Surgical suturing instrument and method of use

Abstract

A device is disclosed for joining a first layer of material to a second layer of material, the device comprising a handle, a first jaw and a second jaw mounted on the handle, at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw being moveable relative to the other; the first jaw defining therein: a first channel for retaining a wire guide; a second channel extending from the first channel for supporting a suture wire extending from the wire guide; and a passageway for retaining a cutting bar; the second channel being curved to impart a looping configuration to portions of the suture wire passed therethrough; a wire advancing actuator mounted on the handle for moving the suture wire through the second channel and through the first and second layers of material in the looping configuration; and a wire cutting actuator mounted on the handle for moving the cutting bar into cutting engagement with the suture wire, wherein the suture wire in the looping configuration joins the first layer of material to the second layer of material.

Description

REFERENCE TO PENDING PRIOR PATENT APPLICATION [0001] his is a continuation-in-part of pending prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 818,300, filed Mar. 27, 2001 by Gregory E. Sancoff et al. for SURGICAL SUTURING INSTRUMENT AND METHOD OF USE, which is a continuation-in-part of pending prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 368,273, filed Aug. 3, 1999 by Gregory E. Sancoff et al. for SURGICAL SUTURING INSTRUMENT AND METHOD OF USE. [0002] And this patent application claims benefit of pending prior U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 242,237, filed Oct. 20, 2000 by Frederic P. Field et al. for SURGICAL SUTURING INSTRUMENT AND METHOD OF USE (Attorney's Docket No. ONUX-16 PROV), which patent application is hereby incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0003] This invention relates to medical suturing instruments and more particularly to drive means in such instruments for advancing a suture strand through tissue, and the like. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIO...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

This is generally undesirable, since the needle typically leaves a larger hole in the subject than is necessary to accommodate only the suture material.

However, this device does not permit sufficient flexibility with regard to the amount of tension that may be applied to the suture and tissue.

Unfortunately, however, such a system does not permit sufficient flexibility in all situations with regard to the appropriate amount of tension to be applied to the subject, since the wire is relatively firm (i.e., firm enough to hold its sets).

Such a system also does not provide sufficient flexibility with regard to the appropriate type of suture stitch to be applied, since the device is specifically configured to provide only a spiral suture stitch.

If too much force (or tension) is applied to the suture material, then the subject portions may become necrotic or the sutures may cut through the subject.

If too little tension is applied to the suture material, then the healing process may be impaired.

Again, such a system suffers from the fact that it does not permit sufficient flexibility in all situations with regard to the appropriate tension to be applied to the subject, since the attachment is made by a staple which has a predefined geometry and is formed with relatively firm wire.

In addition, the system is limited as to the type of fastening which may be applied, since the surgical instrument is limited to only applying wire staples.

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