments for a fiber reinforced anti-compressive adherent suture method used to lengthen or separate soft tissues in the living body, which includes a tissue-implantable thread inserted into the living body by an injector needle and having wedge-shaped protrusions of different directionalities formed in two sections thereof, an injector for inserting the injector needle into the living body and moving it forwardly and backwardly, an instrument for inserting the tissue-implantable thread into the injector, and an instrument for vertically splitting an end of the thread to make the thread act in the living body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for anatomical tissue repair, such as ligament repair and reconstruction with suture and/or graft passage, employing a pin with a suture passing mechanism. The suture passing mechanism may include a loop (for example, a wire loop or suture loop) securely attached to a pin (for example, a drill pin). The loop may be crimped onto the pin, or welded on the end of the drill pin (in place of the eyelet formed within the pin), to alleviate the difficulty in threading the eyelet and to lower the manufacturing cost of the pin. The suture passing mechanism may alternatively include a slotted suture eyelet (i.e., a longitudinal slot) provided at a proximal end of a pin, to allow suture loading from the side of the instrument.

Abstract: A method of arranging a surgical needle in an applicator. The needle is made of a hyper-elastic alloy which, after treatment, has two distinct states and includes a crimping zone for securing a suture to the needle, a free end having a tapered point which includes an inclined heel portion arranged on an inside portion of a curved profile. The method includes forcing the needle into a roughly elongated position when the needle is housed in an internal bore of the applicator. When the needle is not housed in an internal bore of the applicator, the needle adopts a curved profile as a result of superelasticity or hyper-elasticity of the needle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-needle type vascular closure system. The closure system utilizes three needles in the form of a guiding device, an expandable needle, and a hooking device. The guiding device is used to make the initial opening in the vessel, where the opening provides access for a sheath through which a medical procedure is to be performed. The expandable needle is inserted into the vessel in which it expands radially from the needle to form a target. The hooking device is also inserted into the vessel and is used to hook the expandable needle so as to form an internal union between the hooking device and the expandable needle. The needles can then be retracted thereby extending a suture from the hooking device and forming an internal suture pass that can be used to approximate the tissue surrounding the initial opening in the vessel. In one embodiment, the suture is passed across the vessel opening prior to dilation of the vessel opening.

Abstract: Surgical needle including a crimping zone for securing a suture to the needle. The needle is made of a hyper-elastic alloy which, after treatment, has two distinct states. One of the two distinct states allows the needle to be forced into a roughly elongated position when the needle is housed in an internal bore. Another of the two distinct states allows the needle to adopt a curved profile as a result of superelasticity or hyper-elasticity of the needle. The needle has a free end which has a tapered point which includes an inclined heel portion. The inclined heel portion is arranged on an inside portion of the curved profile.

Abstract: An apparatus includes first and second fixation members, a flexible member coupled to the first and second fixation members, and a limiting element coupled to the flexible member. The limiting element is movable relative to the second fixation member and acts to limit loosening of the flexible member relative to the second fixation member. The limiting element can be slidably received by the flexible member. The flexible member can be coupled to the fixation members such that pulling on a free end of the flexible member shortens a length of the flexible member between the fixation members.

Abstract: The present invention provides a suture needle and suture assembly for use in surgery. The suture needle comprises a curvilinear, arched shaft tapering at both ends to form tips for impalement. A groove for housing the suture is provided on the needle approximately equally remotely located from the tips and running along its length either on the inner or the outer surfaces. The needle has a hole through the center of the groove and extending to the inner and outer surfaces of the shaft. A fastening means such as a crimp or plug secures the suture needle. The suture comprises a regular portion, and a narrower section housed within the groove. The hole comprises two coaxially aligned hollow cylindrical cavities with differing diameters. Fastening means is of diameter equal to the diameter of the cylindrical cavity with larger diameter so as to enable resilient fastening.

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 disclosure relates to a surgical needle that includes a proximal end adapted for attachment to a surgical filament, a distal end, and a shaft extending therebetween. An outer surface of the shaft includes reduction structure configured and dimensioned to reduce contact between the outer surface and tissue without unnecessarily compromising the structural integrity or strength of the needle. Additionally, the configuration and dimensions of the reduction structure facilitate atraumatic insertion and passage of the surgical needle through the tissue during use.

Abstract: A suture construction and method for forming a suture construction is disclosed. The construction utilizes a suture having an enlarged central body portion defining a longitudinal passage. First and second ends of the suture are passed through first and second apertures associated with the longitudinal passage to form a pair of loops. Portions of the suture lay parallel to each other within the suture. Application of tension onto the suture construction causes constriction of the longitudinal passage, thus preventing relative motions of the captured portions of the suture.

Abstract: A surgical needle includes an elongated needle body defining a longitudinal axis. The surgical needle has a first end for attachment to a suture and a second needled end for penetrating tissue. The needled end includes lower and upper opposed surfaces and a pair of side surfaces extending between the lower and upper surfaces and being contiguous therewith. The upper surface and the side surfaces extend to a pointed tip. The lower surface extends to a cutting edge, which is defined at the intersection of the sides surfaces and proximal of the pointed tip. The cutting edge extends in oblique relation relative to the longitudinal axis and terminating at the pointed tip.

Abstract: Provided is a suturing needle, which can be reliably held by a needle holder, which can transmit a high thrust, and which can reduce the fear of damaging a patient and the deformation when a strong force acts. The suturing needle has a representative constitution including a needle tip portion (1) having a needle tip (1a) for piercing the tissues, a tapered portion (2) continuing to the needle tip portion (1), a trunk portion (3) continuing to the tapered portion (2), and a thread attaching portion (4) continuing to the trunk portion (3) for connecting the suturing thread.

Abstract: A simple fabrication method for a suture needle coated with silicone, which prevents silicone from penetrating into a hole is provided. The fabrication method for a suture needle coated with silicone includes the steps of: facing a hole 12 formed at a base of an eyeless suture needle 10 downward and supporting it with a gripping unit; and coating silicone on the entire outside of the eyeless suture needle, making the inner wall of the hole be the base material of the eyeless suture needle. Consequently, the silicone can be prevented from intruding into the hole by a simple method.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing a tear in an annulus fibrosus of a spinal disc includes a hollow, helically-shaped suturing needle and a retriever. The needle is used to insert a suture along a helical pathway bridging the tear. The retriever is used to retrieve one end of the suture from the inside of the annulus and bring it close the other end of the suture outside the annulus, where the suture can be tensioned and tied to fixate the tear. In other embodiments, multiple sutures are placed with helically-shaped needles of differing dimensions.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a surgical needle incorporates at least one pressing operation which, preferably, in conjunction with a trimming and/or etching process, ultimately forms the sharpened needle end. The grinding operation in the preferred process does not produce the primary sharpened edges of the needle, but, rather is incorporated, in one instance, to reduce excess needle material prior to the pressing operation. Consequently, the amount of flash material generated during pressing is substantially reduced. This feature desirably enhances the subsequent trimming and etching operations, and produces a needle which is extremely sharp, durable and exhibits an improved retention of sharpness over periods of prolonged use.

Abstract: A triangular suture needle having a low thrust resistance and a press mold suitable for manufacturing the same are provided. The triangular suture needle includes: an angular triangular prism-shaped part (100a) on the needlepoint side; a rounded triangular prism-shaped part (100b) connecting to the needle base side of said triangular prism-shaped part; and a thread attaching part (100c) in a needle base end. The entire angular triangular prism-shaped part (100a) is ground, forming a pointed, sharpened part (100d) with a sharp tip. Furthermore, width (w1) of the thickest portion of the sharpened part (100d) is greater than width (w2) of the rounded triangular prism-shaped part connecting to that portion.

Abstract: A suturing device for use with a delivery catheter in a transcatheter procedure, for closing an opening formed in the body. The suturing device comprises: a spiral needle having a central core, a proximal end, and a distal end. The distal end terminates in a sharp point for cutting a spiral passageway through body tissue surrounding the opening that is to be closed. The device also includes a guide wire having a suture eye at one end thereof for receiving suture thread after the guide wire has been advanced through the hollow central core of the spiral needle. The device further includes driving means, for allowing advancing and retracting of the spiral needle and guide wire with respect to the catheter, and for allowing connecting between the suture thread and the suture eye of the guide wire. The present invention also relates to a method for closing an opening formed in the body using a transcatheter procedure.

Abstract: A notch-locating fixture for forming notches at predetermined locations along a needle wire used in a surgical suturing apparatus includes a base having at least one semi-circular recess shaped and dimensioned for receiving the needle wire. The fixture also includes a cover member including at least one aligned slot formed therein in a manner providing a grinding wheel with access to needle wire held between the base and the cover member. The fixture further includes a securing structure selectively coupling the base to the cover member.

Abstract: An arthroscopic meniscal tear repair device comprises a catch needle and a transfer needle. which are pierced into a torn meniscus and advanced past the tear. Suture is transferred by a suture needle from the transfer needle through the meniscus and into the catch needle. The catch needle has an internal mechanism that retains the suture. The suture needle is then retracted back to its home position inside the transfer needle, leaving the free end of the suture across the meniscus and in the catch needle. The device is then retracted out of the meniscus, leaving behind a stitch across the meniscal tear inside the meniscus. A pre-tied knot of suture is then slid down the device and cinched up using a knot pusher having a dilation tip, thus completing the repair.

Abstract: A suture assembly includes an elongated flexible body which may be either a single filament for a multiple strand braided or woven body, supporting a plurality of shaped tissue-engaging elements in a generally spaced arrangement thereon. A curved body having a sharp point is joined to one end of the flexible body while a straight pointed body is joined to the remaining end of the flexible body. In alternate embodiments, the tissue-engaging elements define a variety of cross-section shapes. In a further alternate embodiment, the tissue-engaging elements are divided into first and second oppositely facing sets to provide a bidirectional suture. In a still further alternate embodiment, the elongated flexible body supports an elongated tissue-bonding sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for manufacturing a needle, of the type used in the medical field. This needle is formed by a pulsed laser weld for joining a first portion having a pointed end and a second end having the shape of a tube and for receiving, in a subsequent step, the end of a suture thread. During the welding step, the needle and the incident laser beam are driven in a relative rotational movement whose speed is adjusted such that during the duration of a laser beam pulse, at least one complete revolution is carried out.

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.

Abstract: A method of mechanically treating alloy metal surgical needles to improve bending strength is disclosed. The needles are curved and reverse-curved in this method to improve bending strength.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for a hypodermic stitching needle, one in which the hypodermic hollow tube has an insert slot for a thread insertion, thread which extends through the inside hypodermic tubular channel to a beveled tip. The hollow needle channel protects the suture from tear and the needle tip provide increased thread control to the needle user.

Abstract: A nontraumatic two-point needle for surgical suture having two or more modular components constituted by hollow and solid needle portions to be assembled by locking the suture line, or lines, inside the hollow portion or portions.

Abstract: A surgical needle (10) that has two skin penetrating tips 14a and (14b) and an elongate single eye (15) that extends along a majority of the length of the needle. The needle is used to introduce and advance a surgical device (30) subcutaneously.

Abstract: A surgical method and apparatus is provided for reducing the effects of aging skin. SSTFM under the skin is engaged through an incision by a suture needle that carries a suture. The sutured SSTFM is lifted, and sutured to a fixed facial structure such as a ligament, bone, periosteum or deep facia (hereby reattaching the tissue under the skin to the fixed facial structure.

Abstract: Surgical needles are produced by immersing a needle possessing a distal end surrounded at least in part by flash material and a body portion in an acid bath according to a predetermined sequence, wherein the distal end of the needle is exposed to the acid bath under conditions sufficient to remove flash material from the distal end of the needle and the body portion of the needle is exposed to the acid bath under conditions sufficient to provide a matte finish on at least a portion of the body portion of the needle.

Abstract: A method for making a curved tungsten alloy suture needle comprising the step of heating tungsten alloy needle blanks or a tungsten alloy suture needle to a temperature below the recrystallization temperature of the alloy. The tungsten alloy suture needles described herein have a desirable combination of stiffness, strength, ductility, and surface color.

Abstract: A medical device, particularly a suture needle, comprising a tungsten alloy and having a blue, yellow or black surface coloration.

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: A process for manufacturing a surgical needle incorporates at least one pressing operation which, preferably, in conjunction with a trimming and/or etching process, ultimately forms the sharpened needle end. The grinding operation in the preferred process does not produce the primary sharpened edges of the needle, but, rather is incorporated, in one instance, to reduce excess needle material prior to the pressing operation. Consequently, the amount of flash material generated during pressing is substantially reduced. This feature desirably enhances the subsequent trimming and etching operations, and produces a needle which is extremely sharp, durable and exhibits an improved retention of sharpness over periods of prolonged use.

Abstract: A knot placer has a rod (10) connecting a handle end (11) to a working end (12). The working end (12) has a closed leg eyelet (15) and a slit leg eyelet (16). A slidable knot (27), formed from a pair of ends of surgical suture (25a) and (25b) is used to join a patient's tissue. The knot (27) can be transferred through an access port (21) and tightened at a surgical site (26) by threading each respective suture end (25a) and (25b) into each eyelet (15) and (16), grasping the handle end (11), and pushing the slidable knot (27) to the surgical site (26) during an endoscopic surgery. Subsequently, the knot placer can be pulled out of the access port (21), and the slit eyelet (16) can release its respective suture end (25a) or (25b) through the slit (19). Another slidable knot (27) can be tied.

Abstract: A new, quick, simple, efficient, safe, and reproducible surgical technique for the treatment of female urinary incontinence, in which the posterior urethra is suspended using a tape passed through the obturator orifices from inside (underneath the urethra) to outside (thigh folds). A variety of specifically designed surgical instruments are utilized to perform this operative procedure.

Abstract: A surgical needle having a base portion defining a root diameter and a tapered end portion extending from said base portion to a pointed end, the tapered end portion defining at least a first and second region, wherein the first region having an average taper ratio of approximately 2.76:1 and the second region having an average taper ratio of approximately 5.65:1.

Abstract: An instrument for surgical suturing includes a shaft, and a needle disposed slidably for longitudinal travel with respect to the shaft. A prong formed on one end of the shaft projects across a longitudinal axis of the needle and has an opening formed through the prong that provides a clearance through which a tip portion of the needle passes when it is advanced. Slots formed on a surface of the prong facing the shaft releasably hold suture across the opening. Advancing the needle through the clearance allows a hook formed on the tip of the needle to capture the suture. Once withdrawn, the needle draws the suture back through tissue pierced during advancement. The suture is released from the slots and drawn back through the tissue for further knot tying and suturing to effect the tissue repairs.

Abstract: A suture punch system is capable of directly passing braided suture through tissue in a simple, one-step process. The system includes three principle components: a malleable needle with braided suture attached, a handheld instrument for grasping tissue and controlling needle placement, and a trocar to supply the force required for needle placement. Needle deformation begins at the tip of the instrument, which preferably includes a curved segment. As the distal tip of the needle pierces the tissue, it continues its radial path through the tissue. When the proximal end of the needle exits from the instrument, the needle is entirely radial in shape and traverses an essentially radial path through the tissue. Non-radial linear or non-linear segments may alternatively be used. In one embodiment, the tissue to be sutured is constrained by pressure applied through closure between an upper, moveable jaw the distal portion of the instrument which acts as a fixed jaw.

Abstract: A linear surgical needle is provided having a body portion including a proximal end section; a central section; and a distal end section. The distal end section has a substantially parabolic configuration for producing a substantially uniform stress profile along a length thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus used with a helical suture device has a first end and a second end. The first end includes a spatulate member having a length along a first axis. The second end includes a guide shaped to receive a cylindrical axle of the helical suture device for rotation on a second axis. The guide is shaped to constrain the first axis in fixed position relative to the second axis, the first and second axes each lying within a plane. The spatulate member extends, typically symmetrically, in a first direction and a second direction from the first axis, the first direction and second direction being on opposite sides of the plane. The apparatus lies between a first tissue that is to be sutured, and a second tissue that is desired not to be sutured.

Abstract: An instrument for arthroscopic suture passing having a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end. A jaw disposed on the distal end has a needle and a hook. The jaw opens and closes with respect to a stationary distal tip of the instrument. A handle disposed on the proximal end manipulates the jaw. A movable suture shuttle is disposed in the distal tip of the instrument. Arthroscopic suture passing takes place by initially loading a length of suture into the suture shuttle, and capturing the suture by moving the suture shuttle away from a position in which it would engage the needle and hook. The needle then is advanced through tissue using the handle to close the jaw against the stationery tip. The suture shuttle then is advanced to load the suture onto the hook. Opening the jaw draws the needle back through the tissue, pulling the suture in a loop through the tissue. A spring arm urges tissue off of the needle. The loop of suture then is available for further suturing or knot tying.

Abstract: An instrument for surgical suturing includes a shaft, and a needle disposed slidably for longitudinal travel with respect to the shaft. A prong formed on one end of the shaft projects across a longitudinal axis of the needle and has an opening formed through the prong that provides a clearance through which a tip portion of the needle passes when it is advanced. Slots formed on a surface of the prong facing the shaft releasably hold suture across the opening. The suture is held in the slots by passing the suture strands separately back around the sides of the prong, then together up through a channel formed on the prong above the slots, and securing the strands in a pinch slot formed in a handle of the instrument. Advancing the needle through the clearance allows a hook formed on the tip of the needle to capture the suture. Once withdrawn, the needle draws the suture back through tissue pierced during advancement.

Abstract: A method for siliconizing surgical needles is provided whereby the needles are treated with acid before they are siliconized.

Abstract: A surgical instrument (10) intended for use in location of a filament in a body, where the instrument comprises a rigid shaft (12) having a handle (14) at one end (16), the other end (18) of the shaft being convergent and formed with an eye (22) adjacent to the other end, the eye being dimensioned to receive the filament, the shaft being curved in a portion proximate the other end.

Abstract: A surgical needle possesses enhanced needle attributes including needle sharpness and resistance to bending or breaking during use. The surgical needle includes an elongated needle body defining a longitudinal y axis and x and z axes transverse to the y axis. The elongated needle body includes a central shaft and a first end for attachment to a suture and a second needled end for penetrating tissue. The needled end includes lower and upper opposed planar surfaces and a pair of side surfaces extending between the lower and upper planar surfaces and contiguous therewith. The upper surface and side surfaces extend to a pointed tip. The lower surface extends to a cutting edge defined at the intersection of the side surfaces and proximal of the pointed tip. The cutting edge extends in oblique relation relative to the longitudinal axis of the needle body and terminates at the pointed tip.

Abstract: A surgical needle includes an elongated needle body defining a longitudinal axis, and having a main shaft, a needle end adjacent the main shaft, and a needle tip extending from the needle end and having an extreme needle point. The needle end includes a plurality of concave surfaces extending from the needle tip to the main shaft. The needle tip includes a plurality of concave surfaces extending from the needle point to intersect the concave surfaces of the needle end. The concave surfaces of the needle end are obliquely arranged relative to the longitudinal axis at a first angle. The concave surfaces of the needle tip are obliquely arranged relative to the longitudinal axis at a second angle greater than the first angle. The elongated needle body includes cutting edges disposed along lines of intersection of the concave surfaces of the needle end with the concave surfaces of the needle tip.

Abstract: A needle having a shaft; a neck at the distal end of the shaft; and a tapered end at the distal end of the neck, the tapered end comprising at least three planar faces meeting at a central point, and an annular shoulder adjacent to the neck.

Abstract: A surgical needle includes an elongated needle body defining a longitudinal y-axis along which the needle body extends and transverse x and z-axes. The needle body includes a central shaft portion, a first suture end portion for attachment to a suture and a second needled end portion for penetrating tissue. The needled end portion has three sides which intersect to define three cutting edges and terminate at a needle point. At least one side includes a pair of planar surface portions arranged in oblique relation to define a general concave appearance to the one side. The needled end portion further defines an enlarged transition portion adjacent the central shaft portion with at least an x-dimension greater than a corresponding x-dimension of the central shaft portion.

Abstract: A system for grasping, holding, stabilizing, and selectively releasing tissue with minimal damage to the tissue. The system can further include a device that signals entry into the epidural space. A tubular member is provided having at a distal tip an annular surface surrounding a terminal port and at least one barb projecting at an angle from the annular surface for grasping and controlling the tissue. Each barb is formed having a sharp edge configured to grasp the tissue as the tubular member is rotated about its longitudinal axis. One implementation of the system includes a plurality of unidirectional barbs spaced around the annular surface. The system can further include an indicator mechanism that gives a visual and a tactile indication of when the tubular member, such as a cannula, encounters and penetrates tissue. The system facilitates the appropriate placement of an epidural or subdural catheter or patch of any kind.