Endoscopic Suturing Device, System and Method
First Claim
1. A suturing method comprising:
- introducing a body of a suturing device to a surgical site for a patient, the body extending along a device axis toward first and second clamps;
grasping a base portion of a needle between a distal jaw element and a proximal jaw element of the first clamp so that the needle is disposed along the device axis between the proximal jaw element and the distal jaw element, the needle having a needle axis extending from the base portion to a tissue penetrating portion having a sharp end;
inserting the sharp end of the needle through a tissue of the patient while the first clamp holds the needle at a fixed location relative to the body;
advancing the second clamp toward the needle by translating a shaft supporting the second clamp along the device axis and rotating the second clamp about the shaft;
grasping the tissue penetrating portion of the needle with the second clamp of the suturing device;
releasing the base portion of the needle from the first clamp and withdrawing the first clamp away from the needle by translating a shaft supporting the first clamp along the device axis and rotating the first clamp about the shaft;
pulling the base end of the needle through the tissue by moving the body of the suturing device while the second clamp holds the needle.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Improved medical suturing devices, systems, and methods may hold a suture needle at a fixed location relative to a handle of the device, allowing a surgeon to grasp and manipulate the handle of the suturing device to insert the needle through tissues. The exemplary device includes two needle grasping clamps extending from an elongate distal portion for endoscopic surgeries, including ear, nose and throat procedures. The two clamps alternate holding the suture needle, as the surgeon sutures the tissues, each clamp having a proximal and distal gripping jaw for grasping the needle. Preferably, the gripping surfaces of the proximal and distal gripping jaws are substantially parallel to the needle'"'"'s plane of curvature and exert a holding force on the needle substantially along an axis of the device.
86 Citations
35 Claims
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1. A suturing method comprising:
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introducing a body of a suturing device to a surgical site for a patient, the body extending along a device axis toward first and second clamps; grasping a base portion of a needle between a distal jaw element and a proximal jaw element of the first clamp so that the needle is disposed along the device axis between the proximal jaw element and the distal jaw element, the needle having a needle axis extending from the base portion to a tissue penetrating portion having a sharp end; inserting the sharp end of the needle through a tissue of the patient while the first clamp holds the needle at a fixed location relative to the body; advancing the second clamp toward the needle by translating a shaft supporting the second clamp along the device axis and rotating the second clamp about the shaft; grasping the tissue penetrating portion of the needle with the second clamp of the suturing device; releasing the base portion of the needle from the first clamp and withdrawing the first clamp away from the needle by translating a shaft supporting the first clamp along the device axis and rotating the first clamp about the shaft; pulling the base end of the needle through the tissue by moving the body of the suturing device while the second clamp holds the needle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. An endoscopic suturing device for use with a suturing needle, the device comprising:
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a body having a proximal portion disposed and a distal portion with a device axis extending therebetween; a first shaft extendable from the distal portion of the body, the first shaft movable axially along the device axis and rotatable relative to the body; a first clamp supported by the first shaft, the first clamp having a proximal jaw and a distal jaw; a second shaft extendable from the distal portion of the body, the second shaft movable axially along the device axis and rotatable relative to the body; a second clamp supported by the second shaft, the second clamp having a proximal jaw and a distal jaw; and a linkage effecting movement of each of the first and second clamps between a retracted position and a grasping position by axial and rotation movement of the shafts, each clamp grasping a portion of the needle in the grasping position so that the needle is disposed along the device axis between the proximal jaw and the distal jaw, and each clamp is rotated laterally away from the needle and retracted proximally away from the needle in the retracted position to increase clearance between the retracted clamp and the tissue and/or needle. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
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25. The endoscopic suturing device of claim 25, wherein the linkage effecting movement further comprises springs.
Specification