Patent ID: 11911265
Assignee: EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION
Field: Medical technology (Instruments)
Classification: CPC A  D | IPC A

Claim 0:
1. A method of suturing an implant device, the method comprising:
disposing the implant device on a holder component of a first automated fixture;
directing the first automated fixture to position the implant device in a first position;
directing a second automated fixture to execute a first stitch on the implant device by passing a curved needle into and out of a material being sutured to the implant device;
directing the first automated fixture to position the implant device in a second position; and
directing the second automated fixture to execute a second stitch on the implant device by passing the curved needle into and out of the material being sutured to the implant device, the second automated fixture including a stitch looper that moves in coordination with the curved needle to form the first stitch and the second stitch;
wherein the stitch looper includes two or more tines to secure a portion of the suture as the curved needle is withdrawn through insertion points formed during formation of the first stitch.