Flexible cutter for surgical stapler

An exemplary surgical apparatus may include an anvil including an outer surface, a channel defined therein, and an aperture defined in the outer surface, where the aperture opens to the channel; and a cutter slidable along and within the channel, where at least a portion of the cutter is flexible. Another exemplary surgical apparatus may include an anvil including an open channel defined therein; and a one-piece cutter including a knife adjacent to a bending region, where the cutter is slidable in the channel; where the knife is initially held completely within the anvil, and where the knife flexes out of the channel and out of the anvil in response to proximal motion of the cutter. An exemplary surgical method of treating tissue within the body of a patient may include providing a flexible cutter including a knife; providing an anvil with a channel defined therein; holding the knife completely within the channel in a stowed position; placing the anvil adjacent to tissue; and moving the cutter proximally, wherein that moving causes at least part of the knife to flex out of the channel and into the tissue adjacent to the anvil.

Automatically reloading suture passer devices that prevent entanglement

Suture passers and methods of use. Described herein are suture passers preloaded with suture, including cartridges that couple to a suture passer to form a loaded suture passer that are configured to prevent a length of suture (e.g., already-passed suture) from re-entering the channel of the suture passer jaw and getting recaptured and/or entangled by the tissue penetrator. In particular, described herein are preloaded and automatically re-loading suture passers that are adapted to include a gate, guide or shield on one of the jaws of the suture passer, and methods of operating such suture passers for surgical use including repairing tissue.

Arthroscopic knot pusher and suture cutter

Pre-tied surgical knots for use with suture passers

Sutures with pre-tied knots for use in percutaneous surgical procedures and devices for easily and quickly tying complex suture knots are disclosed.

Arthroscopic knot pusher and suture cutter

Knot pushers and suture cutter apparatuses to be used arthroscopically, for example, in an arthroscopic knee surgery may be operated with a single control to both lock the suture within the distal end of the apparatus and cut the suture once the knot has been pushed to the appropriate location. The apparatus may include a safety lock preventing deployment of the cutter until the safety lock (e.g., cutter release) has been released.

Resin extractor for additive manufacturing

A method of separating excess resin (15) from at least one object (11), includes: (a) stereolithographically producing at least one object (11) on at least one carrier platform (10), each carrier platform (10) having a planar build surface to which at least one object (11) is connected, each object (11) carrying excess resin (15) on a surface thereof; then (b) mounting each carrier platform (10) to a rotor (31); (c) centrifugally separating excess resin (15) from each object (11) by spinning the rotor (31) with each carrier platform (10) connected thereto while each object (11) remains connected to each carrier platform (10); and then (d) removing each carrier platform (10) from the rotor (31) with each object (11) thereon, with excess resin (15) separated therefrom.

Arthroscopic knot pusher and suture cutter

A surgical knot pusher and suture cutter 100 comprising a handle 101, an elongate holding tube 103, an inner mandrel 109, a tubular cutter 105, a cutter control 111 and a mandrel control 111. The elongate holding tube 103 includes a lateral slot wherein the slot curves such that the proximal end of the slot is 30-90 degrees radially offset from the distal end of the slot. The inner mandrel 109 having a notch and is axially or rotationally movable relative to the holding tube 103 and is configured to capture the suture between the notch of the inner mandrel 109 and holding tube 103. The tubular cutter 105 is configured to be axially movable relative to the holding tube 103 to cut the suture when the tubular cutter 105 is extended distally. The cutter control 111, controls the axial motion of the cutter 105. The mandrel control 111 controls the rotational position of the inner mandrel 109 within the holding tube 103 wherein the mandrel control 111 is biased such that the inner mandrel 109 ...

RESIN EXTRACTOR FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

A method of separating excess resin from at least one object, includes: (a) stereolithographically producing at least one object on at least one carrier platform, each carrier platform having a planar build surface to which at least one object is connected, each object carrying excess resin on a surface thereof; then (b) mounting each carrier platform to a rotor; (c) centrifugally separating excess resin from each object by spinning the rotor with each carrier platform connected thereto while each object remains connected to each carrier platform; and then (d) removing each carrier platform from the rotor with each object thereon, with excess resin separated therefrom. 1. An apparatus for separating excess resin from at least one object , comprising:a collection vessel; anda rotor in the collection vessel and configured to receive at least one carrier platform having at least one object thereon and to spin with each carrier platform connected thereto such that excess resin from each object is removed and optionally received in the collection vessel,wherein each said carrier platform comprises a planar build surface to which said at least one object is connected, andsaid rotor is configured to receive each said carrier platform with said build surface oriented parallel to an axis of rotation of said rotor.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the collection vessel is sealable claim 1 , and wherein the apparatus further comprises a vacuum line connected to the collection vessel and configured to reduce pressure in the collection vessel to reduce drag on each object as it is spun by the rotor.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a resin drain line connected to the collection vessel and configured to collect the excess resin for recycling in a subsequent stereolithographic production process.4. The apparatus of any one of claim 1 , further comprising at least one force gauge that engages the at least one carrier platform claim 1 , each force gauge configured ...

Staple and feeder belt configurations for surgical stapler

One exemplary surgical apparatus may include at least one carrier, staples fixed to a corresponding carrier, and a feeder belt to which at least one carrier is frangibly connected. Another exemplary surgical apparatus may include a staple holder, an anvil movably connected to the staple holder, a feeder belt, where at least part of the feeder belt extends into the staple holder, and staples fixed to and frangibly separable from the feeder belt; where the staples are organized into at least two groups spaced apart from one another; and where at least one staple is deployable to a different closed shape than at least one other staple. Another exemplary surgical apparatus may include a feeder belt, a first plurality of staples fixed directly to and frangibly separable from the feeder belt; a plurality of extension arms extending at least partially in the lateral direction away from the feeder belt; and a second plurality of staples each fixed to an extension arm at a location spaced laterally apart from the feeder belt.

MENISCUS REPAIR

Methods for repairing a meniscus, and particularly a torn meniscus. A method of repairing a meniscus may include using a suture passer to pass a suturing element from the region between the superior surface of the meniscus and the femoral condyle, through the meniscus tissue, into the region between the inferior surface of the meniscus and the tibial plateau, across the inferior surface of the meniscus, and back to the superior surface of the meniscus, without deeply penetrating the posterior capsular region of the knee. Equivalently, the suture element may be passed from the inferior surface of the meniscus to the superior surface and back to the inferior surface.

Surgical Method Utilizing a Soft-Tipped Anvil

A surgical method for treating a tissue structure having a wall and a lumen may include providing a substantially rigid anvil and a flexible tip affixed to and extending from the distal end of that anvil; making an incision in the wall of the tissue structure; inserting the flexible tip and at least a portion of the rigid anvil through the incision into the lumen of the tissue structure; and deforming at least one connector, introduced from outside the wall of the tissue structure, against the portion of the rigid anvil located within the lumen of the tissue structure.

Staple and feeder belt configurations for surgical stapler

One exemplary surgical apparatus may include at least one carrier, staples fixed to a corresponding carrier, and a feeder belt to which at least one carrier is frangibly connected. Another exemplary surgical apparatus may include a feeder belt, a first plurality of staples fixed directly to and frangibly separable from the feeder belt; a plurality of extension arms extending at least partially in the lateral direction away from the feeder belt; and a second plurality of staples each fixed to an extension arm at a location spaced laterally apart from the feeder belt.

Articulation mechanisms for surgical instrument

An exemplary surgical apparatus may include a flexible articulation insert separated into segments, where at least one segment is longitudinally slidable relative to at least one other segment, and where at least one passage is defined longitudinally through the insert; and at least one feeder belt extending through a corresponding passage in the insert, where staples are frangibly connected to the feeder belt.

ARTHROSCOPIC KNOT PUSHER AND SUTURE CUTTER

Knot pushers and suture cutter apparatuses to be used arthroscopically, for example, in an arthroscopic knee surgery may be operated with a single control to both lock the suture within the distal end of the apparatus and cut the suture once the knot has been pushed to the appropriate location. The apparatus may include a safety lock preventing deployment of the cutter until the safety lock (e.g., cutter release) has been released. 1. A surgical knot pusher and suture cutter apparatus , the apparatus comprising:a handle;an elongate holding tube attached to the handle, the elongate holding tube including a lateral slot opening from a distal end of the holding tube and configured to allow a suture to pass therethrough;an inner mandrel within the holding tube, the inner mandrel having a lateral notch extending proximally from a distal end of the inner mandrel along a side region of the inner mandrel, wherein the inner mandrel is axially movable relative to the holding tube and is configured to capture the suture between the notch of the inner mandrel and the holding tube when the inner mandrel is extended distally;a tubular cutter around the holding tube, the cutter configured to be axially movable relative to the holding tube to cut an end of the suture when the tubular cutter is extended distally;a control on the handle configured to control the axial motion of both the inner mandrel and the axial motion of the cutter;a lock out tab coupled to the inner mandrel and configured to prevent the axial movement of the inner mandrel until the lock out tab is released; anda cutter release configured to prevent axial motion of the cutter unless the cutter release is disengaged.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a thumb ring at the proximal end of the device.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the elongate holding tube includes an open lateral slot forming a generally L-shaped or J-shaped opening through the distal end of the holding tube and configured to ...

Clamping of Hybrid Surgical Instrument

One example of a surgical instrument may include a staple holder; staples held by the staple holder; an anvil, where at least one of the staple holder and anvil is movable relative to the other; and at least one electrode located on a surface of the staple holder and/or anvil. Another example of a surgical instrument may include a staple holder; staples held by the staple holder; an anvil, where at least one of the staple holder and the anvil is movable relative to the other between an open configuration and a closed configuration; where an adjustable gap exists between the staple holder and the anvil in the closed configuration; and at least one electrode located on a surface of at least one of the staple holder and/or anvil. An exemplary method may include providing a surgical instrument including an end effector; clamping tissue with the end effector; selecting stapling or electrocautery; and stapling or performing electrocautery accordingly.

SUTURE PASSER DEVICES AND METHODS

Devices, systems and methods for passing a suture. In general, described herein are suturing devices, such as suture passers, as well as methods of suturing tissue. These suture passing devices are dual deployment suture passers in which a first distal jaw member is moveable at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body of the device and the second distal jaw member is retractable proximally to the distal end region of the elongate body and/or the first jaw member. Methods of suturing tissue using a dual deployment suture passer are also described. 1. A suture passer device comprising:an elongate body having a proximal end region and a distal end region;a first jaw member extending from the distal end region of the elongate body and configured for angular movement relative to the elongate body;a second jaw member configured to extend axially relative to the elongate body, the second jaw configured to form an opening with the first jaw member when the second jaw member is axially extended, wherein the second jaw member is configured to move independently of the first jaw member; anda tissue penetrator deployably held within either the first or second jaw member and configured to pass a suture between the first and second jaw members by extending and retracting between the first and second jaw members when the first and second jaw members form the opening.2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the tissue penetrator is configured to extend and retract between the first and second jaw members without extending substantially beyond a lateral side of the first or second jaw members opposite the opening.3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the second jaw member is configured to move axially by extending distally or retracting proximally from the distal end region of the elongate body.4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the opening formed by extending the second jaw member comprises a distal-facing opening.5. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a ...

Suture passer with radiused upper jaw

Described herein are suture passers that may be used for repair of the meniscus of the knee. These suture passers typically include an elongate body having a pair of arms. One or more of the arms may be radiused at the distal end region relative to the long axis of the device, to better fit between a target tissue and a body non-target tissue (e.g., the curvature of the femoral condyle). The arms may form a distal-facing opening that is configured to fit the target tissue. One arm may be movable in the axial direction (e.g., the direction of the long axis of the device), while the other arm may be bendable. A tissue penetrator may be housed within one of the arms to extend across the distal opening between the arms. Thus, a suture may be passed from a first side of the tissue to a second side.

Meniscus repair

Methods for repairing a meniscus, and particularly a torn meniscus. A method of repairing a meniscus may include using a suture passer to pass a suturing element from the region between the superior surface of the meniscus and the femoral condyle, through the meniscus tissue, into the region between the inferior surface of the meniscus and the tibial plateau, across the inferior surface of the meniscus, and back to the superior surface of the meniscus, without deeply penetrating the posterior capsular region of the knee. Equivalently, the suture element may be passed from the inferior surface of the meniscus to the superior surface and back to the inferior surface.

Meniscus repair

Methods for repairing a meniscus, and particularly a torn meniscus. A method of repairing a meniscus may include using a suture passer to pass a suturing element from the region between the superior surface of the meniscus and the femoral condyle, through the meniscus tissue, into the region between the inferior surface of the meniscus and the tibial plateau, across the inferior surface of the meniscus, and back to the superior surface of the meniscus, without deeply penetrating the posterior capsular region of the knee. Equivalently, the suture element may be passed from the inferior surface of the meniscus to the superior surface and back to the inferior surface.

Suture passer devices and methods

Devices, systems and methods for passing a suture. In general, described herein are suturing devices, such as suture passers, as well as methods of suturing tissue. These suture passing devices may include dual deployment suture passers in which a first distal jaw member is movable at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body of the device and the second distal jaw member is retractable proximally to the distal end region of the elongate body and/or the first jaw member. Also described herein are suture passers in which the tissue penetrator passing the suture travels in an approximately sigmoidal pathway, with the distal end of the tissue penetrator extending distally from one jaw of the device.

Knot tying accessory

Devices for easily and quickly tying complex suture knots are disclosed. The knot tying accessories described herein provide a means for introducing a complex knot pattern into a bight of suture using a device body and a guide thread. The device body includes system for maintaining the guide thread and suture in a convoluted pathway, either with the use of channels, protrusions, or a combination of both within its interior, on its exterior, or both. The guide thread may include a coupler at one end for holding a suture end while the guide thread leads the suture through the convoluted path defined within the guide body. Pull tabs may also be included to aid with exchanging the guide thread for the suture ends.

D-shaped surgical staples

A surgical apparatus comprises a surgical staple for treating tissues of a patient in a surgical procedure. The surgical staple is deformable from a first configuration (e.g., an undeployed configuration) to a second configuration (e.g., a deployed configuration) in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The surgical staple includes a first leg and a second leg, wherein said surgical staple substantially resembles a V-shape or a suture needle in the first configuration and substantially forms a D-shape in the second configuration in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

Surgical staples attached to resorbable holder

One example of a surgical apparatus may include at least one resorbable feeder belt, and a plurality of staples fixed to that feeder belt. Another example of a surgical apparatus may include at least one feeder belt and at least one resorbable carrier detachably connected to a corresponding feeder belt, where the carrier includes a plurality of staples attached to it. An exemplary surgical method of treating tissue within the body of a patient may include providing a surgical instrument that includes an end effector moveable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, where the end effector includes an anvil and a staple holder pivotally connected to one another, where the anvil holds a knife; and at least one resorbable feeder belt and a plurality of staples fixed to the feeder belt, where the feeder belt extends into said staple holder; placing the end effector in proximity to tissue; deploying a plurality of staples into tissue; separating a distal segment of at least one ...

Resin extractor for additive manufacturing

A method of separating excess resin from at least one object, includes: (a) stereolithographically producing at least one object on at least one carrier platform, each carrier platform having a planar build surface to which at least one object is connected, each object carrying excess resin on a surface thereof; then (b) mounting each carrier platform to a rotor; (c) centrifugally separating excess resin from each object by spinning the rotor with each carrier platform connected thereto while each object remains connected to each carrier platform; and then (d) removing each carrier platform from the rotor with each object thereon, with excess resin separated therefrom.

Arthroscopic knot pusher and suture cutter

Knot pushers and suture cutter apparatuses to be used arthroscopically, for example, in an arthroscopic knee surgery may be operated with a single control to both lock the suture within the distal end of the apparatus and cut the suture once the knot has been pushed to the appropriate location. The apparatus may include a safety lock preventing deployment of the cutter until the safety lock (e.g., cutter release) has been released.

Knot tying accessory

Devices for easily and quickly tying complex suture knots are disclosed. The knot tying accessories described herein provide a means for introducing a complex knot pattern into a bight of suture using a device body and a guide thread. The device body includes system for maintaining the guide thread and suture in a convoluted pathway, either with the use of channels, protrusions, or a combination of both within its interior, on its exterior, or both. The guide thread may include a coupler at one end for holding a suture end while the guide thread leads the suture through the convoluted path defined within the guide body. Pull tabs may also be included to aid with exchanging the guide thread for the suture ends.

D-shaped surgical staples

An exemplary surgical apparatus may include a surgical staple deformable from a first configuration to a second, deployed configuration, where the surgical staple includes a first leg and a second leg; where in the second, deployed configuration the surgical staple forms substantially a D-shape. Another exemplary surgical apparatus may include a feeder belt; a surgical staple deformable from a first configuration to a second, deployed configuration, where the surgical staple includes a first leg and a second leg connected to the first leg, where one end of the first leg is frangibly affixed to the feeder belt and one end of said the leg is free; where in the second, deployed configuration the surgical staple forms substantially a D-shape. An exemplary method of treating tissue may include providing a surgical staple; urging the surgical staple into tissue, while the surgical staple has a first shape; and deforming the surgical staple into substantially a D-shape.

RESIN EXTRACTOR FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

A method of separating excess resin from at least one object, includes: (a) stereolithographically producing at least one object on at least one carrier platform, each carrier platform having a planar build surface to which at least one object is connected, each object carrying excess resin on a surface thereof; then (b) mounting each carrier platform to a rotor; (c) centrifugally separating excess resin from each object by spinning the rotor with each carrier platform connected thereto while each object remains connected to each carrier platform; and then (d) removing each carrier platform from the rotor with each object thereon, with excess resin separated therefrom.

Pre-tied surgical knots for use with suture passers

Sutures with pre-tied knots for use in percutaneous surgical procedures and devices for easily and quickly tying complex suture knots are disclosed.

KNOT TYING ACCESSORY

Devices for easily and quickly tying complex suture knots are disclosed. The knot tying accessories described herein provide a means for introducing a complex knot pattern into a bight of suture using a device body and a guide thread. The device body includes system for maintaining the guide thread and suture in a convoluted pathway, either with the use of channels, protrusions, or a combination of both within its interior, on its exterior, or both. The guide thread may include a coupler at one end for holding a suture end while the guide thread leads the suture through the convoluted path defined within the guide body. Pull tabs may also be included to aid with exchanging the guide thread for the suture ends. 1. A method of tying a suture knot in a repair loop comprising:attaching a suture snare to a suture management device, the suture snare having a snaring end, a second opposing end and a loose knot therebetween and wherein attaching disposes the loose knot around a shaft of the suture management device;coupling a repair suture to tissue;threading a first end of the repair suture through the snaring end;drawing the suture snare through the loose knot so as to replace the loose knot with the repair suture first end and thereby form a repair suture loose knot around the suture management device;transferring the repair suture loose knot over a second end of the repair suture operatively coupled to the suture management device to form a repair knot.2. The method of wherein the suture management device is a knot pusher.3. The method of further comprising loading the repair suture second end into the knot pusher.4. The method of wherein the suture management device is a suture passer comprising a pair of jaws.5. The method of further comprising coupling the repair suture to tissue with the suture passer claim 4 , and then removing the repair suture first end from the suture passer before threading the repair suture first end through the snaring end.6. The method of ...

Suture passers adapted for use in constrained regions

Described herein suture passer apparatus (devices and systems) that may be used to suture tissue within a narrow, confined space. In particular, described herein are suture passers having an elongate body and a bent lower jaw member that houses a tissue penetrator that is adapted to extend laterally through the bend region, and then be laterally deflected from the lower jaw member to a second jaw (e.g. bendable or pivoting) upper member.

RESIN EXTRACTOR FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

A method of separating excess resin from at least one object, includes: (a) stereolithographically producing at least one object on at least one carrier platform, each carrier platform having a planar build surface to which at least one object is connected, each object carrying excess resin on a surface thereof; then (b) mounting each carrier platform to a rotor; (c) centrifugally separating excess resin from each object by spinning the rotor with each carrier platform connected thereto while each object remains connected to each carrier platform; and then (d) removing each carrier platform from the rotor with each object thereon, with excess resin separated therefrom.

Feeder Belt and Staples for Surgical Stapler

One exemplary surgical apparatus may include at least one carrier, staples fixed to a corresponding carrier, and a feeder belt to which at least one carrier is frangibly connected.

Suture passer devices and methods

Devices, systems and methods for passing a suture. In general, described herein are suturing devices, such as suture passers, as well as methods of suturing tissue. These suture passing devices may include dual deployment suture passers in which a first distal jaw member is moveable at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body of the device and the second distal jaw member is retractable proximally to the distal end region of the elongate body and/or the first jaw member. Also described herein are suture passers in which the tissue penetrator passing the suture travels in an approximately sigmoidal pathway, with the distal end of the tissue penetrator extending distally from one jaw of the device.

Suture passer devices and methods

Devices, systems and methods for passing a suture. In general, described herein are suturing devices, such as suture passers, as well as methods of suturing tissue. These suture passing devices may include dual deployment suture passers in which a first distal jaw member is moveable at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body of the device and the second distal jaw member is retractable proximally to the distal end region of the elongate body and/or the first jaw member. Also described herein are suture passers in which the tissue penetrator passing the suture travels in an approximately sigmoidal pathway, with the distal end of the tissue penetrator extending distally from one jaw of the device.

Suture passer devices and methods

Devices, systems and methods for passing a suture. In general, described herein are suturing devices, such as suture passers, as well as methods of suturing tissue. These suture passing devices may include dual deployment suture passers in which a first distal jaw member is moveable at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body of the device and the second distal jaw member is retractable proximally to the distal end region of the elongate body and/or the first jaw member.

RESIN EXTRACTOR FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

A method of separating excess resin () from at least one object (), includes: (a) stereolithographically producing at least one object () on at least one carrier platform (), each carrier platform () having a planar build surface to which at least one object () is connected, each object () carrying excess resin () on a surface thereof; then (b) mounting each carrier platform () to a rotor (); (c) centrifugally separating excess resin () from each object () by spinning the rotor () with each carrier platform () connected thereto while each object () remains connected to each carrier platform (); and then (d) removing each carrier platform () from the rotor () with each object () thereon, with excess resin () separated therefrom. 1. A method of separating excess resin from at least one object , comprising:(a) stereolithographically producing at least one object on at least one carrier platform using an elevator mechanism to advance each carrier platform away from a window, each said carrier platform having a planar build surface to which at least one object is connected, each said object carrying excess resin on a surface thereof; then(b) mounting each said carrier platform to a rotor;(c) centrifugally separating excess resin from each said object by spinning said rotor with each said carrier platform connected thereto while each said object remains connected to each said carrier platform; and then(d) removing each said carrier platform from said rotor with each said object thereon, with excess resin separated therefrom,wherein said centrifugally separating step is carried out with each said carrier platform mounted to said rotor with said build surface oriented parallel to an axis of rotation of said rotor.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said centrifugally separating step is carried out with each said carrier platform mounted to said rotor with said build surface oriented perpendicularly to a radius of the rotor and tangentially to said axis of rotation of said ...

PAP system

A PAP system includes a PAP device to generate a supply of pressurized air, a patient interface adapted to form a seal with the patient's face, air delivery tubing to interconnect the patient interface and the PAP device, and a cover that substantially encloses at least a portion of the PAP device and a portion of the air delivery tubing. The cover allows the PAP device to be carried by and/or supported on the patient's head.

Meniscus repair

Methods for repairing a meniscus, and particularly a torn meniscus. A method of repairing a meniscus may include using a suture passer to pass a suturing element from the region between the superior surface of the meniscus and the femoral condyle, through the meniscus tissue, into the region between the inferior surface of the meniscus and the tibial plateau, across the inferior surface of the meniscus, and back to the superior surface of the meniscus, without deeply penetrating the posterior capsular region of the knee. Equivalently, the suture element may be passed from the inferior surface of the meniscus to the superior surface and back to the inferior surface.

Resin extractor for additive manufacturing

A method of separating excess resin from at least one object, includes: (a) stereolithographically producing at least one object on at least one carrier platform, each carrier platform having a planar build surface to which at least one object is connected, each object carrying excess resin on a surface thereof; then (b) mounting each carrier platform to a rotor; (c) centrifugally separating excess resin from each object by spinning the rotor with each carrier platform connected thereto while each object remains connected to each carrier platform; and then (d) removing each carrier platform from the rotor with each object thereon, with excess resin separated therefrom.

Automatically reloading suture passer devices and methods

Suture passers and methods of use. Described herein are suture passers preloaded with suture, including cartridges that couple to a suture passer to form a loaded suture passer; the suture passer may be operated to pass one or more lengths of suture without having to be manually reloaded. In particular, described herein are preloaded and automatically reloading apparatuses typically.

Arthroscopic knot pusher and suture cutter

Knot pushers and suture cutter apparatuses to be used arthroscopically, for example, in an arthroscopic knee surgery may be operated with a single control to both lock the suture within the distal end of the apparatus and cut the suture once the knot has been pushed to the appropriate location. The apparatus may include a safety lock preventing deployment of the cutter until the safety lock (e.g., cutter release) has been released.

PAP system

A PAP system includes a PAP device to generate a supply of pressurized air, a patient interface adapted to form a seal with the patient's face, air delivery tubing to interconnect the patient interface and the PAP device, and a cover that substantially encloses at least a portion of the PAP device and a portion of the air delivery tubing. The cover allows the PAP device to be carried by and/or supported on the patient's head.

PAP SYSTEM

A PAP system includes a PAP device to generate a supply of pressurized air, a patient interface adapted to form a seal with the patient's face, air delivery tubing to interconnect the patient interface and the PAP device, and a cover that substantially encloses at least a portion of the PAP device and a portion of the air delivery tubing. The cover allows the PAP device to be carried by and/or supported on the patient's head. 1. A PAP system , comprising:a PAP device to generate a supply of pressurized air;a patient interface adapted to form a seal with the patient's face;air delivery tubing to interconnect the patient interface and the PAP device; anda cover that substantially encloses at least a portion of the PAP device and a portion of the air delivery tubing,wherein the cover allows the PAP device to be carried by and/or supported on the patient's head.2. A PAP system according to claim 1 , wherein the cover substantially encloses one or more portions of the patient interface.3. A PAP system according to claim 1 , wherein the PAP device generates a supply of pressurized air in the range of about 2-30 cm HO.4. A PAP system according to claim 1 , wherein the patient interface includes a nozzle claim 1 , nasal prong claim 1 , pillow claim 1 , cradle or cushion arrangement.5. A PAP system according to claim 1 , wherein the air delivery tubing includes two inlet tubes each adapted to pass along the patient's cheek region claim 1 , above or below the ears claim 1 , and over the crown of the patient's head.6. A PAP system according to claim 5 , wherein each tube includes a non-cylindrical cross-sectional shape structured such that it may move between a first open phase and a second at least partially collapsed phase.7. A PAP system according to claim 1 , wherein the cover is constructed of a textile material.8. A PAP system according to claim 1 , further comprising headgear to support at least the patient interface and air delivery tubing on the patient's head.9. A ...

Surgical method utilizing a soft-tipped anvil

A surgical method for treating a tissue structure having a wall and a lumen may include providing a substantially rigid anvil and a flexible tip affixed to and extending from the distal end of that anvil; making an incision in the wall of the tissue structure; inserting the flexible tip and at least a portion of the rigid anvil through the incision into the lumen of the tissue structure; and deforming at least one connector, introduced from outside the wall of the tissue structure, against the portion of the rigid anvil located within the lumen of the tissue structure.

D-SHAPED SURGICAL STAPLES

A surgical apparatus comprises a surgical staple for treating tissues of a patient in a surgical procedure. The surgical staple is deformable from a first configuration (e.g., an undeployed configuration) to a second configuration (e.g., a deployed configuration) in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The surgical staple includes a first leg and a second leg, wherein said surgical staple substantially resembles a V-shape or a suture needle in the first configuration and substantially forms a D-shape in the second configuration in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 1. A surgical apparatus for treating tissues , comprising:a surgical staple that includes a first leg and a second leg, wherein deployment of said surgical staple by said surgical apparatus includes deforming said surgical staple from a first configuration to a second configuration, wherein deforming said surgical staple involves only deforming said second leg of said surgical staple to form a substantially D-shape in said second configuration.2. The surgical apparatus of claim 1 , wherein in the first configuration the first leg and the second leg of the surgical staple form a substantially V-shape.3. The surgical apparatus of claim 1 , wherein in the first configuration the first leg of the surgical staple is substantially straight and the second leg of the surgical staple is substantially curved.4. The surgical apparatus of claim 1 , wherein in the second configuration the first leg of the surgical staple remains substantially straight and the second leg of the surgical staple remains substantially curved.5. A surgical apparatus for treating tissues claim 1 , comprising:a surgical staple that includes a first leg and a second leg, wherein deployment of said surgical staple by said surgical apparatus includes deforming said surgical staple from a first configuration to a second configuration, wherein deforming said surgical staple involves only deforming said second ...

Surgical stapler and feeder belt configurations

A surgical apparatus comprises a surgical staple for treating tissues of a patient in a surgical procedure. The surgical staple is deformable from a first configuration (e.g., an un-deployed configuration) to a second configuration (e.g., a deployed configuration) in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The surgical staple includes a first leg and a second leg, wherein said surgical staple substantially resembles a V-shape or a suture needle in the first configuration and substantially forms a D-shape in the second configuration in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

Arthroscopic knot pusher and suture cutter

Knot pushers and suture cutter apparatuses to be used arthroscopically, for example, in an arthroscopic knee surgery may be operated with a single control to both lock the suture within the distal end of the apparatus and cut the suture once the knot has been pushed to the appropriate location. The apparatus may include a safety lock preventing deployment of the cutter until the safety lock (e.g., cutter release) has been released.

Soft-tipped anvil

A tool for treating tissue in conjunction with one or more connectors may include an anvil against which at least one connector is urged, and a flexible tip extending from the distal end of said anvil. At least one connector may be held by a connector holder that is pivotally connected to the anvil. The anvil may be used to treat tissue by making an incision in the wall of the blood vessel, inserting the flexible tip and at least a portion of the anvil through the incision into the lumen of the blood vessel, and deforming at least one connector, introduced from outside the wall of the blood vessel, against the portion of the anvil that is located within the lumen of the blood vessel.

PRE-TIED SURGICAL KNOTS FOR USE WITH SUTURE PASSERS

Sutures with pre-tied knots for use in percutaneous surgical procedures and devices for easily and quickly tying complex suture knots are disclosed. 1. A suture having a pre-tied knot , the suture comprising:an elongate flexible length of suture material having a first end and a second end;a pre-tied knot body formed from the suture, material at a region near the first end of the suture, the pre-tied knot body having one or more loops of the suture material, wherein each loop has at least one crossing point; anda leader snare formed of a length of linear and flexible material, wherein the pre-tied knot body is tied around the leader snare so that the leader snare passes through the one or more loops of the knot body, wherein a bight region of the leader snare extends from a first end of the knot body and a pull tail extends from a second end of the knot body,wherein the knot body and leader snare are sufficiently flexible and narrow of profile to be pulled through a tissue behind a tissue penetrator.2. The suture of claim 1 , wherein the pre-tied knot body comprises three or more loops of suture material.3. The suture of claim 1 , wherein the leader snare is formed of a second suture material.4. The suture of claim 1 , wherein the bight region of the leader snare extends towards the second end of the suture and the pull tail of the leader snare extends towards the first end of the suture.5. The suture of claim 1 , wherein the material forming the leader snare has a larger diameter than the suture.6. The suture of claim 1 , wherein the knot body is configured to slide along the length of the suture.7. A method of passing a suture through a tissue claim 1 , the method comprising:placing a first jaw of a suture passer on one side of a tissue to be sutured;placing a second jaw of the suture passer on the opposite side of the tissue to be sutured;passing a knotted end of a suture through the tissue from the second jaw to the first jaw, wherein the knot is located at or ...

Suture passer with radiused upper jaw

Described herein are suture passers that may be used for repair of the meniscus of the knee. These suture passers typically include an elongate body having a pair of arms. One or more of the arms may be radiused at the distal end region relative to the long axis of the device, to better fit between a target tissue and a body non-target tissue (e.g., the curvature of the femoral condyle). The arms may form a distal-facing opening that is configured to fit the target tissue. One arm may be movable in the axial direction (e.g., the direction of the long axis of the device), while the other arm may be bendable. A tissue penetrator may be housed within one of the arms to extend across the distal opening between the arms. Thus, a suture may be passed from a first side of the tissue to a second side.

Automatically reloading suture passer devices and methods

Suture passers and methods of use. Described herein are suture passers preloaded with suture, including cartridges that couple to a suture passer to form a loaded suture passer; the suture passer may be operated to pass one or more lengths of suture without having to be manually reloaded. In particular, described herein are preloaded and automatically reloading apparatuses typically.

STAPLE AND FEEDER BELT CONFIGURATIONS FOR SURGICAL STAPLER

One exemplary surgical apparatus may include at least one carrier, staples fixed to a corresponding carrier, and a feeder belt to which at least one carrier is frangibly connected. Another exemplary surgical apparatus may include a feeder belt, a first plurality of staples fixed directly to and frangibly separable from the feeder belt; a plurality of extension arms extending at least partially in the lateral direction away from the feeder belt; and a second plurality of staples each fixed to an extension arm at a location spaced laterally apart from the feeder belt.

Pre-tied surgical knots for use with suture passers

Sutures with pre-tied knots for use in percutaneous surgical procedures and devices for easily and quickly tying complex suture knots are disclosed.

Automatically reloading suture passer devices that prevent entanglement

Suture passers and methods of use. Described herein are suture passers preloaded with suture, including cartridges that couple to a suture passer to form a loaded suture passer that are configured to prevent a length of suture (e.g., already-passed suture) from re-entering the channel of the suture passer jaw and getting recaptured and/or entangled by the tissue penetrator. In particular, described herein are preloaded and automatically re-loading suture passers that are adapted to include a gate, guide, or shield on one of the jaws of the suture passer, and methods of operating such suture passers for surgical use including repairing tissue.

Positive airway pressure (PAP) delivery device

Suture passers and methods of passing suture

Suture passer devices, including suture passers configured with an axially slideable jaw that includes a tissue-penetrating distal end region. Also described are suture passers including jaws housing tissue penetrating needles to pass suture that are substantially thin. Methods of using such devices to pass a suture through tissue are provided.

Resin extractor for additive manufacturing

A method of separating excess resin from at least one object, includes: (a) stereolithographically producing at least one object on at least one carrier platform, each carrier platform having a planar build surface to which at least one object is connected, each object carrying excess resin on a surface thereof; then (b) mounting each carrier platform to a rotor; (c) centrifugally separating excess resin from each object by spinning the rotor with each carrier platform connected thereto while each object remains connected to each carrier platform; and then (d) removing each carrier platform from the rotor with each object thereon, with excess resin separated therefrom.

Suture passer devices and methods

Devices, systems and methods for passing a suture. In general, described herein are suturing devices, such as suture passers, as well as methods of suturing tissue. These suture passing devices are dual deployment suture passers in which a first distal jaw member is moveable at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body of the device and the second distal jaw member is retractable proximally to the distal end region of the elongate body and/or the first jaw member. Methods of suturing tissue using a dual deployment suture passer are also described.

Pre-tied surgical knots for use with suture passers

Sutures with pre-tied knots for use in percutaneous surgical procedures. Described herein are pre-tied sutures and methods of using them that may be used with a suture passer for percutaneously suturing tissue, including percutaneously passing and securing a loop of suture around a tear in a meniscus tissue of the knee. A suture with a pre-tied knot may include a length of suture and a knot body on the length of suture, and a leader snare tied to the length of suture by the knot body. The leader snare typically has an opening loop (bight or snare) through which an end of the suture may be passed. The tail of the leader snare may be pulled to remove the leader snare for the knot body and draw the end of the suture through the knot body to close the knot, which can then be tightened to secure the tissue.

Suture passers adapted for use in constrained regions

Described herein suture passer apparatus (devices and systems) that may be used to suture tissue within a narrow, confined space. In particular, described herein are suture passers having an elongate body and a lower jaw member that houses a tissue penetrator that is adapted to extend laterally from the lower jaw member and be deflected by a second jaw member? The second jaw member typically deflects the tissue penetrator either distally or proximally.

Suture passer devices and methods

Suture passer devices and methods of using the devices having one or more protective interlocks preventing or limiting operation of the suture passer when deployment of the needle may damage the apparatus or harm the patient. For example, described herein are suture passer devices that include an interlock preventing deployment of the tissue penetrator (needle) when the jaws are not clamped onto a tissue. Also described herein are interlocks preventing retraction of a jaw axially until the needle is retracted.

Suture passer devices and methods

Devices, systems and methods for passing a suture. In general, described herein are suturing devices, such as suture passers, as well as methods of suturing tissue. These suture passing devices may include dual deployment suture passers in which a first distal jaw member is moveable at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body of the device and the second distal jaw member is retractable proximally to the distal end region of the elongate body and/or the first jaw member. Also described herein are suture passers in which the tissue penetrator passing the suture travels in an approximately sigmoidal pathway, with the distal end of the tissue penetrator extending distally from one jaw of the device.

Automatically reloading suture passer devices and methods

Suture passers and methods of use. Described herein are suture passers preloaded with suture, including cartridges that couple to a suture passer to form a loaded suture passer; the suture passer may be operated to pass one or more lengths of suture without having to be manually reloaded. In particular, described herein are preloaded and automatically reloading apparatuses typically.

Arthroscopic knot pusher and suture cutter

Knot pushers and suture cutter apparatuses to be used arthroscopically, for example, in an arthroscopic knee surgery may be operated with a single control to both lock the suture within the distal end of the apparatus and cut the suture once the knot has been pushed to the appropriate location. The apparatus may include a safety lock preventing deployment of the cutter until the safety lock (e.g., cutter release) has been released.

MENISCUS REPAIR

Methods for repairing a meniscus, and particularly a torn meniscus. A method of repairing a meniscus may include using a suture passer to pass a suturing element from the region between the superior surface of the meniscus and the femoral condyle, through the meniscus tissue, into the region between the inferior surface of the meniscus and the tibial plateau, across the inferior surface of the meniscus, and back to the superior surface of the meniscus, without deeply penetrating the posterior capsular region of the knee. Equivalently, the suture element may be passed from the inferior surface of the meniscus to the superior surface and back to the inferior surface. 1. A method of arthroscopically placing a suture around a tear in a meniscus without penetrating a meniscocapsular region of the meniscus , the method comprising using a suture passer to pass a suture across a superior meniscus surface between the superior surface and a femur , through the meniscus on a first side of the tear , across an inferior meniscus surface between the inferior surface and a tibia , and through the meniscus on a second side of the tear.2. The method of comprising entirely arthroscopically placing the suture.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein placing the suture comprises extending a tissue penetrating element in an arcuate pathway through the meniscus.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising approaching the meniscus tear from an apex of the meniscus.5. A method of repairing a meniscus in a knee joint claim 1 , the meniscus having an apex claim 1 , a superior surface adjacent a femur claim 1 , and an inferior surface adjacent a tibia claim 1 , the method comprising:using a suture passer to pass a suturing element from a region between the superior surface of the meniscus and the femur, through the meniscus to a region between the inferior surface of the meniscus and the tibia, across the inferior surface of the meniscus, and back through the meniscus to the superior surface of ...

SUTURE PASSER DEVICES AND METHODS

Devices, systems and methods for passing a suture. In general, described herein are suturing devices, such as suture passers, as well as methods of suturing tissue. These suture passing devices may include dual deployment suture passers in which a first distal jaw member is movable at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body of the device and the second distal jaw member is retractable proximally to the distal end region of the elongate body and/or the first jaw member. Also described herein are suture passers in which the tissue penetrator passing the suture travels in an approximately sigmoidal pathway, with the distal end of the tissue penetrator extending distally from one jaw of the device.

PRE-TIED SURGICAL KNOTS FOR USE WITH SUTURE PASSERS

Sutures with pre-tied knots for use in percutaneous surgical procedures and devices for easily and quickly tying complex suture knots are disclosed. 1. A method of arthroscopically repairing a tissue using a suture passer and a flexible member , the suture passer including a handle end and a distal working end and the flexible member having a pre-tied knot , with a first limb and a second limb extending from the pre-tied knot , the pre-tied knot operatively engaged around a housing , the suture passer including a capture member that axially slides to selectively engage and disengage the first limb , the method comprising:passing the first limb through the tissue by axially sliding the suture capture member of the suture passer;removing the pre-tied knot from the housing and over the first limb while the first limb is engaged by the suture passer working end; andcinching the pre-tied knot.2. The method of wherein cinching the pre-tied knot comprises applying tension to the second limb.3. The method of wherein passing the first limb through the tissue comprises passing the first limb through a first side and a second side of the tissue claim 1 , before removing the pre-tied knot from the housing.4. The method of wherein the housing is a shaft of the suture passer and removing the pre-tied knot comprises sliding the pre-tied knot along the shaft and over a distal-most end of the suture passer.5. The method of further comprising operatively coupling the housing to the suture passer before removing the pre-tied knot.6. The method of wherein the housing is a tube claim 5 , the pre-tied knot wrapped around an outer circumferential surface of the tube claim 5 , and wherein operatively coupling comprises sliding the tube over a shaft of the suture passer.7. The method of further comprising snaring the first limb with a suture snare extending from the housing.8. The method of further comprising extending a shaft of the suture passer through an aperture of the housing before ...

Suture passer devices and methods

Devices, systems and methods for passing a suture. In general, described herein are suturing devices, such as suture passers, as well as methods of suturing tissue. These suture passing devices may include dual deployment suture passers in which a first distal jaw member is moveable at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body of the device and the second distal jaw member is retractable proximally to the distal end region of the elongate body and/or the first jaw member. Also described herein are suture passers in which the tissue penetrator passing the suture travels in an approximately sigmoidal pathway, with the distal end of the tissue penetrator extending distally from one jaw of the device.

PRE-TIED SURGICAL KNOTS FOR USE WITH SUTURE PASSERS

Sutures with pre-tied knots for use in percutaneous surgical procedures. Described herein are pre-tied sutures and methods of using them that may be used with a suture passer for percutaneously suturing tissue, including percutaneously passing and securing a loop of suture around a tear in a meniscus tissue of the knee. A suture with a pre-tied knot may include a length of suture and a knot body on the length of suture, and a leader snare tied to the length of suture by the knot body. The leader snare typically has an opening loop (bight or snare) through which an end of the suture may be passed. The tail of the leader snare may be pulled to remove the leader snare for the knot body and draw the end of the suture through the knot body to close the knot, which can then be tightened to secure the tissue. 1. A method of percutaneously tying a loop of suture around tissue using a pre-tied knot , wherein the suture has a proximal end , a distal end , and a pre-tied knot body formed between the proximal and distal ends , wherein the pre-tied knot body is tied around a leader snare so that a loop of the leader snare extends from the pre-tied knot body in a first direction and a tail of the leader snare extends from the pre-tied knot body in a second direction , the method comprising:percutaneously passing the distal end of the suture through the tissue;percutaneously passing the leader snare through the tissue;passing the distal end of the suture through the loop of the leader snare;forming a loop of suture by pulling the tail of the leader snare to draw the suture through the pre-tied knot body while removing the leader snare from the pre-tied knot body; andcinching the loop of suture around the tissue.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein percutaneously passing the distal end of the suture comprises using a suture passer to pass the distal end of the suture.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein percutaneously passing the leader snare comprises using the suture passer to pass ...

Automatically reloading suture passer devices that prevent entanglement

Suture passers and methods of use. Described herein are suture passers preloaded with suture, including cartridges that couple to a suture passer to form a loaded suture passer that are configured to prevent a length of suture (e.g., already-passed suture) from re-entering the channel of the suture passer jaw and getting recaptured and/or entangled by the tissue penetrator. In particular, described herein are preloaded and automatically re-loading suture passers that are adapted to include a gate, guide or shield on one of the jaws of the suture passer, and methods of operating such suture passers for surgical use including repairing tissue.

AUTOMATICALLY RELOADING SUTURE PASSER DEVICES THAT PREVENT ENTANGLEMENT

Suture passers and methods of use. Described herein are suture passers preloaded with suture, including cartridges that couple to a suture passer to form a loaded suture passer that are configured to prevent a length of suture (e.g., already-passed suture) from re-entering the channel of the suture passer jaw and getting recaptured and/or entangled by the tissue penetrator. In particular, described herein are preloaded and automatically re-loading suture passers that are adapted to include a gate, guide, or shield on one of the jaws of the suture passer, and methods of operating such suture passers for surgical use including repairing tissue. 1. A replaceable jaw cartridge that is preloaded with suture , for use with a suture passer device , the jaw cartridge comprising:a jaw housing configured to releasably engage the suture passer device, the jaw housing having a channel extending proximally from a distal end region of the jaw housing;a tissue penetrator configured to slide distally and proximally within the jaw housing;a suture within the jaw housing, the suture comprising a first bight region loaded in a suture engagement region at a distal end region of the tissue penetrator, and a second bight region loaded in a suture holding region within the jaw housing; anda gate at the distal end region of the jaw housing, wherein the gate is configured to open distally to allow the release of the suture from the channel, and to close to prevent a portion of the suture from re-entering the channel.2. The jaw cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the gate comprises a deflectable pin.3. The jaw cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the gate comprises a turnstile mechanism.4. The jaw cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the jaw housing is configured to completely enclose the suture and tissue penetrator until the tissue penetrator is extended from the jaw housing.5. The jaw cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the jaw housing comprises a keyed connector configured for coupling with an elongate member ...

AUTOMATICALLY RELOADING SUTURE PASSER DEVICES AND METHODS

Suture passers and methods of use. Described herein are suture passers preloaded with suture, including cartridges that couple to a suture passer to form a loaded suture passer; the suture passer may be operated to pass one or more lengths of suture without having to be manually reloaded. In particular, described herein are preloaded and automatically reloading apparatuses typically. 1. A suture passer system with a preloaded suture , the system comprising:an elongate body extending distally and proximally;a first jaw coupled to a distal end of the elongate body; and a tissue penetrator configured to slide distally and proximally within the second jaw,', 'a suture within the second jaw, the suture comprising a first bight region loaded in a suture engagement region at a distal end region of the tissue penetrator, and a second bight region loaded in a suture holding region within the second jaw, and', 'a releasable hold on the tissue penetrator configured to hold a first end portion of the suture in tension when the tissue penetrator is withdrawn proximally so that the second bight region is drawn into the suture engagement region after the first bight region has been removed., 'a second jaw, wherein the second jaw houses2. A method of operating a suture passer that is preloaded with a suture , the method comprising:coupling a jaw cartridge to an elongate body of the suture passer, wherein the suture passer includes a first jaw pivotally coupled to a distal end region of the elongate body, further wherein the jaw cartridge comprises a second jaw;forming a distal-facing opening between the first jaw and the second jaw by sliding the second jaw distally relative to the elongate body;extending a distal tip of a tissue penetrator from within the second jaw and across the distal-facing opening, wherein the tissue penetrator comprises a suture engagement region that is preloaded with a first bight region of the suture;holding the first bight region with the first jaw and ...

SURGICAL STAPLER AND FEEDER BELT CONFIGURATIONS

A surgical apparatus comprises a surgical staple for treating tissues of a patient in a surgical procedure. The surgical staple is deformable from a first configuration (e.g., an un-deployed configuration) to a second configuration (e.g., a deployed configuration) in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The surgical staple includes a first leg and a second leg, wherein said surgical staple substantially resembles a V-shape or a suture needle in the first configuration and substantially forms a D-shape in the second configuration in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 117.-. (canceled)18. A surgical apparatus for treating tissues , the surgical apparatus comprising a shaft and an end effector attached to the shaft , the end effector comprising a staple holder and an anvil , the surgical apparatus further comprising a feeder belt extending into the staple holder , the feeder belt carrying a plurality of staples frangibly connected to the feeder belt , each of the plurality of staples having a free end , the anvil comprising an inner surface oriented toward the staple holder , the inner surface defining a plurality of staple forming pockets , the plurality of staple forming pockets and plurality of staples being arranged such that , during deployment of the plurality of staples , the free end of each staple contacts the anvil in one of the plurality of staple forming pockets to close the staple.19. The surgical apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the plurality of staple forming pockets are homogeneous.20. The surgical apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the plurality of staple forming pockets extend the same distance into the inner surface.21. The surgical apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the plurality of staple forming pockets have the same shape.22. The surgical apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the plurality of staple forming pockets are non-homogeneous.23. The surgical apparatus of claim 22 , wherein the plurality of staple forming pockets ...

AUTOMATICALLY RELOADING SUTURE PASSER DEVICES AND METHODS

Suture passers and methods of use. Described herein are suture passers preloaded with suture, including cartridges that couple to a suture passer to form a loaded suture passer; the suture passer may be operated to pass one or more lengths of suture without having to be manually reloaded. In particular, described herein are preloaded and automatically reloading apparatuses typically. 1. A replaceable jaw cartridge that is preloaded with suture , for selective coupling with a suture passer device , the jaw cartridge comprising:a lower jaw region at a distal end, a suture storage capsule at a proximal end and an elongate track region therebetween;a tissue penetrator configured to slide distally and proximally within the jaw cartridge along the lower jaw region;a suture defining a first end, a second end and an intermediate length therebetween, the suture first end and second end forming a first and second suture bight respectively, both suture bights disposed in the lower jaw region, the intermediate length disposed along the elongate track region and stored within the suture storage capsule; anda sled at least partially covering a length of the elongate track region and operatively coupled to the tissue penetrator and the suture passer device to slide the tissue penetrator, the sled also configured to pinch the second end of the suture extending from the lower jaw region between the sled and tissue penetrator.2. The replaceable jaw cartridge of wherein the sled is configured to releasably pinch the second end of the suture so that a portion of the suture is held loosely within the lower jaw region when the tissue penetrator is extended distally but the portion is in tension when the tissue penetrator is withdrawn proximally so that the second bight is loaded into a suture engagement region of the tissue penetrator after the first bight has been removed from the suture engagement region.3. The replaceable jaw cartridge of wherein the lower jaw region includes a cover ...

Arthroscopic knot pusher and suture cutter

Knot pushers and suture cutter apparatuses to be used arthroscopically, for example, in an arthroscopic knee surgery may be operated with a single control to both lock the suture within the distal end of the apparatus and cut the suture once the knot has been pushed to the appropriate location. The apparatus may include a safety lock preventing deployment of the cutter until the safety lock (e.g., cutter release) has been released.

KNOT TYING ACCESSORY

Devices for easily and quickly tying complex suture knots are disclosed. The knot tying accessories described herein provide a means for introducing a complex knot pattern into a bight of suture using a device body and a guide thread. The device body includes system for maintaining the guide thread and suture in a convoluted pathway, either with the use of channels, protrusions, or a combination of both within its interior, on its exterior, or both. The guide thread may include a coupler at one end for holding a suture end while the guide thread leads the suture through the convoluted path defined within the guide body. Pull tabs may also be included to aid with exchanging the guide thread for the suture ends. 1. A knot tying accessory comprising:a device body that is openable/able to be opened to expose an interior space, wherein the interior space defines a convoluted pathway within the interior space such that the convoluted pathway crosses over itself at multiple locations (crosses over itself more than once) within the device body;a guide thread with a capture loop at a first end of the guide thread wherein the guide thread is threaded into the convoluted path of the device body such that the first end of the capture loop is situated at a first location at a first opening outside of and adjacent to the device body and able to receive a first end of a suture;a first pull tab coupled to an intermediate position on the guide thread that extends out of the device body at a second location at a second opening on the device body;a third opening at a third location on the device body wherein when the capture loop has exited the device body at the second location, the capture loop is pulled to the third opening and wherein the capture loop is able to receive a second end of a suture; anda second pull tab at a second end of the guide thread, wherein the second end extends out of the device body at a fourth location from a fourth opening on the device body.2. The knot ...

CLEANING OF ADDITIVELY MANUFACTURED OBJECTS BY VACUUM CYCLING NUCLEATION

A method of making an object from a data file and a light polymerizable resin by additive manufacturing includes the steps of: (a) optionally modifying the data file to add additional vacuum cycling nucleation (VCN) nucleation sites to surfaces of the object (A); (b) producing the object from the data file and the resin by light polymerization in an additive manufacturing process (), optionally under conditions in which additional VCN nucleation sites are added to surfaces of the object, the object having residual resin adhered to the surface thereof; and then (c) cleaning the residual resin from the object with a wash liquid by vacuum cycling nucleation (). 1. A method of making an object from a data file and a light polymerizable resin by additive manufacturing , comprising the steps of:(a) optionally (but in some embodiments preferably) modifying said data file to add additional vacuum cycling nucleation (VCN) nucleation sites to surfaces of said object;(b) producing said object from said data file and said resin by light polymerization in an additive manufacturing process, optionally (but in some embodiments preferably) under conditions in which additional VCN nucleation sites are added to surfaces of said object, said object having residual resin adhered to the surface thereof, said residual resin being viscous and partially polymerized; and then(c) cleaning said residual resin from said object with a wash liquid (e.g., an aqueous wash liquid or a wash liquid comprising an organic solvent) by vacuum cycling nucleation (e.g., at least one cycle of VCN, and in some embodiments 2 or 3 cycles of VCN to 10, 20 or 30 cycles of VCN),wherein said object is produced from a dual cure resin, said dual cure resin resin comprising a mixture of (i) a light polymerizable liquid first component, and (ii) a second solidifiable component that is different from said first component; and said method further comprises the step, after said cleaning step, of:(d) further curing said ...

ARTHROSCOPIC KNOT PUSHER AND SUTURE CUTTER

Knot pushers and suture cutter apparatuses to be used arthroscopically, for example, in an arthroscopic knee surgery may be operated with a single control to both lock the suture within the distal end of the apparatus and cut the suture once the knot has been pushed to the appropriate location. The apparatus may include a safety lock preventing deployment of the cutter until the safety lock (e.g., cutter release) has been released. 1. A surgical knot pusher and suture cutter apparatus , the apparatus comprising:a handle;an elongate holding tube attached to the handle, the elongate holding tube including a lateral slot opening from a distal end of the holding tube and configured to allow a suture to pass therethrough;an inner mandrel within the holding tube, the inner mandrel having a lateral notch extending proximally from a distal end of the inner mandrel along a side region of the inner mandrel, wherein the inner mandrel is axially movable relative to the holding tube and is configured to capture the suture between the notch of the inner mandrel and the holding tube when the inner mandrel is extended distally;a tubular cutter around the holding tube, the cutter configured to be axially movable relative to the holding tube to cut an end of the suture when the tubular cutter is extended distally;a control on the handle configured to control the axial motion of both the inner mandrel and the axial motion of the cutter;a lock out tab coupled to the inner mandrel and configured to prevent the axial movement of the inner mandrel until the lock out tab is released; anda cutter release configured to prevent axial motion of the cutter unless the cutter release is disengaged.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a thumb ring at the proximal end of the device.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the elongate holding tube includes an open lateral slot forming a generally L-shaped or J-shaped opening through the distal end of the holding tube and configured to ...

Automatically reloading suture passer devices that prevent entanglement

Suture passers and methods of use. Described herein are suture passers preloaded with suture, including cartridges that couple to a suture passer to form a loaded suture passer that are configured to prevent a length of suture (e.g., already-passed suture) from re-entering the channel of the suture passer jaw and getting recaptured and/or entangled by the tissue penetrator. In particular, described herein are preloaded and automatically re-loading suture passers that are adapted to include a gate, guide, or shield on one of the jaws of the suture passer, and methods of operating such suture passers for surgical use including repairing tissue.

SUTURE PASSER WITH RADIUSED UPPER JAW

Described herein are suture passers that may be used for repair of the meniscus of the knee. These suture passers typically include an elongate body having a pair of arms. One or more of the arms may be radiused at the distal end region relative to the long axis of the device, to better fit between a target tissue and a body non-target tissue (e.g., the curvature of the femoral condyle). The arms may form a distal-facing opening that is configured to fit the target tissue. One arm may be movable in the axial direction (e.g., the direction of the long axis of the device), while the other arm may be bendable. A tissue penetrator may be housed within one of the arms to extend across the distal opening between the arms. Thus, a suture may be passed from a first side of the tissue to a second side. 1. A suture passer device for passing a suture through a meniscus , the device comprising:an elongate body having a length and extending distally and proximally along a long axis;a first arm extending from the distal end of the elongate body,a second arm extending distally from the elongate body, wherein an upper surface of the second arm is radiused and curves away from the long axis; further wherein the first arm and the second arm form a distal-facing opening between the second arm and the first arm; anda tissue penetrator configured to extend across the distal-facing opening between the first and second arms to pass a suture there between, wherein the tissue penetrator is housed within either the first arm or the second arm.2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first arm is connected to the elongate body and is axially movable distally and proximally relative to the elongate body along the long axis.3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the tissue penetrator is housed within the first arm.4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first arm is configured to move axially in the long axis.5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the upper surface of the second arm is radiused with a ...

SUTURE PASSER DEVICES AND METHODS

Devices, systems and methods for passing a suture. In general, described herein are suturing devices, such as suture passers, as well as methods of suturing tissue. These suture passing devices may include dual deployment suture passers in which a first distal jaw member is moveable at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body of the device and the second distal jaw member is retractable proximally to the distal end region of the elongate body and/or the first jaw member. Also described herein are suture passers in which the tissue penetrator passing the suture travels in an approximately sigmoidal pathway, with the distal end of the tissue penetrator extending distally from one jaw of the device. 1. A suture passer device comprising:an elongate body having a proximal end region and a distal end region;a first jaw member extending from the distal end region of the elongate body and configured for angular movement relative to the elongate body;a second jaw member configured to extend axially relative to the elongate body, the second jaw configured to form an opening with the first jaw member when the second jaw member is axially extended, wherein the second jaw member is configured to move independently of the first jaw member;a holdfast configured to hold the second jaw axially extended relative to the elongate body to form the opening with the first jaw member; anda tissue penetrator configured so that a distal end of the tissue penetrator extends out of the first or second jaw member to pass a suture between the first and second jaw members when the first and second jaw members form the opening.2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the holdfast holds the second jaw in a fully extended configuration.3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the holdfast includes a tactile indicator.4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the tissue penetrator is configured to extend and retract between the first and second jaw members without extending substantially ...

PAP SYSTEM

A PAP system includes a PAP device to generate a supply of pressurized air, a patient interface adapted to form a seal with the patient's face, air delivery tubing to interconnect the patient interface and the PAP device, and a cover that substantially encloses at least a portion of the PAP device and a portion of the air delivery tubing. The cover allows the PAP device to be carried by and/or supported on the patient's head. 1. A PAP system , comprising:a PAP device to generate a supply of pressurized air;a patient interface adapted to form a seal with the patient's face;air delivery tubing to interconnect the patient interface and the PAP device; anda cover that substantially encloses at least a portion of the PAP device and a portion of the air delivery tubing,wherein the cover allows the PAP device to be carried by and/or supported on the patient's head.2. A PAP system according to claim 1 , wherein the cover substantially encloses one or more portions of the patient interface.3. A PAP system according to claim 1 , wherein the PAP device generates a supply of pressurized air in the range of about 2-30 cm HO.4. A PAP system according to claim 1 , wherein the patient interface includes a nozzle claim 1 , nasal prong claim 1 , pillow claim 1 , cradle or cushion arrangement.5. A PAP system according to claim 1 , wherein the air delivery tubing includes two inlet tubes each adapted to pass along the patient's cheek region claim 1 , above or below the ears claim 1 , and over the crown of the patient's head.6. A PAP system according to claim 5 , wherein each tube includes a non-cylindrical cross-sectional shape structured such that it may move between a first open phase and a second at least partially collapsed phase.7. A PAP system according to claim 1 , wherein the cover is constructed of a textile material.8. A PAP system according to claim 1 , further comprising headgear to support at least the patient interface and air delivery tubing on the patient's head.9. A ...

SUTURE PASSER WITH RADIUSED UPPER JAW

Described herein are suture passers that may be used for repair of the meniscus of the knee. These suture passers typically include an elongate body having a pair of arms. One or more of the arms may be radiused at the distal end region relative to the long axis of the device, to better fit between a target tissue and a body non-target tissue (e.g., the curvature of the femoral condyle). The arms may form a distal-facing opening that is configured to fit the target tissue. One arm may be movable in the axial direction (e.g., the direction of the long axis of the device), while the other arm may be bendable. A tissue penetrator may be housed within one of the arms to extend across the distal opening between the arms. Thus, a suture may be passed from a first side of the tissue to a second side. 1. A method of arthroscopically placing a suture around a tear in a meniscus from a superior surface of the meniscus to an inferior surface of the meniscus without penetrating laterally through a capsule region of the meniscus , the method comprising:using a suture passer to pass a suture across the superior meniscus surface between the superior surface and a femur, through the meniscus on a first side of the tear, across the inferior meniscus surface between the inferior surface and a tibia, and through the meniscus on a second side of the tear; andsecuring a knot in the suture.2. The method of wherein using the suture comprises:extending a first arm of the suture passer into a space between the superior surface of the meniscus and the femur;extending a second arm of the suture passer into a space between the inferior surface of the meniscus and the tibia; andpassing the suture between the first arm and second arm of the suture passer.3. The method of comprising entirely arthroscopically placing the suture.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein placing the suture comprises extending a tissue penetrating element in an arcuate pathway through the meniscus.5. The method of claim 1 , ...

SUTURE PASSERS AND METHODS OF PASSING SUTURE

Suture passer devices, including suture passers configured with an axially slideable jaw that includes a tissue-penetrating distal end region. Also described are suture passers including jaws housing tissue penetrating needles to pass suture that are substantially thin. Methods of using such devices to pass a suture through tissue are provided. 1. A suture passer for forming a loop of suture around a target tissue , the suture passer comprising:an elongate body extending distally and proximally along a long axis;a first jaw extending from a distal end region of the elongate body wherein the first jaw is bent or bendable at an angle relative to the long axis;a second jaw configured to slide axially along the long axis distally and proximally relative to the elongate body, further wherein the first jaw and the second jaw form a distal-facing opening when the second jaw is extended distally and wherein the second jaw is retractable proximally so that it does not form the distal-facing opening with the first jaw;a tissue penetrator configured to extend across the distal-facing opening between the first jaw and the second jaw to pass a suture there between; anda plate having a keyhole capture region, wherein the keyhole capture region comprise a capture pathway including a channel extending through the plate and a release pathway, wherein the capture pathway is connected to the release pathway by at least one bend, further wherein the plate is coupled to the first jaw so that it may receive a suture from the tissue penetrator extending from the second jaw.2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the capture pathway comprise an opening mouth at an edge of the plate that tapers to a narrower channel before the release pathway.3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the release pathway comprises an enlarged opening having a larger diameter than the region of the capture pathway adjacent to the release pathway.4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the bend is configured to retain the ...

Automatically reloading suture passer devices and methods

Suture passers and methods of use. Described herein are suture passers preloaded with suture, including cartridges that couple to a suture passer to form a loaded suture passer; the suture passer may be operated to pass one or more lengths of suture without having to be manually reloaded. In particular, described herein are preloaded and automatically reloading apparatuses typically.

Suture passer with radiused upper jaw

Described herein are suture passers that may be used for repair of the meniscus of the knee. These suture passers typically include an elongate body having a pair of arms. One or more of the arms may be radiused at the distal end region relative to the long axis of the device, to better fit between a target tissue and a body non-target tissue (e.g., the curvature of the femoral condyle). The arms may form a distal-facing opening that is configured to fit the target tissue. One arm may be movable in the axial direction (e.g., the direction of the long axis of the device), while the other arm may be bendable. A tissue penetrator may be housed within one of the aims to extend across the distal opening between the arms. Thus, a suture may be passed from a first side of the tissue to a second side.

SUTURE PASSER DEVICES AND METHODS

Devices, systems and methods for passing a suture. In general, described herein are suturing devices, such as suture passers, as well as methods of suturing tissue. These suture passing devices may include dual deployment suture passers in which a first distal jaw member is moveable at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body of the device and the second distal jaw member is retractable proximally to the distal end region of the elongate body and/or the first jaw member. Also described herein are suture passers in which the tissue penetrator passing the suture travels in an approximately sigmoidal pathway, with the distal end of the tissue penetrator extending distally from one jaw of the device. 1. A method of suturing tissue , the method comprising:placing a first jaw member of a suture passer on a first side of a target tissue and a second jaw member of the suture passer on a second side of the target tissue, wherein the first jaw member extends in a first axis and the second jaw member extends in a second axis to form a V-shaped, distal-facing mouth;extending a tissue penetrator from out of the second jaw member so that a distal end of the tissue penetrator is deflected against a second deflection surface of the second jaw member as the tissue penetrator is extended from the second jaw member and across the V-shaped, distal-facing mouth; anddeflecting the tissue penetrator against a first defection surface of the first jaw member so that the distal end of the tissue penetrator is directed along the first axis of the first jaw member while the proximal end of the tissue penetrator remains in the second jaw member.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the distal end of the tissue penetrator is directed along the first axis of the first jaw member while the proximal end of the tissue penetrator remains in the second jaw member in the second axis.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein extending the tissue penetrator form out of the second jaw ...

ARTHROSCOPIC KNOT PUSHER AND SUTURE CUTTER

Knot pushers and suture cutter apparatuses to be used arthroscopically, for example, in an arthroscopic knee surgery may be operated with a single control to both lock the suture within the distal end of the apparatus and cut the suture once the knot has been pushed to the appropriate location. The apparatus may include a safety lock preventing deployment of the cutter until the safety lock (e.g., cutter release) has been released. 1. A surgical knot pusher and suture cutter apparatus , the apparatus comprising:a handle;an elongate holding tube attached to the handle, the elongate holding tube including a lateral slot opening from a distal end of the holding tube and configured to allow a suture to pass therethrough, the lateral side opening curving around a central elongate axis of the elongate holding tube;an inner mandrel within the holding tube, the inner mandrel having a lateral notch extending proximally from a distal end of the inner mandrel, wherein the inner mandrel is axially or rotationally movable relative to the holding tube and is configured to capture the suture between the notch of the inner mandrel and the holding tube;a tubular cutter around the holding tube, the cutter configured to be axially movable relative to the holding tube to cut an end of the suture when the tubular cutter is extended distally;a cutter control on the handle configured to control the axial motion of the cutter; anda mandrel control on the handle, configured to control the rotational position of the inner mandrel within the elongate holding tube, wherein the mandrel control is biased such that the inner mandrel blocks at least a portion of the lateral slot until the mandrel control is actuated.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a thumb ring at the proximal end of the device.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the inner mandrel comprises a notch4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the notch comprises a region at extending longitudinally from the distal end of ...

PRE-TIED SURGICAL KNOTS FOR USE WITH SUTURE PASSERS

Sutures with pre-tied knots for use in percutaneous surgical procedures and devices for easily and quickly tying complex suture knots are disclosed. 1. A method of repairing a meniscus in a knee joint , the meniscus having an apex , a superior surface adjacent a femur , and an inferior surface adjacent a tibia , the method comprising:engaging the superior surface with a first jaw of a suture passer and the inferior surface with a second jaw of the suture passer;passing a suture twice from the second jaw, through the meniscus, to the first jaw, defining a first and second pass; andpassing the suture across the inferior surface of the meniscus.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein passing the suture across the inferior surface of the meniscus connects the first pass with the second pass.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising passing the suture radially across the superior surface of the meniscus claim 1 , to form a vertical loop around the meniscus.4. The method of further comprising securing the vertical loop using a knot.5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising passing the suture laterally across the superior surface of the meniscus claim 1 , to form a lateral loop around the meniscus.6. The method of further comprising securing the lateral loop using a knot.7. The method of wherein the method forms a portion of a suture loop around a tear in the meniscus claim 1 , and wherein the method further comprises securing the suture loop using a knot.8. The method of further comprising using a knot pusher to place a knot formed by the suturing element on the superior surface to complete the suture loop.9. The method of wherein engaging further comprises grasping the meniscus.10. A method of forming a loop of suture around a torn meniscus of a knee using a suture passer claim 1 , the meniscus having an apex claim 1 , a superior surface adjacent a femur claim 1 , and an inferior surface adjacent a tibia claim 1 , the method comprising: passing a suture from the ...

PAP SYSTEM

A PAP system includes a PAP device to generate a supply of pressurized air, a patient interface adapted to form a seal with the patient's face, air delivery tubing to interconnect the patient interface and the PAP device, and a cover that substantially encloses at least a portion of the PAP device and a portion of the air delivery tubing. The cover allows the PAP device to be carried by and/or supported on the patient's head. 1. A PAP system , comprising:a PAP device to generate a supply of pressurized air;a patient interface adapted to form a seal with the patient's face;air delivery tubing to interconnect the patient interface and the PAP device; anda cover that substantially encloses at least a portion of the PAP device and a portion of the air delivery tubing,wherein the cover allows the PAP device to be carried by and/or supported on the patient's head.2. A PAP system according to claim 1 , wherein the cover substantially encloses one or more portions of the patient interface.3. A PAP system according to claim 1 , wherein the PAP device generates a supply of pressurized air in the range of about 2-30 cm HO.4. A PAP system according to claim 1 , wherein the patient interface includes a nozzle claim 1 , nasal prong claim 1 , pillow claim 1 , cradle or cushion arrangement.5. A PAP system according to claim 1 , wherein the air delivery tubing includes two inlet tubes each adapted to pass along the patient's cheek region claim 1 , above or below the ears claim 1 , and over the crown of the patient's head.6. A PAP system according to claim 5 , wherein each tube includes a non-cylindrical cross-sectional shape structured such that it may move between a first open phase and a second at least partially collapsed phase.7. A PAP system according to claim 1 , wherein the cover is constructed of a textile material.8. A PAP system according to claim 1 , further comprising headgear to support at least the patient interface and air delivery tubing on the patient's head.9. A ...

Suture passers adapted for use in constrained regions

Described herein suture passer apparatus (devices and systems) that may be used to suture tissue within a narrow, confined space. In particular, described herein are suture passers having an elongate body and a lower jaw member that houses a tissue penetrator that is adapted to extend laterally from the lower jaw member and be deflected by a second jaw member? The second jaw member typically deflects the tissue penetrator either distally or proximally.

SUTURE PASSERS ADAPTED FOR USE IN CONSTRAINED REGIONS

Described herein suture passer apparatus (devices and systems) that may be used to suture tissue within a narrow, confined space. In particular, described herein are suture passers having an elongate body and a lower jaw member that houses a tissue penetrator that is adapted to extend laterally from the lower jaw member and be deflected by a second jaw member? The second jaw member typically deflects the tissue penetrator either distally or proximally. 1. A suture passer apparatus , the apparatus comprising:an elongate body having a proximal end connected to a proximal handle and a distal end, wherein the elongate body extends in a long axis;a lower jaw member extending from the distal end region of the elongate body;an upper jaw member configured to retract and extend from within the distal end region of the elongate body, wherein the upper jaw member curves away from the long axis of the elongate body as it is extended from the distal end of the elongate body; anda tissue penetrator housed within the lower jaw member and configured to slide distally within the lower jaw member and extend laterally from the lower jaw member to carry a suture from the lower jaw member and be deflected against the upper jaw member to extend distally or proximally.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the lower jaw member is fixed relative to the elongate body.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the lower jaw member is configured to pivot relative to the elongate body.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the lower jaw member is adapted to slide axially in a direction of the long axis.5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the upper jaw member comprises a suture capture to hold the suture on the upper jaw when the tissue penetrator is retracted proximally after contacting the upper jaw member.6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the upper jaw comprises a suture capture comprising a clamping member.7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the lower jaw member comprises a deflection ...

PRE-TIED SURGICAL KNOTS FOR USE WITH SUTURE PASSERS

Sutures with pre-tied knots for use in percutaneous surgical procedures and devices for easily and quickly tying complex suture knots are disclosed. 1. A suture having a pre-tied knot , the suture comprising:an elongate flexible length of suture material having a first end and a second end;a pre-tied knot body formed from the suture material at a region near the first end of the suture, the pre-tied knot body having one or more loops of the suture material, wherein each loop has at least one crossing point; anda leader snare formed of a length of linear and flexible material, wherein the pre-tied knot body is tied around the leader snare so that the leader snare passes through the one or more loops of the knot body, wherein a bight region of the leader snare extends from a first end of the knot body and a pull tail extends from a second end of the knot body,wherein the knot body and leader snare are sufficiently flexible and narrow of profile to be pulled through a tissue behind a tissue penetrator.2. The suture of claim 1 , wherein the pre-tied knot body comprises three or more loops of suture material.3. The suture of claim 1 , wherein the leader snare is formed of a second suture material.4. The suture of claim 1 , wherein the bight region of the leader snare extends towards the second end of the suture and the pull tail of the leader snare extends towards the first end of the suture.5. The suture of claim 1 , wherein the material forming the leader snare has a larger diameter than the suture.6. The suture of claim 1 , wherein the knot body is configured to slide along the length of the suture.7. A method of passing a suture through a tissue claim 1 , the method comprising:placing a first jaw of a suture passer on one side of a tissue to be sutured;placing a second jaw of the suture passer on the opposite side of the tissue to be sutured;passing a knotted end of a suture through the tissue from the second jaw to the first jaw, wherein the knot is located at or ...

SUTURE PASSERS ADAPTED FOR USE IN CONSTRAINED REGIONS

Described herein suture passer apparatus (devices and systems) that may be used to suture tissue within a narrow, confined space. In particular, described herein are suture passers having an elongate body and a bent lower jaw member that houses a tissue penetrator that is adapted to extend laterally through the bend region, and then be laterally deflected from the lower jaw member to a second jaw (e.g. bendable or pivoting) upper member. 1. A suture passer apparatus adapted for insertion into a knee joint , the apparatus comprising:an elongate body having a proximal end connected to a proximal handle and a distal end region, wherein the elongate body extends in a long axis;a lower jaw member extending from the distal end region of the elongate body, the lower jaw including a bend relative to the long axis of the elongate body at a proximal end of the lower jaw, wherein a bottom surface of the lower jaw from the bend to the distal end of the lower jaw is flat and extends in a straight line to a rounded distal end region;an upper jaw member extending from a distal end region of the elongate body and bendable relative to the elongate body, wherein the upper jaw member bends away from the long axis of the elongate body in a same direction as the bend in the lower jaw member; anda tissue penetrator housed within the lower jaw member configured to slide distally in the lower jaw member beyond the bend and extend laterally out of the lower jaw member to transfer a loop of suture from the lower jaw member through the upper jaw member.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the bend is between 5 degrees and 40 degrees relative to the long axis of the elongate body.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the tissue penetrator is a thin claim 1 , flat and elongate Nitinol member.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the lower jaw member is fixed relative to the elongate body.5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the lower jaw member is configured to pivot relative to the elongate ...

Suture passer devices and methods

Devices, systems and methods for passing a suture. In general, described herein are suturing devices, such as suture passers, as well as methods of suturing tissue. These suture passing devices may include dual deployment suture passers in which a first distal jaw member is moveable at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body of the device and the second distal jaw member is retractable proximally to the distal end region of the elongate body and/or the first jaw member.

SUTURE PASSER DEVICES AND METHODS

Suture passer devices and methods of using the devices having one or more protective interlocks preventing or limiting operation of the suture passer when deployment of the needle may damage the apparatus or harm the patient. For example, described herein are suture passer devices that include an interlock preventing deployment of the tissue penetrator (needle) when the jaws are not clamped onto a tissue. Also described herein are interlocks preventing retraction of a jaw axially until the needle is retracted.

MENISCUS REPAIR

Methods for repairing a meniscus, and particularly a torn meniscus. A method of repairing a meniscus may include using a suture passer to pass a suturing element from the region between the superior surface of the meniscus and the femoral condyle, through the meniscus tissue, into the region between the inferior surface of the meniscus and the tibial plateau, across the inferior surface of the meniscus, and back to the superior surface of the meniscus, without deeply penetrating the posterior capsular region of the knee. Equivalently, the suture element may be passed from the inferior surface of the meniscus to the superior surface and back to the inferior surface. 1. A method of arthroscopically placing a suture around a portion of meniscus without penetrating a meniscocapsular region of the meniscus , the method comprising using a suture passer to:pass a suture through the meniscus on a first side of a meniscus tear;pass the suture through the meniscus on a second side of the meniscus tear, the suture extending along an inferior meniscus surface between the first and second side of the meniscus tear.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein using the suture passer to pass the suture though the meniscus comprises extending a tissue penetrating element through the meniscus.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising approaching the meniscus from an apex of the meniscus.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising minimally invasively entering a knee joint with the suture passer from an anterior approach.5. The method of further comprising:extending a first jaw of the suture passer into a space between a superior meniscus surface and a femur;extending a second jaw of the suture passer into a space between the inferior meniscus surface and a tibia; andpassing the suture between the first jaw and second jaw of the suture passer to pass the suture through the meniscus.6. The method of claim 5 , wherein passing the suture through the meniscus on the first and second side of ...

Arthroscopic knot pusher and suture cutter

Knot pushers and suture cutter apparatuses to be used arthroscopically, for example, in an arthroscopic knee surgery may be operated with a single control to both lock the suture within the distal end of the apparatus and cut the suture once the knot has been pushed to the appropriate location. The apparatus may include a safety lock preventing deployment of the cutter until the safety lock (e.g., cutter release) has been released.

D-shaped surgical staples

A surgical apparatus comprises a surgical staple for treating tissues of a patient in a surgical procedure. The surgical staple is deformable from a first configuration (e.g., an un-deployed configuration) to a second configuration (e.g., a deployed configuration) in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The surgical staple includes a first leg and a second leg, wherein said surgical staple substantially resembles a V-shape or a suture needle in the first configuration and substantially forms a D-shape in the second configuration in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

Suture passer devices and methods

Suture passer devices and methods of using the devices having one or more protective interlocks preventing or limiting operation of the suture passer when deployment of the needle may damage the apparatus or harm the patient. For example, described herein are suture passer devices that include an interlock preventing deployment of the tissue penetrator (needle) when the jaws are not clamped onto a tissue. Also described herein are interlocks preventing retraction of a jaw axially until the needle is retracted.

Suture passer devices and methods

Devices, systems and methods for passing a suture. In general, described herein are suturing devices, such as suture passers, as well as methods of suturing tissue. These suture passing devices may include dual deployment suture passers in which a first distal jaw member is moveable at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body of the device and the second distal jaw member is retractable proximally to the distal end region of the elongate body and/or the first jaw member. Also described herein are suture passers in which the tissue penetrator passing the suture travels in an approximately sigmoidal pathway, with the distal end of the tissue penetrator extending distally from one jaw of the device.

Pap system

A PAP system includes a PAP device to generate a supply of pressurized air, a patient interface adapted to form a seal with the patient's face, air delivery tubing to interconnect the patient interface and the PAP device, and a cover that substantially encloses at least a portion of the PAP device and a portion of the air delivery tubing. The cover allows the PAP device to be carried by and/or supported on the patient's head.

Suture passer devices and methods

Devices, systems and methods for passing a suture. In general, described herein are suturing devices, such as suture passers, as well as methods of suturing tissue. These suture passing devices may include dual deployment suture passers in which a first distal jaw member is moveable at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body of the device and the second distal jaw member is retractable proximally to the distal end region of the elongate body and/or the first jaw member. Also described herein are suture passers in which the tissue penetrator passing the suture travels in an approximately sigmoidal pathway, with the distal end of the tissue penetrator extending distally from one jaw of the device.

Automatically reloading suture passer devices and methods

Suture passers and methods of use. Described herein are suture passers preloaded with suture, including cartridges that couple to a suture passer to form a loaded suture passer; the suture passer may be operated to pass one or more lengths of suture without having to be manually reloaded. In particular, described herein are preloaded and automatically reloading apparatuses typically.

Suture passer devices

Suture passer devices and methods

Devices, systems and methods for passing a suture. In general, described herein are suturing devices, such as suture passers, as well as methods of suturing tissue. These suture passing devices may include dual deployment suture passers in which a first distal jaw member is moveable at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body of the device and the second distal jaw member is retractable proximally to the distal end region of the elongate body and/or the first jaw member.

Automatically Reloading Suture Passer Devices That Prevent Entanglement

Suture passers and methods of use. Described herein are suture passers preloaded with suture, including cartridges that couple to a suture passer to form a loaded suture passer that are configured to prevent a length of suture (e.g., already-passed suture) from re-entering the channel of the suture passer jaw and getting recaptured and/or entangled by the tissue penetrator. In particular, described herein are preloaded and automatically re-loading suture passers that are adapted to include a gate, guide, or shield on one of the jaws of the suture passer, and methods of operating such suture passers for surgical use including repairing tissue.

丸みが付けられた縫合糸パサー

【課題】効果的な縫合と両立する断裂した半月板を修復するための方法、デバイス、及びシステム、特に、横断裂及び縦断裂の両方を縫合することができるデバイスを提供する。 【解決手段】 膝の半月板を修復するために使用できる縫合糸パサーデバイスであって、該パサーは、代表的には、１対のアームを有する細長い本体を含む。標的組織と身体の非標的組織の間でより良く嵌合するために、アームの１つ又はそれ以上は、デバイスの長軸線に対して遠位端領域部分に丸みが付けられているのがよい。アームは、標的組織に嵌合すように構成された遠位方向に向いた開口を形成する。一方のアームは軸線方向に移動可能であるのがよく、他方のアームは、曲げ可能であるのがよい。組織貫通器が、アームの間に形成された前記開口を横切って延びるように、前記アームの一方の収容されているのがよい。かくして、組織の第１の側から第２の側に縫合糸を通すことができる。 【選択図】図１Ｆ