Endoscopic suturing needle
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for endoscopic suturing, comprising:
- a handle;
an elongated tubular housing extending from said handle;
needle means movably mounted and extending through and beyond said housing for penetration into body tissue and for selective retention of a suture intermediate of its ends against said housing while said handle is moved with respect to the body tissue;
said needle means being movable with respect to said housing and further comprising a distal segment, said distal segment having a larger profile than said housing, whereupon said housing acts as a travel stop when said needle means is retracted toward said housing.
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Abstract
A suturing needle is illustrated which can engage a suture to an outer housing, thereby presenting a relatively smooth surface at the distal end of the apparatus to minimize tissue trauma. A lock feature prevents unexpected extension of the needle from the outer housing which could release the suture. A finger switch is used to overcome the locking mechanism when it is desired to release the suture. The distal end of the housing and the needle are a generally similar flat profile to minimize uneven edges which could damage the tissue. The suture is retained in a hook located in the needle, the opening for which is retracted in the housing to retain the suture.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. An apparatus for endoscopic suturing, comprising:
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a handle; an elongated tubular housing extending from said handle; needle means movably mounted and extending through and beyond said housing for penetration into body tissue and for selective retention of a suture intermediate of its ends against said housing while said handle is moved with respect to the body tissue; said needle means being movable with respect to said housing and further comprising a distal segment, said distal segment having a larger profile than said housing, whereupon said housing acts as a travel stop when said needle means is retracted toward said housing. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. An instrument comprising:
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a handle; a housing mounted to said handle; a needle; said needle having a broader profile than said housing in the region thereof that extends beyond said housing; means on said needle to accept a suture intermediate its ends; said needle selectively retractable with respect to said housing for retaining the suture to said housing, as said handle is moved with respect to body tissue, while presenting a smooth transition from said needle to said housing to minimize tissue trauma upon advancement and retraction of the instrument; means to retain said needle in a retracted position while the instrument is pulled through tissue by said handle, thereby securing the suture; switch means on said handle operatively engaged to said means to retain for selective defeating thereof to allow extension of said needle with respect to said housing for release of said suture; said means for accepting the suture comprises a hook; and said needle retaining said suture in said hook against said housing while presenting a notchless profile to minimize tissue trauma due to said hook being retracted at least in part into said housing. - View Dependent Claims (16)
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17. A method of endoscopic suturing comprising the steps of:
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extending a needle from a housing; engaging a suture with a hook formed on said needle; retracting said needle towards said housing; moving an open segment of said hook within said housing; trapping said suture in said hook; suturing with said needle; said trapping step further comprising; actuating said needle by a switch on a handle mounted with said needle; presenting a smooth transition between said needle and said housing upon trapping said suture for minimizing tissue trauma during said suturing; latching said needle in a retracted position to avoid accidental release of a suture; moving a tang inside said handle and on said needle, with said switch; moving said tang over a detent as said needle is pulled in towards said housing; preventing needle extension by said tang engaging said detent; selectively overcoming said latching to allow said needle to disengage the suture. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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Specification