Suture device

Abstract

The present invention is a suture device generally intended for use in puncture wounds of a body cavity. The suture device can be inserted through the tissue layer into the body cavity and extend needles attached to a common suture line, under endoscopic vision, for engagement with the internal side of the tissue layer. The needles are deployed using a straight spring that deforms outwardly from the shaft of the suture device when a force is applied to the spring. Because of the inherent characteristics of the spring, it bends perpendicular to the shaft of the suture device and the removably attached needle is moved outwardly while staying generally parallel to the shaft of the suture device. Once the force is removed on the spring, the spring returns to its original position close to the body of the shaft.

Description

[0001] This application is a Continuation and claims priority from and incorporates by reference patent application Ser. No. 10 / 353 / 732 filed Jan. 29, 2003.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] Applicant's invention relates to a device for suturing together the tissue walls of body cavities that have received puncture type wounds. More particularly, it relates to a suture device that can be inserted into the body cavity through the puncture wound, extend needles connected by a suture line and draw them through the tissue walls in order to close the puncture wound. [0004] 2. Background Information [0005] Conventional instruments for closing puncture wounds generally provide for a device with a shaft that can be extended into the body cavity through the puncture wound, and then deploy needles for pulling up through the tissue walls. However, the means for deploying the needles are often cumbersome, or the needles are deployed at an angle that is not paral...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] The present invention is a suturing device that quickly and easily extends and retracts suturing needles from the shaft.

[0013] b. needle recesses into which the needles can be retracted in order to more easily pass the shaft tip into and through the body wall;

[0022] Although the spring may be a single piece, it is anticipated that the spring may also be constructed of two or more separate pieces cooperatively engaged to perform the described function. Other embodiments of the spring may also be incorporated into the suture device, such as using a spring that has a greater coefficient of elasticity in an area between the attachment point of the needle receiver and the attachment point of the spring lower portion to the lower shaft. This would result in the stiffening of the spring lower portion to more effectively withstand the pressure of pressing the needle through the tissue while in the second position, and would resist further bending and distortion of the spring, and ease insertion of the needle.

[0023] This deployment means provides the surgeon with an easy-to-use suturing device that deploys the needle quickly and efficiently. Furthermore, the needle is deployed and passed into the tissue under endoscopic vision to assure accurate placement in the tissue to receive the suture and also avoid other organs and tissue, such as the bowels, to prevent damage to them. Additionally, if the surgeon has not, or is unable to find the correct placement for the insertion of the needle, or if the device needs to be withdrawn without delivering the needle into the tissue, the needle is quickly retracted when force is removed from the spring.

Problems solved by technology

However, the means for deploying the needles are often cumbersome, or the needles are deployed at an angle that is not parallel to the shaft of the suture device.

These characteristics mean that either it may be difficult to extend or retract the needle, or the needle may not be pulled perpendicularly through the tissue layer.

Unfortunately, conventional deployment mechanisms can be cumbersome and not as efficient as necessary in surgical procedures that require precision.

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