US5207670A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Photoreactive suturing of biological materials
Assignee: RARE EARTH MEDICAL LASERS Inc A Corp OF
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Filing: 1991-12-09
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Granted: 1993-05-04
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Expires: 2011-12-09
Abstract
Abstract Materials and methods for photoreactive suturing of biological tissue are disclosed. The suture material includes a structure adapted for positioning at an anastomotic site and has at least a portion of the structure formed by a photoreactive crosslinking agent, such that upon irradiation of the structure the crosslinking agent adheres to the biological material. In one embodiment, the suture material can also include a high tensile strength element which is coated with a laser activatable crosslinking agent or glue. The suture methods can be practiced manually, or with various apparatus, such as endoscopes, catheters or hand-held instruments.
Inventors
- 👤 Edward L. Sinofsky
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 12:08
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/18; A61B18/20; A61B18/22; A61B17/00; A61B17/00491; B; B23; B23K; B23K26/00; B23K26/02; B23K26/03; B23K26/032; B23K26/06; B23K26/064; B23K26/0648; B23K26/0665; A61B2017/00017; A61B2017/00022; A61B2017/00057; A61B2018/00636; A61B90/00; A61B90/50; A61B2090/502
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
96 words
An apparatus for joining biological materials comprising: a suture means for delivering a photoreactive suture material to an anastomotic site, the suture material comprising a structure with at least a portion of the structure formed by a crosslinking agent such that upon irradiation of said suture means the crosslinking agent adheres to the biological material and thereby provides closure at said anastomotic site; laser means for delivering laser radiation to said anastomotic site to activate the crosslinking agent; and a surgical tool, housing at least a portion of both said suture means and said laser means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
96 words
An apparatus for joining biological materials comprising: a suture means for delivering a photoreactive suture material to an anastomotic site, the suture material comprising a structure with at least a portion of the structure formed by a crosslinking agent such that upon irradiation of said suture means the crosslinking agent adheres to the biological material and thereby provides closure at said anastomotic site; laser means for delivering laser radiation to said anastomotic site to activate the crosslinking agent; and a surgical tool, housing at least a portion of both said suture means and said laser means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said suture means further comprises a structure which is biodegradable over time in vivo.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the crosslinking agent comprises at least one agent chosen from the group consisting of collagen, elastin, fibrin and albumin.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the structure further comprises a crosslinking agent and at least one high tensile strength element which inhibits tears in said structure.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the high tensile strength element is connected to said cross-linking agent, such that, upon irradiation, the high strength element and biological material are joined to each other to enhance bond strength.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the structure is adapted to placed around a tubular biological structure for repair purposes.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the laser means further comprises a laser generating an output wavelength ranging from about 1.4 to about 2.5 micrometers.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the apparatus further includes analyzing means for determining the degree of crosslinking within an exposure zone based on said plurality of reflectance intensity measurements at distinct wavelengths.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-05-03 | 1996-11-02 | 1997-05-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-05-03 | 2000-11-02 | 2001-05-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-05-03 | 2004-11-02 | 2005-05-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |