Knotless Endostitch Package

• US 20100307934A1
• Filed: 05/07/2010
• Published: 12/09/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 06/09/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Chowaniec, Matthew, Kirsch, David
• Granted Patent: US 8,292,067 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 206/63.3
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/06114 Packages or dispensers for needles or sutures packages for sharps A61B50/3001; for dental floss A61C15/043; packages for needles in general B65D85/24
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/06123 Flat cylinders, e.g. including an inner reel
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/0625 the needle being specially adapted to interact with the manipulator, e.g. being ridged to snap fit in a hole of the manipulator A61B17/06109 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/06142 having needle- or suture- retaining members, e.g. holding tabs or needle parks
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/06176 with protrusions, e.g. barbs

Abstract

Various embodiments of suture packages are disclosed to provide a surgical needle, having an associated length of suture material, to a surgical suturing instrument. The disclosed suture packages generally include a body portion having a needle supplying loading unit mounted thereon. Various methods of affixing the loading unit to the body portion are disclosed. The body portion defines a suture tray and a cover is provided to secure a suture within the suture tray. A securing ring is provided to secure the cover to the body portion.

Claims

1. A suture package comprising:

a body portion defining a suture tray; and

a loading unit located within the confines of the body portion, wherein the suture tray supports a length of suture material and the loading unit supports a surgical needle affixed to the length of suture material.

2. The suture package as recited in claim 1, wherein the loading unit is secured to the body portion.

3. The suture package as recited in claim 2, wherein the body portion includes a tunnel extending inwardly toward the center of the body portion.

4. The suture package as recited in claim 3, wherein the loading unit is secured to the tunnel.

5. The suture package as recited in claim 4, wherein the loading unit includes tabs and the tunnel includes slots such that the loading unit is secured to the tunnel by engagement of the tabs within the slots.

6. The suture package as recited in claim 4, further comprising a plate positioned over an opening in the tunnel and the loading unit is secured to the plate.

7. The suture package as recited in claim 1, further comprising a cover overlying the tray defined by the body portion.

8. The suture package as recited in claim 7, wherein the cover is secured to the body portion, the cover including an opening such that the loading unit is exposed through the opening in the cover.

9. The suture package as recited in claim 8, further comprising a fixture positionable about the cover and engageable with the body portion to secure the cover to the body portion.

10. The suture package as recited in claim 8, further comprising a ring positionable about the cover and engageable with the body portion to secure the cover to the body portion.

11. A suture package comprising:

a circular body portion defining a suture tray; and

a loading unit on the circular body portion, wherein the suture tray supports a length of suture material and the loading unit supports a surgical needle affixed to the length of suture material.

12. The suture package as recited in claim 11, wherein the length of suture material is a length of knotless suture material.

13. The suture package as recited in claim 12, wherein the circular body portion includes a radially inwardly directed tunnel such that the suture tray is generally U-shaped.

14. The suture package as recited in claim 13, wherein the loading unit is secured to the tunnel.

15. The suture package as recited in claim 14, further comprising a plate having slots, the plate being located on the tunnel.

16. The suture package as recited in claim 15, wherein the loading unit includes tabs, the tabs being engageable within the slots to secure the loading unit to the tunnel.

17. The suture package as recited in claim 11, further comprising a cover overlying the tray defined by the circular body portion.

18. The suture package as recited in claim 17, wherein the cover is secured to the circular body portion, the cover including an opening such that the loading unit is exposed through the opening in the cover.

19. A suture package comprising:

a circular body portion defining a circular suture tray; and

a loading unit mounted on the circular body portion, wherein the suture tray supports a length of suture material and the loading unit supports a surgical needle affixed to the length of suture material.

20. The suture package as recited in claim 19, wherein the loading unit is mounted on a post extending from the center of the circular suture tray.