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US 5,722,991 AGranted
Apparatus and method for attaching surgical needle suture components
AssigneeUnited States Surgical Corporation
InventorFrancis D. Colligan
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AssigneeUnited States Surgical Corporation
InventorFrancis D. Colligan
Estimating the term…
An apparatus for attaching a surgical needle of the type having an end portion with an elongated aperture defined therein and a suture having a generally elongated end portion which is to be positioned in the elongated aperture of the needle includes a pair of dies, each die having at least two generally planar engaging surfaces with a recessed portion disposed between adjacent engaging surfaces. The engaging surfaces of the dies each define a plane which is in general parallel relation to a longitudinal axis of the respective die. The recessed portion defines a relief zone such that when the end portion of the suture is positioned within the aperture of the needle end and the dies are positioned about the end portion of the needle with the engaging surfaces of each die generally facing the outer surface thereof, applying inward crimping force to the dies causes the dies to produce inward crimping forces on opposed sides of the needle end portion to cause a reduction of the dimension of the elongated aperture of the needle to thereby attach the needle to the suture whereby the recessed portion receives and collects deformed material from the needle. Secondary recessed portions may be provided to accumulate deformed needle material outward of the engaging surfaces. Side walls are provided on the die to receive the other die therebetween during crimping and constrain outward deformation of the needle. A method for attaching a surgical suture to a needle is also disclosed.
A surgical needle-suture attachment apparatus for attaching a surgical needle and a suture, which comprises a pair of dies, and a surgical needle at least partially positioned within the dies and having an end portion with an elongated aperture defined therein, each die including at least two generally planar engaging surfaces with a recessed portion disposed between adjacent engaging surfaces, the engaging surfaces each defining a plane in general parallel relation to a longitudinal axis of the respective die, the recessed portion defining a relief zone such that when an end portion of the suture is positioned within the aperture of the needle end and the dies are positioned about the end portion of the needle with the at least two engaging surfaces of each die generally facing the outer surface of the needle, applying inward crimping force to the dies causes the dies to produce inward crimping forces on opposed sides of the needle end portion to cause a reduction of the dimension of the elongated aperture of the needle to thereby attach the needle to the suture, wherein the recessed portion between the adjacent planar engaging surfaces is configured for receiving and collecting deformed material from the needle.
A method for attaching a surgical needle to a suture, the needle having an end with an elongated aperture formed therein, the suture having an end portion suitably configured for insertion into the aperture, the method comprising the steps:
A needle-suture combination, which comprises:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.