US5725522A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Laser suturing of biological materials
Assignee: Cardiofocus Inc
•
Filing: 1995-06-07
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Granted: 1998-03-10
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Expires: 2015-06-07
Abstract
Abstract Methods and systems for endoscopic suturing of biological tissue are disclosed. Endoscopic instruments are described which serve to position a suture material at an anastomotic site and deliver laser radiation to the suture material to effect fusion. The suture material includes a structure adapted for positioning at an anastomotic site and has at least a portion of the structure formed by a photoreactive crosslinking agent, such that upon irradiation of the structure the crosslinking agent adheres to the biological material. In one embodiment, the suture material can also include a high tensile strength element which is coated with a laser activatable crosslinking agent or glue. Upon activation, the suture material creates a desired closure or joinder of the biological material and is left in place while the endoscope is advanced to another target site or removed.
Inventors
- 👤 Edward L. Sinofsky
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 04:02
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/00491; B; B23; B23K; B23K26/00; B23K26/02; B23K26/03; B23K26/032; A61B17/04; A61B17/0469; A61B17/11; B23K26/06; B23K26/064; B23K26/0648; B23K26/0665; A61B18/00; A61B2018/00982
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
105 words
An apparatus for joining biological materials comprising: a suture means for delivering a photoreactive suture material to an anastomotic site, the suture material comprising a crosslinking agent such that upon irradiation of said suture means the crosslinking agent adheres to the biological material; laser means for delivering laser radiation to said anastomotic site to activate the crosslinking agent and induce bonding of the suture material to the biological material, thereby providing a suture between segments of biological material; and a tubular casement, housing at least a portion of both the suture means and the laser means to facilitate delivery of the suture material and radiation.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
105 words
An apparatus for joining biological materials comprising: a suture means for delivering a photoreactive suture material to an anastomotic site, the suture material comprising a crosslinking agent such that upon irradiation of said suture means the crosslinking agent adheres to the biological material; laser means for delivering laser radiation to said anastomotic site to activate the crosslinking agent and induce bonding of the suture material to the biological material, thereby providing a suture between segments of biological material; and a tubular casement, housing at least a portion of both the suture means and the laser means to facilitate delivery of the suture material and radiation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the apparatus has a diameter less than about 2.0 micrometers to permit insertion into an instrument channel of an endoscope.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the casement is an endoscope and the suture means and the laser means form integral parts of the endoscope.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said suture means further comprises a structure which is biodegradable over time in vivo.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the crosslinking agent comprises at least one agent chosen from the group consisting of collagen, elastin, fibrin and albumin.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the suture material further comprises a crosslinking agent and at least one high tensile strength element which inhibits tears in said suture material.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the high tensile strength element is connected to said cross-linking agent, such that, upon irradiation, the high strength element and biological material are joined to each other to enhance bond strength.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the laser means further comprises a laser generating an output wavelength ranging from about 1.4 to about 2.5 micrometers.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the apparatus further includes analyzing means for determining the degree of crosslinking within an exposure zone based on said plurality of reflectance intensity measurements at distinct wavelengths.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the laser means further comprises at least one low hydroxyl ion content silica fiber within the casement to deliver laser radiation to the site.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
60 words
A method for joining biological material comprising: endoscopically delivering a suture material to an anastomotic site, the suture material comprising a photoreactive crosslinking agent; and endoscopically delivering light energy to said site such that upon irradiation of said suture material with said light energy the crosslinking agent adheres to the biological material and thereby provides closure at said anastomotic site.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
60 words
A method for joining biological material comprising: endoscopically delivering a suture material to an anastomotic site, the suture material comprising a photoreactive crosslinking agent; and endoscopically delivering light energy to said site such that upon irradiation of said suture material with said light energy the crosslinking agent adheres to the biological material and thereby provides closure at said anastomotic site.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 11 wherein the method further comprises measuring light reflected from said site; and controlling the laser in response to monitored changes in the reflectance of the light from the site to achieve crosslinking of the biological materials without thermal damage.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 11 wherein the method further comprises tuning the output wavelength of the beam of laser radiation to match the characteristics of the crosslinking agent or the biological materials.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method according to claim 11 wherein the method further comprises analyzing the degree of crosslinking within an exposure zone based on measurements of reflectance intensity at a plurality of wavelengths.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 11 wherein the method further comprises applying a suture material having at least one high tensile strength element which inhibits tears in said structure.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of claim 15 wherein the high tensile strength element is connected to said cross-linking agent, such that, upon irradiation, the high strength element and biological material are joined to each other to enhance bond strength to the anastomotic site prior to laser irradiation.
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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) | 2001-03-09 | 2001-09-08 | 2002-03-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-03-09 | 2005-09-08 | 2006-03-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-03-09 | 2009-09-08 | 2010-03-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |