US20140081329A1 - Tissue anchor applicator - Google Patents
Tissue anchor applicator Download PDFInfo
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- US20140081329A1 US20140081329A1 US14/084,647 US201314084647A US2014081329A1 US 20140081329 A1 US20140081329 A1 US 20140081329A1 US 201314084647 A US201314084647 A US 201314084647A US 2014081329 A1 US2014081329 A1 US 2014081329A1
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- tissue
- anchor
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- fastening member
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/0401—Suture anchors, buttons or pledgets, i.e. means for attaching sutures to bone, cartilage or soft tissue; Instruments for applying or removing suture anchors
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/12—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for ligaturing or otherwise compressing tubular parts of the body, e.g. blood vessels, umbilical cord
- A61B17/12009—Implements for ligaturing other than by clamps or clips, e.g. using a loop with a slip knot
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/32—Surgical cutting instruments
- A61B17/3205—Excision instruments
- A61B17/32056—Surgical snare instruments
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/0401—Suture anchors, buttons or pledgets, i.e. means for attaching sutures to bone, cartilage or soft tissue; Instruments for applying or removing suture anchors
- A61B2017/0409—Instruments for applying suture anchors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/0401—Suture anchors, buttons or pledgets, i.e. means for attaching sutures to bone, cartilage or soft tissue; Instruments for applying or removing suture anchors
- A61B2017/0464—Suture anchors, buttons or pledgets, i.e. means for attaching sutures to bone, cartilage or soft tissue; Instruments for applying or removing suture anchors for soft tissue
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/0469—Suturing instruments for use in minimally invasive surgery, e.g. endoscopic surgery
- A61B2017/0475—Suturing instruments for use in minimally invasive surgery, e.g. endoscopic surgery using sutures having a slip knot
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/28—Surgical forceps
- A61B17/29—Forceps for use in minimally invasive surgery
- A61B2017/2926—Details of heads or jaws
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Abstract
A tissue anchor applicator includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. The first jaw member includes a pair of spaced-apart arms configured to releasably retain a fastening member thereon. The second jaw member is configured for releasably retaining an anchor member thereon. One (or both) of the first and second jaw members is moveable with respect to the other from a spaced-apart position to an approximated position for securing tissue between the fastening member and the anchor member.
Description
- The present application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/896,936 filed on Oct. 4, 2010, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/250,070 filed on Oct. 9, 2009, the entire contents of each of these prior applications are incorporated by reference herein.
- 1. Technical Field
- The present disclosure relates to a tissue anchor applicator and, more specifically, to a tissue anchor applicator and tissue anchor assemblies for atraumatic attachment of a tissue anchor to tissue.
- 2. Description of Related Art
- As a result of recent technological improvements in surgical instruments, surgical procedures that were previously performed in a conventional or open fashion are now routinely performed using minimally-invasive surgical techniques (e.g., endoscopic, laparoscopic, etc.). Minimally-invasive surgical procedures are less invasive as compared to conventional surgical procedures and, thus, minimize trauma to the patient and reduce patient recovery time.
- In endoscopic and laparoscopic surgical procedures, it is often necessary to provide instrumentation to move or manipulate tissue and organs located in or near the area of operation. Generally, laparoscopic surgical procedures involve the introduction of a gas, e.g., carbon dioxide, to insufflate a body cavity, e.g., the abdomen, to provide a working area for the surgeon. More particularly, a trocar device is utilized to puncture the peritoneum to provide an access port by way of a cannula through the abdominal wall. A tube supplying an insufflation gas may then be inserted through the cannula to insufflate the abdomen. The cannula typically includes a fluid-tight seal for maintaining the body cavity in the insufflated condition. Generally, a trocar/cannula is placed through the abdominal wall for introduction of each piece of surgical instrumentation which is necessary to carry out the surgical procedure. In this manner, the surgeon may view the surgical site through an endoscope provided through a first trocar/cannula, and may utilize a second trocar/cannula to introduce a surgical instrument such as a grasper, scissor, clip applier, stapler or any other surgical instrument which may be necessary during the particular surgical procedure.
- Although the insufflation gas expands the abdomen to permit the surgeon to view the surgical site, it is often necessary to manipulate internal organs or tissues within the surgical site to provide a clear path to the surgical objective. In the past, surgeons have fastened anchors internally to soft tissue, or viscera, during surgical procedures using hooks or other sharp objects. As can be appreciated, the use of such hooks and other sharp objects may cause great trauma to a patient during the insertion, relocation and/or removal of these anchors.
- In accordance with the present disclosure, a tissue anchor applicator is provided. The tissue anchor applicator includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. The first jaw member includes a pair of spaced-apart arms configured for releasably retaining a fastening member thereon. The second jaw member is configured for releasably retaining an anchor member thereon. One (or both) of the first and second jaw members is moveable with respect to the other from a spaced-apart position to an approximated position for securing tissue between the fastening member and the anchor member.
- In one embodiment, the second jaw member is configured to fixedly retain the tissue anchor thereon when the jaw members are disposed in the spaced-apart position. As such, a locking mechanism may be provided for retaining the tissue anchor on the second jaw member when the jaw members are disposed in the spaced-apart position. The second jaw member may further be configured to release the tissue anchor therefrom when the jaw members are moved to the approximated position.
- In another embodiment, the spaced-apart arms of the first jaw member are configured to retain a portion of a suture thereon. The suture is configured for securing tissue about the anchor member when the first and second jaw members are moved to the approximated position.
- In yet another embodiment, one (or both) of the spaced-apart arms defines a pinch point between the arm and a distal end of the arm. The pinch point releasably retains the portion of the suture on the arm. The pinch point is configured such that, when a pre-determined pulling force is applied to the suture, the portion of suture releasably retained by the pinch point is released from the arm, i.e., the suture is pulled through the pinch point, releasing the suture from the arm.
- In still another embodiment, the end effector assembly is disposed at a distal end of a shafted instrument. The shafted instrument may include an actuator for moving the jaw members from the spaced-apart position to the approximated position.
- In still yet another embodiment, the securing member includes a ring structure having a suture coupled thereto for securing tissue between the ring structure and the anchor member.
- A tissue anchor assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure includes an anchor member and a fastening member. The anchor member includes a ball portion, a base, and a shaft interconnecting the ball portion and the base. The anchor member is positionable adjacent a face of tissue. The fastening member is positionable adjacent an opposite face of tissue and includes a pair of spaced-apart arcuate arms connected to each other at first ends thereof and having free second ends. One (or both) of the arms is moveable with respect to the other between an at-rest position and an expanded position. In the expanded position, the arms define a first gap distance therebetween, while, in the expanded position, the arms define a second gap distance therebetween that is greater than the first gap distance. Accordingly, when in the expanded position, the fastening member is positionable about the shaft of the anchor member. Once positioned about the shaft of the anchor member, the fastening member may be returned to the at-rest position for fixedly securing tissue between the anchor member and the fastening member.
- In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a tissue anchor assembly including an anchor member and a fastening member is provided. The anchor member is positionable adjacent a face of tissue and may be configured according to any of the embodiments described above. The fastening member defines an opening extending therethrough and is positionable adjacent an opposite face of tissue. The fastening member is transitionable from an at-rest position to an expanded position. When in the expanded position, the ball portion of the anchor member may be passed through the opening of the fastening member. Once the ball portion has passed through the opening of the fastening member, the fastening member may be transitioned back to the at-rest position for retaining the fastening member about the shaft between the ball portion and the base, thereby fixedly securing tissue between the anchor member and the fastening member.
- In one embodiment, the fastening member includes a deformable ring. The ring is resiliently deformable from the at-rest position, wherein the ring defines a generally elliptical configuration, to the expanded position, wherein the ring defines a generally circular configuration. To deform the ring from the at-rest position to the expanded position, the ring is squeezed, or pinched at diametric positions along a circumference thereof.
- In another embodiment, the fastening member includes pinching ring having first and second tabs. One (or both) of the tabs is moveable with respect to the other between the at-rest position and the expanded position. In the at-rest position, the pinching ring defines a first diameter. In the expanded position, the pinching ring defines a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter.
- In yet another embodiment, the fastening member includes two (or more) rings. The rings are transitionable between the at-rest position, wherein the rings are at least partially spaced-apart with respect to one another, and the expanded position, wherein the rings are further overlapping with respect to one another.
- In accordance with still another embodiment of the present disclosure, a tissue anchor assembly including an anchor member and a fastening member is provided. The anchor member may be configured according to any of the embodiments discussed above. The fastening member is positionable adjacent an opposite face of tissue as the anchor member and includes a ring structure defining an opening extending therethrough and a suture. The suture is coupled to the ring structure and is moveable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the ball portion of the anchor member is passable through the opening of the ring structure. In the second position, once the anchor member has passed through the opening of the ring structure, the fastening member is fixedly retained about the shaft between the ball portion and the base to fixedly secure tissue between the anchor member and the fastening member.
- In one embodiment, the ring structure includes a plurality of expandable members coupling the suture to the ring structure. The plurality of expandable members is transitionable between an at-rest position corresponding to the first position of the suture and an expanded position corresponding to the second position of the suture.
- In another embodiment, the ring structure includes a slot defined therethrough. The slot extends at least partially around a circumference of the ring structure. The suture is disposed through the slot defined within the ring structure and is moveable through the slot between the first position, wherein the suture is disposed at a first end of the slot, and the second position, wherein the suture is disposed at a second end of the slot.
- In yet another embodiment, the ring structure includes first and second rings rotatably coupled to one another. One (or both) of the rings is rotated with respect to the other for transitioning the suture between the first position and the second position.
- In still another embodiment, a middle portion of the suture is fixedly secured to the ring structure, while first and second ends of the suture extend through an aperture defined at an opposite end of the ring structure. The first and second ends of the suture are selectively tensionable for transitioning the suture from the first position to the second position.
- In still yet another embodiment, the ring structure includes a tube having a lumen extending therethrough and the suture defines a loop that is tightenable from an open position to a cinched position upon movement of the suture from the first position to the second position. The tube is disposed about a first portion of the loop when the suture is disposed in the first position (when the loop is in the open position), and is disposed about a second, larger portion of the loop when the suture is disposed in the second position (when the loop is in the cinched position). Further, the tube may define a circular, ovular, triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, or dodecagonal cross-sectional shape, although other cross-sectional shapes are also contemplated.
- Various embodiments of the subject tissue anchor assemblies and tissue anchor applicators are described herein with reference to the drawings wherein:
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tissue anchor applicator in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure shown including a pair of jaw members disposed in a spaced-apart position; -
FIG. 2 is a top view of the tissue anchor applicator ofFIG. 1 wherein the jaw members are disposed in the spaced-apart position; -
FIG. 3 is a side view of the tissue anchor applicator ofFIG. 1 wherein the jaw members are disposed in the spaced-apart position; -
FIG. 4 is a top view of the tissue anchor applicator ofFIG. 1 wherein the jaw members are disposed in an approximated position; -
FIG. 5 is a side view of the tissue anchor applicator ofFIG. 1 , wherein the jaw members are disposed in the approximated position; -
FIG. 6A is a side view of one embodiment of a suture retaining member for use with the tissue anchor applicator ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6B is a side view of another embodiment of a suture retaining member for use with the tissue anchor applicator ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6C is a side view of yet another embodiment of a suture retaining member for use with the tissue anchor applicator ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6D is a side view of still another embodiment of suture retaining member in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 7 is perspective view of an anchor member in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 8 is a top view of a clip member for use with the anchor member ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 9 is perspective view of the clip member ofFIG. 8 shown fixing tissue about the anchor member ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 10A is a top view of one embodiment of a fastening member for use with the anchor member ofFIG. 7 , wherein the fastening member is disposed in a first position; -
FIG. 10B is a top view of the fastening member ofFIG. 10A shown in a second position; -
FIG. 11A is a top view of another embodiment of a fastening member for use with the anchor member ofFIG. 7 , wherein the fastening member is disposed in a first position; -
FIG. 11B is a top view of the fastening member ofFIG. 11A shown in a second position; -
FIG. 12A is a top view of yet another embodiment of a fastening member for use with the anchor member ofFIG. 7 , wherein the fastening member is positioned adjacent tissue in a first position; -
FIG. 12B is a top view of the fastening member ofFIG. 12B shown in a second position for fixing the anchor member to tissue; -
FIG. 13A is a top view of still another embodiment of a fastening member for use with the anchor member ofFIG. 7 , wherein the fastening member is disposed in a first position; -
FIG. 13B is a top view of the fastening member ofFIG. 12A shown in a second position; -
FIG. 13C is a side view of the fastening member ofFIG. 12A shown in the first position; -
FIG. 14A is a top view of still yet another embodiment of a fastening member for use with the anchor member ofFIG. 7 , wherein the fastening member is disposed in a first position; -
FIG. 14B is a top view of the fastening member ofFIG. 14A shown in a second position; -
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a fastening member for use with the anchor member ofFIG. 7 , wherein the fastening member is disposed in a first position; -
FIG. 16 is a top view of the fastening member ofFIG. 15 shown in a second position; -
FIG. 17A is a top view of still another embodiment of a fastening member configured for use with the anchor member ofFIG. 7 , wherein the fastening member is disposed in a first position; -
FIG. 17B is a top view of the fastening member ofFIG. 17A shown transitioning between the first position and a second position; -
FIG. 17C is a top view of the fastening member ofFIG. 17 b shown in the second position; -
FIG. 17D is a side view of the fastening member ofFIG. 17A ; -
FIG. 18A is a side view of yet another embodiment of a fastening member for use with the anchor member ofFIG. 7 -
FIG. 18B is a top view of the fastening member ofFIG. 18A ; -
FIG. 19A is a top view of another embodiment of a fastening member for use with the anchor member ofFIG. 7 , wherein the fastening member is disposed in a first position; -
FIG. 19B is a top view of the fastening member ofFIG. 19A shown in a second position; -
FIG. 20A is a perspective view of still yet another embodiment of a fastening member for use with the anchor member ofFIG. 7 , wherein the fastening member is disposed in a first position; -
FIG. 20B is a top view of the fastening member ofFIG. 20A shown in a second position; -
FIG. 21A is a transverse cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a tube portion of the fastening member ofFIG. 20A ; -
FIG. 21B is a transverse cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the tube portion of the fastening member ofFIG. 20A ; -
FIG. 21C is a transverse cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of the tube portion of the fastening member ofFIG. 20A ; and -
FIG. 22 is a side view of another embodiment of a tissue anchor applicator in accordance with the present disclosure. - Turning now to
FIG. 1 , atissue anchor applicator 10 is shown generally including ahousing 12 having anend effector assembly 100 disposed at a distal end thereof. However,end effector assembly 100 need not be engaged tohousing 12, but may be disposed at a distal end of a shafted instrument 300 (seeFIG. 22 ) or may be disposed in any other suitable configuration.End effector assembly 100 includes first andsecond jaw members First jaw member 110 includes a pair of spaced apartarms housing 12.Arms suture retaining portion portions Second jaw member 120 includes ananchor retaining portion 124 disposed at adistal end 122 thereof for retaining ananchor member 30 thereon. - As shown in
FIG. 1 ,jaw members end effector assembly 100 are disposed in a spaced-apart position.Jaw member 120 is moveable relative tojaw member 110 from the spaced-apart position shown inFIG. 1 to an approximated position, as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 , although it is envisioned thatjaw member 110 be moveable relative tojaw member 120, or that bothjaw members jaw members jaw member 120 may be disposed abovejaw member 110 when in the spaced-apart position. - Referring now to
FIGS. 2-3 ,jaw members tissue anchor applicator 10 are shown disposed in the spaced-apart position withtissue 400 disposed therebetween. Eacharm jaw member 110 retains a portion ofsuture loop 22 ofsuture 20 thereon. More specifically,suture loop 22 is disposed throughsuture retaining portions arms Cinch knot 24, which is formed alongsuture 20, is configured for bi-directional movement alongsuture 20 for loosening and tighteningsuture loop 22, i.e. for increasing or decreasing the diameter ofsuture loop 22. - As shown in
FIGS. 2-3 ,anchor member 30 is retained onanchor retaining portion 124 ofsecond jaw member 120 atdistal end 122 thereof.Anchor member 30 includes aball portion 32, abase 34 and a shaft 33 (FIG. 7 ) interconnectingball portion 32 andbase portion 34.Base 34 ofanchor member 30 is engaged to anchor retainingportion 124 ofsecond jaw member 120, while shaft 33 (FIG. 7 ) andball portion 32 extend therefrom towardjaw member 110 such thatball portion 32 is positionedadjacent tissue 400. -
Anchor member 30 may be releasably retained onjaw member 120 by any suitable mechanism, e.g., areleasable clamp 125.Anchor retaining portion 124 ofjaw member 120 may be configured to fixedly retainanchor member 30 thereon whenjaw members locking mechanism 126 that prevents the release ofanchor member 30 untiljaw members anchor retaining portion 124 may be configured to fixedly retainanchor member 30 thereon until a user-activated release mechanism (not shown) is engaged. Further, a second locking mechanism (not shown) may be provided for maintainingjaw members aperture 13 ofhousing 12 to inhibit movement ofjaw member 120, thereby fixing the relative position ofjaw members jaw member 120 would once again be permitted to move between the spaced-apart and approximated positions. Such a feature helps ensure thatjaw member 120 is not moved to the approximated position accidentally. - With reference now to
FIGS. 3-5 , the operation oftissue anchor applicator 10 will be described in detail. Initially, in order to loadtissue anchor applicator 10 for use,jaw members anchor member 30 is secured to anchor retainingmember 124 ofjaw member 120, andsuture loop 22 is disposed througharms jaw member 110. Withtissue anchor applicator 10 loaded for use,end effector assembly 100 ofanchor applicator 10 is positioned as described above and as shown inFIG. 3 , such thattissue 400 is disposed betweenjaw members ball portion 32 ofanchor member 30 disposed adjacent a first face, orsurface 402 oftissue 400 and withsuture loop 22 disposed adjacent second face, orsurface 404 oftissue 400. - With
end effector assembly 100 positioned as described above,jaw member 120 may be moved from the spaced-apart position to move to the approximated position, such thatanchor member 30 is advanced towardtissue 400 andjaw member 110. Asjaw member 120 is moved further toward the approximated position,ball portion 32 ofanchor member 30 eventually contacts first surface 402 oftissue 400. Further movement ofjaw member 120 toward the approximated position urgesball portion 32 ofanchor member 30 intotissue 400 such thattissue 400 is similarly urged towardjaw member 110. Asanchor member 30 urgestissue 400 towardfirst jaw member 110,arms first jaw member 110 inhibit the movement oftissue 400, allowingball portion 32 ofanchor member 30 to engageface 402 oftissue 400, creating a bulge intissue 400 protruding fromface 404 oftissue 400 towardjaw member 110 in the vicinity of whereball portion 32 ofanchor member 30 is urged intotissue 400. Eventually, asjaw member 120 approaches the approximated position,anchor member 30 is urged further towardjaw member 110 such that the bulge of tissue protruding fromtissue 400 andball portion 32 ofanchor member 30 extend betweenarms jaw member 110. Whenjaw member 120 reaches the approximated position with respect tojaw member 110,anchor member 30 and, thus, the bulge oftissue 400 surroundinganchor member 30 is disposed betweenarms jaw member 110 and throughsuture loop 22 retained onarms - Once
jaw members anchor member 30 andtissue 400 surroundinganchor member 30 are disposed betweenarms jaw member 110 and throughsuture loop 22,suture 20 may be pulled proximally, thereby dislodging, or disengagingsuture loop 22 fromsuture retaining portions arms suture 20 is released fromsuture retaining portions arms suture loop 22 beings to cinch aboutshaft 33 ofanchor member 30 betweenball portion 32 andbase 34 thereof due to the relative positioning ofanchor member 30 andsuture loop 22 whenjaw members - As
suture 20 is pulled further proximally,suture loop 22 is cinched aboutshaft 33 ofanchor member 30, fixedly securing tissue therebetween. More particularly, assuture 20 is pulled proximally,cinch knot 24 is translated alongsuture 20 reducing the diameter ofsuture loop 22 such thatsuture loop 22 is cinched, or tightened snugly aboutshaft 33 ofanchor member 30 with bulge intissue 400 disposed therebetween. As such,tissue 400 is fixedly disposed betweenanchor member 30 andsuture loop 22. Further, due to the configuration ofanchor member 30,suture loop 22 is inhibited from sliding off, or disengaginganchor member 30 whensuture loop 22 is cinched aboutshaft 33 due to the configuration ofanchor member 30, i.e., sinceshaft 33 extends between and defines a smaller diameter thanball portion 32 andbase 34 ofanchor member 30. - Once
suture loop 22 is cinched aroundshaft 33 and the bulge intissue 400,anchor member 30 may be released from the tissueanchor retaining portion 124 ofjaw member 120, e.g., by releasingclamp 125. As mentioned above,anchor member 30 may be released from tissueanchor retaining portion 124 ofjaw member 120 automatically upon approximation ofjaw members suture 20 fixedly securingtissue 400 abouttissue anchor 30, and withtissue anchor 30 disengaged fromjaw member 120,tissue anchor applicator 10 may be removed from the surgical site. - With
tissue 400 fixedly retained betweensuture loop 22 andanchor member 30,suture 20 may be manipulated in order to retracttissue 400, thereby providing access to tissue and/or organs in and aroundtissue 400. As can be appreciated, due to the positioning ofball portion 32 onface 402 oftissue 400 andsuture loop 22 cinched aboutshaft 33 betweenball portion 32 andbase 34 on anopposite face 404 oftissue 400, there is a reduced risk of slippage or disengagement ofsuture loop 22 fromanchor member 30 upon manipulation ofsuture 20. - Referring now to
FIGS. 6A-6D , several embodiments ofsuture retaining portions suture 20 atdistal ends arms arm 111 is shown, the configurations ofFIGS. 6A-6D are similarly applicable to botharms jaw member 110. For ease of reference, and to avoid repetition, the configurations ofFIGS. 6A-6D will be discussed in relation toarm 111, keeping in mind that similar configurations are contemplated forarm 112. - A first configuration is shown in
FIG. 6A in which suture retainingportion 115 a is defined by adistal portion 113 a ofarm 111, which is curved, or bent back ontoarm 111 to define anaperture 6 a therebetween. Apinch point 118 a is created betweendistal end 113 a ofarm 111 and the remaining body portion ofarm 111 whensuture retaining member 115 a is disposed in an at-rest position.Suture 20 is disposed throughaperture 6 a defined bydistal portion 113 a andarm 111 and is retained therein by the pinched-closedsuture retaining member 115 a. Whensuture 20 is pulled proximally, e.g., to fixedly engaginganchor member 30 to tissue 400 (seeFIG. 5 ),suture 20 initiallycontacts pinch point 118 a. When a sufficient proximal pulling force is applied to suture 20,suture 20 is urged betweendistal end 113 a ofarm 111 andarm 111, deflectingdistal end 113 a ofarm 111 in the direction ofarrow 7 a, i.e., away fromarm 111, creating an opening atpinch point 118 a. Whendistal end 113 a is urged a sufficient distance in the direction ofarrow 7 a,suture 20 is able to slide throughpinch point 118 a, releasingsuture 20 fromsuture retaining member 115 a. Oncesuture 20 is released fromsuture retaining portion 115 a,distal end 113 a returns to the at-rest position shown inFIG. 6A . - A second configuration is shown in
FIG. 6B , whereindistal end 113 b ofarm 111 is curved, or bent to definesuture retaining portion 115 b having a generally triangular-shapedaperture 6 a. More particularly,distal end 113 b ofarm 111 contacts arm 111 atpinch point 118 b to retain suture withinaperture 6 b while in an at-rest position. As in the previous embodiment, proximal pulling ofsuture 20 causes suture 20 to contactdistal end 113 b ofarm 111 atpinch point 118 b, deflectingdistal end 113 b ofarm 111 in the direction ofarrow 7 b. Upon application of a sufficient pulling force,suture 20 deflectsdistal end 113 b away fromcontact point 118 b a sufficient distance to create an opening for passage ofsuture 20 therethrough, releasingsuture 20 fromsuture retaining portion 115 b. Oncesuture 20 is released fromsuture retaining portion 115 b,suture 20 may be further translated alongarm 111 to cinch aroundtissue 400, as described above (seeFIG. 5 ).Arm 111 provides a smooth camming surface forsuture 20 to slide along and acts as a guide forsuture 20 to help ensure proper placement ofsuture 20 abouttissue 400 and anchor member 30 (seeFIG. 5 ). At the same time, once suture 20 passes throughpinch point 118 b,distal end 113 b ofarm 111 is returned to the at-rest position, once again contactingarm 111 to createpinch point 118 b, as shown inFIG. 6B . - A third configuration of a
suture retaining portion 115 c is shown inFIG. 6C whereindistal end 113 c ofarm 111 is bent with respect toarm 111 to define a generallyrectangular aperture 6 c and a generallytriangular aperture 9 c therebetween. More particularly,distal end 113 c ofarm 111 is configured such that two pinch, or contact points are formed: afirst contact point 118 c betweendistal end 113 c andarm 111 and asecond contact point 118 c′ betweenrectangular aperture 6 c andtriangular aperture 9 c. As shown inFIG. 6C ,suture 20 is disposed throughrectangular aperture 6 c. Thus, as in the previous embodiments, whensuture 20 is pulled proximally,distal end 113 c ofarm 111 is deflected in the direction ofarrow 7 c, movingdistal end 113 c away fromcontact point 118 c, eventually permittingsuture 20 to pass therebetween, releasingsuture 20 fromsuture retaining portion 115 c. Upon release ofsuture 20,distal end 115 c returns to its initial position as described above. As with the previous embodiments,arm 111 provides a smooth guide, or cam surface forsuture 20 to help ensure proper placement ofsuture 20 assuture 20 is cinched about tissue 400 (seeFIG. 5 ). - A fourth configuration of a
suture retaining portion 115 d is shown inFIG. 6D whereindistal end 113 d ofarm 111 is bent back ontoarm 111 to define anaperture 6 c therebetween for retainingsuture 20 therein. Suture retainingportion 115 d further includes ahump 9 d contactingdistal end 113 d ofarm 111 to define first andsecond pinch points suture 20 is pulled proximally, suture 20contacts hump 9 d anddistal end 113 d, deflectingdistal end 113 d in the direction ofarrow 7 d. When a sufficient pulling force is exerted onsuture 20,distal end 113 d is deflected away fromhump 9 d, thereby creating an opening between first andsecond pinch points suture 20 therethrough, releasingsuture 20 fromsuture retaining portion 115 d. Once released,suture retaining portion 115 d returns to its at-rest position, whilesuture 20 is slid overhump 9 d and alongarm 111 to cinch about tissue 400 (FIG. 5 ).Suture 20 may also be releasably engaged withsuture retaining portion 115 by other obstructive or mechanical means known to those of skill in the art. - Embodiments of the tissue anchor assembly of the present disclosure will now be discussed with reference to
FIGS. 7-21 . Generally, the tissue anchor assembly includes ananchor member 30 and a fastening member, e.g.,fastening member 40.Anchor member 30, shown inFIG. 7 , includesball portion 32,shaft 33 extending therefrom andbase portion 34 disposed onshaft 33. Alternatively, the anchor member may simply be aball anchor 32 whereinshaft 33 andbase portion 34 have been eliminated.Anchor member 30 is positionable about a face of tissue oriented such thatball portion 30 is closest to a face of tissue. Continual reference to anchormember 30 andFIG. 7 will be made during discussion of the specific embodiments of the fastening member hereinbelow. It is envisioned that tissue may be secured to anchormember 30 and/orball anchor 32 by any of the fastening members discussed below and shown inFIGS. 8-21 . - The fastening member, different embodiments of which will be described in detail below, is positionable about an opposing face of tissue and is disposable around the
shaft 33 between theball portion 32 and thebase 34. The fastening member is fastened aroundshaft 33, withtissue 400 disposed therebetween, securingtissue 400 aroundanchor member 30, to create an atraumatic, retractable tissue anchor. In embodiments where ball anchor 32 is used, the fastening member is positioned about an opposing face of tissue and cinched aroundtissue 400 such that a portion oftissue 400 is secured around theball anchor 32. A suture connected to the fastening member may then be used to retract tissue. - One embodiment of the fastening member is shown in
FIGS. 8-9 , wherein the fastening member includes a “C”-shapedclip 40.Clip 40 includes a pair ofarcuate arms fingers gap 43 therebetween atdistal end 44 ofclip 40.Fingers arcuate arms Gap 43 ofclip 40 is expandable from a first, at-rest state, to a second, expanded state, for acceptance ofshaft 33 ofanchor member 40 therethrough. Central bore 45 is located though a center ofclip 40 and is dimensioned to allowshaft 33 ofanchor member 30 to be disposed therethrough. Afirst aperture 48 is defined inclip 40 adjacentdistal end 44 ofclip 40 and asecond aperture 49 is defined inclip 40 adjacentproximal end 46 ofclip 40.First aperture 48 is configured for acceptance of aremoval suture 26 therethrough andsecond aperture 49 is configured for acceptance of aretraction suture 28 therethrough, the operation of both of which will become more apparent below. - Referring now to
FIG. 9 in conjunction withFIGS. 7-8 , whenanchor member 30 is positioned adjacent a face oftissue 400,clip 40 may be disposed aboutshaft 33 ofanchor member 30 from an opposing face oftissue 400, thereby fixing aportion 406 oftissue 400 aboutanchor member 30. - In operation,
gap 43 formed betweenfingers clip 40 is expanded asdistal end 44 ofclip 40 is urged into contact with tissue 400 (withshaft 33 disposed on an opposing face of tissue 400).Gap 43 is expandable a sufficient distance such thatportion 406 oftissue 400 andshaft 33 may slide throughgap 43 and intocentral bore 45 ofclip 40. Onceshaft 33, withportion 406 of tissue disposed therearound, is positioned withinbore 45,fingers 41 a, 42 s are not longer being urged apart, allowingclip 40 to return to the at-rest state, e.g., whereingap 43 returns from the expanded state back to the initial state. As can be appreciated, a diameter ofgap 43 in this first state is sufficiently small to preventshaft 33 andportion 406 oftissue 400 from sliding out ofcentral bore 45. Similarly,clip 40 is prevented from sliding axially alongshaft 33 because a diameter ofcentral bore 45, whenclip 40 is in the first-state, is less than a diameter of bothball portion 32 andbase portion 34, i.e.,clip 40 is retained onshaft 33 betweenball portion 32 andbase portion 34. Thus,clip 40,anchor member 30 andportion 406 oftissue 400 are all held in place relative to one another, thereby creating a tissue anchor.Suture 28 may then be manipulated to retracttissue 400, providing greater access to nearby and underlying tissue and organs. When it is desired to remove the tissue anchor,removal suture 26 may be pulled such thattissue portion 406 andshaft 33 urge the expansion ofgap 43 ofclip 40, to permit passage therethrough. More particularly,removal suture 26 is attached to clip 40 directly oppositegap 43 such that whenremoval suture 26 is pulled proximally,clip 40 is pulled proximally with respect toshaft 33 such thatshaft 33 contactsarcuate arms arms gap 43. Eventually, as mentioned above,gap 43 is widened a sufficient amount such thatshaft 33 andtissue portion 406 can pass therebetween, releasingclip 40 fromshaft 33. -
FIGS. 10A-10B show another embodiment of a fastening member including a partially deformableelliptical ring 200.Ring 200 is biased to form an elliptical shape (FIG. 10A ) having ashort diameter 206 in an at-rest position.Short diameter 206 is smaller than a diameter ofball portion 32 and is also smaller than a diameter ofbase portion 34 ofanchor member 30. Thus, oncering 200 is positioned aboutshaft 33 and allowed to return to its at-rest position, as will be discussed below,ring 200 is inhibited from sliding alongshaft 33 due to its positioning betweenball portion 32 andbase portion 34. Accordingly,ring 200 is fixedly securable abouttissue 400 disposed aroundanchor member 30 for forming a tissue anchor. - In order to move
ring 200 into position aboutshaft 33 ofanchor member 30,ring 200 is deformed by pinching atdiametric positions ring 200 to a generally circular shape (FIG. 10B ). When pinched into this circular shape,ring 200 defines adiameter 208 which is sufficiently large to allowring 200 to pass overball portion 32 ofanchor member 30. Thus, onceanchor member 30 is positioned adjacent a face of tissue,ring 200 may be deformed as described above such thatring 200 may pass overball portion 32 from an opposing face oftissue 400 to secure aportion 406 oftissue 400 onanchor member 30. More specifically, oncering 200 has passed overball portion 32, the pinch may be released, allowingring 200 to return back to its at-rest, elliptical configuration to fastenring 200 aboutshaft 33 betweenball portion 32 andbase portion 34, securing tissue aroundanchor member 30. To remove the tissue anchor,ring 200 is once again pinched atpositions ring 200 to the circular shape (seeFIG. 10B ) such thatring 200 may then be slid overball portion 32, disengaging the tissue anchor. Suture material (not shown) may be coupled toring 200 to permit retraction oftissue 400 once theanchor member 30 andring 200 are fixedly secured abouttissue 400. - Referring now to
FIGS. 11A-11B , another embodiment of a fastening member is shown including aring 210 having first andsecond tabs ring 210 is formed of one or more revolutions ofwire having tab 212 extending from a first end thereof and havingtab 214 extending from a second end thereof.Ring 210 is biased toward a first position whereintabs ring 210 defines a first adiameter 216.Tabs arrows ring 210 defines asecond diameter 217.Second diameter 217 is larger thanfirst diameter 216. As such,ring 210 is configured such thatfirst diameter 216, e.g., whentabs ring 210 from passing overball portion 32 orbase portion 34 ofanchor member 30. On the other hand, whentabs second diameter 217, thediameter 217 ofring 210 is sufficiently large to permitring 210 to pass overball portion 32 ofanchor member 30. - Thus, in operation,
tabs arrows ring 210 is passed overball portion 32 ofanchor member 30 such thatring 210 is positionedadjacent shaft 33 betweenball portion 32 andbase portion 34, withportion 406 oftissue 400 disposed therebetween. Then,tabs ring 210 to return to the first, or at-rest position whereintabs ring 210 fixedly securesportion 406 oftissue 400 aroundanchor member 30. Due to thesmaller diameter 216 whentabs ring 210 are disposed in the spaced-apart position,ring 210 is fixed betweenball portion 32 andbase portion 34. For removal,tabs arrows ring 210 to permitring 210 to pass back overball portion 32 ofanchor member 30. -
FIGS. 12A-12B illustrate another embodiment of afastening member 220 of the present disclosure, thefastening member 220 including a pair ofrings 222 and 224 (collectively rings 220).Rings FIG. 12B , such that the overlapping rings 222 and 224 form anopening 225 therebetween.Rings FIG. 12B to a further overlapping (or substantially overlapping) position, as shown inFIG. 12A . When rings 222 and 224 are moved to this further overlapping position, theopening 225 through the overlapping rings 222 and 224 has adiameter 226 that is greater than theopening 225 when therings 220 are in the spaced-apart position. When in the further overlapping position, opening 225 is sufficiently large to allowrings 220 to pass over theball portion 32 of anchor member 30 (seeFIG. 7 ). When released, the biasing ofrings rings 220 to move apart from each other, resulting in opening 225 having adiameter 228 being substantially identical to the diameter ofshaft 33 when disposed therearound, inhibitingrings 220 from sliding alongshaft 33 and from passing overball portion 32 orbase portion 34 ofanchor member 30. - To fasten
portion 406 oftissue 400 aroundanchor member 30 usingrings 220, theanchor member 30 is positioned adjacent a face oftissue 400 and rings 220 are positioned adjacent an opposing face oftissue 400. As discussed above, rings 220, when at-rest, are disposed the spaced-apart position. In order forrings 220 to pass overball portion 32, rings 220 are moved into the further overlapping position, as shown inFIG. 12A and as described above.Rings 220 are then passed overball portion 32 ofanchor member 30, withportion 406 oftissue 400 disposed therebetween. Oncerings 220 have passed overball portion 32 and are positioned about theshaft 33, rings 220 can be released, allowing therings rings diameter 228 ofopening 225 is substantially identical to the diameter ofshaft 33 such thatportion 406 of tissue is fixedly secured aboutanchor member 30 betweenball portion 32 andbase portion 34. - As shown in the embodiment of
FIGS. 13A-13C , rings 232 and 234 (collectively rings 230) may be formed from asingle wire 230 whereinrings straight portion 236. Formingrings single wire 230 allowsrings rings 220.FIG. 13A showsrings 230 disposed in the spaced-apart state whereinring 232 definescentral aperture 233 therethrough andring 234 definescentral aperture 235 therethrough.FIG. 13B showsrings central apertures rings central apertures opening 237 is sufficiently large to allowrings 230 to pass overball portion 32 of anchor member 30 (SeeFIG. 7 ). As discussed above in connection withrings 220, when rings 230 are allowed to move back to the spaced-apart position, opening 237 decreases in diameter asrings shaft 33, thereby fixedly securingportion 406 oftissue 400 aboutanchor member 30.FIG. 13C shows a side view ofrings 230 when disposed in the spaced apart position. - Alternatively, three
rings ring configurations FIG. 14A whereinring 244 definesaperture 245 therethrough,ring 246 definesaperture 247 therethrough andring 248 definesaperture 249 therethrough.Rings 240 are moveable from this first state to a further overlapping or second state, shown inFIG. 14B whereinapertures rings diameter 242.Diameter 242 ofopening 241 is large enough to allowrings 240 to pass overball portion 32 ofanchor member 30 whenrings 240 are moved into the second state. Oncerings 240 have passed overball portion 32 ofanchor member 30 and are positioned aboutshaft 33, rings 240 may be returned to the spaced-apart state to fixedlysecure portion 406 oftissue 400 aboutanchor member 30. - Referring now to
FIGS. 15-16 , another embodiment of a fastening member according to the present disclosure is shown. Fasteningmember 250 includes aring 252 having a plurality ofelastic bands 254 spaced therearound.Ring 252 may be made from a rigid or a semi-rigid material, or a combination thereof.Suture 20 includessuture loop 22 that is disposed through the plurality ofelastic bands 254.Cinch knot 24 is defined alongsuture 20 for selectively tighteningsuture loop 22. As shown inFIG. 15 , whensuture loop 22 is slacked, e.g., whencinch knot 24 is not tightened,elastic bands 252retain suture loop 22 in close proximity to ring 252, definingopening 256 throughsuture loop 22. Fasteningmember 250 may pass overanchor member 30, withball portion 32 andportion 406 oftissue 400 passing throughopening 256 when in this slackened position. Once fasteningmember 250 is positioned adjacent shaft 33 (withtissue 400 therebetween),suture 20 may be pulled such thatcinch knot 24 is slid therealong to tightensuture loop 22. Assuture loop 22 is tightened, e.g., as the diameter ofsuture loop 22 is decreased, the convergingsuture loop 22 is moved away fromring 252 toward the center thereof, stretchingelastic bands 254 in toward the center ofring 252.Suture loop 22 is sufficiently tightened to fixedlysecure portion 406 oftissue 400 aboutshaft 33. In the tightened position,suture loop 22 is prevented from sliding alongshaft 33 and from passing overball portion 32 orbase member 34. Thus, withtissue 400 andshaft 33 disposed throughopening 258 and withsuture loop 22 in the tightened position,portion 406 oftissue 400 is fixedly secured aboutanchor member 30. - Another embodiment of a fastening member is shown in
FIGS. 17A-17D , wherein fasteningmember 260 includes aring 262 having aslot 266 including afirst end 267 and asecond end 268 defined therethrough. One end ofsuture 20 is attached to ring 262 atposition 264 onring 262.Suture 20 extends fromposition 264 throughslot 266 ofring 262 and is moveable throughslot 266 from thefirst end 267 to thesecond end 268 thereof.Suture 20 at least partially traverses thecentral bore 269 ofring 262, splittingcentral bore 269 into areas “a” and “b.” As shown inFIG. 17A , whensuture 20 is positioned close tofirst end 267 ofslot 266, area “b” is much larger than area “a.” Thus,ring 262 may pass overball portion 32 of anchor member 30 (seeFIG. 7 ), withball portion 32 passing through area “b.” Oncering 262 is positionedadjacent shaft 33, withportion 406 oftissue 400 disposed therebetween,suture 20 can be moved throughslot 266. - As shown in
FIG. 17B , assuture 20 is moved alongslot 266, area “a” becomes larger while area “b” becomes smaller relative to area “a”. Accordingly,suture 20 begins to cinch aroundshaft 33 ofanchor member 30 as area “b” becomes sufficiently small.FIG. 17C shows the positioning ofsuture 20 atsecond end 268 ofslot 266 wherein area “b” is much smaller than area “a.” Withanchor member 30 disposed through area “b,”suture 20 may be fixed inslot 266 nearsecond end 268 to fixedly retainportion 406 oftissue 400 aroundanchor member 30.Suture 20 may be secured via a clamping structure such as a jam cleat (not shown) positioned nearsecond end 268 or may be secured by any other suitable clamping or other mechanical structure. Alternatively,suture 20 may be secured by engagement with one or more engagement means (not shown) e.g., hooks, tabs, slots, etc., formed integral to or connected to ring 262. As can be appreciated, securingsuture 20 nearsecond end 268 also securesfastening member 260 onshaft 33 ofanchor member 30 whereinball portion 32 andbase portion 34 ofanchor member 30 prevent sliding offastening member 260. - An alternative embodiment of the
tissue anchor applicator 10 described above and shownFIGS. 1-6 that is adapted for use with the fastening member shown inFIGS. 17A-17D (or any of the other fastening members described herein) will be described in greater detail below with reference toFIG. 22 . - Referring now to
FIG. 18A-18B , wherein yet another embodiment of a fastening member is shown, afastening member 270 includes stackedrings suture 20 affixed to ring 272 atposition 274.Suture 20 extends fromposition 274 throughaperture 276 defined withinring 273. As in the previous embodiment,suture 20 crosses thecentral bore 279 ofrings central bore 279 into two areas, area “c” and “d.”Ring 272 is fixed, whilering 273 is rotatable relative to ring 272. Alternatively,ring 273 may be fixed withring 272 being rotatable or, in another embodiment, rings 272 and 273 may both be rotatable with respect to each other. - As
suture 20 is pulled,ring 273 is rotated with respect toring 272. As can be appreciated, upon rotation ofring 273 with respect to ring 272, area “c” is increased while area “d” is decreased. Thus, rings 272 and 273 offastening member 270 may pass overball portion 32 of anchor member 30 (seeFIG. 7 ), withball portion 32 passing through area “d” prior to pullingsuture 20. Then, oncefastening member 270 is positionedadjacent shaft 33, withportion 406 oftissue 400 disposed therebetween,suture 20 can be pulled, thereby rotatingring 273 and decreasing area “d.” Upon further pulling and rotation,suture 20 cinches aroundshaft 33 ofanchor member 30 as area “d” becomes sufficiently small or engagement means describe above. Withanchor member 30 disposed through area “d,”suture 20 may be secured via a clamping structure. Securingsuture 20 securesfastening member 270 on theshaft 33 ofanchor member 30 whereinball portion 32 andbase portion 34 prevent sliding offastening member 270. - Yet another embodiment,
fastening member 280, illustrated inFIGS. 19A-19B includesring 282 having a middle portion ofsuture 20 fixed thereon atposition 284 wherein first and second ends ofsuture 20 are disposed throughaperture 286 defined withinring 282.Suture 20 is moveable from a slack position (seeFIG. 19A ) to a taut position (seeFIG. 19B ) to cinch aroundportion 406 oftissue 400, thereby fixingportion 406 oftissue 400 around anchor member 30 (seeFIG. 7 ). Whensuture 20 is slacked, area “e” defined therebetween is sufficiently large to allow passage therethrough ofball portion 32 ofanchor member 30. When taut (FIG. 19B ), area “e” is sufficiently small such thatball portion 32 andbase portion 34 ofanchor member 30 prevent sliding offastening member 280 along theshaft 33, thereby retainingportion 406 oftissue 400 disposed aroundanchor member 30.Suture 20 thus conforms aroundshaft 33 ofanchor 30 to fixedly retainportion 406 oftissue 400 aroundanchor member 30. - Referring now to
FIGS. 20A-20B , another embodiment of afastening member 290 is shown including asuture 20 forming asuture loop 22 and having acinch knot 24 configured to selectively tightensuture loop 22.Suture loop 22 is partially disposed throughlumen 294 defined withintube segment 292.Tube segment 292 is dimensioned to create a minimum loop size ofsuture loop 22, as desired and as will be described below. As shown inFIG. 20A ,tube segment 292 occupies a portion ofsuture loop 22 whensuture loop 22 is in a slackened position. Assuture loop 22 is tightened,tube segment 292 occupies more and more of thesuture loop 22, ultimately reaching the position ofFIG. 20B whereintube segment 292 substantially surroundssuture loop 22. In other words, in the tightened position, as shown inFIG. 20B ,tube segment 292 occupies the entire circumference ofsuture loop 22, preventingsuture loop 22 from being tightened further. Accordingly, a specific length oftube segment 292 may be used to define a corresponding minimum loop size. Whensuture loop 22 is disposed about and cinched around tissue,tube segment 292 prevents the suture from being cinched too tightly, thereby preventing necrosis, ligation, or other similar damage to tissue. - It is envisioned that
tube segment 292 may define varying lengths, depending on the diameter of tissue to be cinched, so long astube segment 292 is short enough to allowsuture loop 22 to fixedly cinch around tissue and so long astube segment 292 is long enough to prevent damage to tissue as a result of over-tightening ofsuture loop 22. It is further envisioned that fasteningmember 290 be used in conjunction withanchor member 30, described in detail above (e.g.,fastening member 290 may be cinched aroundshaft 33 of anchor member 30). -
FIGS. 21A-21C show different cross-sectional shapes fortube segment 292 which are configured help to increase the holding force of fasteningmember 290. Specifically,FIG. 21A showstube segment 295 having a twelve-sided star, or dodecagonal shape.FIG. 21B showstube segment 296 having a rectangular shape andFIG. 21C showstube segment 297 having a hexagonal shape. Alternatively,tube segment 292 may have a circular, ovular, triangular, pentagonal, octagonal, or any other shape which helps increase the holding force of fasteningmember 290. - With reference now to
FIG. 22 , another embodiment of a tissue anchor applicator is shown configured for use with, e.g., for applying to tissue, the tissue anchor assembly ofFIG. 7 and/or any of the embodiments discussed above. The tissue anchor applicator is part of anend effector 322 of asurgical instrument 300.Surgical instrument 300 includes anouter tube 310 that is configured and adapted for a minimally invasive procedure (e.g., endoscopic or laparoscopic). Adrive member 320 is slidably disposed withintube 310 for proximal and distal translation therein along a longitudinal axis oftube 310.End effector 322 is disposed at a distal end ofdrive member 320 and includes a pair ofjaws Jaws drive member 320 such that one or both ofjaws jaw members FIG. 1 ). It is contemplated that onejaw jaw stationary jaw - With continued reference to
FIG. 22 ,drive member 320 includes a drive bar (not shown) disposed therein. The drive bar (not shown) is operably coupled tojaw members jaw members member 320. The drive bar is coupled tojaw members jaw members jaw members jaw members surgical instrument 300 may further include an actuator, or trigger (not shown) coupled to the drive bar and configured for selectively translating the drive bar between a proximal position and a distal position. As such, the trigger may be selectively actuated to movejaw members - In use, with continued reference to
FIG. 22 ,anchor member 30, which was fully described hereinabove, is positioned onjaw 340. A fastening member includes a pair ofrings jaw 330.Rings suture 20 coupled thereto. It is envisioned that the fastening member be configured according to any of the embodiments of fastening member discussed above. It is also contemplated thatjaws drive member 320 using a releasable coupling. Suitable types of couplings (i.e., bayonet, etc.) are well known in the art. Alternatively, rings 331, 332 may be slidably coupled tojaw 330 andball anchor 30 may be slidably coupled tojaw 340. In this arrangement, rings 331, 332 are separable fromjaw 330 andball anchor 30 is separable fromjaw 340. Thus, in either embodiment,surgical instrument 300 may be disengaged from the tissue anchor and removed from the surgical site once thetissue anchor 30 has been applied. - As in previous embodiments discussed above with reference to
FIGS. 1-6 , tissue to be retracted is placed betweenjaws FIG. 22 . Once the tissue is located betweenjaws jaws jaws ball 32 of ball anchor 34 passes through the centers ofrings rings suture 20 may be pulled proximally to drawsuture 20 snugly against tissue to fixedly secure tissue betweensuture 20 andshaft portion 33 ofball anchor 30. Thus, the tissue positioned betweenjaws ball anchor 30. Tissue may then be retracted in the same manner as in previously disclosed embodiments. - Once
jaws suture 20 andball anchor 30, i.e., onceanchor member 30 is fixedly engaged to tissue,drive member 320 is retracted such that rings 331, 332 andball anchor 30 are separated, or released fromjaws suture 20, that is secured about tissue andball anchor 30. - From the foregoing and with reference to the various figure drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain modifications can also be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the same. While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in the drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.
Claims (12)
1. (canceled)
2. A tissue anchor assembly, comprising:
an anchor member, the anchor member including a ball portion, a base, and a shaft interconnecting the ball portion and the base, the anchor member positionable adjacent a face of tissue; and
a fastening member, the fastening member positionable adjacent an opposite face of the tissue, the fastening member including:
a ring structure defining an opening extending therethrough;
a suture coupled to the ring structure, the suture moveable between a first position for passing the ball portion through the opening of the ring structure and a second position for retaining the fastening member about the shaft between the ball portion and the base to fixedly secure the tissue between the anchor member and the fastening member.
3. The tissue anchor assembly according to claim 2 , wherein the ring structure includes a plurality of expandable members coupling the suture to the ring structure, the plurality of expandable members transitionable between an at-rest position corresponding to the first position of the suture and an expanded position corresponding to the second position of the suture.
4. The tissue anchor assembly according to claim 2 , wherein the ring structure includes a slot defined therethrough, the slot extending at least partially around a circumference of the ring structure and wherein at least a portion of the suture is disposed through the slot defined within the ring structure such that, in the first position, the suture is disposed at a first end of the slot and such that, in the second position, the suture disposed at a second end of the slot.
5. The tissue anchor assembly according to claim 2 , wherein the ring structure includes first and second rings coupled to one another, at least one of the rings being rotatable relative to the other for moving the suture between the first position and the second position.
6. The tissue anchor assembly according to claim 2 , wherein a middle portion of the suture is fixedly secured at a first point along the ring structure and wherein first and second ends of the suture extend through an aperture, the aperture located at a second point along the ring structure, the first and second ends of the suture selectively tensionable for transitioning the suture from the first position to the second position.
7. The tissue anchor assembly according to claim 2 , wherein the ring structure includes a tube having a lumen extending therethrough and wherein the suture defines a loop that is tightenable from an open position to a cinched position upon movement of the suture from the first position to the second position, the tube disposed about a first portion of the loop when the suture is disposed in the first position and disposed about a second, larger portion of the loop when the suture is disposed in the second position.
8. The tissue anchor assembly according to claim 7 , wherein a cross-sectional shape of the tube is one of circular, ovular, triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, or dodecagonal.
9. The tissue anchor assembly according to claim 4 , wherein the suture at least partially traverses the opening of the ring to split the opening into first and second areas.
10. The tissue anchor assembly according to claim 9 , wherein as the suture is pulled from the first end of the slot to the second end of the slot the second area of the opening becomes smaller relative to the first area.
11. The tissue anchor assembly according to claim 3 , wherein the suture includes a suture loop that is disposed through the plurality of expandable members.
12. The tissue anchor assembly according to claim 11 , wherein tightening of the suture loop moves the plurality of expandable members from the at-rest position to the expanded position.
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US14/084,647 US20140081329A1 (en) | 2009-10-09 | 2013-11-20 | Tissue anchor applicator |
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KR101860187B1 (en) * | 2016-01-14 | 2018-05-23 | 가톨릭대학교 산학협력단 | snare for removing tumor |
US20180235625A1 (en) * | 2017-02-17 | 2018-08-23 | Ethicon Llc | End effector with adjunct materials |
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US5843099A (en) | 1997-01-16 | 1998-12-01 | Bei Medical Systems, Inc. | Single system ligature carrier and tissue clamp for sacrospinous colpopexy |
US6551328B2 (en) * | 1997-11-03 | 2003-04-22 | Symbiosis Corporation | Surgical instrument for invagination and fundoplication |
US7112208B2 (en) | 2001-08-06 | 2006-09-26 | Morris John K | Compact suture punch with malleable needle |
US7166116B2 (en) | 2003-06-23 | 2007-01-23 | Ethicon, Inc. | Tissue grasper/suture passer instrument |
US20050177176A1 (en) * | 2004-02-05 | 2005-08-11 | Craig Gerbi | Single-fold system for tissue approximation and fixation |
-
2010
- 2010-10-04 US US12/896,936 patent/US8603107B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2010-10-07 JP JP2010227997A patent/JP2011101792A/en active Pending
- 2010-10-07 CA CA2716716A patent/CA2716716A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2010-10-08 AU AU2010227064A patent/AU2010227064A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2010-10-08 EP EP10251777A patent/EP2308386A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2013
- 2013-11-20 US US14/084,647 patent/US20140081329A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (4)
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US20050261712A1 (en) * | 2004-04-26 | 2005-11-24 | Balbierz Daniel J | Restrictive and/or obstructive implant for inducing weight loss |
US20050251208A1 (en) * | 2004-05-07 | 2005-11-10 | Usgi Medical Inc. | Linear anchors for anchoring to tissue |
US20080027446A1 (en) * | 2006-02-03 | 2008-01-31 | Biomet Sports Medicine, Inc. | Soft Tissue Repair and Conduit Device |
US20090024144A1 (en) * | 2007-07-18 | 2009-01-22 | Zeiner Mark S | Hybrid endoscopic/laparoscopic device for forming serosa to serosa plications in a gastric cavity |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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WO2022264000A1 (en) * | 2021-06-18 | 2022-12-22 | Covidien Lp | Surgical occluding devices |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2716716A1 (en) | 2011-04-09 |
US20110087281A1 (en) | 2011-04-14 |
AU2010227064A1 (en) | 2011-04-28 |
EP2308386A1 (en) | 2011-04-13 |
JP2011101792A (en) | 2011-05-26 |
US8603107B2 (en) | 2013-12-10 |
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Legal Events
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: COVIDIEN LP, MASSACHUSETTS Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:TYCO HEALTHCARE GROUP LP;REEL/FRAME:031690/0045 Effective date: 20120928 Owner name: TYCO HEALTHCARE GROUP LP, MASSACHUSETTS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:FISCHVOGT, GREGORY;REEL/FRAME:031635/0751 Effective date: 20100315 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |