Suture delivery and/or retrieval device

A suture delivery device includes a base portion and a deployment portion extending from the base portion. The base portion defines a longitudinal axis. The deployment portion includes a plurality of petals extending along the longitudinal axis parallel to one another when the deployment portion is in a delivery position and extending radially outward from the longitudinal axis when the deployment portion is in a deployed position.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to endoscopic procedures. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to delivery and retrieval devices for a plurality of sutures during an endoscopic procedure.

Background of Related Art

Various surgical procedures are now performed endoscopically. More particular, these minimally invasive procedures are performed through one or more incisions in the skin. An access port or other device may be used to facilitate receiving the instruments and other objects into a cavity of a patient. During a surgical procedure, it may be necessary to use a plurality of armed sutures within the patient. Individually introducing armed sutures into the patient is time consuming and may complicate a procedure.

To reduce the time spent delivering individual armed sutures during surgical procedures and/or to simplify a suturing procedure, it would be beneficial to have a device for delivering a plurality of sutures and/or retrieving the needles of the used plurality of sutures.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, a suture delivery device for delivering a plurality of sutures is provided. The delivery device includes a base portion defining a longitudinal axis, and a deployment portion extending from the base portion. The deployment portion includes a plurality of petals extending along the longitudinal axis parallel to one another when the deployment portion is in a delivery position. The plurality of petals extends radially outward from the longitudinal axis when the deployment portion is in a deployed position.

A method of delivering a plurality of sutures to a cavity of patient is also provided. The method includes accessing a cavity of a patient through an opening, and positioning a delivery device within the cavity through the opening when the delivery device is in a delivery position, wherein the delivery device include a plurality of sutures releasably secured thereto. The method further includes transitioning the delivery device from the delivery position to a deployed position to expose the plurality of sutures, and performing a suturing procedure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. As used herein, the term distal refers to the portion of the instrument or device which is farthest from the user, while the term proximal refers to that portion of the instrument or device which is closest to the user. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail.

As used herein with reference to the present disclosure, the terms laparoscopic and endoscopic are interchangeable and refer to procedures performed through a cannula or a small incision in the skin, and instruments for completing such procedures. It is believed that the present disclosure may find use in any procedure where access to the interior of the body is limited to one or more relatively small incisions, with or without the use of a cannula or other access port, as in minimally invasive procedures.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Although the embodiments will be shown and described as relates to the delivery of armed sutures “S” (FIG. 3), including a needle “N” (FIG. 3) and a thread “T” (FIG. 3) within a cavity “C” (FIG. 3) of a patient “P” (FIG. 3), and retrieval of the needle “N” and remaining thread “T” from the cavity “C” of the patient “P” following a suturing procedure, it is envisioned that the embodiments of the presently disclosed delivery devices may be used solely for delivery and/or solely for retrieval of one and/or more sutures “S”, and that the suture(s) “S” may include multiple needles “N” or instead be unarmed. The thread “T” of the sutures “S” may be barbed, coated, formed of shape memory material, or be otherwise configured. It is understood that sutures “S” are available with needles “N” and thread “T” of various sizes, shapes, configurations, materials, and/or number, and that the embodiments of the present disclosure may be modified for use with any number of sutures having needle(s) and thread of any size, shape, configuration, and/or material.

With reference now toFIGS. 1 and 2, a device for delivering and retrieving one or more sutures according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown generally as delivery device100. The delivery device100includes a base portion110, and a deployment portion120extending from the base portion110. As will be described in further detail below, the base portion110and the deployment portion120may be integrally formed (FIG. 7) or secured to one another using know techniques. The base portion110provides structure to the delivery device100while the deployment portion120releasably retains one or more sutures “S”.

With continued reference toFIGS. 1 and 2, as shown, the base portion110of the delivery device100includes a support member or ring112. Although shown as being circular, the support member112may include any suitable shape, including, for example, oval (FIG. 11), square (FIG. 13), and triangular (FIG. 16). As shown, the support member112defines an opening111therethrough. The threads “T” of the suture “S” may be received through the opening111. The support member112may be solid (FIG. 12), or may include a cavity (FIG. 8) for receiving used needles “N”. As will be described in further detail below, the support member112may formed of mesh or include a mesh or other suitable covering and/or coating for engaging used needles “N” following a suturing procedure.

The support member112of the delivery device100may be formed of plastic, polymer, metal, alloy, or other suitable material. It is envisioned that the support member112may be flexible to facilitate insertion of the delivery device100through an incision “I” (FIG. 3), with or without the use of an access assembly10(FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the support member112is formed of PTFE. Alternatively, the support member112is formed of a rubber material, e.g., a rubber stopper.

The deployment portion120of the delivery device100includes a plurality of petals122. Although shown including seven (7) petals122a-g, it is envisioned that the deployment portion120of the delivery device100may include more or less than seven (7) petals122, e.g., three (3) petals (FIG. 16), four (4) petals (FIG. 13), five (5) petals (FIG. 7), and six (6) petals (FIG. 11). Each of the petals122a-gof the plurality of petals122may be substantially circular (FIG. 7), teardrop (FIG. 11), rectangular (FIG. 13), triangular (FIG. 16), or any other suitable shape. The petals122a-gof the plurality of petals122may be of the same or different shape.

Each petal122a-gof the plurality of petals122may be formed of thin plastic, fabric, or other suitable material. In embodiments, the plurality of petals122is formed of felt. Each of the petals122a-gof the plurality of petals122may be solid, or may define a cavity623therein (FIG. 18) for receipt of a used needle “N”. The support member112and the plurality of petals122may be formed of the same or different materials. As noted above the support member112and each petal122a-gof the plurality of petals122may be integrally formed, e.g., monolithic, and/or secured to one other. In embodiments, the delivery device100is injection molded. The petals122a-gof the plurality of petals122of the deployment portion120of the delivery device100may overlap, as shown. It is envisioned that each of the petals122a-gof the plurality of petals122may instead be disposed about the support member120in contact with, or spaced from, adjacent petals.

The deployment portion120of the delivery device100is movable between a first or deployed position (FIG. 1) and a second or delivery position (FIG. 2). In the delivery position, each of the petals122a-gof the plurality of petals122extend in a same longitudinal direction parallel to one another and to a central axis “x” of the delivery device100, providing a compact configuration suitable for insertion through an incision “I” (FIG. 3) of a patient “P”, with or without the use of an access port10(FIG. 3). The deployment portion120of the delivery device100may form a substantially cylindrical member, as shown, or may include a rounded configuration (FIG. 8) or a pyramid configuration (FIG. 17). Alternative configurations of the deployment portion120of the delivery device100may include cone, flower, umbrella, and shuttlecock.

When the plurality of petals122of the deployment portion120of the delivery device100are in the deployed position, each of the petal122a-gof the plurality of petals122extend radially outwardly, thereby permitting access to an inner surface of the petals122a-g. As will be described in further detail below, the delivery device100may further include a retrieval position (FIG. 5) in which each of the petal122a-gof the plurality of petals122of the deployment portion120extend parallel to one another along the central axis “x” in a direction opposite to that in which each of the petals122a-gof the plurality of petals122extend when the delivery device100is in the delivery position (FIG. 2). Alternatively, the delivery position and the retrieval position of the delivery device100may be the same.

The petals122a-gof the plurality of petals122of the deployment portion120of the delivery device100are each loosely secured to the support member112such that the plurality of petals122may freely move between the delivery position and the deployed position (and the retrieval position). Alternatively, each of the petals122a-gof the plurality of petals122may be secured to the support member112by a hinge412(FIG. 13). The hinge may be configured to provide an opening force to move the plurality of petals122from the delivery position to the deployed position and/or from the deployed position to the delivery position. In embodiments, one or more of the petals122a-gof the plurality of petals122includes a spring member (FIG. 16) for biasing the petals122a-gfrom the delivery position to the deployed position and/or from the deployed position to the delivery position.

It is envisioned that the deployment portion120of the delivery device100may include a securing mechanism, e.g., a strap (FIG. 5B), a sleeve (FIG. 14), a knot (FIG. 17), for maintaining the plurality of petals122in the delivery position (FIG. 2). Alternatively, each petal122a-gof the plurality of petals122may be molded to have a first configuration (FIG. 9) when the delivery device100is in the deployed configuration (FIG. 7) and a second configuration (FIG. 10) when the delivery device100is in the delivery configuration (FIG. 8).

With continued reference toFIGS. 1 and 2, the deployment portion120of the delivery device100further includes a needle support130disposed on each petal122a-gof the plurality of petals122. As shown, the needle support130includes a pad member132secured to each petal122a-gof the plurality of petals122for releasably retaining a needle “N” of suture “S” to each petal122a-g. The pad members132may be formed of foam, rubber, or any other suitable biocompatible material. It is envisioned that the needle support130may include a pair or plurality of molded protrusions232(FIG. 7), a needle park332(FIG. 11), a recess (FIG.13), or other any other suitable configuration for releasably retaining a needle “N”.

Alternatively, the material forming each of the petals122a-gof the plurality of petals122of the deployment portion120of the delivery device100may include a pierceable material, e.g., fabric, mesh, through which a needle “N” may be received. In embodiments, the needles “N” may be secured directly to each of the petals122a-gof the plurality of petals122using adhesive or other suitable material. In embodiments, the needle “N” is received within a recess (FIG. 15) defined by the petals. Although shown including only a single needle support130on each of petals122a-gof the plurality of petals122, it is envisioned that each of the petals122a-gof the plurality of petals122may include a plurality of needle supports130of the same or different construction, for releasably retaining a plurality of needles “N”.

The delivery device100further includes a retrieval mechanism140. As shown, the retrieval mechanism140of the delivery device100includes a string or cord142secured to the support member112. The delivery device100may instead include a rod (FIG. 17) or other elongate body (not shown) secured to the base portion110of the delivery device100. The elongate body may also facilitate positioning of the delivery device100through an incision “I” (FIG. 3) and into a cavity “C” (FIG. 3) of a patient “P” (FIG. 3). Alternatively, the base portion110of the delivery device100may be configured for engagement by a surgical instrument (not shown), e.g., scope, or forceps, and the surgical instrument may be used to delivery and/or retrieve the delivery device100. For example, the base portion110of the delivery device100may include a loop (FIG. 11) or a tab (FIG. 14). In embodiments, the base portion110is configured to be directly engaged by the surgical instrument.

Operation of the delivery device100will now be described with reference toFIGS. 3-6. Referring initially toFIG. 3, the delivery device100may be provided to a clinician with the sutures “S” previously attached to the petals122a-gof the plurality of petals122. Alternatively, the sutures “S” may be secured to the petals122a-gof the plurality of petals122by the clinician. In this manner, the delivery device100may be loaded with only the suture “S” of a particular type(s) and of a certain number to complete a given suture procedure. As such, waste material may be limited, and unnecessary objects need not be introduced into the patient “P”.

Once the needles “N” of the suture “S” are secured to the respective petals122a-gof the plurality of petals122, the plurality of petals122are moved to the delivery position. The plurality of petals122may be provided to the clinician in the delivery position, or may be moved to the delivery position manually by the clinician. To maintain the plurality of petals122in the delivery position, the petals122a-gmay be secured to one another using a locking mechanism, such as a releasable adhesive, a sleeve, a strap or straps, clips, barbs, and/or knot or knots. In embodiments, the locking mechanism may be self-locking in that the locking mechanism naturally secures the petals upon interaction or contact with each other. Alternatively, the locking mechanism is manually manipulated to secure the petals to each other.

The locking mechanism may be disposed on any portion of at least one petal. In embodiments, the locking mechanism is disposed on a distal end of at least one petal, and may be disposed on a distal end of each of the petals. In other embodiments, the locking mechanism is disposed on a proximal end of at least one petal, and may be disposed on a proximal end of each of the petals.

As noted above, the delivery device100may be delivered through the incision “I” in a variety of ways. The delivery device100may be guided through the incision “I”, with or without the access portion10, using the end of a scope, forceps, or other suitable instrument. Alternatively, a rod or other member may be secured to the delivery device100to facilitate insertion of the delivery device through the incision “I”.

Once the delivery device100has been delivered to the cavity “C” of the patient “P”, the deployment portion120of the delivery device100is deployed. As shown, the deployment portion120of the delivery device100deploys automatically once the delivery device is no longer constrained by the access port10. Alternatively, a strap(s) is(are) cut, a knot(s) is(are) untied, and/or a sleeve is removed or dissolved to permit the deployment of the deployment portion120of the delivery device100.

During a suturing procedure, the sutures “S” may be removed from each of the petals122a-gof the plurality of petals122as desired, and the suture “S” may be used in a traditional manner. The used needles “N” may be reattached to pad members132of the needle supports130on each of the petals122a-gof the plurality of petals122to permit removal of the used needles “N” from the cavity “C” of the patient “P”.

When all of the sutures “S” secured to the petals122a-gare used, e.g., the delivery device100is empty, or upon completion of the suturing procedure, the delivery device100is removed from the cavity “C” of the patient “P”. The delivery device100includes the retrieval mechanism140, e.g., string142, for pulling the delivery device100back through the incision “I”. As the string142of the retrieval mechanism140is pulled in a proximal direction, as indicated by arrow “A” inFIG. 4, the petals122a-gof the plurality of petals122move to the retrieval position, as indicated by arrows “B” inFIG. 4. As noted above, the retrieval position may be the same or opposite of the delivery position (FIG. 2).

Once the delivery device100is removed from the cavity “C” of the patient “P”, the delivery device100may be disposed of in any traditional manner. It is envisioned that the delivery device100may be emptied of the used needles “N”, reloaded with additional sutures, and reused during the same procedure, and/or the delivery device100may be emptied of used needles “N”, sterilized, reloaded with additional sutures, and reused during subsequent procedures.

With reference now toFIGS. 7-10, a delivery device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown generally as delivery device200. The delivery device200is substantially similar to delivery device100described hereinabove, and will only be described in detail as relates to the differences therebetween.

The delivery device200includes a base portion210and a deployment portion220integrally formed with the base portion210. The base portion210and the deployment portion220are formed of a molded plastic or polymer. The base portion210of the delivery device200forms a container212into which used needles “N” may be placed to facilitate removal of the needles “N” from the cavity “C” (FIG. 3) following a suturing procedure. The container212may include a lid214defining a slit213or other means for positioning a used needle “N’ therein.

The deployment portion220includes a plurality of petals222. Each petal222a-eof the plurality of petals222includes a needle support230in the form of a pair of protrusions232for releasably retaining sutures “S”. Each of the petals222a-eof the plurality of petals222of the deployment portion220of the delivery device200includes a first configuration when the deployment portion220is in a delivery position (FIG. 8) and when the deployment portion220is in a deployed position (FIG. 8). As shown inFIG. 9, the petals222a-eof the plurality of petals222have a convex cross-sectional profile when the deployment portion220is in the deployed position, and as shown inFIG. 10, the petal222a-einclude a concave cross-sectional profile when the deployment portion220is in the delivery position. The petals222a-eare configured such that when the deployment portion220is in the delivery position, the needle “N” on each of the petals222a-eis readily accessible by the clinician. It is envisioned that the petals222a-emay remain in either a convex or concave profile regardless of the delivery position, retrieval position, and/or deployment position.

It is envisioned that the needle support230of the delivery device200may be configured to securely retain the needles “N” when the deployment portion220of the delivery device200is in the delivery position, so as to prevent inadvertent separation of the needles “N” from the respective petals222a-f. It is further envisioned in some embodiments, that when the deployment portion220is moved to the deployed position, the needle support230is configured to release or permit the release of the needles “N”.

With reference now toFIGS. 11 and 12, a delivery device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown generally as delivery device300. The delivery device300is substantially similar to delivery devices100,200described hereinabove, and will only be described in detail as relates to the differences therebetween.

The delivery device300includes a base portion310and a deployment portion320secured to the base portion310. The base portion310of the delivery device300is formed of a material which can be is penetrated by the needles “N”. In some embodiments, the base portion310is made from, or includes, a rubber material, e.g., a rubber stopper. The base portion310may be made from, or includes, a mesh cover312to which used needles “N” may be secured to facilitate removal of the needles “N” from the cavity “C” (FIG. 3) following a suturing procedure. The base portion310further includes a loop314extending distally therefrom for facilitating retrieval of the delivery device300from the cavity “C”.

The deployment portion320of the delivery device300includes a plurality of petals322. As shown, the petals322a-fof the plurality of petals322are of different shapes and sizes, and may accommodate sutures “S” of different shapes and sizes. Each of the petals322a-fincludes a needle support330in the form of a needle park332for releasably retaining sutures

With reference now toFIGS. 13-15, a delivery device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown generally as delivery device400. The delivery device400is substantially similar to delivery devices100,200,300described hereinabove, and will only be described in detail as relates to the differences therebetween.

The delivery device400includes a base portion410and a deployment portion420secured to the base portion410by a hinge412. The hinge412permits movement of the deployment portion420between a deployed position (FIG. 13) and a retrieval position (FIG. 14). The hinge412may be integrally formed with either or both of the base portion410and the deployment portion420, or may be secured therebetween. The hinge412may be passive, thereby allowing the deployment portion420to move between the deployed position and the delivery position or retrieval position without assistance, or the hinge412may be configured to bias the deployment portion420between the deployed position and the delivery or retrieval position. The base portion410further includes a loop416extending distally therefrom for facilitating retrieval of the delivery device400from the cavity “C”.

The deployment portion420of the delivery device400includes a plurality of petals or sections422. As shown, the petals422a-dof the plurality of petals422each have a semi-circular cross-sections (FIG. 15) that, when the deployment portion420of the delivery device400is in the delivery position, the deployment portion420forms a substantially cylindrical body.

The deployment portion420of the delivery device400may be maintained in the delivery position by a release mechanism450. The release mechanism450may include straps452secured to the petals422a-dof the plurality of petals422, or a sleeve454received about the petals422a-d. It is envisioned that the sleeve454may be cut away or otherwise removed from about the deployment portion420of the delivery device400. In embodiments, the sleeve454is dissolvable when contacted with a fluid and/or at a given temperature. Each of the petals422a-ddefines a recess431for receiving the sutures “S”. An adhesive or other material may be used to releasably retain the sutures “S” within the recesses431.

Following a suturing procedure, the used needles “N” may be placed back within the recesses431of the petals422a-dto facilitate removal of the needles “N” from the cavity “C” of the patient “P”.

With reference now toFIGS. 16 and 17, a delivery device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown generally as delivery device500. The delivery device500is substantially similar to delivery devices100,200,300,400described hereinabove, and will only be described in detail as relates to the differences therebetween.

The delivery device500includes a base portion510and a deployment portion520secured to the base portion510. The base portion510of the delivery device500is triangular, and includes an attachment member512for releasably securing a retrieval mechanism540, e.g., an insertion/retrieval rod542, thereto. The rod542may be releasably secured to the attachment member512of the base portion with a threaded connection, slot and tab configuration, friction fit, or in any other suitable manner.

The deployment portion520of the delivery device500includes a plurality of petals522. As shown, the petals522a-cof the plurality of petals522are of triangular in shape, and are formed of, or covered with, a fabric or other pierceable material through which one or more needles “N” may be positioned. Each of the petals522a-cincludes a spring member524for biasing the respective petals522a-cto a deployed position (FIG. 16). Although the spring member524is shown as an elongate flexible member secured to the base portion510of the delivery device500, it is envisioned that the spring member524may instead include a coil spring, a living hinge, or any other suitable biasing member.

The delivery device500includes a release mechanism550, e.g., a knot552(FIG. 17) secured to the free ends of the petals522a-cof the plurality of petals522to secure the deployment portion520of the delivery device500in a delivery position.

With reference now toFIG. 18, in another embodiment of a delivery device according to the present disclosure, a petal622defines a cavity623for receiving one or more used needles “N” and/or thread “T” of the sutures “S”. A flap or opening624provides access to the cavity623to permit placement of the needle “N” and/or thread “T” within the cavity623.

The petal622may further include a trap member626formed on a free end thereof for trapping scrap material as the delivery device is removed from a patient “P” (FIG. 3). The trap member626may include an adhesive, or a Velcro®-like material for gripping the scrap material as the delivery device is removed from a patient. When the delivery device is in a retrieval positions, the ends of the petal622including the trap member626engage one another, furthering preventing trapping scrap material during retrieval of the delivery device. The trap member626may be configured to secure multiple petals622together when the delivery device is in the delivery position and/or the retrieval position.