Suture passing instrument and method

Abstract

In one embodiment, a continuous suture passer device may include a first jaw, a second jaw, a tissue penetrator which may penetrate through tissue positioned between the first and second jaws, and a suture shuttle which may be releasably secured to the tissue penetrator and adapted to carry a suture. Further, the device may include an actuator which may manipulate at least one of the first or second jaws and the tissue penetrator, and the second jaw may have a suture shuttle retainer seat on which the suture shuttle may be releasably secured. The tissue penetrator may be movable towards the second jaw such that the suture shuttle carried by the tissue penetrator may be transferred to the shuttle retainer seat on the second jaw. Additionally, the first and second jaws may be substantially parallel to one another at any position to which the at least one jaw is manipulated. Additionally, the tissue penetrator may travel along an arcuate path from a first position, recessed within the first jaw, to a second position where the tissue penetrator extends through the tissue to be positioned in communication with the second jaw. Further, the at least one jaw may be manipulated such that it travels along a path that is substantially the same arcuate path traveled by the tissue penetrator. A method for passing a suture through tissue includes manipulation to transfer a suture shuttle adapted to carry a suture between a tissue penetrator and a second jaw.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing dates of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60 / 985,543 filed Nov. 5, 2007; 60 / 985,556 filed Nov. 5, 2007; 61 / 013,989 filed Dec. 14, 2007; 61 / 013,994 filed Dec. 14, 2007; 61 / 014,728 filed Dec. 18, 2007; 61 / 013,999 filed Dec. 14, 2007; 61 / 014,003 filed Dec. 14, 2007; 61 / 014,012 filed Dec. 14, 2007; 61 / 042,678 filed Apr. 4, 2008; and 61 / 127,658 filed May 14, 2008, the disclosures of each of the foregoing being incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to surgical stitching devices by which a stitch or continuous stitches may be made during surgery. [0003] Suturing instruments for assisting a medical practitioner in placing stitches during surgical procedures are particularly helpful in surgical procedures requiring the placement of secure and accurate sutures in difficult to access regions of the body. Instr...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is one example of a technically challenging procedure that requires the placement of sutures in difficult to reach regions, as well as requiring precise placement of sutures.

Furthermore, most currently available suturing instruments are limited in their ability to be maneuvered, particularly over thicker tissue regions, and may require additional space so that additional surgical instruments, including forceps or other graspers, may be used.

At least one end of the needle protrudes from one or the other jaw at all times. The protruding needle may become caught in tissue, a problem that is exacerbated in difficult to access regions and regions offering limited maneuverability, such as the subacromial space of the jaw.

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