US 2012/0232587 A1 · Wound Closing Device

Abstract

A wound closure system comprises a forceps including first and second legs adapted to close into a proximate position in response to a squeezing force applied to the forceps. The forceps also includes a ratchet strip connected to the second leg and passing through an opening in the first leg. The lower edge of the opening is formed as a ratchet pawl for engaging the ratchet strip, thereby providing a ratchet mechanism. Engaging the ratchet mechanism maintains the proximate position of the forceps; rotation of the ratchet strip about the hinge causes it to move upward, thereby disengaging the ratchet mechanism. The forceps may also include a safety latch connected to the first leg by a hinge. Rotation of the safety latch about the hinge inserts a portion of the safety latch into the opening to contact the ratchet strip and thereby prevent disengaging of the ratchet mechanism.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A wound closure system adapted for closing a wound, said wound closure system comprising a forceps device including

a first leg and a second leg adapted to close toward each other into a proximate position in response to a squeezing force applied to the forceps, the first leg having an opening therein;
a ratchet strip connected to the second leg by a hinge and passing through the opening in the first leg,
the lower edge of the opening formed as a ratchet pawl for engaging the ratchet strip, thereby providing a ratchet mechanism,
whereby engaging the ratchet mechanism maintains the proximate position of the forceps.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Wound Closing Device

Life of this patent

Wound Closing Device

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20