Patent ID: 8469973
Filing Date: 2013-06-25
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A tissue closure device comprising: a) a handle having a proximal end and a distal end, the handle defining an enclosable compartment therein, the enclosable compartment being adjustable from an open condition wherein the compartment is exposed to the environment outside the compartment to an enclosed condition wherein the enclosable compartment defines a sterile barrier that isolates the enclosable compartment from the environment outside the compartment; b) a pusher assembly extending from the distal end of the handle, the pusher assembly having a drive arm extending from a drive shaft and a drive mechanism at a distal end of the drive arm, wherein the drive mechanism is capable of releasably engaging and rotating a split ring suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end around a circular needle track about a rotational axis; and c) a removable electronic module that is removably disposable in the enclosable compartment, the enclosable compartment forming the sterile barrier around the removable electronic module when the handle is in the enclosed condition, the removable electronic module being controlled by an actuator that mechanically engages the drive shaft to rotate the drive shaft and the drive mechanism, thereby rotating the suturing needle about the rotational axis, the removable electronic module including: wherein the handle includes a door that provides entry and exit for the removable electronic module, the door including a seal to help define the sterile barrier of the enclosable compartment; and d) a removable funnel adapted and configured to be placed within an opening defined in a proximal end of the handle, the funnel operating as a physical barrier to protect the sterility of the device when the removable electronic module is inserted into the handle, wherein the funnel has a proximal barrel and a distal barrel separated by a flange broad enough to form a barrier when the removable electronic module is inserted into the handle.