ADHESIVES FOR USE WITH SUTURE SYSTEM MINIMIZE TISSUE EROSION

Abstract

A design for a suture for use in suture appositioning techniques, and a method for use are disclosed. In one embodiment the suture may comprise a hollow length having a wall forming a lumen, which may serve as a conduit through which fluid may be pumped and discharged through a plurality of perforations in the wall. In another embodiment the suture may comprise a plurality of suture members connected by a connecting member. In one embodiment of a method disclosed, a suture having a hollow length having a wall forming a lumen, with a plurality of perforations in the wall, may be placed in a stitching procedure to apposition tissues, and a fluid such as an adhesive, adhesive activating agent or drug may be pumped through the lumen and discharged out the perforations for various beneficial effects.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one possible embodiment of a suture within the scope of the present invention shown connected to a syringe and a suturing needle;

FIG. 2 is an expanded perspective view of a portion of the suture shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective illustration of suture of the type shown in FIG. 1, shown as it might be placed to hold two tissue layers together by one possible suturing technique;

FIG. 4 is a perspective illustration of suture of the type shown in FIG. 1, shown as it might be placed to hold two tissue layers together by one possible suturing technique, following pumping of fluid through the suture;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another possible embodiment of a suture within the scope of the present invention shown connected to a syringe and a suturing needle;

FIG. 6 is an expanded perspective view of a portion of the suture shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective illustration of suture of the type shown in FIG. 5, shown as it might be placed to hold two tissue layers together by one possible suturing technique;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of another possible embodiment of a suture within the scope of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective illustration of suture of the type shown in FIG. 8, shown as it might be placed to hold two tissue layers together by one possible suturing technique, following pumping of fluid into the suture.

Claims

1. A device for use in appositioning of tissues, comprising a suture having a hollow length, the hollow length having a wall forming a lumen, the wall having a plurality of perforations therethrough, wherein the suture is operable to be installed into tissues to form at least one stitch in the tissues.

2. The device of claim 1 further comprising a fluid within the lumen.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein the fluid comprises an adhesive.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein the adhesive comprises a cyanoacrylate.

5. The device of claim 3 wherein the adhesive comprises an isocyanate.

6. The device of claim 2 wherein the fluid comprises a drug.

7. The device of claim 2 wherein the fluid comprises an antibiotic.

8. The device of claim 2 wherein the fluid comprises a tissue sclerosing agent.

9. The device of claim 2 wherein the fluid comprises an adhesive activating agent.

10. The device of claim 1 further comprising a pumping fluidly connected to the lumen.

11. The device of claim 10 wherein the pump comprises a syringe.

12-21. (canceled)

22. The device of claim 1, further comprising a second suture connected to the first suture by a flexible connecting member.

23. The device of claim 22 wherein the second suture has a hollow length, the hollow length having a wall forming a lumen, the wall having a plurality of perforations therethrough.