Shape memory effect surgical needles

• US 5,219,358 A
• Filed: 08/29/1991
• Issued: 06/15/1993
• Est. Priority Date: 08/29/1991
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Ethicon Incorporated (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon Incorporated (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Tannhauser, Robert J., McJames, William C., McGregor, Walter, Bendel, Lee P.
• Primary Examiner(s): Pellegrino, Stephen C.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Jackson, Gary
• Application Number:
  US07/751,903
• Time in Patent Office: 656 Days
• Field of Search: 606/222, 606/78, 606/223-227, 606/164, 606/76, 606/144, 606/148, 606/27, 606/28, 606/139, 148/402
• US Class Current: 606/222
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/0469 Suturing instruments for use in minimally invasive surgery, e.g. endoscopic surgery
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/06066 Needles, e.g. needle tip configurations making needles B21G1/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/062 Needle manipulators
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/34 Trocars; Puncturing needles pointed biopsy instruments A61B10/0233; devices for piercing the ear-lobes A44C7/001; seals or hemostasis valves A61M39/06
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00867 shape memory effect
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/06095 pliable
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30092 using shape memory or superelastic materials, e.g. nitinol
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2210/0023 operated at different temperatures whilst inside or touching the human body, heated or cooled by external energy source or cold supply
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2210/0047 heated by light

Abstract

Surgical needles are fabricated from a shape memory alloy. The alloy has a low temperature state, in which the needle is formable into an elongated shape to pass through an elongated tube, and a high temperature state, in which the needle forms an arc. The needle is particularly adapted for use in endoscopic surgery. A needle that has a remembered curved shape is straightened and passed to a surgical site through a cannula. It is then returned to its curved shape by heating it at the surgical site. After use, it is withdrawn through the cannula.

Claims

1. A method for introducing a curved needle to a surgical site in a patient, comprising the steps of

(a) inserting a cannula into the patient to permit access from outside the patient to the surgical site,

(b) providing a shape-metal-alloy needle that, having been formed into an arc shape and tempered at an elevated temperature, has been formed into an elongated shape while in a first, low-temperature state,

(c) passing the elongated needle through the cannula, and

(d) heating the needle to a temperature at which the alloy is converted to a second, high temperature state, thereby causing the needle to return to the arc shape.

2. The method of claim 1 in which the needle is heated to the high-temperature state with an illumination light.

3. The method of claim 1 in which the needle is heated to the high-temperature state with a laser.

4. The method of claim 1 in which the needle is heated to the high-temperature state with a cautery.

5. The method of claim 1 further comprising removing the needle through the cannula.