Systems, devices, and methods for closing an abdominal wall defect
Inventors
Chin, Albert K. • Kramer, Thomas A.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11944284-B2
Publication Date
2024-04-02
Expiration Date
Abstract
Systems and methods for closing a tissue defect. The systems may include a subcutaneous guide that is placed transcutaneously between two skin access sites and a self-locking strap that may be advanced into the body through a first access site via a first needle and then passed to a second needle. The strap may be withdrawn with the second needle through a second access site to the outside of the body. The strap may be withdrawn from the first needle, leaving the strap placed through both access sites and across the defect. As the subcutaneous guide is withdrawn from the body it pulls the captured strap such that both ends of the strap protrude from the first access site, allowing the strap to be tightened around the defect.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a system and method for closing a tissue defect using a self-locking strap with apertures through the strap to facilitate ingrowth of tissue. A lock-head is used to tighten the self-locking strap around the defect, and the lock-head can be permanently attached to the proximal end of the self-locking strap.
The closure mechanism is based on a first needle and a second needle, where the first needle delivers the self-locking strap through a first incision site and the second needle engages the self-locking strap with a hook at its distal end to pull the strap from the body through a second incision site. A guide having an aperture near its distal end passes the second needle therethrough and retains the strap after the second needle is removed from the aperture.
A laparoscopic grasper places the self-locking strap into engagement with the second needle, and the laparoscopic grasper includes a robotic arm interface enabling the grasper to be robotically controlled. The system further includes a tensioner that can include a tension gauge, such as a mechanical spring gauge or a force transducer with electrical readout, and optional strap cutting devices, such as tubular and rotational cutters, for severing the strap after tightening.
Claims Coverage
The document identifies two independent claims, a system claim and a method claim, covering minimally invasive tissue-defect closure using a self-locking strap delivered by needles through incisions, with in-body capture via a guide aperture, robotic control via a laparoscopic grasper interface, and strap tightening using a lock-head permanently associated with the strap proximal end. Across the independent claims, inventive features center on the strap design for tissue ingrowth, the needle/guide engagement architecture, and robotic-enabled manipulation and tightening.
Self-locking strap with apertures for tissue ingrowth
A self-locking strap further comprises a plurality of apertures through the strap to facilitate ingrowth of tissue.
Needle-delivered strap using a first needle with lumen and a second hook needle
A first needle having a lumen for delivering the self-locking strap through a first incision site; a second needle having a hook at its distal end for engaging the self-locking strap and pulling the strap from the body through a second incision site.
Guide retaining the strap after second needle removal
A guide having an aperture near its distal end for passing the second needle therethrough, the guide being capable of retaining the strap after the second needle is removed from the aperture.
Robotically controlled laparoscopic grasper via robotic arm interface
A laparoscopic grasper for placing the self-locking strap into engagement with the second needle, wherein the laparoscopic grasper includes a robotic arm interface enabling it to be robotically controlled.
Lock-head tightening with permanent attachment to strap proximal end
Placing a lock-head over the distal end of the self-locking strap; and advancing the lock-head down the self-locking strap to tighten the self-locking strap around a defect, wherein the lock-head is permanently attached to the proximal end of the self-locking strap.
The claim coverage is anchored by a self-locking strap designed with apertures for tissue ingrowth, delivery and capture of strap ends using a first needle, a hook second needle, and a guide that retains the strap after needle removal. Both independent claims require robotic-enabled manipulation through a laparoscopic grasper with a robotic arm interface, and they culminate in tightening using a lock-head advanced to tighten the strap around the defect.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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