Surgical suturing instrument and method of use
OwnerGregory E. Sancoff, Frederic P. Field +3inventors
InventorsGregory E. Sancoff, Frederic P. Field, Douglas A. Fogg, Brett Guyer, John T. Rice
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Abstract
A device is disclosed for introducing a flexible elongated element through at least two portions of a subject. In an embodiment, the device includes a proximal end and a distal end, as well as an advancement unit for longitudinally advancing the flexible elongated element toward the distal end such that a proximal end of the elongated element may pass from the distal end of said device with sufficient force to pass through the portions of the subject. The device also includes a securing unit for variably adjusting a securing force applied by the flexible elongated element to secure together the portions of the subject.
Claims26
A tool for joining a first layer of material to a second layer of material, said tool comprising:
- a handle;
- an end effector mounted on said handle and defining therein:
- a first channel for retaining a wire guide;
- a second channel extending from the first channel for supporting a suture wire extending from the wire guide;
- a passageway for retaining a cutter bar;
- and
- an end recess;
- said second channel being curved to impart a looping configuration to portions of the suture wire passed therethrough;
- and
- said end recess having a curved surface at a bottom of said end recess, such that the end recess is adapted to receive the looped suture wire emerged from said second channel;
- a wire advancing actuator mounted on said handle for moving the suture wire through said second channel and through the material first and second layers;
- and
- a wire cutting actuator mounted on said handle for moving the cutting bar into cutting engagement with the suture wire.
A tool for joining a first layer of material to a second layer of material, said tool comprising:
- a handle;
- an end effector mounted on said handle and comprising:
- a first fixed portion defining therein a first groove defining a portion of a first channel for retaining a wire guide;
- a second channel extending from the first channel for supporting a suture wire extending from the wire guide;
- a portion of a passageway for retaining a cutting bar;
- and
- wall structure defining a portion of an end recess in a distal end of said end effector;
- and
- a second fixed portion defining therein a first groove defining a remainder of the first channel;
- a second groove defining a remainder of said passageway;
- a wall portion defining a remainder of said second channel;
- and
- a sidewall for defining a remainder of the end recess;
- said second channel being curved to impart a looping configuration to portions of the suture wire passed therethrough;
- the end recess being defined in part by a curved surface in said end effector defining a bottom of the end recess, such that the end recess is adapted to receive the looped suture wire emerged from said second channel;
- a wire advancing actuator mounted on said handle for moving the suture wire through said second channel and through the material first and second layers;
- and
- a wire cutting actuator mounted on said handle for moving the cutting bar into cutting engagement with the suture wire.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.