Patent US5549617A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5549617A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Apparatus and method for applying and adjusting an anchoring device
Assignee: United States Surgical Corp
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Filing: 1995-02-21
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Granted: 1996-08-27
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Expires: 2015-02-21
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for elevating, approximating and/or restraining internal organs or structures, and more particularly for treating female urinary stress incontinence are provided. The apparatus include an anchoring device having an elongated suture with an anchor at each end thereof and a cinching member therebetween for adjusting the operative length of the suture, an articulating apparatus for applying the anchoring device during an endoscopic or laparoscopic procedure, and an apparatus for drawing the suture relative to the cinching member after it has been emplaced.
Inventors
- 👤 David T. Green
- 👤 Henry R. Sienkiewicz
- 👤 Keith Ratcliff
- 👤 Salvatore Castro
- 👤 Scott E. Manzo
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 03:48
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/04; A61B17/0401; A61B17/0483; A61B17/06; A61B17/06066; A61B17/06109; A61B17/062; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/0004; A61F2/0031; A61F2/0036; A61B17/0469; A61B17/12; A61B17/132; A61B17/1322; A61B17/1327; A61B17/56; A61B17/58; A61B17/68; A61B17/82; A61B2017/00743; A61B2017/00805; A61B2017/0409; A61B2017/0416; A61B2017/0417; A61B2017/0446; A61B2017/0448; A61B2017/0451; A61B2017/0454; A61B2017/0464; A61B17/28; A61B17/29; A61B2017/2926; A61B2017/2927; A61B50/00; A61B2050/005; A61B2050/0065; A61B50/30; A61F2/0045; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T24/00; Y10T24/39; Y10T24/3969; Y10T24/3973; Y10T24/3996
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 32
Claim 1
Independent Claim
202 words
An apparatus for applying a surgical anchoring device to body tissue comprising: a) a handle assembly, including a housing defining an internal actuation chamber and, defining a longitudinal axis; b) an elongated frame extending distally from said handle assembly and including a body portion and a distal end portion configured for articulated movement, said distal end portion having a tissue receiving port defined therein; c) a needle body extending from said handle assembly through said body portion, to said tissue receiving port, said needle body having an axial bore extending therethrough for retaining the surgical anchoring device; d) single actuation means operatively associated with said handle assembly for initially and reciprocally moving said needle body relative to said frame to communicate with said tissue receiving port and for subsequently advancing the surgical anchoring device from a distal end of said needle body, said actuation means including a carrier assembly configured for reciprocating movement within said actuation chamber of said housing and a plunger mechanism configured for reciprocating movement relative to said carrier assembly; and e) control means operatively associated with said frame for effectuating articulated movement of said distal end portion of said frame relative to said body portion of said frame.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
202 words
An apparatus for applying a surgical anchoring device to body tissue comprising: a) a handle assembly, including a housing defining an internal actuation chamber and, defining a longitudinal axis; b) an elongated frame extending distally from said handle assembly and including a body portion and a distal end portion configured for articulated movement, said distal end portion having a tissue receiving port defined therein; c) a needle body extending from said handle assembly through said body portion, to said tissue receiving port, said needle body having an axial bore extending therethrough for retaining the surgical anchoring device; d) single actuation means operatively associated with said handle assembly for initially and reciprocally moving said needle body relative to said frame to communicate with said tissue receiving port and for subsequently advancing the surgical anchoring device from a distal end of said needle body, said actuation means including a carrier assembly configured for reciprocating movement within said actuation chamber of said housing and a plunger mechanism configured for reciprocating movement relative to said carrier assembly; and e) control means operatively associated with said frame for effectuating articulated movement of said distal end portion of said frame relative to said body portion of said frame.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said actuation means further comprises an elongated feed rod operatively connected to said plunger mechanism and extending into the axial bore of said needle body for sequentially advancing said anchor members therefrom.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
61 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein movement of said plunger mechanism through a first longitudinal distance relative to said housing will effect movement of said needle body relative to said frame and movement of said plunger mechanism through a second longitudinal distance relative to said carrier assembly will effect movement of said feed rod relative to said needle body.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 3, further comprising means for inhibiting movement of said feed rod until said plunger mechanism has moved through said first longitudinal distance.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 4, wherein said inhibiting means comprises a pivoting latch member connected to said carrier assembly and configured to interact with said plunger mechanism until said plunger mechanism has moved through said first longitudinal distance.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 3, further comprising means disposed within said elongated frame for permitting sequential advancement of said feed rod relative to said needle body.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
51 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein said permitting means comprises a clutch assembly including a spring biased clutch plate having an aperture formed therein for receiving said feed rod, said clutch plate being configured to interact with a plurality of spaced apart circumferential grooves formed on said feed rod.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
197 words
An apparatus for applying a surgical anchoring device to body tissue comprising: a) a handle assembly defining a longitudinal axis; b) an elongated frame extending distally from said handle assembly and including a body portion and a distal end portion configured for articulated movement, said distal end portion having a tissue receiving port defined therein; c) a needle body extending from said handle assembly, through said body portion, to said tissue receiving port, said needle body having an axial bore extending therethrough for retaining the surgical anchoring device; d) single actuation means operatively associated with said handle assembly for initially and reciprocally moving said needle body relative to said frame to communicate with said tissue receiving port and for subsequently advancing the surgical anchoring device from a distal end of said needle body; e) control means operatively associated with said frame for effectuating articulated movement of said distal end portion of said frame relative to said body portion of said frame; and f) means operatively associated with said distal end portion of said frame for effectuating independent rotation of said distal end portion of said frame about a longitudinal axis extending therethrough relative to said body portion.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
197 words
An apparatus for applying a surgical anchoring device to body tissue comprising: a) a handle assembly defining a longitudinal axis; b) an elongated frame extending distally from said handle assembly and including a body portion and a distal end portion configured for articulated movement, said distal end portion having a tissue receiving port defined therein; c) a needle body extending from said handle assembly, through said body portion, to said tissue receiving port, said needle body having an axial bore extending therethrough for retaining the surgical anchoring device; d) single actuation means operatively associated with said handle assembly for initially and reciprocally moving said needle body relative to said frame to communicate with said tissue receiving port and for subsequently advancing the surgical anchoring device from a distal end of said needle body; e) control means operatively associated with said frame for effectuating articulated movement of said distal end portion of said frame relative to said body portion of said frame; and f) means operatively associated with said distal end portion of said frame for effectuating independent rotation of said distal end portion of said frame about a longitudinal axis extending therethrough relative to said body portion.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
64 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 8, wherein said independent rotation means comprises a first helical drive member operatively associated with a proximal portion of said body, a second helical drive member operatively associated with said distal end portion of said body, and an elongated transmission shaft extending through said body for transmitting rotation from said first helical member to said second helical member.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
234 words
An apparatus for applying a surgical anchoring device to body tissue, the anchoring device including an elongated suture having an anchor member positioned at each end thereof, said apparatus comprising: a) a handle assembly defining a longitudinal axis and having an internal actuation chamber formed therein; b) a reciprocating carrier assembly housed within said internal actuation chamber; c) an elongated frame extending distally from said handle assembly and including a body portion and a distal end portion adapted for articulated movement, said distal end portion having a tissue receiving port defined therein; d) a reciprocating needle body extending from said carrier assembly, through said body portion, to said tissue receiving port, said needle body having an axial bore extending therethrough for retaining the anchor members in alignment; e) actuation means operatively associated with said carrier assembly for initially moving said needle body relative to said frame to communicate with said tissue receiving port and for subsequently advancing one of the anchor members from a distal end of said needle body; f) articulation control means operatively associated with said frame for effectuating articulated movement of said distal end portion of said frame relative to said body portion of said frame; and g) rotation control means operatively associated with said frame for effectuating rotation of said distal end portion of said frame about a longitudinal axis extending therethrough relative to said body portion of said frame.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
234 words
An apparatus for applying a surgical anchoring device to body tissue, the anchoring device including an elongated suture having an anchor member positioned at each end thereof, said apparatus comprising: a) a handle assembly defining a longitudinal axis and having an internal actuation chamber formed therein; b) a reciprocating carrier assembly housed within said internal actuation chamber; c) an elongated frame extending distally from said handle assembly and including a body portion and a distal end portion adapted for articulated movement, said distal end portion having a tissue receiving port defined therein; d) a reciprocating needle body extending from said carrier assembly, through said body portion, to said tissue receiving port, said needle body having an axial bore extending therethrough for retaining the anchor members in alignment; e) actuation means operatively associated with said carrier assembly for initially moving said needle body relative to said frame to communicate with said tissue receiving port and for subsequently advancing one of the anchor members from a distal end of said needle body; f) articulation control means operatively associated with said frame for effectuating articulated movement of said distal end portion of said frame relative to said body portion of said frame; and g) rotation control means operatively associated with said frame for effectuating rotation of said distal end portion of said frame about a longitudinal axis extending therethrough relative to said body portion of said frame.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 10, wherein said actuation means comprises a plunger mechanism configured to effect reciprocating movement of said carrier assembly and said needle body.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
40 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein said actuation means further comprises an elongated feed rod operatively connected to said plunger mechanism and extending into the axial bore of said needle body for sequentially advancing the anchor members therefrom.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
61 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 12, wherein movement of said plunger mechanism through a first longitudinal distance relative to said housing will effect movement of said needle body relative to said frame and movement of said plunger mechanism through a second longitudinal distance relative to said carrier assembly will effect movement of said feed rod relative to said needle body.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
34 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 13, further comprising means operatively associated with said feed rod for inhibiting movement of said feed rod until said plunger mechanism has moved through said first longitudinal distance.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
40 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 14, wherein said inhibiting means comprises a pivoting latch member connected to said carrier assembly and configured to interact with said plunger mechanism until said plunger mechanism has moved through said first longitudinal distance.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 12, further comprising means disposed within said elongated frame for permitting sequential advancement of said feed rod relative to said needle body.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
51 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 16, wherein said permitting means comprises a clutch assembly including a spring biased clutch plate having an aperture formed therein for receiving said feed rod, said clutch plate being configured to interact with a plurality of spaced apart circumferential grooves formed on said feed rod.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
45 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 10, wherein said articulation control means comprises a pair of reciprocating parallel rod members extending through said body portion to said distal end portion, and a rotator member operatively associated with said rod members for effectuating the movement thereof.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
63 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 10, wherein said rotation means comprises a first helical drive member operatively associated with a proximal portion of said body, a second helical drive member operatively associated with said distal end portion of said body, and an elongated transmission shaft extending through said body for transmitting rotation from said first helical member to said second helical member.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
169 words
An apparatus for applying a surgical anchoring device to body tissue comprising: a) a handle assembly defining a longitudinal axis; b) an elongated frame extending distally from said handle assembly and including a body portion and a distal end portion adapted for articulated movement; c) an elongated flexible needle body extending through said frame from said handle portion and having an axial bore extending therethrough for retaining the surgical anchoring device; d) single actuation means operatively associated with said handle assembly for initially and reciprocally moving said needle body in a longitudinal direction relative to said elongated frame and for subsequently advancing the surgical anchoring device from a distal end of said needle body; e) means operatively associated with said frame for articulating said distal end portion of said frame relative to said body portion of said frame; and f) means operatively associated with said frame for rotating said distal end portion of said frame about a longitudinal axis extending therethrough relative to said body portion of said frame.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
169 words
An apparatus for applying a surgical anchoring device to body tissue comprising: a) a handle assembly defining a longitudinal axis; b) an elongated frame extending distally from said handle assembly and including a body portion and a distal end portion adapted for articulated movement; c) an elongated flexible needle body extending through said frame from said handle portion and having an axial bore extending therethrough for retaining the surgical anchoring device; d) single actuation means operatively associated with said handle assembly for initially and reciprocally moving said needle body in a longitudinal direction relative to said elongated frame and for subsequently advancing the surgical anchoring device from a distal end of said needle body; e) means operatively associated with said frame for articulating said distal end portion of said frame relative to said body portion of said frame; and f) means operatively associated with said frame for rotating said distal end portion of said frame about a longitudinal axis extending therethrough relative to said body portion of said frame.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
30 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 20, further comprising a surgical anchoring device including an elongated suture and a transverse anchor member positioned at each end of said elongated suture.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 21, wherein said axial bore of said needle body is dimensioned and configured to retain said anchor members in sequential alignment.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
45 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 20, wherein said articulation control means comprises a pair of reciprocating parallel rod members extending through said body portion to said distal end portion, and a rotator member operatively associated with said rod members for effectuating the movement thereof.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
63 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 20, wherein said rotation means comprises a first helical drive member operatively associated with a proximal portion of said body, a second helical drive member operatively associated with said distal end portion of said body, and an elongated transmission shaft extending through said body for transmitting rotation from said first helical member to said second helical member.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
251 words
A method for approximating a first anatomical structure relative to a second anatomical structure comprising the steps of: a) providing an anchoring device including an elongated suture having a first anchor at one end thereof, a second anchor at the opposed end thereof, and means for cinching said suture disposed therebetween in such a manner so as to form a loop in said suture; b) providing an anchor placement apparatus including an elongated frame for housing a reciprocating needle body defining an axial bore in which said first and second anchors are retained, said frame including an articulating distal end portion; c) providing an apparatus for drawing said suture relative to said cinching means, said apparatus including means for engaging said suture provided at the distal end thereof; d) manipulating said anchor placement apparatus to engage the first anatomical structure; e) securing said first anchor to the first anatomical structure by extending a distal end of said needle body therethrough; f) manipulating said anchor placement device to engage the second anatomical structure; g) securing said second anchor to the second anatomical structure by extending said distal end of said needle body therethrough; h) engaging said loop formed in said suture adjacent said cinching means with the engaging means provided at the distal end of the suture drawing apparatus; and i) retracting the engaging means to draw said suture relative to said cinching means, and thereby approximate said first and second anchors to move the first and second anatomical structures into juxtaposition.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
251 words
A method for approximating a first anatomical structure relative to a second anatomical structure comprising the steps of: a) providing an anchoring device including an elongated suture having a first anchor at one end thereof, a second anchor at the opposed end thereof, and means for cinching said suture disposed therebetween in such a manner so as to form a loop in said suture; b) providing an anchor placement apparatus including an elongated frame for housing a reciprocating needle body defining an axial bore in which said first and second anchors are retained, said frame including an articulating distal end portion; c) providing an apparatus for drawing said suture relative to said cinching means, said apparatus including means for engaging said suture provided at the distal end thereof; d) manipulating said anchor placement apparatus to engage the first anatomical structure; e) securing said first anchor to the first anatomical structure by extending a distal end of said needle body therethrough; f) manipulating said anchor placement device to engage the second anatomical structure; g) securing said second anchor to the second anatomical structure by extending said distal end of said needle body therethrough; h) engaging said loop formed in said suture adjacent said cinching means with the engaging means provided at the distal end of the suture drawing apparatus; and i) retracting the engaging means to draw said suture relative to said cinching means, and thereby approximate said first and second anchors to move the first and second anatomical structures into juxtaposition.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method according to claim 25, wherein at least one of said steps of manipulating said anchor placement apparatus comprises articulating said distal end portion of said frame to a desired angularly oriented position.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
43 words
A method as according to claim 25, further comprising the step of sequentially urging said first and second anchors from the axial bore of said needle body to individually secure said first and second anchors to the first and second anatomical structures, respectively.
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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) | 1999-08-27 | 2000-02-26 | 2000-08-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-08-27 | 2004-02-26 | 2004-08-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-08-27 | 2008-02-26 | 2008-08-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |