Apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 7976555
APP PUB NO 20100016866A1
SERIAL NO

12175442

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ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

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Abstract

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The invention includes a needle loader that may be used with a suturing device. The needle loader includes a generally planar needle supporting surface, a hub configured and adapted for receiving a generally toroidally shaped suturing needle around the hub, and means for retaining a suturing needle in a fixed toroidal rotational position with respect to the hub about a center axis of needle rotation. Generally, a needle mounted around the hub is selectively disposable on and removable from the hub. In accordance with a further aspect, the loader may further include an opening for retaining suture material attached to a suturing needle. The opening may include a groove defined through the needle supporting surface. The needle loader may further include a guard for preventing access to the point of a suturing needle to protect the needle and/or to prevent accidental needle sticks.

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS INC1020 KIFER ROAD SUNNYVALE CA 94086

International Classification(s)

Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Brecher, Gerald I North Andover, US 42 6122
Meade, John C Mendon, US 132 19055

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