Retractable suture needle assembly
OwnerSeena Monjazebinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An assembly and method for the protection of medical personnel from accidental suture needle sticks is described. The assembly includes a case containing a needle which can be retracted when not in use. The needle is extended and retracted through the engagement of a needle driver which compresses a compressible member. The compressible member exerts a force on the needle which in turn extends the needle's point beyond the casing so that the user can suture tissue. Disengaging the needle driver retracts the needle point which protects the user from accidentally receiving a needle prick from a contaminated needle between punctures.
Claims20
A retractable suture needle assembly, comprising:
- a casing including a plurality of outer casings and an inner casing, the plurality of outer casings configured to selectively surround a portion of the inner casing;
- a needle located within the inner casing;
- a compressible member coupled between the inner casing and the needle, the compressible member configured to position the needle in at least one of an extended position and a retracted position;
- and
- a needle driver coupled to the inner casing, the needle driver configured to selectively flex and apply a pressure to the compressible member so as to adjust the location of the needle relative to the casing.
A method of using a retractable suture needle assembly, comprising:
- obtaining a retractable suture needle assembly including a casing, a needle, a compressible member, and a needle driver;
- coupling a suture material to a suture end of the casing;
- applying pressure to the needle driver so as to extend the needle from the casing;
- using the needle point to puncture a hole for the suture to be transitioned through;
- and
- retracting the needle point by disengaging the needle driver between punctures.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.