Suture-retaining device

Abstract

A suture-retaining device according to the present disclosure comprises a first body and a second body. The first body and the second body are capable of moving relative to each other so as to change form between a first form in which an opening that passes through in a prescribed passing-through direction and has an open end into which a suture thread can be inserted from a direction intersecting the passing-through direction is defined by one body or the space between one body and the other body, and a second form in which a suture thread that is inserted into the opening from the open end and extends in the passing-through direction can be gripped in the space between the one body and the other body at a prescribed grip position. The first body and the second body form a guide part that, when first body and the second body are changing form from the first form to the second form, is capable of causing the suture thread inserted into the opening to be guided toward the prescribed grip position in a direction intersecting the direction of relative movement of the first body and the second body.

Description

Suture Holding Device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a suture holding device.

[0002]

[0003] Conventionally, surgical procedures using a suture holding device capable of holding a suture have been known. In this type of procedure, the suture is held in the suture holding device, which facilitates suturing. Patent Document 1 discloses a suture holding device used in this type of procedure.

[0003] The suture holding device described in Patent Document 1 includes a housing having a first through hole, and an actuator connected to the housing, having a second through hole, and movable relative to the housing from a first position to a second position. In the suture holding device described in Patent Document 1, when the actuator is in the first position with the first through hole and the second through hole receiving the suture, the actuator and the housing cooperate to restrict movement of the suture relative to the housing. In addition, in the suture holding device described in Patent Document 1, when the actuator is in the second position with the first through hole and the second through hole receiving the suture, the actuator and the housing cooperate to allow movement of the suture relative to the housing.

[0004] US Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 0142638

[0005] The suture holding device described in Patent Document 1 can omit the step of ligating the suture in the procedure, thereby reducing the complexity of the procedure. However, the suture holding device described in Patent Document 1 requires, during use, the suture to be inserted through the first through-hole of the housing and the second through-hole of the actuator, for example, by using a threader, and there is still room for improvement in terms of reducing the complexity of the procedure.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a suture holding device that can reduce the complexity of the procedure.

[0007] A suture holding device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is (1) a suture holding device comprising a first body portion and a second body portion, wherein the first body portion and the second body portion are relatively movable to change shape between a first shape in which an opening having an open end that penetrates in a predetermined penetration direction and through which a suture can be inserted from a direction intersecting the penetration direction is defined between one body portion or between the one body portion and the other body portion, and a second shape in which the suture inserted from the open end into the opening and extending in the penetration direction can be grasped between the first body portion and the second body portion at a predetermined grasping position, and wherein the first body portion and the second body portion form a guide portion that can guide the suture inserted in the opening toward the predetermined grasping position in a direction intersecting the relative movement direction of the first body portion and the second body portion when changing shape from the first shape to the second shape.

[0008] A suture holding device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is (2) the suture holding device according to (1) above, wherein the guide portion is capable of pressing the suture inserted into the opening toward the predetermined gripping position when the guide portion changes shape from the first shape to the second shape.

[0009] A suture holding device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is: (3) the suture holding device according to (2) above, wherein the guide portion includes, in a plan view along the penetration direction, an intersection point where the first body portion and the second body portion intersect with each other during the first configuration or during a change from the first configuration to the second configuration, and approaches the predetermined gripping position as the first body portion and the second body portion move relatively to assume the second configuration.

[0010] A suture holding device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is the suture holding device described in (3) above, wherein: (4) one of the first and second body portions has a recess that defines the opening and is concave in plan view; and the guide portion, when changing shape from the first form to the second form, is capable of pressing the suture inserted into the opening toward the bottom side of the recess of one of the body portions, toward the predetermined gripping position.

[0011] A suture holding device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is (5) the suture holding device according to (4) above, wherein the recess has a slit shape in the plan view.

[0012] A suture holding device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is (6) the suture holding device according to (4) above, wherein the recess is, in the plan view, generally V-shaped with a width that gradually decreases toward the bottom.

[0013] A suture holding device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is (7) the suture holding device according to any one of (2) to (6) above, wherein, in a plan view along the penetration direction, the opening changes into a through-hole without an open end during the change from the first form to the second form.

[0014] A suture holding device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is (8) the suture holding device described above in (7), wherein, when the opening is transformed into the through hole, an inner edge portion defining the through hole in the planar view forms the guide portion, and the area of ​​the through hole in the planar view decreases as the inner edge portion approaches the predetermined gripping position as the first body portion and the second body portion move relatively to assume the second form.

[0015] A suture holding device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is (9) the suture holding device described above in (8), wherein, in the plan view, the through hole is approximately rectangular, and the area of ​​the through hole decreases such that two corners constituting diagonal angles of the approximately rectangular shape approach each other as the first body portion and the second body portion move relatively to assume the second configuration.

[0016] A suture holding device as one embodiment of the present disclosure is (10) the suture holding device as set forth in any one of (2) to (9) above, wherein one of the first and second body portions comprises two receiving plate portions spaced apart in the penetration direction, and the other body portion comprises a pushing plate portion located between the two receiving plate portions in the penetration direction, the guide portion being formed by end portions of the two receiving plate portions and the pushing plate portion in an orthogonal direction perpendicular to the penetration direction, and when the first and second body portions are in the second configuration, the suture can be clamped and held between the two receiving plate portions and the pushing plate portion in the orthogonal direction.

[0017] A suture holding device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is (11) the suture holding device according to (4) or (5) above, wherein, in the plan view, as the first body portion and the second body portion move relative to each other to assume the second configuration, the outer edge of the other body portion is movable across the recess of the one body portion, and the guide portion is formed by the recess of the one body portion and the outer edge of the other body portion.

[0018] A suture holding device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is (12) the suture holding device according to any one of (4) to (6) above, wherein when the recess is a first recess, the other main body portion has a second recess that is concave in the planar view, and the first recess of the one main body portion and the second recess of the other main body portion overlap each other in the penetration direction when the first main body portion and the second main body portion are in the first configuration, and define the opening in the planar view seen along the penetration direction.

[0019] A suture holding device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is (13) the suture holding device according to (12) above, wherein the second recess has a slit shape in the plan view.

[0020] A suture holding device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is (14) the suture holding device according to any one of (1) to (13) above, wherein the first body portion and the second body portion are capable of changing shape between the first configuration and the second configuration by rotating relative to each other.

[0021] A suture holding device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is (15) the suture holding device according to any one of (1) to (13) above, wherein the first body portion and the second body portion are capable of changing shape between the first configuration and the second configuration by linear movement relative to one another.

[0022] A suture holding device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is (16) the suture holding device described above in (15), wherein one of the first and second body portions includes a body accommodating portion that accommodates at least a portion of the other body portion and supports the other body portion so as to be movable linearly relative to the one body portion.

[0023] A suture holding device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is (17) the suture holding device according to any one of (1) to (16) above, comprising a biasing member that biases the first body portion and the second body portion to maintain the first configuration or the second configuration.

[0024] According to the present disclosure, a suture holding device can be provided that can prevent the procedure from becoming complicated.

[0025] 1B is a view showing a suture holding device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating a state before the first and second body portions grasp the suture. FIG. 1C is a view showing a state in which the first and second body portions have moved linearly relative to each other, approaching a state in which the suture is grasped, from the state shown in FIG. 1A. FIG. 1D is a view showing a state in which the first and second body portions have moved linearly relative to each other, approaching a state in which the suture is grasped, from the state shown in FIG. 1C. FIG. 1D is a perspective view of a suture holding device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a view showing the suture holding device shown in FIG. 2, illustrating a state before the first and second body portions grasp the suture. FIG. 3A is a view showing a state in which the first and second body portions have rotated relative to each other, approaching a state in which the suture is grasped. 5A , 5B , and 5C are diagrams showing a state in which the first body portion and the second body portion have rotated relative to each other, approaching a state in which they grip the suture. 3D is a diagram showing a state in which the first body portion and the second body portion have rotated relative to each other, from the state shown in FIG. 3B , and have approached a state in which they grip the suture. 3C is a diagram showing a state in which the first body portion and the second body portion have rotated relative to each other, from the state shown in FIG. 3C , and have grasped the suture. 3D is a diagram showing a Z-Z cross section of FIG. 3D . 3D is a diagram showing a suture holding device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, and is a diagram showing a state before the first body portion and the second body portion grip the suture. 5A is a diagram showing a state in which the first body portion and the second body portion have rotated relative to each other, from the state shown in FIG. 5B , and have grasped the suture. 3D is a diagram showing a suture holding device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, and is a diagram showing a state before the first body portion and the second body portion grip the suture. 6B is a diagram showing a state in which the first body portion and the second body portion move linearly relative to each other from the state shown in Fig. 6A to approach a state in which the suture is grasped. Fig. 6C is a diagram showing a state in which the first body portion and the second body portion move linearly relative to each other from the state shown in Fig. 6A to approach a state in which the suture is grasped. Fig. 6D is a diagram showing a modified example of the suture holding device as a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a state before the first body portion and the second body portion grasp the suture.6D , a view showing a state in which the first body portion and the second body portion move linearly relative to each other, approaching a state in which the suture is grasped. FIG. 6E , a view showing a state in which the first body portion and the second body portion move linearly relative to each other, grasping the suture. FIG. 7A , a view showing a state in which the first body portion and the second body portion move linearly relative to each other, approaching a state in which the suture is grasped. FIG. 7B , a view showing a state in which the first body portion and the second body portion move linearly relative to each other, grasping the suture.

[0026] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a suture holding device according to the present disclosure will be illustrated and described with reference to the drawings, in which the same components are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0027] First Embodiment First, with reference to FIGS. 1A to 1D , a suture holding device 1 will be described as one embodiment of a suture holding device according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 1A to 1D , the suture holding device 1 includes a first main body portion 10 and a second main body portion 20. The first main body portion 10 and the second main body portion 20 are configured to be movable relative to one another. FIG. 1A is a diagram showing the first main body portion 10 and the second main body portion 20 in a state before gripping the suture X. FIG. 1D is a diagram showing the first main body portion 10 and the second main body portion 20 gripping the suture X. FIGS. 1B and 1C are diagrams showing intermediate states of the first main body portion 10 and the second main body portion 20 from the state shown in FIG. 1A to the state shown in FIG. 1D . Specifically, FIG. 1B shows a state approaching the state shown in FIG. 1D from the state shown in FIG. 1A . FIG. 1C shows a state that is closer to the state shown in FIG. 1D than the state shown in FIG. 1B.

[0028] 1A to 1D, the suture holding device 1 is capable of gripping a suture X. For example, in a procedure for suturing a puncture site with the suture X, the suture holding device 1 may be used to grip both ends x1, x2 of the suture X used for suturing and to restrict movement of both ends x1, x2 of the suture X relative to the puncture site. However, the method of use of the suture holding device according to the present disclosure is not particularly limited.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1A to 1D, the first body portion 10 and the second body portion 20 are relatively movable to change configuration between a first configuration (see Figure 1A) and a second configuration (see Figure 1D).

[0030] Here, the "first form" refers to a form that defines an opening 30 that penetrates in a predetermined penetration direction A and has an open end 31 through which a suture X can be inserted from a direction intersecting the penetration direction A. The opening 30 may be defined by one of the first body portion 10 and the second body portion 20, or may be defined between the first body portion 10 and the second body portion 20. FIG. 1A shows the first form of the first body portion 10 and the second body portion 20. As shown in FIG. 1A, the penetration direction A of the opening 30 in this embodiment is perpendicular to the plane of the paper in FIG. 1A. Furthermore, the opening 30 in this embodiment has an open end 31 through which a suture X can be inserted in a direction perpendicular to the penetration direction A (a direction parallel to the plane of the paper in FIG. 1A). More specifically, in this embodiment, the suture X can be inserted into the opening 30 through the open end 31 along the left-right direction of FIG. 1A. Furthermore, the opening 30 in this embodiment is defined between the first body portion 10 and the second body portion 20 .

[0031] The "second configuration" refers to a configuration in which the suture X, which is inserted into the opening 30 from the open end 31 in the first configuration and extends in the penetration direction A, can be grasped between the first body portion 10 and the second body portion 20 at a predetermined grasping position CP. The "predetermined grasping position CP" refers to a position that is predetermined as a position where the first body portion 10 and the second body portion 20 grasp the suture X. FIG. 1D illustrates the first body portion 10 and the second body portion 20 in the second configuration. The "predetermined grasping position CP" in this embodiment refers to the position of the suture X shown in FIG. 1D. In FIG. 1D, the suture X is grasped by the first body portion 10 and the second body portion 20 at the predetermined grasping position CP between the first body portion 10 and the second body portion 20.

[0032] Furthermore, the first body portion 10 and the second body portion 20 form a guide portion 50 that can guide the suture X inserted into the opening 30 toward a predetermined gripping position CP when the first body portion 10 and the second body portion 20 change form from the first configuration (see FIG. 1A) to the second configuration (see FIG. 1D). In particular, the guide portion 50 can guide the suture X located in the opening 30 in a direction C that intersects with the direction B of relative movement of the first body portion 10 and the second body portion 20. More specifically, the guide portion 50 in this embodiment is the opposing surfaces 10a, 20a of the first body portion 10 and the second body portion 20 that can approach and move away from each other.

[0033] As shown in Figures 1A to 1D, the first body portion 10 and the second body portion 20 of this embodiment are relatively movable in the vertical direction in Figures 1A to 1D. That is, the relative movement direction B of the first body portion 10 and the second body portion 20 of this embodiment is the vertical direction in Figures 1A to 1D (hereinafter simply referred to as the "vertical direction"). When the first body portion 10 and the second body portion 20 change their configuration from the first configuration (see Figure 1A) to the second configuration (see Figure 1D), the suture X of the opening 30 is sandwiched between the first body portion 10 and the second body portion 20 in the vertical direction, which is the movement direction B of the first body portion 10 and the second body portion 20. Furthermore, the suture X of the opening 30 is also sandwiched between the first body portion 10 and the second body portion 20 in the left-right direction in Figures 1A to 1D. 1A to 1D (hereinafter simply referred to as the "left-right direction"). Thus, in this embodiment, when the first body portion 10 and the second body portion 20 change form from the first form (see FIG. 1A) to the second form (see FIG. 1D), the suture X located in the opening 30 is guided in the up-down and left-right directions toward the grasping position CP by the opposing surfaces 10a, 20a serving as guide portions 50 of the first body portion 10 and the second body portion 20.

[0034] In this way, the suture holding device 1 allows the suture X to be easily inserted into the opening 30 through the open end 31. Furthermore, the suture holding device 1 allows the suture X inserted into the opening 30 to be guided to the predetermined gripping position CP by the guide portion 50 in conjunction with the operation of moving the first main body portion 10 and the second main body portion 20 relative to each other, and the suture X can be reliably gripped at this predetermined gripping position CP. In other words, even if the suture X is inserted at a position other than the predetermined gripping position CP of the opening 30, the suture X can be reliably gripped at the predetermined gripping position CP by guiding it toward the predetermined gripping position CP with the guide portion 50. Furthermore, even if multiple sutures X or multiple portions of the suture X are inserted into the opening 30 while spaced apart, the first main body portion 10 and the second main body portion 20 can guide the multiple sutures X or multiple portions of the suture X toward the predetermined gripping position CP with the guide portion 50. This allows multiple sutures X or multiple portions of the suture X to be grasped in a bundled state.

[0035] Furthermore, because the guide unit 50 is configured to be able to guide the suture X in a direction C (left-right direction in this embodiment) that intersects with the direction B of relative movement of the first main body unit 10 and the second main body unit 20 (up-down direction in this embodiment), the suture X can be guided toward the predetermined gripping position CP even if the suture X is inserted away from the predetermined gripping position CP in the direction C that intersects with the direction B of relative movement of the first main body unit 10 and the second main body unit 20. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the guide unit 50 is configured to be able to guide the suture X only in the direction B of relative movement of the first main body unit 10 and the second main body unit 20, the suture X that is inserted at a position other than the predetermined gripping position CP of the opening 30 can be more reliably guided toward the predetermined gripping position CP.

[0036] In this embodiment, the up-down direction as the movement direction B and the left-right direction as the direction C intersecting with the movement direction B are directions that intersect with the penetration direction A. More specifically, the up-down direction and the left-right direction in this embodiment are directions that are perpendicular to the penetration direction A. The left-right direction in this embodiment is also the direction in which the suture X can be inserted into the opening 30 through the open end 31 (see FIG. 1A ).

[0037] Furthermore, when guide portion 50 of this embodiment changes from the first configuration (see FIG. 1A) to the second configuration (see FIG. 1D), it can press suture X inserted into opening 30 toward the predetermined gripping position CP. In other words, opposing surfaces 10a, 20a forming guide portion 50 of this embodiment can press suture X inserted into opening 30 toward the predetermined gripping position CP when it changes from the first configuration (see FIG. 1A) to the second configuration (see FIG. 1D).

[0038] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the plan view seen along the penetration direction A shown in FIGS. 1A to 1D will be simply referred to as the "plan view." Furthermore, in the plan view (see FIGS. 1A to 1D), the guide portion 50 of this embodiment forms an intersection 60 where the first body portion 10 and the second body portion 20 intersect with each other while changing from the first configuration (see FIG. 1A) to the second configuration (see FIG. 1D). This intersection 60 approaches a predetermined gripping position CP as the first body portion 10 and the second body portion 20 move relative to each other to reach the second configuration (see FIG. 1D). More specifically, in the plan view (see FIGS. 1A to 1D), the opposing surfaces 10a, 20a of the guide portion 50 of this embodiment form an intersection 60 where they intersect with each other while changing (see FIGS. 1B and 1C) from the first configuration (see FIG. 1A) to the second configuration (see FIG. 1D). Then, this intersection point 60 approaches a predetermined gripping position CP as the first body portion 10 and the second body portion 20 move relatively to assume the second configuration (see FIG. 1D).

[0039] 1A to 1D, the first body portion 10 and the second body portion 20 of this embodiment form two intersections 60 on either side of the opening 30 in the left-right direction as they change from the first configuration (see FIG. 1A) to the second configuration (see FIG. 1D). Instead of forming two intersections 60, the open end 31 disappears, forming a closed through-hole 35. This limits the suture X's movement within the through-hole 35, restricting its movement in directions B and C that intersect with the penetration direction A (in this embodiment, directions parallel to the paper surface, such as up, down, left, and right in the drawing). This means that the suture can be prevented from falling out of the suture holding device 1.

[0040] When the opening 30 is in a state where the through hole 35 is closed around the periphery (see FIGS. 1B and 1C), the inner edge 80 that defines the through hole 35 in a planar view forms the guide portion 50. In this embodiment, as the first main body portion 10 and the second main body portion 20 move relatively to assume the second configuration (see FIG. 1D), the two intersections 60 move toward each other in the left-right direction, approaching a predetermined gripping position CP. As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, as the first main body portion 10 and the second main body portion 20 move relative to each other, the guide portion 50 also moves relatively, and the area of ​​the through hole 35 in a planar view gradually decreases, approaching the predetermined gripping position CP in the second configuration (see FIG. 1D). Furthermore, as the guide portion 50 moves relative to each other, the intersections 60 formed by the guide portion 50 also move relatively toward each other. By doing this, the suture thread X is held inside the through hole 35 without falling out of the open end 31, and as the area of ​​the through hole 35 decreases, it is pressed by the guide portion 50 toward a predetermined gripping position CP, and is guided to a single point.

[0041] The first body 10 and the second body 20 may each be, for example, a block-shaped member. There are no particular limitations on the materials from which the first body 10 and the second body 20 are formed. The first body 10 and the second body 20 may be formed from, for example, metal, resin, etc.

[0042] The first main body 10 of this embodiment includes a first recess 71 that defines the opening 30 and is concave in plan view. Specifically, the opposing surface 10a of the first main body 10 of this embodiment includes the first recess 71. As shown in FIGS. 1A to 1D , the first recess 71 of this embodiment is an outer edge facing the lower side B2 of the first main body 10 in plan view, and is recessed toward the upper side B1. The first recess 71 has a generally V-shape in plan view, with its width gradually decreasing toward the bottom 71a. As shown in FIG. 1A , the first recess 71 faces a second recess 72 (described later) of the second main body 20, and together they define the opening 30.

[0043] Furthermore, the second main body portion 20 of this embodiment includes a second recess 72 that defines the opening 30 and is concave in plan view. Specifically, the opposing surface 20a of the second main body portion 20 of this embodiment includes the second recess 72. As shown in FIGS. 1A to 1D , the second recess 72 of this embodiment is an outer edge portion facing the upper side B1 of the second main body portion 20 in plan view, and is recessed toward the lower side B2. The second recess 72 of this embodiment is generally V-shaped in plan view, with its width gradually decreasing toward the bottom 72a. The second recess 72, together with the first recess 71 of the first main body portion 10, defines the opening 30.

[0044] The guide portion 50 of this embodiment can press the suture X inserted in the opening 30 toward the bottom 71 a of the first recess 71 toward the predetermined gripping position CP when the first body portion 10 and the second body portion 20 change from the first configuration (see FIG. 1A ) to the second configuration (see FIG. 1D ). In this manner, the side wall of the first recess 71 can be used as a guide wall that contacts the suture X to guide the suture X to the gripping position CP. Furthermore, the guide portion 50 of this embodiment can press the suture X toward the bottom 72 a of the second recess 72 toward the predetermined gripping position CP during the above-described shape change. In this manner, the side wall of the second recess 72 can be used as a guide wall that contacts the suture X to guide the suture X to the gripping position CP. In other words, the opposing surfaces 10a, 20a serving as the guide portion 50 of this embodiment press the suture X toward the bottom 71a of the first recess 71 and the bottom 72a of the second recess 72, using the side walls of the first recess 71 and the second recess 72 as guide walls. This is because the side walls of the first recess 71 and the second recess 72 guide the suture X in a direction in which the side walls of the first recess 71 and the second recess 72 form an angle greater than a right angle with respect to the direction of movement of each side wall. In the second configuration (see FIG. 1D ), the first main body portion 10 and the second main body portion 20 of this embodiment grip the suture X at a gripping position CP between the bottom 71a of the first recess 71 and the bottom 72a of the second recess 72. As a second form, FIG. 1D shows a through hole 35 with an area larger than the total cross-sectional area of ​​the two sutures X, but the area of ​​the through hole 35 may be reduced to the extent that it crushes the suture X, thereby making it possible to hold the suture X with a strong force.

[0045] As described above, the first recess 71 of this embodiment is generally V-shaped. This makes it easier for the suture X to be guided toward the predetermined gripping position CP on the bottom 71a side by the sloping sidewalls of the first recess 71. Similarly, as described above, the second recess 72 of this embodiment is generally V-shaped. This makes it easier for the suture X to be guided toward the predetermined gripping position CP on the bottom 72a side by the sloping sidewalls of the second recess 72.

[0046] The "width" of the recessed portion mentioned above refers to the length in the direction perpendicular to the depth direction of the recessed portion (the vertical direction in this embodiment) (the horizontal direction in this embodiment). Furthermore, the term "substantially V-shaped" refers not only to the case where the bottom of the recessed portion forms a sharp apex, but also to the case where the bottom of the recessed portion is formed by a rounded curve.

[0047] In this embodiment, the first main body 10 and the second main body 20 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction, which is the movement direction B. Specifically, the first main body 10 is located on the upper side B1, and the second main body 20 is located on the lower side B2. The opening 30 in this embodiment is defined between the first main body 10 and the second main body 20 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the opening 30 in this embodiment is defined by the first recess 71 and the second recess 72. More specifically, the opening 30 in this embodiment is defined only by the first recess 71 and the second recess 72.

[0048] The opening 30 of this embodiment has two open ends 31 that open on both the left and right sides. Because the opening 30 of this embodiment has two open ends 31, the suture X can be inserted into the opening 30 from both the left and right sides. However, the opening 30 may have only one open end 31. By having at least one open end 31, the suture X can be passed through the opening 30 simply by inserting it from the open end 31. This eliminates the need to use a threader or the like when passing the suture X through the opening 30 as a pre-processing step before the suture X is gripped by the suture holding device 1, thereby preventing the procedure from becoming complicated.

[0049] FIG. 1A shows both ends x1 and x2 of one suture X inserted into the opening 30 from the open end 31 and extending in the penetration direction A, but the number and locations of the suture X inserted into the opening 30 are not particularly limited.

[0050] As described above, the first body portion 10 and the second body portion 20 of this embodiment can change between a first configuration (see FIG. 1A ) and a second configuration (see FIG. 1D ) by relatively linearly moving in the vertical direction, which is the movement direction B. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1D , the first body portion 10 and the second body portion 20 of this embodiment can change from the first configuration (see FIG. 1A ) to the second configuration (see FIG. 1D ) by linearly moving toward each other in the vertical direction. Conversely, the first body portion 10 and the second body portion 20 of this embodiment can change from the second configuration (see FIG. 1D ) to the first configuration (see FIG. 1A ) by linearly moving away from each other in the vertical direction.

[0051] However, the movement of the first body 10 and the second body 20 in the movement direction B is not limited to linear movement. Alternatively, the first body 10 and the second body 20 may move in the up-down direction as the movement direction B, for example, by rotating one relative to the other.

[0052] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the guide unit 50 is configured to press the suture X inserted into the opening 30 toward the predetermined gripping position CP toward the bottom 71 a of the first recess 71 of the first main body unit 10 and the bottom 72 a of the second recess 72 of the second main body unit 20, but this configuration is not limited to this. A configuration in which only one of the first main body unit 10 and the second main body unit 20 has a recess may also be provided. In such a case, the guide unit 50 may be configured to press the suture X toward the bottom of the recess of one of the first main body unit 10 and the second main body unit 20 toward the predetermined gripping position CP.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C , the through-hole 35 of this embodiment is substantially rectangular in plan view. The area of ​​the through-hole 35 of this embodiment decreases as the two diagonal corners of the substantially rectangular shape approach each other as the first body portion 10 and the second body portion 20 move relative to each other to assume the second configuration (see FIG. 1D ). As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C , the "two diagonal corners of the substantially rectangular shape" of this embodiment are formed by the bottom 71 a of the first recess 71 of the first body portion 10 and the bottom 72 a of the second recess 72 of the second body portion 20. In this manner, the guide portion 50 can press and guide the suture X toward a predetermined gripping position CP between the positions corresponding to the two corners (the positions of the two bottoms 71 a and 72 a in this embodiment). The above-mentioned "approximately rectangular" means not only cases where the corners of the rectangular shape are formed only by sharp vertices, but also cases where at least one corner of the rectangular shape is formed by a rounded curve.

[0054] Second Embodiment Next, with reference to FIGS. 2, 3A to 3D, and 4, a suture holding device 101 will be described as one embodiment of a suture holding device according to the present disclosure.

[0055] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the suture holding device 101. As shown in FIG. 2, the suture holding device 101 includes a first body portion 110 and a second body portion 120. FIG. 2 shows a state before the first body portion 110 and the second body portion 120 grip the suture X. FIGS. 3A to 3D are views showing the operation of the suture holding device 101. Specifically, FIG. 3A is a plan view of the suture holding device 101 of FIG. 2 as seen along the penetration direction A of the opening 130. That is, FIG. 3A is a view showing a state before the first body portion 110 and the second body portion 120 grip the suture X. FIG. 3D is a view showing a state in which the first body portion 110 and the second body portion 120 grip the suture X. FIGS. 3B and 3C are views showing intermediate states from the state shown in FIG. 3A to the state shown in FIG. 3D. Specifically, Fig. 3B shows a state in which the state shown in Fig. 3A has been changed to approach the state shown in Fig. 3D. Fig. 3C shows a state in which the state shown in Fig. 3B has been changed to even closer to the state shown in Fig. 3D. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a ZZ cross section of Fig. 3D.

[0056] The suture holding device 101 of this embodiment differs from the suture holding device 1 described above in the configuration of the position where the suture X is clamped, the configuration in which the first main body portion 110 and the second main body portion 120 are movable by rotation relative to each other, and the presence or absence of a biasing member 190, but the other configurations are common to the suture holding device 1 described above. Therefore, in this embodiment, the above differences will be mainly described, and a description of the points in common with the suture holding device 1 described above will be omitted.

[0057] 2 and 3A to 3D, suture holding device 101 includes first body portion 110, second body portion 120, and biasing member 190. First body portion 110 and second body portion 120 are configured to be rotatable relative to each other.

[0058] 3A to 3D, the first body 110 and the second body 120 are movable relative to each other so as to change their configuration between a first configuration (see FIG. 3A) and a second configuration (see FIG. 3D). In this embodiment, the first body 110 and the second body 120 are pivotable relative to each other, thereby changing their configuration between the first configuration (see FIG. 3A) and the second configuration (see FIG. 3D).

[0059] As shown in Figure 3A, in the first configuration (see Figure 3A), the first body portion 110 and the second body portion 120 define an opening 130 therebetween that penetrates in a predetermined penetration direction A. In this embodiment, the "penetration direction A" is a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of Figures 3A to 3D. Furthermore, the opening 130 in this embodiment has an open end 131 into which the suture X can be inserted in a direction perpendicular to the penetration direction A (a direction parallel to the paper surface of Figure 3A). More specifically, in this embodiment, the suture X can be inserted into the opening 30 through the open end 131 from the right side C2 toward the left side C1 in the left-right direction of Figure 3A.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 3D, in the second configuration (see Fig. 3D), the first body portion 110 and the second body portion 120 can grasp the suture X between themselves. At this time, the suture X is grasped at a predetermined grasping position CP.

[0061] Furthermore, the first body portion 110 and the second body portion 120 form a guide portion 150 that can guide the suture X inserted into the opening 130 toward a predetermined gripping position CP when the first body portion 110 and the second body portion 120 change form from the first configuration (see FIG. 3A ) to the second configuration (see FIG. 3D ). In particular, the guide portion 150 can guide the suture X located in the opening 130 in a direction C that intersects with the direction B of relative movement of the first body portion 110 and the second body portion 120. More specifically, the guide portion 150 in this embodiment is the opposing surfaces 110 a, 120 a of the first body portion 110 and the second body portion 120 that can approach and move away from each other.

[0062] As shown in Figures 3A to 3D, the first body portion 110 and the second body portion 120 of this embodiment are relatively movable in the vertical direction in Figures 3A to 3D. That is, the relative movement direction B of the first body portion 110 and the second body portion 120 of this embodiment is the vertical direction in Figures 3A to 3D (hereinafter simply referred to as the "vertical direction"). When the first body portion 110 and the second body portion 120 change their configuration from the first configuration (see Figure 3A) to the second configuration (see Figure 3D), the suture X of the opening 130 is sandwiched between the first body portion 110 and the second body portion 120 in the vertical direction, which is the movement direction B of the first body portion 110 and the second body portion 120. Furthermore, the suture X of the opening 130 is also sandwiched between the first body portion 110 and the second body portion 120 in the left-right direction in Figures 3A to 3D. 3A to 3D (hereinafter simply referred to as the "left-right direction"). Thus, in this embodiment, when first body portion 110 and second body portion 120 change form from the first form (see FIG. 3A) to the second form (see FIG. 3D), suture X located in opening 130 is guided in the up-down and left-right directions toward grasping position CP by opposing surfaces 110a, 120a serving as guide portions 150 of first body portion 110 and second body portion 120.

[0063] Furthermore, in a plan view (see FIGS. 3A to 3D) seen along the penetration direction A, the guide portion 150 of this embodiment includes an intersection 160a where the first main body portion 110 and the second main body portion 120 intersect with each other in the first configuration (see FIG. 3A). Furthermore, in a plan view (see FIGS. 3A to 3D) seen along the penetration direction A, the guide portion 150 of this embodiment includes an intersection 160b where the first main body portion 110 and the second main body portion 120 intersect with each other while changing (see FIG. 3C) from the first configuration (see FIG. 3A) to the second configuration (see FIG. 3D). These intersections 160a and 160b approach a predetermined gripping position CP as the first main body portion 110 and the second main body portion 120 move relatively to assume the second configuration (see FIG. 3D). More specifically, in a plan view (see FIGS. 3A to 3D) seen along the penetration direction A, the opposing surfaces 110a and 120a of the guide portion 150 of this embodiment form an intersection 160a in the first configuration (see FIG. 3A) and form an intersection 160b during the transition (see FIG. 3C) from the first configuration (see FIG. 3A) to the second configuration (see FIG. 3D). This intersection 160b is formed on the right side C2 of the opening 130 in the left-right direction during the transition (see FIG. 3C) of the first main body portion 110 and the second main body portion 120 from the first configuration (see FIG. 3A) to the second configuration (see FIG. 3D). Instead, the open end 131 disappears. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the plan view seen along the penetration direction A shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D will be simply referred to as a "plan view."

[0064] 3A to 3D, the guide portion 150 of this embodiment includes these two intersections 160a, 160b in a plan view. As the first body portion 110 and the second body portion 120 move relatively to assume the second configuration (see FIG. 3D), the two intersections 160a, 160b move closer to each other in the left-right direction and approach the predetermined gripping position CP. By including these two intersections 160a, 160b in the guide portion 150, the first body portion 110 and the second body portion 120 can be moved relatively to move the positions of the intersections 160a, 160b in the desired direction, thereby allowing the portions of the first body portion 110 and the second body portion 120 that form the intersections 160a, 160b to press and guide the suture X toward the predetermined gripping position CP.

[0065] The first main body portion 110 of this embodiment includes a first recess 171 that defines the opening 130 and is concave in plan view. As shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D , the first recess 171 of this embodiment is an outer edge portion facing the lower side B2 in plan view and is recessed toward the upper side B1. The first recess 171 has a generally V-shape in plan view, with its width gradually decreasing toward the bottom 171a. As shown in FIG. 3A , the first recess 171 defines the opening 130 together with a second recess 172 (described later) of the second main body portion 120.

[0066] The second main body portion 120 of this embodiment also includes a second recess 172 that defines the opening 130 and is concave in plan view. As shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D , the second recess 172 of this embodiment is an outer edge facing the upper side B1 in plan view and is recessed toward the lower side B2. The second recess 172 is generally V-shaped in plan view, with its width gradually decreasing toward the bottom 172a. As shown in FIG. 3A , the second recess 172 defines the opening 130 together with the first recess 171 of the first main body portion 110.

[0067] The first recess 171 and the second recess 172 of this embodiment function in the same manner as the first recess 71 and the second recess 72 of the first embodiment described above (see FIG. 1A, etc.), and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0068] In this embodiment, the first main body 110 and the second main body 120 are arranged side by side in the up-down direction, which is the movement direction B. Specifically, the first main body 110 is located on the upper side B1, and the second main body 120 is located on the lower side B2. The opening 130 in this embodiment is defined between the first main body 110 and the second main body 120 in the up-down direction. The opening 130 in this embodiment is defined by a first recess 171 and a second recess 172. More specifically, the opening 130 in this embodiment is defined only by the first recess 171 and the second recess 172.

[0069] The opening 130 in this embodiment has one open end 131 that opens to the right side C2 in the left-right direction. A suture X can be inserted into the opening 130 through the open end 131 from the right side C2 to the left side C1 in the left-right direction.

[0070] In this embodiment, the first main body portion 110 and the second main body portion 120 are connected to each other so as to be rotatable within a plane perpendicular to the penetration direction A. Hereinafter, the portion where the first main body portion 110 and the second main body portion 120 are connected will be referred to as a "connecting portion 142." The first main body portion 110 and the second main body portion 120 include a pair of operation portions 140 located on one side of the connecting portion 142 in an in-plane direction perpendicular to the penetration direction A (a direction parallel to the paper surface of FIGS. 3A to 3D ), and a pair of clamping portions 141 located on the other side of the connecting portion 142.

[0071] In this embodiment, the first body portion 110 and the second body portion 120 are connected to each other so as to be rotatable relative to each other. In this embodiment, the first body portion 110 and the second body portion 120 are rotatable relative to each other in the circumferential direction D about a rotation axis O1 extending along the penetration direction A. The configuration of the connecting portion 142 is not particularly limited. For example, the connecting portion 142 may be configured with a shaft portion provided on one of the first body portion 110 and the second body portion 120 and a bearing portion provided on the other body portion that rotatably supports the shaft portion.

[0072] Of the pair of clamping units 141, one clamping unit 141 provided on the first main body unit 110 has the opposing surface 110a described above. Furthermore, of the pair of clamping units 141, the other clamping unit 141 provided on the second main body unit 120 has the opposing surface 120a described above. In this embodiment, by operating the pair of operating units 140 in the up-down direction (strictly speaking, the circumferential direction D), the pair of clamping units 141 can be moved in the up-down direction (strictly speaking, the circumferential direction D) to change the configuration of the first main body unit 110 and the second main body unit 120 between a first configuration (see FIG. 3A ) and a second configuration (see FIG. 3D ). More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D , the first main body unit 110 and the second main body unit 120 rotate relative to each other by moving the pair of operating units 140 away from each other in the circumferential direction D, thereby changing the configuration from the first configuration (see FIG. 3A ) to the second configuration (see FIG. 3D ). Conversely, the first main body portion 110 and the second main body portion 120 rotate relative to each other as the pair of operating portions 140 move in the circumferential direction D so as to approach each other, and change shape from the second shape (see Figure 3D) to the first shape (see Figure 3A).

[0073] The biasing member 190 of this embodiment biases the first body portion 110 and the second body portion 120 to maintain the second configuration. More specifically, the biasing member 190 of this embodiment is sandwiched between the pair of operating portions 140 and biases the pair of operating portions 140 in the circumferential direction D to increase the spacing between them. In other words, the biasing member 190 biases the pair of operating portions 140 to maintain the first body portion 110 and the second body portion 120 in the second configuration (see FIG. 3D ). The provision of the biasing member 190 makes it easier for the first body portion 110 and the second body portion 120 to continue to grasp the suture X, improving the operability of the suture holding device 101. Furthermore, by pressing the pair of operating portions 140 toward each other with a finger or the like, the user can compress the biasing member 190 and easily place the suture holding device 101 of this embodiment in the first configuration. The biasing member 190 of this embodiment may be, for example, a coil spring, a leaf spring, a wire spring, or a torsion spring.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 4 , one of the first and second body portions 110 and 120 (the first body portion 110 in FIG. 4 ) includes two receiving plates 156 spaced apart in the penetration direction A, and the other body portion (the second body portion 120 in FIG. 4 ) includes a push plate 157 located between the two receiving plates 156 in the penetration direction A. The guide portion 150 of this embodiment is formed by opposing surfaces 110 a, 120 a, which are the ends of the receiving plate 156 and the push plate 157 in a direction perpendicular to the penetration direction A. As shown in FIG. 4 , when the first and second body portions 110 and 120 of this embodiment are in the second configuration (see FIG. 3D ), the suture X can be clamped between the multiple receiving plates 156 and the push plate 157 in the vertical direction in FIG. 4 , which is the opposing direction of the opposing surfaces 110 a, 120 a. The number of receiving plates 156 and pushing plates 157 is not particularly limited as long as they are capable of sandwiching and gripping the suture thread X. However, from the viewpoint of clinical ease of handling, the number of receiving plates 156 and pushing plates 157 is preferably 2 to 10 each. In addition, the spacing between two adjacent receiving plates 156 that are spaced apart is preferably 1.0 mm or more and 5.0 mm or less. As with the receiving plates 156, the spacing between two adjacent pushing plates 157 that are spaced apart is preferably 1.0 mm or more and 5.0 mm or less. In addition, the thickness of each receiving plate 156 is preferably 0.1 to 0.5 mm smaller than the spacing between the pushing plates 157, and similarly, the thickness of each pushing plate 157 is preferably 0.1 to 0.5 mm smaller than the spacing between the receiving plates 156. If the thickness of each of the receiving plate portion 156 and the pressing plate portion 157 is too small, there is a risk that the strength of the device will decrease, while if the gap is too wide, the entire device will become thick, which may reduce operability.

[0075] One of the first body portion 110 and the second body portion 120 (the first body portion 110 in this embodiment) is provided with at least two or more receiving plates 156, and the other body portion (the second body portion 120 in this embodiment) is provided with at least one pushing plate 157. This allows the suture X to enter a serpentine gap formed by the receiving plate portion 156 and the pushing plate portion 157 adjacent to and mated therewith, generating a strong frictional force that restricts movement in the penetration direction A, thereby increasing the gripping force when the first body portion 110 and the second body portion 120 grasp the suture X. This makes it possible to suppress movement of the suture X grasped by the first body portion 110 and the second body portion 120 relative to the first body portion 110 and the second body portion 120.

[0076] 3A to 3D, in a plan view, as first body portion 110 and second body portion 120 change from the first configuration (see FIG. 3A) to the second configuration (see FIG. 3D) (see FIG. 3C), opening 130 gradually closes open end 131, and finally changes into through-hole 135 without open end 131. By changing opening 130 into through-hole 135, suture thread X moves through open end 131 in a direction intersecting penetration direction A (the left-right direction in this embodiment), and can be prevented from slipping out of opening 130.

[0077] In a state in which opening 130 has changed into through-hole 135 (see FIG. 3C ), inner edge 180, which defines through-hole 135 in a plan view, forms guide portion 150. As shown in FIG. 3C , the area of ​​through-hole 135 decreases in a plan view as first body portion 110 and second body portion 120 move relatively to assume the second configuration (see FIG. 3D ), so that inner edge 180 approaches predetermined gripping position CP. As the area of ​​through-hole 135 decreases, suture X is pressed against guide portion 150 and guided to move to predetermined gripping position CP.

[0078] As shown in Fig. 3C , the through hole 135 of this embodiment is substantially rectangular in plan view. The area of ​​the through hole 135 of this embodiment decreases as the first body portion 110 and the second body portion 120 move relative to each other to assume the second configuration (see Fig. 3D ), so that two diagonal corners of the substantially rectangular shape approach each other. As shown in Fig. 3C , the "two diagonal corners of the substantially rectangular shape" of this embodiment are formed by the bottom 171 a of the first recess 171 of the first body portion 110 and the bottom 172 a of the second recess 172 of the second body portion 120.

[0079] Third Embodiment Next, with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5C , a suture holding device 201 will be described as one embodiment of a suture holding device according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C , the suture holding device 201 includes a first body portion 210 and a second body portion 220 that are movable relative to one another. FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a state before the first body portion 210 and the second body portion 220 grasp the suture X. FIG. 5C is a diagram illustrating a state in which the first body portion 210 and the second body portion 220 grasp the suture X. FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating an intermediate state from the state illustrated in FIG. 5A to the state illustrated in FIG. 5C . The suture holding device 201 is different from the suture holding device 101 of the second embodiment described above in terms of the position where the suture X is clamped, but the other configurations are the same. Here, only the above differences will be described, and components similar to those of the second embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the second embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0080] 5A to 5C , the first main body portion 210 of this embodiment includes a first recess 271 that defines the opening 230 and is recessed in a plan view seen along the penetration direction A. The second main body portion 220 of this embodiment includes a second recess 272 that defines the opening 230 and is recessed in a plan view seen along the penetration direction A. When the first main body portion 210 and the second main body portion 220 are in the first configuration (see FIG. 5A ), the first recess 271 of the first main body portion 210 and the second recess 272 of the second main body portion 220 overlap each other in the penetration direction A and define the opening 230 in a plan view seen along the penetration direction A.

[0081] 5A to 5C, opening 230 changes into through-hole 235 that does not have an open end 231 in a plan view while first body portion 210 and second body portion 220 change from the first configuration (see FIG. 5A) to the second configuration (see FIG. 5C) (see FIG. 5B). By closing opening 230 and changing its configuration into through-hole 235, suture thread X moves through open end 231 in a direction intersecting penetration direction A (the left-right direction in this embodiment), and is prevented from slipping out of opening 230.

[0082] In a state in which opening 230 has changed into through-hole 235 (see FIG. 5B ), inner edge 180, which defines through-hole 235 in a plan view, forms guide portion 150. As shown in FIG. 5B , the area of ​​through-hole 235 decreases as inner edge 180 approaches predetermined gripping position CP as first body portion 210 and second body portion 220 move relatively to assume the second configuration (see FIG. 5C ). As the area of ​​through-hole 235 decreases, inner edge 180 moves, and suture X is pressed by guide portion 150 to move to predetermined gripping position CP.

[0083] Each of the first recess 271 and the second recess 272 has a slit shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the penetration direction A. Here, the penetration direction A in this embodiment is a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIGS. 5A to 5C. In other words, each of the first recess 271 and the second recess 272 has a slit shape extending in a direction parallel to the paper surface of FIGS. 5A to 5C. More specifically, each of the first recess 271 and the second recess 272 extends in a direction C intersecting with the movement direction B of the first main body portion 210 and the second main body portion 220. In this embodiment, the first main body portion 210 and the second main body portion 220 move in the vertical direction in FIGS. 5A to 5C between the first configuration (see FIG. 5A) and the second configuration (see FIG. 5C). In other words, the movement direction B in this embodiment is the vertical direction in FIGS. 5A to 5C. Furthermore, each of the first recess 271 and the second recess 272 in this embodiment extends in the horizontal direction in FIGS. 5A to 5C. In other words, the direction C, which intersects with the movement direction B and through which the first recess 271 and the second recess 272 extend, is the left-right direction in FIGS. 5A to 5C . As shown in FIG. 5A , the first recess 271 and the second recess 272 each open to the right side C2 in the left-right direction. That is, the open end 231 of the opening 230 is formed on the right side C2 of the opening 230 in the left-right direction. The shape of the slits constituting the first recess 271 and the second recess 272 is not particularly limited as long as the recesses of each slit are inclined in the movement direction B with the direction C as the axis. It is preferable that the second recess be inclined in the negative direction by the same angle as the inclination of the first recess 271. By adopting this slit shape structure, the area of ​​the overlapping portion of the slits decreases with the relative rotational movement of the first main body portion 210 and the second main body portion 220, making it possible to grasp the suture X at the predetermined grasping position CP.

[0084] Fourth Embodiment Next, with reference to Figures 6A to 6C, a suture holding device 301 will be described as one embodiment of a suture holding device according to the present disclosure. As shown in Figures 6A to 6C, the suture holding device 301 includes a first body portion 310, a second body portion 320, and a biasing member 390. The first body portion 310 and the second body portion 320 are attached so as to be capable of translating relative to each other. Figure 6A is a diagram showing the first body portion 310 and the second body portion 320 in a state before gripping the suture X. Figure 6C is a diagram showing the first body portion 310 and the second body portion 320 in a state where they have gripped the suture X. Figure 6B is a diagram showing the first body portion 310 and the second body portion 320 in an intermediate state from the state shown in Figure 6A to the state shown in Figure 6C. Here, the differences between the suture holding device 301 and the suture holding device 1 of the first embodiment described above will be mainly described, and a description of the same configuration as the suture holding device 1 will be omitted.

[0085] As shown in Figures 6A to 6C, the first body portion 310 and the second body portion 320 are relatively movable to change configuration between a first configuration (see Figure 6A) and a second configuration (see Figure 6C).

[0086] In a first form of this embodiment (see FIG. 6A ), the opening 330 is defined by only one of the first and second body portions 310 and 320 (the first body portion 310 in this embodiment). As shown in FIG. 6A , the penetration direction A of the opening 330 in this embodiment is perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 6A . The opening 330 in this embodiment has an open end 331 into which the suture X can be inserted in a direction perpendicular to the penetration direction A (a direction parallel to the plane of FIG. 6A ). Specifically, in this embodiment, the suture X can be inserted into the opening 330 through the open end 331 along the vertical direction in FIG. 6A . More specifically, the suture X can be inserted into the opening 330 through the open end 331 from the lower side C2 toward the upper side C1 in the vertical direction in FIG. 6A .

[0087] Furthermore, when the first body portion 310 and the second body portion 320 change form from the first configuration (see FIG. 6A ) to the second configuration (see FIG. 6C ), they form a guide portion 350 that can guide the suture X inserted into the opening 330 toward a predetermined gripping position CP. In particular, the guide portion 350 can guide the suture X located in the opening 330 in a direction C that intersects with the direction B of relative movement of the first body portion 310 and the second body portion 320.

[0088] As shown in Figures 6A to 6C, the first body portion 310 and the second body portion 320 of this embodiment are relatively movable in the left-right direction in Figures 6A to 6C. That is, the relative movement direction B of the first body portion 310 and the second body portion 320 of this embodiment is the left-right direction in Figures 6A to 6C (hereinafter simply referred to as the "left-right direction"). When the first body portion 310 and the second body portion 320 change their configuration from the first configuration (see Figure 6A) to the second configuration (see Figure 6C), the suture X in the opening 330 is sandwiched between the first body portion 310 and the second body portion 320 in the left-right direction, which is the movement direction B of the first body portion 310 and the second body portion 320. Furthermore, the suture X in the opening 330 is also sandwiched between the first body portion 310 and the second body portion 320 in the up-down direction in Figures 6A to 6C. 6A to 6C (hereinafter simply referred to as the "vertical direction"). Thus, in this embodiment, the suture X located in the opening 330 is guided in the left-right and up-down directions toward the grasping position CP by the guide portions 350 of the first body portion 310 and the second body portion 320 when the first body portion 310 and the second body portion 320 change form from the first form (see FIG. 6A) to the second form (see FIG. 6C).

[0089] In this way, the suture holding device 301 allows the suture X to be easily inserted into the opening 330 through the open end 331. Furthermore, the suture holding device 301 allows the suture X inserted into the opening 330 to be guided to the predetermined gripping position CP by the guide portion 350 in conjunction with the operation of moving the first main body portion 310 and the second main body portion 320 relative to each other, and the suture X can be reliably gripped at this predetermined gripping position CP. In other words, even if the suture X is inserted at a position other than the predetermined gripping position CP of the opening 330, the suture X can be reliably gripped at the predetermined gripping position CP by guiding it toward the predetermined gripping position CP with the guide portion 350. Furthermore, even when multiple sutures X or multiple portions of the suture X are inserted into the opening 330 while being spaced apart, the first main body 310 and the second main body 320 can guide the multiple sutures X or multiple portions of the suture X toward the predetermined gripping position CP using the guide 350. This makes it possible to grip the multiple sutures X or multiple portions of the suture X in a bundled state.

[0090] Furthermore, because the guide unit 350 is configured to be able to guide the suture X in a direction C (up-down direction in this embodiment) that intersects with the direction B of relative movement of the first main body unit 310 and the second main body unit 320 (left-right direction in this embodiment), the suture X can be guided toward the predetermined gripping position CP even if the suture X is inserted in a position that is shifted from the predetermined gripping position CP in the direction C that intersects with the direction B of relative movement of the first main body unit 310 and the second main body unit 320. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the guide unit 350 is configured to be able to guide the suture X only in the direction B of relative movement of the first main body unit 310 and the second main body unit 320, the suture X that is inserted in a position other than the predetermined gripping position CP of the opening 330 can be more reliably guided toward the predetermined gripping position CP.

[0091] In this embodiment, the left-right direction as the movement direction B and the up-down direction as the direction C intersecting with the movement direction B are directions that intersect with the penetration direction A. More specifically, the left-right direction and the up-down direction in this embodiment are directions that are perpendicular to the penetration direction A. The up-down direction in this embodiment is also the direction in which the suture X can be inserted into the opening 330 through the open end 331 (see FIG. 6A ).

[0092] In this embodiment, the opening 330 of the first configuration (see FIG. 6A ) is defined by a recess 371 of the first main body 310. The recess 371 opens toward the lower side C2 in the vertical direction. That is, the opening 330 of this embodiment has an open end 331 on the lower side C2 in the vertical direction.

[0093] Furthermore, when the guide portion 350 of this embodiment changes from the first configuration (see FIG. 6A ) to the second configuration (see FIG. 6C ), it can press the suture X inserted into the opening 330 toward a predetermined gripping position CP. More specifically, in a plan view (see FIGS. 6A to 6C ) viewed along the penetration direction A, the first body portion 310 and the second body portion 320 of this embodiment move relatively to assume the second configuration (see FIG. 6C ), so that the outer edge portion 325 of the second body portion 320 moves across the recess 371 of the first body portion 310. The guide portion 350 of this embodiment is formed by the recess 371 of the first body portion 310 and the outer edge portion 325 of the second body portion 320. The outer edge portion 325 of this embodiment extends at an angle with respect to the left-right direction, which is the movement direction B. Hereinafter, the plan view seen along the penetration direction A shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C will be simply referred to as "plan view."

[0094] Furthermore, in the guide portion 350 of this embodiment, when viewed from above (see FIGS. 6A to 6C ), the first body portion 310 and the second body portion 320 intersect with each other at an intersection 360 during the transition from the first configuration (see FIG. 6A ) to the second configuration (see FIG. 6C ). This intersection 360 approaches a predetermined gripping position CP as the first body portion 310 and the second body portion 320 move relative to each other to assume the second configuration (see FIG. 6C ). More specifically, the recess 371 of the first body portion 310 and the outer edge portion 325 of the second body portion 320, which form the guide portion 350 of this embodiment, form the intersection 360 during the transition (see FIG. 6B ) from the first configuration (see FIG. 6A ) to the second configuration (see FIG. 6C ). Then, as the first body portion 310 and the second body portion 320 move relatively to assume the second configuration (see FIG. 6C), this intersection point 360 approaches a predetermined grip position CP.

[0095] As shown in Figures 6A to 6C, the first body portion 310 and the second body portion 320 of this embodiment form intersections 360 on both left and right sides of the opening 330 as they change from the first configuration (see Figure 6A) to the second configuration (see Figure 6C). Furthermore, instead of these two intersections 360 being formed, the open end 331 disappears. The guide portion 350 of this embodiment includes these two intersections 360 in a plan view. The two intersections 360 approach a predetermined gripping position CP as the first body portion 310 and the second body portion 320 move relatively to assume the second configuration (see Figure 6C). By forming such an intersection 360 by the guide portion 350, the first main body portion 310 and the second main body portion 320 can be moved relative to each other, and the position of the intersection 360 can be moved in the desired direction, so that the part of the first main body portion 310 and the second main body portion 320 that forms the intersection 360 can press and guide the suture thread X toward a predetermined gripping position CP.

[0096] In this embodiment, the first main body 310 defines an internal space 310a that accommodates the second main body 320 so that the second main body 320 can move linearly in the left-right direction, which is the movement direction B. The second main body 320 is biased by a biasing member 390 toward one side of the movement direction B (the right side B2 in FIGS. 6A to 6C ) in the internal space 310a of the first main body 310. The second main body 320 can move within the internal space 310a toward the other side of the movement direction B (the left side B1 in FIGS. 6A to 6C ) against the biasing force of the biasing member 390. The second main body 320 can move left-right within the internal space 310a of the first main body 310 so that the outer edge 325 crosses the recess 371 of the first main body 310 in a plan view (see FIGS. 6A to 6C ). That is, in a plan view (see FIGS. 6A to 6C ), the outer edge 325 of the second main body 320 is movable in the left-right direction from a state in which it does not form an intersection 360 with the recess 371 of the first main body 310 (see FIG. 6A ) to a state in which it forms an intersection 360 with the recess 371 of the first main body 310 (see FIGS. 6B and 6C ). The second main body 320 may include, for example, an operating portion 320a protruding from a slit opening 310b of the first main body 310. The second main body 320 may also include a locking protrusion 320b that can fit into the locking hole 310c of the first main body 310 when the coil spring serving as the biasing member 390 is compressed. The locking protrusion 320b may be biased in the direction of fitting into the locking hole 310c by a leaf spring or the like. With this configuration, the locking protrusion 320b of the second main body 320 fits into the locking hole 310c of the first main body 310, thereby maintaining the first configuration (see FIG. 6A ) of the first and second main bodies 310 and 320. From this state, the locking protrusion 320b is pushed in from the outside of the first main body 310 to release the lock between the locking protrusion 320b and the locking hole 310c. As a result, the second main body 320 moves to the right side B2 in the left-right direction within the internal space 310a of the first main body 310 due to the biasing force of the biasing member 390. Then, the outer edge 325 of the second main body 320 crosses the recess 371 of the first main body 310. As a result, the suture X located in the opening 330 defined by the recess 371 can be guided to a predetermined gripping position CP by the outer edge 325 and the recess 371 .That is, the first body portion 310 and the second body portion 320 can be changed from the first configuration (see FIG. 6A ) to the second configuration (see FIG. 6C ). Thereafter, by using the operation portion 320 a of the second body portion 320 to move the second body portion 320 to the left side B1 in the left-right direction against the biasing force of the biasing member 390, the locking protrusion 320 b of the second body portion 320 can be re-engaged with the locking hole 310 c of the first body portion 310. That is, the first body portion 310 and the second body portion 320 can be changed again from the second configuration (see FIG. 6C ) to the first configuration (see FIG. 6A ).

[0097] As described above, the first main body portion 310 of this embodiment includes the recess 371 that defines the opening 330 and is concave in plan view. The recess 371 opens to the lower side C2 and is recessed toward the upper side C1 in plan view. The recess 371 has a generally V-shape in plan view, with the width gradually decreasing toward the bottom 371a. The opening 330 of this embodiment is defined only by the recess 371.

[0098] The guide portion 350 of this embodiment can press the suture X inserted in the opening 330 toward the bottom 371a of the recess 371 toward the predetermined gripping position CP when the first body portion 310 and the second body portion 320 change from the first configuration (see FIG. 6A ) to the second configuration (see FIG. 6C ). In this manner, the sidewall of the recess 371 can be used as a guide wall that contacts the suture X and guides the suture X to the gripping position CP. In other words, the recess 371 of the first body portion 310 and the outer edge portion 325 of the second body portion 320, which form the guide portion 350 of this embodiment, press the suture X toward the predetermined gripping position CP on the bottom 371a of the recess 371, using the sidewall of the recess 371 as a guide wall.

[0099] As described above, the recess 371 in this embodiment is generally V-shaped. This allows the slanted sidewalls of the recess 371 to more easily guide the suture X toward the predetermined gripping position CP on the bottom 371a side. The recess 371 and the outer edge 325 are not particularly limited as long as they are capable of pressing the suture. In the fourth embodiment, in order for the suture X to be pressed by the outer edge 325 and guided to the predetermined gripping position CP, when viewed along direction C perpendicular to the movement direction B of the second main body 320, the angle of the B2-side sidewall 371b of the recess 371 with respect to direction C must be smaller than the angle of the outer edge 325 of the second main body 320 with respect to direction C. Specifically, the angle of the outer edge 325 with respect to direction C is preferably approximately 30 to 60 degrees. On the other hand, the angle that the inclined sidewall 371b of the recess 371 makes with respect to the direction C is greater than 0 degrees and smaller than the angle that the outer edge 325 makes. When the angle that the inclined sidewall 371b of the recess 371 makes with respect to the direction C is 0 degrees, the recess 371 cannot form a substantially V-shape, but it is possible to guide the recess 371 to the predetermined gripping position CP by forming the recess 371 into a substantially U-shape instead.

[0100] As described above, the biasing member 390 of this embodiment biases the first body portion 310 and the second body portion 320 to maintain the second configuration (see FIG. 6C ). This makes it easier to continue to grip the suture X with the first body portion 310 and the second body portion 320, improving the operability of the suture holding device 301. The biasing member 390 of this embodiment is a coil spring that presses the second body portion 320 to the right side B2 in the left-right direction relative to the first body portion 310 in the movement direction B. However, the biasing member 390 is not particularly limited as long as it can bias the second body portion 320, and may be a leaf spring, a wire spring, a torsion spring, or the like.

[0101] 6A to 6C, in a plan view, opening 330 changes into through-hole 335 without open end 331 while first body portion 310 and second body portion 320 change from the first configuration (see FIG. 6A) to the second configuration (see FIG. 6C) (see FIG. 6B). By changing opening 330 into through-hole 335, suture thread X moves through open end 331 in a direction intersecting penetration direction A (the up-and-down direction in this embodiment), and can be prevented from slipping out of opening 330.

[0102] In a state in which the opening 330 has changed into the through-hole 335 (see FIG. 6B ), an inner edge 380 that defines the through-hole 335 in a plan view forms a guide portion 350. As shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C , the area of ​​the through-hole 335 decreases in a plan view as the first body portion 310 and the second body portion 320 move relatively to assume the second configuration (see FIG. 6C ). Furthermore, as the intersections 360 on both side walls of the recess 371 approach the bottom 371 a, the suture X held in the through-hole 335 is guided to the predetermined gripping position CP.

[0103] In the example shown in Figures 6A to 6C, the second main body portion 320 is biased by compressing a coil spring serving as the biasing member 390, but the method and direction of applying the biasing force are not particularly limited as long as it is possible to grasp the suture X. Figures 6D to 6F are views showing a suture holding device 1301 as a modification of the suture holding device 301 shown in Figures 6A to 6C. In the example shown in Figures 6A to 6C, the opening 330 of the biasing member 390 is closed when the biasing force is released (see Figure 6C), but conversely, as in the modification shown in Figures 6D to 6F, the opening 330 may be open when the biasing force of the biasing member 1390 is released (see Figure 6D). 6D to 6F, with the suture X inserted into the opening 330, the operating section 320a of the second main body 320 can be operated to change the opening 330 to a through-hole 335, and the suture X can be pressed by the guide section 350 so that the suture X is guided to a predetermined gripping position CP (see FIG. 6E). Furthermore, when the area of ​​the through-hole 335 is reduced, the suture is guided to the predetermined gripping position CP, and the suture X is gripped by the first main body 1310 and the second main body 320, the locking protrusion 320b fits into and locks into the locking hole 1310c of the first main body 1310 (see FIG. 6F). With this configuration, in the second configuration, the suture X can be maintained in a state where it is gripped and fixed at the predetermined gripping position CP, and further, by releasing the locking state of the locking protrusion 320b, the configuration can be changed again to a state where the opening 330 is present due to the biasing force of the biasing member 1390. An example of the biasing member 1390 that enables such specifications is a tension spring with a narrow spring pitch, whose both ends can be connected to the inside of the first main body 1310 and the side wall on the operating section 320a side of the second main body 320, respectively.

[0104] Fifth Embodiment Next, with reference to Figures 7A to 7C, a suture holding device 401 will be described as one embodiment of a suture holding device according to the present disclosure. As shown in Figures 7A to 7C, the suture holding device 401 includes a first body portion 410, a second body portion 420, and a biasing member 490. The first body portion 410 and the second body portion 420 are attached so as to be movable relative to each other. Figure 7A is a diagram showing the first body portion 410 and the second body portion 420 in a state before they grasp the suture X. Figure 7C is a diagram showing the first body portion 410 and the second body portion 420 grasping the suture X. Figure 7B is a diagram showing the first body portion 410 and the second body portion 420 in an intermediate state from the state shown in Figure 7A to the state shown in Figure 7C.

[0105] As shown in Figures 7A to 7C, the first body portion 410 and the second body portion 420 are relatively movable to change configuration between a first configuration (see Figure 7A) and a second configuration (see Figure 7C).

[0106] In a first form of this embodiment (see FIG. 7A ), an opening 430 is defined by both a first main body portion 410 and a second main body portion 420. As shown in FIG. 7A , a penetration direction A of the opening 430 in this embodiment is perpendicular to the plane of the paper in FIG. 7A . The opening 430 in this embodiment has an open end 431 into which a suture X can be inserted in a direction perpendicular to the penetration direction A (a direction parallel to the plane of the paper in FIG. 7A ). Specifically, in this embodiment, the suture X can be inserted into the opening 430 through the open end 431 along the vertical direction in FIG. 7A . More specifically, the suture X can be inserted into the opening 430 through the open end 431 from the lower side C2 toward the upper side C1 in the vertical direction in FIG. 7A .

[0107] Furthermore, the first body portion 410 and the second body portion 420 form a guide portion 450 that can guide the suture X inserted into the opening 430 toward a predetermined gripping position CP when the first body portion 410 and the second body portion 420 change form from the first configuration (see FIG. 7A ) to the second configuration (see FIG. 7C ). In particular, the guide portion 450 can guide the suture X located in the opening 430 in a direction C that intersects with the direction B of relative movement of the first body portion 410 and the second body portion 420.

[0108] As shown in Figures 7A to 7C, the first body portion 410 and the second body portion 420 of this embodiment are relatively movable in the left-right direction in Figures 7A to 7C. That is, the relative movement direction B of the first body portion 410 and the second body portion 420 of this embodiment is the left-right direction in Figures 7A to 7C (hereinafter simply referred to as the "left-right direction"). When the first body portion 410 and the second body portion 420 change their configuration from the first configuration (see Figure 7A) to the second configuration (see Figure 7C), the suture X in the opening 430 is sandwiched between the first body portion 410 and the second body portion 420 in the left-right direction, which is the movement direction B of the first body portion 410 and the second body portion 420. Furthermore, the suture X in the opening 430 is also sandwiched between the first body portion 410 and the second body portion 420 in the up-down direction in Figures 7A to 7C. 7A to 7C (hereinafter simply referred to as the "vertical direction"). Thus, in this embodiment, the suture X located in the opening 430 is guided in the left-right and up-down directions toward the grasping position CP by the guide portions 450 of the first body portion 410 and the second body portion 420 when the first body portion 410 and the second body portion 420 change form from the first form (see FIG. 7A) to the second form (see FIG. 7C).

[0109] In this way, the suture holding device 401 allows the suture X to be easily inserted into the opening 430 through the open end 431. Furthermore, the suture holding device 401 allows the suture X inserted into the opening 430 to be guided to the predetermined gripping position CP by the guide portion 450 in conjunction with the operation of moving the first main body portion 410 and the second main body portion 420 relative to each other, and the suture X can be reliably gripped at this predetermined gripping position CP. In other words, even if the suture X is inserted at a position other than the predetermined gripping position CP of the opening 430, the suture X can be reliably gripped at the predetermined gripping position CP by guiding it toward the predetermined gripping position CP with the guide portion 450. As a result, even when multiple sutures X or multiple portions of the suture X are inserted into the opening 430 while being spaced apart, the first main body 410 and the second main body 420 can guide the multiple sutures X or multiple portions of the suture X toward the predetermined gripping position CP using the guide portion 450. This makes it possible to grip the multiple sutures X or multiple portions of the suture X in a bundled state.

[0110] Furthermore, because the guide unit 450 is configured to be able to guide the suture X in the direction C (up-down direction in this embodiment) intersecting the direction B (left-right direction in this embodiment) of relative movement of the first main body unit 410 and the second main body unit 420, the suture X can be guided toward the predetermined gripping position CP even if the suture X is inserted in a position displaced from the predetermined gripping position CP in the direction C intersecting the direction B of relative movement of the first main body unit 410 and the second main body unit 420. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the guide unit 450 is configured to be able to guide the suture X only in the direction B of relative movement of the first main body unit 410 and the second main body unit 420, the suture X inserted at a position other than the predetermined gripping position CP of the opening 430 can be more reliably guided toward the predetermined gripping position CP.

[0111] In this embodiment, the left-right direction as the movement direction B and the up-down direction as the direction C intersecting with the movement direction B are directions that intersect with the penetration direction A. More specifically, the left-right direction and the up-down direction in this embodiment are directions that are perpendicular to the penetration direction A. Furthermore, the up-down direction in this embodiment is also the direction in which the suture X can be inserted into the opening 430 through the open end 431 (see FIG. 7A ).

[0112] In this embodiment, the opening 430 in the first configuration (see FIG. 7A ) is defined by a first recess 471 in the first main body portion 410 and a second recess 472 in the second main body portion 420. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C , the first main body portion 410 in this embodiment defines the opening 430 and includes a first recess 471 that is slit-shaped in a plan view along the penetration direction A. The second main body portion 420 in this embodiment defines the opening 430 and includes a second recess 472 that is slit-shaped in a plan view along the penetration direction A. When the first main body portion 410 and the second main body portion 420 are in the first configuration (see FIG. 7A ), the first recess 471 in the first main body portion 410 and the second recess 472 in the second main body portion 420 overlap each other in the penetration direction A and define the opening 430 in a plan view along the penetration direction A. The first recess 471 and the second recess 472 are each open to the lower side C2 in the vertical direction. That is, the opening 430 of this embodiment has an open end 431 on the lower side C2 in the vertical direction.

[0113] Furthermore, when the guide portion 450 of this embodiment changes from the first configuration (see FIG. 7A ) to the second configuration (see FIG. 7C ), it can press the suture X inserted in the opening 430 toward a predetermined gripping position CP. More specifically, in a plan view (see FIGS. 7A to 7C ) viewed along the penetration direction A, as the first main body portion 410 and the second main body portion 420 of this embodiment move relatively to assume the second configuration (see FIG. 7C ), the overlap between the first recess 471 of the first main body portion 410 and the second recess 472 of the second main body portion 420 in the penetration direction A changes. The guide portion 450 of this embodiment is formed by the first recess 471 of the first main body portion 410 and the second recess 472 of the second main body portion 420. The slit-shaped first recess 471 and second recess 472 of this embodiment both extend at an angle with respect to the left-right direction, which is the movement direction B. Hereinafter, the plan view seen along the penetration direction A shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C will be simply referred to as "plan view."

[0114] Furthermore, in the guide portion 450 of this embodiment, when viewed from above (see FIGS. 7A to 7C), the first main body portion 410 and the second main body portion 420 form an intersection 460 at which they intersect with each other while changing from the first configuration (see FIG. 7A) to the second configuration (see FIG. 7C). This intersection 460 approaches a predetermined gripping position CP as the first main body portion 410 and the second main body portion 420 move relative to each other to reach the second configuration (see FIG. 7C). More specifically, the first recess 471 of the first main body portion 410 and the second recess 472 of the second main body portion 420 serving as the guide portion 450 of this embodiment form the intersection 460 at which they intersect with each other while changing from the first configuration (see FIG. 7A) to the second configuration (see FIG. 7C) while viewing from above (see FIGS. 7A to 7C). Then, as the first body portion 410 and the second body portion 420 move relatively to assume the second configuration (see FIG. 7C), this intersection point 460 approaches a predetermined grip position CP.

[0115] As shown in Figures 7A to 7C, the first body portion 410 and the second body portion 420 of this embodiment form intersections 460 on both vertical sides of the opening 430 as they change from the first configuration (see Figure 7A) to the second configuration (see Figure 7C). Also, instead of forming the lower vertical intersection 460, the open end 431 disappears. The guide portion 450 of this embodiment includes these two intersections 460 in a plan view. The two intersections 460 approach a predetermined gripping position CP as the first body portion 410 and the second body portion 420 move relative to each other to assume the second configuration (see Figure 7C). By forming such an intersection 460 by the guide portion 450, the first main body portion 410 and the second main body portion 420 can be moved relative to each other, and the position of the intersection 460 can be moved in the desired direction, so that the part of the first main body portion 410 and the second main body portion 420 that forms the intersection 460 can press and guide the suture thread X toward a predetermined gripping position CP.

[0116] The first main body 410 of this embodiment defines an internal space 410a that accommodates the second main body 420 so that the second main body 420 can move linearly in the left-right direction, which is the movement direction B. The second main body 420 is biased by a biasing member 490 in the internal space 410a of the first main body 410 toward one side in the movement direction B (the right side B2 in FIGS. 7A to 7C ). The second main body 420 can move in the internal space 410a toward the other side in the movement direction B (the left side B1 in FIGS. 7A to 7C ) against the biasing force of the biasing member 490. The second main body 420 can move in the left-right direction in the internal space 410a of the first main body 410 so that the area where the second recess 472 overlaps with the first recess 471 of the first main body 410 in the penetration direction A changes in plan view (see FIGS. 7A to 7C ). That is, in a plan view (see FIGS. 7A to 7C ), the second recess 472 of the second main body 420 can move left and right from a state in which it overlaps widely with the first recess 471 of the first main body 410 in the penetration direction A so as to form the open end 431 (see FIG. 7A ) to a state in which it overlaps narrowly with the first recess 471 of the first main body 410 in the penetration direction A so as to eliminate the open end 431 (see FIG. 7C ). The second main body 420 may include, for example, an operating portion 420a protruding from the opening 410b of the first main body 410. The second main body 420 may also include a locking portion that can lock the locked portion of the first main body 410 when the coil spring serving as the biasing member 490 is compressed. The locked portion of the first main body 410 may have a configuration similar to that of the locking hole 310c shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C . Furthermore, the locking portion of the second main body portion 420 may have a configuration similar to that of the locking protrusion 320b that can fit into the locking hole 310c shown in Figures 6A to 6C. With this configuration, the first main body portion 410 and the second main body portion 420 can be easily changed between the first configuration (see Figure 7A) and the second configuration (see Figure 7C), similar to the suture holding device 301 of the fourth embodiment shown in Figures 6A to 6C.

[0117] As described above, the opening 430 of this embodiment has one open end 431 that opens to the lower side C2 in the vertical direction. The suture X can be inserted into the opening 430 through the open end 431 from the lower side C2 toward the upper side C1 in the vertical direction.

[0118] In this embodiment, the first main body portion 410 and the second main body portion 420 can change between a first configuration (see FIG. 7A ) and a second configuration (see FIG. 7C ) by relatively linearly moving in the left-right direction, which is the movement direction B. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C , the second main body portion 420 can change from the first configuration (see FIG. 7A ) to the second configuration (see FIG. 7C ) by relatively linearly moving to the right side B2 in the left-right direction with respect to the first main body portion 410. Conversely, the second main body portion 420 can change from the second configuration (see FIG. 7C ) to the first configuration (see FIG. 7A ) by relatively linearly moving to the left side B1 in the left-right direction with respect to the first main body portion 410.

[0119] The biasing member 490 of this embodiment biases the first body portion 410 and the second body portion 420 to maintain the second configuration. This makes it easier to continue to grip the suture with the first body portion 410 and the second body portion 420, improving the operability of the suture holding device 401. The biasing member 490 of this embodiment is a coil spring that presses the second body portion 420 to the right B2 in the left-right direction, which is the movement direction B, relative to the first body portion 410. The suture holding device 401 of this embodiment includes two coil springs as the biasing members 490, but the number and positions of the biasing members 490 are not limited to the number and positions shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C .

[0120] As described above, the slit-shaped first recess 471 and second recess 472 of this embodiment both extend at an angle with respect to the left-right direction, which is the movement direction B. More specifically, the first recess 471 of this embodiment has a slit shape that opens to the lower side C2 and extends to the upper side C1 as it moves toward the right side B2 in the left-right direction, which is the movement direction B. The second recess 472 of this embodiment also has a slit shape that opens to the lower side C2 and extends to the upper side C1 as it moves toward the right side B2 in the left-right direction, which is the movement direction B.

[0121] As described above, the first recess 471 and the second recess 472 are both slit-shaped and extend upward toward the right side B2 in the left-right direction, which is the movement direction B. Therefore, the side walls of the first recess 471 and the second recess 472 are both inclined with respect to the left-right direction, which is the movement direction B, and the up-down direction, which is the direction C intersecting the movement direction B. Here, the side walls of the first recess 471 and the second recess 472 have different degrees of inclination with respect to the left-right direction, which is the movement direction B. Specifically, in this embodiment, the degree of inclination of the side walls of the first recess 471 relative to the left-right direction, which is the movement direction B, is smaller than the acute angle of inclination of the side walls of the second recess 472 relative to the left-right direction, which is the movement direction B. The inclination angles of the first recess 471 and the second recess 472 are not particularly limited as long as they are capable of gripping the suture X. Preferably, the inclination angle of the first recess 471 is 45 to 90 degrees, and the inclination angle of the second recess 472 is approximately 1 to 5 degrees smaller than that of the first recess. By having the two slit shapes adopt this structure, the area of ​​overlapping portions of the slits decreases as the first body portion 410 and the second body portion 420 move relative to each other, making it possible to grasp the suture thread X at a predetermined grasping position CP.

[0122] The guide portion 450 of this embodiment can press the suture X inserted in the opening 430 toward the bottom 471a of the first recess 471 toward the predetermined gripping position CP when the first main body portion 410 and the second main body portion 420 change from the first configuration (see FIG. 7A ) to the second configuration (see FIG. 7C ). This allows the sidewall of the first recess 471 to be used as a guide wall that contacts the suture X to guide the suture X to the gripping position CP. Furthermore, the guide portion 450 of this embodiment can press the suture X toward the bottom 472a of the second recess 472 toward the predetermined gripping position CP during the above-described shape change. This allows the sidewall of the second recess 472 to be used as a guide wall that contacts the suture X to guide the suture X to the gripping position CP. In other words, the first recess 471 of the first main body 310 and the second recess 472 of the second main body 420, which form the guide portion 450 of this embodiment, use the side walls of the first recess 471 and the side walls of the second recess 472 as guide walls to press the suture thread X toward a predetermined gripping position CP on the bottom 471a side of the first recess 471 and the bottom 472a side of the second recess 472.

[0123] As described above, the first recess 471 and the second recess 472 in this embodiment are slit-shaped. Because the first recess 471 and the second recess 472 are slit-shaped, the range in which the suture X can move in the direction perpendicular to the penetration direction A can be more limited by the side walls compared to when the first recess 471 and the second recess 472 are not slit-shaped. This makes it easier to more reliably guide the suture X toward the predetermined gripping position CP.

[0124] 7A to 7C, in a plan view, the open end 431 of the opening 430 is gradually closed as the first body portion 410 and the second body portion 420 change from the first configuration (see FIG. 7A) to the second configuration (see FIG. 7C), and the opening 430 changes into a through-hole 435 that does not have the open end 431. By changing the opening 430 into a through-hole 435, the suture thread X moves through the open end 431 in a direction intersecting the penetration direction A (the up-and-down direction in this embodiment), and is prevented from slipping out of the opening 430.

[0125] In a state in which opening 430 has changed into through-hole 435, inner edge 480 that defines through-hole 435 in a plan view (see FIGS. 7A to 7C ) forms guide portion 450. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7C , as first main body 410 and second main body 420 move relatively to assume the second form, inner edge 480 decreases so as to approach the predetermined gripping position.

[0126] The suture holding device according to the present disclosure is not limited to the specific configurations shown in the above-described embodiments, and various modifications, alterations, and combinations are possible without departing from the scope of the claims. For example, in the above-described first to fifth embodiments, examples have been described in which only the first and second body portions define the opening, but at least one or more body portions that define the opening may be provided in addition to the first and second body portions. Furthermore, in addition to the first and second body portions, another body portion that grips the suture in the second configuration may be provided.

[0127] The present disclosure relates to a suture holding device.

[0128] 1: suture holding device 10a: opposing surface 10: first main body portion 20: second main body portion 20a: opposing surface 30: opening 31: open end 35: through hole 50: guide portion 60: intersection point 71: first recess 71a: bottom of first recess 72: second recess 72a: bottom of second recess 80: inner edge portion 101: suture holding device 110: first main body portion 110a: opposing surface 120: second main body portion 120a: opposing surface 130: opening 131: open end 135: through hole 140: operating portion 142: connecting portion 150: guide portion 156: receiving plate portion 157: pushing plate portion 160, 160a, 160b: intersection point 171: first recess 171a: Bottom of first recess 172: Second recess 172a: Bottom of second recess 180: Inner edge 190: Urging member 201: Suture holding device 210: First main body 220: Second main body 230: Opening 235: Through hole 271: First recess 272: Second recess 301, 1301: Suture holding device 310: First main body 310a: Internal space 310b: Slit opening 310c, 1310c: Locking hole 320: Second main body 320a: Operating portion 320b: Locking protrusion 325: Outer edge 330: Opening 331: Open end 335: Through hole 350: Guiding portion 360: Intersection 371: Recess 371a: Bottom of recess 371b: Side wall 380: Inner edge 390: Biasing member 401: Suture holding device 410: First body portion 410a: Internal space 410b: Opening 420: Second body portion 430: Opening 431: Open end 435: Through hole 450: Guiding portion 460: Intersection 471: First recess 471a: Bottom of first recess 472: Second recess 472a: Bottom of second recess 480: Inner edge 490: Biasing member A: Penetration direction B: Movement direction B1: One side of the movement direction B2: The other side of the movement direction C: Direction intersecting with the movement direction C1: One side of the direction intersecting with the movement direction C2: The other side of the direction intersecting with the movement direction D: circumferential direction about the rotation axis when the first body part and the second body part rotate relative to each other; O1: rotation axis when the first body part and the second body part rotate relative to each other; X: suture; x1: one end of the suture; x2: the other end of the suture; CP: gripping position

Claims

1. A suture holding device comprising a first body portion and a second body portion, the first body portion and the second body portion being relatively movable so as to change between a first configuration in which the first body portion and the second body portion penetrate in a predetermined penetration direction and define, between one of the body portions or between the one body portion and the other body portion, an opening having an open end through which a suture can be inserted from a direction intersecting the penetration direction, and a second configuration in which the suture can be inserted from the open end into the opening and extending in the penetration direction and can be grasped between the first body portion and the second body portion at a predetermined grasping position, the first body portion and the second body portion forming a guide portion which, when changing from the first configuration to the second configuration, can guide the suture inserted in the opening toward the predetermined grasping position in a direction intersecting the direction of relative movement of the first body portion and the second body portion.

2. A suture holding device as described in claim 1, wherein the guide portion is capable of pressing the suture inserted into the opening toward the predetermined gripping position when changing from the first configuration to the second configuration.

3. The suture holding device of claim 2, wherein the guide portion includes, in a plan view along the penetration direction, an intersection point where the first body portion and the second body portion intersect with each other during the change from the first form to the second form or from the first form to the second form, and approaches the predetermined gripping position as the first body portion and the second body portion move relatively to assume the second form.

4. A suture holding device as described in claim 3, wherein one of the first and second body parts has a recess that defines the opening and is concave in plan view, and the guide part is capable of pressing the suture inserted into the opening toward the bottom side of the recess of one of the body parts, toward the predetermined gripping position, when changing from the first form to the second form.

5. The suture holding device according to claim 4, wherein the recess is slit-shaped in the plan view.

6. The suture holding device according to claim 4, wherein the recess is generally V-shaped in plan view, the width of which gradually decreases toward the bottom.

7. A suture holding device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein, in a plan view seen along the penetration direction, the opening changes into a through-hole without an open end during the change from the first configuration to the second configuration.

8. A suture holding device as described in claim 7, wherein, when the opening has changed into the through hole, an inner edge portion that defines the through hole in the planar view forms the guide portion, and the area of ​​the through hole in the planar view decreases as the inner edge portion approaches the predetermined gripping position as the first body portion and the second body portion move relatively to assume the second configuration.

9. A suture holding device as described in claim 8, wherein the through hole is approximately rectangular in plan view, and the area of ​​the through hole decreases so that two corners constituting diagonal corners of the approximately rectangular shape approach each other as the first body portion and the second body portion move relatively to assume the second configuration.

10. A suture holding device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein one of the first and second body portions comprises two receiving plate portions spaced apart in the penetration direction, and the other body portion comprises a pushing plate portion located between the two receiving plate portions in the penetration direction, the guide portion being formed by the ends of the two receiving plate portions and the pushing plate portion in an orthogonal direction perpendicular to the penetration direction, and when the first and second body portions are in the second configuration, the suture can be clamped and held between the two receiving plate portions and the pushing plate portion in the orthogonal direction.

11. A suture holding device as described in claim 4 or 5, wherein, in the plan view, as the first body portion and the second body portion move relative to each other to assume the second configuration, the outer edge of the other body portion can move across the recess of the one body portion, and the guide portion is formed by the recess of the one body portion and the outer edge of the other body portion.

12. A suture holding device as described in claim 4 or 5, wherein when the recess is defined as a first recess, the other main body portion has a second recess that is concave in the planar view, and the first recess of the one main body portion and the second recess of the other main body portion overlap each other in the penetration direction when the first main body portion and the second main body portion are in the first configuration, and define the opening in the planar view seen along the penetration direction.

13. The suture holding device according to claim 12, wherein the second recess is slit-shaped in the plan view.

14. A suture holding device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first body portion and the second body portion are capable of changing their configuration between the first configuration and the second configuration by rotating relative to each other.

15. A suture holding device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first body portion and the second body portion are capable of changing their configuration between the first configuration and the second configuration by linear movement relative to each other.

16. The suture holding device of claim 15, wherein one of the first and second body portions includes a body receiving portion that receives at least a portion of the other body portion and supports the other body portion so that the other body portion is translatably movable relative to the one body portion.

17. The suture holding device of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a biasing member that biases the first body portion and the second body portion to maintain them in the first configuration or the second configuration.

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