U.S. patent application number 15/860386 was filed with the patent office on 2018-12-27 for grasping apparatuses for holding needles and related methods.
The applicant listed for this patent is Seton Healthcare Family. Invention is credited to James ALLRED.
Application Number | 20180368831 15/860386 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55347246 |
Filed Date | 2018-12-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180368831 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ALLRED; James |
December 27, 2018 |
GRASPING APPARATUSES FOR HOLDING NEEDLES AND RELATED METHODS
Abstract
This disclosure includes needle holders and related methods.
Some holders use or include an elongated handle having a proximal
portion and a distal portion, a first jaw member coupled to the
distal portion of the handle, a second jaw member pivotally coupled
to the first jaw member, and a lever pivotally coupled to the
handle and coupled to the second jaw member such that the lever can
be actuated by a user's thumb to selectively open and close the jaw
members. In some holders, the handle extends proximally beyond the
lever such that the lever can be actuated by the user's thumb to
selectively open and close the jaw members while the handle is
grasped within the user's hand. In some holders, the handle is
defined by an elongated housing defining an interior volume
configured to receive at least a portion of the lever when the jaw
members are closed.
Inventors: |
ALLRED; James; (Austin,
TX) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Seton Healthcare Family |
Austin |
TX |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
55347246 |
Appl. No.: |
15/860386 |
Filed: |
January 2, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14694323 |
Apr 23, 2015 |
9855035 |
|
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15860386 |
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62040003 |
Aug 21, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2017/2837 20130101;
A61B 17/2841 20130101; A61B 2017/00438 20130101; A61B 2017/00433
20130101; A61B 17/062 20130101; A61B 2017/00424 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/062 20060101
A61B017/062 |
Claims
1. A needle holder comprising: an elongated housing having a
proximal portion and a distal portion; a first jaw member coupled
to the distal portion of the housing; a second jaw member pivotally
coupled to the first jaw member; and a lever pivotally coupled to
the housing and coupled to the second jaw member such that the
lever can be actuated by a user's thumb to selectively open and
close the jaw members; where the housing defines an interior volume
configured to receive at least a portion of the lever when the jaw
members are closed.
2. The needle holder of claim 1, where the first jaw member is
fixed relative to the housing.
3. The needle holder of claim 2, where the first jaw member is
unitary with at least a portion of the housing.
4. The needle holder of claim 1, where the second jaw member is
fixed relative to the lever.
5. (canceled)
6. The needle holder of claim 1, where the interior volume is
configured to receive a majority of the lever when the jaw members
are closed.
7. The needle holder of claim 1, where a majority of the lever is
contained within a cross-sectional perimeter of the housing when
the jaw members are closed.
8. The needle holder of claim 1, comprising a releasable locking
mechanism configured to selectively resist opening of the jaw
members when the jaw members are closed.
9. (canceled)
10. The needle holder of claim 8, where the releasable locking
mechanism comprises a plurality of ratcheting teeth.
11-12. (canceled)
13. The needle holder of claim 1, where the proximal portion of the
housing has a first transverse dimension, the distal portion of the
housing has a second transverse dimension, and the first transverse
dimension is larger than the second transverse dimension.
14. The needle holder of claim 1, where the housing tapers in
transverse dimension from the proximal portion to the distal
portion.
15. (canceled)
16. The needle holder of claim 1, where the housing defines an
opening in communication with the interior volume, the opening
configured to receive at least a portion of the user's thumb when
the jaw members are closed.
17. The needle holder of claim 1, where the proximal portion of the
housing defines a handle.
18. The needle holder of claim 1, where the distal portion of the
housing is angularly disposed at a non-parallel angle relative to
the proximal portion of the housing.
19. The needle holder of claim 18, where a longitudinal axis of the
distal portion is angularly disposed at a non-parallel angle
relative to a longitudinal axis of the proximal portion.
20. (canceled)
21. The needle holder of claim 1, where the distal portion of the
housing defines a depression configured to receive a finger of the
user.
22. The needle holder of claim 21, where at least a portion of the
depression defines a gripping surface.
23. The needle holder of claim 1, where the housing is
ringless.
24-39. (canceled)
40. A method for grasping with a needle holder, the method
comprising: gripping a proximal portion of a housing having a
distal portion coupled to a first jaw member; and actuating a lever
pivotally coupled to the housing and coupled to a second jaw member
to selectively open and close the jaw members; where the housing
defines an interior volume configured to receive at least a portion
of the lever when the jaw members are closed.
41. The method of claim 40, comprising locking at least a portion
of the lever relative to the housing and within the interior volume
of the housing.
42. A method for grasping with a needle holder, the method
comprising: grasping, within a hand, a proximal portion of a handle
having a distal portion coupled to a first jaw member; and
actuating, with a thumb of the hand, a lever pivotally coupled to
the handle and coupled to a second jaw member to selectively open
and close the jaw members; where the handle extends proximally
beyond the lever.
43. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/694,323 filed Apr. 23, 2015; which claims
priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/040,003,
filed Aug. 21, 2014, both of which are incorporated by reference in
their entirety.
BACKGROUND
1. Field of Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to grasping devices,
and more specifically, but not by way of limitation, to needle
holders for grasping and/or securing a needle (e.g., during a
suturing procedure).
2. Description of Related Art
[0003] Grasping apparatuses, and in particular, needle holders, may
serve a variety of purposes. For example, a user (e.g., a
clinician) may use a needle holder during a suturing procedure to
manipulate a needle and/or to prevent the needle from inadvertently
slipping relative to the user's hand.
[0004] A conventional needle holder may include handles resembling
those of a traditional scissors or forceps. Typically, such handles
terminate in one or more rings, which can be configured to receive
a user's fingers such that relative movement of the user's fingers
disposed within the rings selectively opens or closes jaws of the
needle holder.
[0005] Examples of needle holders are disclosed in (1) U.S. Pat.
Nos. 5,562,686; and (2) 6,071,289.
SUMMARY
[0006] Conventional needle holders may be capable of holding a
needle; however, conventional handles can be cumbersome,
particularly in space-restricted areas. For example, a user may be
unable to rotate the needle holder due to interferences caused by
rings on the handles. And, where space is limited, a user's hand
and/or fingers may become decoupled from the handles during
rotation of the needle holder, which may complicate certain
procedures. Additionally, conventional needle holders may not
adequately allow a user to exert sufficient torque on the needle
holder to perform certain procedures.
[0007] Some embodiments of the present needle holders comprise: an
elongated housing having a proximal portion and a distal portion; a
first jaw member coupled to the distal portion of the housing; a
second jaw member pivotally coupled to the first jaw member; and a
lever pivotally coupled to the housing and coupled to the second
jaw member such that the lever can be actuated by a user's thumb to
selectively open and close the jaw members; where the housing
defines an interior volume configured to receive at least a portion
of the lever when the jaw members are closed. In some embodiments,
the first jaw member is fixed relative to the housing. In some
embodiments, the first jaw member is unitary with at least a
portion of the housing.
[0008] In some embodiments of the present needle holders, the
second jaw member is fixed relative to the lever. In some
embodiments, the second jaw member is unitary with at least a
portion of the lever. In some embodiments, the interior volume is
configured to receive a majority of the lever when the jaw members
are closed. In some embodiments, a majority of the lever is
contained within a cross-sectional perimeter of the housing when
the jaw members are closed.
[0009] Some embodiments of the present needle holders further
comprise: a releasable locking mechanism configured to selectively
resist opening of the jaw members when the jaw members are closed.
In some embodiments, at least a portion of the releasable locking
mechanism is disposed within the interior volume of the housing. In
some embodiments, the releasable locking mechanism comprises a
plurality of ratcheting teeth. In some embodiments, at least a
portion of the releasable locking mechanism is disposed on the
lever. In some embodiments, the lever comprises a protrusion that
extends from the housing when the jaw members are closed, the
protrusion configured to be actuated by a user's thumb to actuate
the releasable locking mechanism.
[0010] In some embodiments of the present needle holders, the
proximal portion of the housing has a first transverse dimension,
the distal portion of the housing has a second transverse
dimension, and the first transverse dimension is larger than the
second transverse dimension. In some embodiments, the housing
tapers in transverse dimension from the proximal portion to the
distal portion. In some embodiments, the housing comprises a
substantially circular cross-section. In some embodiments, the
housing defines an opening in communication with the interior
volume, the opening configured to receive at least a portion of the
user's thumb when the jaw members are closed. In some embodiments,
the proximal portion of the housing defines a handle.
[0011] In some embodiments of the present needle holders, the
distal portion of the housing is angularly disposed at a
non-parallel angle relative to the proximal portion of the housing.
In some embodiments, a longitudinal axis of the distal portion is
angularly disposed at a non-parallel angle relative to a
longitudinal axis of the proximal portion. In some embodiments, a
longitudinal axis of the lever extends through the proximal portion
of the housing when the jaw members are closed. In some
embodiments, the distal portion of the housing defines a depression
configured to receive a finger of the user. In some embodiments, at
least a portion of the depression defines a gripping surface. In
some embodiments, the housing is ringless.
[0012] Some embodiments of the present needle holders comprise: an
elongated handle having a proximal portion and a distal portion; a
first jaw member coupled to the distal portion of the handle; a
second jaw member pivotally coupled to the first jaw member; and a
lever pivotally coupled to the handle and coupled to the second jaw
member; where the handle extends proximally beyond the lever such
that the lever can be actuated by a user's thumb to selectively
open and close the jaw members while the handle is grasped within
the user's hand. In some embodiments, the handle extends proximally
beyond the lever a distance of at least 5 centimeters (cm) when the
jaw members are closed. In some embodiments, the proximal portion
of the handle comprises a substantially constant cross-section. In
some embodiments, the proximal portion of the handle comprises a
substantially circular cross-section. In some embodiments, the
proximal portion of the handle defines a gripping surface. In some
embodiments, the first jaw member is fixed relative to the handle.
In some embodiments, the first jaw member is unitary with at least
a portion of the handle.
[0013] In some embodiments of the present needle holders, the
second jaw member is fixed relative to the lever. In some
embodiments, the second jaw member is unitary with at least a
portion of the lever.
[0014] Some embodiments of the present needle holders further
comprise: a releasable locking mechanism configured to selectively
resist opening of the jaw members when the jaw members are closed.
In some embodiments, at least a portion of the releasable locking
mechanism is disposed on the lever. In some embodiments, releasable
locking mechanism comprises a plurality of ratcheting teeth.
[0015] In some embodiments of the present needle holders, the
proximal portion of the handle has a first transverse dimension,
the distal portion of the handle has a second transverse dimension,
and the first transverse dimension is larger than the second
transverse dimension. In some embodiments, the handle is ringless.
In some embodiments, the lever is ringless. In some embodiments, a
proximal portion of the lever defines a pair of opposing concave
surfaces configured to receive the user's thumb.
[0016] Some embodiments of the present methods (e.g., for grasping
with a needle holder) comprise: gripping a proximal portion of a
housing having a distal portion coupled to a first jaw member; and
actuating a lever pivotally coupled to the housing and coupled to a
second jaw member to selectively open and close the jaw members;
where the housing defines an interior volume configured to receive
at least a portion of the lever when the jaw members are closed.
Some embodiments further comprise: locking at least a portion of
the lever relative to the housing and within the interior volume of
the housing.
[0017] Some embodiments of the present methods (e.g., for grasping
with a needle holder) comprise: grasping, within a hand, a proximal
portion of a handle having a distal portion coupled to a first jaw
member; and actuating, with a thumb of the hand, a lever pivotally
coupled to the handle and coupled to a second jaw member to
selectively open and close the jaw members; where the handle
extends proximally beyond the lever. Some embodiments further
comprise: grasping a needle between the jaw members.
[0018] The term "coupled" is defined as connected, although not
necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically; two items
that are "coupled" may be unitary with each other. The terms "a"
and "an" are defined as one or more unless this disclosure
explicitly requires otherwise. The term "substantially" is defined
as largely but not necessarily wholly what is specified (and
includes what is specified; e.g., substantially 90 degrees includes
90 degrees and substantially parallel includes parallel), as
understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. In any
disclosed embodiment, the terms "substantially," "approximately,"
and "about" may be substituted with "within [a percentage] of" what
is specified, where the percentage includes 0.1, 1, 5, and 10
percent.
[0019] Further, a device or system that is configured in a certain
way is configured in at least that way, but it can also be
configured in other ways than those specifically described.
[0020] The terms "comprise" (and any form of comprise, such as
"comprises" and "comprising"), "have" (and any form of have, such
as "has" and "having"), "include" (and any form of include, such as
"includes" and "including"), and "contain" (and any form of
contain, such as "contains" and "containing") are open-ended
linking verbs. As a result, an apparatus that "comprises," "has,"
"includes," or "contains" one or more elements possesses those one
or more elements, but is not limited to possessing only those
elements. Likewise, a method that "comprises," "has," "includes,"
or "contains" one or more steps possesses those one or more steps,
but is not limited to possessing only those one or more steps.
[0021] Any embodiment of any of the apparatuses, systems, and
methods can consist of or consist essentially of--rather than
comprise/include/contain/have--any of the described steps,
elements, and/or features. Thus, in any of the claims, the term
"consisting of" or "consisting essentially of" can be substituted
for any of the open-ended linking verbs recited above, in order to
change the scope of a given claim from what it would otherwise be
using the open-ended linking verb.
[0022] The feature or features of one embodiment may be applied to
other embodiments, even though not described or illustrated, unless
expressly prohibited by this disclosure or the nature of the
embodiments.
[0023] Some details associated with the embodiments are described
above and others are described below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The following drawings illustrate by way of example and not
limitation. For the sake of brevity and clarity, every feature of a
given structure is not always labeled in every figure in which that
structure appears. Identical reference numbers do not necessarily
indicate an identical structure. Rather, the same reference number
may be used to indicate a similar feature or a feature with similar
functionality, as may non-identical reference numbers. The figures
are drawn to scale (unless otherwise noted), meaning the sizes of
the depicted elements are accurate relative to each other for at
least the embodiment depicted in the figures.
[0025] FIG. 1A is a side view of a first embodiment of the present
needle holders, shown in a closed configuration.
[0026] FIG. 1B is a partially cross-sectional side view of the
needle holder of FIG. 1A.
[0027] FIGS. 1C-1E are top, bottom, and front views, respectively,
of the needle holder of FIG. 1A.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a side view of the needle holder of FIG. 1A, shown
in an open configuration.
[0029] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the needle holder of FIG.
2.
[0030] FIG. 4A is a side view of a second embodiment of the present
needle holders, shown in a closed configuration.
[0031] FIG. 4B is a partially cross-sectional side view of the
needle holder of FIG. 4A.
[0032] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the needle holder of FIG.
4A, shown in an open configuration.
[0033] FIG. 6A is a side view of a third embodiment of the present
needle holders, shown in a closed configuration.
[0034] FIGS. 6B-6D are top, bottom, and front views, respectively,
of the needle holder of FIG. 6A.
[0035] FIG. 6E is a cross-sectional front view of the needle holder
of FIG. 6A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0036] Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIGS.
1A-1E, 2, and 3, shown therein and designated by the reference
numeral 10a is a first embodiment of the present needle holders. In
the embodiment shown, holder 10a comprises an elongated housing 14a
having a proximal portion 18 and a distal portion 22 that is
smaller than the proximal portion, as shown. In this embodiment,
housing 14a is elongated in that it has a length 26 (as shown,
including first jaw member 46) that is between 5 to 10 times (e.g.,
about 8 times) a maximum transverse dimension 30 of the housing. In
the embodiment shown, proximal portion 18 defines a handle (e.g.,
is configured to be grasped by a user in a manner similar to
grasping a screw driver, for example, housing 14a is ringless). In
this embodiment, housing 14a defines an interior volume 34 (FIG.
1B). And, in this embodiment, housing 14a of holder 10a is
substantially hollow; however, in other embodiments, housing 14a
may be only partially hollow, such as, for example, defining an
interior volume 34 in such a way as to balance the needle holder
(e.g., by distributing weight) within a user's hand (e.g., to
reduce and/or minimize any tendency to tip due to gravity when held
in an operative position by a user).
[0037] In the embodiment shown, housing 14a comprises a
substantially circular cross-section (FIG. 1E). In this embodiment,
housing 14a tapers in transverse dimension from proximal portion 18
to distal portion 22. For example, proximal portion 18 of housing
14a has a first transverse dimension 38, distal portion 22 of the
housing has a second transverse dimension 42, and the first
transverse dimension is larger than the second transverse
dimension, such as, for example, more than or between any two of:
10%, 50%, 100%, 150%, 200%, 250%, and/or 300% larger (approximately
230% larger, as in the depicted embodiment). In this way, for
example, a user can exert adequate torque on the needle holder
during rotation, due in part to the mechanical advantage provided
by larger transverse dimension 38 of proximal portion 18, while
smaller transverse dimension 42 of distal portion 22 can minimize
physical interference with needle holder 10a, such as in
space-restricted areas. Due in part to the substantially
cylindrical, tapered, and slim-profile nature of housing 14a (e.g.,
which can function as a handle), needle holder 10a can facilitate
greater mobility, control, access, and/or the like when, for
example, suturing a wound.
[0038] In this embodiment, holder 10a comprises a first jaw member
46 coupled to distal portion 22 of housing 14a. In the embodiment
shown, first jaw member 46 is fixed relative to (e.g., or is
unitary with and/or forms part of) housing 14a. However, in other
embodiments, first jaw member 46 may be pivotally coupled to
housing 14a, and actuation of the first jaw member may be
accomplished by one or more linkages, levers, and/or the like. In
some embodiments, the first jaw member may be removably coupled to
housing 14a to facilitate replacement and/or adjustment (e.g., to
configure the needle holder to receive needles of different
sizes).
[0039] In the embodiment shown, holder 10a comprises a second jaw
member 50 pivotally coupled to first jaw member 46 and coupled to a
lever 58a. In this embodiment, for example, second jaw member 50 is
fixed relative to (e.g., or is unitary with and/or forms part of)
lever 58a, which is pivotally coupled to distal portion 22 of
housing 14a (e.g., and thus first jaw member 46) via a pin 62,
which, as shown, may extend into interior volume 34 and into and/or
through a portion 60 of lever 58a. In other embodiments, second jaw
member 50 may be pivotally coupled to lever 58a and/or housing 14a,
and actuation of the second jaw member may be accomplished by one
or more levers, linkages and/or the like between second jaw member
50, first jaw member 46, lever 58a, and/or housing 14a. In some
embodiments, the second jaw member may be removably coupled to
lever 58a and/or housing 14a to facilitate replacement and/or
adjustment of the jaw member (e.g., to configure the needle holder
to receive needle of different sizes).
[0040] In the embodiment shown, the first and second jaw members
each comprise a gripping surface 66 or 70, respectively, which can
be configured to grasp an object (e.g., a needle). For example, in
this embodiment, gripping surfaces 66 and 70 are serrated or
ridged; however, in other embodiments, the gripping surfaces can
comprise any suitable texture (e.g., may be smooth, comprise one or
more grooves, and/or the like), and gripping surface 66 need not
comprise the same texture as gripping surface 70. In this
embodiment, gripping surface 66 is substantially coincident to
gripping surface 70 when the jaw members are fully closed (e.g.,
substantially all of each gripping surface rests against the
other); however, in other embodiments, the jaw members and/or
gripping surfaces may define one or more openings when the jaw
members are fully closed. Other embodiments of the present needle
holders can comprise any suitable jaw members in any suitable
configuration.
[0041] As described above, in this embodiment, lever 58a is
pivotally coupled to housing 14a (at a portion 60, via pin 62). In
the embodiment shown, the pivotal coupling between housing 14a and
lever 58a (e.g., and thus their respective jaw members 46 and 50)
is substantially unrestrained (e.g., with the exception of
frictional forces, such as between pin 62 and lever 58a). In other
embodiments, the present devices may include a biasing member
(e.g., a spring). For example, a spring can be disposed between
lever 58a and housing 14a, or between first jaw member 46 and
second jaw member 50 to bias the jaw members towards an open or a
closed position.
[0042] In the embodiment shown, lever 58a can be actuated by a
user's thumb to selectively open and close the jaw members (e.g.,
when the user is grasping proximal portion 18). In this embodiment,
lever 58a, at an end opposite second jaw member 50, includes a
generally u-shaped end portion 72, which can be sized to receive a
user's thumb (e.g., lever 58a is ringless). For further example, in
this embodiment, portion 72 comprises a first protruding portion 74
coupled to a second protruding portion 78, a portion of which is
spaced from a portion of the first protruding portion at a distance
82, where each protruding portion extends in generally a same
direction away from second jaw member 50 (e.g., however, the first
and second protruding portions need not be linear and need not be
parallel with one another). In this embodiment, distance 82 can be
sized such that portion 72 is configured to receive a user's thumb
(e.g., where distance 82 generally corresponds to an expected
maximum thickness of a human thumb). In this way, when a user
places their thumb within portion 72 and: (1) moves their thumb
away from needle holder 10a, the user's thumb can contact first
protruding portion 74 to pivot lever 58a away from housing 14a to
cause jaw members 46 and 50 to open; and (2) moves their thumb
towards needle holder 10a, the user's thumb can contact second
protruding portion 78 to pivot lever 58a toward housing 14a to
cause jaw members 46 and 50 to close.
[0043] In some embodiments, lever 58a and housing 14a are
configured to coincide, meet, and/or intersect at more portions
than just a pivot point (e.g., pin 62). For example, in embodiment
shown, interior volume 34 of housing 14a is configured to receive
at least a portion of (up to and including a majority and/or all
of) lever 58a when jaw members 46 and 50 are closed. In this
embodiment, when the jaw members are closed, lever 58a lies
substantially within and is laterally centered relative to housing
14a (FIG. 1C), such that, for example, a longitudinal axis 86 of
lever 58a (e.g., of a portion of the lever between portions 60 and
72) extends through proximal portion 18 of housing 14a. By way of
further example, in this embodiment, when jaw members 46 and 50 are
closed, at least a majority of lever 58a is contained within a
cross-sectional perimeter of housing 14a (FIG. 1E).
[0044] In the embodiment shown, housing 14a of holder 10a defines
an opening 90 and a slot 94, each in communication with the other
and with interior volume 34, where the opening and/or slot are
configured to allow portions of lever 58a to enter interior volume
34 when the jaw members are closed and/or are closing. In this
embodiment, opening 90 is also configured to receive at least a
portion of the user's thumb when the jaw members are closed and/or
are closing (e.g., with a user's thumb disposed between protruding
portions 74 and 78 of portion 72). As shown, when the jaw members
are opened, lever 58a can extend out of housing (e.g., through slot
94 and/or opening 90, as shown in FIG. 2).
[0045] For example, in the embodiment shown, holder 10a comprises a
releasable locking mechanism 98 configured to selectively resist
opening of the jaw members when the jaw members are closed. In this
embodiment, releasable locking mechanism 98 comprises a first
portion 102 and a second portion 106, each having one or more
ratcheting teeth (e.g., as shown). In mechanism 98, first portion
102 is coupled to housing 14a and is disposed within interior
volume 34 (e.g., is embedded within the housing) and second portion
106 is coupled to lever 58a and extends at a non-parallel angle
away from the lever in a direction into interior volume 34. In this
way, at least a portion of (e.g., up to and including all of)
locking mechanism 98 can be disposed within housing 14a, for
example, to maintain a slim profile of the needle holder and/or to
minimize interferences caused by the needle holder during use.
[0046] In the embodiment shown, as lever 58a is moved to a closed
position, second portion 106 can contact first portion 102 and
ratcheting teeth of each portion can engage with one another to
releasably secure a position of lever 58a relative to housing 14a
(e.g., and thus a position of first jaw member 46 relative to
second jaw member 50). As shown, the number and/or range of
releasably lockable positions of lever 58a relative to housing 14a
can be adjusted, for example, by increasing the length of the first
and/or second portions of locking mechanism 98, and/or by adjusting
the number, relative position of, and/or the like of ratcheting
teeth of the first and/or second portions of the locking mechanism,
and/or the like.
[0047] In this embodiment, mechanism 98 is configured to releasably
retain the jaw members relative to each other. For example, in the
depicted embodiment, lever 58a comprises a protrusion (e.g., a
portion of first protruding portion 74) that extends from housing
14a (e.g., through opening 90 and/or slot 94, as shown) when the
jaw members are closed. In the embodiment shown, first protruding
portion 74 is configured to be actuated by a user's thumb to
release mechanism 98 and/or pivot lever 58a relative to housing 14a
to selectively open or close the jaw members (e.g., whether or not
a user's thumb is disposed between protruding portions 74 and 78
and/or within interior volume 34). For example, if a lateral force
is applied to the first protruding portion, one or more ratcheting
teeth of first portion 102 and/or second portion 106 can be moved
together (e.g., into to a locked configuration) or apart (e.g., out
of a locked configuration or into an unlocked configuration). In
some embodiments, lever 58a can be biased (e.g., via a spring) to a
locked or unlocked position. As shown, even though first protruding
portion 74 extends from housing 14a, the first protruding portion
may still be contained within a cross-sectional perimeter of
housing 14a and/or needle holder 10a (FIG. 1E). Other embodiments
of the present needle holders can comprise any suitable locking
mechanisms.
[0048] Some embodiments of the present methods for grasping with a
needle holder comprise gripping a proximal portion (e.g., 18) of a
housing (e.g., 14a) having a distal portion (e.g., 22) coupled to a
first jaw member (e.g., 46) and actuating a lever (e.g., 58a)
pivotally coupled to the housing and coupled to a second jaw member
(e.g., 50) to selectively open (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2) and close
(e.g., as shown in FIG. 1A) the jaw members, where the housing
defines an interior volume (e.g., 34) configured to receive at
least a portion of the lever when the jaw members are closed. Some
methods comprise locking (e.g., with releasable locking mechanism
98) at least a portion of the lever relative to the housing and
within the interior volume of the housing. Some methods comprise
grasping a needle between the jaw members.
[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 5, shown therein and
designated by the reference numeral 10b is a second embodiment of
the present needle holders. Holder 10b is substantially similar to
holder 10a, with the primary exceptions described below. While the
following features are described with respect to holder 10b, any
and/or all of the following features may be applied to other
embodiments of the present needle holders (e.g., a housing 14b
including a distal portion 22 that is angularly disposed at a
non-parallel angle 110 relative to a proximal portion 18 of the
housing, a lever 58b having a first protruding portion 74 and a
second protruding portion 78, each defining one of a set of concave
surfaces, 128 and 132, respectively, a housing 14b having a distal
portion 22 defining a depression 122, and/or the like, may be
applied to needle holders 10a, 10c, and/or the like). In the
embodiment shown, distal portion 22 of housing 14b is angularly
disposed at a non-parallel angle (e.g., 110) relative to proximal
portion 18 of the housing (e.g., and lever 58b varies from lever
58a, accordingly). For example, in this embodiment, a longitudinal
axis 114 of distal portion 22 is angularly disposed at a
non-parallel angle (e.g., 110) relative to a longitudinal axis 118
of proximal portion 18. In at least this way, housing 14b may
physically inhibit holder 10b from rolling when the holder is
placed on an (e.g., uneven) surface, provide for enhanced
ergonomics of the holder, and/or the like.
[0050] In the depicted embodiment, first protruding portion 74 and
second protruding portion 78 of lever 58b each have a maximum
transverse dimension, 120 and 124, respectively, such that portions
of generally u-shaped end portion 72 are wider than other portions
of lever 58b between portion 72 and second jaw member 50 (FIG. 5).
In the embodiment shown, first protruding portion 74 and second
protruding portion 78 each are configured to extend laterally
around a portion of a user's thumb when the user's thumb is
disposed between the first and second protruding portions. For
example, in this embodiment, first protruding portion 74 and second
protruding portion 78 each define one of opposing concave surfaces,
128 and 132, respectively, where each concave surface is configured
to receive a user's thumb (e.g., and one or both concave surfaces
may be textured). In these ways and others, lever 58b may provide
an increased surface area for contacting a user's thumb, provide
resistance to the user's thumb from inadvertently sliding laterally
out from between first protruding portion 74 and second protruding
portion 78, and/or the like. In the embodiment shown, opposing
concave surfaces 128 and 132 are spaced apart from one another
(e.g., such that, if desired, a user's thumb may be removed
laterally from between first protruding portion 74 and second
protruding portion 78).
[0051] In the depicted embodiment, distal portion 22 of housing 14b
defines a depression 122, which may be configured to receive a
user's finger (e.g., a user's index finger) (e.g., when the holder
is held in an operative position). In the embodiment shown, at
least a portion of depression 122 defines an (e.g., textured)
gripping surface. In at least these ways, depression 122 of distal
portion 22 may provide for enhanced control by a user over holder
10b (e.g., when manipulating the holder, for example, during a
suturing procedure).
[0052] Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6E, shown therein and designated
by the reference numeral 10c is a third embodiment of the present
needle holders. Holder 10c is substantially similar to holder 10a,
with the primary exception being that holder 10c comprises an
elongated handle 126 in lieu of a housing (e.g., 14a), where the
handle has a distal portion 22 and a proximal portion 18 (e.g.,
which may define a gripping surface 134, as shown). In at least
this way, holder 10c (e.g., via absence of a housing) may
facilitate sterilization of the holder. Otherwise, holder 10c may
possess any and/or all of the features described above for holders
10a and/or 10b. While the following features are described with
respect to holder 10c, any and/or all of the following features may
be applied to other embodiments of the present needle holders
(e.g., a handle 126 (or a housing) extending proximally beyond a
lever 58c may be applied to needle holders 10a, 10b, and/or the
like).
[0053] In the embodiment shown, handle 126 extends proximally
beyond lever 58c such that the lever can be actuated by a user's
thumb to selectively open and close jaw members 46 and 50 while the
handle, and particularly a proximal portion 18 thereof, is grasped
within the user's hand. For example, in this embodiment, handle 126
extends in a proximal direction (e.g., in a direction from distal
portion 22 towards proximal portion 18) beyond lever 58c a distance
130 when jaw members 46 and 50 are closed. In the depicted
embodiment, distance 130 is at least 5 centimeters (cm). However,
in other embodiments, handle 126 may extend proximally beyond lever
58c by any suitable distance, such as, for example, between any two
of or greater than any one of 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0,
6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, 9.5, and 10 cm.
[0054] For example, some embodiments of the present methods for
grasping a needle with a needle holder (e.g., 10c) comprise
grasping, within a hand, a proximal portion (e.g., 18) of a handle
(e.g., 126) having a distal portion (e.g., 22) coupled to a first
jaw member (e.g., 46), and actuating, with a thumb of the hand, a
lever (e.g., 58c) pivotally coupled to the handle and coupled to a
second jaw member (e.g., 50) to selectively open and close the jaw
members, where the handle extends proximally beyond the lever
(e.g., by a distance 130).
[0055] The above specification and examples provide a complete
description of the structure and use of illustrative embodiments.
Although certain embodiments have been described above with a
certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more
individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make
numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing
from the scope of this invention. As such, the various illustrative
embodiments of the methods and systems are not intended to be
limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, they include all
modifications and alternatives falling within the scope of the
claims, and embodiments other than the one shown may include some
or all of the features of the depicted embodiment. For example,
elements may be omitted or combined as a unitary structure, and/or
connections may be substituted. Further, where appropriate, aspects
of any of the examples described above may be combined with aspects
of any of the other examples described to form further examples
having comparable or different properties and/or functions, and
addressing the same or different problems. Similarly, it will be
understood that the benefits and advantages described above may
relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments.
[0056] The claims are not intended to include, and should not be
interpreted to include, means-plus- or step-plus-function
limitations, unless such a limitation is explicitly recited in a
given claim using the phrase(s) "means for" or "step for,"
respectively.
* * * * *