US20040092964A1 - Articulating suturing device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

Devices, systems, and methods for suturing of body lumens allow the suturing of vascular puncture sites located at the distal end of a percutaneous tissue tract. An elongated articulated foot near a distal end of a shaft is inserted through the penetration and actuated so that the foot extends along the lumenal axis. The foot carries suturing attachment cuffs, and needles are advanced from the shaft through the vessel wall outside of the penetration and into engagement with the needle cuffs after the foot has been drawn proximally up against the endothelial surface of the blood vessel. The cross-section of the shaft within the tissue tract can be minimized by laterally deflecting the needles as they leave the shaft, while tapered depressions within the foot can guide the advancing needles into engagement with the cuffs. The cuffs lockingly engage the needles and can be withdrawn proximally along the needle paths and through the tissue tract so as to form a loop of suture across the puncture. The articulating foot may be realigned with the shaft and withdrawn proximally through the tissue tract without dilating the tissue tract.

Description

• This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit of priority from application Ser. No. 10/152,272, filed May 20, 2002, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/651,344, filed Aug. 29, 2000, which is a division of application Ser. No. 09/262,402, filed on Mar. 4, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,136,010. The disclosures of application Ser. Nos. 09/651,344 and 10/152,272, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,136,010 are hereby incorporated by reference.[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention[0002]
• The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for the suturing of body lumens. More particularly, the present invention relates to techniques for percutaneous closure of arterial and venous puncture sites, which are usually accessed through a tissue tract.[0003]
• A number of diagnostic and interventional vascular procedures are now performed translumenally. A catheter is introduced to the vascular system at a convenient access location and guided through the vascular system to a target location using established techniques. Such procedures require vascular access, which is usually established during the well-known Seldinger technique, as described, for example, in William Grossman's “Cardiac Catheterization and Angioplasty,”3[0004]^rdEd., Lea and Febiger, Philadelphia, 1986, incorporated herein by reference. Vascular access is generally provided through an introducer sheath, which is positioned to extend from outside the patient body into the vascular lumen.
• When vascular access is no longer required, the introducer sheath is removed and bleeding at the puncture site stopped. One common approach for providing hemostasis (the cessation of bleeding) is to apply external force near and upstream from the puncture site, typically by manual or “digital” compression. This approach suffers from a number of disadvantages. It is time consuming, frequently requiring one-half hour or more of compression before hemostasis is assured. Additionally, such compression techniques rely on clot formation, which can be delayed until anticoagulants used in vascular therapy procedures (such as for heart attacks, stent deployment, non-optical PTCA results, and the like) wear off. This can take two to four hours, thereby increasing the time required before completion of the compression technique. The compression procedure is further uncomfortable for the patient and frequently requires analgesics to be tolerable. Moreover, the application of excessive pressure can at times totally occlude the underlying blood vessel, resulting in ischemia and/or thrombosis. Following manual compression, the patient typically remains recumbent from four to as much as twelve hours or more under close observation so as to assure continued hemostasis. During this time renewed bleeding may occur, resulting in blood loss through the tract, hematoma and/or pseudoaneurysm formation, as well as arteriovenous fistula formation. These complications may require blood transfusion and/or surgical intervention.[0005]
• The incidence of complications from compression-induced hemostasis increases when the size of the introducer sheath grows larger, and/or when the patient is anticoagulated. It is clear that the compression technique for arterial closure can be risky, and is expensive and onerous to the patient. Although the risk of complications can be reduced by using highly trained individuals, dedicating such personnel to this task is both expensive and inefficient. Nonetheless, as the number and efficacy of translumenally performed diagnostic and interventional vascular procedures increases, the number of patients requiring effective hemostasis for a vascular puncture continues to increase.[0006]
• To overcome the problems associated with manual compression, the use of bioabsorbable fasteners or sealing bodies to stop bleeding has previously been proposed. Generally, these approaches rely on the placement of a thrombogenic and bioabsorbable material, such as collagen, at the superficial arterial wall over the puncture site. While potentially effective, this approach suffers from a number of problems. It can be difficult to properly locate the interface of the overlying tissue and the adventitial surface of the blood vessel. Locating the fastener too far from that interface can result in failure to provide hemostasis, and subsequent hematoma and/or pseudo-aneurysm formation. Conversely, if the sealing body intrudes into the arterial lumen, intravascular clots and/or collagen pieces with thrombus attached can form and embolize downstream, causing vascular occlusion. Also, thrombus formation on the surface of a sealing body protruding into the lumen can cause a stenosis, which can obstruct normal blood flow. Other possible complications include infection, as well as adverse reaction to the collagen or other implant.[0007]
• A more effective approach for vascular closure has been proposed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,417,699, 5,613,974; and PCT published Patent Application No. PCT/US96/10271 filed on Jun. 12, 1996, the full disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. A suture-applying device is introduced through the tissue tract with a distal end of the device extending through the vascular puncture. One or more needles in the device are then used to draw suture through the blood vessel wall on opposite sides of the puncture, and the suture is secured directly over the adventitial surface of the blood vessel wall to provide highly reliable closure.[0008]
• While a significant improvement over the use of manual pressure, clamps, and collagen plugs, certain design criteria have been found to be important to successful suturing to achieve vascular closure. For example, it is highly beneficial to properly direct the needles through the blood vessel wall at a significant distance from the puncture so that the suture is well anchored in the tissue and can provide tight closure. It is also highly beneficial to insure that the needle deployment takes place when the device is properly positioned relative to the vessel wall. The ease of deployment and efficacy of the procedure can further be enhanced by reducing the cross-section of that portion of the device, which is inserted into the tissue tract and/or the vessel itself, which may also allow closure of the vessel in a relatively short amount of time without imposing excessive injury to the tissue tract or vessel.[0009]
• For the above reasons, it would be desirable to provide improved devices, systems, and methods for suturing vascular punctures. The new device should have the capability of delivering a pre-tied knot to an incision site. It would be particularly beneficial if these improved devices provided some or all of the benefits while overcoming one or more of the disadvantages discussed above.[0010]
• 2. Description of the Background Art[0011]
• U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,700,273, 5,836,956, and 5,846,253 describe a wound closure apparatus and method in which needles are threaded with suture inside a blood vessel. U.S. Pat. No. 5,496,332 describes a wound closure apparatus and method for its use, while U.S. Pat. No. 5,364,408 describes an endoscopic suture system.[0012]
• U.S. Pat. No. 5,374,275 describes a surgical suturing device and method of use, while U.S. Pat. No. 5,417,699 describes a device and method for the percutaneous suturing of a vascular puncture site. An instrument for closing trocar puncture wounds is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,470,338, and a related device is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,527,321. U.S. Pat. No. 5,507,757 also describes a method of closing puncture wounds.[0013]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention provides improved devices, systems, and methods for suturing of body lumens. The device often allows the suturing of vascular puncture sites located at the distal end of a percutaneous tissue tract with greater ease, in less time, and with less patient trauma than known systems. These improvements are generally provided through the use of shafts having smaller cross-sections than prior suturing systems. In the exemplary embodiment, an elongate articulated foot near a distal end of a shaft is inserted through the penetration and actuated so that the foot extends along the lumenal axis. The foot carries suture attachment cuffs, and can be drawn proximally up against the endothelial surface of the blood vessel. Needles are advanced from the shaft, through the vessel wall beyond the penetration, and into engagement with the needle cuffs. The cross-section of the shaft within the tissue tract can be minimized by laterally deflecting the needles before they leave the shaft, while tapered depressions within the foot can help guide the advancing needles into engagement with the cuffs. The cuffs lockingly engage the needles so that the cuffs can be withdrawn proximally along the needle paths through the tissue tract so as to form a loop of suture across the puncture without having to thread the needles directly with the suture inside the blood vessel. The suture loop may be drawn distally from the shaft, proximally from within the blood vessel, or laterally down one of the needle paths, across the puncture, and out the opposing path. Regardless, the articulating foot may be realigned with the shaft and withdrawn proximally through the tissue tract in a small profile configuration. The use of an articulatable foot in combination with lateral deflection of the needles can avoid dilation of the tissue tract, as was often necessary using known puncture closure systems.[0014]
• In a first aspect, the invention provides a method for suturing a puncture through a vessel wall of a blood vessel. The puncture is disposed within a tissue tract of a patient body, and the method comprises attaching a flexible filament to a first fitting. The first fitting is inserted through the tissue tract and positioned adjacent the vessel wall, and a needle path is formed by advancing a first needle through the vessel wall. The needle is coupled with the first fitting, and the first needle, the first fitting, and at least a portion of the filament are withdrawn through the vessel wall along the needle path.[0015]
• First and second fittings will often be coupled to the flexible filament, and will generally be positioned so that the puncture is disposed therebetween. The flexible filament will often comprise a suture extending between the first and second fittings, with each fitting being drawn proximally by an associated needle so as to form the suture loop. Alternatively, at least one of the needles may include a detachable tip and may advance a suture distally along the needle path as the needle penetrates through the vessel wall. The flexible filament can again couple the first and second fittings, here allowing both fittings to be withdrawn along a single needle path so that the suture advances down along the first needle path, laterally across the puncture, and then out the other needle path.[0016]
• Positioning of the fittings is generally effected by articulating an elongate foot within the blood vessel so that the foot extends along the vessel axis. A confirmation lumen may extend along a shaft supporting the foot to ensure that the foot is positioned within the vessel prior to articulation. Once the foot is properly articulated, it can be withdrawn to firmly engage the endothelial layer of the vessel. The foot will preferably include tapering depressions, which direct the advancing needle toward the fitting, and the suture or other flexible filament adjacent the fittings will often be releasably restrained within a narrow slot extending from the depression. The suture or other flexible filament and its associated slot will preferably be arranged to avoid entanglement of the advancing needle in the suture, and to ensure that the fitting and suture can be withdrawn proximally as the needle is retracted. An atraumatic, flexible monorail guidebody may extend from the shaft and/or the articulatable foot to facilitate alignment of the foot with the vessel, and also to help provide hemostasis while the knot is tied. A wide variety of foot articulation mechanisms may be provided, with deployment preferably being effected when the foot is disposed entirely within the vessel and using an actuator and foot motion that avoid dilation of the puncture.[0017]
• In another aspect, the invention provides a method for suturing an opening in a tissue. The method comprises inserting a distal end of a probe through the opening, the probe defining a probe axis. An elongated foot of the probe is articulated so that first and second ends of the foot extend laterally with the opening aligned therebetween. A first needle path is formed from the probe, through the tissue, and to the first end of the foot. A second needle path is formed from the probe, through the tissue, and to the second end of the foot. Suture is advanced along the first and second needle paths to position a suture loop across the opening.[0018]
• In another aspect, the invention provides a method for suturing a blood vessel. The vessel has a vessel wall, and the method comprises advancing a shaft toward the vessel wall. The shaft has an axis and a plurality of needle guides. A foot is deployed adjacent the vessel wall so that the foot extends laterally from the shaft. A plurality of needles is advanced from the needle guides of the shaft to the foot to form needle paths through the vessel wall. The needle guides deflect the needles laterally so that a needle path width between the needles is greater than a cross-sectional dimension of the shaft. Suture is advanced along the needle paths to position at least one suture loop across the puncture.[0019]
• In yet another method of the present invention, a blood vessel is sutured through a tissue tract of a patient body. The vessel has a vessel wall, and the method comprises inserting a distal end of a probe through the puncture and into the blood vessel. A first end of the suture is advanced from the probe within the tissue tract, through the vessel wall, and into the vessel. The first end of the suture is withdrawn from the vessel through the vessel wall, and through a bight of the suture to form a loop of suture across the puncture. The first end of the suture and a second end of the suture adjacent the bight are tensioned to detach the bight from the probe and form a knot affixing the loop of suture across the puncture. Advantageously, the bight of suture may be pre-tied before the probe is inserted into the tissue tract, the bight optionally being releasably attached to the probe.[0020]
• In a device aspect, the invention provides a system for suturing a blood vessel. The vessel has a vessel wall, and the system comprises a needle having a proximal end and a distal end suitable for forming a needle path through the vessel wall. The needle has a recessed engagement surface adjacent the distal end. The system further comprises a flexible filament and a fitting attached to the filament. The fitting has an opening and a tab extending into the opening, the tab securingly engaging the engagement surface when the needle advances through the vessel wall and into the opening, so that the fitting and at least a portion of the filament can be withdrawn proximally along the needle path by the needle.[0021]
• In a further device aspect, the invention provides a system for suturing a puncture of a blood vessel within a tissue tract. The vessel has a vessel wall and defines an axis, and the system comprises a shaft having a proximal handle and a distal end suitable for insertion along the tissue tract and into the vessel through the puncture. A foot is mounted near the distal end of the shaft. The foot has plurality of needle receptacles extendable laterally from the shaft. A flexible filament extends between the receptacles of the foot. A plurality of needles is advanceable distally and laterally from the shaft, through the vessel wall outside the puncture, and to the receptacles of the foot.[0022]
• In yet another device aspect, the invention provides a system for suturing a puncture of a blood vessel within a tissue tract. The vessel has a vessel wall, and the system comprises a shaft having a proximal handle and a distal end suitable for insertion along the tissue tract and into the vessel through the puncture. A foot is mounted near the distal end of the shaft. The foot has a first needle receptacle and is articulatable from a small profile configuration to a large profile configuration by actuation of the handle. A first fitting is removably mounted adjacent the first needle receptacle. A filament is coupled to the first fitting. A first needle is advanceable from the shaft to the first needle receptacle on the articulated foot. The first fitting securely engages the first needle so that the secured first fitting and at least a portion of the filament can be drawn through the vessel wall by the first needle.[0023]
• In a still further device aspect, the invention provides a probe for suturing an opening in a tissue. The probe comprises a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and defining an axis therebetween. The shaft has a size and configuration suitable for insertion through the opening in the tissue. An elongate foot is movably mounted to the shaft. An actuator extends along the shaft distally to the foot. Movement of the actuator slides the foot axially and pivots the foot from a low profile configuration to a deployed configuration extending laterally from the shaft. The foot supports a suture, and a needle is advanceable from the shaft, through the tissue, and to the deployed foot.[0024]
• In another aspect, the invention provides a suturing device having a first penetrator and a second penetrator for suturing an incision. The first penetrator is configured to form a first penetration about a periphery of the incision. The first penetrator also carries a pre-tied knot disposed about a periphery of the first penetrator for delivery to the incision. The second penetrator is configured to form a second penetration about the periphery of the incision. The second penetrator also includes suture disposed thereon that is drawn by the first penetrator through the first penetration and through the pre-tied knot during retraction of the first and second penetrators from around the periphery of the incision. The first penetrator draws the suture through the first penetration via a connection between the first penetrator and the suture. Moreover, as the first penetrator draws the suture, the suture delivers the pre-tied knot to the incision for closure of the incision.[0025]
• In another aspect, the invention provides a suturing device for suturing an incision formed in an artery. The suturing device includes a first penetrator, a second penetrator and a receiver. The first penetrator, which forms a first penetration about a periphery of the incision, includes a pre-tied knot disposed about the first penetrator. The second penetrator, which forms a second penetration about the periphery of the incision, has suture disposed thereon, which retracts through the first penetration. The suture retracts through the first penetration into the pre-tied knot during retraction of both the first penetrator and the second penetrator from around the periphery of the incision. In addition, during retraction, the suture delivers the pre-tied knot to the incision for suturing of the incision. The suturing device also includes a receiver for receiving both the first penetrator and the second penetrator upon penetration formation. The receiver connects the suture to both the first penetrator and the second penetrator and allows retraction of the suture through the first penetration as the first penetrator and the second penetrator retract.[0026]
• In another aspect, the invention provides a suturing device for suturing an opening of an artery of a patient during a surgical procedure. The suturing device includes a first penetrator, a second penetrator and a foot. The first penetrator is disposed about a periphery of the suturing device and the second penetrator is located opposite the first penetrator on the suturing device. The first penetrator includes a pre-tied knot configured to receive suture releasably engaged with the second penetrator during suturing of the opening of the artery. The foot, which is movably coupled to the suturing device distal to the first penetrator and the second penetrator, includes a first cuff and a second cuff. The first cuff and the second cuff, which couple to one another via a link, receive the first penetrator and a detachable end of the second penetrator respectively. The first and second penetrators penetrate the artery at a proximal end of the suturing device and couple with the first cuff and the second cuff upon penetration of the artery. The first and second penetrators couple with the first cuff and second cuff such that during retraction of the first penetrator and the second penetrator from the artery, the suture delivers the pre-tied knot to the incision for closure of the incision.[0027]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a perspective of a percutaneous blood vessel closure device according the principles of the present invention.[0028]
• FIG. 2 illustrates the vessel closure device of FIG. 1 in which an elongate foot is shown in a deployed position.[0029]
• FIGS.[0030]2A-C illustrate actuation of a foot and advancement of needles from a shaft to the articulated foot in a probe similar to the probe of FIG. 1.
• FIG. 3A is a detailed view showing the foot of the vessel closure device of FIG. 1 in a parked position prior to deployment.[0031]
• FIG. 3B is a detailed view showing the foot of the vessel closure device of FIG. 1 in a deployed position.[0032]
• FIGS. 4 and 4A are perspective views illustrating a suture attachment cuff and an associated barbed needle for use in the vessel closure device of FIG. 1.[0033]
• FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the barbed needles securingly engaging the suture cuffs of the deployed foot.[0034]
• FIGS.[0035]6A-C illustrate one embodiment of a deployable foot, in which the foot slides and pivots when drawn proximally by a tension member.
• FIG. 7 illustrates the suture cuff positioned within a needle receptacle, and also shows how the suture is releasably secured within a slot extending radially from the needle receptacle.[0036]
• FIGS.[0037]8A-C illustrate an alternative foot articulation mechanism in which lateral slots on the foot receive pins from the shaft to allow the foot to pivot and slide axially.
• FIGS. 9A and B illustrate a still further alternative foot actuation mechanism in which the foot slides axially within a slot.[0038]
• FIGS. 9C and D illustrate a further foot actuation mechanism in which relative movement between the sides of a two-part shaft actuates the foot.[0039]
• FIGS.[0040]10A-D illustrate alternative structures and techniques for avoiding entanglement of the needle with the suture.
• FIGS.[0041]11A-E illustrate an alternative closure system and method for its use in which a first needle advances the suture to the foot, while a second needle engages and withdraws both the first and second suture cuffs, a flexible filament connecting the suture cuffs, and at least a portion of the suture from within the blood vessel so as to complete a pre-tied knot.
• FIGS. 12A and B illustrate an alternative probe having two pairs of needles and a foot with four needle receptacles so as to form two loops of suture across a puncture of a blood vessel.[0042]
• FIGS.[0043]13A-G illustrate a method for use of a suture system so as to effect hemostasis of a blood vessel puncture through a tissue tract.
• FIGS. 14A and 14B are enlarged partial side views of a suturing device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.[0044]
• FIGS. 15A through 15F are enlarged cross-sectional views of the embodiment of the suturing device of FIGS. 14A and 14B.[0045]
• FIGS. 16A and 16B are schematic views of a suture bight having a pre-tied knot in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.[0046]
• FIGS. 17A through 17D show enlarged partial cross-sectional views of an embodiment of the suturing device in accordance with the invention, in which one embodiment of a penetrator tip and cuff engagement, penetrator tip disengagement, and cuff ejection sequence is illustrated.[0047]
• FIG. 18A is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a foot in accordance with the present invention, showing the link routing through the suture bearing surfaces of the foot.[0048]
• FIG. 18B is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a device in accordance with the present invention, showing the link routing through a suture-bearing surface located distal to the foot.[0049]
• FIGS. 19A and 19B are enlarged partial cross-sectional views of an embodiment of a foot in accordance with the present invention, showing an alternate penetrator tip and cuff engagement, penetrator tip disengagement, and cuff ejection sequence.[0050]
• FIGS. 20A through 20C are enlarged partial cross-sectional views of an embodiment of a foot in accordance with the present invention, showing an alternate penetrator tip and cuff engagement, penetrator tip disengagement, and cuff ejection sequence.[0051]
• FIG. 21 is an enlarged perspective view of an embodiment of the pre-tied knot in accordance with the present invention.[0052]
• FIGS. 22A through 22C show an alternate embodiment of a foot in accordance with the invention.[0053]
• FIGS. 23A through 23C show another alternate embodiment of a foot in accordance with the invention.[0054]
• FIGS. 24A and 24B are perspective views of an alternative embodiment of a penetrator tip in accordance with the invention.[0055]
• FIGS. 25A through 25C are schematic views of an alternate embodiment of a vessel closure device in accordance with the present invention.[0056]
• FIGS. 26A through 26D are schematic views of alternate embodiments of a vessel closure device in accordance with the invention.[0057]
• FIG. 27 shows a schematic view of one embodiment of a link and cuff assembly in accordance with the invention.[0058]
• FIG. 28 shows a bight of suture wrapped on a mandrel to form a pre-tied knot in accordance with the invention.[0059]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• A suturing device, which delivers a pre-tied knot to an incision, is disclosed. As an overview, a suturing device in accordance with the present invention includes a first penetrator having a pre-tied knot disposed thereabout and a second penetrator having suture disposed thereon. During operation of the suturing device, the first penetrator and the second penetrator penetrate the tissue about a periphery of an incision in a body lumen. Upon penetration, a penetrator tip releasably engaged with the first penetrator couples with a foot of the suturing device. As the first and second penetrators retract from the body lumen, the penetrator tip and the suture coupled with the penetrator tip retract through a penetration formed in the body lumen by the first penetrator. As will be discussed in greater detail with reference to the accompanying Figures, as the suture retracts, the pre-tied knot receives the suture, forming a knot for suturing the incision in the body lumen.[0060]
• Referring now to FIG. 1, a[0061]vessel closure device10 generally has ashaft12 having aproximal end14 and adistal end16. Aproximal housing18 supports aneedle actuation handle20. A flexible,atraumatic monorail guidebody22 extends distally ofdistal end16 ofshaft12.
• As can be seen with reference to FIG. 2, a[0062]foot24 is articulatably mounted near the distal end ofshaft12.Foot24 moves between a low profile configuration, in which the foot is substantially aligned along an axis of shaft12 (as illustrated in FIG. 1), to a deployed position, in which the foot extends laterally from the shaft, upon actuation of a foot actuation handle26 disposed onproximal housing18.
• FIGS. 2A through C illustrate the structure and actuation of[0063]foot24 of apreferred probe10′ having a modified proximal housing, and also show how needles38 can be advanced distally fromshaft12 to the foot by depressingneedle actuation handle20.
• Actuation of[0064]foot24 is illustrated more clearly in FIGS. 3A and B. In the parked position illustrated in FIG. 3A,foot24 extends substantially alongaxis28 ofshaft12. Note that the axis of the shaft need not be straight, as the shaft may curve somewhat, particularly adjacent the foot. In the exemplary embodiment,foot24 is substantially disposed within afoot receptacle30 ofshaft12 so as to minimize the cross-section of the device adjacent the foot prior to deployment. Advantageously, prior to deployment of the foot,device10 can have a cross-sectionadjacent foot24 of about 7 Fr or less, ideally having a cross-section of about 6 Fr or less for the entire device distally of theproximal end14 ofshaft12.
• Actuation of foot handle[0065]26 slides afoot actuation wire32 proximally, pullingfoot24 from a parked position to the deployed position illustrated in FIG. 3B. Once deployed, afirst end24aand asecond end24boffoot24 extend laterally from the shaft.Suture34 here comprises a continuous filament with ends disposed in needle receptacles adjacent each end of the foot. An intermediate portion ofsuture34 may extend proximally along a suture lumen ofshaft12 to and/or beyondproximal housing18. Alternatively, inpreferred probe10′, the length of suture between the ends may extend distally withinflexible guidebody22, preferably in a dedicated lumen (separate from the monorail guidewire lumen). In still further alternatives described below, a short length of suture or some other flexible filament may extend substantially directly between the needle receptacles.
• [0066]Shaft12 also includes a foot position verification lumen that extends distally from aposition verification port36 to a position indicator athousing18. When the foot is properly positioned within the blood vessel, blood pressure will cause blood to flow proximally through the indicator lumen to the indicator. The indicator may optionally comprise a blood exit port, a clear receptacle in which blood is visible, or the like. In the exemplary embodiment, the indicator ofhandle18 comprises a length of clear tubing extending from housing18 (not shown) in which the blood is clearly visible. It should be understood that a wide variety of alternative position verifications sensors might be used, including electrical pressure sensors, electrolytic fluid detectors, or the like.
• The structures used in positioning a loop of suture across the puncture can be understood with reference to FIGS. 4, 4A, and[0067]5. In general terms, needles38 extend fromshaft12 into secured engagement withfittings40 attached to sutures34. More specifically, needles38 include abarbed end42 defining a recessedengagement surface44.Fittings40 are roughly cylindrical structures having anaxial channel46 that receivesbarbed end44 ofneedle38 therein. A first slot is cut in fitting44 so as to define at least onetab48.Tabs48 can be resiliently biased inward intochannel46. Asneedle38 advances into fitting40,barbed end42 resiliently displacestab48 clear ofchannel46 so as to allow the barbed end to pass axially into the fitting. Oncebarbed end42 is disposed axially beyondtab48, the tab resiliently flexes back into the channel, capturingneedle38 by engagement between the tab and recessedsurface44. As each tab can hold the fitting in place on the needle, the use of more than one tab increases the reliability of the system. Ideally, three tabs are provided, as illustrated in FIG. 4A.
• To facilitate attachment of fitting[0068]40 to suture34, a second slot cut in the tubular fitting structure defines asuture attachment collar50. Optionally,collar50 may be crimped aboutsuture34 to mechanically affix the suture to fitting40. In addition and/or instead of mechanical crimping,suture34 may be bonded to fitting40 using an adhesive, heat, fasteners, knots, or the like.
• Fitting[0069]40 is quite small in size, and is generally configured to facilitate withdrawing the fitting (and the attached suture) along withneedle38 axially through the vessel wall along the needle path.Needle38 will generally have a cross-sectional width of between about 0.010 inches and 0.020 inches.Barb42 will extend laterally so as to define anengagement surface44 having a protruding length of between about 0.002 inches and 0.005 inches. Fitting40 will preferably have a cross-sectional size roughly corresponding to or only slightly larger thanneedle38. Fitting40 will typically have an outer lateral width of between about 0.014 inches and 0.025 inches, and an axial length of between about 0.035 inches and 0.050 inches.Channel46 will be sized to receive at least a portion ofneedle38, and will generally have a width of between about 0.010 inches and 0.020 inches.Suture34 will preferably extend axially opposite the open end ofchannel46 so as to minimize drag when the suture is drawn proximally along the needle path. In the exemplary embodiment,needle38 has a diameter of about 0.020 inches, while the fitting comprises a tube having an outer diameter of about 0.020 inches, an inner diameter of about 0.016 inches, and an overall length of about 0.047 inches. The fitting will typically comprise a resilient material, preferably comprising a metal, and in the exemplary embodiment, comprising stainless steel.
• Needles[0070]38 typically have a length of between about 5.0 inches and 6.0 inches, and will preferably be sufficiently stiff to be advanced in compression through the vessel wall (and adjacent tissues) for up to 0.5 inches when supported in cantilever. Nonetheless, the needles will ideally be flexible enough to be laterally deflected withinshaft12, as can be understood with reference to FIG. 5.Needles38 generally comprise a high strength metal, ideally comprising stainless steel.Fittings40 will also preferably comprise a flexible material to allowtab48 to flex out of the way ofbarbed end42, and to resiliently rebound and engage recessedsurface44. In the exemplary embodiment,barbed end42 has a diameter of about 0.015 inches, with the diameter of the needle decreasing to about 0.008 inches proximally of the barb so as to define the recessed engagement surface.
• As was generally described above,[0071]foot24 includesneedle receptacles52 adjacent the ends of the foot. A fitting40 (with an associated end of suture34) is disposed within each needle receptacle, and a surface of the receptacle tapers proximally and outwardly so as to guide the advancingneedles38 into engagement withfittings40 whenfoot24 is in the deployed position. As fittings40 (and associated portions of suture34) are releasably supported in the foot, needles38 can be withdrawn proximally so as to draw the fittings and suture ends from the foot proximally into (and optionally through)shaft12. The needle receptacles of the exemplary embodiment taper outward at an angle between20 and35 degrees from the centerline of fitting40, and the fitting is held in a recess having a diameter of about 0.0230 inches and a length of about 0.042 inches. A lateral opening or window through the side of foot to the fitting recess may be provided to facilitate needle and/or cuff positioning during assembly of the probe, and a protruding collar near the proximal end of the fitting recess may help keep the fitting in position.
• FIG. 5 also illustrates the lateral deflection of[0072]needles38 by needle guides54 ofshaft12. This lateral deflection of the needles allows the use of a small diameter shaft, while still encompassing sufficient tissue within the suture loop on opposite sides of the puncture so as to effect hemostasis when the suture looped is tightened and secured. In the exemplary embodiment,shaft12 comprises an outer casing of a biocompatible material such as stainless steel, carbon fiber, nylon, another suitable polymer, or the like. Needle guides54 may be defined at least in part as lumens formed within the casing of a polymeric material such as nylon or the like. In some embodiments,shaft12 may comprise a carbon fiber filled nylon, or carbon fiber filled with an alternative material.
• One example of a suitable structure and articulation motion for[0073]foot24 is illustrated in FIGS. 6A and B. Foot actuation wire32 (see FIG. 3A) rides in a lumen ofshaft12, and drawsfoot24 from a parked position (shown in FIG. 6A) to a deployed position (shown in FIG. 6B) through a combination of sliding and pivoting of the foot. The foot remains supported throughout its range of motion by arms disposed laterally on either side of the foot, the arms defining (at least in part)foot receptacle30. Oncefoot24 is deployed,needle receptacles52 and/or the fittings disposed therein will preferably define alateral suturing width56 in a range from about 0.260 inches to about 0.300 inches.Foot24 may be machined or cast from a polymer or metal, but will preferably comprise a polymer such as carbon fiber filled nylon. In some cases,foot24 may be molded as two separate halves that can subsequently be affixed together.Needles38 advance from the fixed needle guides54, and are laterally directed intofittings40 byreceptacles52, as illustrated in FIG. 6C. In general, a shape memory alloy such as Nitinol.™. in its superelastic regime provides a particularly advantageous actuator wire for manipulatingfoot24.
• Referring now to FIG. 7,[0074]fittings40 andsuture34 will be withdrawn proximally by the needles fromneedle receptacles52. Toreleasably support fittings40 andsuture34 and avoid entanglement of the suture in the needles,suture34 is fittingly received within aslot58 that extends laterally fromneedle receptacles52. As the needles pull the fitting axially fromneedle receptacles52,suture34 is pulled fromslot58 and free fromfoot24. Bending of the suture proximally within the suture slot can also locally increase the suture width, so that the interaction between the bent suture and the slot can help hold the fitting in the recess.
• A wide variety of foot actuation mechanisms might be used within the scope of the present invention. A first alternative foot actuation arrangement is illustrated in FIGS.[0075]8A-C. In this embodiment, ashaft12ihaspins60 which ride in associatedslots62 of afoot24i.Proximal motion of an actuation wire causesfoot24ito move axially and rotationally, withpins60 sliding alongslot62, and the foot pivoting about the pins. In this embodiment, guidebody22 extends directly from the foot, as illustrated in FIG. 8C.
• A still further alternative foot actuation mechanism is illustrated in FIGS. 9A and B. In this embodiment,[0076]slidable foot24iiis slidingly received within areceptacle30 ofshaft12ii.Sliding of thefoot24iifrom the parked position of FIG. 9A to the deployed position of FIG. 9B places theneedle receptacles52 in the paths of needles from theshaft12iiwithout pivoting of the foot. Guidebody22 (see FIG. 1) will extend here from a distal end ofshaft12iiat a fixed angle from the shaft. Optionally, insertion through the tissue tract may be facilitated by including an additional bend in the shaft axis adjacent the guidebody on many embodiments.
• Yet another foot actuation mechanism can be understood with reference to FIGS. 9C and[0077]D. Shaft12iiiis formed in two parts, which slide axially relative to each other whenfoot actuation lever26iiimoves, using an offset crank arrangement. A similar offset crank supportsfoot24iii,so that the sliding shaft parts cause the foot to pivot as shown.
• A variety of features may be included in the articulatable foot, the needle receptacle, and/or the needle to avoid tangling of the needle in the suture as the needle is directed to the fitting. As illustrated in FIG. 10A, a[0078]moveable flap64 may extend overslot58 so that the advancing needle slides along the flap toward the fitting, rather than entering the slot and engaging the suture directly.Flap64 may be affixed along one side of the slot, with the other side of the flap flexing into the receptacle to release the suture fromslot58 when the fitting and suture are withdrawn by the needle.
• An alternative mechanism for avoiding entanglement of the needle with the suture is illustrated in FIG. 10B. In this embodiment,[0079]needle receptacles52ihavetangential slots58iwhich extends substantially tangentially to the surface of the receptacle. As a result of this tangential arrangement, a needle entering thereceptacle52iwill be directed toward the fitting contained therein, but will generally not be able to enter and advance within thetangential slot58iso as to become entangled with the suture. As illustrated in this embodiment, the slots may optionally extend laterally through the foot so that the loop of suture can be pulled from one side of the shaft without interference.
• A still further alternative mechanism for avoiding entanglement between the suture and the needle is illustrated in FIGS. 10C and D. Two-[0080]part needle38iincludes anouter sheath66 and aninner core68. The parts of these needles initially advance together into the receptacles with theneedle core68 withdrawn so that the needle presents a smooth tapered tip (the combined tip preferably being larger in diameter than the slot containing the suture) as illustrated in FIG. 10C. Once two-part needle38iis fully positioned within the needle receptacle,needle core68 may extend axially to exposebarbed tip42 and recessedengagement surface44 and to secure the needle to the fitting within the needle receptacle. In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5,barbed tip42 is formed integrally with the rest of the needle structure, but the tip has a larger cross-section thanradial slot58 containing thesuture34. As a result, the barbed tip is unable to enter the slot, thereby avoiding entanglement between the needle and suture.
• An alternative[0081]vessel closure probe70 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 11A through 11E. This embodiment includes anarticulatable foot24 having a pair ofneedle receptacles52, as described above. Although eachneedle receptacle52 contains a fitting40 for coupling a flexible filament to a tip of an associated needle, the filament in this case comprises a short length of suture74 (or some temporary connecting filament, as shown schematically in phantom in FIG. 11A) spanning directly between the needle receptacles. Rather than pulling the two ends of an extended loop through the needle paths and proximally out the tissue tract for tying,closure system70 advances a single end of the suture distally along one needle path, across the puncture, and then proximally along the other needle path. To provide this interaction, at least one needle includes means for attachingsuture34 toshort suture74, here in the form of a detachable coupling structure carried on the at least one needle. This structure facilitates the use of a pre-tied knot.
• Referring now to FIGS. 11A and B, the distal end of[0082]probe70 advances distally through skin S and into a tissue T of the patient while the probe is in the small profile configuration withfoot24 aligned along the axis of the probe. Here, however, anend76 ofsuture34 is affixed to adetachable needle tip78 of ahollow needle38′.Detachable tip78 comprises a fitting having an opening receiving an end of suture similar to fitting40, attached to a barbed needle end (similar to that of needle38).Suture34 may extend proximally withinhollow needle38 where the needle has an open channel along its length, may exit the hollow needle just proximally ofdetachable tip78, or may be disposed alongside a solid needle. Needle38 (oppositehollow needle38′) has a fixed barbed tip, as described above, and a bight ofsuture80 is releasably attached to the probe shaft encircling the opening ofneedle guide54 of the fixed tip needle. The bight of suture may be releasably disposed within a slot of the probe, may be temporarily held in place by a weak adhesive or coating, or the like. Asecond end82 ofsuture34 extends proximally along the shaft of the probe, the second end of the suture optionally also being releasably held along the shaft.
• [0083]Bight80 will define a knot when first end suture passes therethrough, as can be understood with reference to FIGS.11Ai and11Aii.Bight80 will often include more than one loop, and may be pre-arranged so as to define a square knot (using the layout schematically illustrated in FIG. 11Ai), a clinch knot (FIG. 11Aii), or a variety of known or new surgical knots.
• [0084]Probe70 advances along tissue tract TT to puncture P in blood vessel V. Oncefoot24 is disposed within a blood vessel V, a pull wire moves the foot proximally and pivots the foot laterally so that the foot extends along an axis A of the vessel, as illustrated in FIG. 11B. The foot can then be pulled proximally against an inner surface of the vessel wall W to ensure that theneedle receptacles52 are properly positioned.
• As can be understood with reference to FIGS. 11C and D,[0085]hollow needle38′ andneedle38 advance to engagefittings40 withinreceptacles52.Hollow needle38′ drawsfirst end76 ofsuture34 distally through vessel wall W, anddetachable tip78 is secured into an associated fitting40 using the barb and tab interaction described above. Asshort suture74 extends betweenfittings40, and asdetachable tip78 can pull free ofhollow needle38′ when the needles are withdrawn, this effectively couplesneedle38 tofirst end76 ofsuture34. The detachable tip riding partially within the hollow needle (or vice versa) so that the assembly remains together under compression. Hence,needle38 can pull the suture distally along the needle path formed byhollow needle38′, across the puncture P, and proximally along the needle path formed byneedle38, as illustrated in FIG. 11D.
• FIGS. 11D and E show that the knot can be completed by pulling[0086]needle38,short suture74, andsecond end76 of suture34 (together with thefittings40 and detachable needle tip78) proximally throughbight80.Second end82 ofsuture34 can be pulled tofree bight80, and the ends of the suture can be tightened and the probe removed to provide permanent hemostasis.
• It will be recognized that removal of[0087]probe70 can be facilitated by couplingfirst end76 tobight80 over an outer surface of the probe, and by arrangingsuture34 andhollow needle38′ so that the suture can pull free of the needle whendetachable tip78 is released, for example, by having the suture exit the needle proximally of the tip through a channel that extends to the tip so that the needle does not encircle the suture. By including such provisions, afterfoot24 is returned to the narrow configuration, the probe can be pulled proximally from the tissue tract leaving the pre-tied knot in place.
• Alternative arrangements (using the detachable needle ends of probe[0088]70) are possible to provide the benefit of a pre-tied knot and the like for closure of a vessel puncture. For example, a probe having a pair of needles in which each needle included a detachable tip might be used to pullfirst end76 through a bight, so that the bight need not encircle the needle path of one of the needles.
• In some cases, particularly for closure of large punctures, it may be advantageous to provide multiple suture loops across the puncture, either in parallel, in an “X” pattern, or the like. As illustrated in FIGS. 12A and B, the present invention encompasses the use of more than two needles and associated receptacles, fittings, sutures, and the like. Multiple loop systems may have four, six, eight, or more needles, or may even have odd numbers of needles and fittings, particularly where one or more fittings have a plurality of suture ends extending therefrom. This allows a wide variety of stitching patterns to be provided by such multiple loop probes.[0089]
• The method of use of the probes of FIGS.[0090]1-7 can be understood with reference to FIGS.13A-G. After accessing a blood vessel V (often using the Seldinger technique), a guidewire GW is left extending into skin S and down through tissue T along tissue tract TT. Guidewire GW enters vessel V through a puncture P in vessel wall W, and extends along the vessel throughout many endovascular procedures. As illustrated in FIG. 13A,distal guidebody22 is advanced over the guidewire GW in a monorail fashion, so that the guidewire helps to direct the probe along the tissue tract TT and into the vessel through puncture P. FIG. 13B shows that whensensor36 is disposed within the vessel, blood can flow from the sensor port and through a lumen inshaft12 to the proximal handle to notify the operator that foot24 has been advanced far enough for deployment.
• Deployment of the foot is effected by actuation of the foot deployment handle, as described and illustrated above with reference to FIGS. 2 and 2B. As described above,[0091]guidebody22 helps to align the probe with the axis ofvessel V. Guidebody22 may be set at an angle and/or offset relative toshaft12 as appropriate to aid in alignment with a particular vessel access technique. As shown in FIG. 13C, the deployedfoot24 extends laterally from the shaft, so thatfoot24adjacent receptacles52 can be drawn up against vessel wall W by gently pullingshaft12. Hence, the foot helps to accurately position the needle guides54 at a distance from the vessel wall.
• Referring now to FIG. 13D,[0092]flexible needles38 are deflected laterally by needle guides54 towardreceptacles52 of the deployed foot. As a result, the needles advance in cantilever both distally and laterally when needle actuation handle20 is pressed (see FIG. 2C), and the tapering surfaces ofreceptacles52 help to push the needles back into alignment with the fittings so as to overcome any unintended deflection of the needles by tissue T or vessel wall W. This ensures thatneedles38 securingly engagefittings40 withinreceptacles52, thereby coupling the ends ofsuture34 to the needles. Whilesuture34 is here illustrated running along the side ofshaft12outside foot receptacle30 to a lumen withinguidebody22, it should be understood that the suture loop might instead extend proximally in a lumen ofshaft12, might be routed through the foot and/or foot receptacle, and/or might be stored in a spooladjacent foot24. Regardless,suture34 should able to pull free of the probe between its ends to form a continuous loop across puncture P.
• Referring now to FIGS. 13E and F,[0093]fittings40 and the ends ofsuture34 are drawn proximally through the vessel wall W along the needle paths formed by needles38. Optionally, the needles may be withdrawn proximally out of the tissue tract and clear ofshaft12, or they may remain coupled to the shaft within needle guides54. The foot actuator is moved to storefoot24 alongshaft12, and the shaft can then be pulled proximally from the tissue tract.Guidebody22, which may comprise a soft, compliant polymer, may temporarily extend at least partially into tissue tract TT and through puncture P to help reduce the loss of blood until the loop is secured.
• Now referring to FIG. 13G, once[0094]shaft12 has been withdrawn sufficiently to expose needle guides54, the ends of the suture loop can be grasped by the operator. Tying of a knot insuture34 can then proceed in a conventional manner. The use of a clinch knot may facilitate gradual tightening of the knot while removingguidebody22, although a wide variety of knot and knot advancing techniques might be used.
• FIGS. 14A and 14B show an embodiment of a[0095]vessel closure device100. This embodiment includes an articulatable foot114 (FIG. 14B) having a pair of penetrator receptacles (described below). Although each penetrator receptacle contains a fitting (or cuff) for coupling a flexible filament to a tip of an associated penetrator, the filament in this case may be a short length of suture such as alink112 spanning directly between the penetrator receptacles. Rather than pulling the two ends of an extended loop through the needle paths and proximally out the tissue tract for tying,closure system100 advances a single end of the suture distally along one needle path, across the puncture, and then proximally along the other needle path. To provide this interaction, at least one needle includes means for attachingsuture102 to thelink112, here in the form of a detachable coupling structure carried on the at least one needle. This structure facilitates the use of a pre-tied knot.
• FIG. 15A shows a side, cross-sectional view of the[0096]device100 in a position prior to deployment of thefoot114. Thedevice100 has been advanced through theincision105 in the arterial wall W. For ease of description,reference numeral122 indicates the anterior side of the device, andreference numeral124 denotes the posterior side of the device.Device100 has arigid shaft118 that has channels defined therein to carry the elongate bodies orpenetrators106 and106′.Penetrator106′ may also be referred to as the anterior penetrator, andpenetrator106 may be referred to as the posterior penetrator. For purposed of description and not limitation, theanterior penetrator106′ carries thepre-tied knot104, andposterior penetrator106 carries the detachable coupling structure orpenetrator tip108.Anterior penetrator106′ defines apenetrator tip108′ at its distal end.
• The[0097]articulatable foot114 includes anterior andposterior penetrator receptacles116′ and116, respectively. These receptacles are also referred to as cuff pockets.Cuffs110 are shown positioned in cuff pockets116′ and116. Alink112 extends between thecuffs110.
• FIG. 15B shows the[0098]foot114 deployed so as to position the cuff pockets116 to receive the first andsecond penetrators106′ and106. As shown in FIG. 15B, theanterior penetrator106′ has thepre-tied knot104 disposed about a proximal portion of its length. Alternatively, thepre-tied knot104 may be disposed about the periphery of a knot tube, through which theanterior penetrator106′ may pass (as described in further detail below).
• FIG. 15B illustrates the[0099]suturing device100 deployed within alumen107 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As may be seen with reference to the Figure, thesuturing device100 includes anelongate body106′ having apenetrator tip108′. Theelongate bodies106 and106′ deploy to formpenetrations109 and109′ within the vessel wall W. The configuration of thepenetrator tip308 allows penetration of the vessel wall W immediately surrounding theincision105 to form thepenetration309. As such, the penetration of thepenetrator tip108 through the tissue wall W allows for passage of theelongate body106 through the tissue and into thelumen107. Theelongate body106 holds thesuture102 as theelongate body106 passes through the tissue wall W immediately adjacent theincision105 and into thefoot114.
• As may be seen with reference to FIG. 15B, in this embodiment, the[0100]foot114 has a single unit design where thecuffs110 and110′ are disposed on opposite sides of thesuturing device100 and thefoot114. This orientation allows balance of forces during the deployment of theelongate bodies106 and106′, thereby allowing precise suturing and minimizing the possibility of incorrectly suturing theincision105. Also, as may be seen with reference to the Figure, thesuturing device100 delivers the suture longitudinally relative to thelumen107, thereby minimizing arterial diameter constriction. Likewise, in this embodiment, thefoot114 is positioned at an angle “Q” relative to theshaft118 of thesuturing device100. Preferably, the angle “Q” is in a range between about 20 degrees and about 60 degrees and more preferably is about 40 degrees. The angle “Q” approximates the puncture angle commonly used to access the femoral artery. The angle Q and the rigid character of theshaft118 serve to provide accurate, virtually simultaneous “cuff capture” by both the anterior and posterior penetrators. Moreover, since thedevice100 is preferably used without an introducer sheath, the rigid nature of theshaft118 provides the control of the travel of penetrators as they move distally to engage the cuffs. Thedevice100 can therefore be used in the same femoral artery access puncture without disturbing the existing tissue tract and causing undue discomfort to the patient.
• When both the[0101]elongate bodies106 and106′ and thesuture102 pass through the lumen wall W and into thelumen107, theelongate bodies106 and106′ engage with thefoot114. Thepenetrator tip108 andanterior penetrator tip108′ of theelongate bodies106 and106′ engage withcuffs110 and110′ of thefoot114. Thecuffs110 and110′ include alink112 that connects thecuffs110 and110′ to one another. It should be noted that thecuffs110 and110′ facilitate connection of thepenetrator tip108 with theanterior penetrator tip108′ such that thepenetrator tip108 and theanterior penetrator tip108′ are coupled to one another via thelink112.
• FIGS. 16A and 16B show the suture bight in the pre-deployed state (FIG. 16A) and the deployed state (FIG. 16B). The[0102]suture102 is arranged to provide thepre-tied knot104 that automatically travels down from the shaft of the device where it is stored prior to delivery to the tissue wall. Theloop104 ofsuture102 serves to pull theknot104 down therail portion140 of the suture during deployment. It should be noted that it would be desirable to be able to distinguish theends140 and150 of thesuture102 during deployment so that the correct end is pulled by the operator to advance the knot. Should the non-rail end be pulled, the knot may be prematurely tightened before it is advance to its deployed position at the wall of the vessel.
• The ends of the suture may be distinguished from each other by changing the color of one end (e.g. with dye), providing an attachment on one end (e.g. shrink wrap tubing, a bead, etc.) or with the suture itself (e.g. tying a knot in one end).[0103]
• FIG. 15C shows the penetrator tips fully deployed into and engaged with the[0104]cuffs110. FIG. 15D shows the penetrators being retracted after the tips have engaged thecuffs110. On theanterior side122, thepenetrator106′ is pulling theanterior cuff110 distally. On theposterior side124, thepenetrator tip108 has been disengaged from thepenetrator106, via a mechanism described below. As shown in FIG. 15D, thelink112 is now coupled to one end of the suture viaposterior cuff110.Suture102 is also shown exiting the posterior penetrator shank via an opening in the side of the penetrator shank.
• Referring to FIG. 15E, after deployment of the[0105]foot114, thesuture102 moves as indicated by directional arrows X₁. As thesuture102 moves, asuture loop103 also moves in a direction indicated by directional arrow X₂towards thefoot114 and the incision (not shown). Thesuture102 moves through thefoot114 and through an opening distal to thefoot114 that defines a suture-bearingsurface111. The suture-bearingsurface111 is disposed at a distal end of thesuturing device100 separate from thefoot114, in this embodiment. Thesuture bearing surface111 bears forces placed on thesuture102 during suturing. As such, the suture-bearingsurface111 minimizes forces placed on an incision during incision tensioning, thereby minimizing the possibility of damaging tissue immediately surrounding the incision. In this embodiment, thesuture bearing111 is a slot disposed at a distal end of thesuturing device100, which includes a passage for thesuture102 during incision suturing as shown with reference to the Figure.
• As the[0106]suture loop103 and thesuture102 move, thepre-tied suture knot104 also moves in the same direction as thesuture loop103 towards thefoot114 and the incision. Thesuture loop103 continues to move thepre-tied suture knot104 towards the incision until thesuture102 and thepre-tied suture knot104 suture the incision formed in the arterial wall. It should be noted that a suture trimmer might be used to assist the delivery of theknot104 to an arteriotomy. The suture trimmer may be any device suitable for pushing the knot towards the arteriotomy and trimming suture immediately adjacent theknot104 once the knot is tightened.
• Now making reference to FIG. 15F, the[0107]suturing device100 delivers thepre-tied suture knot104 to the incision and thefoot114 is returned to its non-deployed position. The penetrators (not shown) have been retracted, the link has been fully retracted through the knot, and the knot has been advanced to the vicinity of the arterial wall. When the body of the device is removed, a stitch will remain in place across the incision in the artery. It should be noted that embodiments of the device described herein place a stitch of suture in a longitudinal orientation with respect to the vessel so as to minimize transverse vessel constriction and also to take advantage of the transverse orientation of the fibers of the vessel tissue.
• FIGS. 16A and 16B show the suture bight in the pre-deployed state (FIG. 16A) and the deployed state (FIG. 16B). The[0108]suture102 is arranged to provide thepre-tied knot104 that automatically travels down from the shaft of the device where it is stored prior to delivery to the tissue wall. Theloop104 ofsuture102 serves to pull theknot104 down therail portion140 of the suture during deployment. It should be noted that it would be desirable to distinguish theends140 and150 of thesuture102 during deployment so that the correct end is pulled by the operator to advance the knot. Should the non-rail end be pulled, the knot may be prematurely tightened before it is advanced to its deployed position at the wall of the vessel.
• The ends may be distinguished from each other by changing the color of one end (e.g. with dye), providing an attachment on one end (e.g. shrink wrap tubing, a bead, etc.) or with the suture itself (e.g. tying a knot in on end).[0109]
• FIG. 17A shows an enlarged detail of the posterior portion of the foot of one embodiment of[0110]suturing device300. In an accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, theelongate body306 may be any type of structure capable of penetrating the wall of a lumen, such as an artery, a blood vessel, or the like. In addition to the penetration capability, theelongate body306 may be a hollow tube capable of holding suture. Examples of such structures may include a hypodermic needle or the like. Thesuturing device300 stores theelongate body306 within its shaft (not shown). As previously described with reference to FIGS. 2A through 2C, a user deploys a handle (not shown) of thesuturing device300 thereby deploying theelongate body306 and thepenetrator tip308. During deployment, theelongate body306 and thepenetrator tip308 penetrate the lumen wall W immediately surrounding theincision305 and enter thelumen307 of a patient, as shown with reference the following FIG. 17B.
• Once the[0111]penetrator tip308 engages with thecuff310, theelongate body306 and thepenetrator tip308, along with thecuff310, proceed through thefoot314 and into thelumen307. As may be seen with reference to FIG. 17B, thecuff310 is pushed through thefoot314, such that thecuff310 is pushed out of apocket316 and through thefoot314 into thelumen307. Once thecuff310 and theelongate body306 enter thelumen307, thepenetrator tip308 detaches from theelongate body306 via apush mandrel315 as shown with reference to FIG. 17C.
• FIG. 17C illustrates the detachment of the[0112]pentrator tip308 from theelongate body306 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Upon engagement of thepenetrator tip308 with thecuff310, thepush mandrel315 is further advanced such that it contacts aproximal surface308bof thepenetrator tip308, and further still until thepenetrator tip308 detaches from theelongate body306. Upon detachment of thepenetrator tip308 from theelongate body306, thepush mandrel315 and theelongate body306 retract from thefoot314, as shown with reference to FIG. 17D.
• As shown in FIG. 17D, after the[0113]penetrator tip308 detaches from theelongate body306, theelongate body306 retracts from thepenetrator tip308 andcuff310. Meanwhile, on the anterior side of the device (not shown in FIG. 17D), theelongate body306′ also includes theneedle tip308′ which engages with thecuff310′ as previously described with reference to FIG. 15C. Theneedle tip308′ does not disengage from theelongate body306′ upon engagement with thecuff310′. Therefore, during retraction of theelongate body306′ from within thelumen307, theneedle tip308′ also retracts from thelumen307 through thepenetration309′. As theneedle tip308′ retracts through thepenetration309′, theelongate body306′ also retracts thecuff310′. As previously described, thecuff310′ couples with thecuff310 via thelink312. During retraction of thecuff310′ through thepenetration309′, thecuff310 and thesuture302 also retract through thepenetration309′, thereby drawing thesuture302 through thepenetration309′. It should be noted that thefoot314 may provide suture bearing surface for thesuture302 during operation of thesuturing device300, as shown with reference to FIG. 18A.
• FIG. 18A shows an embodiment of the present invention illustrating the passage of the[0114]suture302 through thelumen307 and thepassageways309 and309′. As may be seen with reference to the Figure, the cuff pockets316 of thefoot314 provide a suture-bearing surface for thesuture302 as thesuture302 is drawn through the passageways. The suture bearing surfaces of thefoot314 minimize the possibility of thesuture302 damaging tissue surrounding theincision305.
• In another embodiment shown in FIG. 18B, the[0115]suturing device300 also provides a suture bearing surface for thesuture302. During retraction of theelongate bodies306 and306′ from thelumen307, thesuture302 retracts through the foot suture bearing surfaces314aand the suture-bearingsurface311 formed distally of the foot. The distalsuture bearing surface311 and the foot suture bearing surfaces314aguide thesuture302 in order to minimize the possibility of thesuture302 damaging the patient during retraction of theelongate bodies306 and306′ from thelumen307. In this embodiment, suture-bearingsurface311 is a slot defined in the body of the device distal of the foot. The slot includes a passage for the link and suture, and anedge311a.It is contemplated that theedge311amay contact the edge of the incision in the artery and become caught on the adventitia of the blood vessel. Various devices may be provided, such as flaps, o-rings, etc., that provide a smoother transition over the slot and edge311aas the device is inserted through the incision.
• FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate an alternative embodiment of the present invention for releasing the[0116]cuff310 from thefoot314. In this embodiment, thefoot314 includeslink passageway313 through which thelink312 passes. After theelongate body306 engages thepenetrator tip308 with thecuff310, theelongate body306, during retraction from thefoot314, removes thecuff310 and thepenetrator tip308 from thefoot314. The force holding thepenetrator tip308 on theelongate body306 overcomes the force holding thecuff310 in thecuff pocket316. Once thecuff310 clears thefoot314 and attains the orientation shown with reference to FIG. 19B, the previously described push mandrel (not shown) detaches thepenetrator tip308 from theelongate body306. Upon detachment of thepenetrator tip308 from theelongate body306, thelink312, along with thecuff310 and thepenetrator tip308, retracts through thepassageway313 via thelink312 and theelongate body306′. In an alternate embodiment, thecuff310 andpentrator tip308 may be pulled off theelongated body306 by tension in thelink312.
• In yet another alternate embodiment shown in FIGS. 20A through 20C, the[0117]cuff310 andpenetrator tip308 may be detached from theelongate body306 before being removed from thecuff pocket316. In this embodiment, after theelongate body306 and thepenetrator tip308 engage with thecuff310, thepush mandrel315 detaches thepenetrator tip308 from theelongate body306, leaving it in thecuff pocket316 to be removed by tension in thelink312, as shown in FIG. 20C.
• It should be noted that other methods might be used to detach the[0118]penetrator tip308 from theelongate body306. These methods include, but are not limited to, detachment through friction or tension. Making reference to FIG. 20B, in an embodiment where friction between thecuff pocket316 and the cuff causes detachment of thepenetrator tip308 from theelongate body306, asurface308cof thepenetrator tip308 frictionally engages with acuff surface316aof thecuff pocket316. During retraction of theelongate body306 from thefoot314, the frictional engagement between thecuff surface316aand thepenetrator tip surface308ccauses detachment of thepenetrator tip308 from theelongate body306. In an embodiment where link tension causes detachment of thepenetrator tip308 from theelongate body306, thelink312 is tensioned such that thelink312 is taut between thecuffs310 and310′. As such, the tension of thelink312 prevents movement of thecuff310 out of thefoot314 along with theelongate body306 during retraction of theelongate body306 from thefoot314, thereby causing detachment of thepenetrator tip308 from thecuff310.
• After detachment, during retraction of the[0119]elongate body306 and theelongate body306′ (not shown), thelink312 may draw thecuff310 and thepenetrator tip308 from thecuff pocket316. As discussed earlier, thecuff310′ engages with theelongate body306′ and pulls thecuff310 via thelink312 as theelongate body306′ retracts from thelumen307. As such, retracting thelink312 pulls on thecuff310, thereby pulling thecuff310 from thecuff pocket316 and through thelumen307 along with thesuture302, as shown with respect to FIG. 20C.
• FIG. 21 shows the[0120]pre-tied suture knot304 disposed about a periphery of aknot tube301. In this embodiment, theknot tube301 includes ahollow center301aconfigured to allow passage of an elongate body (not shown) as thesuturing device300 sutures the incision. However, it should be noted that in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the elongate body (not shown) might also store thesuture302. In the alternative embodiment, thesuture302 and thepre-tied suture knot304 are disposed about a periphery of the elongate body where thepre-tied suture knot304 may reside within a pocket (not shown) of the elongate body.
• Embodiments of the suturing device of the invention may also include additional configurations for a foot, as shown with reference to FIGS. 22A through 22C. In this embodiment, the[0121]suturing device300 includes afoot319 having cuff pockets319aand319b.The configuration of the cuff pockets319aand319ballow thefoot319 to hold thecuffs310 and310′ during use of thesuturing device300. The foot pivots from a first orientation shown with reference to FIG. 22A to a second orientation shown with reference to FIG. 22B via ahinge320 as shown in FIG. 22C.
• FIG. 22C shows the[0122]hinge320, which allows rotation of thefoot319 in a direction indicated by directional arrow Y. Thehinge320 may be any device capable of rotatably coupling thefoot319 to thesuturing device300, such as pin assembly or the like. In addition to thehinge320, thefoot319 includes aconnector322 that couples thecuffs310 and310′ with one another. Theconnector322 also includes a flexible portion322c(shown with respect to FIG. 22C) that allows flexing of theconnector322 as theconnector322 resides withinpassage317 of thefoot314. The connector also includes ends322aand322bthat facilitate connection with thepenetrator tip308 and theneedle tip308′ of theelongate bodies306′ and306.
• In an embodiment of the present invention where the[0123]suturing device300 employs thefoot319, during use of thesuturing device300, upon insertion of thesuturing device300 within thelumen307, a user deploys thefoot319 as shown with reference to FIG. 22A. Upon deployment of thefoot319, the user deploys the elongate body306 (not shown) that engages with the cuff310 (not shown) as previously described. Once thepenetrator tip308 detaches from theelongate body306 via thepush mandrel315, or other means previously described, the user rotates thefoot319 into the orientation shown with reference to FIG. 22B. Upon orientation of thefoot319 as shown with respect to FIG. 22B, the user deploys theelongate body306′ (not shown) which engages with thecuff310′ (not shown). After theelongate body306′ engages with thecuff310′, the user retracts theelongate body306′ along with thecuffs310 and310′ and thesuture302 to suture an incision as previously described.
• Another embodiment of the[0124]suturing device300 includesfeet324 and328 as shown with reference to FIG. 23A. FIG. 23A illustrates an embodiment of the present invention in which thesuturing device300 includes thefeet324 and328. As may be seen with reference to FIG. 23B, thefoot324 is hollow such that thefoot328 fits within thefoot324 during both insertion and retraction of thesuturing device300 within thelumen307. Thefeet324 and328 also include cuff pockets324aand328aand cam surfaces324band328b.The configuration of the cuff pockets324aand328aallow placement of thecuffs310 and310′ within thefeet324 and328 during use of thesuturing device300; allowing engagement of theelongate bodies306 and306′ during suturing. The cam surfaces324aand328acontact cam surfaces326ain order to deploy thefeet324 and328. Once thefeet324 and328 deploy, thesuturing device300 attains the configuration shown with reference to FIG. 23C.
• During use of a suturing device implementing the[0125]feet324 and328, a user inserts the suturing device into an incision as thefoot328 resides within thefoot324. Upon insertion of the suturing device within the incision, the user deploys thefeet324 and328 by moving thefeet324 and328 towards the cam surfaces326a,in order to deploy thefeet324 and328, as previously described. After deployment of thefeet324 and328 within a lumen, the user deploys theelongate bodies306 and306′ whereby thepenetrator tip308 andneedle tip308′ engage with thecuffs310 and310′ residing within the cuff pockets324aand328a.Upon engagement with thecuffs310 and310′ the user retracts theelongate bodies306 and306′ and sutures the incision.
• In addition to the alternative configurations for the foot of the[0126]suturing device300, thesuturing device300 may also include alternative cuff configurations that allow engagement of theelongate bodies306 and306′ with thelink312. An example of such an alternative configuration is shown with respect to FIG. 24A. FIG. 24A illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thepenetrator tip330. In this embodiment, apenetrator tip330 includes mating surfaces330awhich engage with the previously describedcuff tabs310aof thecuff310 when thepenetrator tip330 engages with thecuff310, as shown with reference to FIG. 24B. As such, a user detaches theelongate body306 from thepenetrator tip330 with thepush mandrel315 after engagement of thepenetrator tip windows330awith thecuff tabs310, as discussed with reference to thepenetrator tip308 and thecuff310. The mating surfaces330amay be cut-outs, such as windows, formed within thepenetrator tip330. Theelongate bodies306 and306′ may also engage with thelink312.
• FIG. 25A shows an alternative method of coupling the[0127]elongate bodies306 and306′ with thelink312. In this embodiment, theelongate body306′ includes a loop332 (shown in FIG. 25B) which engages with thelink312 as theelongate body306′ enters thefoot314. In this embodiment, thelink312 is constructed of a resilient material capable of flexing in response to theloop332 contacting thelink312, such as polypropylene or any other material having spring-like characteristics. Theelongate body306′ moves in a downward direction as indicated by directional arrow A until theloop332 comes into contact with anend312aof thelink312. When theloop332 contacts theend312a,theloop332 moves theend312ain a direction F₁indicated by directional arrow F₁. Thecatch332 continues to move theend312aof thelink312 in the direction F₁until theloop332 contacts theend312a,as shown with reference to FIG. 25B.
• Referring to FIGS.[0128]25A-C, thelink312 is constructed of a material having spring like properties. Therefore, when theloop332acomes into contact with theend312a,the resilient properties of thelink312 move theend312ain a direction F₂, as indicated by directional arrow F₂in FIG. 25A. Theend312amoves in the direction F₂such that theend312amoves into theloop332a,as shown with reference to FIG. 25B. Once theend312amoves into theloop332a,a user retracts theloop332 along with theend312aand thelink312 in a direction B as indicated by directional arrow B of FIG. 25C. As theloop332aand thecatch332 move in the direction B, theloop332aclamps thelink312 against asurface306′aof theelongate body306′. Thus, during retraction of thesuturing device300 from thefoot314, thelink312 remains engaged with theelongate body306′, as shown with reference to FIG. 25C. As theelongate body306′ and thecatch332 retract from thefoot314, thecatch332 pulls thelink312 through thefoot314, also as shown with reference to FIG. 25C. While thecatch332 pulls thelink312, the cuff310 (not shown) and the suture302 (not shown) move through thefoot314 in order to enable suturing of an incision.
• In another embodiment, the[0129]suturing device300 may also employ a clip andring assembly338 which couples theelongate bodies306 and306′ with thelink312, as shown with reference to FIG. 26A. FIG. 26A illustrates a schematic view of the clip andring assembly338 for coupling theelongate bodies306 and306′ with thelink312 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Theelongate bodies306 and306′ include aclip336 in place of thepenetrator tip308 and theneedle tip308′ where theclip336 has a configuration as shown with reference to the Figure. Theclips336 includeflexible arms336aand apassageway336b.
• The clip and[0130]ring assembly338 also includes aring334 that engages with theclip336. Thelink312 couples with thering334 using any suitable technique, such as tying or the like. Thering334 has a circular configuration as shown with respect to FIG. 26B such that as theelongate bodies306 and306′ engage with thefoot314, theclip336 couples with thering334. As theclips336 engage with thering334, theflexible arms336aflex in a direction indicated by directional arrows Y and Z thereby increasing a width W_iof thepassageway336bin order to allow passage of thering334 through theclip336 as shown with regards to FIG. 28C.
• Referring to FIG. 26D, there is shown a top view of the[0131]foot314 where thefoot314 includes cuff pockets314b-1 and314b-2. Thecuff pocket314b-1 holds thering334 prior to engagement with theclip336. Thecuff pocket314b-2 is configured such that as theelongate bodies306 and306′ enter thefoot314, theclips336 enter thecuff pocket314b-2 and engage with thering334 as shown with reference to the Figure. Once theclip336 engages with thering334, theclip336 coupled with theelongate body306 detaches from theclip336 while theelongate body306′ remains engaged with theclip336. During retraction of theelongate bodies306 and306′ from thefoot314, theelongate body306′ pulls thelink312 and thesuture302 through thefoot314 in order to suture an incision.
• FIG. 27 shows an embodiment of a[0132]cuff410 and link412 assembly that may be provide with the various embodiments of the present invention. Cuff411 has a penetratortip receiving end434 and atapered end432.Link412 has two ends442 (only one shown in FIG. 27). An example of a preferred link material is expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). PTFE is commonly referred to as Teflon. ePTFE is particularly suited for use as the link material in the vessel closure devices described herein because of its low friction, high strength properties.
• To assemble the link and cuff assembly, a length of link material is first threaded through the cuff. The end of the link material extending from the penetrator[0133]tip receiving end434 of thecuff410 is then heated so that it expands. The link is then pull through thecuff410 such that the expandedend portion442 is seated in the interiortapered end432 of thecuff410.
• The various embodiments of the suturing device may include any of a variety of types of suture, such as braided or monofilament. The suture material may be absorbable or nonabsorbable and may be made of polyester, polypropylene, polyglycolic acid, nylon, silk or any of a variety of suture materials known in the art. Suture material coated with antibiotics or other antimicrobial agents may also be provided with the suturing devices of the present invention.[0134]
• An exemplary suture material is TEVDEK II®, a braided polyester suture material that is impregnated with PTFE and manufactured by Genzyme Biosurgery of Cambridge, Mass. An exemplary monofilament suture material is DEKLENE II®, a polypropylene suture material also manufactured by Genzyme Biosurgery. Another exemplary monofilament suture material is nylon monofilament, also manufactured by Genzyme Biosurgery. While braided polyester and monofilament polypropylene or nylon are suitable suture materials that may be used with the devices of the present invention, monofilament suture materials may require post-manufacturing processing in order to form the pre-tied knot of the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 11A through 11E and[0135]14A through21.
• Monofilament suture material tends to be stiffer relative to braided suture material. As such, forming a bight of suture for the purpose of providing a pre-tied knot is more difficult with monofilament suture than with the more flexible braided suture. The monofilament suture material will tend to straighten itself out after being looped to form a bight[0136]80 (shown in FIGS.11Ai and11Aii). Therefore, in order to provide a bight of monofilament suture that is releasably disposed on the shaft of the device without unravelling, such as shown in FIGS.11Ai and11Aii, FIG. 15A (pre-tied knot104), and FIG. 21 (pre-tied knot304), the loops forming the bight are heated to set the bight. The heating of the bight of monofilament suture to set the bight is performed after the suture has undergone any manufacturing procedures that may include drawing, annealling or any other procedure that employs heat to manufacture the suture material.
• A method of forming a pretied knot for a suturing device of the present invention includes providing a length of monofilament suture having a first end, wrapping a portion of the length of monofilament suture around a mandrel to form a looped configuration spaced from the first end, and heating the wrapped portion to a temperature below the melting point of the monofilament suture such that upon removal of the mandrel, the wrapped portion remains in the looped configuration.[0137]
• The bight of the suture includes at least one loop. The heating of the at least one loop is performed to set the bight in the looped configuration. The temperature is kept below the melting temperature of the suture material, yet is selected to cause the suture to remain in the formed looped configuration after the bight is removed from the heat. The temperature is selected so as not to adversely affect properties such as strength of the suture.[0138]
• In one exemplary heating process, a length of size 3/0 polypropylene suture is looped around a mandrel to form a bight which is heated at a temperature between about 240° Farenheit to about 260° F., or nominally about 250° F., for about 3 to about 5 seconds. The heat is provided by a blowing heat source such as a heat gun that provides an air flow at a rate of about 10 to about 30 standard cubic feet per hour (scfh), or nominally about 20 scfh. The heating of the formed bight may be accomplished in an oven that is heated to about 200° Farenheit to about 280° F. When the bight is formed using an oven, the amount time that the bight is held in the heat of the oven is approximately 1 minute to about 15 minutes. The specific heating temperatures and times may be selected as appropriate for different suture sizes or types, or different types of bight configurations.[0139]
• In another embodiment, a monofilament nylon suture material may be provided to form a pre-tied knot in a suturing device of the present invention. The temperature at which a bight formed with size 3/0 nylon suture is heated to set the bight is about 190° F. to about 210° F., and nominally about 200° F., for about 3 to about 5 minutes with a blowing heat source such as a heat gun. In an oven, the temperature used at which the bight is set is about 190 to about 210, or nominally about 200° F. for about 1 minute to about 15 minutes.[0140]
• FIG. 28 shows a[0141]bight580 of monofilament suture wrapped around amandrel589 in preparation for heating the loops of the bight to set the bight. The mandrel may be a polyimide shaft or tube having a diameter of about 0.65 mm, for example. In the example shown in FIG. 28, the suture is size 3/0 and is wrapped to form a looped configuration which defines a clinch knot. To wrap the suture as shown in FIG. 28, a length of suture is held against the mandrel with afirst end576 oriented across the mandrel. The second end of the length of suture is wrapped five times around the mandrel. The second end is then wrapped over the first end to formloop590 transverse to the first five loops. The second end is then looped behind the mandrel and wrapped over the mandrel in the opposite direction from the first five loops. The second end is then routed throughloop590 to form the pre-arranged or pre-tied knot.
• The present invention offers surgeons an automated method for delivering a pre-tied knot to an incision formed in a lumen. The present invention minimizes the problems associated with a surgeon manually delivering a knot to an incision site. Thus, the present invention reduces the time required to accurately and precisely place a suture knot in close proximity to an incision formed in a lumen, thereby decreasing both the overall time a patient spends in procedure and the costs associated with the procedure.[0142]
• While illustrative embodiments of the invention are disclosed herein, it will be appreciated that numerous modifications and other embodiments may be devised by those skilled in the art. For example, the various features of each embodiment may be altered or combined to obtain the desired device or method characteristics. Therefore, it will be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and embodiments that come within the spirit and scope of the present invention.[0143]

Claims (24)

What is claimed is:

1. A method for suturing a puncture in a blood vessel wall, the method comprising:

providing a monofilament suture having a first end and a bight spaced from the first end;

advancing the first end of the suture through the blood vessel wall;

advancing the first end of the suture through the bight; and

tensioning the suture across the puncture.

2. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the bight of the suture includes at least one loop, and wherein providing the monofilament suture having a first end and a bight spaced from the first end comprises forming the bight with at least one loop, and heating the at least one loop to set the bight.

3. The method ofclaim 2 wherein heating the formed bight to set the bight comprises heating the formed bight at a temperature from about 190° Farenheit to about 280° Farenheit.

4. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising providing a shaft carrying the bight and positioning a portion of the shaft through the puncture.

5. The method ofclaim 4 wherein the shaft has a needle guide, and wherein the method further comprises advancing a needle from the needle guide to form a needle path through the vessel wall, wherein advancing the first end of the suture through the blood vessel wall includes advancing the first end of the suture along the needle path.

6. The method ofclaim 5 wherein the bight encircles the needle and wherein advancing the first end of the suture through the bight includes advancing the needle through the bight.

7. The method ofclaim 6 wherein the shaft includes a pivotable foot that carries the first end of the suture, wherein the method further comprises deploying the foot adjacent the vessel wall so that the foot extends laterally from the shaft, and wherein advancing the needle from the needle guide to form a needle path includes advancing the needle to the foot to connect with the first end of the suture.

8. A device for suturing a puncture in a blood vessel wall, the device comprising:

a shaft;

a length of suture carried by the shaft, the suture having a first end and a bight spaced from the first end, the bight releasably disposed on the shaft; and

a needle on the shaft, the bight encircling the needle, the needle being operatively associated with the first end of the suture to advance the first end of the suture through the bight to form a knot.

9. The device ofclaim 8 wherein the suture is a monofilament suture and the bight includes at least one loop and is formed by heating the at least one loop to set the bight.

10. The device ofclaim 9 wherein the loop is heated to a temperature between about 190° Farenheit and about 280° Farenheit.

11. The device ofclaim 8 wherein the suture is a monofilament suture and the bight is pre-formed to remain in a looped position while disposed on the shaft.

12. The device ofclaim 11 wherein the bight includes more than one loop.

13. The device ofclaim 12 wherein the loops of the bight are pre-arranged so as to define a surgical knot.

14. A method of forming a pretied knot for a suturing device, the method comprising:

providing a length of monofilament suture having a first end;

wrapping a portion of the length of monofilament suture around a mandrel to form a looped configuration spaced from the first end; and

heating the wrapped portion to a temperature below the melting point of the monofilament suture such that upon removal of the mandrel, the wrapped portion remains in the looped configuration.

15. The method ofclaim 14 wherein the looped configuration defines a surgical knot when the first end of the length of monofilament suture is advanced through the looped configuration.

16. The method ofclaim 14 wherein heating the wrapped portion comprises applying heat at temperature between about 190° Farenheit to about 280° Farenheit.

17. The method ofclaim 16 wherein applying heat is performed for about 3 to about 5 seconds.

18. The method ofclaim 17 wherein applying heat is performed with a blowing heat source having a flow rate of about 10 scfh to about 30 scfh.

18. The method ofclaim 17 wherein the monofilament suture is polypropylene.

19. The method ofclaim 17 wherein the monofilament suture is size 3/0.

20. The method ofclaim 16 wherein applying heat is performed in an oven.

21. The method ofclaim 20 wherein applying heat is performed for about 1 minute to about 15 minutes.

22. The method ofclaim 21 wherein the monofilament suture is polypropylene.

23. The method ofclaim 22 wherein the monofilament suture is size 3/0.

Images