US20020058994A1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic suture fixation apparatus and method for minimally invasive cardiac surgery
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 2001-11-16
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2021-11-16
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for automatically fixing sutures used in the surgical replacement of a heart valve, includes a first cylinder having a first end and a second end and an interior surface and an exterior surface and a valve sleeve including an annular cuff surrounding the exterior surface adjacent to the first end of the first cylinder. An annular lip is formed on the exterior surface adjacent to the second end of the first cylinder, and a replacement heart valve is positioned within the valve sleeve. The apparatus further includes a second cylinder having second securing means formed on an interior surface of the second cylinder, such that the second securing means corresponds to and are adapted to fixedly engage the first securing means. The invention further includes a method for automatically fixing sutures to secure a valve sleeve including an annular cuff and a replacement heart valve to an annulus formed in a patient's heart. The method includes the steps of positioning the annular cuff of the valve sleeve in the annulus and securing the cuff to the annulus with sutures, threading the sutures over an exterior surface of a first cylinder and over an interior surface of a second cylinder; applying pressure against the first cylinder and tension to the sutures to ensure a blood-tight seal between the cuff of the valve sleeve and the annulus; and securing the sutures between the first cylinder and the second cylinder.
Inventors
- 👤 J. Hill
- 👤 Geoff Briggs
- 👤 Michael Sims
- 👤 Cameron Hinman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 01:37
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/24; A61F2/2427; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/04; A61B17/0469; A61B17/0482; A61B2017/0496
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 39
Claim 1
Independent Claim
151 words
1 . An apparatus for automatically fixing sutures used in the surgical replacement of a heart valve, comprising: a first cylinder having a first end and a second end and an interior surface and an exterior surface; a valve sleeve comprising an annular cuff and a plurality of securing struts surrounding said exterior surface adjacent to said first end of said first cylinder, said struts extending beyond said first end of said first cylinder; first securing means formed on said exterior surface adjacent to said second end of said first cylinder; a replacement heart valve positioned within said valve sleeve and having a circumferential outer edge, wherein said circumferential outer edge is affixed to said valve sleeve; a second cylinder having second securing means formed on an interior surface of said second cylinder, such that said second securing means corresponds to and is adapted to fixedly engage said first securing means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
151 words
1 . An apparatus for automatically fixing sutures used in the surgical replacement of a heart valve, comprising: a first cylinder having a first end and a second end and an interior surface and an exterior surface; a valve sleeve comprising an annular cuff and a plurality of securing struts surrounding said exterior surface adjacent to said first end of said first cylinder, said struts extending beyond said first end of said first cylinder; first securing means formed on said exterior surface adjacent to said second end of said first cylinder; a replacement heart valve positioned within said valve sleeve and having a circumferential outer edge, wherein said circumferential outer edge is affixed to said valve sleeve; a second cylinder having second securing means formed on an interior surface of said second cylinder, such that said second securing means corresponds to and is adapted to fixedly engage said first securing means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said first securing means is an annular lip and said second securing means is an annular groove.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
3 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said first securing means is an annular groove and said second securing means is an annular lip.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
4 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said valve sleeve is manufactured from a surgical fabric.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
5 . The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein said surgical fabric is selected from the group consisting of a Dacron ® fabric, a Teflon® fabric, a Gore-Tex® fabric, and the like.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
6 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said replacement heart valve comprises a heart valve harvested from a human donor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
7 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said replacement heart valve comprises a heart valve harvested from a pig.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
8 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said replacement heart valve comprises a prosthetic heart valve.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
172 words
9 . The apparatus of a claim 1 , further comprising: a guiding rod including a rod end piece formed at a first end of said rod, said rod end piece having a plurality of support brackets extending from said rod end piece and a guiding ring affixed to said support brackets, said ring being adapted to engage said second end of said first cylinder, wherein said interior surface of said second cylinder slidingly engages an exterior surface of each of said support brackets; a securing member including a rod sleeve which slidingly engages said guiding rod, and a sleeve end piece formed on a first end of said rod sleeve, said sleeve end piece having plurality of securing brackets, which are adapted to engage said second cylinder and which are positioned to interfit with said support brackets; and urging means for sliding said securing member on said guiding rod, whereby said second securing means of said second cylinder are urged into engagement with said first securing means on said first cylinder.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
61 words
10 . The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein said urging means comprises a handle, said handle affixed to a second end of said guiding rod and including a grip having a levered projection, such that when said grip is pressed against said handle, said levered projection contacts said securing member and urges said securing member toward said rod end piece.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
43 words
11 . The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein at least one eyelet is formed on each of said supporting brackets for receiving at least one suture, whereby said guiding ring is guided into contact with said second end of said first cylinder.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
131 words
12 . An apparatus for automatically fixing sutures used in the surgical replacement of a heart valve, comprising: a first cylinder having a first end and a second end and an interior surface and an exterior surface, a valve sleeve including an annular cuff, and a prosthetic heart valve positioned within said first cylinder and affixed to said valve sleeve; wherein said sleeve surrounds said exterior surface adjacent to said first end of said first cylinder, and wherein first securing means are formed on said exterior surface adjacent to said second end of said first cylinder; and a second cylinder having second securing means formed on an interior surface of said second cylinder, such that said second securing means corresponds to and are adapted to fixedly engage said first securing means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
131 words
12 . An apparatus for automatically fixing sutures used in the surgical replacement of a heart valve, comprising: a first cylinder having a first end and a second end and an interior surface and an exterior surface, a valve sleeve including an annular cuff, and a prosthetic heart valve positioned within said first cylinder and affixed to said valve sleeve; wherein said sleeve surrounds said exterior surface adjacent to said first end of said first cylinder, and wherein first securing means are formed on said exterior surface adjacent to said second end of said first cylinder; and a second cylinder having second securing means formed on an interior surface of said second cylinder, such that said second securing means corresponds to and are adapted to fixedly engage said first securing means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
26 words
13 . The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein said first securing means is an annular lip and said second securing means is an annular groove.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
26 words
14 . The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein said first securing means is an annular groove and said second securing means is an annular lip.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
35 words
15 . The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein said cuff is manufactured from a surgical fabric selected from the group consisting of a Dacron® fabric, a Teflon® fabric, a Gore-Tex® fabric, and the like.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
173 words
16 . The apparatus of a claim 12 , further comprising: a guiding rod including a rod end piece formed at a first end of said rod, said rod end piece having a plurality of support brackets extending from said rod end piece and a guiding ring affixed to said support brackets, said ring being adapted to engage said second end of said first cylinder, wherein said interior surface of said second cylinder slidingly engages an exterior surface of each of said support brackets; a securing member including a rod sleeve which slidingly engages said guiding rod, and a sleeve end piece formed on a first end of said rod sleeve, said sleeve end piece having a plurality of securing brackets, which are adapted to engage said second cylinder and which are positioned to interfit with said support brackets; and urging means for sliding said securing member on said guiding rod, whereby said second securing means of said second cylinder are urged into engagement with said first securing means on said first cylinder.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
61 words
17 . The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein said urging means comprises a handle, said handle affixed to a second end of said guiding rod and including a grip having a levered projection, such that when said grip is pressed against said handle, said levered projection contacts said securing member and urges said securing member toward said rod end piece.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
37 words
18 . The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein at least one eyelet is formed on each of said supporting brackets for receiving at least one suture, whereby said guiding ring is guided onto said first cylinder.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
118 words
19 . An apparatus for automatically fixing sutures used in the surgical replacement of a heart valve, comprising: a first cylinder having a first end and a second end and an interior surface and an exterior surface; a valve sleeve comprising an annular cuff surrounding said exterior surface adjacent to said first end of said first cylinder, first securing means formed on said exterior surface adjacent to said second end of said first cylinder; a replacement heart valve positioned within said valve sleeve; and a second cylinder having second securing means formed on an interior surface of said second cylinder, such that said second securing means corresponds to and are adapted to fixedly engage said first securing means.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
118 words
19 . An apparatus for automatically fixing sutures used in the surgical replacement of a heart valve, comprising: a first cylinder having a first end and a second end and an interior surface and an exterior surface; a valve sleeve comprising an annular cuff surrounding said exterior surface adjacent to said first end of said first cylinder, first securing means formed on said exterior surface adjacent to said second end of said first cylinder; a replacement heart valve positioned within said valve sleeve; and a second cylinder having second securing means formed on an interior surface of said second cylinder, such that said second securing means corresponds to and are adapted to fixedly engage said first securing means.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
26 words
20 . The apparatus of claim 19 , wherein said first securing means is an annular lip and said second securing means is an annular groove.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
26 words
21 . The apparatus of claim 19 , wherein said first securing means is an annular groove and said second securing means is an annular lip.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
173 words
22 . The apparatus of a claim 19 , further comprising: a guiding rod including a rod end piece formed at a first end of said rod, said rod end piece having a plurality of support brackets extending from said rod end piece and a guiding ring affixed to said support brackets, said ring being adapted to engage said second end of said first cylinder, wherein said interior surface of said second cylinder slidingly engages an exterior surface of each of said support brackets; a securing member including a rod sleeve which slidingly engages said guiding rod, and a sleeve end piece formed on a first end of said rod sleeve, said sleeve end piece having a plurality of securing brackets, which are adapted to engage said second cylinder and which are positioned to interfit with said support brackets; and urging means for sliding said securing member on said guiding rod, whereby said second securing means of said second cylinder are urged into engagement with said first securing means on said first cylinder.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
61 words
23 . The apparatus of claim 22 , wherein said urging means comprises a handle, said handle affixed to a second end of said guiding rod and including a grip having a levered projection, such that when said grip is pressed against said handle, said levered projection contacts said securing member and urges said securing member toward said rod end piece.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
35 words
24 . The apparatus of claim 22 , wherein at least one eyelet is formed on said supporting brackets for receiving at least one suture, whereby said guiding rod is directed to said first cylinder.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
244 words
25 . A method for automatically fixing sutures to secure a valve sleeve including an annular cuff and a replacement heart valve to an annulus formed in a patient's heart, comprising the steps of: removing an existing heart valve thereby forming an annulus in the patient's heart; placing a first cylinder having a first end and a second end and an interior surface and an exterior surface and comprising first securing means formed on said exterior surface adjacent to said second end of said first cylinder, wherein said first cylinder includes a valve sleeve having an annular cuff, such that said annular cuff surrounds said exterior surface adjacent to said first end of said first cylinder; positioning said annular cuff of said valve sleeve in said annulus and securing said cuff to said annulus with a plurality of sutures; threading said plurality of sutures over said exterior surface of said first cylinder and over an interior surface of a second cylinder, said second cylinder having second securing means corresponding to and adapted to fixedly engage said first securing means of said first cylinder; applying pressure against said first cylinder and tension to said plurality of sutures to ensure a blood-tight seal between said cuff of said valve sleeve and said annulus; and securing said plurality of sutures between said first cylinder and said second cylinder by engaging said first securing means of said first cylinder with said second securing means of said second cylinder.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
244 words
25 . A method for automatically fixing sutures to secure a valve sleeve including an annular cuff and a replacement heart valve to an annulus formed in a patient's heart, comprising the steps of: removing an existing heart valve thereby forming an annulus in the patient's heart; placing a first cylinder having a first end and a second end and an interior surface and an exterior surface and comprising first securing means formed on said exterior surface adjacent to said second end of said first cylinder, wherein said first cylinder includes a valve sleeve having an annular cuff, such that said annular cuff surrounds said exterior surface adjacent to said first end of said first cylinder; positioning said annular cuff of said valve sleeve in said annulus and securing said cuff to said annulus with a plurality of sutures; threading said plurality of sutures over said exterior surface of said first cylinder and over an interior surface of a second cylinder, said second cylinder having second securing means corresponding to and adapted to fixedly engage said first securing means of said first cylinder; applying pressure against said first cylinder and tension to said plurality of sutures to ensure a blood-tight seal between said cuff of said valve sleeve and said annulus; and securing said plurality of sutures between said first cylinder and said second cylinder by engaging said first securing means of said first cylinder with said second securing means of said second cylinder.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
36 words
26 . The method of claim 25 , further comprising the step of trimming said plurality of sutures at a length in a range of about 3 mm to about 5 mm, above said second cylinder.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
23 words
27 . The method of claim 25 , further comprising the step of trimming said plurality of sutures flush with said second cylinder.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
23 words
28 . The method of claim 25 , wherein said plurality of sutures is in a range of about 18 to 24 sutures.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
221 words
29 . The method of claim 25 , further comprising the steps of: positioning a guiding rod including a rod end piece formed at a first end of said rod, said rod end piece having a plurality of support brackets extending from said rod end piece and a guiding ring affixed to said support brackets, wherein said ring is adapted to engage a second end of said first cylinder, to engage said first cylinder and to hold said cuff against said annulus; positioning said second cylinder, such that said interior surface of said second cylinder slidingly engages an exterior surface of each of said support brackets of said guiding rod; positioning a securing member which slidingly engages said guiding rod, and has a rod sleeve end piece formed on a first end of said rod sleeve, said sleeve end piece having a plurality of securing brackets, which are adapted to engage said second cylinder and which are positioned to interfit with said support brackets, such that said securing member engages said second cylinder; threading said plurality of sutures through a plurality of eyelets formed on said plurality of securing brackets; and urging said securing member on said guiding rod, whereby said second securing means of said second cylinder is urged into engagement with said first securing means on said first cylinder.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
236 words
30 . A method for automatically fixing sutures to secure a valve sleeve including an annular cuff and a replacement heart valve to an annulus formed in a patient's heart, comprising the steps of: removing an existing heart valve thereby forming an annulus in the patient's heart; positioning said annular cuff of said valve sleeve in said annulus and securing said cuff to said annulus with a plurality of sutures; placing a first cylinder having a first end and a second end and an interior surface and an exterior surface and comprising first securing means formed on said exterior surface adjacent to said second end of said first cylinder, within said valve sleeve, such that said annular cuff surrounds said exterior surface adjacent to said first end of said first cylinder; threading said plurality of sutures over said exterior surface of said first cylinder and over an interior surface of a second cylinder, said second cylinder having second securing means corresponding to and adapted to fixedly engage said first securing means of said first cylinder; applying pressure against said first cylinder and tension to said plurality of sutures to ensure a blood-tight seal between said cuff of said valve sleeve and said annulus; and securing said plurality of sutures between said first cylinder and said second cylinder by engaging said first securing means of said first cylinder with said second securing means of said second cylinder.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
236 words
30 . A method for automatically fixing sutures to secure a valve sleeve including an annular cuff and a replacement heart valve to an annulus formed in a patient's heart, comprising the steps of: removing an existing heart valve thereby forming an annulus in the patient's heart; positioning said annular cuff of said valve sleeve in said annulus and securing said cuff to said annulus with a plurality of sutures; placing a first cylinder having a first end and a second end and an interior surface and an exterior surface and comprising first securing means formed on said exterior surface adjacent to said second end of said first cylinder, within said valve sleeve, such that said annular cuff surrounds said exterior surface adjacent to said first end of said first cylinder; threading said plurality of sutures over said exterior surface of said first cylinder and over an interior surface of a second cylinder, said second cylinder having second securing means corresponding to and adapted to fixedly engage said first securing means of said first cylinder; applying pressure against said first cylinder and tension to said plurality of sutures to ensure a blood-tight seal between said cuff of said valve sleeve and said annulus; and securing said plurality of sutures between said first cylinder and said second cylinder by engaging said first securing means of said first cylinder with said second securing means of said second cylinder.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
36 words
31 . The method of claim 30 , further comprising the step of trimming said plurality of sutures at a length in a range of about 3 mm to about 5 mm, above said second cylinder.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
23 words
32 . The method of claim 30 , further comprising the step of trimming said plurality of sutures flush with said second cylinder.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
23 words
33 . The method of claim 30 , wherein said plurality of sutures is in a range of about 18 to 24 sutures.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
221 words
34 . The method of claim 30 , further comprising the steps of: positioning a guiding rod including a rod end piece formed at a first end of said rod, said rod end piece having a plurality of support brackets extending from said rod end piece and a guiding ring affixed to said support brackets, wherein said ring is adapted to engage a second end of said first cylinder, to engage said first cylinder and to hold said cuff against said annulus; positioning said second cylinder, such that said interior surface of said second cylinder slidingly engages an exterior surface of each of said support brackets of said guiding rod; positioning a securing member which slidingly engages said guiding rod, and has a rod sleeve end piece formed on a first end of said rod sleeve, said sleeve end piece having a plurality of securing brackets, which are adapted to engage said second cylinder and which are positioned to interfit with said support brackets, such that said securing member engages said second cylinder; threading said plurality of sutures through a plurality of eyelets formed on said plurality of securing brackets; and urging said securing member on said guiding rod, whereby said second securing means of said second cylinder is urged into engagement with said first securing means on said first cylinder.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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