HK40041688B - Suturing system - Google Patents

Description

Suture system

This International Patent Cooperation Treaty (IPTC) patent application is a continuation to U.S. Nonprovisional Patent Application No. 15/947,612, filed on April 6, 2018, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Background Technology

A suture system comprising an apparatus and a method for placing a suture in a matrix, the apparatus comprising a suture carrier that inserts the suture into the matrix at a first position and extracts the suture from the matrix at a second position.

Summary of the Invention

Therefore, the main object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus comprising one or more of the following: a suture probe including a wire capture chamber disposed near a matrix capture chamber having an opening open toward an outer surface of the suture probe; and a wire carrier slidably engaged with the suture probe, the wire carrier entering the wire capture chamber through the outside of the matrix capture chamber.

Another primary object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing an apparatus comprising one or more of the following: placing a wire trapping chamber near a matrix trapping chamber in a suture probe, the matrix trapping chamber having an opening that opens toward an outer surface of the suture probe; and slidingly engaging a wire carrier in the suture probe, the wire carrier entering the wire trapping chamber through the outside of the matrix trapping chamber.

Another primary object of the present invention is to provide a method of using the device, the method comprising one or more of the following: capturing a matrix in a matrix capture chamber of a suture probe; and driving a thread carrier in the suture probe toward a thread capture chamber near the matrix capture chamber, the thread carrier passing through the matrix outside the matrix capture chamber into the thread capture chamber.

Naturally, other objects of the invention are disclosed throughout the specification, drawings, photographs and other places in the claims.

Attached Figure Description

Figure 1 is a first perspective view of an embodiment of a suturing device having a thread carrier in a retracted state.

Figure 2 is a second perspective view of an embodiment of a suturing device having a thread carrier in an extended state.

Figure 3 is a first side elevation view of an embodiment of the suturing device.

Figure 4 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the suturing device.

Figure 5 is a second side elevation view of an embodiment of the suturing device.

Figure 6 is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the suturing device.

Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the suture probe shown in Figure 1.

Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the suture probe shown in Figure 2.

Figure 9 is an enlarged view of part 9 shown in the side elevation view of Figure 3 of a specific embodiment of the suture probe.

Figure 10 is an enlarged view of the suture probe shown in Figure 10.

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view 11-11 of Figure 4 showing a specific embodiment of the suture probe and the matrix trapping chamber insert removed from the matrix trapping chamber.

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view 12-12 of Figure 4 showing a specific embodiment of the suture probe and the matrix trapping chamber insert connected to the matrix trapping chamber.

Figure 13 is an enlarged view of a specific embodiment of the wire carrier and wire capture assembly, showing the location of the wire carrier extending into the wire capture chamber.

Figure 14 is an enlarged view of a specific embodiment of the line carrier and line capture assembly, showing the location of the line carrier extending into and engaging with the line capture assembly.

Figure 15 is an enlarged view of a specific embodiment of the line carrier and line capture assembly, showing the location of the line carrier extending into and engaging with the line capture assembly.

Figure 16 is an enlarged view of a specific embodiment of the line carrier and line capture assembly, showing the location of the line carrier extending into and engaging with the line capture assembly.

Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of a specific embodiment of the suturing device shown in Figure 4.

Figure 18 is an enlarged view of a portion of a cross-section of a specific embodiment of the suture probe shown in Figure 17.

Figure 19 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a cross-section of a specific embodiment of the handle shown in Figure 17.

Figure 20 is an enlarged view of a cross section 20-20 of a specific embodiment of the tubular member shown in Figure 4.

Figure 21 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a specific embodiment of the stop assembly in the first position of the line carrier.

Figure 22 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a specific embodiment of the stop assembly located between the first position and the second position of the line carrier.

Figure 23 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a specific embodiment of the stop assembly in the second position of the line carrier.

Figure 24 is a perspective view of a specific embodiment of a sewing device having a thread passing through a thread carrier hole and placed in a thread catch.

Figure 25 is an enlarged perspective view of the wire gripper shown in Figure 1.

Figure 26 is an enlarged perspective view of the wire gripper shown in Figure 1.

Figure 27 is an enlarged side view of a specific embodiment of the wire gripper.

Figure 28 is an enlarged plan view of a specific embodiment of the wire gripper.

Figure 29 is an enlarged view of a specific embodiment of the line carrier and line capture assembly, showing the location of the line carrier having a line carrier extending into the line capture chamber.

Figure 30 is an enlarged view of a specific embodiment of the line carrier and line capture assembly, showing the position of the line carrier having a line carrier engaged with the line capture assembly.

Figure 31 is an enlarged view of a specific embodiment of the line carrier and line capture assembly, showing the position of the line carrier engaged with the line capture assembly.

Figure 32 is an enlarged view of a specific embodiment of the line carrier and line capture assembly, showing the location of the line carrier having a line captured by the line capture assembly.

Figure 33A depicts a specific method using suture equipment.

Figure 33B depicts a specific method of inserting a suture probe into a body opening.

Figure 33C depicts a specific method of palpating the matrix towards the matrix capture chamber.

Figure 33D depicts a specific method of operating a suture device to drive the suture carrier through the matrix.

Figure 33E depicts a specific method for placing a suture loop on the matrix and removing the suture probe from the body opening.

Figure 34 shows multiple sutures obtained using a suturing device.

Detailed Implementation

Referring generally to Figures 1 to 31, an embodiment of the suture device 1 includes a matrix capture chamber 2 and a thread carrier 3 carrying a thread 4, which moves axially between a retracted state 5 and an extended state 6, in which the thread carrier end 7 passes outside the matrix capture chamber 2 and enters the thread capture chamber 8 to engage a thread capture assembly 9, which captures the thread 4 to create a thread loop when the thread carrier 3 returns to the retracted state 5.

Referring now primarily to Figures 1 to 10, embodiments of the suturing device 1 may include a suturing probe 10. The suturing probe 10 may extend axially outward from the tubular member 11 to terminate in a probe tip 12. The outer surface 13 of the suturing probe may, but need not, be configured as an extension of the outer dimensions of the tubular member 11, thereby allowing the probe tip 12 to pass through a body opening 14, such as a natural body opening or incision, to engage a matrix 15, such as skin, fascia, fat, or muscle (as illustrated in the illustrative examples of Figures 33A to 33E). While specific examples of the matrix 15 include tissue 16 comprising human or animal tissue, this specification is not intended to exclude the capture of matrix 15 other than human or animal tissue, including, as illustrative examples, cadaveric tissue, tissue simulators, tissue models, elastomeric components, plastics, or natural fabrics.

Referring again primarily to Figures 1 through 10, in a particular embodiment, the suture probe 10 may have a generally cylindrical outer suture probe surface 13 terminating in a blunt probe tip 12. In a particular embodiment, the outer suture probe surface 13 may include a tapered, beveled, or inclined surface adjacent to the probe tip 12 to reduce the size at the probe tip 12. A probe surface 17 having an inclined, tapered, or downward-sloping shape may be advantageous because it allows the suture probe 10 to additionally penetrate the matrix 15, such as animal tissue, with less tissue dissection or trauma.

Again, referring primarily to Figures 1 to 10, in a particular embodiment, a matrix trapping chamber 2 may be disposed within the suture probe 10. The matrix trapping chamber 2 may include chamber sidewalls 18 fixedly connected in a relative relationship to a chamber bottom 19 spaced a distance from the chamber opening 20, the chamber opening opening toward the outer surface 13 of the suture probe. In a particular embodiment, the vertical chamber sidewalls 18 may define a perimeter larger than the perimeter of the chamber opening 20. In a particular embodiment, the matrix trapping chamber 2 may, but not necessarily, be fluidly connected to a vacuum source 21 operable to generate a reduced chamber pressure 22 in the matrix trapping chamber 2 sufficient to trap, extract, or place the matrix 15 into the matrix trapping chamber 2.

In a particular embodiment, the suture probe 10 may include a recessed portion 23, wherein the chamber opening 20 opens toward the recessed portion 23 of the outer surface 13 of the suture probe, wherein the suture carrier 3 is operable to pass through the outside of the matrix capture chamber 2 within the recessed portion 23 of the outer surface 13 of the suture probe. In a particular embodiment, the recessed portion 23 of the outer surface 13 of the suture probe may be arcuate (as illustrated in the illustrative examples of Figures 7 to 9). The arcuate recessed portion 23 of the outer surface 13 of the suture probe may, but need not, be configured to allow the tip of the finger 24 to apply force to the matrix 15 to move the matrix toward the matrix capture chamber 2 (as illustrated in the illustrative example of Figure 33C).

Referring now primarily to Figures 7 to 10, the recessed portion 23 of the outer surface 13 of the suture probe may include a substantially flat arcuate surface 25 in which the chamber 20 opens to provide a recessed peripheral edge 26 around the chamber 20. Providing a recessed peripheral edge 26 with a substantially flat or reduced curvature around the chamber 20 may be advantageous because it increases the surface area of the outer surface 13 of the suture probe in contact with the matrix 15. In embodiments where a reduced chamber pressure 22 can be generated in the matrix trapping chamber 2, or where a reduced chamber pressure can reduce the movement of the suture probe 10 relative to the matrix 15 trapped in the matrix trapping chamber 2, the increased surface area of the outer surface 13 of the suture probe can provide a substantial advantage in terms of matrix trapping.

Referring now primarily to Figures 1, 2, 4, and 10, the opening 20 may, but need not, be arranged in a stadium-shaped configuration 27, which is a rectangle with semicircles on a pair of opposite sides. The matrix capture chamber 2 may, but need not, have a stadium-shaped chamber bottom 19 arranged opposite the stadium-shaped opening 20 and connected by substantially vertical chamber sidewalls 18.

Referring to Figure 34, the stadium-shaped configuration 27 of the matrix capture chamber 2 may be advantageous because a larger amount of matrix 15 can be placed in the matrix capture chamber compared to a matrix capture chamber with a conventional slotted or substantially circular matrix capture chamber 2, and correspondingly, the matrix 15 penetrated by the suture carrier 3 can place the suture entry point 28 and the suture exit point 29 at a greater distance (also referred to as suture yield 30) compared to a conventional slotted or cylindrical suction chamber. The suture yield 30 produced by using the stadium-shaped configuration 27 can be much larger than the suture yield obtained using a cylindrical suction chamber or a conventional suction chamber with a slotted configuration. A conventional cylindrical configuration may draw matrix into a conical configuration within a conventional cylindrical suction chamber, and a conventional needle penetrates the matrix only near the apex of the cone. Conventional slotted suction chambers may not have sufficient volume to place the substrate at a adequate distance within the chamber, and conventional needles may only penetrate adjacent substrate layers that are close to the folds or edges.

Referring now to Figures 11 and 12, a particular embodiment of the suture probe may include a matrix capture chamber insert 31. The matrix capture chamber insert 31 may include a matrix capture chamber insert sidewall 32 connecting a matrix capture chamber insert bottom 33 to a matrix capture chamber insert port 34. The matrix capture chamber insert 31 may be removably coupled to the interior of the matrix capture chamber 2 to alter the configuration or volume of the matrix capture chamber 2. Corresponding to the altered configuration or volume of the matrix capture chamber insert 31, the volume of matrix 15 captured in the matrix capture chamber 2 may be increased or decreased accordingly, and the suture yield 30 may be adjusted accordingly (as illustrated in the illustrative example of Figure 34). The matrix capture chamber insert 31 may have an insertion hole element 35 arranged to fluidly connect the internal volume of the matrix capture chamber insert 31 and the matrix capture chamber insert port 34 to a first longitudinal channel 36 connecting the matrix capture chamber 2 to a vacuum port 37 through which a fluid flow 38 passes to regulate the chamber pressure 22 within the matrix capture chamber 2. As illustrated in the illustrative example of Figure 12, the matrix capture chamber insert 31 may have a matrix capture chamber insert bottom 33, which, in interchangeable embodiments, may be positioned at a depth equal to or less than the distance between the matrix capture chamber bottom 19 and the chamber opening 20. The opening area of the matrix capture chamber insert opening 34 may be approximately equal to or less than the opening area defined by the chamber opening 20. However, this illustrative example is not intended to exclude other configurations of the matrix capture insert 31 where only the chamber sidewall 18, only the chamber opening 20, or only the chamber bottom 19, or combinations thereof, can be modified.

Referring now primarily to Figures 13 to 16, a line capture assembly 9 can be placed in the line capture chamber 8. The line capture assembly 9 may include at least one resilient flexible hook member 39A correspondingly terminating in at least one hook 40A. The resilient flexible hook member 39A may be coupled to the inner surface 41 of the line capture chamber to position the hook 40A at a location engaging the line carrier 3 and bending the at least one resilient flexible hook member 39A. In a particular embodiment, the line capture assembly 9 may include a pair of resilient flexible hook members 39A, 39B each correspondingly terminating in one of a pair of hooks 40A, 40B. The pair of resilient flexible hook members 39A, 39B may each be coupled to the inner surface 41 of the line capture chamber to position the pair of hooks 40A, 40B at a distance from each other at corresponding engagement locations on opposite sides of the line carrier 3, thereby bending each of the pair of resilient flexible hook members 39A, 39B (as illustrated in the examples of Figures 13 and 14). When the line carrier 3 retracts from the line capturing chamber 8, the pair of elastic flexible hook members 39A and 39B each return to an unbent state that disengages each of the pair of hooks 40A and 40B from the line carrier 3.

Again, referring primarily to Figures 13 to 16, the line carrier 3 may further include a notch 42, which is axially positioned at a distance from the line carrier bore element 43. The notch 42 defines a notch passage 44 between a first end 45 and a second end 46 of the notch passage, both of which are open on the outer surface 47 of the line carrier. The notch 42 may be angled across the longitudinal axis 48 of the line carrier 3, such that the first end 45 is positioned proximal to the chamber 20 at the end 7 of the line carrier, and the second end 46 is positioned distal to the chamber 20 at the end 7 of the line carrier. A hook 40A or a pair of hooks 40A, 40B engages the line carrier 3, thereby bending at least one resilient flexible hook member 39A or a pair of resilient flexible hook members 39A, 39B and aligning one of the hooks 40A, 40B with the second end 46 of the notch passage. The flexible bending portion moves the hook 40A into the second end 46 of the notch passage. The hook 40A travels through the notch passage 44 and disengages from the line carrier 3 by exiting from the first end 45 of the notch passage.

Referring now primarily to Figures 17 to 20, the thread carrier 3 may be coupled to the first end 49 of the drive member and may extend axially outward to terminate in the thread carrier end 7. The thread carrier 3 may include a thin rod, which may, but does not necessarily, taper gradually in the direction approaching the thread carrier end 7. The taper may be sufficient to allow the thread carrier 3 to pass through a particular type of matrix 15, and with respect to a particular embodiment, the thread carrier 3 may taper to a point at the thread carrier end 7 to pass through the matrix 15 comprising animal tissue. A thread carrier aperture element 43 may be disposed axially at a distance from the thread carrier end 7. The thread carrier aperture element 43 defines a thread carrier aperture 50. With respect to a particular embodiment, the thread carrier aperture 50 may have a thread carrier aperture axis 51 disposed generally orthogonal to the thread carrier longitudinal axis 48 and generally orthogonal to a plane 52 that bisects the chamber opening 20 longitudinally (as shown in the cross-section of Figure 18, the plane generally orthogonal to the thread carrier aperture axis 51 bisects the chamber opening 20 longitudinally).

Referring now primarily to Figures 1 to 6, an embodiment of the suturing device 1 may include a housing 53. The housing 53 may include a handle 54 and a tubular member 11 extending axially outward from the handle 54 and terminating in the suturing probe 10. The outer surface 55 of the handle may, but need not, be configured to engage by a human hand in a grasping manner.

Again, referring primarily to Figures 17 to 20, the handle 54 can accommodate the wire carrier actuator 56 in an axially sliding engagement. The wire carrier actuator 56 may include an elongated actuating member 57 having a length disposed between a first end 49 and a second end 58 of the actuating member. The elongated actuating member 57 moves axially within the handle 54 in response to an actuating member actuator 59. In a particular embodiment, an actuating member actuator slot 60 may be disposed in the handle 54, and the actuating member actuator 59 may be configured to extend through the actuating member actuator slot 60 to present a pressable actuating member actuator button 61, which, upon forced actuation, causes the elongated actuating member 57 to move axially within the handle 54 in a corresponding manner. In a particular embodiment, the wire carrier driver 56 can be bidirectionally operated to simultaneously reciprocate the wire carrier end 7 between a first position 62 and a second position 64. The first position positions the wire carrier end 7 within a second longitudinal channel 63, which opens towards the probe outer surface 13 outside the matrix capture chamber 2. In the second position, the wire carrier end 7 is positioned within the wire capture chamber 8 (as illustrated in the examples of Figures 7 to 10). The second longitudinal channel 63 can be fluidly separated from the first longitudinal channel 36 connected to the vacuum source 21. Therefore, the wire carrier 3, positioned within the second longitudinal channel 63 and reciprocating from the first position 62 to the second position 64 outside the matrix capture chamber 2, does not require a seal to maintain the reduced chamber pressure 22 generated in the first longitudinal channel 36 fluidly connected to the vacuum source 21 within the matrix capture chamber 2.

Referring now primarily to Figures 17 to 19, housing 53 can be configured to provide a vacuum port 37 open on the outer surface 55 of the handle (as illustrated in the examples of Figures 1 to 6 and 17 to 19). Vacuum port 37 can be coupled to a vacuum source 21 (as illustrated in the examples of Figures 1 and 2). Vacuum source 21 can include any pump from a variety of conventional vacuum or suction pumps. Vacuum source 21 can be operated to generate a reduced chamber pressure 22 in the matrix trapping chamber 2.

Referring now primarily to Figures 21 to 23, the second end 58 of the drive member can be coupled to the stop assembly 65. The stop assembly 65 may include one or more of a stop member 66, a tip receptacle 67, and a tip 68. The stop member 66 may have a length disposed between the first end 69 and the second end 70 of the stop member. The first end 69 of the stop member can be coupled to the line carrier actuator 56. The second end 70 of the stop member may have a cone extending toward the second end 70 of the stop member. The tip receptacle 67 may be disposed between the first end 69 and the second end 70 of the stop member. The tip receptacle 67 may engage the tip 68, which may be coupled to the inner surface 71 of the handle 54. The line carrier actuator 56 is operable to cause simultaneous axial movement of the line carrier 3 and the stop member 66. The stop member 66 can be bent, thereby allowing the tip 68 to disengage from the tip receiver 67 when the line carrier driver 56 operates to allow the line carrier 3 to move toward the line carrier second position 64. The stop member 66 can also be bent to allow the tip 68 to traverse along the cone of the second end 70 of the stop member toward the tip receiver 67, wherein the tip 68 can engage the tip receiver 67 when the line carrier driver 56 operates to move the line carrier 3 toward the line carrier first position 62.

Referring now primarily to Figures 1 to 11 and 24, the Thread 4 can be positioned in the Thread Carrier Hole Element 43. To facilitate the placement of the Thread 4 in the Thread Carrier Hole Element 43, a particular embodiment may include a Thread Groove 72. The Thread Groove 72 may be positioned within the suture probe 10 near an opening in the second longitudinal channel 63 located in the outer surface 13 of the suture probe. The position of the Thread Carrier Hole Element 43, positioned in the first location 62, can be aligned with the Thread Groove 72 to allow the Thread 4 to pass through both the Thread Groove 72 and the Thread Carrier Hole Element 43.

Referring now primarily to Figures 24 to 28, in a particular embodiment, the method in the sewing apparatus 1 may include passing a first end 73 of the thread 4 through a thread carrier hole element 43 disposed on the thread carrier 3. In a particular embodiment, the method may further include passing the first end 73 of the thread 4 through the thread carrier hole element 43 while aligning the first end 73 of the thread 4 with a thread groove 72 disposed in a handle 54. In a particular embodiment, a second end 74 of the thread 4 (or both ends of the thread 4) may be held in a thread gripper 75 disposed on the handle 54. Embodiments of the thread gripper 75 may include a thread gripper base 76 containing a thread gripper groove 77 configured to grip and hold the thread 4. In the embodiments shown in Figures 24 to 28, the thread gripper 75 may, but does not necessarily, include one or more friction pads 78 disposed in a relative relationship around the thread gripper groove 77. In a particular embodiment, the friction pads 78 may include an elastic material that, when disposed in the thread gripper groove 77, increases the friction on the thread 4. In a particular embodiment, the cable gripper 75 may include a cable gripper base 76, the cable gripper base including a cable gripper hole element 80. The cable gripper hole element 80 may define a cable gripper hole communicating between a distal end and a proximal end of the cable gripper 75. The cable 4 may pass through the cable gripper hole in a direction from the distal to the proximal side.

Referring primarily to Figures 29 to 32, the method in the suturing apparatus 1 may include driving a suture carrier 3, which is slidably engaged with the suture probe 10, toward the suture capture chamber 8. A suture capture assembly 9 disposed in the suture capture chamber 8 is slidably engaged with the suture carrier 3 carrying the suture 4. The suture 4 is positioned near at least one resilient flexible hook member 39A terminating in a hook 40A. The hook 40A is aligned with the second end 46 of a notch 42 disposed in the suture carrier 3 (as illustrated in the examples of Figures 29 and 30). The suture carrier 3, slidably engaged with the suture probe 10, is driven away from the suture capture chamber 8, causing the hook 40A to move through a notch passage 44. The suture 4 is captured on the hook 40A (as illustrated in the examples of Figures 31 and 32).

Referring now primarily to Figures 33A to 33E, the method in the suturing apparatus 1 may include passing the first end 73 of the suture 4 through a suture carrier aperture element 43 disposed on the suture carrier 3 (as shown in the example of Figure 33A). Inserting the suturing probe 10 into the body opening 14 of the matrix 15 (as shown in the example of Figure 33B). Forcibly pushing the matrix 15 toward the matrix trapping chamber 2 disposed in the suturing probe 10, which, in certain embodiments, includes contacting the matrix 15 with a finger 24 or other instrument or device (as shown in the example of Figure 33C). Trapping the matrix 15 in the matrix trapping chamber 2, which may, but does not necessarily, involve generating a reduced chamber pressure 22 in the matrix trapping chamber 2 by operating a vacuum source 21 to extract and hold a certain amount of matrix 15 in the matrix trapping chamber 2. Driving the suture carrier 3, which is slidably engaged in the suturing probe 10, toward the suture trapping chamber 8. Allowing the suture carrier 3 carrying the suture 4 to pass through the matrix 15 outside the matrix trapping chamber 2 into the suture trapping chamber 8 (as shown in the example of Figure 33D). Engaging the suture carrier 3 with the suture trapping assembly 9 disposed in the suture trapping chamber 8. The wire 4 is captured onto the wire capture assembly 9. The wire carrier 3 is reciprocated from the wire capture chamber 8 and through the matrix 15 to create a wire loop in the matrix 15 (as shown in the example of FIG33E). In a particular embodiment, the method may further include inserting a matrix capture chamber insert 31 into the matrix capture chamber 2.

Regarding the suture carrier 3 in the suture probe 10 driving towards the suture capture chamber 8, the method may further include pressing a drive member actuator button 61 extending through a drive member actuator slot 60 in a handle 54 of the suture device 1. This pressing may produce movement of the suture carrier 3 toward the suture capture chamber 8 in a first direction 79. This movement of the suture carrier 3 in the first direction 79 allows the suture carrier 3 to pass through the matrix 15 outside the matrix capture chamber 2 and enter the suture capture chamber 8 without compromising the integrity of the reduced chamber pressure 22 generated by the vacuum source 21 fluidly connected to the matrix capture chamber 2. In a particular embodiment, the method may further include bending the stop assembly 65, thereby disengaging the tip 68 from the tip receiver 67 and advancing the tip 68 along the cone of the second end 70 of the stop assembly, allowing the suture carrier 3 to move in the first direction 79.

Referring now primarily to Figure 34, it may be advantageous to modify the configuration or volume of the matrix capture chamber 2. Various configurations and volumes of the matrix capture chamber 2 can correspondingly alter the suture yield 30 in the matrices 15, 16 by utilizing the matrix capture chamber insert 31 and, depending on application requirements, by utilizing the vacuum source 21 to reduce the pressure 22 within the matrix capture chamber 2. In a particular embodiment incorporating the vacuum source 21, reducing the pressure 22 within the matrix capture chamber 2 can capture a larger amount of matrix 15 within the matrix capture chamber 2, thereby increasing the suture yield 30. The suture yield 30 can be adjusted by using the matrix capture chamber insert 31, which alters the volume of the matrix capture chamber 2 available for containing the matrix 15. In other particular embodiments, the matrix capture chamber insert 31 can be used without utilizing the vacuum source 21, thereby reducing the suture yield 30, which is the opposite of applications utilizing the vacuum source 21. Therefore, by modifying the factors utilizing the matrix capture chamber insert 31 and by utilizing the vacuum source 21, the suture yield 30 can be increased or decreased depending on the application.

As can be readily understood from the foregoing, the basic concept of the present invention can be embodied in a variety of ways. The present invention relates to many different embodiments of an installable carrier and methods (including preferred modes) for manufacturing and using such an installable carrier.

Therefore, the specific embodiments or elements of the invention disclosed in the specification or shown in the accompanying drawings or tables are not intended to be limiting, but rather to illustrate many different embodiments generally covered by the invention or equivalents covered with respect to any particular element. Furthermore, the specific description of a single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitly describe all possible embodiments or elements; the specification and drawings implicitly disclose many alternatives.

It should be understood that each element of the apparatus or each step of the method can be described using apparatus terminology or method terminology. Such terminology can be replaced where necessary to clarify the implied broad scope of the invention. For example, it should be understood that all steps of the method can be disclosed as actions, means of taking said actions, or elements causing said actions. Similarly, each element of the apparatus can be disclosed as a physical element or an action facilitated by said physical element. For example, disclosure of “installation” should be understood to cover disclosure of the act of “installation”—whether explicitly discussed or not—and conversely, if the act of “installation” is effectively disclosed, such disclosure should be understood to cover disclosure of “installation” and even “means for installation.” Such alternative terms for each element or step should be understood to be explicitly included in the specification.

Furthermore, with regard to each term used, it should be understood that, unless its use in this application is inconsistent with such interpretation, the general dictionary definition should be understood as contained in the description of each term included in the second edition of Random House Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary, each definition hereby incorporated by reference.

Whether explicitly stated or not, it is assumed that all numerical values herein are modified by the term “about”. For the purposes of this invention, a range may be expressed as “about” one particular value to “about” another particular value. When expressing such a range, another embodiment includes one particular value to another particular value. A description of a numerical range by endpoints includes all numerical values included within the range. Numerical ranges one to five include, for example, the values 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc. It should be further understood that each endpoint of the range is significant relative to and independent of the other endpoint. When a value is expressed as an approximation using the antecedent “about”, it should be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term “about” generally refers to a series of numerical values that a person skilled in the art considers equivalent to the stated numerical value or to have the same function or result. Similarly, the antecedent “substantially” largely but not entirely means the same form, manner, or degree, and a particular element will have a series of configurations that a person skilled in the art considers to have the same function or result. When a particular element is expressed as an approximation using the antecedent “substantially”, it should be understood that the particular element forms another embodiment.

Furthermore, for the purposes of this invention, the term "an or an entity" refers to one or more of the stated entities, unless otherwise specified. Thus, the terms "an or an," "one or more," and "at least one" are used interchangeably herein.

Therefore, it should be understood that the applicant requires at least: i) each of the installable carriers disclosed and described herein; ii) the related methods disclosed and described; iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods; iv) alternative embodiments that implement each of the functions shown, disclosed, or described; v) alternative designs and methods that are implicit in implementing each of the functions shown for the purpose of implementing the functions disclosed and described; vi) each feature, component, and step shown as a separate and independent invention; vii) applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed; viiii) the resulting products produced by such systems or components; ix) methods and apparatus described substantially as in any of the examples appended with reference to the foregoing; and x) various combinations and arrangements of each of the foregoing elements disclosed.

The background section of this patent application provides a statement of the field to which this invention pertains. This section may also incorporate or include explanations of the subject matter of certain U.S. patent applications, publications, or claimed inventions that may be used to describe information, problems, or concerns relating to the level of technology involved in this invention. Any U.S. patent applications, publications, statements, or other information cited or incorporated herein is not intended to be construed as, understood as, or considered as prior art to this invention.

The claims listed in this specification (if any) are hereby incorporated by reference as part of the specification of this invention, and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all or part of such incorporated content of such claims as additional description to support any or all claims or any element or component thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to transfer any part or all of such incorporated content of such claims or any element or component thereof from the specification to the claims, or vice versa, as desired, to limit the matters sought to be protected by this application or any subsequent or continuation application, divisional or partial continuation application, or to obtain any benefit, fee reduction or compliance with any national or treaty patent law, rule or regulation, and such incorporated content by reference shall remain in force throughout the pending period of this application—including any subsequent or continuation application, divisional or partial continuation application or any reissue or extension thereof.

Furthermore, the claims (if any) listed in this specification are further intended to describe the scope and limits of a limited number of preferred embodiments of the invention and should not be construed as the most extensive embodiments of the invention or a complete list of embodiments of the invention that may be claimed. The applicant does not waive any right to generate additional claims based on the foregoing description as part of any continuation application, divisional application, or continuation in part of a similar application.

Claims (42)

1. An apparatus comprising: A suture probe, the suture probe comprising a suture probe recessed outer surface portion extending to a peripheral edge defining an opening area; A wire capture chamber, the wire capture chamber being open within the opening area defined by the portion of the recessed outer surface of the suture probe; A matrix capture chamber having an opening that opens toward a portion of the outer surface of the suture probe recess, the opening having an area limited by a continuously transitioning edge, the area being smaller than the area limited by the peripheral edge defining the portion of the outer surface of the suture probe recess, the matrix capture chamber being operable to capture matrix within the matrix capture chamber of the suture probe; and A suture carrier is slidably engaged with the suture probe, the suture carrier passing entirely outside the matrix capture chamber through the opening area into the matrix and into the suture capture chamber. 2. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a wire carrier hole element disposed near the end of a wire carrier, the wire carrier hole element defining a wire carrier hole communicating between opposing hole openings on the outer surface of the wire carrier. 3. The device of claim 2, further comprising a wire groove disposed in the outer surface of the suture probe, the wire carrier hole being alignable with the wire groove to allow a wire to pass through the wire carrier hole. 4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the wire carrier hole has a hole axis that is arranged generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the wire carrier. 5. The device according to claim 3, wherein the matrix capture chamber includes a chamber sidewall, the chamber sidewall being fixedly connected to the chamber bottom at a distance from the chamber opening. 6. The device of claim 5, further comprising a matrix capture chamber insert removably coupled inside the matrix capture chamber, the matrix capture chamber insert having a matrix capture chamber insert bottom, the matrix capture chamber insert bottom being capable of being positioned at a depth equal to or less than the distance between the chamber bottom and the chamber opening. 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the matrix capture chamber insert removably coupled inside the matrix capture chamber defines a matrix capture chamber insert port that opens toward the outer surface of the suture probe, the opening area of the matrix capture chamber insert port being equal to or less than the opening area defined by the chamber port. 8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the chamber floor and the chamber opening each have a stadium-shaped configuration. 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the bottom of the matrix capture chamber insert and the port of the matrix capture chamber insert each have a stadium-shaped configuration. 10. The device of claim 7, wherein the wire carrier includes a notch disposed in an outer surface of the wire carrier, the notch defining a notch passage between a first end and a second end of an open notch passage on the outer surface of the wire carrier, the notch being angled across the longitudinal axis of the wire carrier to position the first end of the notch passage proximal to an end of the wire carrier and the second end of the notch passage distal to an end of the wire carrier. 11. The device of claim 10, further comprising a line-capturing assembly disposed within the line-capturing chamber, the line-capturing assembly including at least one resilient flexible hook member terminating in a hook, the hook disposed within the line-capturing chamber engaging the line carrier such that the at least one resilient flexible hook member bends, the hook aligned with the second end of the notch moves into the notch passage, the hook disengaging from the line carrier by exiting from the first end of the notch. 12. The device of claim 11, wherein the hook, by disengaging from the line carrier upon exiting from the first end of the notch, captures the line to retain the line loop. 13. The device of claim 12, wherein the line-capturing assembly comprises a pair of resilient flexible hook members correspondingly terminating in one of a pair of hooks, the pair of hooks being disposed in the line-capturing chamber to engage the line carrier, thereby causing the pair of resilient flexible hook members to bend, wherein one of the pair of hooks aligned with the second end of the notch moves into the notch passage, the hook disengaging from the line carrier by exiting from the first end of the notch. 14. The device of claim 13, further comprising a tubular member having a length disposed between a first end of the tubular member and a second end of the tubular member, the first end of the tubular member being coupled to the suture probe and the second end of the tubular member being coupled to a handle. 15. The device of claim 14, further comprising a wire gripper disposed on the handle near the tubular member, the wire gripper being configured to releasably hold the wire. 16. The device of claim 15, further comprising a wire carrier driver coupled to the wire carrier opposite to the end of the wire carrier, the wire carrier entering the wire carrier capture chamber through the outside of the matrix capture chamber in response to the wire carrier driver. 17. The device of claim 16, further comprising a line carrier driver actuator extending through a drive member actuator slot in the handle to provide a pressable drive member actuator button. 18. The device of claim 17, further comprising a stop assembly coupled to the line carrier driver, the stop assembly comprising: A stop member having a length disposed between a first end and a second end, the first end of the stop member being coupled to the line carrier driver, and the second end of the stop member having a cone extending toward the second end of the stop member; A pointed storage device, wherein the pointed storage device is disposed between the first end of the stop member and the second end of the stop member; A pointed tip, which is attached to the inner surface of the handle, and which can engage with the pointed tip holder; The line carrier driver is operable to move the line carrier and the stop member axially simultaneously, the stop member bending to allow the tip to disengage from the tip receiver, the tip traversing the cone at the second end of the stop member, thereby positioning the line carrier in a first line carrier position inside the line capture chamber. 19. The device of claim 18, wherein the stop member is bent to allow the tip to traverse along the cone at the second end of the stop member toward the tip receiver, the tip engaging the tip receiver to be positioned in a second line carrier location outside the line capture chamber. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising a vacuum source coupled to the matrix capture chamber. 21. The apparatus of claim 20, further comprising a discrete first longitudinal channel connecting the vacuum source and the matrix trapping chamber; and A discrete second longitudinal channel, which is disposed in the tubular member, allows the line carrier to reciprocate axially, and the second longitudinal channel has no seal. 22. A method for manufacturing a suture probe, comprising: A portion of the outer surface of a suture probe recess is provided, the portion of the outer surface of the suture probe recess extending to the outer edge defining the opening area; A suture capture chamber is provided, the suture capture chamber being open within the opening area defined by the portion of the recessed outer surface of the suture probe; A matrix trapping chamber is disposed within the suture probe, the matrix trapping chamber having an opening that opens toward a portion of the outer surface of the suture probe, the opening having an area limited by a continuously transitioning edge, the area being smaller than the area limited by the peripheral edge defining a portion of the recessed outer surface of the suture probe; and The suture probe slides and joins the suture carrier, which enters the suture chamber through the opening area completely outside the matrix capture chamber. 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising placing a wire carrier hole element proximal to the end of the wire carrier, the wire carrier hole element defining a wire carrier hole communicating between opposing hole openings on the outer surface of the wire carrier. 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising placing a wire groove in the outer surface of the suture probe, the wire carrier hole being alignable with the wire groove to allow a wire to pass through the wire carrier hole. 25. The method of claim 24, further comprising arranging the hole axis of the wire carrier hole to be generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the wire carrier. 26. The method of claim 24, further comprising connecting the ventricular sidewall to the ventricular floor at a distance from the ventricular opening in a relatively fixed relationship. 27. The method of claim 26, further comprising removably engaging a matrix capture chamber insert inside the matrix capture chamber, the matrix capture chamber insert having a matrix capture chamber insert bottom, the matrix capture chamber insert bottom being capable of being disposed at a depth equal to or less than the distance between the matrix capture chamber bottom and the chamber opening. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the matrix capture chamber insert removably coupled inside the matrix capture chamber defines a matrix capture chamber insert port open toward the outer surface of the suture probe, the opening area of the matrix capture chamber insert port being equal to or less than the opening area defined by the chamber port. 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the chamber floor and the chamber opening each have a stadium-shaped configuration. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the bottom of the matrix capture chamber insert and the port of the matrix capture chamber insert each have a stadium-shaped configuration. 31. The method of claim 28, further comprising providing a notch in the outer surface of the line carrier, the notch defining a notch passage between a first end and a second end of an open notch passage on the outer surface of the line carrier, the notch being angled across the longitudinal axis of the line carrier to position the first end of the notch passage proximal to an end of the line carrier and the second end of the notch passage distal to an end of the line carrier. 32. The method of claim 31, further comprising: A line-catching assembly is disposed within the line-catching chamber, the line-catching assembly comprising at least one resilient flexible hook member terminating in a hook; and The hook is placed in the line capturing chamber to engage the line carrier, thereby bending the at least one elastic flexible hook member, moving the hook aligned with the second end of the notch into the notch passage, and disengaging from the line carrier by exiting from the first end of the notch. 33. The method of claim 32, further comprising placing a wire in the wire carrier hole element, wherein the hook, by disengaging from the wire carrier upon exiting from the first end of the notch, captures the wire to retain the wire loop. 34. The method of claim 33, wherein the line-capturing assembly comprises a pair of resilient flexible hook members correspondingly terminating in one of a pair of hooks, the method further comprising placing the pair of hooks in the line-capturing chamber to engage the line carrier, thereby causing the pair of resilient flexible hook members to bend, wherein one of the pair of hooks aligned with the second end of the notch moves into the notch passage, the hook disengaging from the line carrier by exiting from the first end of the notch. 35. The method of claim 34, further comprising placing a tubular member between the suture probe and the handle. 36. The method of claim 35, further comprising placing a wire gripper on the handle near the tubular member, the wire gripper being configured to releasably hold the wire. 37. The method of claim 36, further comprising coupling a wire carrier driver to the wire carrier opposite to the end of the wire carrier, the wire carrier entering the wire carrier capture chamber from outside the matrix capture chamber in response to the wire carrier driver. 38. The method of claim 37, further comprising extending a line carrier driver actuator through a drive member actuator slot in the handle to provide a pressable drive member actuator button. 39. The method of claim 38, further comprising coupling a stop assembly to the line carrier driver, the stop assembly comprising: A stop member having a length disposed between a first end and a second end, the first end of the stop member being coupled to the line carrier driver, and the second end of the stop member having a cone extending toward the second end of the stop member; A pointed storage device, wherein the pointed storage device is disposed between the first end of the stop member and the second end of the stop member; A pointed tip, which is attached to the inner surface of the handle and is capable of engaging with the pointed tip holder; The line carrier driver is operable to move the line carrier and the stop member axially simultaneously, the stop member bending to allow the tip to disengage from the tip receiver, the tip traversing the cone at the second end of the stop member, thereby positioning the line carrier in a first line carrier position inside the line capture chamber. 40. The method of claim 39, wherein the stop member is bent to allow the tip to traverse along the cone at the second end of the stop member toward the tip receiver, the tip engaging the tip receiver to be positioned in a second line carrier location outside the line capture chamber. 41. The method of claim 40, further comprising connecting a vacuum source to the matrix trapping chamber. 42. The method of claim 41, further comprising: A first longitudinal channel is disposed in the tubular member to connect the vacuum source to the matrix trapping chamber; and A second longitudinal channel is arranged in the tubular member, in which the wire carrier reciprocates axially. The first longitudinal channel is fluidly separated from the second longitudinal channel, thereby maintaining vacuum suction in the matrix capture chamber without a seal arranged in the second longitudinal channel to engage the wire carrier.