US5454823A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Suturing apparatus
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1994-02-07
•
Granted: 1995-10-03
•
Expires: 2014-02-07
Abstract
Abstract Surgical suturing apparatus comprises upper and lower jaw elements selectively movable relative to one another between open and closed position. Each jaw element is provided with a respective recess arranged to receive a portion of an elongate incision member or length of surgical thread and securing means is provided arranged to selectively secure the surgical incision member or length of surgical thread in a respective recess. The jaw elements are typically provided at an end of an elongate positioning and operating arm making the device particularly useful for use in laparoscopic surgery.
Inventors
- 👤 Philip Richardson
- 👤 Margaret P. Richardson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 23:42
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/04; A61B17/06; A61B17/062; A61B17/0625; A61B17/0469; A61B17/28; A61B17/2812; A61B17/282; A61B17/06066; A61B17/06166; A61B17/2804; A61B17/29; A61B2017/2926; A61B2017/2932; A61B2017/2939
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 56
Claim 1
Independent Claim
121 words
Surgical apparatus comprising: an elongated tubular portion having a distal portion and a proximal portion; first and second jaw elements, each of said jaw elements extending from said distal portion of said tubular portion, each of said jaw elements having a recess configured and dimensioned to receive a portion of an elongate surgical incision member; mechanically actuated securing means for securing the portion of the surgical incision member within said recess, wherein said securing means engages said recess in each said jaw element in a first position and is disengaged from said recess in a second position; and actuation means for relatively moving said first and second jaw elements, said actuation means positioned at the proximal portion of said tubular portion.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
121 words
Surgical apparatus comprising: an elongated tubular portion having a distal portion and a proximal portion; first and second jaw elements, each of said jaw elements extending from said distal portion of said tubular portion, each of said jaw elements having a recess configured and dimensioned to receive a portion of an elongate surgical incision member; mechanically actuated securing means for securing the portion of the surgical incision member within said recess, wherein said securing means engages said recess in each said jaw element in a first position and is disengaged from said recess in a second position; and actuation means for relatively moving said first and second jaw elements, said actuation means positioned at the proximal portion of said tubular portion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said jaw elements is pivotally movable relative to the other jaw element.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an actuation member connected to said first and second jaw elements for moving said elements.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising an incision member, wherein said incision member is curved in its longitudinal direction, and said recesses in said first and second jaw elements are curved.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of said recesses is in the form of a slot extending substantially through the respective jaw element.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said slot tapers from a mouth portion to an apex portion.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
117 words
Surgical apparatus comprising: an elongated tubular body portion; first and second jaw elements extending from said body portion and connected at a pivot point, at least one of said jaw elements being movable, each of said jaw elements having a recess configured and dimensioned to receive a portion of an elongate surgical incision member, wherein each recess is in the form of a slot, each of said jaws further having a mechanically actuated securing member engageable with each said recess for securing the surgical incision member in each said recess and mechanical means positioned at the proximal portion of the elongated tubular body portion for actuating said at least one movable jaw element and said securing member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
117 words
Surgical apparatus comprising: an elongated tubular body portion; first and second jaw elements extending from said body portion and connected at a pivot point, at least one of said jaw elements being movable, each of said jaw elements having a recess configured and dimensioned to receive a portion of an elongate surgical incision member, wherein each recess is in the form of a slot, each of said jaws further having a mechanically actuated securing member engageable with each said recess for securing the surgical incision member in each said recess and mechanical means positioned at the proximal portion of the elongated tubular body portion for actuating said at least one movable jaw element and said securing member.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the incision member is curved in its longitudinal direction, and said recesses in said first and second jaw elements are curved.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said slot tapers from a mouth portion to an apex portion.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
47 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising an elongate positioning arm having a distal end and a proximal end, said first and second jaw elements extending from said distal end and control means positioned at said proximal end for controlling said first and second jaw elements.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
100 words
Surgical apparatus comprising: an elongated tubular body portion having a longitudinal axis; first and second jaw elements extending longitudinally from said body portion, at least one of said jaw elements being movable, each of said jaw elements having securing means for securing a portion of a surgical incision member and further having releasing means engageable with said securing means for releasing the portion of the surgical incision member secured by said securing means; and mechanical means positioned at the proximal portion of the elongated tubular body portion for actuating said at least one movable jaw element and said securing means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
100 words
Surgical apparatus comprising: an elongated tubular body portion having a longitudinal axis; first and second jaw elements extending longitudinally from said body portion, at least one of said jaw elements being movable, each of said jaw elements having securing means for securing a portion of a surgical incision member and further having releasing means engageable with said securing means for releasing the portion of the surgical incision member secured by said securing means; and mechanical means positioned at the proximal portion of the elongated tubular body portion for actuating said at least one movable jaw element and said securing means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
17 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said pivot point is asymmetrically disposed between said jaw elements.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
25 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said securing means separately secures said portion of said surgical incision member in each of said jaw elements.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
14 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said securing means comprises a U-shaped element.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
13 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said securing means comprises two arms.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
19 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a surgical incision member, said surgical incision member including a needle.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
11 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said needle is curved.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
19 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a surgical incision member, the surgical incision member including a suture.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
20 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 11, wherein only said first jaw element is movable relative to said second jaw element.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
25 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising control means positioned at a proximal end of said body portion for moving said first jaw element.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
22 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising at least one actuation cable connected between said control means and said jaw elements.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
14 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said control means comprises a pistol grip.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
17 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said body portion is rotatably attached to said control means.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
98 words
Surgical suturing apparatus comprising: an elongated tubular body portion having a longitudinal axis; first and second jaw elements extending longitudinally from a distal portion of said body portion, and having receiving means for receiving a portion of a surgical incision member and securing means for securing a portion of the surgical incision member in each said jaw element; means engageable with said jaw elements for moving the surgical incision member between said first and second jaw elements; and mechanically actuated control means positioned at a proximal portion of said elongated tubular body portion for controlling said moving means.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
98 words
Surgical suturing apparatus comprising: an elongated tubular body portion having a longitudinal axis; first and second jaw elements extending longitudinally from a distal portion of said body portion, and having receiving means for receiving a portion of a surgical incision member and securing means for securing a portion of the surgical incision member in each said jaw element; means engageable with said jaw elements for moving the surgical incision member between said first and second jaw elements; and mechanically actuated control means positioned at a proximal portion of said elongated tubular body portion for controlling said moving means.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
18 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 24, wherein said receiving means comprises a recess in each said jaw element.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
13 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 24, wherein said surgical incision member is curved.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
20 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 24, wherein only said first jaw element is movable relative to said second jaw element.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
31 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 24, wherein said first and second jaw elements are positioned relative to each other around a pivot point which is asymmetrically disposed between said jaw elements.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
14 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 24, wherein said securing means comprises a U-shaped element.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
13 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 24, wherein said securing means comprises two arms.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
35 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 24, further comprising a handle assembly having a pivotable handle, wherein full closure of said pivotable handle automatically moves the surgical incision member between said first and second jaw elements.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
126 words
Surgical apparatus comprising: a handle portion having two pivotably connected members; an elongated tubular portion having a longitudinal axis and extending from said handle portion; first and second jaws extending longitudinally from said tubular portion and operatively connected to the handle portion, at least one of said jaws being movable with respect to said other jaw upon actuation of the handle portion; and a surgical incision member transferable between said first and second jaws upon movement of said handle portion, wherein said surgical incision member is movable from a first position where it is retained by said first jaw and released by said second jaw and a second position wherein said surgical incision member is retained by said second jaw and released by said first jaw.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
126 words
Surgical apparatus comprising: a handle portion having two pivotably connected members; an elongated tubular portion having a longitudinal axis and extending from said handle portion; first and second jaws extending longitudinally from said tubular portion and operatively connected to the handle portion, at least one of said jaws being movable with respect to said other jaw upon actuation of the handle portion; and a surgical incision member transferable between said first and second jaws upon movement of said handle portion, wherein said surgical incision member is movable from a first position where it is retained by said first jaw and released by said second jaw and a second position wherein said surgical incision member is retained by said second jaw and released by said first jaw.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
29 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 32, further including a mechanically actuated retaining member engageable with the surgical incision member for retaining said surgical incision member in its respective jaw.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
18 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 32, wherein said surgical incision member includes a needle attached to a suture.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
21 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 34, wherein at least a portion of said suture is housed inside said elongated tubular portion.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
11 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 34, wherein said needle is curved.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
18 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 32, wherein said jaws extend from a pivot point inside said tubular portion.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
19 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 32, wherein each jaw has a recess configured to receive said surgical incision member.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
12 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 32, wherein said retaining member is U-shaped.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
33 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 32, further comprising a longitudinally sliding mechanism positioned in the tubular portion, said sliding mechanism operatively connected to the handle portion for moving said first and second jaws.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
19 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 32, wherein said jaws are pivotably mounted at a proximal end to each other.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
91 words
Surgical apparatus comprising: a handle portion; an elongated tubular portion having a longitudinal axis and extending from said handle portion; first and second jaws extending longitudinally from said tubular portion and operatively connected to the handle portion, at least one of said jaws being movable with respect to said other jaw upon actuation of said handle portion; a surgical incision member transferable between said first and second jaws; and a mechanically actuable mechanism for retaining said incision member in one of the jaws when released from the other of said jaws.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
91 words
Surgical apparatus comprising: a handle portion; an elongated tubular portion having a longitudinal axis and extending from said handle portion; first and second jaws extending longitudinally from said tubular portion and operatively connected to the handle portion, at least one of said jaws being movable with respect to said other jaw upon actuation of said handle portion; a surgical incision member transferable between said first and second jaws; and a mechanically actuable mechanism for retaining said incision member in one of the jaws when released from the other of said jaws.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
17 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 42, wherein said handle portion comprises at least one pivotal handle member.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
19 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 42, wherein said first and second jaws are pivotally mounted by a pivot pin.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
29 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 42, further comprising a suture connected to said surgical incision member, said suture extending through at least a portion of said elongated tubular portion.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
34 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 42, wherein said tubular portion has a longitudinal axis and said jaws extend from said tubular portion along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of said tubular portion.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
32 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 46, wherein said surgical incision member is retained in said first and second jaws in a position perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of each said respective jaw.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
33 words
Surgical apparatus according to claim 42, further comprising a longitudinally sliding mechanism positioned in the tubular portion, said sliding mechanism operatively connected to the handle portion for moving said first and second jaws.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
116 words
Surgical apparatus comprising: a handle portion having two pivotably connected members; an elongated tubular portion extending from said handle portion; first and second jaws extending distally longitudinally from said tubular portion and operatively connected to the handle portion, at least one of said jaws being movable with respect to said other jaw upon actuation of the handle portion; and a surgical incision member transferable between said first and second jaws, wherein said surgical incision member is movable from a first position where it is retained by said first jaw and released by said second jaw and a second position wherein said surgical incision member is retained by said second jaw and released by said first jaw.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
116 words
Surgical apparatus comprising: a handle portion having two pivotably connected members; an elongated tubular portion extending from said handle portion; first and second jaws extending distally longitudinally from said tubular portion and operatively connected to the handle portion, at least one of said jaws being movable with respect to said other jaw upon actuation of the handle portion; and a surgical incision member transferable between said first and second jaws, wherein said surgical incision member is movable from a first position where it is retained by said first jaw and released by said second jaw and a second position wherein said surgical incision member is retained by said second jaw and released by said first jaw.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-10-02 | 1999-04-03 | 1999-10-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-10-02 | 2003-04-03 | 2003-10-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-10-02 | 2007-04-03 | 2007-10-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |