Inlet Medical, Inc.

John D Cook

James E Carter

Lee A Jones

Robert A Gabler

Jose M Velez

The suture is released by opening and withdrawing the tip from the guide. The suture is recovered by using the guide to redirect the tip and puncturing the tissue opposite the first point of insertion. The tip grasps the suture and pulls the suture through the guide. The suture is pulled outside the wound, providing for rapid closure of the surgical incision. The guide is insertable within the wound to be closed and guides the surgical instrument at a predetermined angle from the longitudinal axis of the guide for optimum wound closure. The surgical instrument and method may be used to advantageously shorten and strengthen ligaments. For example, by gathering and reinforcing the round ligament that supports a woman's uterus with suture materials, surgeons can reposition and stabilize a retroverted uterus. Other devices may be also used in connection with retracting and reinforcing connective tissue. For example, rather than relying entirely on suture material to hold connective tissue in a retracted state, a device having one or more anchors may be inserted into connective tissue.

Devices for investing within ligaments for retracting and reinforcing the same

Medical instrument handle

The invention is a valving device for use in laparoscopic surgery. The device generally has a valve housing having a wall defining a common channel. The channel includes at least first and second apertures extending through the channel wall to allow fluid communication to and from the channel. The invention also includes a laparoscopic probe having a channel created by a wall defining a first open end and a second open end, as well as a valve for trapping debris positioned within the channel first open end.

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Prior Lake, MN, United States of America

John D Cook