Systems, devices, and methods for closing an abdominal wall defect

Inventors

Chin, Albert K. • Kramer, Thomas A.

Assignees

TAS Medical Inc

Abstract

Systems and methods for closing a tissue defect are disclosed. 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 The strap may be withdrawn with the second needle through a second access site to the outside of the body. The strap may be withdrawn from the first needle, leaving the strap placed through both access sites and across the defect. As the subcutaneous guide is withdrawn from the body it pulls the captured strap such that both ends of the strap protrude from the first access site, allowing the strap to be tightened around the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. Devices for closure of a tissue defect are also disclosed.

Core Innovation

The invention provides a system for closing a tissue defect using a self-locking strap, a lock-head, and a strap delivery and routing arrangement. The system includes a first needle with a lumen for delivering the self-locking strap through a first incision site and 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. 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.

The system further includes a linear cutter configured to trim strap material inside the body, with an inner tube defining a lumen, an outer tube, and a radially flexible blade configured to depress into the lumen of the inner tube when engaged by the outer tube. Described embodiments also include a strap tensioning device supporting incremental tightening, including configurations for measuring force or tension and producing an electrical signal for display or receiving computer, together with robotic interfaces for controlling components used to position and manipulate the strap and guide.

The invention also includes self-locking strap and lock-head structures, including an elongate body with ramped teeth arranged on different sides with opposing or same ramp directions, and a detached lock-head having an aperture capable of passing the distal end and proximal end simultaneously. Opposing pawls protruding into the aperture engage the distal end and the proximal end, enabling the strap to self-lock. Additional strap features include apertures for tissue ingrowth, and embodiments where the strap ends are tapered with an aperture configured for engagement with a surgical instrument.

Claims Coverage

The independent claims cover three inventive features: a routed self-locking strap closure system with needle/guide delivery and an in-body linear cutter, a self-locking strap with ramped-tooth geometry and a detached lock-head with opposing pawls, and a method for closing a tissue defect using rectus abdominus puncture sites, a lock-head, a support tube, and strap tightening.

Across the independent claims, the core inventive subject matter is the combination of a self-locking strap delivered via first and second needles with retention by a guide, together with an in-body linear cutter, a strap-tooth and detached lock-head pawl engagement geometry for self-locking, and a tissue-defect closure method that uses rectus abdominus puncture sites, lock-head passage under the skin, and tightening by pulling the proximal end while pushing a support tube against the lock-head.

Stated Advantages

Documented Applications