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US 2004/0172047 A1Published application
Forward deploying suturing device and methods of use
AssigneeSciMed Life Systems, Inc.
InventorsBarry N. Gellman, Jozef Slanda
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Sutures can be placed in difficult to access areas of the human body with devices, and related methods, utilizing a needle carrier. The devices and methods can be used in conjunction with both endosurgical and traditional open surgery procedures.
Claims23
A suturing instrument comprising:
- an elongate body member;
- a needle deployment system disposed at a distal portion of the elongate body member, the needle deployment system comprising a forward-deploying needle carrier;
- and
- a catch disposed on the elongate body member to receive and retain the needle.
1 more element
A method for placing a suture in tissue comprising the steps of:
- placing a suturing instrument enclosing a forward-deploying needle carrier including a needle, wherein the forward-deploying needle carrier is movably positioned within a needle carrier channel adjacent the tissue to be sutured;
- deploying the forward-deploying needle carrier out of the suturing instrument through a forward-directed exit port;
- and
- capturing the needle carried by the forward-deploying needle carrier in a catch that receives and retains the needle.
1 more element
A method for shortening the pelvic floor comprising the steps of:
- placing a suturing instrument enclosing a forward-deploying needle carrier including a needle adjacent to the tissue of the pelvic floor;
- deploying the suturing instrument such that the suture is passed through the tissue of the pelvic floor;
- and
- tightening the suture such that the pelvic floor buckles and is effectively shortened in height.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.