Suture passing devices and methods

摘要

A suture passing device includes a notchless tubular needle having a preformed curved shape. One or more cleats are disposed within the needle to help secure suture engaged by the sharp distal tip of the needle and to prevent further bifurcation of the suture. The deformable needle is housed in a channel of a lower jaw having a curved guidepath that approximates the curved geometry of the preformed needle, thereby facilitating the consistent return of the needle to its preformed shape each time the needle exits the channel. A dual needle suture passing device is also provided having a second notchless needle to enable a mattress stitch. Methods of loading a suture onto a notchless needle in a suture passer are also provided.

主权项

1. A suture passing device, comprising:
a deformable needle including a sharp distal tip, a distal opening and a memory shape comprising a curved needle geometry when fully exposed; a cleat housed at least partially within the distal opening and configured to protrude distally outward from the distal opening; a first jaw defining an axis and including a channel having a curved channel geometry that approximates the needle geometry, the channel housing the deformable needle when retracted and providing an exit of the deformable needle to facilitate the needle returning to its memory shape upon exit; and a second jaw movable with respect to the first jaw for holding tissue to be sutured.