JPWO2019172430A1 - Suture device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a suturing device capable of smoothly performing a procedure. SOLUTION: The suture device 1 has a front arm 51 having a thread support portion 51a for supporting both ends of the suture thread 6 and a rear arm 52 having a needle-shaped member 52a, and is inserted into the body and used. is there. The needle-shaped member 52a has a tissue penetrating portion 52a3 which is connected to a tapered conical edge portion 52a4 and a base end of the edge portion 52a4 and whose tip has at least a diameter smaller than the maximum diameter portion of the edge portion 52a4. The penetrating portion 52a3 has a first tapered portion whose diameter expands in a reverse taper shape from the base end to the tip end, and the base end is connected to the tip end of the first tapered portion, and the penetration portion 52a3 is tapered from the base end to the tip end. It has a diameter-expanded portion 52a5 having a second taper that reduces the diameter in a shape. [Selection diagram] FIG. 1B

Description

The present invention relates to a suturing device for suturing an incision or the like formed in an internal tissue such as a digestive tract in transluminal endoscopic surgery.

A patented suturing device for suturing incisions (including perforations, defects, etc.) formed in internal tissues such as the gastrointestinal tract in transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES: Natural Origin Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery). The one described in Document 1 has been proposed. This suture device is relative to a front arm having a bifurcated tip and a rear arm having a needle-shaped member for puncture, which are attached so that sutures having engaging members are hung on both ends thereof. It is equipped with a mechanism for rotating and moving the object.

The needle-shaped member has a ligature portion attached to the tip portion thereof, a substantially columnar tissue penetration portion integrally connected to the knurled portion, and a base end portion fixed to the rear arm. It has a columnar ligature attachment part. As the ligature used for ligating the suture, a ligature is used in which a tube is slidably fitted to the main body having a ligature loop at one end and a connecting loop at the other end, and the ligature is for ligation. By fitting the loop to the ligature attachment portion of the needle-shaped member, the loop is attached to the needle-shaped member.

The tip of the anterior arm is inserted into the incision from the inside of the gastrointestinal tract such as the stomach and placed outside the gastrointestinal tract (body cavity side), and the engaging member at one end of the suture is placed in the gastrointestinal tract on one side of the incision. It is removed after engaging with the tip of the needle-shaped member pierced in the wall. Next, the engaging member at the other end of the suture is similarly engaged with the tip of the needle-shaped member punctured in the gastrointestinal wall on the other side of the incision, and then removed. Then, using the ligature device, the ligature is moved so as to come out of the needle-shaped member, and the tube is slid toward the ligation loop side, and the ligation loop through which both ends of the suture are passed is moved together with the suture. By pulling inward, the suture is squeezed and ligated with the incision closed.

However, in the prior art, after the engaging member of the suture is engaged with the knurled portion at the tip of the needle-shaped member punctured in the gastrointestinal wall, it is engaged with the knurled portion when it is removed from the gastrointestinal wall. The engaging member may get caught in the gastrointestinal wall (the tissue around the through hole formed in the gastrointestinal wall by the needle-shaped member), and the needle-shaped member may be difficult to come off, which may hinder smooth treatment. It was.

International Publication No. 2017/11163

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a suturing device capable of smoothly performing a procedure.

In order to achieve the above object, the suturing device according to the present invention
A suturing device that is inserted into the body and used.
An anterior arm having a thread support that supports both ends of the suture,
It has a needle-shaped member and a rear arm that has a needle support portion that supports the needle-shaped member so that the tip of the needle-shaped member points toward the front arm and is accessible and separated from the front arm. And
The needle-shaped member is connected to a tapered conical knurled portion, a tissue penetrating portion which is connected to the base end of the knurled portion and has at least a tip having a diameter smaller than the maximum diameter portion of the knurled portion, and a tissue penetrating portion. It has a needle base that is provided on the base end side and connects the tissue penetration portion and the needle support portion.
The tissue penetrating portion has a first tapered portion whose diameter expands in a reverse taper shape from the proximal end toward the distal end, and the proximal end is connected to the distal end of the first tapered portion, and the proximal end is connected from the proximal end toward the distal end. It has a second tapered portion whose diameter is reduced in a tapered shape.

In the present invention, a first tapered portion in which the tissue penetrating portion of the needle-shaped member expands in a reverse taper shape from the base end to the tip, and a second tapered portion in which the diameter is reduced in a taper shape from the base end to the tip. Since it has, after engaging the engaging members provided at both ends of the suture thread with the knuckle portion of the needle-shaped member pierced into the internal tissue, the tissue penetrating portion passes through the through hole formed in the internal tissue by the puncture. At that time, the diameter of the through hole is increased by passing through the second tapered portion. Further, even when the needle-shaped member is to be removed from the internal tissue after the engaging member of the suture is engaged with the edge portion of the needle-shaped member, the diameter of the through hole is increased by the passage of the first tapered portion. It will be expanded. Therefore, when the needle-shaped member is removed from the internal tissue, the engaging member engaged with the edge portion is less likely to be caught by the tissue around the through hole formed in the internal tissue by the needle-shaped member, and the needle-shaped member is needle-shaped. Compared with the case where the member does not have the first tapered portion and the second tapered portion of the tissue penetrating portion, it becomes easier to come off. Therefore, smooth treatment can be performed, and suturing of internal tissues can be performed in a short time.

FIG. 1A is a front view showing a configuration of an operation unit of the suturing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1B is a front view showing the configuration of a sewn portion of the sewn device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a front view of the rear arm constituting the sutured portion shown in FIG. 1B. FIG. 2B is a plan view of the rear arm shown in FIG. 2A. FIG. 3A is a front view of the front arm constituting the sutured portion shown in FIG. 1B. FIG. 3B is a plan view of the front arm shown in FIG. 3A. FIG. 3C is a plan view of the front arm shown in FIG. 3B with the cap removed. FIG. 4A is a plan view showing the configuration of the ligature shown in FIG. 1B. FIG. 4B is a front view showing a state in which the ligature of FIG. 4A is attached to the needle-shaped member of FIG. 2A. FIG. 5A is a front view for explaining the operation of the rear arm with respect to the front arm, and is a view showing a state in which the rear arm is separated from the front arm. FIG. 5B is a plan view of FIG. 5A. FIG. 6A is a front view for explaining the operation of the rear arm with respect to the front arm, and is a view showing a state in which the needle-shaped member is positioned on one thread support portion and the rear arm is brought close to the front arm. Is. FIG. 6B is a plan view of FIG. 6A. FIG. 7A is a front view for explaining the operation of the rear arm with respect to the front arm, and is a view showing a state in which the needle-shaped member is positioned on the other thread support portion and the rear arm is brought close to the front arm. Is. FIG. 7B is a plan view of FIG. 7A. FIG. 8A is a diagram showing a procedure (suture) performed by using the suturing device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram showing a first step. FIG. 8B is a diagram showing a second step following FIG. 8A. FIG. 8C is a diagram showing a third step following FIG. 8B. FIG. 8D is a diagram showing a fourth step following FIG. 8C. FIG. 8E is a diagram showing a fifth step following FIG. 8D. FIG. 8F is a diagram showing a sixth step following FIG. 8E. FIG. 8G is a diagram showing a seventh step following FIG. 8F. FIG. 8H is a diagram showing a subsequent eighth step of FIG. 8G. FIG. 8I is a diagram showing a ninth step following FIG. 8H. FIG. 8J is a diagram showing a tenth step following the continuation of FIG. 8I. FIG. 8K is a diagram showing a final step following FIG. 8J.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Overall configuration of suturing device)
As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the suturing device 1 according to the present embodiment is a device that is inserted into the body while being attached to an endoscope (flexible endoscope or the like) 2, and is an endoscope 2. This is a device for suturing an incision (including a defect or a perforation) formed in an organ in the abdominal cavity or the gastrointestinal tract by an operation outside the body while visually recognizing with a camera (not shown).

The suturing device 1 is provided at the sheath portion 3 arranged along the shaft of the endoscope 2, the operation portion (handle) 4 provided at the proximal end of the sheath portion 3, and the distal end of the sheath portion 3. The sutured portion 5 is roughly provided.

(Sheath part)
The sheath portion 3 is a long member extending along the axial direction, and has two tubes and one wire (or one wire) having flexibility enough to follow the bending of the shaft of the endoscope 2. It is composed of 3 tubes). That is, the sheath portion 3 is configured to roughly include a front arm moving wire 31, a rear arm moving tube 32, and a case tube 33.

The front arm moving wire 31 is made of a flexible wire, is slidably inserted into the rear arm moving tube 32, and is movable and shaft along the axial direction in the rear arm moving tube 32. It is provided so that it can rotate around. As the front arm moving wire 31, a wire rope is used in this embodiment. The wire rope is a rope made of stranded wires obtained by spirally twisting a plurality of wires (cables) made of, for example, metal (stainless steel). However, as the wire 31, a wire made of a single wire may be used. Further, a hollow tube may be used instead of the wire 31.

The rear arm moving tube 32 is formed of a hollow tube slidably inserted into the case tube 33, and is provided in the case tube 33 so as to be movable along the axial direction and rotate around the axis. As the rear arm moving tube 32, a tube having flexibility and made of resin or the like may be used, but in the present embodiment, a coil tube having excellent durability is used. As the coil tube, a flat wire coil tube formed by spirally winding a long flat plate made of metal (stainless steel) or the like can be used. However, a round wire coil tube or an inner flat coil tube may be used.

A wire tube may be used as the rear arm moving tube 32. The wire tube is a tube formed by spirally twisting a plurality of wires (cables) made of, for example, metal (stainless steel) so as to be hollow.

The rear arm moving tube 32 may be a uniform member (for example, a coil tube) from its proximal end to its distal end, but in the present embodiment, the distal end of the coil tube is substantially made of a highly rigid metal. A cylindrical member is welded and fixed to form a tip portion (tube tip portion) 32a of the rear arm moving tube 32.

The case tube 33 is a flexible hollow tube made of resin or the like. The proximal ends of the anterior arm moving wire 31 and the posterior arm moving tube 32 are connected to the operating portion 4, and the distal ends of the anterior arm moving wire 31 and the posterior arm moving tube 32 are connected to the suture portion 5. There is. The proximal end of the case tube 33 reaches near the operating portion 4, but is not connected to the operating portion 4, and the distal end of the case tube 33 reaches near the sutured portion 5. It is not connected to the suture portion 5. The case tube 33 can be formed of, for example, a material such as polyethylene or vinyl chloride.

A substantially cylindrical fixing member 33a is integrally attached to the distal end of the case tube 33, and the tip of the shaft of the endoscope 2 is press-fitted into the fixing member 33a to allow the suturing device 1 to be inserted. It can be detachably fixed to the endoscope 2. By moving (sliding) the entire operation unit 4 toward the distal end side or the proximal end side with respect to the case tube 33, the entire suture portion 5 is moved with respect to the endoscope 2, and the operation unit 4 is moved. The entire suture portion 5 can be rotated by rotating the entire suture portion 33 with respect to the case tube 33 about its axis.

(Suture part)
The sewn portion 5 of the sewn device 1 is configured as shown in FIG. 1B. That is, the suture portion 5 includes a front arm 51 on which the suture thread 6 is mounted and a rear arm 52 having a needle-shaped member 52a.

The rear arm 52 has a needle-shaped member 52a, a needle support portion 52b, a rear guide portion 52c, and a protrusion member 52d, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The rear guide portion 52c is composed of a substantially cylindrical member, one end of a substantially strip-shaped needle support portion 52b is fixed to the upper end side of the rear guide portion 52c, and a protrusion is provided on the lower end side of the rear guide portion 52c. The member 52d is fixed.

At the other end of the needle support portion 52b, the base end portion of the needle-shaped member 52a is fixed so that the tip end of the needle-shaped member 52a points to the front arm 51 on the front side (distal end side). The protrusion member 52d has a protrusion 52e. The needle-shaped member 52a, the needle support portion 52b, the rear guide portion 52c, and the protrusion member 52d are not particularly limited, but are made of a metal such as stainless steel, and are formed as separate parts by laser welding. They are fixed to each other integrally by such means. The protrusion 52e is not particularly limited, but in the present embodiment, the protrusion 52e is arranged so as to project 180 ° opposite to the extending direction of the needle support portion 52b.

In the rear arm 52, the rear end surface (proximal end side end surface) of the rear guide portion 52c is integrally fixed to the tip portion 32a of the rear arm moving tube 32 by laser welding or the like (see FIG. 1B). ). The rear guide portion 52c is inserted into the inside of the front guide portion 53, which will be described later, from the end on the protrusion member 52d side, and is slidably held along the axial direction and rotatably around the axis. ing. Therefore, the rear arm 52 can approach and separate from the front arm 51 on the front side (distal end side) and can rotate relative to the front arm 51.

The needle-shaped member 52a has a needle base portion and a tissue penetrating portion 52a3 composed of a ligature mounting portion 52a1 and a central shaft portion 52a2 from its base end side (needle support portion 52b side) to its tip end side (distal end side). , And a ligature portion 52a4. These portions 52a1 to 52a4 are arranged substantially coaxially with each other and are integrally formed with each other. The needle-shaped member 52a can be manufactured, for example, by processing a single metal block with a lathe.

The edge portion 52a4 is a tapered substantially conical portion whose tip is sharply formed so as to be able to pierce the body tissue, and the outer diameter of the maximum diameter portion of the base end is outside the tip of the tissue penetration portion 52a3. It is larger than the diameter and is formed so that a slight step (return) is formed at the connection portion with the tissue penetrating portion 52a3.

The tissue penetrating portion 52a3 is connected to the base end of the galling portion 52a4, and has a substantially columnar (straight body shape) straight body portion having a diameter smaller than the maximum diameter portion of the base end of the galling portion 52a4, and the base of the straight body portion. It is a portion having a diameter-expanded portion 52a5 connected to the end, and is a portion penetrating a through hole of the internal tissue formed by the knurled portion 52a4 pierced into the internal tissue at the time of suturing.

Of the needle base portion that connects the tissue penetrating portion 52a3 and the needle support portion 52b, the central shaft portion 52a2 that is the portion on the tip end side has an outer diameter that gradually decreases from the base end to the tip end. It is a tapered (approximately truncated cone) part. In the present embodiment, the outer diameter of the base end of the center pole 52a2 substantially matches the outer diameter of the tip of the ligature mounting portion 52a1, and the outer diameter of the tip of the center pole 52a2 is outside the base end of the tissue penetration portion 52a3. It is almost the same as the diameter. However, the central shaft portion 52a2 is not limited to such a tapered shape, and may have a structure in which the diameter is gradually reduced from the base end to the tip end, or the central shaft portion 52a2 is omitted and the tissue penetrating portion 52a3 is formed. , The length in the axial direction thereof may be increased as it is, or may be connected to the tip of the ligature mounting portion 52a1 and arranged.

The enlarged diameter portion 52a5 is a portion that constitutes a part of the base end side (center shaft portion 52a2 side) of the tissue penetration portion 52a3, and is a straight portion that constitutes a part of the tip end side (edge portion 52a4 side) of the tissue penetration portion 52a3. A first tapered portion 52a5a having a substantially conical trapezoidal shape, which is a portion whose diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the body portion and whose diameter is expanded in a reverse taper shape from the base end to the tip end, and the first tapered portion. Its base end is connected to the tip end of 52a5a, and it is composed of a second tapered portion 52a5b having a tapered conical trapezoidal shape whose diameter is tapered from the base end toward the tip end (base end of a straight body portion).

However, the diameter-expanded portion 52a5 is not limited to such a configuration, and for example, a straight body portion may be interposed between the first tapered portion 52a5a and the second tapered portion 52a5b. Further, the portion corresponding to the first tapered portion 52a5a and the portion corresponding to the second tapered portion 52a5b are not limited to those whose diameter is linearly expanded or reduced, and are curved (circular, elliptical, oval, etc.). The diameter may be increased or decreased.

The diameter of the maximum diameter portion of the enlarged diameter portion 52a5 (the diameter of the tip of the first tapered portion 52a5a or the diameter of the base end of the second tapered portion 52a5b) is larger than the diameter of the straight body portion of the tissue penetrating portion 52a3. As a matter of course, the value is set to be the same as or larger than the outer diameter of the engaging members 6a and 6b of the ligature 6 described later. The diameter of the maximum diameter portion of the enlarged diameter portion 52a5 needs to be larger than the outer diameter of the engaging members 6a and 6b in order to prevent the engaging members 6a and 6b from becoming resistance to the tissue.

Of the needle base portion that connects the tissue penetrating portion 52a3 and the needle support portion 52b, the ligature attachment portion 52a1 that is the portion on the proximal end side is inserted and removed with the ligature 7 described later for ligating the suture thread 6. It is a part that can be mounted (see FIGS. 4A and 4B). In the present embodiment, the base end of the ligature attachment portion 52a1 is fixed to the lower surface (the surface on the tip end side) of the needle support portion 52b. Further, in the present embodiment, the ligature attachment portion 52a1 is a substantially columnar (straight body) portion. The diameter of the ligature attachment portion 52a1 is set in relation to the inner diameter of the ligature loop 71a of the ligature 7 described later.

The needle-shaped member 52a is a base of a ligature mounting portion 52a1 so that its tip (barn portion 52a4) faces the front arm 51 and its central axis is substantially parallel to the central axis of the rear guide portion 52c. By fixing the end to the needle support portion 52b, it is supported by the needle support portion 52b.

When the rear arm moving tube 32 is rotated around its central axis, the needle-shaped member 52a is moved to the tip portion 32a while maintaining a state in which the central axis of the needle-shaped member 52a is substantially parallel to the central axis of the tip portion 32a. It can be rotated (turned) around the central axis.

The needle-shaped member 52a is long enough to pierce the object to be sutured (internal wall) and penetrate the object, and to be moved in the opposite direction from the state of penetrating the object and pulled out from the object. The material, the length of each part, and the shaft diameter are not particularly limited as long as they have a strength and strength. For example, the material of the needle-shaped member 52a is preferably made of metal in terms of strength.

Further, regarding the length of the needle-shaped member 52a, for example, when suturing the stomach wall with the suturing device 1, the length may be such that the knurled portion 52a4 and the tissue penetrating portion 52a3 can penetrate the stomach wall. Specifically, for example, the length of the ligature portion 52a4 is in the range of 1.9 to 2.9 mm, and the length of the straight body portion on the tip side of the tissue penetration portion 52a3 is in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 mm. The length of the enlarged diameter portion 52a5 on the base end side of the tissue penetrating portion 52a3 is in the range of 1.0 to 2.3 mm, and the length of the central shaft portion 52a2 is in the range of 4.2 to 5.2 mm. The length of the portion 52a1 is preferably set in the range of 1.4 to 2.4 mm.

Further, when the stomach wall is sutured in the same manner, regarding the shaft diameter of the needle-shaped member 52a, the shaft diameter of the ligature mounting portion 52a1 of the needle-shaped member 52a is within the range of 1.5 to 3.0 mm and penetrates the tissue. The shaft diameter of the straight body portion on the tip side of the portion 52a3 shall be set within the range of 0.5 to 1.0 mm, and the shaft diameter of the ligature portion 52a4 shall be set within the range of 0.6 to 1.5 mm at the maximum diameter portion. Is preferable. Further, the shaft diameter of the maximum diameter portion of the enlarged diameter portion 52a5 on the base end side of the tissue penetrating portion 52a3 is equal to or larger than the shaft diameter of the maximum diameter portion of the galling portion 52a4, and the shaft diameter of the maximum diameter portion of the galling portion 52a4. It is preferable to set it within the range of 150% or less of.

The number of needle-shaped members 52a included in the rear arm 52 may be at least one, and may be two or more. When two or more needle-shaped members 52a are provided on the rear arm 52, if at least one of them has a diameter-expanded portion 52a5 having a first tapered portion 52a5a and a second tapered portion 52a5b. However, from the viewpoint of smoother treatment, it is desirable that all the needle-shaped members 52a have a diameter-expanded portion 52a5 having a first tapered portion 52a5a and a second tapered portion 52a5b.

The ligature 7 that is removably attached to the base end portion (ligature attachment portion 52a1) of the needle-shaped member 52a is configured as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The ligator 7 includes a main body 71 and a tightening tube 72.

The main body 71 connects a ligating loop 71a through which a suture 6 described later is passed, a connecting loop 71b to which a ligating device (not shown) is connected, and these ligating loops 71a and a connecting loop 71b. It has a connecting portion 71c. The connecting portion 71c is a columnar (or columnar) portion (or member) in which a ligation loop 71a is integrally connected to one end thereof and a connecting loop 71b is integrally connected to the other end.

The tube 72 is slidably fitted onto the connecting portion 71c. The tube 72 is made of a substantially cylindrical member made of an elastic material, and the ligating loop 71a is pulled into its lumen by sliding from the connecting portion 71c toward the ligating loop 71a. .. The ligation loop 71a has a locking portion 71d as a locking means for locking a part of the ligation loop 71a so that the ligation loop 71a is not pulled too much into the lumen of the tube 72 and comes out of the tube 72. ing.

The material of the ligating loop 71a and the connecting loop 71b is not particularly limited as long as it has appropriate flexibility, and for example, a polyamide resin, a polypropylene resin, and a styrene-based elastomer can be used. In the present embodiment, the entire main body 71 including the ligation loop 71a, the connecting loop 71b, the connecting portion 71c and the locking portion 71d is made of the same material. The material of the tube 72 is not particularly limited as long as it has appropriate elasticity, but for example, a silicone elastomer can be used.

The wire diameter of the wire rod constituting the ligating loop 71a and the connecting loop 71b can be set in the range of, for example, 0.3 to 0.8 mm. The axial dimension of the connecting portion 71c can be set in the range of, for example, 3 to 20 mm. The axial dimension of the tube 72 can be set, for example, in the range of 3 to 10 mm. The outer diameter of the tube 72 can be set, for example, in the range of 1 to 2 mm. The inner diameter of the tube 72 can be set, for example, in the range of 0.1 to 0.8 mm. The inner diameter of the ligation loop 71a can be set in the range of 1.8 to 2.2 mm.

The ligature tool 7 is inserted into or press-fitted into the base end portion (ligature attachment portion 52a1) of the needle-shaped member 52a into the ligation loop 71a so that the ligature tool 7 can be inserted and removed from the needle-shaped member 52. When ligating the suture thread 6 after the internal tissue has been sutured, the connecting loop 71b is grasped by a ligature device (not shown) and moved (pushed down) to the tip end side of the needle-shaped member 52a. By pulling out of the ligature attachment portion 52a1 and further moving it beyond the ligature portion 52a4, both ends of the suture thread 6 are bundled and passed through the ligature loop 71a.

The ligation device is then used to slide the tube 72 towards the ligation loop 71a (or pull the connection loop 71b relative to the tube 72) so that the ligation loop 71a is pulled into the tube 72. As a result, a part of the ligature loop 71a and the locking portion 71d is press-fitted into the tube 72 together with the suture 6, and the end portion (locking portion 71d) opposite to the connecting portion 71c of the ligature loop 71a is provided. The suture 6 is ligated by pulling the suture into the middle portion in the tube 72.

When the ligature loop 71a is press-fitted into the tube 72 together with the suture 6, the tube 72 expands outward due to the pressure from a part of the locking portion 71d and the suture 6 to restore the tube 72. A part of the suture thread 6, the ligature loop 71a, and the locking portion 71d is firmly held in the tube 72 by the force (tightening force).

As shown in FIGS. 1B and 3A to 3C, the front arm 51 is configured to substantially include a pair of thread support portions 51a and 51a, a front guide portion 53, and a cap 54. The pair of thread support portions 51a, 51a are formed in a substantially V shape (may be arcuate, U-shaped, U-shaped, etc.) to have a bifurcated shape, and the thread support portions 51a, 51a have a bifurcated shape. The suture thread 6 is attached so as to extend between the vicinity of each tip. Engaging members 6a and 6b formed in an annular shape are attached to both ends of the suture thread 6 (see FIG. 1B).

Through holes 51b and 51b are formed at the tips of the thread support portions 51a and 51a of the front arm 51 so as to penetrate the front surface (the surface on the distal end side) and the rear surface (the surface on the proximal end side). A storage space (not shown) to which the engaging members 6a and 6b can be engaged is formed on the rear surface side of the through holes 51b and 51b. Through holes 51c and 51c are formed in a part of the side portions of the through holes 51b and 51b so that the suture thread 6 can pass through. The accommodating space has a diameter slightly larger than the through holes 51b and 51b, and the through holes through which the engaging members 6a and 6b penetrate the front and back surfaces of the through holes 51b and 51b of the thread support portions 51a and 51a. The diameter is set so that it can be engaged with each other in a disengaged manner by the inner wall of the arrangement so as to be substantially concentric.

The through holes of the engaging members 6a and 6b can be inserted through the knurled portion 52a4 of the needle-shaped member 52a, but when the knurled portion 52a4 completely inserts the through hole, the engaging member 6a, from the needle-shaped member 52a, The structure is such that 6b does not fall out. Specifically, each of the engaging members 6a and 6b has an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the galling portion 52a4 of the needle-shaped member 52a, but the tip of the tissue penetrating portion 52a3 of the needle-shaped member 52a (that is, the galling portion 52a4). It is formed so as to be larger than the shaft diameter of the connecting portion). A suture accommodating portion (not shown) is provided at the center of the thread support portions 51a and 51a, and the intermediate portion of the suture thread 6 arranged over the thread support portions 51a and 51a is the suture thread. It is designed to be accommodated in the containment section.

In addition, unlike the present embodiment, when two or more needle-shaped members 52a are provided on the rear arm 52, two or more thread supports on the front arm 51 so as to correspond to the positions of the respective needle-shaped members 52a. The portion 51a may be provided so that the rear arm 52 does not rotate. Further, although not provided in the present embodiment, the front arm 51 has a needle accommodating hole for protecting the needle-shaped member 52a (barn portion 52a4) when the suturing device 1 is inserted into the body. You may be. The needle accommodating hole may be provided in one of the thread support portions 51a and 51a, or separately from the thread support portions 51a and 51a (for example, in a portion between one thread support portion and the other thread support portion). ) A protrusion may be provided so as to be provided on the protrusion.

Through holes 51d that penetrate vertically are formed at the joints on the base end sides of the thread support portions 51a and 51a of the front arm 51, and a substantially cylindrical guide shaft 51e is formed in the through holes 51d. It is fixed so as to project toward the rear surface side. The guide shaft 51e is a member that is slidably inserted into the cavity of the rear guide portion 52c to guide the reciprocating movement and rotation of the rear arm 52 in the central axis direction. In the present embodiment, the guide shaft 51e is made of a metal such as stainless steel, and the distal end of the front arm moving wire 31 is laser-welded to the rear end (proximal end side end) of the guide shaft 51e. , Is fixed integrally.

The front side guide portion 53 is made of a substantially cylindrical member, and a part of the back surface side is formed to be thicker than the front side to form a thick wall portion 53a. On the inner surface side of the thick portion 53a, a pair of concave guide grooves 53b, 53b are formed so as to extend in the vertical direction (direction substantially parallel to the central axis) and recess in the radial direction. The concave guide grooves 53b and 53b are slidably fitted in any of the protrusions 52e formed on the protrusion member 52d of the rear arm 52 in the direction of the central axis of the rear arm 52. It is a part that guides the slide of.

These concave guide grooves 53b and 53b do not reach the upper part (rear end) of the front side guide portion 53, and a connecting groove 53c recessed in an arc shape is formed on the upper part of the inner wall of the front side guide portion 53. .. The connection groove 53c slides the rear guide portion 52c toward the proximal end side with respect to the front guide portion 53, and when the protrusion 52e is at the position of the connection groove 53c (that is, the concave guide groove 53b). , 53b), this is a portion for allowing the rear guide portion 52c (rear arm 52) to rotate (rotate). Both ends (faces) of the connecting groove 53c are continuous with the outer portions of the inner walls of the concave guide grooves 53b and 53b, respectively, and the depth thereof is the same as the depth of the concave guide grooves 53b and 53b. The concave guide grooves 53b and 53b reach the lower part (front end) of the front side guide portion 53.

A notch is formed in the upper portion of the front guide portion 53 on the front surface side. Penetration guides are formed on both sides of the bottom side portion (front end side side portion) 53d of the notch portion, extending in the vertical direction (direction substantially parallel to the central axis) and penetrating inside and outside. Grooves 53e and 53e are formed. The through guide grooves 53e and 53e are portions for guiding the slide of the rear arm 52 in the central axis direction by slidably fitting the needle support portion 52b of the rear arm 52 into any of them. Is. The side sides of the through guide grooves 53e and 53e are substantially parallel to the central axis direction and substantially parallel to each other.

The upper ends (rear ends) of these through guide grooves 53e and 53e reach the bottom side portion 53d of the notch portion, and the lower end (front end) does not reach the lower portion (front end) of the front side guide portion 53. At the positions of the lower ends (front ends) of the through guide grooves 53e and 53e, when the needle support portion 52b of the front arm 51 is fitted and reaches the lower end, the rear end of the knurled portion 52a4 of the needle-shaped member 52a is set. It is set at a position where it can be engaged by penetrating the engaging member 6a or 6b of the suture thread 6.

A part of the rear side (proximal end side) of the side side portion on both sides of the notch portion of the front side guide portion 53 is an inclined portion 53f, 53f, and the remaining part of the front side (distal end side) is. , The through guide grooves 53e and 53e are formed so as to have substantially the same surface as one of the side portions on both sides (the sides on the outer sides of each other). At the connection portion between the other side of the side sides of the through guide grooves 53e and 53e (the sides that are inside each other) and the bottom side 53d, the needle support portion 52b is smoothly guided into the through guide grooves 53e and 53e. The chamfered portions are 53 g and 53 g, which are chamfered in an arc shape. The connecting portion is not limited to the arc shape, and may be an inclined surface shape on condition that the needle support portion 52b is smoothly guided into the through guide grooves 53e and 53e.

A cap 54 is attached to the rear end of the front guide portion 53. The cap 54 has an arcuate recess 54a in which the rear guide portion 52c is arranged. When the guide shaft 51e is inserted into the rear guide portion 52c and the rear arm 52 and the front arm 51 are combined and attached to the rear end of the front guide portion 53, the rear arm 52 becomes the front arm. It is a member that prevents it from slipping out of 51.

Next, the relative operation of the front arm 51 and the rear arm 52 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7B. First, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, when the rear arm 52 is slid so as to be separated from the front arm 51, the protrusion member 52d (projection 52e) of the rear arm 52 It is located in the connection groove 53c of the front guide portion 53. In this state, the rear arm 52 can freely rotate with respect to the front arm 51 within a predetermined angle range (approximately 90 ° in this embodiment) defined by both end faces of the connecting groove 53c around the central axis. Can move (turn).

From this state, when the rear arm 52 is rotated as shown by the alternate long and short dash line (clockwise in FIG. 5B) with the reference numeral P1 in FIG. 5A, the protrusion 52e of the rear arm 52 becomes the front guide portion. It abuts on one end face of the connecting groove 53c of 53, and further clockwise rotation is restricted (see FIG. 6B). In this state, when the rear arm 52 is slid so as to be close to the front arm 51, the protrusion 52e moves along one end surface of the connection groove 53c, and the protrusion 52e is one of the front guide 53. It is guided to the concave guide groove 53b and fitted (freely fitted) into the concave guide groove 53b. The fitting of the protrusion 52e and the concave guide groove 53b is set relatively roughly so that the protrusion 52e is smoothly guided to the concave guide groove 53b. That is, the clearance is set to be relatively large.

As a result, the rotation of the rear arm 52 with respect to the front arm 51 is restricted, and the rear arm 52 is guided in the central axial direction along the concave guide groove 53b. When the rear arm 52 is slid closer to the front arm 51, the needle support portion 52b is guided to the through guide groove 53e and fitted (freely fitted) into the through guide groove 53e. The fitting of the needle support portion 52b and the through guide groove 53e does not hinder the slide so that the tip of the edge portion 52a4 of the needle-shaped member 52a is accurately guided to the through hole 51b of one thread support portion 51a. It is set relatively tight on the condition that. That is, the clearance is set to be relatively small.

When the rear arm 52 is slid closer to the front arm 51, the needle support portion 52b is guided by the through guide groove 53e, and the tip of the knurled portion 52a4 of the needle-shaped member 52a is one of the thread support portions. Guided by the through hole 51b of 51a, the needle support portion 52b comes into contact with the front end of the through guide groove 53e and stops. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the suture thread 6 in which the tip of the edge portion 52a4 of the needle-shaped member 52a is supported by the through hole 51b in the through hole 51b of one thread support portion 51a. It is located in a predetermined position where it can be properly engaged with one of the engaging members 6a (see FIG. 1B).

Next, as shown by the alternate long and short dash line with reference numeral P1 in FIG. 5A, the rear arm 52 is slid so as to be separated from the front arm 51 to return to the original state, and the protruding member of the rear arm 52 is restored. The 52d (projection portion 52e) is positioned in the connection groove 53c of the front side guide portion 53. From this state, when the rear arm 52 is rotated as shown by the alternate long and short dash line (counterclockwise in FIG. 5B) with the reference numeral P2 in FIG. 5A, the protrusion 52e of the rear arm 52 becomes the front side. The guide portion 53 comes into contact with the other end surface of the connecting groove 53c, and further rotation in the counterclockwise direction is restricted (see FIG. 7B). In this state, when the rear arm 52 is slid so as to be close to the front arm 51, the protrusion 52e moves along the other end surface of the connection groove 53c, and the protrusion 52e is the other of the front guide 53. It is guided to the concave guide groove 53b and fitted (freely fitted) into the concave guide groove 53b. The fitting of the protrusion 52e and the concave guide groove 53b is set relatively roughly so that the protrusion 52e is smoothly guided to the concave guide groove 53b. That is, the clearance is set to be relatively large.

As a result, the rotation of the rear arm 52 with respect to the front arm 51 is restricted, and the rear arm 52 is guided in the central axial direction along the concave guide groove 53b. When the rear arm 52 is slid closer to the front arm 51, the needle support portion 52b is guided to the through guide groove 53e and fitted (freely fitted) into the through guide groove 53e. The fitting of the needle support portion 52b and the through guide groove 53e does not hinder the slide so that the tip of the galling portion 52a4 of the needle-shaped member 52a is accurately guided to the through hole 51b of the other thread support portion 51a. It is set relatively tight on the condition that. That is, the clearance is set to be relatively small.

When the rear arm 52 is slid closer to the front arm 51, the needle support portion 52b is guided by the through guide groove 53e, and the tip of the knurled portion 52a4 of the needle-shaped member 52a is the other thread support portion. Guided by the through hole 51b of 51a, the needle support portion 52b comes into contact with the front end of the through guide groove 53e and stops. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the suture thread 6 in which the tip of the edge portion 52a4 of the needle-shaped member 52a is supported by the through hole 51b in the through hole 51b of the other thread support portion 51a. It is located in a predetermined position where it can be properly engaged with the other engaging member 6b (see FIG. 1B).

(Operation unit)
The operation unit (handle) 4 of the suturing device 1 is configured as shown in FIG. 1A. That is, the operation unit 4 includes a slider unit 41 and a base unit 42. The slider portion 41 is slidably provided on the base portion 42, and the slider portion 41 moves to a position moved to the tip end (distal end) side and a base end (proximal end) side with respect to the base portion 42. It is possible to move to the two positions.

Specifically, the slider portion 41 has a cylindrical portion 41a whose distal end side is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and its distal end is fixed to the cylindrical portion 41a on its proximal end side. It has a grip member 41b. The cylindrical portion 41a of the slider portion 41 is formed with a substantially cylindrical wire insertion hole (not shown) that opens at the distal end thereof and extends along the axis thereof, and is formed on the front arm moving wire 31. The portion on the proximal end side is connected and fixed to the cylindrical portion 41a of the slider portion 41.

The base portion 42 is composed of a substantially cylindrical member formed by joining a pair of substantially symmetrically formed half-split members with a plurality of screws or the like (not shown), and is opened at the proximal end thereof to the axial core thereof. It has a substantially cylindrical slider portion insertion hole (not shown) extending along the line. By inserting the cylindrical portion 41a of the slider portion 41 into the slider portion insertion hole, the slider portion 41 can slide with respect to the base portion 42 along the axis and rotate around the axis. It is attached.

Further, the base portion 42 has a substantially columnar tube insertion hole (not shown) that opens at the distal end thereof and extends along the axis thereof, and the rear arm moving tube is provided in the tube insertion hole. The proximal end side of the 32 is inserted, and the proximal end side portion of the rear arm moving tube 32 is connected and fixed to the base portion 42.

(Suture process)
Hereinafter, the suturing step (suture work) of the incised portion using the suturing device 1 described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A to 8K. In the following, a case where the incision formed in the stomach wall is sutured will be described as an example.

First, the ligature 7 is attached to the needle-shaped member 52a of the suture device 1, the shaft of the endoscope 2 to which the suture device 1 is attached is inserted into the stomach, and the suture portion 5 of the suture device 1 is sutured. Place near the incision to be made. Next, the operation unit 4 is operated so that the rear arm 52 is separated from the front arm 51 as shown in FIG. 1B.

In this state, the first step shown in FIG. 8A is carried out. In the first step shown in FIG. 8A, first, the operation unit 4 is pushed toward the distal end side as a whole with respect to the case tube 33, and is rotated as necessary, as shown in FIG. Only the front arm 51, which is spaced apart from the rear arm 52, is inserted into the incision SH. Around this time, the rear arm 52 is rotated with respect to the front arm 51, and one opening of the incision SH is provided by one thread support portion 51a of the front arm 51 and a needle-shaped member 52a (barb portion 52a4). The front arm 51 and the rear arm 52 are arranged so that the edge portion Sa is sandwiched.

Next, when the front arm 51 is brought close to the rear arm 52, as shown in FIG. 8B, the needle-shaped member 52a pierces one of the rims Sa and penetrates the rim Sa. Further, the knurled portion 52a4 of the needle-shaped member 52a passes through the through hole of the engaging member 6a accommodated (supported) in the accommodating space of one thread supporting portion 51a. As a result, the through hole of the engaging member 6a reaches the tissue penetrating portion 52a3 of the needle-shaped member 52a, and the engaging member 6a is in a state of being engaged with the needle-shaped member 52a.

In this state, the straight body portion of the tissue penetrating portion 52a3 of the needle-shaped member 52a penetrates the through hole (hereinafter referred to as the first perforation) of one of the rim portions Sa formed by the passage of the galling portion 52a4 and is outside. It is located (on the body cavity side), and the maximum diameter portion of the enlarged diameter portion 52a5 of the tissue penetrating portion 52a3 is located inside the first perforation or outside through the first perforation. The diameter of the first perforation tends to shrink due to the resilience of the tissue after passing through the perforation portion 52a4, but due to a part or all of the enlarged diameter portion 52a5 of the tissue penetrating portion 52a3. The first perforation is pressed from the inside to the outside to maintain a state in which the diameter is at least larger than the diameter of the straight body portion of the tissue penetrating portion 52a3.

Next, when the operating portion 4 is operated to bring the front arm 51 away from the rear arm 52 in the suture portion 5, the engaging member 6a engages as shown in FIG. 8C. The needle-shaped member 52a reverses the first perforation and returns to the stomach. As a result, a part of the suture thread 6 (a part on the engaging member 6a side) penetrates one of the rim portions Sa.

When the engaging member 6a engaged with the barb portion of the barb portion 52a4 reverses the first drilling, the enlarged diameter portion 52a5 passes through (reverses) the first drilling prior to that. The first perforation is expanded according to the diameter of the maximum diameter portion of the enlarged diameter portion 52a5, and the engaging member 6a passes immediately after that, so that the engaging member 6a is caught in the tissue around the first perforation. Is reduced, and it can pass more smoothly.

After that, as shown in FIG. 8D, the front arm so that the other thread support portion 51a of the front arm 51 and the needle-shaped member 52a sandwich the other mouth edge portion Sb of the incision portion SH. The 51 and the rear arm 52 are arranged.

From this state, when the operation unit 4 is operated to bring the rear arm 52 closer to the front arm 51, the needle-shaped member 52a pierces the other rim portion Sb as shown in FIG. 8E. , Penetrating the mouth edge portion Sb, and further passing through the through hole of the engaging member 6b accommodated (supported) in the accommodating space of the other thread supporting portion 51a by the ridge portion 52a4 of the needle-shaped member 52a. .. As a result, the through hole of the engaging member 6b reaches the tissue penetrating portion 52a3 of the needle-shaped member 52a, and the engaging member 6b is in a state of being engaged with the needle-shaped member 52a.

Next, assuming that the operation unit 4 is operated so that the front arm 51 is separated from the rear arm 52, as shown in FIG. 8F, the needle-shaped member in which the engaging member 6b is engaged is engaged. The hole (hereinafter referred to as the second perforation) formed when the 52a is inserted into the other mouth edge Sb is reversed and returned to the stomach. As a result, a part of the suture thread 6 (a part on the engaging member 6b side) penetrates the other mouth edge portion Sb.

Also in this case, as in the case of the first drilling described above, when the engaging member 6b engaged with the barb portion of the galling portion 52a4 reverses the second drilling, the diameter-expanded portion precedes the second drilling. Since 52a5 passes through (reverses) the second perforation, the second perforation is expanded according to the diameter of the maximum diameter portion of the enlarged diameter portion 52a5, and the engaging member 6b passes immediately after that. , The engaging member 6b is less likely to be caught in the tissue around the second perforation, and can pass through more smoothly.

As a result, the pair of engaging members 6a and 6b to which both ends of the suture 6 are fixed are engaged with one needle-shaped member 52a, and the suture 6 causes the needle-shaped member 52a (that is, the stomach). A ring is formed from (inside) through the first perforation to the outside of the stomach, and from the outer surface of the stomach through the second perforation to return to the needle-shaped member 52a (that is, in the stomach).

The operating unit 4 is then operated to move the anterior arm 51 (thread support 51a) into the stomach through the incision SH, as shown in FIG. 8G. When the anterior arm 51 (thread support portion 51a) enters the stomach, the needle-shaped member 52a separates from the incision portion SH, and both ends of the suture thread 6 move so as to separate from the incision portion SH. The portion penetrating the first perforation and the portion penetrating the second perforation are attracted to each other, and the end faces of the pair of rims Sa and Sb of the incision SH are brought into contact with each other and joined.

When the suturing work of the incised portion SH by the suturing device 1 is completed, the suturing thread 6 is subsequently ligated. The ligator 8 shown in FIG. 8H is used for this work. The ligation device 8 includes, for example, a sheath introduced into the body via the treatment tool guide tube of the endoscope and an operation wire slidably inserted into the sheath, and is provided at the distal end of the operation wire. , A ligature hook is provided so that the legs are opened in a substantially V shape by self-elasticity by protruding from the distal end of the sheath and closed by being pulled into the distal end of the sheath. Can be used.

As shown in FIG. 8G, the ligator 7 is held in a state where the ligating loop 71a (see FIGS. 1B and 4B) is inserted into the base end portion (ligature attachment portion 52a1) of the needle-shaped member 52a. Therefore, the distal end of the ligator 8 (see FIG. 8H) is placed in the vicinity of the connecting loop 71b of the ligator 7, and the connecting loop 71b is gripped by the connecting hook protruding from the ligator 8 and opening the legs. Then, the ligator 7 is connected to the distal end of the sheath of the ligator 8 by pulling the connecting loop 71b into the distal end of the sheath of the ligator 8.

Then, as shown in FIG. 8H, the distal end of the sheath of the ligator 8 to which the ligator 7 is connected is moved to the incision SH side (downward in FIG. 8H) of the ligator 7. It is assumed that both ends of the suture thread 6 are inserted inside the ligature loop 71a. As a result, the suture thread 6 is narrowed down, and both ends of the suture thread 6 are bundled.

When both ends of the suture 6 are bundled and the operation wire is slid so that the connecting hook of the ligature device 8 is further pulled into the sheath, the inside of the tightening tube 72 is as shown in FIG. 8I. The ligature loop 71a is pulled in together with the suture 6, and the ligature loop 71a and the suture 6 are housed in the tightening tube 72 in a state of being in close contact with and compressed. That is, since the ligature loop 71a and the suture 6 are accommodated in the tube 72 in a tightly fitted state, one end of the suture 6 and the ligature loop 71a should not come off from the tube 72. It is fixed. This completes the ligation of the suture thread 6.

When the ligation of the suture 6 is completed, slide the sheath toward the proximal end side so as to pull the sheath with respect to the operation wire of the ligature device 8 while keeping the position of the ligature wire unchanged. The connecting hook and the other end of the loop member protrude (exposed) from the distal end, the connecting hook opens due to its own elasticity, the grip is released, and the ligated state is as shown in FIG. 8J. The ligator 8 is separated from the ligator 7.

Finally, as shown in FIG. 8K, the suture thread 6 between the ligature 7 and the suture portion 5 (needle-shaped member 52a) is cut with an endoscopic scissors forceps or the like called a loop cutter. The ligature 7 and the suture portion 5 are separated from each other, and if necessary, the connecting loop 71b of the ligature 7 in the ligated state is cut with a loop cutter or the like and collected to relate to suturing one needle. A series of procedures is completed.

According to the above-described embodiment, the first tapered portion 52a5a in which the tissue penetrating portion 52a3 of the needle-shaped member 52a expands in a reverse taper shape from the base end to the tip, and the diameter is reduced in a taper shape from the base end to the tip. Since the enlarged diameter portion 52a5 having the second tapered portion 52a5b is provided, the engaging members 6a and 6b provided at both ends of the suture 6 are engaged with the knurled portion 52a4 of the needle-shaped member 52a pierced into the stomach wall. When the tissue penetrating portion 52a3 passes through the penetrating hole formed in the stomach wall by puncture, the diameter of the penetrating hole (first perforation, second perforation) formed in the stomach wall is the diameter of the second tapered portion 52a5b. Enlarged by passing. Further, when the needle-shaped member 52a is to be removed from the stomach wall after the engaging members 6a and 6b of the suture thread 6 are engaged with the knurled portion 52a4 of the needle-shaped member 52a, the first tapered portion 52a5a also passes through. The diameter of the through holes (first perforation, second perforation) formed in the stomach wall is enlarged. Therefore, after engaging the engaging members 6a and 6b of the suture 6 with the binding portion 52a4 of the needle-shaped member 52a, when the engaging members 6a and 6b are removed from the through hole of the stomach wall, the engagement is engaged with the binding portion 52a4. When the members 6a and 6b are less likely to be caught in the tissue around the through hole formed by the needle-shaped member 52a, and the needle-shaped member 52a is free from the first tapered portion 52a5a and the second tapered portion 52a5b. In comparison, it is easier to pull out. Therefore, smooth treatment can be performed, and suturing of internal tissues can be performed in a short time.

The embodiments described above are described for facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and are not described for limiting the present invention. Therefore, each element disclosed in the above-described embodiment is intended to include all design changes and equivalents belonging to the technical scope of the present invention.

1 ... Suture device 2 ... Endoscope 3 ... Sheath part 31 ... Front arm moving wire 32 ... Rear arm moving tube 33 ... Case tube 4 ... Operating part 41 ... Slider part 42 ... Base part 5 ... Suture part 51 ... Front arm 51a ... Thread support 52 ... Rear arm 52a ... Needle-shaped member 52a1 ... Ligature attachment part (needle base)
52a2 ... Central shaft (needle base)
52a3 ... Tissue penetration part 52a4 ... Ligature part 52a5 ... Diameter expansion part 52a5a ... First taper part 52a5b ... Second taper part 52b ... Needle support part 52c ... Rear side guide part 52d ... Protrusion member 52e ... Protrusion part 53 ... Front side guide part 53a ... Thick part 53b ... Concave guide groove 53c ... Connection groove 53d ... Bottom part 53e ... Through guide groove 53f ... Inclined part 53g ... Chamfering part 54 ... Cap 6 ... Suture thread 6a, 6b ... Engagement member 7 ... Ligature 71 ... Main body 71a ... Ligature loop 71b ... Connecting loop 72 ... Tightening tube SH ... Incision Sa, Sb ... Ligature 8 ... Ligature device

Claims (1)

A suturing device that is inserted into the body and used.
An anterior arm having a thread support that supports both ends of the suture,
It has a needle-shaped member and a rear arm that has a needle support portion that supports the needle-shaped member so that the tip of the needle-shaped member points toward the front arm and is accessible and separated from the front arm. And
The needle-shaped member is connected to a tapered conical knurled portion, a tissue penetrating portion which is connected to the base end of the knurled portion and has at least a tip having a diameter smaller than the maximum diameter portion of the knurled portion, and a tissue penetrating portion. It has a needle base that is provided on the base end side and connects the tissue penetration portion and the needle support portion.
The tissue penetrating portion has a first tapered portion whose diameter expands in a reverse taper shape from the proximal end toward the distal end, and the proximal end is connected to the distal end of the first tapered portion, and the proximal end is connected from the proximal end toward the distal end. A suturing device having a second tapered portion whose diameter is reduced in a tapered shape.

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