Patent ID: 9149272
Filing Date: 2015-10-06
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A suture passer guide comprising: an elongate member having a longitudinal axis; and an expandable member secured to a distal end region of the elongate member, the expandable member configured to be positioned in an expanded position in which the expandable member extends radially beyond the elongate member, the expandable member comprising a first collapsible arm and a second collapsible arm that are spaced around a circumference of the expandable member, the expandable member defining a first gap that extends between the first and second collapsible arms around the circumference of the expandable member, and the first gap being open and uncovered, wherein the elongate member defines a first proximal opening and a first distal opening that are substantially aligned with one another such that a suture passer can be extended through the first proximal and distal openings at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member, and the first gap defined by the expandable member is longitudinally aligned with the first distal opening such that the suture passer, when extended through the first proximal and distal openings with the expandable member in the expanded position, passes through the first gap extending between the first and second collapsible arms, is spaced from the expandable member along the length of the expandable member, and can position an unsecured end region of a suture within the first gap.