Importance

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Abstract

A surgical instrument provides a simplified method of inserting sutures in laparoscopic surgery. A suture needle is hollow, and the suture thread extends through the needle. A liquid, such as a saline irrigation fluid, is driven through the hollow needle. This liquid carries the suture thread. The suture needle initially passes through the tissue, and the liquid is then actuated to drive the suture thread through the needle. The needle may then be withdrawn, leaving the suture thread in the tissue. The suture thread can then be tied off to complete the suture. In another aspect of this invention, the suture needle, or any other surgical tool, is connected to the body of the surgical instrument through a universal connection such that the angular orientation of the surgical tool relative to the surgical instrument can be universally adjusted in a three dimensional space. In one embodiment, the surgical tool is connected to a ball-shaped structure that is adjustable relative to the body of the surgical instrument. Several rods reciprocate within the body of the surgical instrument between locked and unlocked positions. The surgical instrument is preferably inserted into the patient in a first angular orientation, and the locking structure is then moved to the unlocked position. The angular orientation of the surgical tool can then be adjusted relative to the axis of the surgical instrument. Once the tool is at the desired angular orientation, the locking structure is moved to the locked position, where it holds the surgical tool at the newly adjusted angle.

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First Claim