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:
Jun. 03, 2008
Filed:
Apr. 22, 2004
Brad Topper, Santa Clarita, CA (US);
Brett Bannerman, Canyon Country, CA (US);
Tom Weisel, Ventura, CA (US);
J. Terry Benson, West Hills, CA (US);
Brad Topper, Santa Clarita, CA (US);
Brett Bannerman, Canyon Country, CA (US);
Tom Weisel, Ventura, CA (US);
J. Terry Benson, West Hills, CA (US);
Depuy Mitek, Inc., New Brunswick, NJ (US);
Abstract
A suturing apparatus comprises a pair of jaws. A bendable needle housed in one of the jaws is adapted to carry a suture. An optional suture receiver may be disposed adjacent to the opposite jaw. A transition block curves the needle and directs it in a direction generally unparallel to an axis of the carrying jaw. The needle may also be configured to retrieve a suture. A retaining mechanism holds a suture in place to be engaged by the needle. The jaw housing the needle may include a lateral opening through which the suture may be inserted. The needle may also include a lateral notch which may be aligned with lateral opening to receive the suture. An actuator coupled to the needle enables the user to move the needle proximally to align the notch with the lateral slot.