Precision Endosurgery Suturing Device

Background
The invention targets incisionless surgery using flexible endoscopes. A flexible endoscope has several channels including light transmission, image transmission, air and water, plus one or more “working channels” through which instruments are inserted. There is growing interest in the execution of surgical procedures via flexible endoscopes inserted through natural orifices as an alternative to the use of laparoscopic instruments. This paradigm shift is being called natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). In one NOTES procedure, the endoscope is passed through the esophagus and an incision is made in the stomach to obtain access to the abdominal cavity, thus avoiding an external wound and a deeper dissection. Flexible endoscopic surgery is being called the “coming revolution” in treatment of gastrointestinal procedures. Experts contend that the laparoscopic revolution is over and that the next great change in surgery lies in new technology that will allow progressively more aggressive interventions via a natural body orifice. There is a need for new, flexible instrumentation that will enable surgeons to perform many surgical tasks efficiently. However, rapid progress in NOTES procedures has been hindered by the lack of adequate instruments that are specifically geared towards performing endoscopic surgery.

Invention Description
The invention is a novel endoscopic suturing device including a unique needle design. The design overcomes the major limitations of related devices such as the inability to place multiple sutures, inability to tie a knot without help of separate knot tying device, inability to tie a knot inside the patient, and the relatively large size which prevents through-the-endoscope placement.

File Number: 3237