Dual insufflation and wound closure devices and methods

Abstract

A dual functioning instrument set, comprising a needle and guide, has not only the capabilities to enter and insufflate the abdominal cavity but also the ability of a suture passer to carry and retrieve suture for closure of the incision sites at the end of the procedure. The needle contains a deployable snare that is used to pass and retrieve suture. The guide is used to repeatedly locate the needle relative to the inner abdominal wall allowing for consistent placement of sutures. For insufflation purposes, obturator tips having different distal structures are provided for shielding the sharp needle tip after insertion through a body wall.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application relates to, claims priority from, and incorporates herein by reference, as if fully set forth, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 574,455 filed on Aug. 4, 2011 and entitled “INSUFFLATION / CLOSURE DEVICE AND GUIDE.”BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]This invention relates to surgical instruments for approximation, ligation and fixation of tissue using a suture, and particularly to the approximation of tissue separated by means of an endosurgical trocar being inserted into a body cavity. This invention also relates to the access to an anatomic cavity or space during a medical procedure, and particularly to insufflations of the abdominal cavity for laparoscopic surgery.[0004]2. Description of Prior Art and Related Information[0005]Numerous methods currently exist for performing laparoscopic procedures. One of the more commonly used methods is known as closed laparoscopy which utilizes a sharp needle (eg...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a needle apparatus with a snare that can be actuated between a fully retracted position, a partial deployment position, and a fully deployed position. The snare can be used to pass suture material through tissue with minimal damage. The needle apparatus is designed to be easily handled and inserted into the abdomen with minimal discomfort to the patient. The barrel of the needle apparatus has counterforce tabs to aid in handling and insertion. The distal end of the barrel has a blunt tip to minimize harm to adjacent tissue. The barrel also has slots to allow the needle to travel to the appropriate location of the abdominal wall for suture placement, and wings to push away fatty tissue that may interfere with the suture. The technical effects of the needle apparatus are improved suture passing capabilities and minimized damage to tissue.

Problems solved by technology

One of the post-operative complications associated with this procedure is the incidence of trocar site hernias, where a portion of an organ or fatty tissue protrudes out through the hole in the abdominal wall created by the trocar access portal.

It is believed that improper closure, or complete lack of closure, of the incision site at the peritoneum is the primary cause of these hernias which form during the post-operative period ranging from several days to several months following the procedure.

However, the prior art related to trocar wound site closure instrumentation are typically cumbersome to use and do not provide for a simple, reproducible, and reliable means of closing the wound site.

This can be both expensive and create additional waste, unnecessarily.

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