US5827299A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Insertable suture passing grasping probe and methodology for using same
Assignee: CooperSurgical Inc
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Filing: 1996-02-28
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Granted: 1998-10-27
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Expires: 2016-02-28
Abstract
Abstract A surgical instrument, guide, and method capable of being used for closure of peritoneum fascia, occlusion of bleeding vessels such as inferior epigastric, and for all uses related to accurately passing suture material through a guide into tissue. A tip of a surgical instrument in a standard suture-/needle-driving position with a sharp tip that opens and closes with the surgeon grasping suture material with the sharp tip is provided. Insertion of the tip/suture through tissue until the tip is seen through the peritoneum by direct vision begins the wound-closing procedure. The suture is released by opening and withdrawing the tip from the guide. The suture is recovered by using the guide to redirect the tip and puncturing the tissue opposite the first point of insertion. The tip grasps the suture and pulls the suture through the guide. The suture is pulled outside the wound, providing for rapid closure of the surgical incision. The guide is insertable within the wound to be closed and guides the surgical instrument at a predetermined angle from the longitudinal axis of the guide for optimum wound closure. Alternative embodiments of the guide include providing a slot through which non-linear surgical instruments may pass through an open or enclosed passageway.
Inventors
- 👤 Rodger D. Thomason
- 👤 James E. Carter
- 👤 Mark J. Legome
- 👤 Neil H. Naves
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 01:32
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/04; A61B17/06; A61B17/06066; A61B17/0469; A61B17/0483; A61B17/0057; A61B17/0482; A61B17/28; A61B17/2812; A61B17/282; A61B17/34; A61B17/3417; A61B17/00234; A61B2017/00349; A61B2017/0046; A61B2017/00637; A61B2017/00646; A61B2017/00663; A61B2017/047; A61B2017/2825; A61B90/00; A61B90/08; A61B2090/0813
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 48
Claim 1
Independent Claim
117 words
A method of suturing comprising the steps of: (a) grasping suture material with a first means having opposing jaw elements forming a sharp tip point; (b) inserting said first means for passing said suture through tissue until said first means is seen through the tissue retaining said suture material; (c) inserting a second means for puncturing the tissue opposite a point of insertion of said first means, said second means having opposing jaw elements forming a sharp tip point; (d) grasping said suture with said second means; (e) withdrawing said first means; (f) pulling said suture by said second means outside the wound; and (g) fastening one end to the other of said suture to provide securement.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
117 words
A method of suturing comprising the steps of: (a) grasping suture material with a first means having opposing jaw elements forming a sharp tip point; (b) inserting said first means for passing said suture through tissue until said first means is seen through the tissue retaining said suture material; (c) inserting a second means for puncturing the tissue opposite a point of insertion of said first means, said second means having opposing jaw elements forming a sharp tip point; (d) grasping said suture with said second means; (e) withdrawing said first means; (f) pulling said suture by said second means outside the wound; and (g) fastening one end to the other of said suture to provide securement.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein said first means comprises a laparoscopic grasper defining a sharp tip comprising partially crosshatched interior upper and lower jaw surfaces and a partial nonhatched area at a tip point.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method according to claim 2, wherein said upper and lower interior jaw surfaces are inclined downwardly by a small angle from said tip point to the rear of said jaw surfaces.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method according to claim 2, wherein said lower interior jaw surface has an arcuate spring attached thereto from said tip point to the rear of said jaw surfaces for gripping various size suture while allowing the jaws to close completely.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein said first means comprises a laparoscopic grasper defining a chisel-shaped tip at a distal end.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein said first means comprises a laparoscopic grasper defining a knife-shaped tip at a distal end.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein said first means comprises a laparoscopic grasper defining a cone-shaped tip at a distal end.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein said second means comprises a laparoscopic grasper defining a sharp tip comprising partially crosshatched interior upper and lower jaw surfaces and a partial nonhatched area at a tip point.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method according to claim 8, wherein said upper and lower interior jaw surfaces are inclined downwardly by a small angle from said tip point to the rear of said jaw surfaces.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method according to claim 8, wherein said lower interior jaw surface has an arcuate spring attached thereto from said tip point to the rear of said jaw surfaces for gripping various size suture while allowing the jaws to close completely.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein said second means comprises a laparoscopic grasper defining a chisel-shaped tip at a distal end.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein said second means comprises a laparoscopic grasper defining a knife-shaped tip at a distal end.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein said second means comprises a laparoscopic grasper defining a cone-shaped tip at a distal end.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein said first and second means are the same means.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
110 words
A method of suturing comprising the steps of: (a) grasping suture material with a tip means, said tip means having opposing jaw elements forming a sharp tip point: (b) inserting said tip means for passing said suture through tissue until said tip means is seen retaining said suture material; (c) releasing said suture by withdrawing said tip means (d) inserting said tip means for puncturing the tissue opposite the first point of insertion of said tip means; (e) grasping said suture with said tip means; (f) pulling said suture by said tip means outside the wound; and (g) fastening one end to the other of said suture to provide securement.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
110 words
A method of suturing comprising the steps of: (a) grasping suture material with a tip means, said tip means having opposing jaw elements forming a sharp tip point: (b) inserting said tip means for passing said suture through tissue until said tip means is seen retaining said suture material; (c) releasing said suture by withdrawing said tip means (d) inserting said tip means for puncturing the tissue opposite the first point of insertion of said tip means; (e) grasping said suture with said tip means; (f) pulling said suture by said tip means outside the wound; and (g) fastening one end to the other of said suture to provide securement.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method according to claim 15, wherein said tip means comprises a laparoscopic grasper defining a sharp tip comprising partially crosshatched interior upper and lower jaw surfaces and a partial nonhatched area at a tip point.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method according to claim 16, wherein said upper and lower interior jaw surfaces are inclined downwardly by a small angle from said tip point to the rear of said jaw surfaces.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method according to claim 16, wherein said lower interior jaw surface has an arcuate spring attached thereto from said tip point to the rear of said jaw surfaces for gripping various size suture while allowing the jaws to close completely.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method according to claim 15, wherein said tip means comprises a laparoscopic grasper defining a chisel-shaped tip at a distal end.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method according to claim 15, wherein said tip means comprises a laparoscopic grasper defining a knife-shaped tip at a distal end.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method according to claim 15, wherein said tip means comprises a laparoscopic grasper defining a cone-shaped tip at a distal end.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
212 words
A laparoscopic instrument for grasping, carrying, and passing suture through a patient's tissue for suturing comprising: a hollow tube having a first end and a second end; a first jaw element having a tip end and a base section, said base section fixedly engaging said first end of said hollow tube and including a pivot-rod means, said tip end tapering downwardly to said base section; a second jaw element having a pivot hole pivotally engaging said pivot-rod means of said base section of said first jaw element, and a second through-hole in said second jaw element, said first and second jaw elements forming a sharp, tissue-piercing tip; a thin wire rod having a first and second end, said first end of said rod having engaging means, said engaging means engaging said second through-hole in said second jaw element; and driving means engaging said second end of said rod for imparting reciprocal motion to said rod relative to said tube for pivotal motion of said second jaw element, wherein said second jaw element pivotally engages said first jaw element defining a shaped tip for grasping, carrying, and passing the suture through a patient's tissue for suturing and said tube, rod, first and second jaw elements, and said actuating means being detachable for cleaning.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
212 words
A laparoscopic instrument for grasping, carrying, and passing suture through a patient's tissue for suturing comprising: a hollow tube having a first end and a second end; a first jaw element having a tip end and a base section, said base section fixedly engaging said first end of said hollow tube and including a pivot-rod means, said tip end tapering downwardly to said base section; a second jaw element having a pivot hole pivotally engaging said pivot-rod means of said base section of said first jaw element, and a second through-hole in said second jaw element, said first and second jaw elements forming a sharp, tissue-piercing tip; a thin wire rod having a first and second end, said first end of said rod having engaging means, said engaging means engaging said second through-hole in said second jaw element; and driving means engaging said second end of said rod for imparting reciprocal motion to said rod relative to said tube for pivotal motion of said second jaw element, wherein said second jaw element pivotally engages said first jaw element defining a shaped tip for grasping, carrying, and passing the suture through a patient's tissue for suturing and said tube, rod, first and second jaw elements, and said actuating means being detachable for cleaning.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
57 words
The laparoscopic instrument according to claim 22, wherein said driving means comprises a housing means fixedly engaging said second end of said hollow tube and a lever means fixedly engaging said second end of said rod and pivotally engaging said housing means, wherein, upon pivotal movement of said lever means, reciprocal motion is imparted to said rod.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
45 words
The laparoscopic instrument according to claim 23, wherein said housing means detachable from said second end of said hollow tube and said lever means detachable from said second end of said rod and housing means, whereby said housing means may be cleaned prior to surgery.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
62 words
The laparoscopic instrument according to claim 24, wherein said base section of said first jaw element being detachable from said first end of said hollow tube and said second jaw element being detachable from said pivot-rod means of said base section and said engaging means of said first end of said rod, whereby said laparoscopic instrument may be sterilized prior to surgery.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
38 words
The laparoscopic instrument according to claim 22, wherein said tip end to said base section of said first jaw element defines a lower surface, said lower surface partially crosshatched having a partial nonhatched area at said tip end.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
34 words
The laparoscopic instrument according to claim 22, wherein said second jaw element defines an upper surface having a tip end, said upper surface partially crosshatched having a partial nonhatched area at said tip end.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
22 words
The laparoscopic instrument according to claim 22, wherein said second jaw element pivotally engages said first jaw element defining a knife-shaped tip.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
22 words
The laparoscopic instrument according to claim 22, wherein said second jaw element pivotally engages said first jaw element defining a chisel-shaped tip.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
22 words
The laparoscopic instrument according to claim 22, wherein said second jaw element pivotally engages said first jaw element defining a cone-shaped tip.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
23 words
The laparoscopic instrument according to claim 22, wherein said second jaw element pivotally engages said first jaw element defining a curvedly conical-shaped tip.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
32 words
The laparoscopic instrument according to claim 31, wherein said first and second jaw elements are attached to an S-shaped portion of said hollow tube immediately adjacent said first and second jaw elements.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
69 words
The laparoscopic instrument according to claim 32, wherein said first and second jaw elements define corresponding first and second slots etched transversely into opposing faces of said first and second jaw elements, whereby suture grasped by said first and second jaw elements in said first and second slots may be transported by said first and second jaw elements while allowing complete closure of said first and second jaw elements.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
87 words
The laparoscopic instrument according to claim 22, further comprising: a syringe-type handle, said handle having a pair of oppositely opposed finger loops and a thumb ring, said handle engaging said second end of said hollow tube at a distal end of said handle, said thumb ring freely pivotable with respect to said finger loops and engaging said second end of said thin wire rod to open and close said first and second jaw elements, said thumb ring on a side of said handle opposite said hollow tube.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
27 words
The laparoscopic instrument according to claim 34, wherein said syringe-type handle further comprises a cleaning port for allowing fluid flow into interior regions of the laparoscopic instrument.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
34 words
The laparoscopic instrument according to claim 30, wherein said first and second jaw elements are set off at an angle to a major axis shared by said hollow tube and said thin wire rod.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
19 words
The laparoscopic instrument according to claim 22, wherein said first and second jaw elements provide a transcutaneous grasping tip.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
21 words
The laparoscopic instrument according to claim 37, wherein said first and second jaw elements bear slightly offset serrations on opposing faces.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
19 words
The laparoscopic instrument according to claim 22, wherein said first and second jaw elements provide a transcutaneous biopsy tip.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
31 words
The laparoscopic instrument according to claim 39, wherein said first and second jaw elements define first and second jaw channels circumscribed by exceedingly sharp and cutting first and second perimeters, respectively.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
151 words
A laparoscopic instrument for passing through tissue and for suturing comprising: (a) detachable piercing, carrying, and grasping means having a sharp tip for insertion below skin level and grasping and carrying suture material, said sharp tip formed by opposing jaw element; (b) driving means for driving said detachable means through tissue at a first point and actuating said detachable means for gripping said suture material, wherein said suture material is carried by said detachable means and recovered by driving said detachable means through the tissue at a second point and actuating said detachable means for gripping and pulling said suture material outside the wound providing for rapid securement; wherein said detachable piercing and grasping means comprises first and second forceps jaws pivotally engaged to each other, said first jaw section fixedly engaging a hollow tube and said second jaw section engaging a thin wire rod concentrically located within said hollow tube.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
151 words
A laparoscopic instrument for passing through tissue and for suturing comprising: (a) detachable piercing, carrying, and grasping means having a sharp tip for insertion below skin level and grasping and carrying suture material, said sharp tip formed by opposing jaw element; (b) driving means for driving said detachable means through tissue at a first point and actuating said detachable means for gripping said suture material, wherein said suture material is carried by said detachable means and recovered by driving said detachable means through the tissue at a second point and actuating said detachable means for gripping and pulling said suture material outside the wound providing for rapid securement; wherein said detachable piercing and grasping means comprises first and second forceps jaws pivotally engaged to each other, said first jaw section fixedly engaging a hollow tube and said second jaw section engaging a thin wire rod concentrically located within said hollow tube.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
34 words
The laparoscopic instrument according to claim 41, wherein said first and second forceps jaws comprising interior upper and lower jaw surfaces having partially crosshatched areas and a partially nonhatched areas at a tip point.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
33 words
The laparoscopic instrument according to claim 42, wherein said upper and lower interior jaw surfaces are inclined downwardly by a small angle from said tip point to the rear of said jaw surfaces.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
42 words
The laparoscopic instrument according to claim 42, wherein said lower interior jaw surface has an arcuate spring attached thereto from said tip point to the rear of said jaw surfaces for gripping various size suture while allowing the jaws to close completely.
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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) | 2001-10-26 | 2002-04-27 | 2002-10-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-10-26 | 2006-04-27 | 2006-10-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-10-26 | 2010-04-27 | 2010-10-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |