US 5,817,111 A · Open loop suture snare

Abstract

A surgical instrument for facilitating the use of sutures in arthroscopic, laparoscopic or other similar surgical procedures includes a housing having an internal cavity. A plunger extends within the cavity of the housing and is supported therein for relative sliding movement between first and second axial positions. A spring disposed within the cavity urges the plunger to the first axial position. A tubular introducer needle is secured to the housing and extends co-axially therefrom. An extension tube is disposed within the introducer needle and is secured to the plunger for axial movement therewith relative to the housing. The extension tube has an extension finger axially extending therefrom. A resilient wire having a wire finger portion is operatively coupled to the extension tube. When the plunger is in the first position, the extension finger and the wire finger are retracted within the introducer needle so that the wire extends generally alongside the extension finger in a closed position. When the plunger is in the second position, the extension finger and the wire finger are extended outwardly from the introducer needle. The wire is resiliently predisposed to urge said wire finger radially outwardly from the extension finger to an open position.

Claims16

Dependent claims

A surgical instrument comprising:

a first tube having a first end, said first tube defining an axis;
a second tube slidably disposed within said first tube, said second tube having an extension, said extension having a semi-tublar channel shaped portion, said second tube being axially movable between a first position, wherein said extension is retracted within said first end of said first tube, and a second position, wherein said extension is axially extended outside of said first end of said first tube;
and
a resilient wire having a first end and a second end, said wire being fixed to said second tube at said second end such that, when said second tube is in said first position, said wire is in a closed position and extends generally alongside said extension of said second tube, said wire being extended outside of said first end of said first tube when said second tube is in said second position, said wire being resiliently predisposed to urge said first end of said wire radially outwardly from said extension of said second tube to an open position of said wire when said second tube is in said second position.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Open loop suture snare

Life of this patent

Open loop suture snare

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16