Endoscopic fascial closure devices and methods for using same
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-9498209-B2
Publication Date
2016-11-22
Expiration Date
Abstract
A system for closure of a fascial opening is disclosed. The system may include a first capture device for pulling one end of a suture through fascial tissue on one side of a fascial opening, and a second capture device for pulling an opposing end of the suture through the fascial tissue on an opposite side of the fascial opening. A trapping device for locating and engaging the first capture device can be used, prior to the capture device being pulled through the fascial tissue, so that the trapping device can subsequently pull the suture to facilitate closure of the fascial opening. Methods and apparatuses for closure of a fascial opening are also disclosed.
Core Innovation
The invention provides an endoscopic/laparoscopic fascial closure system for hernia repair that closes a fascial opening using two distal hook capture devices. A first capture device retains and pulls one end of a suture through fascial tissue on one side of a fascial opening, while a second capture device retains and pulls an opposing end through fascial tissue on an opposite side. The system uses these two hook-ended capture devices to capture and advance opposing suture ends relative to the fascial opening.
A trapping device includes an opening near a distal end that the first or second capture device enters for locating and engaging the capture device prior to the capture device being pulled through the fascial tissue. After the capture device is engaged, the trapping device subsequently threads the suture through the opening such that the suture can be subsequently pulled by the trapping device. The locating and engaging function coordinates movement of the capture device and the suture relative to the fascial opening.
The system further includes a delivery device for placing the ends of the suture on the opposite sides of the fascial opening so they can be captured by the first and/or second capture devices. The delivery device includes an extension for presenting the ends of the suture at the site of the fascial opening, and includes a fastener for holding the ends of the suture during advancement and positioning them at the site of delivery for capture.
Claims Coverage
The provided independent claim set includes two independent claims, each directed to a fascial closure system for closing a fascial opening. Across these independent claims, there are three main inventive areas: two distal-hook capture devices for opposing suture ends, a trapping device that engages a capture device prior to pulling through, and a delivery device that places suture ends on opposite sides.
Two distal hook capture devices for opposing suture ends
A first capture device having a hook at its distal end for retaining and pulling one end of a suture through fascial tissue on one side of a fascial opening; a second capture device having a hook at its distal end for retaining and pulling an opposing end of the suture through the fascial tissue on an opposite side of the fascial opening.
Trapping device that locates and engages a capture device before pull-through
A trapping device having an opening near its distal end that the first or second capture device enters for locating and engaging the first or second capture device prior to the capture device being pulled through the fascial tissue so that the first or second capture device can subsequently thread the suture through the opening such that the suture can be subsequently pulled by the trapping device.
Delivery device that places suture ends on opposite sides of the fascial opening
A delivery device for placing the ends of the suture on the opposite sides of the fascial opening so they can be captured by the first and/or second capture devices.
Overall, the claims cover a closure system built around two distal-hook capture devices for pulling opposing suture ends through a fascial opening, coordinated by a trapping device that engages a capture device before it is pulled through so the suture can be threaded through an opening and then pulled by the trapping device. One independent claim additionally requires a delivery device that places suture ends on opposite sides for capture.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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