U.S. patent application number 09/757748 was filed with the patent office on 2001-09-13 for suture with toggle and delivery system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Scion Cardio-Vascular. Invention is credited to Levinson, Melvin E..
Application Number | 20010021855 09/757748 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27495573 |
Filed Date | 2001-09-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010021855 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Levinson, Melvin E. |
September 13, 2001 |
Suture with toggle and delivery system
Abstract
The suture delivery system utilizes two sutures. Each suture has
a filament body and a toggle bar. The delivery system includes an
elongated central tube with two needle retainer guides and a cam
distally disposed on the central tube. The needles have piercing
needle ends and each needle end carries a respective toggle bar for
a suture disposed thereon. A longitudinally movable member is
coupled to the needles. The needles are movably disposed in
respective needle retainer guides. An actuator is coupled to the
movable member such that when the actuator moves, the needles
extend outward such that the needle ends move over the cam. In a
further embodiment, the actuator includes a first user actuation
surface coupled to the movable member and the central tube includes
a second user actuation surface which is generally static. In a
further embodiment, a locking member is disposed on the second user
actuation surface. The cam may take one of a variety of shapes.
Essentially, the needle ends splay outward and forward, distally
over the cam. In a preferred embodiment, the movable member is
biased with respect to the central tube such that the delivery
system is biased to place the needles in the proximal position and
the needle ends are substantially captured in the guides. A method
for embedding sutures in a vascular wall or other biological
substructure is also included.
Inventors: |
Levinson, Melvin E.; (Miami,
FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROBERT C. KAIN, JR.
750 SOUTHEAST THIRD AVENUE
SUITE 100
FT LAUDERDALE
FL
333161153
|
Assignee: |
Scion Cardio-Vascular
|
Family ID: |
27495573 |
Appl. No.: |
09/757748 |
Filed: |
January 10, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09757748 |
Jan 10, 2001 |
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09668327 |
Sep 22, 2000 |
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6245080 |
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09668327 |
Sep 22, 2000 |
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09661024 |
Sep 13, 2000 |
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09661024 |
Sep 13, 2000 |
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09413145 |
Oct 6, 1999 |
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6206895 |
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60143555 |
Jul 13, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
606/144 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2017/00637
20130101; A61B 17/0057 20130101; A61B 2017/00672 20130101; A61B
2017/0419 20130101; A61B 2017/00663 20130101; A61B 2017/0417
20130101; A61B 17/0401 20130101; A61B 2017/0409 20130101; A61B
2017/0472 20130101; A61B 2017/00004 20130101; A61B 17/0469
20130101; A61B 17/064 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/144 |
International
Class: |
A61B 017/04 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A suture delivery system comprising: two sutures, each said
suture having a filament body and toggle bar on at least one
terminal end thereof; an elongated central tube, said central tube
carrying two needle retainer guides and a cam distally disposed on
said central tube; two spaced apart needles with piercing needle
ends, each corresponding needle end carrying a respective suture
with a respective toggle bar disposed on said corresponding needle
end such that a portion of said toggle bar protrudes from said
corresponding needle end; a movable member longitudinally movably
mounted on said central tube, each said needle coupled to said
movable member; each respective needle movably disposed and guided
by a corresponding needle retainer guide; an actuator coupled to
said movable member, said actuator adapted to longitudinally move
said movable member with respect to said central tube such that
said needles are substantially captured by said needle retainer
guides when said movable member is at a proximal position, and said
piercing needle ends move over said cam when said movable member is
at a distal position.
2. A suture delivery system as claimed in claim 1 wherein each
piercing needle end is substantially captured within a
corresponding needle retainer guide when said movable member is in
said proximal position, and wherein each piercing needle end splays
outward due to said cam when said movable member is in said distal
position.
3. A suture delivery system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said
actuator includes a first user actuation surface, said first user
actuation surface being coupled to said movable member, and wherein
said central tube includes a second user actuation surface, said
second user actuation surface being coupled to said central tube,
said movable member adapted to move longitudinally with respect to
said central tube via said first and second user actuation
surfaces.
4. A suture delivery system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said
central tube includes a static actuation surface, said static
actuation surface being coupled to said central tube, and said
actuation surface including a finger tab.
5. A suture delivery system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said
actuator includes a dynamic actuation surface, said dynamic
actuation surface being coupled to said movable member, and said
dynamic actuation surface including a finger actuation surface.
6. A suture delivery system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said
actuator includes a first and a second actuation surface, said
first actuation surface being coupled to said movable member, said
first actuation surface including a finger actuation surface, and
said second actuation surface being coupled to said central tube,
said second actuation surface including a finger tab.
7. A suture delivery system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said
central tube includes a distal central tube end, said cam being
mounted at said distal tube end or spaced apart from said distal
tube end; said needle retainer guides proximally mounted near said
cam; said actuator including a first actuation surface, said first
actuation surface proximally mounted on said movable member; said
central tube including a second actuation surface, said second
actuation surface mounted on said central tube such that said first
and second actuation surfaces are adapted to be moved relative to
each other; and said distal tube end and said piercing needle ends
are disposed substantially adjacent each other when said movable
member is at said distal position, and said needle ends are
substantially captured by said needle retainer guides when said
movable member is at said proximal position.
8. A suture delivery system as claimed in claim 1 wherein each said
respective needle has a hollow lumen, each said respective needle
having disposed therein a corresponding filament body when said
corresponding toggle bar is disposed at said respective needle
end.
9. A suture delivery system as claimed in claim 8 wherein said
actuator includes an actuation surface, said actuation surface
being coupled to said movable member, and each respective needle
having a proximal needle end through which runs a corresponding
filament such that said corresponding filament body extends beyond
said actuation surface.
10. A suture delivery system as claimed in claim 8 wherein said
actuator includes an actuation surface defining exit ports, said
actuation surface being coupled to said movable member, and each
respective needle having a proximal needle end through which runs a
corresponding filament body, and said corresponding filament body
extends outboard through a respective actuation surface exit
port.
11. A suture delivery system as claimed in claim 1 wherein each
said needle end includes a respective slot adapted to capture said
toggle bar thereat, each said respective toggle bar is either at an
acute angle with respect to the corresponding filament body such
that said acute angle is in said respective slot, or said toggle
bar is normal with respect to said corresponding filament body and
said respective toggle bar protrudes beyond the corresponding
needle slot.
12. A suture delivery system as claimed in claim 1 wherein each
said suture is made of one of a wire and a suture thread.
13. A suture delivery system as claimed in claim 1 wherein each
said needle end includes a respective slot adapted to capture said
toggle bar thereat, and wherein said each said toggle bar includes
a catch element, said catch element is one of a leg, a tab, a
protrusion, and an extension from said toggle bar, said catch
element coacts with said respective slot on a corresponding
needle.
14. A suture delivery system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cam
is an outboard protrusion having one shape from the group including
a spherical shape, an olive shape, an oblong shape, a frustoconical
shape, a convex frustoconical shape, a concave frustoconical shape,
a triangular shape, a conical shape, an angled rib shape and a
distally truncated, continuously curved shape.
15. A suture delivery system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said
movable member is biased with respect to said central tube to place
said movable member in said proximal position thereby causing said
needle ends to be substantially captured by said needle retainer
guides.
16. A suture delivery system as claimed in claim 1 including a
biasing element intermediate said movable member and said central
tube, placing said movable member in said proximal position thereby
causing said needle ends to be substantially captured by said
needle retainer guides.
17. A suture delivery system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said
central tube has a lumen, said system includes a guide wire adapted
to pass through said central tube lumen.
18. A suture delivery system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said two
spaced apart needles are a first and second needle having first and
second piercing needle ends, said first needle end is
longitudinally offset from said second needle end; and wherein said
first and second needle ends are substantially captured by
corresponding needle retainer guides at said proximal position.
19. A suture delivery system as claimed in claim 1 further
comprising a locking member interposed between said central tube
and said movable member, said locking member adapted to lock said
position of said movable member relative to said central tube.
20. A suture delivery system as claimed in claim 1 further
comprising an elongated flexible introducer disposed at a distal
end of said central tube.
21. A suture delivery system as claimed in claim 3 wherein said
first user actuation surface includes a finger actuation
surface.
22. A suture deliver system as claimed in claim 21 wherein said
second user actuation surface includes a finger tab.
23. A suture delivery system as claimed in claim 22 wherein said
movable member is biased with respect to said central tube to place
said movable member in said proximal position thereby causing said
needle ends to be substantially captured by said needle retainer
guides.
24. A suture delivery system as claimed in claim 23 further
comprising a locking member interposed between said central tube
and said movable member, said locking member adapted to lock said
position of said movable member relative to said central tube.
25. A suture delivery system adapted to deliver two sutures, each
said suture having a filament body with a toggle bar on at least
one terminal end thereof, comprising: an elongated central tube,
said central tube carrying two needle retainer guides and a cam
distally disposed on said central tube; two spaced apart needles
with piercing needle ends, each corresponding needle end adapted to
carry a respective suture with a respective toggle bar disposed on
said corresponding needle end such that a portion of said toggle
bar protrudes from said corresponding needle end; a movable member
longitudinally movably mounted on said central tube, each said
needle coupled to said movable member; each respective needle
movably disposed and guided by a corresponding needle retainer
guide; an actuator coupled to said movable member, said actuator
adapted to longitudinally move said movable member with respect to
said central tube such that said needles are substantially captured
by said needle retainer guides when said movable member is at a
proximal position, and said piercing needle ends move over said cam
when said movable member is at a distal position.
26. A suture delivery system as claimed in claim 25 wherein said
actuator includes a first user actuation surface, said first user
actuation surface being coupled to said movable member, and wherein
said central tube includes a second user actuation surface, said
second user actuation surface being coupled to said central tube,
said movable member adapted to move longitudinally with respect to
said central tube via said first and second user actuation
surfaces.
27. A suture delivery system as claimed in claim 25 wherein said
central tube includes a static actuation surface, said static
actuation surface being coupled to said central tube, and said
actuation surface including a finger tab.
28. A suture delivery system as claimed in claim 25 wherein said
actuator includes a dynamic actuation surface, said dynamic
actuation surface being coupled to said movable member, and said
dynamic actuation surface including a finger actuation surface.
29. A suture delivery system as claimed in claim 25 wherein said
movable member is biased with respect to said central tube to place
said movable member in said proximal position thereby causing said
needle ends to be substantially captured by said needle retainer
guides.
30. A suture delivery system as claimed in claim 25 wherein said
two spaced apart needles are a first and second needle having first
and second piercing needle ends, said first needle end is
longitudinally offset from said second needle end; and wherein said
first and second needle ends are substantially captured by
corresponding needle retainer guides at said proximal position.
31. A suture delivery system as claimed in claim 25 further
comprising an elongated flexible introducer disposed at a distal
end of said central tube.
32. A suture delivery system as claimed in claim 25 further
comprising a locking member interposed between said central tube
and said movable member, said locking member adapted to lock said
position of said movable member relative to said central tube.
33. A suture delivery system as claimed in claim 26 wherein said
first user actuation surface includes a finger actuation surface,
said second user actuation surface includes a finger tab, and said
movable member is biased with respect to said central tube to place
said movable member in said proximal position thereby causing said
needle ends to be substantially captured by said needle retainer
guides.
34. A suture delivery system comprising: at least one suture, said
at least one suture having a filament body with at least one
terminal end and a toggle bar thereat; an elongated central tube,
said central tube carrying at least one needle retainer guide and a
cam distally disposed on said central tube; at least one needle
with a piercing needle end, said needle end carrying said filament
body with said toggle bar disposed on said needle end such that a
portion of said toggle bar protrudes from said needle end; a
movable member longitudinally movably mounted on said central tube
with said at least one needle coupled to said movable member; said
at least one needle movably disposed and guided by said at least
one needle retainer guide; an actuator coupled to said movable
member, said actuator adapted to longitudinally move said movable
member with respect to said central tube such that said at least
one needle is substantially captured by said at least one needle
retainer guide when said movable member is at a proximal position,
and said piercing needle end moves over said cam when said movable
member is at a distal position.
35. A suture delivery system as claimed in claim 34 wherein said
actuator includes a first user actuation surface, said first user
actuation surface being coupled to said movable member, and wherein
said central tube includes a second user actuation surface, said
second user actuation surface being coupled to said central tube,
said movable member adapted to move longitudinally with respect to
said central tube via said first and second user actuation
surfaces.
36. A suture delivery system as claimed in claim 34 wherein said
central tube includes a static actuation surface, said static
actuation surface being coupled to said central tube, and said
actuation surface including a finger tab.
37. A suture delivery system as claimed in claim 34 wherein said
actuator includes a dynamic actuation surface, said dynamic
actuation surface being coupled to said movable member, and said
dynamic actuation surface including a finger actuation surface.
38. A suture delivery system as claimed in claim 34 wherein said
movable member is biased with respect to said central tube to place
said movable member in said proximal position thereby causing said
at least one needle with a piercing needle end to be substantially
captured by said at least one needle retainer guide.
39. A suture delivery system as claimed in claim 34 wherein said
first user actuation surface includes a finger actuation surface,
said second user actuation surface includes a finger tab, and said
movable member is biased with respect to said central tube to place
said movable member in said proximal position thereby causing said
piercing needle end of said at least one needle to be substantially
captured by said at least one needle retainer guide.
40. A suture delivery system as claimed in claim 34 further
comprising an elongated flexible introducer disposed at a distal
end of said central tube.
41. A suture delivery system as claimed in claim 34 further
comprising a locking member interposed between said central tube
and said movable member, said locking member adapted to lock said
position of said movable member relative to said central tube.
42. A suture delivery system as claimed in claim 34 wherein said
filament body of said at least one suture includes two terminal
ends each having a respective toggle bar thereat, the delivery
system including two needles each with a respective piercing needle
end and including two needle retainer guides, said needle retainer
guides carried by said central tube, each said respective toggle
bar disposed on a corresponding needle end wherein each said
respective piercing needle end moves over said cam when said
movable member is at said distal position.
43. A suture delivery system as claimed in claim 42 wherein said
two needles are a first and second needle having first and second
piercing needle ends, said first needle end is longitudinally
offset from said second needle end; and wherein said first and
second needle ends are substantially captured by corresponding
needle retainer guides at said proximal position.
44. A method for embedding sutures in a vascular wall or other
biological substructure, each said suture having a filament body
with a toggle bar on its terminal end, comprising the steps of:
providing at least two needles having piercing needle ends;
retaining a respective toggle bar on a corresponding piercing
needle end; splaying said needles outward and forward towards and
into said vascular wall or other biological substructure; setting,
with said needles, said respective toggle bar in said vascular wall
or other biological substructure with its corresponding filament
body leading outboard to a proximal position; and substantially
covering said needle ends after said setting step.
45. A method as claimed in claim 44 wherein said needle ends are
substantially covered before said splaying step and after said
setting step.
46. A method as claimed in claim 44 wherein said method for
embedding said sutures in said vascular wall includes the step of
providing a blood flow path through said vascular wall to a
proximal position, said blood flow path being indicative of a step
of placement of said needles adjacent said vascular wall, said
placement step occurring prior to said splaying step.
47. A method as claimed in claim 44 wherein said sutures are
embedded in said vascular wall, said method includes the step of
penetrating said vascular wall and positioning said needle ends at
said vascular wall prior to said splaying step.
48. A method as claimed in claim 44 including the step of capturing
said filament body during the steps of retaining, splaying and
setting.
49. A method as claimed in claim 44 including controlling of said
splaying outward and forward movement of said needles and providing
an operator control therefor.
50. A method as claimed in claim 49 wherein said controlling step
is a manual step.
51. A method as claimed in claim 44 wherein said step of retaining
said respective toggle bar on said corresponding needle end
includes the step of enabling protrusion of said toggle bar beyond
said corresponding needle end.
52. A method as claimed in claim 44 including the step of biasing
said needles to substantially cover said needle ends other than
during said splaying and setting steps.
53. A method as claimed in claim 44 wherein said step of splaying
includes the step of splaying said needle ends in a longitudinally
offsetting manner.
54. A method as claimed in claim 44 including the step of cutting
said filament body after said setting step.
55. A method as claimed in claim 45 wherein said method for
embedding sets sutures in said vascular wall and method includes
providing a blood flow path through said vascular wall to a
proximal position, said blood flow path being indicative of a step
of placement of said needles adjacent said vascular wall, said
placement step occurring prior to said splaying step.
56. A method as claimed in claim 55 including controlling of said
splaying outward and forward movement of said needles and providing
an operator control therefor.
57. A method as claimed in claim 56 wherein said controlling step
is a manual step.
58. A method as claimed in claim 57 including the step of biasing
said needles to substantially cover said needle ends other than
during said splaying and setting steps.
59. A method as claimed in claim 58 wherein said step of splaying
includes the step of splaying said needle ends in a longitudinally
offsetting manner.
60. A method as claimed in claim 59 including the step of cutting
said filament body after said setting step.
61. A method for embedding sutures in a vascular wall or other
biological substructure, each said suture having a filament body
with a toggle bar on its terminal end, comprising the steps of:
providing at least two needles having piercing needle ends;
retaining a respective toggle bar on a corresponding piercing
needle end with a portion of each respective toggle bar protruding
from its corresponding piercing needle end; extending said needles
outward and forward towards and into said vascular wall or other
biological substructure; setting, with said needles, said
respective toggle bar in said vascular wall or other biological
substructure with its corresponding filament body leading outboard
to a proximal position; and substantially covering said needle ends
after said setting step.
62. A method as claimed in claim 61 wherein said needle ends are
substantially covered before said extending step and after said
setting step.
63. A method as claimed in claim 61 including the step of capturing
said filament body during the steps of retaining, extending and
setting.
64. A method as claimed in claim 61 including controlling of said
extending outward and forward movement of said needles and
providing an operator control therefor.
65. A method as claimed in claim 64 wherein said controlling step
is a manual step.
66. A method as claimed in claim 61 including the step of biasing
said needles to substantially cover said needle ends other than
during said extending and setting steps.
67. A method as claimed in claim 61 wherein said step of extending
includes the step of extending said needle ends in a longitudinally
offsetting manner.
68. A method as claimed in claim 61 wherein said sutures are
embedded in said vascular wall, said method includes the step of
penetrating said vascular wall and positioning said needle ends at
said vascular wall prior to said splaying step.
69. A method as claimed in claim 61 including the step of cutting
said filament body after said setting step.
Description
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser.
No. 09/668,327 filed on Sep. 22, 2000, now pending, which is a
continuation of patent application Ser. No. 09/661,024 filed on
Sep. 13, 2000, which is a continuation of patent application Ser.
No. 09/413,145 filed on Oct. 6, 1999, which is a regular patent
application based upon provisional patent application Ser. No.
60/143,555 filed on Jul. 13, 1999.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In order to pass a suture through a tubular organ or other
structure in a body (a human body or an animal), it is necessary to
traverse the bodily structure, tissue or organ completely and
encircle the area where the physician or medical technician wishes
to place the suture. This traverse and encircle method works well
in situations where easy access is available to the structure,
tissue or organ and the item to be sutured is easily viewed by the
physician. In limited access situations (for example, in laposcopic
surgery, cardiac surgery and vascular surgery), the traverse and
encirclement by sutures is often times difficult, dangerous and at
other times impossible.
[0003] As a further example, an attempt to suture a blood vessel
through a small puncture wound is almost impossible. The direct
suture of the arterial puncture is not possible.
[0004] The increasing utilization of minimally invasive surgical
techniques has created a need for improved methods, suture systems
and suture placement devices under adverse conditions of limited
access and limited visibility of the suture site.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,053,046 to Janese discloses a dural sealing
needle. The dural sealing needle includes a gelatin sealing
compound that swells and sits between an impact cone cavity and an
impact cone protrusion. Wings spread out based upon the swelling of
the gelatin seal and assist in the retention of the suture seal.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,860,990 to Nobles et al. discloses a suturing
device which includes sutures having needle points at terminal ends
of the suture wire. The sutures are made of NITINOL memory shape
metal material. When the memory shape metal is freed from the lumen
of a needle, the needle points, at the terminal ends of the metal
sutures, flare out laterally beyond the lumen of the needle and the
needle points are captured by suture catches which are also
laterally disposed outboard of the needle. The catches pull the
needle points and draw in the sutures. U.S. Pat. No. 4,744,364 to
Kensey discloses a tubular body at the end of a suture thread which
expands after being pushed out from the lumen of a delivery needle.
In the lumen, the body is contracted or compressed. U.S. Pat. No.
4,741,330 to Hayhurst discloses an apparatus for anchoring
cartilage. The anchor is deformed in the lumen of a delivery tube,
is thereafter pushed from the tube and springs laterally outward
upon exiting the tube.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,705,040 to Mueller et al. disclose a
T-shaped bar, having a length of 0.25 inches, at the end of a
suture. The bar is held in place by a melted ball of material at
the terminal end of the suture.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a suture
which can be self secured on a bodily structure, tissue, organ,
bodily substructure or vascular vessel wall with a toggle at the
terminal end of the suture.
[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
generally T-shaped toggle which latches on an interior or inboard
surface of a bodily structure, tissue, organ, bodily substructure
or vascular vessel wall thereby permitting the balance of the
suture to be drawn in and wherein the toggle grasps the bodily
structure, tissue, organ, bodily substructure or vascular vessel
wall.
[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
toggle configured as a bar at the end of a suture.
[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
metal wire suture with a T-shaped toggle or a toggle wire element
attached to the terminal end of a suture wire.
[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
suture and a suture toggle wherein the suture toggle includes a
protruding leg or tab which is utilized by a needle delivery system
to insert the suture toggle into the bodily structure, tissue,
organ, bodily substructure or vascular vessel wall.
[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
suture delivery system including a slotted needle, within which is
seated the leg or tab of the suture toggle, which assists in the
process of inserting the suture toggle into the bodily structure,
tissue, organ, bodily substructure or vascular vessel wall.
[0013] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
self-securing suture with a suture toggle which can be used for
minimally invasive surgical techniques.
[0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
suture delivery system capable of delivering one or more
self-securing sutures with suture toggles and which can be used for
minimally invasive surgical techniques.
[0015] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
suture delivery system capable of delivering and embedding sutures
into a bodily structure, tissue, organ, bodily substructure or
vascular vessel wall when access to the suture delivery site is
limited to approaching the site at an acute angle.
[0016] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
suture delivery system and toggle sutures utilized in laposcopic
procedures.
[0017] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
suture delivery system which can be safely used to embed sutures
into a bodily structure, tissue, organ, bodily substructure or
vascular vessel wall during minimally invasive surgical
techniques.
[0018] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
suture delivery system which can be safely used to set sutures into
a bodily structure, tissue, organ, bodily substructure or vascular
vessel wall, and which provides the health care provider utilizing
the system measured control over the insertion of the sutures into
the aforementioned bodily area.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The suture delivery system utilizes two sutures. Each suture
has a filament body and a toggle bar. The delivery system includes
an elongated central tube with two needle retainer guides and a cam
distally disposed on the central tube. The needles have piercing
needle ends and each needle end carries a respective toggle bar for
a suture disposed thereon. A movable member, longitudinally movably
mounted on the central tube, is coupled to the needles. The needles
are movably disposed in respective needle retainer guides. An
actuator is coupled to the movable member such that when the
actuator longitudinally moves the movable member over the central
tube, the needles, initially captured by the needle retainer
guides, extend outward such that the needle ends move over the cam.
In a further embodiment, the actuator includes a first user
actuation surface coupled to the movable member and the central
tube includes a second user actuation surface which is generally
static. In a further embodiment, a locking member disposed on the
second user actuation surface can be secured to the first user
actuation surface to lock the delivery device with the needles in
an extended position. As a further enhancement, each needle end
includes a slot to capture the respective toggle bar thereat and
the needle retainer guide includes an aligned slot such that the
toggle bar extends through the needle end slot and the needle
retainer guide slot. The cam may take one of a variety of shapes.
Essentially, the needle ends splay outward and forward, distally
over the cam. In a preferred embodiment, the movable member is
biased with respect to the central tube (that is, the first user
actuation surface is biased with respect to the second user
actuation surface) such that the delivery system is biased to place
the needles in the proximal position and the needle ends are
substantially captured in the needle retainer guides. In a further
embodiment, the needle ends are longitudinally offset. In another
embodiment, movable blades are disposed on the movable member,
enabling the user to cut the suture threads during use of the
suture delivery device. Another embodiment utilizes a flexible,
elongated introducer at the distal end of the central tube. A
method for embedding sutures in a vascular wall or other biological
substructure is also included.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] Further objects and advantages of the present invention can
be found in the detailed description of the preferred embodiments
when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0021] FIGS. 1A and 1B diagrammatically illustrate a suture with a
suture toggle;
[0022] FIGS. 2A and 2B diagrammatically illustrate a suture
delivery needle with and without the suture toggle;
[0023] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 3E diagrammatically illustrate the
insertion and deployment of the suture toggle and, more
particularly, FIG. 3E generally diagrammatically illustrates the
size relationship between the suture toggle and a typical large
artery in a human body;
[0024] FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C diagrammatically illustrate a suture
delivery system needle, a suture toggle and a modified delivery
system;
[0025] FIGS. 5A-5F diagrammatically illustrate various protruding
legs, tabs and other elements protruding from the suture toggle
which assist in deployment of the suture toggle in the bodily
structure;
[0026] FIGS. 5G and 5H diagrammatically illustrate various suture
toggles with depending tabs;
[0027] FIG. 6 diagrammatically illustrates a suture having two
terminal ends and two suture toggles;
[0028] FIG. 7 diagrammatically illustrates a suture with two suture
toggles, at both terminal ends of a suture thread, deployed about
an arterial puncture site;
[0029] FIGS. 8A-8C diagrammatically illustrate other suture
toggles;
[0030] FIGS. 9A-9B diagrammatically illustrate a suture delivery
system with and without a suture toggle;
[0031] FIGS. 10A and 10B diagrammatically illustrate the deployment
of the suture toggle illustrated in FIG. 8A;
[0032] FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C diagrammatically illustrate other
types of tabs protruding from suture toggles;
[0033] FIG. 12 diagrammatically illustrates a suture toggle
deployed in a suture delivery needle;
[0034] FIGS. 13A and 13B diagrammatically illustrate a suture
toggle configured as a cylinder with a protruding side leg;
[0035] FIG. 13C diagrammatically illustrates a suture toggle
configured as an angled T-bar deployed in a needle;
[0036] FIGS. 14A and 14B diagrammatically illustrate one delivery
system for the suture and suture toggle utilized in conjunction
with minimally invasive surgery;
[0037] FIGS. 15A and 15B diagrammatically illustrate front and side
views of the suture delivery needle;
[0038] FIGS. 16A, 16B and 16C diagrammatically illustrate various
configurations of the needle retention body or structure;
[0039] FIG. 16D is a cross-sectional view of the delivery system
from the perspective of section line 16D'-16D" in FIG. 14A;
[0040] FIG. 17 diagrammatically illustrates an arterial puncture
site in a large artery in a human;
[0041] FIG. 18 diagrammatically illustrates another type of suture
delivery system;
[0042] FIG. 19 diagrammatically illustrates an exploded view of the
suture delivery system shown in FIG. 18;
[0043] FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C and 20D diagrammatically illustrate
cross sectional views of the delivery system shown in FIG. 19 from
the perspective of the corresponding section lines in FIG. 19;
[0044] FIGS. 21A-21F diagrammatically illustrate various
configurations of wire sutures and wire toggle elements;
[0045] FIGS. 22A-22D diagrammatically illustrate needle delivery
systems for the wire suture toggles;
[0046] FIGS. 23A-23C diagrammatically illustrate a laproscopic
device for the suture toggle delivery system and FIG. 23D is a
cross-sectional view of a suture wire capture system (similar
capture systems may be used with suture threads on the delivery
systems in FIGS. 14A and 18);
[0047] FIGS. 24A-24C diagrammatically illustrate major operational
steps to deploy suture toggles during laproscopic surgery with the
delivery system shown in FIG. 23A;
[0048] FIGS. 25A, B, C and D diagrammatically illustrate a hooked
wire suture;
[0049] FIG. 26 diagrammatically illustrates another embodiment of a
suture delivery system;
[0050] FIG. 27A diagrammatically illustrates a suture delivery
needle with a slot at its piercing end;
[0051] FIG. 27B diagrammatically illustrates a needle retainer
guide used to capture a suture delivery needle;
[0052] FIGS. 28A, 28B and 28C diagrammatically illustrate a suture
delivery system positioned adjacent a vascular wall prior to
delivery of the sutures, and, more particularly, FIGS. 28B and 28C
generally diagrammatically illustrate a suture delivery system with
offset needles;
[0053] FIG. 29A diagrammatically illustrates an enlarged
cross-sectional view of the delivery end or distal end of the
suture delivery system with its suture delivery needles retracted
and shows one needle with a suture and toggle bar disposed
thereat;
[0054] FIG. 29B diagrammatically illustrates one embodiment for the
shape of the cam protruding from the delivery end of the suture
delivery system;
[0055] FIG. 30 diagrammatically illustrates another embodiment of
the suture delivery system;
[0056] FIG. 31 diagrammatically illustrates a further embodiment of
the suture delivery system;
[0057] FIG. 32 is a partial, cross-sectional, detail view of the
suture delivery system generally from a portion of the perspective
of section line 32'-32" in FIG. 31;
[0058] FIG. 33A is a cross-sectional view of the suture delivery
system generally from a portion of the perspective of section line
33A'-33A" in FIG. 31;
[0059] FIG. 33B is a cross-sectional view of the suture delivery
system from the perspective of section line 33B'-33B" in FIG.
31;
[0060] FIG. 34 diagrammatically illustrates a perspective view of
the suture delivery system in FIG. 31 (and also shows a flexible
tip introducer);
[0061] FIGS. 35, 36, 37, 38 and 39 diagrammatically illustrate the
proximal end of an alternative embodiment of the suture delivery
system, and more particularly, FIG. 35 provides an exploded view
and FIG. 36 a cross-sectional view of FIG. 37;
[0062] FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional, detail view of the proximal
end of the alternative suture delivery system from the perspective
of section line 38' in FIG. 37;
[0063] FIG. 39 is a partial side view of an alternative embodiment
of the suture delivery device including a locking member; and
[0064] FIG. 40 is a partial perspective view of the alternative
embodiment shown in FIG. 39.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0065] The present invention relates to self-securing sutures, that
is, sutures having toggles at the suture's terminal end, and
various suture delivery systems.
[0066] FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B diagrammatically illustrate sutures
having toggles at the terminal end and a needle delivery system
used in conjunction with the suture toggles. FIGS. 14A, 18, 28B, 31
and 34 diagrammatically illustrate simple delivery systems for the
suture toggles. FIGS. 21A, B, C, D, E and F show wire suture
toggles and FIG. 23A shows a delivery system for laproscopic
surgery or other type of surgery wherein the surgeon seeks to
suture fascia.
General Principles
[0067] By utilizing the toggle principle, it is possible to enter
the bodily structure, tissue, organ, bodily substructure or
vascular vessel wall, and fix one end of a suture to the bodily
structure, tissue, organ, bodily substructure or vascular vessel
wall, without encircling the area. If two separate toggle sutures
are fixed in this fashion, it becomes possible to tie those sutures
with ease without the need for blind encirclement of the area in
question. The increasing utilization of minimally invasive surgical
techniques and arterial puncture site repair has created a need for
improved methods of suture placement under adverse conditions of
visibility and access.
[0068] The toggle principal lends itself well to the placement and
fixation of sutures, ligaments, etc. In this approach, a suture or
wire or other flexible attachment or closure device is passed
through or into the tissue in a closed state. The "closed state"
refers to the suture toggle deployed in the needle. Upon applying
tension after the toggle leaves the needle tip, the toggle is
positioned so that it cannot retrace the path through which it was
applied or inserted by virtue of the fact that its shape and
position will no longer allow egress from the bodily structure or
tissue. Structures such as sutures or ligaments attached to the
toggle are thereby fixed. One general embodiment of this invention
consists of a T-shaped attachment to the end of a suture filament
of either the same or different biocompatible material. The T bar
is stiffer than the suture line, filament, thread or wire and
offers significant resistance to extraction from the bodily
structure once deployed. The suture toggle design in fine wire
allows the insertion of the toggle, but restricts the egress from
the tubular structure. With respect to wire sutures, provision is
made for the applying or delivery device to secure both wires
together and close the defect by shortening the wire by the simple,
but effective, expedient means of twisting the instrument and its
contained wires to secure them together. Provision is made to score
the wires at the appropriate location so that the wires divide or
separate upon twisting with a small, but secure, stub of twisted
wire. In the alternative, a twisting and cutting instrument can be
slid down the two opposing wires after the applicator is removed
and the wires retained. This instrument would permit twisting and
subsequent cutting of the wires in a blind procedure.
Basic Details of Operation
[0069] The applying device or delivery system consists of a small
hollow core needle which allows it to be passed over a guide wire
which has been retained at the puncture site. The delivery system
contains two small hollow needles in opposition at just the right
distance on either side of the guide wire and, thus, the puncture
site. In another iteration, the needle can be solid with hollow
small toggle suture ends fitted over the needle rather than through
them. In the first design, the needles are designed to contain the
toggles and the wire or sutures. When the instrument is slid over
the guide wire and through the skin incision site of puncture it is
advanced until it is against the vessel or structure sought to be
closed by a suture. In the case of a vein or artery, a "flashback
tube" can be utilized in advance of the needles to demonstrate that
the instrument is in the proper position. In addition, the length
and design of the "flashback tube" is such that it protects the far
wall of the structure, preventing toggling of two walls
simultaneously. The core or central tube can be utilized as a
flashback tube, or the central tube can be solid with a flashback
tube either incorporated internally or mounted onto its surface.
The claims appended hereto are meant to cover this solid core tube
feature. The restricted length of the hollow needles also protects
opposite walls of the artery or vein. A slide moves the two needles
distally and then advances the needles through the vessel or
structure wall until the toggles are deposited in the blood vessel
with their trailing suture filament or wire leading from the
vessel. The hollow needle also acts as a flashback tube
bilaterally. The shape of the toggle, as designed, prevents egress
from the vessel and traction on the wire or suture "sets" the T of
the toggle flush against or in the structure wall. The suture is
then tied or the wire twisted as appropriate.
[0070] Different toggle designs are provided as shown in the
accompanying drawings. In this fashion, puncture wounds or other
defects may be easily closed utilizing simple and inexpensive
devices. The cost of complicated closure devices has been a
deterrent to the universal acceptance of these previous devices.
The utilization of a simple, inexpensive disposable device should
remove many of the impediments for universal useage. The concept of
toggling sutures for closure is new, safe and simple to use.
[0071] In one of the embodiments presented here, fine, partially
annealed wire sutures are utilized to simplify the process by
permitting fastening by simple twisting of the wires by the
instrument, instead of having to resort to complex methods of
tying. Scoring the wires at the appropriate distance allows them to
break with twisting at a predetermined location leaving only a
small wire stump on top of the structure.
[0072] Any biocompatible material for the suture and suture toggle
may be used such as stainless steel wire, nylon sutures, or other
synthetic biocompatible material. The methods of tying the sutures
may vary with the materials used, but the toggling principle
remains the same.
[0073] FIGS. 1A and 1B diagrammatically illustrate a suture 10
having a suture thread or suture body 12, a terminal end 13 and a
toggle 14. FIG. 1B shows a side view of suture toggle system 10. In
the illustrated embodiment, toggle 14 is generally a solid
rectangular shape having a length l, a width w (FIG. 1B) and a
depth d. The width w of the toggle 14 is substantially similar to
the outside diameter of the suture thread 12 as shown in FIG. 1B.
Toggle 14 has chamfered ends and edges, one of which is chamfer
edge 15. This chamfer reduces sharp edges. Further, toggle 14
includes an extending leg 16 protruding outboard away from terminal
end 13 of suture 12. Extending leg 16 defines, in combination with
toggle body element 18, an open catch mouth 20 leading to a
narrower throat 21. Mouth 20 has a gap size large enough to be
captured by a slot in the delivery needle discussed later. Leg 16
protrudes in a direction opposite the attachment of suture 12 to
toggle 14.
[0074] FIGS. 2A and 2B diagrammatically show a suture delivery
system 8 which includes needle 24 having a lumen 26, a piercing
terminal end 28 and an open ended slot 30. Open ended slot 30,
sometimes called a needle toggle slot herein, is open at the
piercing end segment 28 of needle 24. In the illustrated
embodiment, piercing terminal end segment 28 (typically a sharp
edge) of needle 24 is angularly disposed with respect to the axial
center line of needle 24.
[0075] Toggle suture system 10 is shown as disposed in lumen 26 of
needle 24 in FIG. 2B. Suture toggle 14, and particularly protruding
leg 16, is adapted to seat within slot 30 of needle 24.
[0076] FIGS. 3A-3D diagrammatically illustrate basic operational
characteristics of suture toggle system 10. Similar numerals
designate similar items throughout all the drawings. In FIG. 3A,
suture delivery system 8, consisting of needle 24 loaded with
suture 12 and suture toggle 14, approaches a bodily structure,
tissue or organ wall 31. As an example throughout the drawings
(excepting drawings FIG. 24A-24C), reference will be made to
arterial wall 31. However, any type of bodily structure, tissue,
organ, bodily substructure or vascular vessel wall may be sutured
using the suture toggle system 10 discussed herein. Wall 31 is
representative of other bodily structures tissues and organs.
Delivery system 8 approaches arterial wall 31 as shown by arrow 33.
Piercing end 28 of needle 24 ultimately pierces and enters arterial
wall 31.
[0077] FIG. 3B diagrammatically shows that needle 24 has fully
entered and passed through arterial wall 31. At this point in time,
blood flow is noted by a "flash" from the lumen 26 of needle 24.
Other "flashback" systems may be utilized. See central tube 62 in
FIG. 14A. This flash of blood provides a visual indication to the
physician that the needle 24 has fully penetrated into the lumen of
the artery or other structure.
[0078] In FIG. 3C, the physician is withdrawing needle 24 and
protruding leg 16 of toggle 14 is caught on the inboard surface of
arterial wall 31. In FIG. 3D, needle 24 is withdrawn from arterial
wall 31 and toggle 14 and suture 12 is self secured in artery wall
31.
[0079] FIG. 3E diagrammatically illustrates the general
proportional size relationship between artery wall 31, the artery
in general, toggle 14 and suture 12. To further illustrate one
proposed embodiment of the suture toggle, the following Exemplary
Dimensional Table is provided.
1 Exemplary Dimensional Table head length 0.10-0.12 mm (approx.)
head depth 0.020 mm (approx.) OD suture 3/0 nylon suture length 45
cm (approx.) head width 0.10-0.012 mm (approx.) gap 0.008 mm or
more (approx.) typical delivery needle 0.028 mm OD (approx.) 0.023
mm ID (approx.) 21 gauge large artery size about 7 mm ID
(approx.)
[0080] FIG. 4A diagrammatically illustrates suture toggle 14 and
suture thread 12 disposed in needle 24. Protruding leg 16 is also
disposed in slot 30. However, suture thread 12A is disposed outside
of needle lumen 26. This is accomplished by providing a secondary
slot 34 within which passes suture thread A. Secondary slot 34 is
sometimes referred to herein as a suture slot in the needle.
[0081] FIG. 4B diagrammatically shows open ended suture slot 34 at
terminal end 29 of needle 24. Terminal end 29 of needle 24 is part
of piercing terminal end 28. In the illustrated embodiment, suture
slot 34 is opposite toggle slot 30 which retains, in a loaded mode,
protruding leg 16 of suture toggle 14. The position of the suture
slot relative to the toggle slot varies dependent upon the position
of the protruding leg, tab, wire element or loop on the suture
toggle.
[0082] FIG. 4C diagrammatically shows needle 24 within which is
loaded suture toggle 14. Protruding leg 16 protrudes towards suture
thread 12A. In this illustrated embodiment, slot 30 also operates
as a suture slot. In addition, needle 24 includes rib 36 which
enables the suture needle to be inserted into the blood vessel 31
by a pushing in action.
[0083] FIGS. 5A through 5H diagrammatically illustrate various
modifications of suture toggle 14. FIG. 5A diagrammatically
illustrates suture toggle 14 having a protruding leg 16 which
protrudes outboard from the toggle opposite suture thread 12.
Particularly, toggle 14 is a toggle bar. As used herein, the term
"toggle" refers to a piece or a device for holding or securing
suture thread 12. The term "toggle" also encompasses the concept
that it is a cross piece attached to the end of suture thread 12 in
order to prevent slipping or removal of the suture. The following
Bar Shape Table provides some illustrative examples of the
geometric shape of the toggle bar.
Bar Shape Table
[0084] a straight piece of suture material which is longer than it
is wide
[0085] rectangular
[0086] oblong
[0087] elliptical
[0088] an elongated cylinder
[0089] As used herein, the term "bar" refers to a straight piece
which is longer than it is wide. As shown in FIG. 5A, leg 16 is
formed from a partially separated segment of toggle bar 14.
Remaining segment 18 continues to form part of the toggle bar basic
shape.
[0090] FIG. 5B shows a depending protruding leg 38 which protrudes
inboard toward suture thread 12. Leg 38 is cut away or formed from
toggle bar segment 39. Leg 38 is retained by and captured within
open ended toggle slot 30 of needle 24. Gap 20 between leg 38 and
toggle remainder section 39 is one of the important features.
[0091] FIG. 5C diagrammatically illustrates toggle suture 14
including a tab 40 depending from inboard surface 41 of suture
toggle 14. Inboard surface 41 is integral with or attached to
suture terminal end 13. Surface 41 is inboard with respect to
suture filament or thread 12.
[0092] FIG. 5D diagrammatically shows tab 40 depending toward
suture thread 12. FIG. 5D shows tab 40 consisting of either a solid
triangular body, a finger or a conical body. The width of tab 40 is
smaller than suture toggle 14. Protruding tab 40 has a raised
terminal edge 42, see FIG. 5E, which faces away from suture thread
12. Tab 40 coacts with open ended slot 30 of suture delivery needle
24 (see for example FIG. 4B). The tab fits in toggle slot 30. In a
different embodiment, suture slot may be placed 90 degrees from
toggle slot 30 (see FIG. 9C) to provide clearance of the tab from
the thread during withdrawal of needle 24.
[0093] FIG. 5F diagrammatically illustrates suture toggle 14
carrying two tabs 40, 43 depending from inboard surface 41 of
suture tab 14.
[0094] FIG. 5G diagrammatically shows tab 40 as a solid triangular
body. Suture toggle 14 is also a solid rectangular body without
chamfered edges.
[0095] FIG. 5H diagrammatically illustrates suture toggle 14 from
the perspective of section line 5H'-5H" in FIG. 5G. Tab 40 has a
raised terminal edge 42 which faces towards suture thread 14.
Accordingly, the tab can either face away from suture thread 12 as
in FIG. 5E or towards suture thread 12 as in FIG. 5H.
[0096] FIG. 6 diagrammatically shows suture toggles 14 and 14a
disposed at opposite terminal ends of suture thread 12. Suture
thread 12 has a length ls which is, in one embodiment, about 16-18
inches. FIG. 6 also shows that suture toggle 14 has been deployed
beneath body layer 31.
[0097] FIG. 7 diagrammatically shows deployed suture toggles 14 and
14a on blood vessel wall 31. The suture toggles are deployed
beneath arterial wall 31. Arterial wall 31 is illustrated as having
arterial puncture site 44. Suture toggles tabs 14, 14a are deployed
on either side of puncture side 44. Suture thread 12 connects
suture toggles 14, 14a. In operation, the surgeon or physician ties
off suture thread 12 thereby closing arterial puncture site 44.
[0098] FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C diagrammatically illustrate suture
toggle 14 with a protruding leg 16 along one side. Particularly,
FIG. 8A diagrammatically shows suture toggle 14 as a toggle bar
with chamfers along its side edges. One of the chamfers is
identified as chamfer 15. A protruding leg 16 is formed by partly
separating toggle 14 from remaining toggle segment 18. This creates
an open mouth 20 which is disposed in the toggle slot in needle 30.
See FIG. 2A.
[0099] FIG. 8B shows a top view of suture toggle 14 and clearly
shows that protruding and extending leg 16 is formed by partially
separating leg 16 from the remaining toggle body portion 18.
[0100] The generally solid body rectangular toggle bar 14 has sides
2, 3, 4 and 5 which are generally in parallel planes with respect
to the axial centerline of suture thread 12 if the thread were laid
out straight. Items protruding from toggle bar walls 2, 3, 4, 5 are
normal (perpendicular) to the suture thread.
[0101] FIG. 8C shows a toggle end view and toggle mouth 20.
[0102] FIGS. 9A-9D show needle 24 with and without a retained
toggle suture. FIG. 9A shows toggle slot 30 in needle 24 located
approximately midway along piercing terminal edge 28 of needle 24.
The toggle slot can be re-positioned dependent upon the size of the
suture, the leg or tab, and the item to be sutured. FIG. 9B also
shows toggle slot 30 of needle 24 approximately midway along needle
piercing edge 28. FIG. 9B also shows suture toggle 14 deployed in
toggle slot 30. Suture thread 12 runs or passes through the lumen
26 of needle 24.
[0103] In FIG. 9B, slot 30 retains protruding leg 16 which
protrudes from side edge 5 of the toggle bar. The side edge
protruding leg 16 is shown in FIGS. 8A-8C. Leg 16 protrudes normal
or perpendicular to suture thread 12.
[0104] FIG. 9C shows needle 24 having toggle slot 30 and suture
thread slot 34. Suture thread slot 34 is formed or created
approximately 90 degrees from toggle slot 30.
[0105] FIG. 9D shows suture toggle 14 with a side end protruding
leg 16 wherein suture thread 12 runs through suture slot 34 of
needle 24.
[0106] FIG. 10A shows suture toggle 14 deployed in arterial wall
31.
[0107] FIG. 10B is a detailed view showing suture toggle 14
deployed on an inboard surface of arterial wall 31. Currently, it
is believed that the toggle bar with a leg or tab protruding from
bar side 2, 3, 4 and 5 is preferable.
[0108] FIG. 8B shows toggle bar 14 with side surfaces 2, 3, 4 and
5. It is currently believed that a tab or leg protruding from one
of the side surfaces is better suited than an outboard extending
tab or leg (see FIG. 5A) or a depending tab or leg (see FIG. 5B).
The depending leg or the depending tab may injure an arterial 31 in
certain situations. When toggle anchoring is required, the
depending leg or wire is preferred. An upstanding or outboard tab
or leg may impede blood flow. However, in some applications, these
tab-leg configurations may be beneficial if it achieves better
attachment by the suture toggle on the body structure, tissue or
organ. A side leg or tab is currently thought to be better than an
outboard leg or tab (see outboard leg 16 in FIG. 1A) because an
outboard protruding leg or tab may further complicate and impede
blood flow or fluid flow through the bodily structure, tissue or
organ, particularly if the structure is an artery or a vein.
[0109] FIG. 11A diagrammatically shows suture toggle 14 having a
protruding tab 40 protruding from side surface 5 of the toggle
bar.
[0110] FIG. 11B shows protruding legs or arms 50, 51 protruding
from side surface 5 of toggle bar 14. A plurality of legs or tabs
may be utilized. FIG. 11C shows toggle 14 with a generally planar
triangular tab 40 protruding from side face 5. Tab 40 in FIG. 11A
is generally conical in structure with squared off surfaces. Tab 40
in FIG. 11C is generally a planar triangle.
[0111] FIG. 12 shows suture toggle 14 with a triangular tab
deployed within the lumen of delivery needle 24. Tab 40 of toggle
14 protrudes from toggle slot 30. Suture 12 is deployed such that
it exits lumen 26 of needle 24 near proximal edge region 52 of
piercing terminal edge 28 of needle 24. Proximal region 52 may be
rounded or smoothed to avoid cutting suture thread 12.
[0112] FIG. 13A and 13B diagrammatically illustrate suture toggle
14 configured as a cylindrical bar with a laterally protruding leg
16. Leg 16 is also cylindrically shaped and protrudes laterally
from toggle bar element 18. Leg 16 is generally normal to suture
thread 12. Leg 16 is not cut from or separated from the cylindrical
toggle bar.
[0113] FIG. 13C diagrammatically illustrates toggle bar 14 at an
angle 9 with respect to the axial centerline of suture thread 12.
In this configuration, the acute angle 7 between angled toggle bar
14 and suture thread 12 is disposed within suture slot 30 of needle
24. This angulated configuration may enable long T-shaped bar
deployment in needle 24. The term "long T-shaped" refers to the
length of sides 3,5 (see FIG. 8B) relative to the cross-sectional
dimension of suture thread 12. This implementation may also avoid
the use of protruding legs, tabs or members.
[0114] FIGS. 14-20 diagrammatically illustrate various suture
delivery systems.
[0115] FIG. 14A diagrammatically shows suture delivery system 60
which includes a basic or central tube 62 which runs over a guide
wire 64. Guide wire 64 typically is not part of the suture delivery
system. The illustrated delivery system in FIG. 14A is used to
close puncture wounds made during catheterization. Guide wires 64
are used during such medical procedures. For purposes of
explanation, suture delivery needles 66, 68 carry suture toggles
and suture threads generally shown and discussed earlier in
connection with FIGS. 1-13.
[0116] FIG. 15A shows suture needle 66 having a piercing edge 67
and a toggle slot 69. FIG. 15B diagrammatically illustrates a side
view of suture needle 66.
[0117] Returning to FIG. 14A, base tube 62 rides over guide wire 64
in order to properly place suture needles 66, 68 on either side of
arterial puncture 44 shown in FIG. 7. Suture needles 66, 68 have
piercing ends 67, 67a which are laterally deployed a distance 69
from base central tube 62. In this suture delivery system, suture
needles 66, 68 are made of metal having a shape memory such that
when needle end segment 70 is free from needle containment or
retaining structure 72, the distal ends of needles 66, 68 spring
laterally outward a distance 69.
[0118] Needles 66, 68 run and protrude through needle retainer body
72 and also protrude proximally from proximal end 74 of retainer 72
towards thumb nut set 76. Proximal needle ends 75, 77 for needles
66, 68 are generally near thumb nut set 78.
[0119] Needle retention structure 72 has a proximal tube member 80
such that tube 80 runs over central tube 62. The operator moves
needle retainer structure 72 by moving thumb nut set 78 in the
direction shown by arrow 82. As shown in FIG. 16D, proximal tube 80
(attached to needle retainer body 72) has longitudinal slots 73a,
73b. Needles 66, 68 are attached to base or center tube 62. Hence,
when tube 62 is stationary and needle retainer 72 is moved, needles
66, 68 are either exposed (FIG. 14A) or fully retained and covered
(FIG. 14B).
[0120] FIG. 14B shows that needle retaining structure 72 has been
pushed forward such that proximal ends 75, 77 of needles 66, 68 are
proximate or near thumb nut set 78. Piercing edges 67, 67a are
disposed at, near or below distal edges 79, 81 of needle retention
structure 72. When the structure delivery system 60 is placed on
guide wire 64 and placed near arterial puncture site 44 (FIG. 17),
thumb nut set 78 (mounted on tab 80 and retainer 72) is then
withdrawn in a direction opposite arrow 82 in FIG. 14A, and distal
end 70 of needles 66, 68 are then exposed and sprung laterally
outward due to the memory shape of the needles. The surgeon then
places the distal end of tube 62 into arterial puncture 44 (FIG.
17) and continues to move delivery system 60 down guide wire 64
until he or she sees a flash of blood when piercing ends 67, 67a of
needles 66, 68 pierce arterial wall 31. A flashback may also occur
through base tube 62. Toggle insertion generally occurs at sites
83, 85 (FIG. 17). The surgeon then withdraws the needles thereby
leaving the toggle ends of the sutures on the inside arterial wall
31. The surgeon can then close the arterial puncture after removal
of guide wire 64 in a manner described above in connection with
FIG. 7.
[0121] FIGS. 16A, 16B and 16C show different structures for needle
retention structure 72. In FIG. 16A, retention structure 72 is
generally circular in configuration. The structure contains left
and right passages 82, 84 within which pass needles 66, 68. A
central passage 86 permits passage of base tube 62.
[0122] In FIG. 16B, needle retention structure 72 is elliptical or
oblong. In FIG. 16C, needle retention structure 72 includes a
central cylindrical body 88 and two side bodies 90, 92. Side body
90 has a lumen through which passes needle 66. Side body 92
includes a lumen through which passes needle 68. Central body 88
includes a lumen through passes central or base tube 62.
[0123] FIG. 17 shows that a typical size of the large artery having
dimension da which is approximately 7 mm (inside diameter) and
puncture site 44 has an approximate opening size ap of
approximately 2-3 mm. The lateral distance between respective
piercing edges 37, 37a of needles 66, 68 is approximately 5-6 mm.
The lumen of the suture toggle delivery needles 66, 68 is
approximately 0.02 mm. Accordingly, the puncture for the suture
toggles is small compared with the size of the arterial puncture
which in turn is smaller than the inside diameter da of large
artery 31.
[0124] FIG. 18 diagrammatically shows delivery system 60 including
a shaped element 94 which forces needles 66, 68 to move laterally
in the direction of arrows 96a and 96b outboard and away from
central tube 62. Shape element 94 acts as a cam surface and needles
66,68 follow the proximal cam surface of the shape 94. The proximal
end segments of needles 66,68 are attached to outer tube 80 which
is further attached to screw set 78. When outer tube 80 moves
forward and aft over central tube 62, the distal ends of needles
66, 68 move forward and aft over cam shape surface 94. Cam shape
element 94 is mounted on central base tube 62. The following Needle
Delivery Flare Table describes some shapes of the cam shape 94.
Needle Delivery Flare Table
[0125] ball, spherical
[0126] olive
[0127] oblong
[0128] frustoconical, convex frustoconical, concave
frustoconical
[0129] triangular
[0130] conical
[0131] angled ribs (with apex at a proximal end)
[0132] distally truncated, continuously curved
[0133] FIG. 19 diagrammatically shows an exploded view of delivery
system 60. Thumb screw set 78 is attached to the proximal end of
needle carrying tube 80. Needles 68, 68 are attached to carrying
tube 80.
[0134] FIG. 20A shows needles 66, 68 from the perspective of
section line 20A'-20A" in FIG. 19. The attachment of needles 66, 68
to needle carrying tube 80 is shown in a cross-sectional view in
FIG. 20B from the perspective of section line 20B'-20B" in FIG. 19.
The lumen 80a of needle carrying tube 80 is large enough to
accommodate central tube 62. Central tube 62 extends through needle
carrier tube 80.
[0135] Needles 66, 68 and needle carrying tube 80 are placed over
central or base tube 62. Guide wire 64 extends through lumen 63 of
central tube 62 when the system is deployed and in use.
[0136] FIG. 20C shows a cross-sectional view of central tube 62
from the perspective of section line 20C' 20C" in FIG. 19. Needle
retention body 72 is mounted on central tube 62.
[0137] Needle retention body or structure 72 is mounted on central
tube 62. A cross-sectional view of one embodiment of needle
retention body 72 is shown in FIG. 20D. FIG. 20D is a view from
section lines 20D'-20D" in FIG. 19. Needle cam shape 94 is attached
to the distal end of central tube 62 slightly beyond needle exit
ports 98, 99 of needle retention body 72. It should be noted that
needle retention body 72 may take one or more of the shapes
illustrated above in connection with FIGS. 16A, 16B and 16C.
[0138] To construct the delivery system shown in FIG. 19, needle
carrying tube 80 and needles 66, 68 are placed over central tube
62. Needles 66,68 are fed into needle entrance ports 97a, 97b.
Needles 66, 68 are placed into the left and right side needle
lumens of needle retention structure 72 until they are proximate
needle exit ports 98, 99. Thereafter, thumb nut set 76 is placed on
the proximal end of central tube 62 by an appropriate attachment
means (e.g., a thread). Accordingly, face 101 of set 76, along
section lines 102'-102," is near or adjacent face 103 of set 78 at
section lines 104'-104" which is the proximal end of thumb nut set
78. In a preferred embodiment, thumb nut set 78 may cooperate with
thumb nut set 76 to lock the needle delivery system and suture
delivery system together prior to deploying the system on guide
wire 64. After deployment, the system takes the configuration shown
above in connection with FIG. 14B except central tube 62 includes a
needle cam shape 94. This cam shape is absent from FIG. 14B.
[0139] At the time of suture toggle deployment, needle carrying
tube 80 is moved distally while central tube 62 remains stationary
thereby causing needles 66,68 to leave exit ports 98,99 and move
over needle cam surface shape 94. At that time, the distal ends of
needles 66, 68 move laterally outboard (relative to the axial
center line) in the direction shown by arrows 96a, 96b in FIG. 18
until the piercing surfaces of needles 66, 68 are distally beyond
the needle cam shape 94. At that time, the operator inserts the
distal end of central tube 62 into arterial puncture 44 shown in
FIG. 17. Thereafter, needles 66,68 pierce arterial wall 31, deposit
the toggles in the artery's lumen and at the underside of arterial
wall 31 and the operator withdraws the needles by moving thumb nut
set 68 proximally with respect to central tube 62 which is
preferably held stationary. This causes needles 66, 68 to withdraw
and laterally collapse since cam surface shape 94 no longer forces
the distal end of the needles to protrude laterally outward beyond
central tube 62. The needles are also drawn into needle retention
body 72. When the needles' terminal ends are at or near exit ports
98, 99, the entire delivery system is withdrawn and the surgeon or
physician ties off the suture wire as shown in FIG. 7.
[0140] FIGS. 21-22 diagrammatically illustrate a toggle suture made
of wire. This wire may be stainless steel wire. The toggle may also
be memory shape metal. In contrast, the sutures discussed above in
connection with FIGS. 1-13 are made of nylon or other synthetic
biocompatible material.
[0141] FIG. 21A shows suture wire 110 having a wire element toggle
114 at suture terminal end 113. The wire is typically stainless
steel but may be an other type of biocompatible metal material.
Wire element toggle 114 includes a double strand segment 116. Wire
element toggle 114 is angularly disposed, that is, disposed over
angle 118a with respect to the axial central line of suture wire
110. In addition, wire element toggle 114 includes a depending wire
tip section 118.
[0142] FIG. 21B shows wire element toggle 114 disposed on an
inboard side of body structure, tissue or organ layer 31. Depending
wire element 118 protrudes into body layer 31 thereby locking or
anchoring the toggle suture in place.
[0143] FIG. 21C shows wire suture 110 with a wire element toggle
114 being normal with respect to the suture wire. The angular
disposition of toggle 114 to the axial centerline of laid-out
suture wire 110 is related to the needle delivery system and the
spring action and toggle or latch action of the suture toggle.
[0144] FIG. 21D shows that depending leg 118 is angularly disposed
at angle 121 with respect to the central axis of wire element
toggle 114. The angular position is related to the needle delivery
system and the degree of locking necessary on bodily structure
31.
[0145] FIG. 21E shows suture wire 110 having a wire body 122 (about
16"-18") and having toggle elements 114a, 114b attached to suture
terminal ends 113a, 113b.
[0146] FIG. 21F shows wire element toggle 114 attached by welding
or other type of mounting mechanism to suture terminal end 113.
[0147] FIG. 22A shows needle delivery system 124 which retains wire
element toggle 114 and wire suture 112. Toggle element 114 includes
an open loop 135 and a linear segment 136. Linear segment 136 rests
against the proximal end wall of a needle slot 130. Open loop
toggles are shown in FIGS. 21E, 22A, C and D.
[0148] FIG. 22B shows needle 124 having a toggle needle slot 130
and wire element toggle 114 having a depending leg 118 resting on
toggle needle slot 130. Suture wire 110 is disposed in lumen 126 of
needle 124. Leg 118 is used to mount suture wire 110 in the
delivery needle. Legs 119 are shown in FIGS. 21A, 21B, 21D and
21F.
[0149] FIG. 22C shows toggle element 114 with open loop 135
disposed in toggle needle slot 130.
[0150] FIG. 22D shows wire element toggle 114 in toggle slot 130 of
needle 124. Needle 124 also includes a suture slot 134 through
which runs wire suture 110. Wire element toggle 114 is retained
within toggle slot 130 via its open loop. The operation of the wire
suture and wire element toggle is substantially similar to the
suture toggle discussed above in connection with FIGS. 1-13. The
operation and deployment of the suture toggle and the suture needle
is also similar to that discussed above in connection with FIGS.
1-13.
[0151] FIGS. 23A, 23B and 23C diagrammatically show a delivery
system 210 used in connection with fascia 220 to deploy suture
toggles in a manner discussed above in connection with FIGS.1-13
and 21-22. The deployment device shown and described in connection
with FIGS. 23-24 is typically used in laproscopic surgery. However,
it maybe used whenever a surgeon needs to suture fascia.
[0152] Delivery system 210 includes handle 222 and central tube 224
which carries thread 226 at its distal end. Thread 226 coacts with
threads on an inboard surface of collar 228. Collar 228 is attached
to suture needles 230,232. Suture needles 230,232 move within
needle passages in needle retention body 234. This mechanical
theory and feature is generally discussed above in connection with
needle retention body 72 and FIGS. 14A and 18.
[0153] Central body or tube 224 has a mid-section 224a and a distal
section 224b. The distal end of distal section 224b is a bulbous
terminal including a radially large fascia lift element 240 and a
plunge cone 242. A plunge cone 242 is mounted to the distal end of
enlarged lift segment 240. Fascia is lifted by the proxial,
peripheral radial lip 240a of lift element 240.
[0154] FIG. 23B diagrammatically shows an operational state of
delivery system 210. The distal ends 230a, 232a of needles 230, 232
protrude axially beyond the distal end of needle retainer 234. In
operation, the suture toggles are deposited in the fascia by
rotational movement of body 224 to collar 228 translated into axial
movement and needle ends 230a, 232a are withdrawn by counter
rotation of central tube 224 thereby moving collar 228 in a
proximal direction. Withdraw of the suture needles causes the
suture toggles to remain embedded in the fascia.
[0155] FIG. 23C shows a delivery system 210 with suture wires 110a,
110b disposed outboard of suture needle ends 230a,232a. The suture
wires are run through capture channels 250,252 on either side of
needle retention body 234.
[0156] FIG. 23D is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view from the
perspective of section lines 23D'-23D" in FIG. 23C. Suture capture
body 252 captures suture wire 110b in a channel 254. Upon
deployment of the toggle suture in the fascia, the physician simply
moves the suture wire outboard of the channel 254 and closes the
site.
[0157] FIGS. 24A, 24B and 24C diagrammatically illustrate the
operation of delivery system 210.
[0158] In FIG. 24A, cone 242 and fascia support or lift element 240
have been inserted into a hole or cavity formed in fascia 220. The
surgeon or physician allows the fascia to rest thereby closing the
hole about distal cental rod segment 224b.
[0159] In FIG. 24B, the physician gently raises delivery system 210
in the direction shown by arrow 275. Lift element lip 240a causes
fascia 220 to rise thereby lifting fascia 220 above underlying
tissue elements 220a. Further, the physician rotates central handle
224 with respect to collar 228 thereby causing suture needles 230a,
232a to protrude beyond the distal end of needle retention body
234.
[0160] In FIG. 24C, the physician has completely rotated handle 224
thereby completely deploying needle ends 230a, 232a through fascia
220. Upon complete deployment of the toggle carrying sutures, the
suture toggles engage the inboard edge or side of fascia 220
preferably in the interstitial space between underlying material
220a. The toggles are caught by the fascia, leave the toggle
carrying needles, latch onto the inboard surface of fascia 220 and
remain in the fascia. The surgeon then counter rotates handle 224
with respect to collar 228 thereby withdrawing suture needle ends
230a, 232a from fascia 220. Essentially, needles 230, 232 are
withdrawn and recaptured by needle retention body 234. The surgeon
then gently withdraws fascia lift element 240 from fascia 220. The
toggles are embedded in the inboard surface of the fascia and the
surgeon can then close the fascia.
[0161] FIGS. 25 A, B, C and D diagrammatically illustrate a wire
toggle with a wire suture 310 and a wire toggle element 312. Toggle
element 312 is configured as a hook with a crook or bend element
316 (0.008 or greater), an angled body segment 314 and an end
segment 318. End segment 318 is generally in a plane parallel with
respect to the axial centerline of wire suture 310 assuming the
suture is laid out straight. The length It of hook end 318 is
approximately 0.04. This configuration locks onto the inboard
surface of the bodily structure after the wire suture is deployed
beneath the surface. See generally FIG. 25D.
[0162] FIG. 25B illustrates toggle wire element 312 with a stepped
radius or curve consisting of proximal angled segment 320, normal
segment 322 (having a running length wr of about 0.020) and angled
segment 323. Hook span g from suture 310 to end segment 318 is
about 0.60. FIG. 25C shows hooked toggle 312 deployed in a delivery
needle 324. In the illustrated embodiment, the needle does not have
a suture slot.
[0163] FIG. 25D illustrates the deployment of hook toggles 312,
312a and the integral or attached wire sutures 310,310a twisted or
crossed. In the configuration, the wire sutures are enabled to
close the illustrated gap in body structure 340.
[0164] Delivery system 60 diagrammatically illustrated in FIGS. 26
through 40 operates substantially similar to delivery system 60
diagrammatically illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19. FIGS. 26,28A, 28B,
28C, 31 and 34 show delivery system 60 including an outboard
protrusion or shaped element 94 which forces needles 66 and 68 to
move laterally in the direction of arrows 330a and 330b in FIG. 29A
outboard and away from central tube 62. The operation of delivery
system 60 is also diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 18.
[0165] FIG. 26 diagrammatically illustrates delivery system 60. Two
sutures are loaded into respective needles with toggle bars 340a
and 340b protruding from the corresponding needle ends and the
adjacent needle retainer guides 342a and 342b. The needle retainer
guides 342a, 342b are part of a needle retainer or structure 72 as
illustrated in FIG. 18. FIG. 26 diagrammatically illustrates
needles 66 and 68 substantially longitudinally covered by the
needle retainer guides 342a and 342b and, at their proximal ends,
the needles 66, 68 are captured within the proximal end of the
guides. FIG. 26 also illustrates corresponding suture filament or
suture thread bodies 350a and 350b extending outboard of the
proximal end of system 60.
[0166] Delivery system 60 includes an actuator consisting of a
static actuation unit with user actuation surfaces 360a and 360b
forming loop handles or loop-shaped finger grips attached to the
central tube 62. Loop handles 360a, 360b permit an operator to hold
the delivery system 60 stationary relative to the suture delivery
site. The system 60 includes a second, dynamic actuator with a user
actuation surface 362. User actuation surface 362 is formed as a
loop handle or loop-shaped finger grip attached to a movable member
80. Movable member 80 is also diagrammatically illustrated in FIG.
18. In both FIGS. 18 and 26, the movable member 80 is connected to
needles 66 and 68. The delivery system 60 in FIG. 26 operates
substantially similar to delivery system 60 in FIG. 18 with the
added feature of having user actuation surfaces 360a, 360b and 362
to provide stability and measured control of the movement of
needles 66 and 68 over cam 94. Cam 94 is mounted to stationary
central tube 62. Static actuator with its user actuation surfaces
360a, 360b, central tube 62, central tube 62, needle retainer 72
and guides 342a, 342b, form a stationary body relative to movable
member 80, attached needles 66, 68, and dynamic actuator element
362. Movable member 80, needles 66, 68, and user actuation surface
362 move with respect to the static elements.
[0167] FIG. 27A is an enlarged view of one delivery needle 66. The
needles can be hollow. A suture filament body (not shown) runs
within the lumen of each needle. Otherwise, the needle may be solid
with a hollow tip, permitting the toggle bar to be loaded as
diagrammatically illustrated in FIGS. 4A, 9D and 12. FIG. 27A
diagrammatically illustrates a piercing needle end including a
needle slot 30 which captures a toggle bar thereat.
[0168] FIG. 27B diagrammatically illustrates an enlarged view of
one channel or needle retainer guide 342a. The needle guide directs
the needle during its distally outward movement from the channel or
guide end 343 towards cam 94 (see FIG. 26). FIG. 27B
diagrammatically illustrates a respective needle retainer guide
342a with a slot 345. The slot 345 is primarily a safety feature
which permits the piercing needle end 67 to be substantially
contained within the needle retainer guide 342a prior to delivery
of the suture. The slot 345 on the needle retainer guide 342a
permits the portion of a toggle bar 340a (FIG. 26) protruding from
a respective loaded needle end 67 to also protrude through the
corresponding retainer guide slot 345 prior to delivery of the
suture such that the respective piercing needle end 67 is not
exposed. This captured needle end is depicted in FIG. 29A. The
cooperation of slot 345 on needle guide 342a and toggle 340a and
needle 66 is shown in FIG. 29A. Needle slot 30 is aligned with
guide slot 345 to provide a compact structure when toggle 340a
(FIG. 29A) is in these slots.
[0169] FIGS. 28A, 28B and 28C diagrammatically illustrate suture
delivery system 60 positioned adjacent to a vascular wall 31 prior
to delivery of the sutures. FIG. 28B diagrammatically illustrates
delivery system 60 at angle 380 with respect to the vascular wall
31. Delivery of sutures under circumstances in which the delivery
system can only be inserted at such an angle with respect to the
longitudinal axis of the vascular vessel can be accomplished by
staggering or longitudinally offsetting needles 66 and 68.
Staggering causes one needle end to protrude further outward during
delivery of the sutures than does the other needle end, thereby
comparably penetrating the subject vascular vessel wall.
[0170] In FIG. 28B, the distal ends of needles 66, 68 are
substantially captured within needle retainer guides 342a, 342b,
respectively (only the proximal ends of needles 66,68 are depicted
in FIG. 28B). The distal ends of needles 66,68 are staggered or
offset such that the distal end of needle 66 is proximally closer
to the static actuation handles 360a, 360b than is the distal end
of needle 68 (FIG. 28B shows the toggle bar disposed on the
piercing needle ends of needles 66, 68). Suture toggle bars 340a,
340b are disposed on respective needle ends 66, 68, such that each
bar protrudes from a corresponding needle end and also protrudes
from a corresponding needle retainer guide 342a, 342b. The distal
ends of needle retainer guides 342a, 342b are likewise staggered or
longitudinally offset from each other. Each toggle bar is connected
to a corresponding suture filament body 350a,350b. In FIG. 28B,
each respective filament body 350a,350b is disposed within the
lumen of a corresponding needle 66, 68, and the proximal end of
each filament body protrudes outboard of the proximal end of the
dynamic actuator and surface 362.
[0171] Delivery system 60 illustrated in FIG. 28B includes an
outboard protrusion or cam shape 94. Cam 94 is illustrated as
having two angled rib shaped or wedge shaped cam protrusions 194a,
194b disposed on the distal end of central tube 62. Respective cam
protrusions 194a, 194b have corresponding distal end, cam surfaces
195a, 195b. Cam protrusions 194a, 194b splay the protruding needles
during operation of the device. In FIG. 28B, respective cam
protrusions 194a, 194b are staggered, or longitudinally offset, in
substantially the same manner as the corresponding distal ends of
needles 66, 68.
[0172] In FIG. 28B, needle retainer guides 342a, 342b and cam
protrusions 194a, 194b are attached to central tube 62. Needles 66,
68 are attached to movable member 80. Needles 66, 68 fit within
needle retainer guides 342a, 342b. FIG. 28B also illustrates
delivery system 60 with an actuator consisting of static user
actuator bars 360a, 360b, and dynamic user actuation surface 362.
Static actuator bars 360a, 360b are attached to central tube 62.
Dynamic actuation surface 362 is disposed on movable member 80 and
includes support 368 (illustrated as a cross-section in FIG.
28B).
[0173] Delivery system 60 in FIG. 28C is similar to system 60 in
FIG. 28B. FIG. 28C diagrammatically illustrates the distal end of
delivery system 60 with needles 66, 68 each having a suture toggle
bar 340a, 340b disposed on the piercing needle end 67, 67a
respectively. In FIG. 28C, the needles 66, 68 are shown splayed
outward due to cam 94. Cam 94 has a sloped, outboard extending
transitional region which is a continuously curved shape (or a
substantially conical shape). The cam 94 has a proximal,
cylindrical region 410 leading to the outboard sloped transitional
region 412 and terminates in a distal cylindrical region 414. The
distal end 94a is an angled, distally truncated end such that cam
surface 94a will substantially come into contact with the vascular
vessel wall 31 when the device is in use. The plane defined by cam
surface 94a is parallel with the line defined by piercing needle
ends 67, 67a. Each needle 66, 68 is retained by a corresponding
needle guide 342a, 342b. Needles retainer guides 342a, 342b are
attached to central tube 62. Central tube 62 protrudes through
vessel wall 31. This figure also shows needle 68 longer than needle
66. The following exemplary dimensional table pertains to FIG.
28C.
2 Typical Exemplary Dimensional Table (FIG. 28C) a maximum vascular
wall thickness 3 mm (approx.) b inside diameter of vascular vessel
9 mm (approx.) c distance between shorter needle 66 and central
tube 2 mm (approx.) 62 at point of penetration into vascular wall d
distance between longer needle 68 and central tube 2 mm (approx.)
62 at point of penetration into vascular wall e distance between
inner walls of needles 66, 68 at 6 mm (approx.) point of
penetration of vascular vessel wall
[0174] Suture delivery system 60 in FIGS. 28B and 28C operates
similar to delivery system 60 in FIGS. 18 and 26. The operator
guides the delivery system into proper position near blood vessel
31. When positioning delivery system 60 to suture an artery, the
user may orient longer needle 68 in the direction of the heart.
Suture delivery system 60 may include orientation marks or indicia
such as a symbol of a heart 420 (FIG. 39) and arrow 422 (FIG. 39)
on the side of the system with the longer needle and a symbol of a
foot 424 (FIG. 39) and arrow 426 (FIG. 39) on the side of the
system with the shorter needle. Different colors could also be used
on the needle retainer guides to indicate proper orientation. A
pre-aligned guide wire may also be utilized to properly position
the delivery system 60 at the location requiring suturing. Central
tube 62 may be hollow and its lumen provides a guide for a guide
wire. The operator positions suture delivery system 60 at the
desired location and places the distal end of central tube 62 at or
in the subject opening or aperture. See FIG. 17 and opening 44. The
device is properly positioned when blood "flashes" back through or
flows proximally towards the operator through the lumen of central
tube 62. In FIG. 28B, central tube 62 shows a flash tube exit port
361 at a proximal location (see also FIG. 30, port 361).
Alternatively, a small "flashtube" can be disposed on the central
tube to indicate proper positioning of delivery system 60. Proper
positioning may also be indicated when cam protrusion distal
surfaces 195a, 195b in FIG. 28B or surface 94a in FIG. 28C come
into contact with vascular vessel wall 31 (see also FIG. 29A, cam
distal surface 94a).
[0175] The operator then utilizes static user actuator bars 360a,
360b (FIG. 28B) to stabilize the suture delivery system 60 relative
to the suture delivery site. This can be accomplished by placing
fingers on the distal edge of user actuator bars 360a, 360b.
Alternatively, the suture delivery system 60 can be held stationary
relative to the delivery site through a locking mechanism securing
the system to a previously positioned guide wire (not shown). Once
stabilized, the operator uses a free finger or thumb to apply force
in the direction of arrow 394 to dynamic actuation surface 362. The
force causes dynamic actuation surface 362 and attached movable
member 80 and needles 66, 68 to move in the direction of arrow 394.
As the movable member 80 moves through a maximum throw or
displacement 366, the piercing needle ends of needles 66, 68 exit
needle retainer guides 342a, 342b, move laterally outward as forced
by cam shape 94, and extend forward (distally) into the vascular
vessel wall 31, setting or embedding the suture toggle bars 340a,
340b within the vascular vessel wall 31. Each embedded suture then
has a respective filament body 350a, 350b extending outboard in a
proximal direction. Before extraction of the delivery system 60, a
force is applied to user actuation surface 362 in the opposite
direction of arrow 394 causing the piercing needle ends 66 and 68
to retract back into the needle retainer guides 342a, 342b. The
force may be manually applied or may be provided by a spring (not
shown).
[0176] FIG. 29A diagrammatically illustrates an enlarged
cross-sectional view of the delivery end of suture delivery system
60 with its delivery needles 66 and 68 retracted. See needle 66 in
guide tube 342a. One needle 66 is loaded with a suture 350a and a
toggle bar 340a slightly protrudes from needle 66 and also
protrudes from needle retainer guide 342a. Alignment of the needle
slot and guide slot is illustrated herein. Suture filament body
350a travels proximally through the lumen of needle 66. The
outboard protrusion or cam in FIG. 29A has a distally truncated,
continuously curved cam body shape. The truncated surface 94a at
the distal end, is normal to the longitudinal aspect of the central
tube 62. As discussed earlier in connection with cam surfaces 195a,
195b in delivery system 60 illustrated in FIG. 28B, distal end
surface 94a can be utilized as a stop when positioning the delivery
device prior to depositing the sutures in the blood vessel. As
diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 28B, central tube 62 is
inserted fully or partially into the vascular wall 31 until the
vascular wall comes in contact with the distal cam surface 94a,
indicating that the delivery device is in proper position. As
previously discussed, a flash tube may also be utilized to show
correct positioning of delivery system 60.
[0177] FIG. 29B diagrammatically illustrates cam 94 protruding from
the delivery end of the suture delivery system 60. Cam 94 has a
distally truncated, continuously curved shape. Cam 94 in FIG. 29B
has a convex shape.
[0178] FIG. 30 diagrammatically illustrates another embodiment of
the suture delivery system with actuation surfaces 360a and 360b
having ribbed support structures 364a and 364b. The support
structures 364a, 364b provide support for the static actuator
element discussed below in connection with FIG. 31. The support
structures 364a, 364b also transfer the longitudinally directed
force applied during operation of the device to the axial
centerline of the system. Support structures 364a, 364b also
provide a planar surface in the longitudinal aspect of the
instrument which enables an operator of the system greater control
of the instrument when positioning the instrument.
[0179] FIG. 31 diagrammatically illustrates another embodiment of
the suture delivery system 60 with an actuator consisting of a
static actuator element with user actuation surfaces 360a and 360b.
Surfaces 360a, 360b define a closed-loop, finger grip shape. The
static actuator is attached to central tube 62. The actuator also
includes a dynamic actuator element with a user actuation surface
362 consisting of finger tabs 382a,382b (illustrated in FIG. 34).
The dynamic actuator and surface 362 with finger tabs 382a, 382b
are attached to movable member 80. The user actuator surfaces can
be simple tabs protruding from the central tube 62 and movable
member 80 rather than finger grips (see, e.g. FIG. 28B).
Alternatively, as previously discussed in connection with FIG. 28B,
user actuation surfaces 360a and 360b can be eliminated altogether
by providing alternative means to fix the delivery system relative
to the delivery site such as by providing a locking mechanism to
lock the delivery system to a previously positioned guide wire.
[0180] The delivery system in FIG. 31 operates in the same manner
as the delivery system diagrammatically illustrated in FIGS. 18, 26
and 28B. In the illustrated embodiment, piercing needles 66 and 68
are substantially captured within needle retainer guides 342a, 342b
(only the proximal ends of needles 66, 68 are depicted in FIG. 31).
The system delivers sutures through application of force in the
direction 394 applied to user actuation tabs 382a, 382b (see FIG.
34) which are coupled to movable member 80. As movable member 80
slides or moves longitudinally towards the distal end of central
tube 62 (a fixed or static member), the piercing needle ends of
needles 66 and 68 (not shown in FIG. 31; see FIG. 29A), which are
attached to movable member 80, exit needle retainer guides
342a,342b at distal ends 98 and 99. At its maximum stroke or throw
366, the piercing needles ends have been forced laterally outward
by cam shape 94, and have extended forward (distally) into the
targeted bodily substructure, setting or embedding the toggle bars
into the bodily substructure with the suture filaments leading
outboard in a proximal direction. Before extraction of delivery
system 60, a force is applied in the opposite direction of arrow
394 causing needles 66 and 68 (see FIG. 29A) to retract back into
needle retainer guides 342a and 342b. Alternatively, movable member
80 with its attached needles 66,68 is proximally biased with
respect to central tube 62 such that upon removal of the force
necessary to embed the sutures, movable member 80 returns to its
original position with the piercing needle ends substantially
within needle retainer guides 342a, 342b.
[0181] FIG. 32 is a partial cross-sectional view of the suture
delivery system from the perspective of section line 32'-32" in
FIG. 31. FIG. 32 illustrates the coupling between movable member 80
and user actuation surface 360b (User actuation surface 360b is
attached to central tube 62--see FIG. 31). In FIG. 32, movable
member 80 includes a key 374 and user actuation surface 360b
defines a key way 376. Key 374 and key way 376 can be reversed. The
salient feature is to provide controlled longitudinal movement by
movable member 80 with respect to central tube 62. Lateral movement
or twisting is limited or eliminated by a key running in a key
track. Movable member 80 can also consist of simple key rails
adapted to slide along key way channels defined by central tube 62
or its attached static actuator. Likewise, the key and key way can
be reversed.
[0182] FIG. 33A is a cross-sectional view of the suture delivery
system from the perspective of section line 33A'-33A" in FIG. 31.
FIG. 33A illustrates needle retainer guides 342a and 342b attached
to central tube 62, each containing needles 66 and 68,
respectively, and each needle containing suture filament bodies
350a and 350b, respectively.
[0183] FIG. 33B is a cross-sectional view of the suture delivery
system from the perspective of section line 33B'-33B" in FIG. 31.
In FIG. 33B, needle retainer structure 72 is connected to central
tube 62, needle retainer guides 342a, 342b, and actuator static
actuation surfaces 360a and 360b. FIG. 33B also shows needles
retainer guides 342a and 342b containing needles 66 and 68,
respectively, and each needle containing suture filament bodies
350a and 350b, respectively.
[0184] FIG. 34 is a diagrammatic, perspective view of suture
delivery system 60 in FIG. 31. Dynamic actuation surface 362,
defined by opposing finger tabs 382a, 382b extending away from
central tube 62, are depicted normal to static actuation grips 360a
and 360b. Delivery system 60 illustrated in FIGS. 31 and 34 can be
operated by insertion of fingers within the loops of static
actuation grips 360a and 360b, and the placement of the thumb or a
free finger on one of the dynamic actuation finger tabs 382a, 382b.
Alternatively, the user can place fingers on the distal side of
static actuation grips 360a and 360b, and place the thumb or
another free finger on one of the dynamic actuation finger tabs
382a, 382b. FIG. 34 also diagrammatically illustrates a flexible
tip introducer 390 attached to central tube 62 at its distal end.
An operator uses introducer 390 to position delivery system 60 at
the subject opening or aperture (see FIG. 17, opening 44, vascular
wall 31) in a vascular wall 31 by inserting the introducer through
the opening 44. Cam shape 94 in FIG. 34 diagrammatically
illustrates an angled rib shape.
[0185] FIGS. 35 through 40 diagrammatically illustrate the proximal
end of an alternative embodiment of the suture delivery system 60.
FIG. 35 provides an exploded view of suture delivery system 60
(without its piercing distal end). In FIG. 35, suture delivery
system 60 is depicted as having a biasing member 392 between
movable member 80 and the needle retainer structure 72. Needle
retainer structure 72 is attached to central tube 62 and needle
retainer guides 342a, 342b. Biasing member 392 is depicted as a
spring or coil in FIG. 35. The biasing member may be any type of
resilient member. The suture delivery system illustrated in FIGS.
35, 36, 37, 38 and 39 operates substantially similar to the
delivery system 60 illustrated in FIGS. 28B. The biasing member 392
of suture delivery system 60 in FIGS. 35 and 39 acts between
movable member 80 and central tube 62 such that the piercing needle
ends (not depicted in FIGS. 35 and 39) remain within the needle
retainer guides 342a, 342b unless force is applied to the movable
member 80 in the distal direction of arrow 394. Biasing between the
movable member 80 and the central tube 62 (with attached needle
retainer structure 72) can be accomplished through the use of a
spring (as illustrated in FIGS. 35, 36, 37 and 39), an elastic
polymer, a rubber, a sponge-like foam or another elastic
material.
[0186] FIG. 36 is a partial cross-sectional view of FIG. 37. FIG.
36 diagrammatically illustrates the use of an actuator consisting
of dynamic actuation surface tab 362 and static actuation surface
grips 360a, 360b. Actuation surface tab 362 is adapted to fit over
movable member 80 such that when force is applied on actuation
surface tab 362 in the direction of arrow 394, surface actuation
tab 362 causes movable member 80 to move in the direction of arrow
394. In FIG. 36, movable member 80 defines a cavity within which
runs central tube 62. FIG. 36 also depicts needles 66 and 68
attached to movable member 80. The proximal ends of needles 66, 68
terminate at surface actuation tab 362. The proximal end of central
tube 62 also terminates substantially adjacent surface actuation
tab 362.
[0187] FIG. 37 illustrates the proximal end of suture delivery
system 60 as illustrated in FIGS. 35 and 36. In addition to the
features illustrated in FIGS. 35 and 36, FIG. 37 illustrates static
actuation surface grips 360a, 360b as containing keys 372a, 372b.
Dynamic actuation surface tab 362 defines corresponding key ways
370a, 370b.
[0188] FIG. 38 provides a cross-sectional view of key 372b and key
way 370b from the perspective of section line 38' in FIG. 37.
Alternatively, the respective keys 372a, 372b and corresponding key
ways 370a,370b between the static actuation surface grips 360a,360b
and dynamic actuation surface tab 362 may be reversed providing an
equally operable suture delivery system.
[0189] FIGS. 36 and 37 diagrammatically illustrate a dynamic
actuation surface tab 362 with channels or ports 378 through which
the proximal ends of the suture filament bodies 350a, 350b (shown
only in FIG. 37) can extend proximally beyond the dynamic actuation
surface tab 362. FIGS. 36 and 37 also diagrammatically illustrate
channel or port 378 with the proximal end of central tube 62
extending through the dynamic actuation surface tab 62. A guide
wire or other device may be inserted into the central tube 62
through the proximal end of the dynamic actuator surface 362.
Alternatively, dynamic actuation surface 362 can consist of a solid
proximal actuation surface with exit ports or channels on the sides
of the dynamic actuation member 362. Likewise, a similar port or
channel can be provided on the side of central tube 62 through
which a guide wire may be inserted. Such a similar port or channel
could also be used as a flashback tube or flashback indicator.
[0190] FIG. 39 is a partial side view of the proximal end of an
alternative embodiment of suture delivery system 60. FIG. 40 is a
partial perspective view of the delivery system 60 illustrated in
FIG. 39. Suture delivery system 60 in FIGS. 39 and 40 are
substantially similar, and therefore, the components of system 60
depicted in FIGS. 39 and 40 are discussed concurrently. Suture
delivery system 60 in FIGS. 39 and 40 is substantially similar to
system 60 in FIGS. 35-38 with additional components. Most notably
is locking member 354, shown disposed onto user actuator 440
defining actuation surface 360a (which also defines part of key
372a). Locking member 354 may also be disposed on to user actuation
surface 360b. Locking member 354 can be attached to actuator 440 by
means of a hinge, screw, glue or other traditional means. In the
preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 39 and 40, locking member 354
is cast in plastic as part of user actuator 440 and includes leg
430 attaching locking member 354 to actuator 440. Locking member
354 also includes locking catch 358 and locking member grip surface
356. Locking catch 358 interacts with the top, corner edge 352 of
user actuator 442 which defines dynamic actuation surface 362. In
an alternative embodiment, locking member 354 is disposed on user
actuator 442 and the locking catch is adapted to interact with a
corresponding catch element on central tube 62 or attached user
actuator 440.
[0191] Suture delivery system 60 in FIG. 40 shows cutting members
384a,384b. Cutting members 384a, 384b include corresponding cutting
blades (not shown) attached to cutting members 384a, 384b. Cutting
members 384a, 384b also include corresponding limiting elements
386a, 386b. Limiting elements 386a, 386b are shown in FIG. 40 as
part of cutting members 384a, 384b, respectively. However, limiting
elements 386a, 386b can be separate elements attached to cutting
members 384a, 384b. Cutting members 384a, 384b are disposed onto
user actuator 442. Cutting members 384a, 384b can be attached to
user actuator 442 by means of a pin, rivet, nut and bolt, or any
suitable means permitting the rotating cutting members 384a, 384b
to rotate. Cutting members 384a, 384b also include corresponding
user actuation surfaces 388a, 388b, depicted as knurled surfaces on
ear-shaped projections in FIG. 40.
[0192] Operation of suture delivery system 60 in FIGS. 39 and 40 is
similar to system 60 in FIG. 28B and 28C, but includes additional
enhancements. Locking member 354 provides a means to lock delivery
system 60 in a position with needles 66, 68 (see FIG. 28C) in a
fully extended position. During operation of suture delivery system
60 the user depresses dynamic actuation surface 362 of actuator 442
in the direction of arrow 394 while holding system 60 static or
steady through use of user actuation surfaces 360a, 360b. Once the
user depresses dynamic actuator 442 such that suture delivery
system 60 undergoes a full stroke or throw (shown by displacement
arrows 366), the user pulls locking member 354 radially outboard in
the direction 348 (FIG. 40), to allow catch 358 to engage corner
352. The user then pushes member 354 radially inboard onto corner
352 to lock the system in a fully engaged position. Once the user
is ready to extract or remove suture delivery system 60 from the
delivery site (after deposition of the suture toggles), the user
once again pulls member 354 radially outboard in direction 348,
thereby releasing dynamic actuation surface 362. The user can then
pull user actuator 442 in a proximal direction opposite arrow 394
or allow biasing member 392 to return system 60 to its original
proximal position. Alternatively, prior to disengaging locking
member 354, the user may want to cut the suture threads extending
outboard of the suture delivery site (see suture threads 350a, 350b
in FIG. 37). The user may accomplish cutting of the suture threads
by rotating cutting members 384a, 384b in the direction of arrows
396 towards the centerline of dynamic actuator 442. Prior to
rotating cutting members 384a, 384b, limiting elements 386a, 386b
are in cavities 398a, 398b, respectively. When the user rotates
cutting members 384a, 384b in direction 396 through the use of user
surfaces 388a, 388b, respectively, the corresponding limiting
elements 386a, 386b snap into corresponding notches on dynamic
actuation surface 362 (see FIG. 40). As the rotating cutting
members 384a, 384b rotate, the corresponding attached blades cut
the suture threads running outboard of the suture delivery system
60 through dynamic actuation surface 362 (see FIG. 37).
[0193] The following is a table of exemplary dimensions of the
suture delivery system claimed in this invention:
3 Typical Exemplary Dimension Table Cam or needle guide length 4 mm
(approx.) Cam or needle guide lateral span 4 mm (approx.) Apparatus
total length 15-18 cm (approx.) Stroke or throw 5-18 mm (approx.)
Finger grip or static actuator 6 cm (approx.) Needle bevel 1 mm
(approx.) Needle slot 1 mm (approx.)
[0194] The claims appended hereto are meant to cover modifications
and changes within the scope and spirit of the present
invention.
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