A device for suturing tissue includes a handle including a housing and a suturing needle for advancing a suture through the tissue. The device also includes a first needle gripper that is configured to both grasp and release the suturing needle. A second needle gripper is also configured to both gra
A device for suturing tissue includes a handle including a housing and a suturing needle for advancing a suture through the tissue. The device also includes a first needle gripper that is configured to both grasp and release the suturing needle. A second needle gripper is also configured to both grasp and release the suturing needle. An actuator is coupled to the housing and is operatively coupled to: (a) a first linkage that pivots the second gripping gripper between a fully extended position and a retracted position relative to the housing; and (b) a second linkage that is operatively coupled to the first and second needle grippers and configured to alter a state of each of the first and second needle grippers. The second linkage can include a one-way clutch.
대표청구항▼
1. A device for suturing tissue comprising: a handle including a housing having a distal end and an opposite proximal end;a suturing needle for advancing a suture through the tissue, the suturing needle having a first pointed end and an opposite second end;a first needle gripper coupled to the housi
1. A device for suturing tissue comprising: a handle including a housing having a distal end and an opposite proximal end;a suturing needle for advancing a suture through the tissue, the suturing needle having a first pointed end and an opposite second end;a first needle gripper coupled to the housing, the first needle gripper being configured to both grasp and release the suturing needle;a second needle gripper coupled to the housing, the second needle gripper being configured to both grasp and release the suturing needle; andan actuator that is coupled to the housing, the actuator being operatively coupled to: (a) a first linkage that pivots the second needle gripper between a fully extended position and a retracted position relative to the housing; and (b) a second linkage that is operatively coupled to the first and second needle grippers and configured to alter a state of each of the first and second needle grippers to permit each respective needle gripper to either: (a) receive and grasp the suturing needle or (b) release the suturing needle;wherein the second linkage includes a one-way clutch that is operatively coupled to the actuator and is configured to synchronously alter the states of the first and second needle grippers to permit each respective needle gripper to either: (a) receive and grasp the suturing needle or (b) release the suturing needle, and wherein the one-way clutch is configured to trip at a select operating state of the actuator to cause a release of stored energy in the second linkage which causes the synchronized alteration of the states of the first and second needle grippers. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the actuator moves in a sweeping, non-linear motion relative to the housing. 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the first linkage comprises a plurality of gears that operatively couple the actuator to the second needle gripper such that motion of the actuator is translated into the second needle gripper rotating about a first pivot point between the fully extended position and a retracted position. 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the plurality of gears of the first linkage includes a first gear that is associated with the actuator; a second gear that meshes with the first gear; and a third gear that is fixedly coupled to the second needle gripper such that a pivoting movement of the actuator causes the first, second and third gears to rotate resulting in rotation of the second needle gripper. 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the first gear is a fan gear and the second gear is a reducer gear that is configured such that the second needle gripper rotates a greater number of degrees than the actuator. 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the second linkage comprises an energy storage mechanism that is configured to store energy during an inward stroke of the actuator and release the stored energy during one stage of an outstroke of the actuator, whereby the release of the stored energy causes the states of the first and second needle grippers to be altered. 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the one stage of the outstroke comprises a final stage of the outstroke. 8. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second needle grippers comprises a first clamp and a second movable clamp that is pivotally attached to the first clamp at a pivot to permit the second movable clamp to pivot between open and closed positions, each of the first clamp and the second movable clamp defining a needle receiving groove in which the suturing needle is captured. 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the second movable clamp is biased to the open position. 10. The device of claim 8, wherein the second linkage includes a part that applies a force to the second movable clamps of the first and second needle grippers in an alternating manner to cause the reciprocal opening and closing of the first and second needle grippers. 11. The device of claim 1, further including a safety shield mechanism for shielding the suturing needle, the safety shield consisting of first and second guards that pivot on a shared axis, the first and second guards being biased to each other and to the housing by a plurality of biasing elements. 12. The device of claim 1, wherein the one-way clutch automatically trips at the select operating state of the actuator by contacting a structure associated with the housing. 13. A device for suturing tissue comprising: a handle including a housing having a distal end and an opposite proximal end;a suturing needle for advancing a suture through the tissue, the suturing needle having a first pointed end and an opposite second end;a first needle gripper coupled to the housing, the first needle gripper being configured to both grasp and release the suturing needle;a second needle gripper coupled to the housing, the second needle gripper being configured to both grasp and release the suturing needle; andan actuator that is coupled to the housing, the actuator being operatively coupled to: (a) a first linkage that pivots the second needle gripper between a fully extended position and a retracted position relative to the housing; and (b) a second linkage that is operatively coupled to the first and second needle grippers and configured to alter a state of each of the first and second needle grippers to permit each respective needle gripper to either: (a) receive and grasp the suturing needle or (b) release the suturing needle;wherein the second linkage includes a one-way clutch that is operatively coupled to the actuator and is configured to synchronously alter the states of the first and second needle grippers to permit each respective needle gripper to either: (a) receive and grasp the suturing needle or (b) release the suturing needle;wherein the second linkage comprises an energy storage mechanism that is configured to store energy during an inward stroke of the actuator and release the stored energy during one stage of an outstroke of the actuator, whereby the release of the stored energy causes the states of the first and second needle grippers to be altered;wherein the energy storage mechanism includes a windup mechanism and a crankshaft assembly whose operation alters the states of the first and second needle grippers, the windup mechanism includes a first spring that stores energy during the inward stroke of the actuator as a result of a coupling between the actuator and the windup mechanism and release the stored energy during the one stage of the outstroke of the actuator, the windup mechanism being configured to selectively engage and interlock with the crankshaft assembly, the crankshaft assembly being maintained in a held position until the one stage of the outstroke at which time the crankshaft assembly is released from the held position and the windup mechanism releases its stored energy resulting in the crankshaft assembly rotating a predetermined number of degrees. 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the windup mechanism rotates 180 degrees in a first direction during the inward stroke of the actuator and during the one stage of the outstroke, the windup mechanism and the crankshaft assembly rotate 180 degrees in an opposite second direction. 15. The device of claim 13, wherein the one-way clutching comprises a portion of the windup mechanism, a portion of the crankshaft assembly and a pawl that selectively engages the crankshaft assembly to restrict movement of the windup mechanism and the crankshaft assembly until the one stage of the outstroke. 16. The device of claim 13, wherein the windup mechanism includes a torsion spring that is fixed to the housing at a first end and has a second end that is fixed to a pinion gear that is coupled to the actuator by a rack that moves when the actuator moves relative to the housing such that movement of the actuator is translated into rotation of the pinion gear and rotation of the windup mechanism, the windup mechanism further including a windup ratchet that is fixedly attached to the pinion gear and rotates therewith. 17. The device of claim 16, wherein the windup ratchet has a pair of windows formed therein that selectively receive a pair of first flexible tabs that are part of a crankshaft ratchet that is part of the crankshaft assembly to releasably interlock the windup ratchet to the crankshaft ratchet, the pair of windows being formed 180 degrees apart from one another and the pair of first flexible tabs being formed 180 degrees apart from one another, the crankshaft ratchet being fixedly connected to a crankshaft that drives the movements of the first and second needle grippers. 18. The device of claim 17, wherein the crankshaft ratchet includes an anti-reverse feature to prevent rotation of the crankshaft during the inward stroke of the actuator. 19. The device of claim 18, wherein the anti-reverse feature comprises a pair of second flexible tabs formed as part of the crankshaft ratchet, wherein the second flexible tabs contact a portion of the housing to prevent rotation of the crankshaft ratchet in one direction when the windup mechanism is being wound during the inward stroke. 20. The device of claim 17, wherein the crankshaft assembly includes a stop mechanism to restrict rotation of the crankshaft to a predetermined number of degrees when the windup mechanism releases its stored energy. 21. The device of claim 20, wherein the stop mechanism comprises a body attached to the crankshaft and at least one biased pin slidably disposed within an opening formed in the body such that rotation of the body during the release of energy by the windup mechanism causes the pin to protrude beyond a peripheral edge of the body due to centrifugal force exacted onto the pin and make contact with a fixed stop that is part of the housing resulting in the crankshaft only traveling the predetermined number of degrees when the windup mechanism releases its stored energy. 22. The device of claim 13, wherein the crankshaft includes an eccentrically mounted bearing that is rotated and applies an alternating force to the first and second needle grippers to change the states of first and second needle grippers in a reciprocal manner. 23. A device for suturing tissue comprising: a handle including a housing having a distal end and an opposite proximal end;a suturing needle for advancing a suture through the tissue, the suturing needle having a first pointed end and an opposite second end;a first needle gripper coupled to the housing, the first needle gripper being configured to both grasp and release the suturing needle;a second needle gripper coupled to the housing, the second needle gripper being configured to both grasp and release the suturing needle; andan actuator that is coupled to the housing, the actuator moving from an initial rest position in an inward stroke to a fully retracted position and returns to the initial rest position during an outstroke;a windup mechanism coupled to the actuator and configured to rotate 180 degrees in a first direction, store energy, and become releasably coupled to a crankshaft assembly during the inward stroke of the actuator, wherein the crankshaft assembly remains stationary during the inward stroke of the actuator, the crankshaft assembly being coupled to the first and second needle grippers; anda locking mechanism for selectively holding the coupled windup mechanism and crankshaft assembly such that the energy of the windup mechanism remains stored;wherein during the outstroke of the actuator, the actuator returns to the initial rest position and when the actuator reaches a select point in the return to the initial rest position, the locking mechanism is released causing both the windup mechanism and the crankshaft assembly to rotate 180 degrees in an opposite second direction resulting in each of the first and second needle grippers moving between open and closed positions;wherein the actuator is coupled to the second needle gripper such that during each of the inward stroke and the outstroke, the second needle gripper moves from one of a fully extended position and fully retracted position to the other of the fully extended position and fully retracted position. 24. A device for suturing tissue comprising: a housing that has a distal end and a proximal end;an actuator that is coupled to the housing and moves between two positions when squeezed by a user using the user's thumb or finger, thereby defining the two positions which consist of a first at-rest position where the actuator is not squeezed, and a second fully squeezed position where the actuator has traveled to a mechanically limited end of movement of the actuator;a curved needle with a distal end having a sharp tissue penetrating point;a fixed needle gripper disposed within the housing aligned to receive and selectively grip or release a proximal end of the curved needle through an opening in the housing;a movable needle gripper that swings in an arcing motion concentric with the curved needle and is configured to receive and selectively grip or release the curved needle, and also enclosing and protecting the sharpened tip of the curved needle, the swinging arcing motion terminating in two positions that consist of an at-rest position where the movable needle gripper is in an extended position and is spaced from the housing and encloses the needle tip when the curved needle is gripped at the proximal end by the fixed needle gripper, and a retracted position in which the movable needle gripper swings in the arcing motion into the housing, further, the movable needle gripper is connected to the actuator by a mechanical linkage such that when the actuator is not squeezed, the movable needle gripper is in the at-rest, extended position, and when the actuator is fully squeezed, the movable needle gripper is in its retracted position; anda clamp activating mechanism employed such that the mechanism selectively causes the fixed needle gripper and the movable needle gripper to exist in either of two states, namely, a first state in which the fixed needle gripper grips the proximal end of said curved needle and the movable needle gripper releases the distal end of the curved needle while in its at-rest position, and a second state where the fixed needle gripper releases the proximal needle end and the movable needle gripper grips the distal needle end, further, while gripping the distal needle end, the movable needle gripper maintaining the grip on the curved needle through the movable needle gripper's entire arcing motion from said at-rest position to said retracted position, further still, the second needle gripper being mechanically connected to the actuator such that the clamp activating mechanism switches from the first state to the second state when the actuator moves from said fully squeezed position to said un-squeezed at-rest position. 25. A device for suturing tissue comprising: a handle including a housing having a distal end and an opposite proximal end;a suturing needle for advancing a suture through the tissue, the suturing needle having a first pointed end and an opposite second end;a first needle gripper coupled to the housing, the first needle gripper being configured to both grasp and release the suturing needle;a second needle gripper coupled to the housing, the second needle gripper being configured to both grasp and release the suturing needle; andan actuator that is coupled to the housing, the actuator being operatively coupled to: (a) a first linkage that pivots the second needle gripper between a fully extended position and a retracted position relative to the housing; and (b) a second linkage that is operatively coupled to the first and second needle grippers and configured to alter a state of each of the first and second needle grippers to permit each respective needle gripper to either: (a) receive and grasp the suturing needle or (b) release the suturing needle;wherein the second linkage includes a rotatable crankshaft that extends in a longitudinal direction within the housing and rotates within the housing, the second linkage being configured such that that the rotatable crankshaft controllably rotates in defined increments to synchronously alter the states of the first and second needle grippers to permit each respective needle gripper to either: (a) receive and grasp the suturing needle or (b) release the suturing needle. 26. The device of claim 25, further including a rotatable concentric bearing that is affixed to a distal eccentric portion of the crankshaft and engages the first and second needle grippers in a manner that creates two synchronous states for each of first and second needle gripper, the two synchronous states comprising a needle gripping state and a needle release state. 27. The device of claim 25, further comprising: a crankshaft ratchet that is fixedly attached to the crankshaft and along with the crankshaft define a crankshaft assembly; and a windup mechanism that rotationally engages the crankshaft ratchet such that when the windup mechanism is lockingly coupled to the crankshaft ratchet, rotation of the windup mechanism is translated into rotation of the crankshaft ratchet and the crankshaft. 28. The device of claim 27, wherein the energy is stored by the windup mechanism during an inward stroke of the actuator as a result of a coupling between the actuator and the windup mechanism and the stored energy is released during one stage of the outstroke of the actuator. 29. The device of claim 28, wherein the windup mechanism is configured to selectively interlock with the crankshaft ratchet, the crankshaft assembly being maintained in a held position until the one stage of the outstroke at which time the crankshaft assembly is released from the held position and the windup mechanism releases its stored energy resulting in the crankshaft assembly rotating a predetermined number of degrees. 30. The device of claim 28, wherein the one stage of the outstroke of the actuator comprises an end portion of the outstroke. 31. A device for suturing tissue comprising: a handle including a housing having a distal end and an opposite proximal end;a suturing needle for advancing a suture through the tissue, the suturing needle having a first pointed end and an opposite second end;a first needle gripper coupled to the housing, the first needle gripper being configured to both grasp and release the suturing needle;a second needle gripper coupled to the housing, the second needle gripper being configured to both grasp and release the suturing needle; andan actuator that is coupled to the housing, the actuator being operatively coupled to: (a) a first linkage that pivots the second needle gripper between a fully extended position and a retracted position relative to the housing; and (b) a second linkage that is operatively coupled to the first and second needle grippers and configured to alter a state of each of the first and second needle grippers to permit each respective needle gripper to either: (a) receive and grasp the suturing needle or (b) release the suturing needle;wherein the second linkage includes a one-way clutch that is operatively coupled to the actuator and is configured to synchronously alter the states of the first and second needle grippers to permit each respective needle gripper to either: (a) receive and grasp the suturing needle or (b) release the suturing needle, the one-way clutch having an engaged state in which first and second parts of the second linkage are coupled to one another and a disengaged state in which the first and second parts are free to move relative to one another to cause the states of the first and second needle grippers to be synchronously altered, wherein during an at rest position of the device and an end phase of an instroke of the actuator, the first and second parts are engaged to one another, while during a remaining time of the instroke, the first and second parts are disengaged and rotate relative to one another and during an outstroke of the actuator, the first and second parts are engaged to one another. 32. The device of claim 31, wherein the first part is free to rotate in both a first direction and an opposite second direction, while the second part rotates only in one direction. 33. The device of claim 31, wherein during an instroke of the actuator, the first and second parts are free of attachment to one another until the end phase of the instroke at which time the first and second parts become engaged and wherein during the outstroke of the actuator, the first and second parts remain coupled to one another until the one-way clutch is tripped at an end phase of the outstroke at which time, the first and second parts remain engaged and rotate in unison together to cause the synchronized alteration of the states of the first and second needle grippers. 34. The device of claim 31, wherein the second linkage comprises an energy storage mechanism that is configured to store energy during the instroke of the actuator and release the stored energy during one stage of the outstroke of the actuator, whereby the release of the stored energy causes the states of the first and second needle grippers to be altered. 35. A device for suturing tissue comprising: a handle including a housing having a distal end and an opposite proximal end;a suturing needle for advancing a suture through the tissue, the suturing needle having a first pointed end and an opposite second end;a first needle gripper coupled to the housing, the first needle gripper being configured to both grasp and release the suturing needle;a second needle gripper coupled to the housing, the second needle gripper being configured to both grasp and release the suturing needle; andan actuator that is coupled to the housing, the actuator being operatively coupled to: (a) a first linkage that pivots the second needle gripper between a fully extended position and a retracted position relative to the housing; and (b) a second linkage that is operatively coupled to the first and second needle grippers and configured to alter a state of each of the first and second needle grippers to permit each respective needle gripper to either: (a) receive and grasp the suturing needle or (b) release the suturing needle;wherein the second linkage includes a one-way clutch that is operatively coupled to the actuator and is configured to synchronously alter the states of the first and second needle grippers to permit each respective needle gripper to either: (a) receive and grasp the suturing needle or (b) release the suturing needle, the one-way clutch having an engaged state in which first and second parts of the second linkage are coupled to one another and a disengaged state in which the first and second parts are free to move relative to one another to cause the states of the first and second needle grippers to be synchronously altered, wherein during an instroke of the actuator, the one-way clutch assumes a disengaged state in which the first and second parts move relative to one another for storing energy and during an outstroke of the actuator, the one-way clutch is in an engaged state in which the first and second parts rotate in unison to allow for release of the stored energy and cause the states of the first and second needle grippers to be synchronously altered.
연구과제 타임라인
LOADING...
LOADING...
LOADING...
LOADING...
LOADING...
이 특허에 인용된 특허 (87)
Meade, John C.; Deloughery, Niall G.; Brecher, Gerald I.; Bleck, James H., Apparatus and method for surgical suturing with thread management.
Lehrer Theodor (936 Intracoastal Dr. ; Apt. 21C Ft. Lauderdale FL 33304), Apparatus and method of extracorporeally applying and locking laparoscopic suture and loop ligatures.
Daniel Sean Christopher ; Donlon Brian S. ; Garrison Michi E. ; Gifford ; III Hanson S. ; Rosenman Daniel C. ; Peters William S.,AUX ; Lathrop ; II Robert L. ; Crothall George ; Mullin James B. ; And, Endoscopic suturing devices and methods.
Sakamoto,Yuji; Onishi,Norio; Miyamoto,Satoshi, Ligature and suture device for medical application, and ligaturing and suturing method for medical application.
Mulhollan James S. (3401 Foxcroft Rd. Little Rock AR 72207) Starr Lionel (8806 Patricia Lynn Sherwood AR 72116), Mechanical needle carrier and method for its use.
Hamilton, Henry H.; Belman, Yuri; Zatyuryukin, Alexander Borisovich; Moore, Patricia A., Replaceable tip suturing devices, system, and methods for use with differing needles.
Coggan William G. (Rochester MI) Culpepper ; Jr. Bertram C. (Trenton MI) Pozzo James A. (Troy MI) Sommer Michael J. (Rochester MI) Wilson Richard C. (W. Bloomfield MI), Siding panels.
Watschke, Brian P.; Lund, Robert E.; Kovac, S. Robert; Westrum, Jr., John W.; Neisz, Johann J.; Bachman, Timothy A.; Rocheleau, Gary A.; Runman, Robert S., Surgical suture passers and methods.
Shelton, IV, Frederick E.; Bedi, James J.; Baxter, III, Chester O.; Stokes, Michael J.; Ortiz, Mark S., Surgical suturing apparatus with anti-backup system.
Tovey H. Jonathan ; Stone Corbett W. ; Zlock Stephen W. ; Nicholas David A. ; Scirica Paul A. ; Richardson Philip,GB7 ; Richardson Margaret Pamela,GB7, Surgical suturing apparatus with locking mechanisms.
※ AI-Helper는 부적절한 답변을 할 수 있습니다.