METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HOLDING SUTURE ENDS TO FACILITATE TYING OF KNOTS

摘要

A knot-tying assist device (100, 200, 300, 320, 330, 340, 350, 370, 400) allows a physician to remotely tie and cinch a knot in two ends (20, 22) of a suture (14) extending from an incision (10) in a vessel or organ of a patient in order to seal an opening in the vessel or organ. The knot-tying assist device (100, 200, 300, 320, 330, 340, 350, 370, 400) includes a first receiving portion (106, 218, 306, 418) and a second receiving portion (108, 220, 308, 420) spaced apart along the device for receiving and holding the two ends (20, 22) of the suture (14). The receiving portions may hold the suture ends (20, 22) loosely, or alternatively may hold the suture ends (20, 22) under tension to facilitate tying the knot. The knot-tying device (100, 200, 300, 320, 330, 340, 350, 370, 400) further includes an engagement portion (120, 122, 204, 302, 402) to stabilize the knot-tying assist device relative to the treatment location. The engagement portion (120, 122, 204, 302, 402) may assist in maintaining tension on the two suture ends (20, 22) so that the suture can hold the incision 10 closed prior to the knot being tied and cinched.