MXPA00002471A - Stitching tool - Google Patents

Abstract

A stitching tool (10) including a needle (12) including an arcuate shank (16) having an arcuate length extending from a needle point (18) at one end thereof to another end, called a suture end (20), and wherein the needle (12) is toothed along at least a portion of the length.

Description

SEWING TOOL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to a tool for sewing useful for tying tissues with sutures, typically in endoscopic surgery.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 10 The tools for sewing, for binding tissues with sutures in endoscopic surgery are well known. The US patents Nos. 5,364,408; 5,458,609; 5,540,704; 5,575,800 and 5,578,044, all assigned to Laurus Medical Corp., Irvine, CA, EUA, are related to a family of suture systems and needle thrusters sold under the name Push & CatchMR. The needle impeller automatically captures and recovers sutures to tie sutures in the tissues. A disposable suture device sold under the trade name Endo Stitch ™ by United States Surgical Corp., Norwalk, CT, E.U.A., is another known device for tying sutures in tissues in endoscopic surgery.

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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention seeks to provide a tool for sewing useful for suturing and ligating tissues in endoscopic procedures such as Burch urethropexy, oophorectomy, cholecystectomy, myomectomy, hysterectomy, closure of trunk wounds and paravaginal repair. Therefore, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a sewing tool 10 including a needle, which includes an arcuate body having an arcuate length extending from a point of the needle at one end. of it, at the other end, called the suture end, and wherein the needle is serrated along at least a portion of its length. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the suture end is adapted for attachment thereof to a suture. Additionally, according to a modality Preferred of the present invention, the arcuate body defines a curve having at least one focus and the needle is serrated along a surface that exceeds at least one focus. Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tool for sewing ? S ^^ i ^ ^ e ^^., I trt'Jri > ^? * m * includes a needle handler that includes a housing with an arcuate channel formed therein through which the needle moves, the channel defines an arc extending from a first end to a second end, wherein the The needle moves through the channel, the tip of the needle leaves the housing at the first end and re-enters the housing at the second end, and the arch is sufficiently large so that at least one of the tip of the needle Needle and suture end are always in the channel during the movement of the needle. The sewing tool preferably also includes an actuator for moving the needle through the channel. Preferably, the actuator is coupled to the needle by a toothed belt which meshes with the toothed needle. Preferably, the arcuate channel defines a curve having at least one focus and the needle can rotate around the focus by at least 360 °. Instead of the needle being serrated, a standard smooth arched needle can also be used. The actuator can move the needle by means of a fixed band firmly inside the needle and the arched channel. The surface of the band which makes contact with the needle has a coefficient of friction greater than the surface of the band which makes contact with the channel. The band presses against the needle and as the actuator moves the band, the band moves the needle by means of friction through the channel. Also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is a sewing tool including a needle which includes an arcuate body having an arcuate length extending from the tip of the needle at one end thereof to the other end., called a suture end, and a needle handler including a housing with an arcuate channel formed therein through which the needle moves, the channel defines an arc extending from a first end to a second end, wherein as the needle moves through the channel, the tip of the needle leaves the housing at the first end and re-enters the housing at the second end, and the arc is sufficiently large so that at least one of the tip of the needle and the suture end is always in the channel during the movement of the needle. Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the arcuate channel is joined by a disk, which rotates around at least one body focus, and one upper housing portion. The disk has a shaft placed in an enlarged hole so that the shaft can move within the boundary of the enlarged hole, and the disk can rotate eccentrically around at least one body focus. * - ~ a »> - fc * - trf- - iiüfriiiifi-r if - * According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the disk includes a margin with a surface that is contactable with the needle and the upper housing portion includes a surface that is contactable with the needle 5, wherein the margin contact surface has a greater frictional contact with the needle than the contact surface of the upper housing portion. The disc can be pulled (because the tree is in the enlarged hole) so that the edge of the disc presses the needle against the upper housing portion. Once the needle pierces between the disc and the upper housing portion, the rotation of the disc causes the rotation of the needle due to the difference in the coefficient of friction between the needle / margin contact and the needle. needle / housing contact. Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sewing tool includes a union eccentrically attached to the disk, wherein the pulling of the joint in a direction away from a line The center of the disc causes the disc to impart an angular movement of advance to the needle. Pulling the joint first pierces the needle between the disc and the upper housing portion and the additional pulling of the joint, due to its eccentric mounting to the disc, causes the disc and needle to rotate around at least one body focus.

Additionally, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the disc includes a first half and a second half, and a joint is attached to the first half, wherein the pulling of the joint in a direction away from the center line of the disc causes the first half of the disc to impart an angular movement of advance to the needle and push the union in a direction toward the center line which causes the second half of the disc to press against the needle and prevent the angular backward movement of the needle opposite to the angular movement of advance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which: Figure 1 is a simplified graphic illustration of a sewing tool constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2A is a simplified graphic illustration of a needle with an arcuate body, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and useful in the sewing tool of Figure 1; Figure 2B is a simplified graphic illustration of the needle of Figure 2A, taken along lines 2B-2B in Figure 2A; Figure 3 is an illustration of a simplified side view 5 of the sewing tool of Figure 1; Figures 4A-4H are simplified illustrations of sewing or suturing two fabrics together, with the sewing tool of Figure 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a simplified graphic illustration of a sewing tool constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is an illustration of a simplified side view of the sewing tool of Figure 5; Figure 7A is a simplified illustration of the angular advance of a needle through a channel of the sewing tool of Figure 5, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7B is an illustration of a side view 20 of pulling a joint to advance the needle through a channel corresponding to Figure 7A; Figure 7C is an illustration of a side view of push of the joint of Figure 7B to prevent regressive movement of the needle opposite the forward movement; Y Figure 8 is a simplified graphic illustration of a sewing tool constructed and operative in accordance with another additional preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED MODALITY Reference is now made to Figure 1, which illustrates a tool 10 for sewing, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The sewing tool 10 includes a needle 12, illustrated in greater detail in Figure 2A, placed on a needle handler 14. With reference to Figure 2A, it can be seen that the needle 12 preferably includes an arcuate body 16 having an arcuate length L extending from a point 18 of the needle at one end thereof, to the other end, termed the 20 end of suture. The length L preferably extends in an arc greater than 180 °. The diameter, shape and length of the needle 12 are in accordance with the particular application. The needle 12 is preferably constructed of a medically safe and durable material, such as austenitic stainless steel 316 L. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the needle 12 is serrated along at least a portion of its length . By "toothed" is meant that one or more teeth 22 are formed along the length of the needle 12. Alternatively, instead of projections such as teeth, the term "toothed" also encompasses channels, slots, 5 recesses or hollows that can be engaged with a correspondingly formed impeller member such as a synchronization band. The teeth 22 can have any profile of teeth and any step. Preferably, the suture end 20 is adapted for attachment thereto of a suture 24, although alternatively the suture 24 can be joined in any other way along the body 16. It is noted that through the specification and the claims, the term "suture" encompasses any suture, thread, filament or wire suitable for sew, baste or flirt Preferably, the arcuate body 16 defines a curve having at least one focus 26. More preferably, the curve is a circle and a focus 26 is the center of the circle. Preferably, the needle 12 is serrated at along a surface 28 that exceeds the focus 26. With reference to Figure 2B, it is noted that the needle 12 preferably has two flattened surfaces 23 and 25, generally along the sides of the surface 28. With reference again to Figure 1 is observed that the needle manipulator 14 preferably includes a housing 30 with an arched channel 32 formed therein through which the needle 12 moves. The housing 30 can be constructed of any suitable material such as a plastic. The channel 32 defines an arc extending from a first end 34 to a second end 36 and which also defines a curve having at least one focus 38. More preferably, the curve of the channel 32 is a circle and focus 38 is the center of the circle. More preferably, bulbs 26 and 38 coincide or nearly coincide. The needle 12 can rotate about the focus 38 at least 360 °, and more preferably rotates continuously around the focus 38. As the needle 12 moves through the channel 32, the needle tip 18 leaves the housing 30 in the first end 34 and re-enters the housing 30 at the second end 36. The arc of the channel 32 is sufficiently long so that at least one of the tip 18 of the needle and the suture end 20 are always in the channel 32 during the movement of the needle 12. The needle 12 may be inserted initially into the channel 32 in any convenient manner, for example by removing a removable cover (not shown) that is provided over the channel 32. Reference is now made in addition to figure 3, which is an illustration of a side view of a portion of the tool 10 for sewing. It is noted that the housing 30 is preferably constructed of two halves 30A and 30B, joined by any means, for example by joining, welding or fasteners. The channel 32 is preferably joined by a lower housing portion 40 and an upper housing portion 42. Preferably, the housing halves 30A and 30B form a spacing 44 that advances from the channel 32 to the lower housing portion 40, the spacing 44 is of sufficient width for the suture 24 to pass therethrough. Referring again to Figure 1, an actuator 46, such as a motor, is preferably provided to move the needle 12 through the channel 32. Preferably, the actuator 46 is coupled to the needle 12 by a serrated band 48, which it engages with the teeth 22 of the needle 12. The band 48 is constantly in an operatively engaging engagement with the needle 12 so as to have two positions 50 and 52, respectively, near the first end 34 and the second end 36. providing static or roller guides 51 and 53 to guide the displacement of the web 48. It is appreciated that, less preferably, instead of the actuator 46 and the web 48, two gearmotors can be directly operatively engaged with the needle 12. in positions 50 and 52. A suitable power source (not shown) is provided such as a battery to provide power to the actuator 46.

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Reference is now made to Figures 4A-4H which illustrate sewing of two fabrics 54 and 56 together with the tool 10 for sewing according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 4A, the first end 34 and the second end 36 are placed against the tissues 54 and 56. Initially, the needle tip 18 is in the same plane as the first end 34. In Figure 4B, the actuator 46 (not shown) rotates the needle 12 counterclockwise in the direction of Figure 4B. The needle 12 leaves the first end 34 and pierces the tissue 54. The suture 24 is located at the rear after the suture end 20 within the channel 32. In Figure 4C, after further rotation, the needle 12 continues through of the fabric 54 and perforates the fabric 56. In Figure 4D, before further rotation, the needle 12 passes completely through the fabric 56 and re-enters the housing 30 at a second end 36. At this point, the needle 12 has rotated more than 180 °. As mentioned above, it is noted that the arc of the channel 32 is sufficiently large so that at the tip 18 of the needle and the suture end 20 are always in the channel 32 during the movement of the needle 12. In the figure 4E, the needle 12 has rotated approximately 360 ° and the suture 24 has been stretched through both tissues 54 and 56.

^ .. ^ .. ^^ In Figure 4F, the sewing tool 10 has been completely removed from the tissues, thereby generating a curl 58. It is noted that the suture 24 has fallen through the gap 44 ( Figure 3) in order to form a curl 58. The needle 12 is then further rotated and passed through the curl 58 generally in the direction of an arrow 60. In Figure 4G, the needle 12 re-enters in the housing 30 at the second end 36 and a portion of the suture 24 designated by the reference number 62 begins to fall through the gap 44. In Figure 4H, the sewing tool 10 is pulled away from the tissues 54 and 56 so that it generates a knot 64. The sewing tool 10 is pulled away from the tissues a distance which provides an adequate length of additional suture for tying additional knots in the tissues adjacent to the knot 64. By providing this additional length of the suture 24, the knot 64 can be tightened by pushing it against the knot 64 with a knot impeller 66 and simultaneously maintaining the additional length of the knot 64. suture 24 that is shown with the tool 10 for sewing. The knot driver 66 can be attached to the tool 10 for sewing, or alternatively it can be separated from the tool 10 for sewing. Reference is now made to Figure 5, which illustrates a tool 70 for sewing constructed and operative according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The sewing tool 70 includes a needle 72 positioned in a needle manipulator 74. The needle 72 preferably includes an arcuate body 76 having an arcuate length LL extending from a needle tip 78 at one end thereof to the other end, called the suture end 80. The needle 72 is preferably of a construction similar to the needle 12, except that the needle 72 has no teeth. Preferably, the suture end 80 is adapted for attachment thereto of a suture 84, although alternatively the suture 84 can be attached anywhere further, along the body 76. Preferably, the arcuate body 76 defines a curve that has at least one focus 86. More preferably, the curve is a circle and focus 86 is the center of the circle. The needle manipulator 74 preferably includes a housing 90 with an arcuate channel 92 formed therein through which the needle 72 moves. The housing 90 can be constructed of any suitable material such as plastic. The channel 92 defines an arc extending from a first end 94 to a second end 96 and which also defines a curve having at least one focus 98. More preferably, the curve of the channel 92 is a circle and the focus 98 is in the center of the circle. More .OJi ^., ^ - ^^^. - --- a "^ - - - * wc jt ^ ma. preferable, bulbs 86 and 98 coincide or almost coincide. The needle 72 is rotatable about the focus 98 at least 360 °, and more preferably is continuously rotatable about the focus 98. As the needle 72 moves through the channel 92, the tip 78 of the needle leaves the housing 90 at the first end 94 and re-enters the housing 90 at the second end 96. The arc of the channel 92 is sufficiently long so that at least one of the needle tip 78 or the suture end 80 is always in channel 92 during the movement of the needle 72. The channel 92 is preferably joined by a disk 100 and a portion 102 of upper low friction housing. The disc 100 comprises a margin 106, preferably made of a high friction material, such as a plastic resistant. The housing 90 is formed with a hole 108 centered in the focus 92 and through which a shaft 110 of smaller size passes. Therefore, the disc 100 is positioned to rotate eccentrically about the shaft 110. The needle 72 passes through the channel 92 between the high friction margin 106 and the upper low friction housing portion 102, the needle 72 itself is preferably smooth. Reference is now made further to Figure 6, which is an illustration in side view of a portion of the tool 70 for sewing. It is observed that the Disc 100 preferably is constructed of two halves 100A and ^ g ^^ i gjg ^^ & ^^ ^ k ^^^^^ 100B. Preferably the halves 100A and 100B of the disc define a gap 104 of sufficient width for suture 84 to pass therethrough. The housing 90 is preferably constructed of two halves 90A and 90B, one of the halves possibly serving as a removable cover for the initial insertion of the needle 72. A joint 112 preferably joins the disc 100 in the disc 100A half. The joint 112 can push the disc 100A generally in the direction of an arrow 114, whereby it presses the disc 100 against the needle 72 and causes the needle 72 to move through the channel 92 as described now with reference to Figures 7A-7C. The joint 112 is rigid so that it can also bias the 100A half of the disc in the direction of an arrow 115, opposite the direction of the arrow 114. The joint 112 can be pulled / pushed manually, or alternatively can be pulled. manipulate by any suitable automatic device, such as a solenoid or actuator, preferably a motor. Reference is now made to Figures 7A-7C which illustrate the operation of the tool 70 for sewing according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 7A, the joint 112 is pulled in the direction of the arrow 114 and forces the disk half 100A to move a distance d, whereby it pierces the needle 72 between the disk half 100A and the housing portion 102. upper low friction The distance d is basically the spacing between the shaft 110 and the hole 108. The continuous thrust of the joint 112 in the direction of the arrow 114 causes the half 100A of the disc not only to move d, but also to rotate an angle , due to the eccentric mounting of the joint 112 to the half 100A of the disc, whereby the tip 78 of the needle is advanced at the same angle. As described above, the high friction contact between the needle 72 and the margin 106 allows the joint 112 to impart movement to the needle 72 and the low friction contact of the needle 72 with the upper housing portion 102 allows the needle 72 moves through the channel 92. In Figure 7B, it is noted that, when the joint 112 is pulled in the direction of the arrow 114, the disc half 100B does not contact the needle 72. Therefore , when the needle 72 is advanced at an angle, the half 100B of the disc does not touch the needle 72. Between the incremental pulling of the joint 112 in the direction of the arrow 114, the joint 112 is pushed in the direction of the arrow 115. This orientation is shown in figure 7C. It is noted that the half 100B of the disc now presses the needle 72 against the upper housing portion 102, thereby preventing the needle 72 from returning in the channel 92 between the pulled portion of the joint 112.

** »JWMttTÍ < ^ The repeated movement of the joint 112 of the direction of the arrow 114 rotates the needle 72 around the focus 86 more and more. The knots are then tied as described in the above with reference to the tool 10 for sewing. Reference is now made to Figure 8, which illustrates a tool 120 for sewing constructed and operative according to another further preferred embodiment of the present invention. The tool 120 for sewing preferably is substantially similar to the sewing tool 10 described in the foregoing with reference to Figure 1, with the similar elements referred to by the same numerals. The sewing tool 120 differs from the tool 10 for sewing in that, instead of the needle being serrated, a standard smooth arched needle 122 is used. The actuator 46 moves the needle 122 by means of the band 48 placed firmly between the needle 122 and the arched channel 32. The surface of the band 48 which contacts the needle 122 has a coefficient of friction greater than the surface of the band 48 which contacts the arched channel 32. The band 48 presses against the needle 122 and as the actuator 46 moves the web 48, the web 48 moves the needle 122 by means of friction through the channel 32. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention does not is limited to what has been shown ** > * »**» »* - - ^^^^^ ~ ^ > ....;.,.,. BUMHI ~ --¿ - - * - ** • * - and described particularly in the above. Rather, the scope of the present invention includes combinations and subcombinations of the features described in the foregoing as well as modifications and variations thereof which would occur to a person skilled in the art. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects or products to which it refers. íiintÑlliHiini íáiríiiiT ir ^^^^^ "^^^ --'- ^^^^ - ^ - ^ --- ^ - ^^^ ^ ¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡

Claims (6)

CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following 5 claims is claimed as property:
1. l. A tool for sewing, characterized in that it comprises: a needle comprising an arcuate body having an arcuate length extending from one end of the needle to the other end thereof, to the other end, called the suture end, the arched body defines a curve having at least one body focus; and a needle manipulator comprising a housing with an arcuate channel formed therein through which the needle moves, the channel defines an arc extending from a first end to a second end having at least one focus of channel, wherein the needle moves through the channel, the needle point, leaves the housing at the first end and re-enters the housing at the second end 20 and the arch is sufficiently large so that at least one of the tip of the needle and the suture end is always in the channel during the movement of the needle; characterized in that the arcuate channel is joined by a disk which rotates around at least one body focus, and a top housing portion, and the disk comprises a * «Jámákslí?» ¿ßas & xaí isg & i ^ Ü ^ ^ ügl tree placed on an enlarged disk so that the tree is translatable within the enlarged hole, and the disk is eccentrically rotatable around at least one body focus.
2. 2. The tool for sewing, according to claim 1, characterized in that the disk comprises a margin with a surface that is contactable with the needle and the upper housing portion comprises a surface that is contactable with the needle, wherein the contactable surface of the needle the joint has a greater frictional contact with the needle than with the contactable surface of the upper housing portion.
3. 3. The tool for sewing, according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a connection eccentrically attached to the disc, wherein the pulling of the joint in a direction away from a central line of the disc pierces the needle between the disc and the portion of the disc. upper housing, and additionally pulling the joint causes the disc and the needle to rotate around at least one body focus.
4. 4. The tool for sewing, according to claim 1, characterized in that the disc comprises a first half and a second half and a joint is attached to the first half wherein the pulling of the joint in a direction away from the centerline of the disc causes the first half of the disc to pierce the needle between the disc and the upper housing portion 5, and the additional pulling of the joint causes the first half of the disc and the needle to rotate and advance in an angular motion about at least a body focus, and pushes the joint in a direction towards the center line which causes the second half of the disc 10 to pass against the needle and prevent the angular backward movement of the needle opposite the angular advance movement.
5. 5. The tool for sewing, according to claim 1, characterized in that the needle moves to 15 along the channel by a band which presses the needle against the housing.
6. 6. The tool for sewing, according to claim 5, characterized in that the surface of the The band which makes contact with the needle has a coefficient of friction greater than a surface of the band which makes contact with the arched channel. ¿I * mm ** - i * amm ~ > uatótSiB ugH ~