Various embodiments of a cartridge are disclosed, for loading a suture onto a suturing instrument and, in some embodiments, for loading a pre-tied knot formed from the suture onto the suturing instrument. The suturing instrument is typically of the type having a suture passing member defining a suture receiving passage therein. The cartridge may be operable to load the suture and/or the knot onto the suturing instrument at a point of use. In some embodiments, the cartridge defines a path for insertion thereto and withdrawal therefrom of the suturing instrument. The cartridge further comprises a seat for releasably holding a portion of a suture and a mechanism for transferring the suture from seat to the suturing instrument, various features of which are described herein.

A surgical instrument system comprising a handle, a shaft, and a disposable power module is disclosed. The handle comprises a motor, a control switch, and a motor-control processor which is in communication with the control switch. In various instances, the disposable power module comprises a disposable battery and a display unit configured to indicate at least one function of the surgical instrument system.

A device to be used by an operator which may grasp objects in a sterile or non-sterile field, and may facilitate the precise placement and passage of a needle or pin into tissues while using X-ray guidance. The device provides a secure hold while keeping the hands remote from the radiation field, and by permitting non-obstructed viewing of the held instrument and tissues. A radiolucent hammer may be used to help drive a needle into firm tissues without obscuring visualization.

A surgical system, method, and apparatus for suturing a first anatomical structure to a second anatomical structure of a subject includes an endoscope tube for being advanced through a lumen of the first anatomical structure to a surgical site near the second anatomical structure. A manipulator arm extends through the endoscope tube to the surgical site, and includes a first concentric tube manipulator with an end effector configured to grasp and manipulate a suture at the surgical site. A needle arm extends through the endoscope tube to the surgical site, and includes a second concentric tube manipulator with a needle tip configured to pierce the tissue of the first and second anatomical structures. The needle arm is also configured to grasp the suture and to retract and pull the suture through the pierced tissue so that the suture extends through and forms stitching that stitches together the first and second anatomical structures.

A suture apparatus having a housing, actuator and capture rod, the actuator being engaged to the capture rod to form an actuator-capture rod assembly, an elongated cannula shaft having a lumen that extends through the shaft, and capture rod retraction means, the housing including an internal region that is configured to receive and support the capture rod retraction means, actuator proximal end and actuator rod distal end therein, wherein said capture rod retraction means is in communication with said actuator. The actuator-capture rod assembly and capture rod retraction means being positioned and configured to transition from a retracted position to an extended position when an actuation force is applied to the actuator and return the retracted position by the retraction means when the actuation force is released.

The invention comprises a system, method, and apparatus for securing two ends of a ruptured or partially ruptured tendon in the hand or wrist during a repair, recession, or revision procedure. During this tenorrhaphy, anchoring material is inserted into the proximal ruptured surface of the tendon by an apparatus comprising multiple needles of at least two different types. Connecting material spans the site of tenorrhaphy of a ruptured tendon, or a multiplicity of ruptured tendons. In some embodiments, interlocking patterns of loop and helical suture are inserted by straight and helical needles, respectively.

A traction tool for performing traction, of a suture thread under a flexible endoscope is provided. The traction toot includes a first holder configured to hold the suture thread or a suture needle attached to the suture thread; a second holder having an engaging surface configured to engage the suture, thread such that the suture thread is capable of advancing and retracting and configured to release an engagement with the suture thread; and a guide member holding the first holder and the second holder such that the first holder and the second holder are relatively movable.

Devices and methods for securing prostheses such as heart valves or annuloplasty rings with sutures and without using knots are disclosed. The devices are particularly well suited for traditional surgery or minimally invasive surgery, and improve the ease of implantation by eliminating surgical knots a clinician would normally tie in the limited space in and around the implant site. The devices have opposed the clamp halves surrounded by a coil spring. Sutures pass between the clamp halves and the coil spring has an inner coil diameter sufficient to compress the sutures between the clamp. A retention member positioned between the clamp halves maintains a minimum space and therebetween to enable the locking device to be slid along the sutures into position, and to adjust the tension of the sutures therethrough. A delivery tool may be used to deliver and deploy the locking devices.

A method of suturing an abdominal cavity includes inserting a spool of suture in the abdominal cavity. The method also includes capturing a first portion of the suture and removing the first portion from the abdominal cavity. The method also includes capturing a second portion of the suture and removing the second portion from the abdominal cavity. The method also includes tying the first portion to the second portion outside of the abdominal cavity.

A suture passer comprising: a hollow tube, said hollow tube comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending from said distal end to said proximal end; and a suture manipulation rod slidably received in said lumen of said hollow tube and selectively projectable out said distal end of said hollow tube, said suture manipulation rod comprising a distal end and a proximal end, said distal end of said suture manipulation rod being bifurcated into a first arm and a second arm, wherein said first arm includes a hook comprising a proximally oriented hooking surface and a return extending proximally of said hooking surface; wherein said hollow tube and said suture manipulation rod are sized so that said suture manipulation rod may capture a suture disposed adjacent to said distal end of said hollow tube and draw the suture into said lumen of said hollow tube, and further wherein, after a suture has been drawn into said lumen of said hollow tube, distal movement of said suture manipulation rod causes the suture to be expelled from said hollow tube.