Patent attributes
A suture punch system is capable of directly passing braided suture through tissue in a simple, one-step process. The system includes three principle components: a malleable needle with braided suture attached, a handheld instrument for grasping tissue and controlling needle placement, and a trocar to supply the force required for needle placement. Needle deformation begins at the tip of the instrument, which preferably includes a curved segment. As the distal tip of the needle pierces the tissue, it continues its radial path through the tissue. When the proximal end of the needle exits from the instrument, the needle is entirely radial in shape and traverses an essentially radial path through the tissue. Non-radial linear or non-linear segments may alternatively be used. In one embodiment, the tissue to be sutured is constrained by pressure applied through closure between an upper, moveable jaw the distal portion of the instrument which acts as a fixed jaw. The upper, movable jaw contains a shaped passageway which allows the curved needle to pass therethrough during use. Once the needle has passed entirely through the tissue it is ready for retrieval using the jaws of the punch or another instrument. Different needle designs and separate instruments are also disclosed.
