Endoscopic suturing tension controlling and indication devices

[0001] The present invention relates, in general, to surgical fasteners and devices for approximating and fastening tissue and, more particularly, to devices and methods relating to identifying and limiting the amount of tension experienced by an endoscopically applied suture.

[0002] Endoscopic microsurgery, including procedures performed by way of endoscopic instruments such as gastroscopes, colonoscopes, laparoscopes, and the like, may be preferred as an alternative to open surgery due to the many advantages attributed to such “minimally invasive” techniques such as shortened hospital stays, reduced recovery time, reduced risk of complications, and diminishment of the amount of and/or visibility of scarring caused by a surgical intervention. In many endoscopic procedures, as in open surgery, there are instances where a surgeon may desire to repair damaged or diseased tissues by apposing the tissues together using a suture. However, the suturing devices, stapling devices, and other fastener applicators that have been developed to aid surgeons in performing open surgery generally cannot be easily redesigned to be passed through a flexible endoscopic instrument, which may have a working channel having an internal diameter in the range of about 2.5 to about 4.0 millimeters.

[0003] Some gastric restriction procedures utilize a series of fasteners that are coupled together by a suture used to cinch and pull the fastened tissue together. Suture coupled fasteners offer the advantage of allowing the fasteners to be applied to each wall of the stomach separately and then to be cinched together using the suture after the fastener applying device is removed. In order to apply staples, on the other hand, folds must be created in each wall to engage and pull the tissue together, thus requiring that the staples be inserted through four walls of tissue.

[0004] To address these problems, various suture anchors and applicator devices have been developed to permit surgeons to endoscopically emplace sutures within tissues. Such suture anchors may be deployed using applicator devices that are inserted within and extended through the working channel of an endoscope, carrying a suture anchor to the site of the repair. Such applicators typically include a cannulated needle portion which permits the surgeon to penetrate the tissues adjacent to diseased or damaged tissue and deploy the suture anchor within, or preferably onto a distal surface of, the tissue to be apposed in repair.

[0005] The suture anchor is generally attached to a distal end of a suture, with the bulk of the suture extending alongside or within a portion of the applicator device, and with a proximal end of the suture trailing outside the endoscopic instrument. After deploying the suture anchors, the surgeon may appose the tissue by applying tension to the proximal ends of the sutures, thereby manipulating the suture anchors and the surrounding tissues, and secure the apposed tissue by advancing a series of half hitches towards the repair site using a knot pusher device. Alternately, the surgeon may thread the trailing ends of the sutures through one of a number of types of knotting elements and associated knotting element applicators, feed the applicator through the flexible endoscope towards the apposed tissue, and “fire” the applicator to fix or “knot” the sutures in place with the knotting element. Examples of such suture locking and knotting devices are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2007/0270907 A1, to Michael J. Stokes et al., entitled “Suture Locking Device”, filed May 19, 2006, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2007/0270889 to Sean P. Conlon et al., entitled “Combination Knotting Element and Suture Anchor Applicator”, filed May 19, 2006, the disclosures of each said published applications being herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties.

[0006] While suture-coupled fasteners may be more advantageous than staples in some applications, slack or loops of excess suture can form as the surgeon is attaching the fasteners to the opposed walls of the stomach. For a gastric restriction procedure to be successful, for example, the suture must be tightly cinched to pull the gastric walls together so that the reduced volume of the patient's stomach can be maintained. If any slack or loose loops of suture are present, the stomach will expand and the restriction will not be effective. Thus, the surgeon must maintain tension on the suture as the fasteners are being applied and the sutures are “knotted” or otherwise fastened together. Moreover, because of the relatively long distances traveled by endoscopic devices, user forces are not generally transmitted in a one-to-one fashion with respect to time and magnitude. As a result, tactile feedback to the surgeon is generally poor. This makes tension control of resulting stitches difficult. Too much tension can cause tissue necrosis, while insufficient tension can cause peritonitis or other issues associated with a loose stitch, such as malfunction of the suturing device. These problems are also encountered when suturing within the gastrointenstinal (“GI”) tract wherein two pieces of sutures are locked together, during general tissue approximation.

[0007] Consequently a need exists for devices that can manage and/or indicate the amount of tension applied to a suture prior to the sutures being locked together.

[0008] The foregoing discussion is intended only to illustrate some of the shortcomings present in the field of the invention at the time, and should not be taken as a disavowal of claim scope.

[0009] In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a suture tensioning device. Various embodiments of the device may comprise a housing and a movable tensioning member that is constrained to move axially within the housing. The movable tensioning member may be configured to have a portion of a suture wound therearound such that a distal portion of the suture extends in a distal direction from the movable tensioning member to be anchored to tissue. A proximal portion of the suture may protrude from the movable tensioning member to have tension applied thereto. Various embodiments may further include a first resilient member for applying a first resistive force to the movable tensioning member in a first direction and a second resilient member for applying a second resistive force to the movable tensioning member in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.

[0010] In another general aspect of various embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a suture application device that may include a handle assembly and a cannula that is operably supported by the handle assembly and is configured to be operably coupled to an end effector for applying a suture to a surgical site. The device may further include a movable tensioning member that is constrained to move axially within a portion of the handle assembly. The movable tensioning member may be configured to have a portion of a suture wound therearound such that a distal portion of the suture extends in a distal direction from the movable tensioning member to be anchored to tissue and a proximal portion of the suture protrudes from the movable tensioning member to have tension applied thereto. The device may also include a first resilient member for applying a first resistive force to the movable tensioning member in a first direction and a second resilient member for applying a second resistive force to the movable tensioning member in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.

[0011] In still another general aspect of various embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a suture locking device. Various embodiments may include a housing member and a first locking element that is operably supported within the housing member and has a suture extending therethrough. A second locking element may be supported relative to the first locking element and be configured to retainingly engage the first locking element upon application of a firing motion to the first locking element to thereby cause a portion of the suture extending through the first locking element to be locked between the first and second locking elements. An indicator member may be supported within the housing member and be configured to only be viewable through an external wall thereof when an excessive amount of tension has been applied to the suture material prior to applying the firing motion to the first locking member.

[0012] In accordance with another general aspect of the present invention there is provided a suture locking device. Various embodiments may include a handle member that is configured to generate a firing motion and an elongated catheter that extends from the handle member. A drive cable may extend through the elongated catheter and operably interface with the handle member for transmitting the firing motion to a first locking element that is operably coupled thereto. The first locking element may have a suture extending therethrough. A second locking element may be supported relative to said the first locking element and be configured to retainingly engage the first locking element upon application of a firing motion to the first locking element to thereby cause a portion of the suture extending through the first locking element to be locked between the first and second locking elements. An indicator member may be supported within the catheter and may be arranged to interface with the drive cable such that the indicator member is only be viewable through an external wall of the catheter when an excessive amount of tension has been applied to the suture material prior to applying the firing motion.

[0031] Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the devices and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and that the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0032] It will be appreciated that the terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to a clinician manipulating an end of the instrument that protrudes out of a patient's natural orifice, e.g., mouth, anus, vagina, etc. The term “proximal” referring to the portion closest to the clinician and the term “distal” referring to the portion located away from the clinician. It will be further appreciated that, for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up” and “down” may be used herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and/or absolute.

[0033] The present invention generally relates to devices and methods that may be used in connection with controlling an amount of tension applied to a suture when employing a device used to knot or otherwise attach sutures together. FIGS. 1-5 illustrate one exemplary embodiment of a suture tensioning device 10 as used in connection with a suturing device for delivering a suture to a surgical site of the type described in Published U.S. Patent Application No. US 2007/0270907 A1, to Michael J. Stokes et al., entitled “Suture Locking Device”, filed May 19, 2006, the disclosure of which has been herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will also readily appreciate that the features of various embodiments of the present invention may also be successfully employed, for example, in connection with those suturing devices disclosed in Published U.S. Patent Application No. US 2007/0270889 to Sean P. Conlon et al., entitled “Combination Knotting Element and Suture Anchor Applicator”, filed May 19, 2006, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, as well as other know suture locking devices.

[0034] In various embodiments, the suture tensioning device 10 may being incorporated into a handle 100 for deploying a knotting element from a suture locking device. Handle 100 may be attached at the proximal end of drive cable 102. Handle 100 may comprise a longitudinal body portion 104, as well as a grip portion 106 for engaging the surgeon's fingers during operation of the suture locking device. A thumb guide 108 may be located at the proximal end of handle 100. As shown in greater detail in FIG. 2, the distal end of handle 100 may include an outer clamp 110 that has a center bore for passage of catheter 120. A ring 146 may be welded to the proximal end of catheter 120 and retained between clamp 110 and handle body 104 to secure the catheter. Drive cable 102 may extend proximally beyond clamp 110 and catheter 120 into a center bore 112 of handle body 104. A retaining member 114 may be longitudinally disposed in bore 112 of handle body 104. Grip 106 may be attached to retaining member 114 to move the retaining member within handle body 104 in response to pressure applied to the grip by the surgeon.

[0035] Drive cable 102 is locked within retaining member 114 so as to move with the retaining member along the longitudinal axis “A-A” of handle body 104. A resilient member 116 extends about drive cable 102 between the proximal end of handle body 104 and retaining member 114. Resilient member 116 serves to bias a cable connector portion of the suture locking device into a proximal position within an adaptor thereof. An attachment mechanism 118 is lodged in the proximal end of handle body 104 to attach thumb guide 108 to the handle body 104, and to allow for rotation of the guide relative to the handle body 104. Tension is applied to drive cable 102 by pulling proximally on grip 106. As grip 106 moves proximally, retaining member 114 moves proximally within bore 112 of handle body 104, due to the connection between the grip and retaining member. As retaining member 114 moves proximally, the length of drive cable 102 is pulled proximally, increasing the tension on the cable 102. The increased tension on drive cable 102 is transferred to a launching member portion of the suture locking device. Handle body bore 112 is sized to allow drive cable 102 to be pulled a sufficient distance to so as to actuate the suture locking device as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. US2007/0270907, which has been herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0036] As also described in that published application, the suture material 150 that has been externalized out of the patient's mouth (or other orifice or incision) is threaded into suture locking mechanism and thereafter, the ends of the suture 150 are retrieved by the surgeon. Following threading of suture material 150 into the suture locking device, the surgeon reintroduces the endoscope into the patient, and advances the scope to the suture site using the suture strands as a guide. In various procedures, it is desirable to maintain in-line tension on the suture material 150 while the suture locking device is passed towards the suture site by holding the externalized ends of the suture material. Once the suture locking device is in position at the suture site, tension is applied to suture material 150, as well as to handle 100, to fire the device as described in the aforementioned U.S. Published Patent Application US2007/0270907.

[0037] To facilitate the application of a desirable amount of tension to the suture material, the handle housing 100 may include a suture tensioning device 10 embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the suture tensioning device 10 may include a housing 12 that has an axially extending passage 14 therein. The passage 14 may have an axis “B-B ” that is substantially parallel to the handle axis “A-A” as shown. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-4, the housing 12 comprises an integral part of the grip 106. For example, the housing 12 and grip 106 may be integrally molded from a polymer material as a single piece or, in other embodiments, the housing 12 may be fabricated apart from the grip 106 and then attached thereto by, for example, an appropriate adhesive material or other suitable fastener arrangement.

[0038] As can be most particularly seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, the suture tensioning device 10 may further comprise a movable tensioning member 20 that may comprise, for example, a movable mounting block 22 that has a tensioning spool 24 attached thereto or otherwise protruding therefrom. The mounting block 22 may be movably mounted within the axial passage 14 in the housing 12 such that it can axially move therein in the proximal direction “PD” and the distal direction “DD”. See FIG. 5. The tensioning spool 24 may be rotatably affixed to the mounting block 22 by a shaft 26 that protrudes through an axial slot 18 provided in the housing 12. In other embodiments, the tensioning spool 24 may be rigidly affixed to the mounting block 22 and, in still other embodiments, for example, the tensioning spool 24 may be omitted such that only shaft 26 protrudes out through the axial slot 18. In other embodiments, the shaft 26 and mounting block 22 may comprise an integral component. In various embodiments, the mounting block 22 is centrally disposed between a first resilient member 30A and a second resilient member 30B. In various embodiments, members 30A and 30B may, for example, each comprise a coil spring as shown. As will be discussed in further detail below, the coil springs 30A and 30B may be substantially identical (i.e., they have the same size and spring constant) or in alternative embodiments, the coil springs 30A and 30B are not substantially identical.

[0039] Operation of various embodiments of the suture tensioning device 10 may be understood from reference to FIG. 5. In mechanics and physics, Hooke's law of elasticity is an approximation that states that the amount by which a material body is deformed (the strain) is linearly related to the force causing the deformation (the stress). With respect to springs, such relationship is represented by the following equation:
F=kX

[0040] Where:

[0041] X is the distance that the spring has been stretched or compressed away from the equilibrium position, which is the position where the spring would naturally come to rest;

[0042] F is the restoring force exerted by the material; and

[0043] k is the force constant or spring constant. The constant has units of force per unit length.

[0044] Returning to FIG. 5, as can be seen in that Figure, the suture 150 is wound or wrapped around the tensioning spool 24 at least one time or more than one time such that a distal portion 152 of the suture 150 extends to the stitch inside the patient and a proximal portion 154 of the suture 150 is outside of the patient wherein it may be grasped by the surgeon. In alternative embodiments, the spool 24 may be provided with a retention notch (not shown) into which a portion of the suture may be inserted to temporarily affix the suture to the spool 24. Prior to any tension being applied to the suture 150, the mounting block 22 is centrally disposed between the biasing members 30A and 30B. The first resilient member 30A and the second resilient member 30B may be substantially uncompressed or one resilient member may be in compression while the other resilient member is uncompressed or one resilient member may be in compression while the other one is in tension. T1 represents the amount of tension applied to the proximal portion 152 of the suture 150 by the surgeon and ultimately to the stitch (i.e., the distal end of the suture 150 that is anchored to the tissue, organ, etc.). The first resilient member 30A applies a first resistive force 31 to the mounting block 22 in the proximal direction “PD” and the second resilient member 30B applies a second resistive force 32 to the mounting block 22 in the distal direction “DD”. Thus:
T2+Kx=T1
T2=T1−kX
Therefore: T2<<T1
Thus, the first and second resilient members 30A and 30B enable the surgeon to control the amount of tension ultimately applied to the anchored end of the suture 150. In various embodiments, the first and second resilient members 30A and 30B may be the same size. However, in alternative embodiments, the first and second resilient members are not the same size. After the desired amount of tension has been applied to the suture 150, the suture locking device is fired to install the suture knotting element as described in the aforementioned published U.S. Patent Application.

[0045] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate another suture tensioning device 10′ that is substantially similar to the tensioning device 10 described above except that the housing 12′ is separate and apart from the grip portion 106. Thus, as can be seen in that Figure, the housing 12′ may be fabricated in two pieces 12A′ and 12B′ that may be hinged together by hinge 15 or otherwise may be releasably coupled together. When coupled together, a lumen 13 is formed therein that is sized to lock onto catheter 120 as shown. The suture tensioning device 10′ otherwise operates the same as the tensioning device 10 described above. In use, the surgeon may support the housing 12′ on the catheter 120. In other embodiments, the housing 12′ may be configured to retaining mate with the outer clamp 110 and/or body portion 104.

[0046] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the incorporation of a suture tensioning device 10 of an embodiment of the present invention into a known handle assembly 200 for of a suturing device for delivering a suture to a surgical site. FIG. 10 illustrates use of a suture tensioning device 10′ embodiment of the present invention used in connection with the handle assembly 200. The person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the devices 10, 10′ may be used in connection with the handle assembly 200 in the same manners as were described above.

[0047] FIG. 11 illustrates the incorporation of a suture tensioning device 10 of an embodiment of the present invention into another known handle assembly 300 for a suturing device for applying suture anchors. Such handle assembly 300 may be similar in construction and operation to those handle assemblies disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0103527 A1 to David T. Martin et al., entitled “Flexible Endoscopic Suture Anchor”, filed Oct. 27, 2006 and pending co-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/796,035 to David Stefanchik et al., entitled “Surgical Suturing Apparatus”, filed Apr. 26, 2007, the disclosures of each said application being herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties. FIG. 12 illustrates use of a suture tensioning device 10′ embodiment of the present invention used in connection with the handle assembly 300. The person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the devices 10, 10′ may be used in connection with the handle assembly 300 in the same manners as were described above.

[0048] FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate use of a suture tensioning device 400 embodiment of the present invention that may be effectively used to apply tension to two or more sutures 150 when employing a suture knotting and anchor applying device 500 of the type disclosed in published U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2007/0270889. As can be seen in those Figures, two spools 24 and 24A are mounted to the mounting block 22 to facilitate receipt of two separate sutures 150 and 150′. That is, suture 150 may be wrapped around spool 24 and suture 150′ may be wrapped around spool 24A. In FIG. 13, the spools 24, 24A are essentially parallel to each other. That is, the spools 24, 24A are aligned along a transverse axis C-C that is substantially transverse to the sutures 150, 150′. In FIG. 14, the spools 24, 24A are coaxially aligned in a “stacked” arrangement along a vertically extending axis D-D. The suture tensioning device 400 may be used in connection with the knotting and anchor applying device 500 in the same manners as described above. Such “parallel” and “stacked” arrangements may also be successfully employed with the devices 10′ described above. In addition, although use of two spools 24, 24A have been depicted, more than two spools could conceivably be employed to match the numbers of sutures.

[0049] Other embodiments of the present invention comprise a suture tension indication device 600 for indicating when excessive tension has been applied to a suture prior to firing the suture knotting device. While the various embodiments of the suture tension indicating device 600 may be incorporated into any of the suture handle arrangements referenced herein, FIGS. 15 and 16 depict a suture locking device 610 of the type described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2007/0270907 with suture tension indication embodiment 600 of the present invention incorporated therein.

[0050] FIG. 15 illustrates the proximal end of a catheter 680 and an exemplary handle 611 for deploying a knotting element from suture locking device 610. Handle 611 may be attached at the proximal end of drive cable 612 for applying tension to the cable. Handle 611 may comprise a longitudinal body portion 616, as well as a grip portion 630 for engaging the surgeon's fingers during operation of device 610. A thumb guide 626 may be located at the proximal end of handle 611. The distal end of handle 611 may include an outer clamp 613 having a center bore for passage of catheter 680. A ring 615 may be welded to the proximal end of catheter 680 and retained between clamp 613 and handle body 616 to secure the catheter 680. Drive cable 612 may extend proximally beyond clamp 613 and catheter 680 into a center bore 632 of handle body 616. A retaining member 614 may be longitudinally disposed in bore 632 of handle body 616. Grip 630 may be attached to retaining member 614 to move the retaining member within handle body 616 in response to pressure applied to the grip by the surgeon.

[0051] As can be further seen in FIG. 15, drive cable 612 extends into a center bore within a retaining member 614 located in a handle 611. The proximal end of drive cable 612 may be secured within retaining member 614 by an attachment mechanism, such as, for example, a piece of metal tubing crimped to the end of the cable. Drive cable 612 may be locked within retaining member 614 so as to move with the retaining member 614 along the longitudinal axis of handle body 616. A resilient member 618 may extend about drive cable 612 between the proximal end of handle body 616 and retaining member 614. Resilient member 618 serves to bias cable connector 620 into a proximal position within adaptor 622. See FIGS. 15 and 16. An attachment mechanism 624 is lodged in the proximal end of handle body 616 to attach thumb guide 626 to the handle body, and to allow for rotation of the guide relative to the handle body. Tension is applied to drive cable 612 by pulling proximally on grip 630. As grip 630 moves proximally, retaining member 614 moves proximally within bore 632 of handle body 616, due to the connection between the grip and retaining member. As retaining member 614 moves proximally, the length of drive cable 612 is pulled proximally, increasing the tension on the cable. The increased tension on drive cable 612 is transferred to launching member 640 via the interconnection between cable connector 620, adaptor 622, and launching member 640. Handle body bore 632 is sized to allow drive cable 612 to be pulled a sufficient distance to pull inner locking member 650 into outer locking member 652 as well as separate the knotting element from launching member 640.

[0052] To deploy a knotting element from suture locking device 610, the device is introduced into the working channel of an externalized endoscope in an initial, unfired position. Suture locking device 610 is advanced through the working channel of the endoscope until inner and outer locking members 650, 652 are visible beyond the distal end of the scope. To enable the surgeon to ascertain whether excessive tension has been applied to the suture 150, the suture locking device 610 is advanced out of the working channel at least until the indicator windows 670 are viewable with a camera as will be discussed in further detail below. Suture material 150 that has been externalized out the patient's mouth (or other orifice or incision) is threaded into the distal end of inner locking member 650. The suture material is passed through bore 654 of inner locking member 650 and out through opening 656 of launching member 640.

[0053] Following threading of suture material 150 into device 610, the surgeon reintroduces the endoscope into the patient, and advances the scope to the suture site using the suture strands as a guide. In-line tension “T1” is maintained on suture material 150 while device 610 is passed towards the suture site by holding the externalized ends of the suture material 150. During this process, there is a risk that the surgeon may apply excessive tension to the suture material 150 prior to firing the device 610. Accordingly, to provide the surgeon with an indication that excessive tension is being applied to the suture material 150, at least one indication window 670 is provided through the housing 660. The windows 670 are located relative to the adapter 622 in an unfired position such that when too much tension is applied to the suture 150, the suture will cause the launching member 640 and adapter 622 to move proximally in the housing 660. When the distal end of the adapter 622 becomes visible through the windows 670, the surgeon knows that excessive tension is being applied to the suture material 150. The surgeon may view the indicator windows 670 by the video camera (not shown) inserted through the endoscope (not shown). To assist the surgeon in detecting the proximal end of the adapter, the adapter may be provided in one or more bright colors.

[0054] As grip 614 is drawn proximally, drive cable 612 is pulled proximally through handle 611, catheter 680 and housing 660. The movement of drive cable 612 applies tension to adaptor 622, which in turn pulls launching member 640 proximally. As launching member 640 moves proximally along the device axis, inner locking member 650 is drawn into outer locking member 652 to lock the suture material 150 therebetween.

[0055] An alternative suture tension indication device 600′ is depicted in FIG. 17. As can be seen in that Fig., a housing segment 682 is coupled to the outer clamp 613 or is otherwise supported adjacent to the handle, and extends around a portion of the catheter 680. In this embodiment, an indicator block 690 is attached to the drive cable 612 for movement within the catheter 680. At least one indicator window 684 is provided through the catheter 680 that is aligned with a corresponding window 686 in the housing 682 so that the indicator block 690 is viewable therethrough when excessive tension has been applied to the suture material 150 (not shown in FIG. 18). In particular, the windows 684, 686 are so located relative to the distal end of the indicator block 690 such that when a desired amount of tension is applied to the suture material, the indicator block 690 is not viewable through the windows 684, 686, yet when an excessive amount of tension is applied to the suture material, the drive cable 612 and indicator block 690 move proximally to a position wherein the surgeon can view the indicator block through those windows 684, 686. The suture locking device used with this embodiment may be identical to the suture locking device 610 described above —so that the surgeon would be able to detect when excessive tension has been applied to the suture material in two places (distally and proximally), or the device 600′ may be used in connection with a suture locking device of the type disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. US2007/0270907.

[0056] As can be readily appreciated from the foregoing, the various embodiments of the present invention described above represent a vast improvement over prior devices and methods used to deliver and install sutures and/or apply an appropriate amount of tension to sutures as they are installed by the surgeon. The unique and novel features of the present invention may be effectively incorporated into a host of different known suturing devices that are used to deliver and/or install sutures through a natural orifice in the patient and thereby avoid several disadvantages associated with other conventional surgical methods and procedures that require incisions to be made into the abdomen. While the some embodiments of the present invention may be effectively incorporated into the handles of existing suturing devices, other embodiments may be separate from the handle assemblies and may be used in connection with several different types of suturing devices.

[0057] While several embodiments of the invention have been described, it should be apparent, however, that various modifications, alterations and adaptations to those embodiments may occur to persons skilled in the art with the attainment of some or all of the advantages of the invention. For example, according to various embodiments, a single component may be replaced by multiple components, and multiple components may be replaced by a single component, to perform a given function or functions. This application is therefore intended to cover all such modifications, alterations and adaptations without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosed invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0058] The devices disclosed herein can be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. In either case, however, the device can be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning can include a combination of the steps of disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of particular pieces, and subsequent reassembly. In particular, the device can be disassembled, and any number of particular pieces or parts of the device can be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. Upon cleaning and/or replacement of particular parts, the device can be reassembled for subsequent use either at a reconditioning facility, or by a surgical team immediately prior to a surgical procedure. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the reconditioning of a device can utilize a variety of different techniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all within the scope of the present application.

[0059] Preferably, the invention described herein will be processed before surgery. First a new or used instrument is obtained and, if necessary, cleaned. The instrument can then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic or TYVEK® bag. The container and instrument are then placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, x-rays, or higher energy electrons. The radiation kills bacteria on the instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument can then be stored in the sterile container. The sealed container keeps the instrument sterile until it is opened in the medical facility.

[0060] Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated materials does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

[0061] The invention which is intended to be protected is not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. The embodiments are therefore to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Variations and changes may be made by others without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such equivalents, variations and changes which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the claims be embraced thereby.