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US 2011/0301424 A1Published application
Vaginal Cuff Closure Systems, And Related Method For Knot-Free Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
OwnerJames J. Steigerwaldinventor
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Abstract
A vaginal cuff closure system includes a speculum having a closed rear aspect, a secure suture ring and a fastener for removably attaching the secure suture ring with a blade of the speculum. A related method of using the closure system in knot-free laparoscopic hysterectomy is also disclosed.
Claims18
A vaginal cuff closure system, comprising:
- a speculum having a closed rear aspect;
- a secure suture ring;
- and
- a fastener for removably attaching the secure suture ring with a blade of the speculum.
1 more element
A method of knot-free laparoscopic hysterectomy, comprising the steps of
- laparoscopically detaching a patient's uterus;
- removing the uterus;
- inserting a vaginal cuff closure system into the patient's vagina;
- advancing the cuff closure system such that an attached suture securing ring is accessible at the vaginal cuff;
- laparoscopically suturing the vaginal cuff;
- threading suture ends through the suture securing ring;
- detaching the suture securing ring from a speculum of the vaginal cuff closure system;
- pulling the suture taut to close the vaginal cuff;
- crimping the suture securing ring about the suture, to maintain tension on the suture and closure of the vaginal cuff;
- and
- removing remaining elements of the vaginal cuff closure system from the vagina.
8 more elements
A laparoscopic instrument for crimping a suture securing ring, comprising:
- a pair of jaws protruding from the distal end of a shaft;
- the proximal end of the shaft coupled with a handle body having a lever for activating the jaws;
- wherein pressing the lever toward the handle body closes the jaws to crimp the suture securing ring and secure in place suture threaded through the ring.
A vaginal cuff closure system for retrofit assembly with a speculum, comprising:
- a secure suture ring;
- a fastener for removably fitting the secure suture ring with a blade of the speculum;
- an end seal for sealing a rear aspect of the speculum;
- and
- one or more side sealing mechanisms for sealing left and right sides of the speculum, between upper and lower blades of the speculum;
- wherein the end seal and the one or more side sealing mechanisms provide an airtight chamber between the speculum blades when the speculum is inserted into a patient's vagina.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.