The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 24, 2005
Filed:
Mar. 22, 2002
Robert M. Weber, Chino Hills, CA (US);
Robert M. Weber, Chino Hills, CA (US);
Arthrex, Inc., Naples, FL (US);
Abstract
An instrument for arthroscopic suture passing having a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end. A jaw disposed on the distal end has a needle and a hook. The jaw opens and closes with respect to a stationary distal tip of the instrument. A handle disposed on the proximal end manipulates the jaw. A movable suture shuttle is disposed in the distal tip of the instrument. Arthroscopic suture passing takes place by initially loading a length of suture into the suture shuttle, and capturing the suture by moving the suture shuttle away from a position in which it would engage the needle and hook. The needle then is advanced through tissue using the handle to close the jaw against the stationery tip. The suture shuttle then is advanced to load the suture onto the hook. Opening the jaw draws the needle back through the tissue, pulling the suture in a loop through the tissue. A spring arm urges tissue off of the needle. The loop of suture then is available for further suturing or knot tying.