Abstract:
A suture delivery device (100) for insertion into an internal tissue wall opening and delivery of a suturing apparatus to the internal tissue wall is provided. In one embodiment, the suture delivery device comprises at least one carrier tube (120), at least one leg (110), and a tensioning device (115, 415, 416). The at least one carrier tube is configured to house a pusher (130) and a suturing apparatus (140, 150), the carrier tube having an expulsion end. When the at least one leg is in an open position, the tensioning device exerts tension on the leg such that the leg is movably suspended and can pivot about the tensioning device in response to contacting a tissue wall, and the pusher and suturing apparatus are in an delivery configuration for delivery of the suturing apparatus to the internal tissue wall.
Abstract:
An annuloplasty prosthesis (10) is less than a complete ring (e.g., it may be C-shaped or U-shaped). The prosthesis has a structural member (20) that basically gives the prosthesis its shape. The structural member is provided with surface portions that are transverse (22a, 22b) to adjacent portions of the surface of the structural member. At least two of these transverse surface portions are spaced from one another and face toward one another along the length of the structural member. Sutures (30a1, 30a2, 30b1, 30b2) that are used to implant the prosthesis and that are respectively adjacent to these two transverse surface portions are thereby prevented from moving farther apart along the length of the prosthesis.
Abstract:
An annuloplasty prosthesis (10) for a heart valve has a sewing cuff (50) added to the conventional structure. The sewing cuff is preferably an extension of the fabric cover (40) that is provided around the core (20) of the prosthesis. The sewing cuff preferably extends radially outwardly from cross sections of the remainder of the prosthesis. Methods of making such a sewing cuff are also disclosed.
Abstract:
An automated needle deployment device is provided. In one embodiment, the automated needle deployment device comprises a pusher (130), a needle (140), a tube (120), and an actuator (200). The pusher (130) has a needle engaging end. The needle (140) has a sharp end and an opposite end. A suture (150) is associated with the needle. The pusher (130) and needle (140) are slidably disposed within the tube (120). The actuator (200) comprises a control (220) and a spring (210) and is operatively associated with the pusher (130). Actuation of the actuator (200) moves the pusher (130) towards the needle expulsion end of the tube (120) such that the needle engaging end of the pusher (130) engages the needle (140) and expels the needle (140) from the tube (120).
Abstract:
A prosthesis (10) for a heart valve (e.g., the mitral valve) is generally C-shaped in plan view. Points at the top (12) and bottom (14) of the C lie in a plan view plane. The back (30) of the C rises above the plan view plane between the top and bottom points. Free end portions (42, 44) of the C may also rise above the plan view plane. The prosthesis is accordingly saddle-shaped. The back of the C may have an indentation that extends toward the open side of the C. In use as a mitral valve prosthesis the top and bottom of the C are respectively adjacent the commissures of the valve, and the back of the C is adjacent the posterior section of the valve. The prosthesis may be rigid or semi-rigid.
Abstract:
An electrosurgical instrument includes a light source, a first conductor, a second conductor, an insulation material positioned between the first conductor and the second conductor, and a light pipe that carries light from the light source to the insulation material.
Abstract:
Various embodiments of a device are shown and disclosed for closing a vascular access puncture site following percutaneous diagnostic or therapeutic interventional procedures. In one embodiment, the closure device includes a vessel locating member (92), an anchor (112) and a sealing material (120). The closure device may be configured to deploy the anchor (112) and the sealing material (120) outside of a hole in a blood vessel to close the hole. The vessel locating member (92) may be used to locate the blood vessel to ensure that the anchor (112) and/or the sealing material (120) are properly placed adjacent to the hole. The closure device may also include a tamper member (126) configured to push or tamp the sealing material (120) against the anchor (112). The closure device may also include a suture (118) that is used to hold the sealing material (120) and the anchor (112) together adjacent to the hole in the blood vessel.
Abstract:
A suture attachment device (5) for fastening multiple suture filaments at a wound or surgical site is provided. In one embodiment, the suture attachment device comprises a lock body (10, 50, 90,110) having a proximal surface (18, 58, 98, 108) and a distal surface (20, 60, 100, 106) and extending along a longitudinal axis. The lock body includes at least two passageways (12, 22, 52, 62,92) defined between the proximal surface and the distal surface. Each of the passageways are sized and shaped for receiving a suture filament.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for cleaning a surgical instrument during a surgical procedure insert at least the portion of the surgical instrument that is to be cleaned into a vessel containing a liquid and applying ultrasonic vibrations to the liquid within the vessel to generate cavitation bubbles in the liquid. The bubbles formed by cavitation of the liquid are very effective at removing debris from the surgical instrument, particularly from crevices and difficult-to-reach areas of the surgical instrument. The liquid also can be heated by a heating element of the vessel or by activating a heat-generating transducer of the surgical instrument being cleaned, or both.
Abstract:
A suture attachment device for fastening multiple suture filaments at a wound or surgical site is provided. In one embodiment, the suture attachment device comprises a lock body having a proximal surface and a distal surface and extending along a longitudinal axis. The lock body includes at least two passageways defined between the proximal surface and the distal surface. Each of the passageways are sized and shaped for receiving a suture filament.