Method and apparatus for passing suture through tissue

Reference To Pending Prior Patent Applications

0001This patent application: <ol id="ol0001" compact="compact"><li>(i) is a continuation-in-part of pending prior <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="US23065211"><text>U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/230,652</text></patcit><patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="US09122011"><text>filed 09/12/2011 by James Flom et al.</text></patcit> for METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PASSING SUTURE THROUGH TISSUE (Attorney's Docket No. FIAN-66717677), which patent application in turn claims benefit of: (a) prior <patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="US61384423"><text>U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/384,423, filed 09/20/2010 by Chris Pamichev et al.</text></patcit> for METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PASSING SUTURE THROUGH TISSUE DURING AN ARTHROSCOPIC PROCEDURE, INCLUDING THE PROVISION AND USE OF A NOVEL SPEAR SUTURE PASSER (Attorney's Docket No. FIAN-66 PROV); (b) prior <patcit id="pcit0004" dnum="US61473219"><text>U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/473,219, filed 04/08/2011 by James Flom et al.</text></patcit> for METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PASSING SUTURE THROUGH TISSUE (Attorney's Docket No. FIAN-71 PROV); (c) prior <patcit id="pcit0005" dnum="US61495441"><text>U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/495,441, filed 06/10/2011 by James Flom et al.</text></patcit> for METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PASSING SUTURE THROUGH TISSUE (Attorney's Docket No. FIAN-76 PROV); and (d) prior <patcit id="pcit0006" dnum="US61381787"><text>U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/381,787, filed 09/10/2010 by Thomas Weisel</text></patcit> for PINCH PASSER (Attorney's Docket No. ARC1.PAU.02.0/FIAN-77 PROV);</li><li>(ii) claims benefit of pending prior <patcit id="pcit0007" dnum="US61701920"><text>U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/701,920, filed 09/17/2012 by Daren Stewart et al.</text></patcit> for METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PASSING SUTURE THROUGH TISSUE (Attorney's Docket No. FIAN-88 PROV); and</li><li>(iii) is a continuation-in-part of pending prior <patcit id="pcit0008" dnum="US79139513"><text>U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/791,395, filed 03/08/2013 by Pivot Medical</text></patcit>, Inc. for METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PASSING SUTURE THROUGH TISSUE (Attorney's Docket No. FIAN-88).</li></ol>

0002The seven (7) above-identified patent applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Field Of The Invention

0003This invention relates to surgical apparatus and procedures in general, and more particularly to surgical apparatus and procedures for passing suture through tissue.

Background Of The Invention

0004In many situations suture must be passed through tissue. In open surgical procedures, the suture is typically attached to a needle and the needle is then used to draw the suture through the tissue. However, in closed surgical procedures (e.g., so-called "keyhole" surgeries, where an interior surgical site is accessed through a narrow cannula), it can be difficult to advance a needle (and particularly a curved needle) to the interior surgical site, and it can be even more difficult to maneuver the needle about the interior surgical site. Furthermore, in closed surgical procedures, it is frequently necessary to advance the suture through tissue, and then to retrieve the suture on the far side of the tissue, so that the suture can thereafter be drawn back through the tissue, e.g., at a second point of penetration. Conventional needles are typically inadequate for these situations.

0005On account of the foregoing, in closed surgical procedures, it is common to use a suture passer to pass suture through tissue, e.g., at a remote surgical site. Such suture passers are dedicated suture passing instruments generally comprising a shaft, a tissue-penetrating and suture-carrying working tip set at the distal end of the shaft, and a handle set at the proximal end of the shaft. However, such suture passers all tend to suffer from one or more deficiencies, including but not limited to: (i) size; (ii) a need to place the suture adjacent to an edge of the tissue; (iii) difficulty in picking up suture on the far side of the tissue; (iv) complexity of operation; (v) cost of manufacture, etc.

0006Thus there is a need for a new and improved method and apparatus for passing suture through tissue which does not suffer from one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art.

Summary Of The Invention

0007The present invention provides a new and improved method and apparatus for passing suture through tissue.

0008In one form of the present invention, there is provided a suture passer comprising: <ul id="ul0001" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>a hollow tube, the hollow tube comprising a distal end, a proximal end, a lumen extending from the distal end to the proximal end, and a window formed in the sidewall of the hollow tube, the window communicating with the lumen; and</li><li>a clamping rod slidably received in the lumen of the hollow tube, the clamping rod comprising a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end being bifurcated into a first arm and a second arm, one of the first and second arms extending distally of the other of the first and second arms and including a clamping surface, and at least one of the first and second arms being outwardly biased such that when the clamping rod is moved distally so that the distal end of the at least one outwardly biased arm is adjacent to the window, the distal end of the at least one outwardly biased arm extends outwardly through the window.</li></ul>

0009In another form of the present invention, there is provided a method for passing suture through an object, the method comprising: <ul id="ul0002" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>providing a suture passer comprising: <ul id="ul0003" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>a hollow tube, the hollow tube comprising a distal end, a proximal end, a lumen extending from the distal end to the proximal end, and a window formed in the sidewall of the hollow tube, the window communicating with the lumen; and</li><li>a clamping rod slidably received in the lumen of the hollow tube, the clamping rod comprising a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end being bifurcated into a first arm and a second arm, one of the first and second arms extending distally of the other of the first and second arms and including a clamping surface, and at least one of the first and second arms being outwardly biased such that when the clamping rod is moved distally so that the distal end of the at least one outwardly biased arm is adjacent to the window, the distal end of the at least one outwardly biased arm extends outwardly through the window;</li></ul></li><li>positioning the clamping rod so that the at least one outwardly biased arm extends out of the window;</li><li>positioning at least one of the suture passer and the suture so that the suture is disposed in the window;</li><li>moving the clamping rod proximally so that the clamping surface clamps the suture to the hollow tube; and</li><li>moving the suture passer so that the suture is passed through the object.</li></ul>

0010In another form of the present invention, there is provided a suture passer comprising: <ul id="ul0004" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>a hollow tube, the hollow tube comprising a pointed distal end, a proximal end and a lumen extending from the distal end to the proximal end; and</li><li>a clamping rod slidably received in the lumen of the hollow tube, the clamping rod comprising a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end being bifurcated into a first arm and a second arm, the first arm extending distally of the second arm and including a clamping surface, and the second arm being outwardly biased such that when the clamping rod is moved distally so that the distal end of the second arm extends out of the distal end of the hollow tube, the distal end of the second arm extends laterally of the hollow tube.</li></ul>

0011In another form of the present invention, there is provided a method for passing suture through an object, the method comprising: <ul id="ul0005" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>providing a suture passer comprising: <ul id="ul0006" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>a hollow tube, the hollow tube comprising a pointed distal end, a proximal end and a lumen extending from the distal end to the proximal end; and</li><li>a clamping rod slidably received in the lumen of the hollow tube, the clamping rod comprising a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end being bifurcated into a first arm and a second arm, the first arm extending distally of the second arm and including a clamping surface, and the second arm being outwardly biased such that when the clamping rod is moved distally so that the distal end of the second arm extends out of the distal end of the hollow tube, the distal end of the second arm extends laterally of the hollow tube;</li></ul></li><li>positioning the clamping rod so that the second arm extends out of the distal end of the hollow tube;</li><li>positioning at least one of the suture passer and the suture so that the suture is disposed between the clamping surface and the distal end of the hollow tube;</li><li>moving the clamping rod proximally so that the clamping surface clamps the suture to the hollow tube; and</li><li>moving the suture passer so that the suture is passed through the object.</li></ul>

0012In another form of the present invention, there is provided a suture passer comprising: <ul id="ul0007" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>a shaft comprising a distal end, a proximal end, a lumen extending from the proximal end toward the distal end, and a window formed in the sidewall of the shaft, the window communicating with the lumen; and</li><li>a suture spear movable within the lumen of the shaft, the suture spear comprising a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end being pointed to pierce a suture located in the window.</li></ul>

0013In another form of the present invention, there is provided a method for passing suture through an object, the method comprising: <ul id="ul0008" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>providing a suture passer comprising: <ul id="ul0009" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>a shaft comprising a distal end, a proximal end, a lumen extending from the proximal end toward the distal end, and a window formed in the sidewall of the shaft, the window communicating with the lumen; and</li><li>a suture spear movable within the lumen of the shaft, the suture spear comprising a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end being pointed to pierce a suture located in the window.</li></ul></li><li>positioning the suture spear so that it is disposed proximal to the window;</li><li>positioning at least one of the suture passer and the suture so that the suture is disposed in the window;</li><li>moving the suture spear distally so that the suture spear extends into the suture disposed in the window; and</li><li>moving the suture passer so that the suture is passed through the object.</li></ul>

0014In another form of the present invention, there is provided a suture passer comprising: <ul id="ul0010" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>a hollow tube, the hollow tube comprising a distal end, a proximal end, a lumen extending from the distal end to the proximal end, and a window formed in the sidewall of the hollow tube, the window communicating with the lumen; and</li><li>a clamping rod slidably received in the lumen of the hollow tube, the clamping rod comprising a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end including a clamping surface, and the distal end being outwardly biased such that when the clamping rod is moved distally so that the distal end of the clamping rod is adjacent to the window, the distal end of the clamping rod extends outwardly through the window.</li></ul>

0015In another form of the present invention, there is provided a method for passing suture through an object, the method comprising: <ul id="ul0011" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>providing a suture passer comprising: <ul id="ul0012" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>a hollow tube, the hollow tube comprising a distal end, a proximal end, a lumen extending from the distal end to the proximal end, and a window formed in the sidewall of the hollow tube, the window communicating with the lumen; and</li><li>a clamping rod slidably received in the lumen of the hollow tube, the clamping rod comprising a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end including a clamping surface, and the distal end being outwardly biased such that when the clamping rod is moved distally so that the distal end of the clamping rod is adjacent to the window, the distal end of the clamping rod extends outwardly through the window;</li></ul></li><li>positioning the clamping rod so that the distal end of the clamping rod extends out of the window;</li><li>positioning at least one of the suture passer and the suture so that the suture is disposed in the window;</li><li>moving the clamping rod proximally so that the clamping surface clamps the suture to the hollow tube; and</li><li>moving the suture passer so that the suture is passed through the object.</li></ul>

0016In another form of the present invention, there is provided a suture passer comprising: <ul id="ul0013" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>a hollow tube, the hollow tube comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending from the distal end to the proximal end; and</li><li>a clamping rod slidably received in the lumen of the hollow tube, the clamping rod comprising a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end being bifurcated into a first arm and a second arm, one of the first and second arms extending distally of the other of the first and second arms and including a clamping surface;</li><li>wherein at least one of the first arm and the second arm comprises a friction-enhancing surface for facilitating manipulation of a suture via engagement of the suture with the friction-enhancing surface.</li></ul>

0017In another form of the present invention, there is provided a method for passing suture through an object, the method comprising: <ul id="ul0014" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>providing a suture passer comprising: <ul id="ul0015" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>a hollow tube, the hollow tube comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending from the distal end to the proximal end; and</li><li>a clamping rod slidably received in the lumen of the hollow tube, the clamping rod comprising a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end being bifurcated into a first arm and a second arm, one of the first and second arms extending distally of the other of the first and second arms and including a clamping surface;</li><li>wherein at least one of the first arm and the second arm comprises a friction-enhancing surface for facilitating manipulation of a suture via engagement of the suture with the friction-enhancing surface;</li></ul></li><li>positioning the clamping rod so that at least one of the first arm and the second arm extends out of the hollow tube;</li><li>manipulating a suture via engagement of the suture with the friction-enhancing surface on the at least one of the first arm and the second arm;</li><li>positioning at least one of the suture passer and the suture so that the suture is disposed between the first arm and the second arm;</li><li>moving the clamping rod proximally so that the clamping surface clamps the suture to the hollow tube; and</li><li>moving the suture passer so that the suture is passed through the object.</li></ul>

0018In another form of the present invention, there is provided a suture passer comprising: <ul id="ul0016" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>a hollow tube, the hollow tube comprising a pointed distal end, a proximal end and a lumen extending from the distal end to the proximal end; and</li><li>a clamping rod slidably received in the lumen of the hollow tube, the clamping rod comprising a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end being bifurcated into a first arm and a second arm, the first arm extending distally of the second arm and including a clamping surface, and the second arm being outwardly biased such that when the clamping rod is moved distally, the distal end of the second arm extends laterally of the hollow tube, and wherein the second arm is configured to releasably hold a suture to the distal end of the second arm.</li></ul>

0019In another form of the present invention, there is provided a method for passing suture through an object, the method comprising: <ul id="ul0017" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>providing a suture passer comprising: <ul id="ul0018" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>a hollow tube, the hollow tube comprising a pointed distal end, a proximal end and a lumen extending from the distal end to the proximal end; and</li><li>a clamping rod slidably received in the lumen of the hollow tube, the clamping rod comprising a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end being bifurcated into a first arm and a second arm, the first arm extending distally of the second arm and including a clamping surface, and the second arm being outwardly biased such that when the clamping rod is moved distally so that the distal end of the second arm extends out of the distal end of the hollow tube, the distal end of the second arm extends laterally of the hollow tube, and wherein the second arm is configured to releasably hold a suture to the distal end thereof;</li></ul></li><li>positioning the clamping rod so that the second arm extends out of the distal end of the hollow tube;</li><li>positioning at least one of the suture passer and the suture so that the suture is disposed between the clamping surface and the distal end of the hollow tube;</li><li>moving the clamping rod proximally so that the clamping surface clamps the suture to the hollow tube;</li><li>moving the suture passer so that the suture is passed through the object; and</li><li>moving the clamping rod distally so that the distal end of the second arm moves the suture away from the hollow tube.</li></ul>

Brief Description Of The Drawings

0020These and other objects and features of the present invention will be more fully disclosed or rendered obvious by the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, which is to be considered together with the accompanying drawings wherein like numbers refer to like parts, and further wherein: <ul id="ul0019" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li><figref idref="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004 f0005 f0006 f0007 f0008 f0009 f0010">Figs. 1-11</figref> are schematic views showing a novel suture passer formed in accordance with the present invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0011 f0012 f0013 f0014 f0015 f0016 f0017 f0018 f0019 f0020 f0021 f0022 f0023 f0024">Figs. 12-25</figref> are schematic views showing an exemplary manner of passing suture through tissue using the novel suture passer of <figref idref="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004 f0005 f0006 f0007 f0008 f0009 f0010">Figs. 1-11</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0025 f0026 f0027 f0028 f0029">Figs. 26-29</figref> are schematic views showing various configurations for the clamping surface of the first arm of the clamping rod of the suture passer of <figref idref="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004 f0005 f0006 f0007 f0008 f0009 f0010">Figs. 1-11</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0026">Figs. 29A</figref> and <figref idref="f0027">29B</figref> are schematic views showing a modified form of the novel suture passer of <figref idref="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004 f0005 f0006 f0007 f0008 f0009 f0010">Figs. 1-11</figref>, wherein an arm of the suture passer includes a plurality of suture-engaging projections on its distal side;</li><li><figref idref="f0028">Figs. 29C</figref> and <figref idref="f0029">29D</figref> are schematic views showing a modified form of the novel suture passer of <figref idref="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004 f0005 f0006 f0007 f0008 f0009 f0010">Figs. 1-11</figref>, wherein an arm of the suture passer includes a plurality of suture-engaging projections on its proximal side;</li><li><figref idref="f0030">Figs. 30 and 31</figref> are schematic views showing another configuration for the suture passer of the present invention, wherein the clamping rod and hollow tube are configured so as to allow suture to slide between the clamping rod and the hollow tube;</li><li><figref idref="f0031">Figs. 32 and 33</figref> are schematic views showing another configuration for the suture passer of the present invention, wherein the clamping rod is configured to pierce the suture when the clamping rod is moved proximally;</li><li><figref idref="f0032">Figs. 34</figref> and <figref idref="f0033">35</figref> are schematic views illustrating how the lengths of the first and second arms of the bifurcated distal end of the clamping rod can vary from the construction shown in <figref idref="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004 f0005 f0006 f0007 f0008 f0009 f0010">Figs. 1-11</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0034 f0035 f0036">Figs. 35A-35C</figref> are schematic views showing another novel form of suture passer formed in accordance with the present invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0037 f0038 f0039">Figs. 35D-35F</figref> are schematic views showing the novel suture passer of <figref idref="f0034 f0035 f0036">Figs. 35A-35C</figref> securing a suture to the distal end of the suture passer;</li><li><figref idref="f0040 f0041 f0042">Figs. 35G-35I</figref> are schematic views showing another novel form of suture passer formed in accordance with the present invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0043 f0044 f0045">Figs. 35J-35L</figref> are schematic views showing the novel suture passer of <figref idref="f0040 f0041 f0042">Figs. 35G-35I</figref> securing a suture to the distal end of the suture passer;</li><li><figref idref="f0046 f0048">Figs. 35M-35O</figref> are schematic views showing another novel form of suture passer formed in accordance with the present invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0049 f0050 f0051">Figs. 35P-35R</figref> are schematic views showing the novel suture passer of <figref idref="f0046 f0048">Figs. 35M-35O</figref> securing a suture to the distal end of the suture passer;</li><li><figref idref="f0052 f0053 f0054 f0055 f0056">Figs. 36-40</figref> are schematic views showing another novel form of suture passer formed in accordance with the present invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0055">Figs. 40A</figref> and <figref idref="f0056">40B</figref> are schematic views showing a modified form of the novel suture passer of <figref idref="f0052 f0053 f0054 f0055 f0056">Figs. 36-40</figref>, wherein an arm of the suture passer includes a plurality of suture-engaging projections on its distal side;</li><li><figref idref="f0057 f0058 f0059 f0060">Figs. 41-47</figref> are schematic views showing still another novel form of suture passer formed in accordance with the present invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0061 f0062 f0063 f0064 f0065 f0066 f0067 f0068">Figs. 48-60</figref> are schematic views showing yet another novel form of suture passer formed in accordance with the present invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0069">Figs. 61-64</figref> are schematic views showing an exemplary manner of passing suture using the novel suture passer of <figref idref="f0061 f0062 f0063 f0064 f0065 f0066 f0067 f0068">Figs. 48-60</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0070 f0071">Figs. 65-67</figref> show variations of the novel suture passer shown in <figref idref="f0061 f0062 f0063 f0064 f0065 f0066 f0067 f0068">Figs. 48-60</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0072 f0073 f0074 f0075 f0076 f0077 f0078 f0079 f0080 f0081 f0082 f0083 f0084 f0085">Figs. 68-81</figref> are schematic views showing another novel form of suture passer formed in accordance with the present invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0086 f0087 f0088">Figs. 82-84</figref> are schematic views showing another novel form of suture passer formed in accordance with the present invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0089">Figs. 85</figref> and <figref idref="f0090">86</figref> are schematic views showing still another novel form of suture passer formed in accordance with the present invention; and</li><li><figref idref="f0091 f0092 f0093">Figs. 87-91</figref> are schematic views showing yet another novel form of suture passer formed in accordance with the present invention.</li></ul>

Detailed Description Of The Preferred Embodiments

0021The present invention provides a new and improved method and apparatus for passing suture through tissue.

The Novel Suture Passer

0022Looking first at <figref idref="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004 f0005 f0006 f0007 f0008 f0009 f0010">Figs. 1-11</figref>, there is shown a novel suture passer 5 formed in accordance with the present invention. Suture passer 5 generally comprises a hollow tube 10 and a clamping rod 15 slidably disposed within the lumen of hollow tube 10, as will hereinafter be discussed in further detail.

0023More particularly, hollow tube 10 comprises a distal end 20 preferably terminating in a sharp point 22, and a proximal end 25 preferably terminating in a handle 23, with a lumen 30 extending therebetween. It will be appreciated that the pointed hollow tube 10 essentially comprises a hollow needle adapted to pierce tissue.

0024Hollow tube 10 further comprises a window 35 which extends radially into the hollow tube and communicates with lumen 30. Window 35 is sized so as to selectively receive a suture S therein, as will hereinafter be discussed in further detail. Window 35 preferably comprises an inclined distal surface 40 and an inclined proximal surface 45. Preferably, distal surface 40 and proximal surface 45 are inclined in the same direction, and preferably both surfaces are inclined distally (e.g., in the manner shown in <figref idref="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004 f0005 f0006 f0007 f0008 f0009 f0010">Figs. 1-11</figref>). The forward incline of inclined distal surface 40 allows suture to more easily pass into and out of window 35. The forward incline of inclined proximal surface 45 provides an undercut which helps to trap the suture S between the clamping surface 47 of clamping rod 15 and the inclined proximal surface 45 of window 35, as will hereinafter be discussed in further detail.

0025Hollow tube 10 is preferably formed out of a substantially rigid material (e.g., stainless steel) so as to maintain rigidity when passing through tissue, particularly relatively tough fibrous tissue (e.g., the labrum of the hip).

0026In one preferred form of the present invention, the distal end 20 of hollow tube 10 is curved, however, it should be appreciated that hollow tube 10 can be formed in other configurations well known in the art (e.g., straight, etc.).

0027Clamping rod 15 comprises a distal end 50 (<figref idref="f0008">Fig. 9</figref>) and a proximal end 55 (<figref idref="f0008">Fig. 9</figref>). Distal end 50 of clamping rod 15 is bifurcated so as to form a first arm 60 and a second arm 65.

0028First arm 60 comprises the aforementioned clamping surface 47, with clamping surface 47 extending radially from the longitudinal axis of clamping rod 15. Clamping surface 47 may take the form of a hook, as shown in <figref idref="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004 f0005 f0006 f0007 f0008 f0009 f0010">Figs. 1-11</figref>. This hook helps trap the suture S between clamping surface 47 of clamping rod 15 and inclined proximal surface 45 of window 35, in the manner shown in <figref idref="f0009">Figs. 10</figref> and <figref idref="f0010">11</figref>.

0029Second arm 65 extends parallel to first arm 60 when clamping rod 15 is disposed within lumen 30 of hollow tube 10, with second arm 65 terminating proximally of first arm 60, shy of clamping surface 47.

0030Second arm 65 is outwardly biased so that when second arm 65 advances past window 35, second arm 65 passes radially outwardly through window 35 so as to project at an angle of approximately 10-120 degrees relative to the adjacent longitudinal axis of first arm 60 (<figref idref="f0006">Fig. 6</figref>) (i.e., the longitudinal axis of first arm 60 at the point adjacent to where second arm 65 advances outwardly through window 35), and more preferably at an angle of approximately 30-90 degrees to the instantaneous longitudinal axis of first arm 60, whereby to create a funnel region 75 (<figref idref="f0007">Fig. 7</figref>) between hollow tube 10 and second arm 65 when second arm 65 extends out window 35. To this end, second arm 65 is preferably formed out of a material consistent with this spring bias (e.g., a superelastic material such as Nitinol, etc.). In one preferred form of the invention, the entire clamping rod 15 is formed out of a superelastic material such as Nitinol.

0031The proximal end 55 of clamping rod 15 extends through lumen 30 of hollow tube 10 and is connected to an actuator 72 (<figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref>) which is movably mounted to handle 23, such that movement of actuator 72 relative to handle 23 will cause movement of clamping rod 15 relative to hollow tube 10.

0032It will be appreciated that, on account of the foregoing construction, a piece of suture S may be clamped to the distal end of suture passer 5 by (i) moving clamping rod 15 to the position shown in <figref idref="f0005">Figs. 5</figref> and <figref idref="f0006">6</figref> (e.g., by moving actuator 72 distally relative to handle 23) so that clamping surface 47 of first arm 60 is distal to window 35, and so that second arm 65 extends out of window 35; (ii) positioning the suture S in window 35 (<figref idref="f0007 f0008">Figs. 7-9</figref>); and (iii) moving clamping rod 15 proximally (e.g., by moving actuator 72 proximally relative to handle 23) so as to cause clamping surface 47 of first arm 60 to clamp suture S against proximal surface 45 of window 35, as shown in <figref idref="f0009">Figs. 10</figref> and <figref idref="f0010">11</figref>. In this respect it will be appreciated that the creation of the funnel region 75 (established between hollow tube 10 and the extended second arm 65) at the mouth of window 35 facilitates guidance of suture S into window 35, as shown in <figref idref="f0007 f0008">Figs. 7-9</figref>.

0033It will also be appreciated that, on account of the foregoing construction, a clamped piece of suture may thereafter be released from suture passer 5 by (a) moving clamping rod 15 distally (<figref idref="f0008">Figs. 8 and 9</figref>) so as to space clamping surface 47 of first arm 60 away from proximal surface 45 of window 35; and (b) causing suture S to be withdrawn from window 35 (<figref idref="f0007">Fig. 7</figref>), either by moving suture S relative to suture passer 5 or by moving suture passer 5 relative to suture S or by moving both suture S and suture passer 5 relative to one another.

0034It should be appreciated that, in one preferred form of the invention, when clamping rod 15 is moved proximally, both first arm 60 and second arm 65 are disposed within lumen 30 of hollow tube 10, so that the distal end of suture passer 5 presents a smooth outer surface, whereby to facilitate passage of the distal end of suture passer 5 through tissue.

Using The Novel Suture Passer To Pass Suture From The Near Side Of Tissue To The Far Side Of Tissue

0035In one preferred form of the present invention, and looking now at <figref idref="f0011 f0012 f0013 f0014 f0015 f0016 f0017">Figs. 12-18</figref>, the novel suture passer 5 can be used to pass suture S from the near side of tissue T to the far side of tissue T (i.e., in an "antegrade" manner).

0036More particularly, the preliminary loading of suture S into suture passer 5 may be performed away from the surgical site (e.g., outside of the patient) or it may be performed adjacent to the near side of the tissue T which is to be sutured (e.g., inside of the patient). As seen in <figref idref="f0011">Fig. 12</figref>, clamping rod 15 is advanced to its most distal position so that second arm 65 advances out of window 35, whereby to project out of the axis of hollow tube 10 and create the aforementioned funnel region 75. Suture S is then guided into window 35 using this funnel effect, as seen in <figref idref="f0012">Fig. 13</figref>, either by moving suture S relative to suture passer 5 or by moving suture passer 5 relative to suture S or by moving both suture S and suture passer 5 relative to one another. Clamping rod 15 is then retracted proximally so that clamping surface 47 clamps suture S between clamping surface 47 of first arm 60 and proximal surface 45 of window 35. See <figref idref="f0013">Fig. 14</figref>.

0037Suture passer 5 is then advanced distally so that window 35 passes through tissue T, whereby to carry suture S through the tissue (<figref idref="f0014">Fig. 15</figref>). With suture S extending through tissue T, and looking now at <figref idref="f0015">Fig. 16</figref>, clamping rod 15 is advanced distally so that clamping surface 47 is disposed distal to window 35, thereby releasing suture S from suture passer 5. Suture passer 5 and/or suture S are then manipulated so that suture S is clear of window 35 (<figref idref="f0016">Fig. 17</figref>). Clamping rod 15 is then moved proximally so as to retract first arm 60 and second arm 65 back into hollow tube 10. Suture passer 5 may then be withdrawn back through tissue T, leaving suture S extending through tissue T, as shown in <figref idref="f0017">Fig. 18</figref>.

Using The Novel Suture Passer To Draw Suture From The Far Side Of Tissue To The Near Side Of Tissue

0038In another preferred form of the present invention, and looking now at <figref idref="f0018 f0019 f0020 f0021 f0022 f0023 f0024">Figs. 19-25</figref>, the novel suture passer 5 can be used to draw suture S from the far side of tissue T to the near side of tissue T (i.e., in a "retrograde" manner).

0039More particularly, in this form of the invention, the suture S is loaded into suture passer 5 on the far side of the tissue T. This is done by first passing suture passer 5 through tissue T so that window 35 resides on the far side of the tissue, and then moving clamping rod 15 distally so that second arm 65 extends out of window 35, substantially perpendicularly to hollow tube 10, whereby to create the aforementioned funnel region 75 (<figref idref="f0018">Figs. 19</figref> and <figref idref="f0019">20</figref>). This funnel effect is then used to guide free suture (disposed on the far side of tissue T) into window 35 (see <figref idref="f0020">Fig. 21</figref>), either by moving suture S relative to suture passer 5 or by moving suture passer 5 relative to suture S or by moving both suture S and suture passer 5 relative to one another. If desired, the suture S may be tensioned so as to help draw it into the window 35.

0040Next, clamping rod 15 is retracted proximally so as to releasably secure suture S between clamping surface 47 and proximal surface 45 of window 35 (<figref idref="f0021">Fig. 22</figref>). Hollow tube 10 is then retracted proximally through tissue T, carrying suture S therethrough (<figref idref="f0022">Fig. 23</figref>). If desired, suture S can then be released from suture passer 5 by moving clamping rod 15 distally (<figref idref="f0023">Figs. 24</figref> and <figref idref="f0024">25</figref>).

0041Significantly, by alternating the aforementioned antegrade suture passing procedure (<figref idref="f0011 f0012 f0013 f0014 f0015 f0016 f0017">Figs. 12-18</figref>) with the aforementioned retrograde suture passing procedure (<figref idref="f0018 f0019 f0020 f0021 f0022 f0023 f0024">Figs. 19-25</figref>), with the needle "plunges" being laterally spaced from one another in the tissue (<figref idref="f0018">Fig. 19</figref>), a mattress stitch may be placed in the tissue (<figref idref="f0024">Fig. 25</figref>).

0042If desired, the novel suture passer 5 may also be used to pass suture S around a side edge of the tissue T, rather than passing the suture S through the tissue. By way of example but not limitation, if the hollow tube 10 is passed around the side edge of the tissue (rather than through it), the suture passer could then be used to retrieve the suture on the far side of the tissue and draw it back around the side edge of the tissue so that the suture is brought to the near side of the tissue.

0043As described above, the novel suture passer 5 has the ability to both pass (advance) and retrieve (draw) the suture S through and/or around the tissue in a continuous series of steps. This allows the surgeon to complete the desired suture passing without having to remove the suture passer 5 from the portal through which the suture passer 5 is being used. Significantly, this passing/retrieving process can be accomplished with a single instrument, rather than requiring one instrument for passing and a separate instrument for retrieving. This offers significant advantages in convenience and in reducing surgery time.

Alternative Embodiments

0044As noted above, clamping surface 47 of clamping rod 15 may take the form of a hook, as shown in <figref idref="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004 f0005 f0006 f0007 f0008 f0009 f0010">Figs. 1-11</figref>. This hook may have various degrees of depth and return, as seen in <figref idref="f0025">Figs. 26-28</figref>. Alternatively, clamping surface 47 may be substantially flat, as shown in <figref idref="f0025">Fig. 29</figref>.

0045In addition, and looking now at <figref idref="f0026">Figs. 29A</figref> and <figref idref="f0027">29B</figref>, if desired, second arm 65 of suture passer 5 may include a plurality of suture-engaging projections 76 on its distal side. Suture-engaging projections 76 allow the user to more aggressively engage (e.g., in a contact or frictional sense) suture S with second arm 65, whereby to facilitate manipulation of suture S via engagement with second arm 65. Thus, for example, with the construction shown in <figref idref="f0026">Figs. 29A</figref> and <figref idref="f0027">29B</figref>, if the user needs to move the suture S about a surgical site, the user can "grip" the suture S with the suture-engaging projections 76 of second arm 65 and "drag" the suture S into a desired position. In another example, the suture-engaging projections 76 of second arm 65 can assist in dragging suture S into window 35. More particularly, as the clamping rod 15 is moved proximally in hollow tube 10, the second arm 65 retracts into the lumen of the hollow tube 10. As it does so, if the suture S is in contact with the suture-engaging projections 76 of second arm 65, suture S will be drawn into window 35. Once in window 35, the suture S is then clamped between clamping surface 47 of clamping rod 15 and inclined proximal surface 45 of window 35 as described above.

0046Alternatively, and looking now at <figref idref="f0028">Figs. 29C</figref> and <figref idref="f0029">29D</figref>, second arm 65 of suture passer 5 may include a plurality of suture-engaging projections 76 on its proximal side. Again, suture-engaging projections 76 allow the user to more aggressively engage (e.g., in a contact or frictional sense) suture S with second arm 65, whereby to facilitate manipulation of suture S via engagement with second arm 65.

0047If desired, suture-engaging projections 76 may also be provided on both the distal and proximal sides of second arm 65, and/or on one or both of the lateral sides of second arm 65.

0048It will be appreciated that suture-engaging projections 76 essentially constitute a friction-enhancing surface on second arm 65 so as to allow second arm 65 to engage and "drag" suture S about a surgical site. To this end, it will also be appreciated that the friction-enhancing surface(s) on second arm 65 may be formed with a variety of geometries, e.g., barbs, fingers, ribs, threads or other surface texturing which increases the frictional aspects of second arm 65 at a desired location or locations.

0049Furthermore, if desired, the suture passer may be constructed so that the suture S is slidably captured - but not clamped - between clamping surface 47 of clamping rod 15 and inclined proximal surface 45 of window 35. In this form of the invention, suture S is slidably captured between the two surfaces (i.e., clamping surface 47 and proximal surface 45), in the manner shown in <figref idref="f0030">Figs. 30 and 31</figref>. In this form of the invention, clamping rod 15 may be limited in its proximal travel (e.g., by means of interaction between actuator 72 and handle 23) in order to provide a gap sufficient to slidingly capture, but not bind, suture S. This gap may be equal to, or larger than, the diameter of suture S.

0050Alternatively, if desired, the clamping rod can be configured to pierce the suture when the clamping rod is moved proximally, as shown in <figref idref="f0031">Figs. 32 and 33</figref>. This spearing of the suture can enhance clamping of the suture S to the suture passer 5. By way of example but not limitation, first arm 60 of clamping rod 15 may include a pointed return 77, with pointed return 77 being configured and located such that it will spear suture S when clamping rod 15 is moved proximally.

0051It should be appreciated that the lengths of the first and second arms 60, 65 of clamping rod 15 can vary from the construction shown in <figref idref="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004 f0005 f0006 f0007 f0008 f0009 f0010">Figs. 1-11</figref>. By way of example but not limitation, in one preferred form of the invention, the distance between the distal tip of second arm 65 and clamping surface 47 is approximately the length of window 35, as shown in <figref idref="f0032">Fig. 34</figref>. In another preferred form of the invention, only a nominal gap is provided between the distal tip of second arm 65 and clamping surface 47 (<figref idref="f0033">Fig. 35</figref>). This construction can provide for improved capturing of suture S to suture passer 5.

0052In another form of the present invention, suction may be applied to lumen 30 of hollow tube 10 proximal to window 35. This suction will draw fluid into window 35, and the fluid entering window 35 will assist suture S in seating itself into window 35 as the suture S approaches window 35.

0053In another form of the present invention, fluid is delivered down lumen 30 of hollow tube 10 so as to assist ejection of suture S from window 35 once the clamping rod 15 has released suture S.

0054In yet another form of the present invention, hollow tube 10 comprises a second window 35 opposite first window 35, and the distal end of clamping rod 15 is trifurcated so as to form a first arm 60 carrying a pair of clamping surfaces 47 and a pair of second arms 65, with each of the second arms 65 being outboard of first arm 60 and being biased out a window 35. Thus, with this construction, suture can be clamped on either side of hollow tube 10.

0055In another form of the present invention, the suture passer may further comprise a push rod to assist in ejecting suture S from window 35. The push rod may be a component separate from clamping rod 15 (but slidably movable relative thereto), or it may be integrated with clamping rod 15 (e.g., slidably movable thereon).

0056Looking next at <figref idref="f0034 f0035 f0036">Figs. 35A-35C</figref>, it is also possible to form novel suture passer 5 so that (i) first arm 60 is shorter than second arm 65, and (ii) clamping surface 47 is formed on the outwardly biased second arm 65 (rather than on first arm 60). In this form of the invention, funnel region 75 is formed between the distal end of shaft 10 and first arm 60. <figref idref="f0037 f0038 f0039">Figs. 35D-35F</figref> show the novel suture passer of <figref idref="f0034 f0035 f0036">Figs. 35A-35C</figref> securing a suture S to the distal end of the suture passer.

0057Furthermore, if desired, where clamping surface 47 is formed on the outwardly biased second arm 65 (e.g., in the manner shown in <figref idref="f0034 f0035 f0036">Figs. 35A-35C</figref> and <figref idref="f0037 f0038 f0039">Figs. 35D-35F</figref>), first arm 60 may be omitted entirely, in which case the distal end of clamping rod 15 preferably comprises only outwardly biased second arm 65.

0058In another form of the present invention, and looking now at <figref idref="f0040 f0041 f0042">Figs. 35G-35I</figref>, novel suture passer 5 may be constructed so that first arm 60 (carrying clamping surface 47) is outwardly biased, so that first arm 60 (and clamping surface 47) extends out window 35 when clamping rod 15 is moved distally. In this form of the invention, the funnel region 75 is formed between the distal end of shaft 10 and first arm 60. <figref idref="f0043 f0044 f0045">Figs. 35J-35L</figref> show the novel suture passer of <figref idref="f0040 f0041 f0042">Figs. 35G-35I</figref> securing a suture S to the distal end of the suture passer.

0059Furthermore, if desired, where first arm 60 is outwardly biased and carries clamping surface 47 (e.g., in the manner shown in <figref idref="f0040 f0041 f0042">Figs. 35G-35I</figref> and <figref idref="f0043 f0044 f0045">Figs. 35J-35L</figref>), second arm 65 may be omitted entirely, in which case the distal end of clamping rod 15 preferably comprises only outwardly biased first arm 60 (with clamping surface 47).

0060In still another form of the present invention, and looking now at <figref idref="f0046 f0047 f0048">Figs. 35M-35O</figref>, novel suture passer 5 may be constructed so that both first arm 60 (carrying clamping surface 47) and second arm 65 are outwardly biased, so that both first arm 60 (and clamping surface 47) and second arm 65 extend out window 35 when clamping rod 15 is moved distally. In this form of the invention, funnel region 75 is formed between first arm 60 and second arm 65. <figref idref="f0049 f0050 f0051">Figs. 35P-35R</figref> show the novel suture passer of <figref idref="f0046 f0047 f0048">Figs. 35M-35O</figref> securing a suture S to the distal end of the suture passer.

0061In another form of the present invention, and looking now at <figref idref="f0052 f0053 f0054 f0055 f0056">Figs. 36-40</figref>, window 35 may be eliminated, and clamping rod 15 may clamp suture S against the distal end surface 80 of hollow tube 10.

0062Again, if desired, and looking now at <figref idref="f0055">Figs. 40A</figref> and <figref idref="f0056">40B</figref>, second arm 65 of suture passer 5 may include a plurality of suture-engaging projections 76 on its distal side. As noted above, suture-engaging projections 76 allow the user to more aggressively engage (e.g., in a contact or frictional sense) suture S with second arm 65, whereby to facilitate manipulation of suture S via engagement with second arm 65. Thus, for example, with the construction shown in <figref idref="f0055">Figs. 40A</figref> and <figref idref="f0056">40B</figref>, if the user needs to move the suture S about a surgical site, the user can "grip" the suture S with the suture-engaging projections 76 of second arm 65 and "drag" the suture S into a desired position. In another example, the suture-engaging projections 76 of second arm 65 can assist in dragging suture S against the distal end of hollow tube 10. More particularly, as the clamping rod 15 is moved proximally in hollow tube 10, the second arm 65 retracts into the lumen of hollow tube 10. As it does so, if the suture S is in contact with the suture-engaging projections 76 of second arm 65, suture S will be drawn into engagement with the distal end of hollow tube 10 and then clamped in place by first arm 60.

0063Alternatively, if desired, second arm 65 of suture passer 5 may include a plurality of suture-engaging projections 76 on its proximal side (e.g., in a manner analogous to that shown in <figref idref="f0028">Figs. 29C</figref> and <figref idref="f0029">29D</figref>). Again, suture-engaging projections 76 allow the user to more aggressively engage (e.g., in a contact or frictional sense) suture S with second arm 65, whereby to facilitate manipulation of suture S via engagement with second arm 65.

0064Again, it will be appreciated that, if desired, suture-engaging projections 76 may also be provided on both the distal and proximal sides of second arm 65, and/or on one or both lateral sides of second arm 65.

0065It will be appreciated that suture-engaging projections 76 essentially constitute a suture engaging surface on second arm 65 so as to allow second arm 65 to engage and "drag" suture S about a surgical site. To this end, it will also be appreciated that the suture engaging surface(s) on second arm 65 may be formed with a variety of geometries, e.g., barbs, fingers or other surface texturing which increases the frictional aspects of second arm 65 at a desired location or locations.

0066Furthermore, if desired, and looking now at <figref idref="f0057 f0058 f0059 f0060">Figs. 41-47</figref>, the distal end surface 80 of hollow tube 10 can be disposed substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of hollow tube 10, whereby to enhance clamping of suture S against distal end surface 80 of hollow tube 10. In this construction, it may be desirable to provide a sharp point 85 to the distal end of first arm 60, in order to facilitate passage of the suture passer through tissue.

Handle

0067As noted above, suture passer 5 preferably comprises a handle 23, and handle 23 preferably comprises an actuator 72 which actuates clamping rod 15 so as to clamp and/or release suture S. If desired, actuator 72 may comprise a lock or detent which maintains the position of clamping rod 15 relative to hollow tube 10. For example, the lock or detent may hold the clamping rod in a distal position and/or in a proximal position (e.g., while it is clamping suture S).

0068Actuator 72 may also comprise a spring to bias clamping rod 15 proximally or distally. In one preferred form of the invention, this spring biases the clamping rod in a proximal direction (for example, to clamp suture S between clamping surface 47 and inclined proximal surface 45).

Novel "Spear" Suture Passer

0069Looking next at <figref idref="f0061 f0062 f0063 f0064 f0065 f0066 f0067 f0068">Figs. 48-60</figref>, there is shown a novel suture passer 105 also formed in accordance with the present invention. Suture passer 105 will sometimes hereinafter be referred to as the "spear" suture passer.

0070More particularly, the spear suture passer 105 generally comprises an outer shaft tube 110, an inner guide tube 112 fixedly disposed within the interior of outer shaft tube 110, and a suture spear 116 slidably disposed within the lumen of inner guide tube 112, as will hereinafter be discussed in further detail.

0071More particularly, outer shaft tube 110 comprises a distal end 120 preferably terminating in a sharp point 122, and a proximal end 125 preferably terminating in a handle 123, with a lumen 130 extending therebetween. It will be appreciated that the pointed outer shaft tube 110 essentially comprises a hollow needle adapted to pierce tissue.

0072Outer shaft tube 110 further comprises a window 135 which extends radially into the outer shaft tube and communicates with lumen 130. Window 135 is sized so as to selectively receive a suture S therein, as will hereinafter be discussed in further detail. Window 135 comprises a pair of distal surfaces 140, a pair of proximal surfaces 145, and a pair of side surfaces 146. Preferably, distal surfaces 140 and proximal surfaces 145 extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of outer shaft tube 110 (<figref idref="f0062">Fig. 49</figref>), and side surfaces 146 preferably extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of outer shaft tube 110 (<figref idref="f0063">Fig. 50</figref>). Distal surfaces 140 are preferably spaced from proximal surfaces 145 by a distance which is somewhat larger than the diameter of suture S, so that window 135 provides an adequate seat for suture S, as will hereinafter be discussed in further detail.

0073Outer shaft tube 110 is preferably formed out of a substantially rigid material (e.g., stainless steel) so as to maintain rigidity when passing through tissue, particularly relatively tough fibrous tissue (e.g., the labrum of the hip).

0074In one preferred form of the present invention, the distal end 120 of outer shaft tube 110 is curved (see, for example, <figref idref="f0062">Figs. 49</figref>, <figref idref="f0067">58 and 59</figref>), however, it should also be appreciated that outer shaft tube 110 can be formed in other configurations well known in the art (e.g., straight, etc.).

0075Inner guide tube 112 comprises a distal end 150 (<figref idref="f0065">Fig. 52</figref>) and a proximal end 155 (<figref idref="f0068">Fig. 60</figref>), with a lumen 156 extending therebetween. Inner guide tube 112 is fixedly disposed within outer shaft tube 110 so that the distal end 150 of inner guide tube 112 terminates proximal to window 135 in outer shaft tube 110, with lumen 156 of inner guide tube 112 being substantially aligned with the center of window 135. The distal end 150 of inner guide tube 112 preferably terminates just proximal to window 135 of outer shaft tube 110. See, for example, <figref idref="f0063">Figs. 50</figref>, <figref idref="f0065">52 and 53</figref>. As will hereinafter be discussed, inner guide tube 112 acts as a guide and stiffening member for suture spear 116, which is selectively extendable out of the inner guide tube (and hence selectively extendable across window 135) and selectively withdrawable back into the inner guide tube (and hence selectively withdrawable out of window 135).

0076Suture spear 116 comprises a distal end 158 (<figref idref="f0065">Fig. 52</figref>) and a proximal end 159 (<figref idref="f0068">Fig. 60</figref>). Distal end 158 of suture spear 116 terminates in a point 161. It will be appreciated that suture spear 116 essentially comprises a needle which, as will hereinafter be discussed, is adapted to pierce suture. Suture spear 116 is slidably disposed within lumen 156 of inner guide tube 112, such that suture spear 116 can extend across window 135 (<figref idref="f0065">Fig. 52</figref>) or be withdrawn from window 135 (<figref idref="f0065">Fig. 53</figref>). Preferably the proximal end 159 of suture spear 116 extends out of the proximal end 155 of inner guide tube 112 and is connected to an actuator 172 (e.g., a thumb slide) which is movably mounted to handle 123, such that movement of actuator 172 relative to handle 123 will cause movement of suture spear 116 relative to inner guide tube 112 (and hence relative to outer shaft tube 110). Specifically, movement of actuator 172 relative to handle 123 will cause the distal end of suture spear 116 to intrude across, or be withdrawn from, window 135 of outer shaft tube 110.

0077It should be appreciated that the distal end of inner guide tube 112 is positioned within outer shaft tube 110 so that the inner guide tube (and hence the suture spear 116) is aligned with a suture S that is laid in window 135 so as to ensure that suture spear 116 can securely pierce the suture S, as will hereinafter be discussed.

0078It will be appreciated that, on account of the foregoing construction, a piece of suture S may be clamped to the distal end of suture passer 105 by (i) moving suture spear 116 proximally so that the distal end 158 of suture spear 116 is withdrawn from window 135 of outer shaft tube 110, in the manner shown in <figref idref="f0066">Fig. 54</figref> (e.g., by moving actuator 172 proximally relative to handle 123); (ii) positioning the suture S in window 135 (<figref idref="f0066">Fig. 55</figref>); and (iii) moving suture spear 116 distally (e.g., by moving actuator 172 distally relative to handle 123) so as to cause suture spear 116 to "spear" (e.g., penetrate) suture S, as shown in <figref idref="f0066">Fig. 56</figref>, whereby to secure suture S to suture passer 105.

0079It will also be appreciated that, on account of the foregoing construction, a speared piece of suture S (<figref idref="f0066">Fig. 56</figref>) may thereafter be released from suture passer 105 by (a) moving suture spear 116 proximally (<figref idref="f0066">Fig. 57</figref>) so as to "unspear" suture S; and (b) causing suture S to be withdrawn from window 135.

Using The Novel "Spear" Suture Passer To Pass Suture From The Near Side Of Tissue To The Far Side Of Tissue

0080In one preferred form of the present invention, and looking now at <figref idref="f0069">Figs. 61-64</figref>, the novel suture passer 105 can be used to pass suture S from the near side of tissue T to the far side of tissue T (i.e., in an "antegrade" manner).

0081More particularly, the preliminary loading of suture S into suture passer 105 may be performed away from the surgical site (e.g., outside of the patient) or it may be performed adjacent to the near side of the tissue T which is to be sutured (e.g., inside of the patient). As discussed previously, suture S may be loaded into suture passer 105 by retracting suture spear 116 out of window 135 of outer shaft tube 110 (<figref idref="f0066">Fig. 54</figref>), guiding suture S into window 135 (<figref idref="f0066">Fig. 55</figref>), and then advancing suture spear 116 distally through suture S (<figref idref="f0066">Fig. 56</figref>), whereby to secure suture S to suture passer 105. See <figref idref="f0069">Fig. 61</figref>.

0082Suture passer 105 is then advanced distally so that window 135 passes through tissue T, whereby to carry suture S through the tissue (<figref idref="f0069">Fig. 62</figref>). With suture S extending through tissue T, and looking now at <figref idref="f0069">Fig. 63</figref>, suture spear 116 is retracted proximally so as to release suture S from suture passer 105, and then suture passer 105 and/or suture S are manipulated so that suture S is clear of window 135 (<figref idref="f0069">Fig. 63</figref>). Suture passer 105 may then be withdrawn back through tissue T, leaving suture S extending through tissue T, as shown in <figref idref="f0069">Fig. 64</figref>.

Using The Novel "Spear" Suture Passer To Draw Suture From The Far Side Of Tissue To The Near Side Of Tissue

0083In another preferred form of the present invention, the spear suture passer 105 can be used to draw suture S from the far side of tissue T to the near side of tissue T (i.e., in a "retrograde" manner).

0084More particularly, in this form of the invention, the suture S is loaded into suture passer 5 on the far side of the tissue T. This is done by first passing suture passer 105 through tissue T so that window 135 resides on the far side of the tissue, and then moving suture spear 116 proximally so that suture spear 116 is withdrawn from window 135 (if the suture spear has not already been withdrawn from window 135). Suture S (disposed on the far side of tissue T) is then positioned into window 135, and suture spear 116 is advanced distally so as to spear suture S and secure the suture to suture passer 105. Outer shaft tube 110 is then retracted proximally through tissue T, carrying suture S therethrough. If desired, suture S can then be released from suture passer 105 by moving suture spear 116 distally.

0085Significantly, by alternating the aforementioned antegrade suture passing procedure (<figref idref="f0069">Figs. 61-64</figref>) with the aforementioned retrograde suture passing procedure (discussed in the paragraph immediately preceding this paragraph), with the needle "plunges" being laterally spaced from one another in the tissue, a mattress stitch may be placed in the tissue, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art.

0086If desired, the spear suture passer 105 may also be used to pass suture S around a side edge of the tissue T, rather than passing the suture S through the tissue. By way of example but not limitation, if the outer shaft tube 110 is passed around the side edge of the tissue (rather than through the tissue), the suture passer could then be used to retrieve the suture on the far side of the tissue and draw it back around the side edge of the tissue so that the suture is brought to the near side of the tissue.

0087As described above, the novel suture passer 105 has the ability to both pass (advance) and retrieve (draw) the suture S through and/or around the tissue in a continuous series of steps. This allows the surgeon to complete the desired suture passing without having to remove the suture passer 105 from the portal through which the suture passer 105 is being used. Significantly, this passing/retrieving process can be accomplished with a single instrument, rather than requiring one instrument for passing and a separate instrument for retrieving. This offers significant advantages in convenience and in reducing surgery time.

0088If desired, the function of the inner guide tube 112 can be replaced by a rod 186 with a slot 187, as shown in <figref idref="f0070">Fig. 65</figref>. This rod 186 could also have other cross-sectional shapes (such as that of a ribbon, etc.) that act to constrain the suture spear 116 to the desired position relative to the window 135. This positioning scheme can also take the form of multiple wires filling the space where the suture spear is desired not to go.

0089The function of inner guide tube 112 can also be incorporated into the outer shaft tube 110. For example, the outer shaft tube 110 can have a lumen 130 which is offset towards window 135, e.g., as shown in <figref idref="f0070">Fig. 66</figref>.

0090Additionally, suture spear 116 can occupy the entire internal diameter of lumen 130 of outer shaft tube 110. In this embodiment, and as shown in <figref idref="f0071">Fig. 67</figref>, the suture spear 116 is a rod with a sharpened feature 188 (e.g., a point) located in the window 135. In this embodiment, the inner guide tube 112 is not required.

Additional Novel Suture Passer

0091Looking next at <figref idref="f0072 f0073 f0074 f0075 f0076 f0077 f0078 f0079 f0080 f0081 f0082 f0083 f0084 f0085">Figs. 68-81</figref>, there is shown a novel suture passer 205 formed in accordance with the present invention. Suture passer 205 generally comprises a hollow tube 210 and a clamping rod 215 slidably disposed within the lumen of hollow tube 210, as will hereinafter be discussed in further detail.

0092More particularly, hollow tube 210 comprises a distal end 220 preferably terminating in a sharp point 225, and a proximal end 230 preferably terminating in a handle 235, with a lumen 240 extending therebetween. It will be appreciated that the pointed hollow tube 210 essentially comprises a hollow needle adapted to pierce tissue.

0093Hollow tube 210 further comprises a cutaway 245 disposed just proximal to sharp point 225 and which communicates with lumen 240. Cutaway 245 preferably comprises a pair of longitudinally-extending edges 250 which terminate at their proximal ends at a circumferentially-extending edge 255. Preferably circumferentially-extending edge 255 is recessed at 260 so as to form seats for a suture grasped by suture passer 205, as will hereinafter be discussed. Alternatively, recess 260 can be omitted from circumferentially-extending edge 255 (e.g., circumferentially-extending edge 255 can be formed with a substantially "flat" profile).

0094Hollow tube 210 is preferably formed out of a substantially rigid material (e.g., stainless steel) so as to maintain rigidity when passing through tissue, particularly relatively tough fibrous tissue (e.g., the labrum of the hip, the capsule of the hip joint, etc.).

0095In one preferred form of the present invention, the distal end 220 of hollow tube 210 is curved, however, it should be appreciated that hollow tube 210 can be formed in other configurations well known in the art (e.g., straight, compound curves, etc.).

0096Clamping rod 215 comprises a distal end 265 and a proximal end 270. Distal end 265 of clamping rod 215 is bifurcated so as to form a first arm 275 and a second arm 280. The distal ends of first arm 275 and second arm 280 are biased laterally so that first arm 275 and second arm 280 will extend both distally and laterally when the distal ends of first arm 275 and second arm 280 are advanced distally out of the distal end of hollow tube 210, as will hereinafter be discussed in further detail. Preferably first arm 275 and second arm 280 have different degrees of lateral bias so that they will together define a funnel region therebetween when the distal ends of first arm 275 and second arm 280 are advanced distally out of the distal end of hollow tube 210, as will hereinafter be discussed in further detail.

0097More particularly, first arm 275 comprises a clamping surface 285, with clamping surface 285 extending radially from the longitudinal axis of clamping rod 215. Clamping surface 285 may take the form of a hook, as shown in the construction illustrated in <figref idref="f0072 f0073 f0074 f0075 f0076 f0077 f0078 f0079 f0080 f0081 f0082 f0083 f0084 f0085">Figs. 68-81</figref>. This hook helps trap the suture S between clamping surface 285 of clamping rod 215 and the aforementioned recesses 260 of circumferentially-extending edge 255 of hollow tube 210, in the manner shown in <figref idref="f0081">Figs. 77</figref> and <figref idref="f0082">78</figref>.

0098First arm 275 is outwardly biased so that when first arm 275 advances along cutaway 245, first arm 275 passes radially outwardly through the cutaway so as to project at an angle of approximately 60 degrees relative to the adjacent longitudinal axis of hollow tube 210 (i.e., the longitudinal axis of hollow tube 210 at the point adjacent to where first arm 275 advances through cutaway 245), whereby to create one half of a funnel region 290 established between first arm 275 and second arm 280 when first arm 275 and second arm 280 extend out of cutaway 245 (<figref idref="f0077">Fig. 73</figref>). To this end, first arm 275 is preferably formed out of a material consistent with this spring bias (e.g., a superelastic material such as Nitinol, etc.). In one preferred form of the invention, the entire clamping rod 215 is formed out of a superelastic material such as Nitinol.

0099Second arm 280 extends parallel to first arm 275 when clamping rod 215 is disposed within lumen 240 of hollow tube 210, with second arm 280 terminating proximally of first arm 275, proximal of clamping surface 285 (<figref idref="f0074">Fig. 70</figref>). Second arm 280 comprises a recess 295 at its distal tip. Recess 295 forms a seat for suture S at the distal tip of second arm 280, such that when a suture S is seated in cutaway 245 and second arm 280 thereafter extends out of cutaway 245, recess 295 in second arm 280 will engage suture S and carry suture S away from cutaway 245, whereby to help separate suture S from suture passer 205. In one preferred form of the invention, recess 295 comprises a distal finger 300, a proximal finger 305 and a groove 310 formed therebetween. If desired, distal finger 300 and proximal finger 305 may have substantially the same length and/or width.

0100Second arm 280 is outwardly biased so that when second arm 280 advances along cutaway 245, second arm 280 passes radially outwardly through the cutaway 245 so as to project at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to the adjacent longitudinal axis of hollow tube 210 (i.e., the longitudinal axis of hollow tube 210 at the point adjacent to where second arm 280 advances through cutaway 245), whereby to create the aforementioned funnel region 290 between first arm 275 and second arm 280 when first arm 275 and second arm 280 extend out of cutaway 245. To this end, second arm 280 is preferably formed out of a material consistent with this spring bias (e.g., a superelastic material such as Nitinol, etc.). As noted above, in one preferred form of the invention, the entire clamping rod 215 is formed out of a superelastic material such as Nitinol.

0101The gap between first arm 275 and second arm 280 (see gap G in <figref idref="f0080">Fig. 76</figref>) is carefully sized, i.e., it is larger than the diameter of a suture so as to prevent a suture from being inadvertently lodged between first arm 275 and second arm 280, which could effectively jam the components, but not so large that the transfer of suture S from first arm 275 to second arm 280 is undermined. In one preferred form of the invention, the gap between first arm 275 and second arm 280 is approximately 1-3 times the diameter of the suture, and preferably about 1.5 times the diameter of the suture.

0102In one preferred form of the present invention, second arm 280 may comprise a compound curve 315 (<figref idref="f0077">Fig. 73</figref>) so as to facilitate proper disposition of second arm 280 when it is projected distally and laterally out of cutaway 245.

0103If desired, the degree of the outward bias of first arm 275 and second arm 280 can be varied from the angles described above, e.g., first arm 275 can extend at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to the adjacent longitudinal axis of hollow tube 210 when first arm 275 advances out of the distal end of hollow tube 210, and second arm 280 can extend at an angle of approximately 135 degrees relative to the adjacent longitudinal axis of hollow tube 210 when second arm 280 advances out of the distal end of hollow tube 210. In one form of the invention, first arm 275 can extend at an angle of 0-90 degrees relative to the adjacent longitudinal axis of hollow tube 210, and second arm 280 can extend at an angle of 20-160 degrees relative to the adjacent longitudinal axis of hollow tube 210 (but in any case at an angle which is greater than the angle of the first arm so that the two arms do not cross over one another). Still other appropriate constructions will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the present disclosure.

0104The proximal end 270 of clamping rod 215 extends through lumen 240 of hollow tube 210 and is connected to an actuator 320 which is movably mounted to handle 235, such that movement of actuator 320 relative to handle 235 causes movement of clamping rod 215 relative to hollow tube 210.

0105It will be appreciated that, on account of the foregoing construction, a piece of suture S may be clamped to the distal end of suture passer 205 by (i) moving clamping rod 215 to the position shown in <figref idref="f0076">Figs. 72</figref> and <figref idref="f0077">73</figref> (e.g., by moving actuator 320 distally relative to handle 235) so that first arm 275 and second arm 285 extend distally and laterally out of cutaway 245 and create the aforementioned funnel region 290; (ii) positioning the suture S in funnel region 290 (<figref idref="f0078">Fig. 74</figref>), preferably moving suture passer 205 and/or suture S as appropriate so as to settle the suture S deep within funnel region 290 (i.e., close to or against the pair of longitudinally-extending edges 250 and/or the circumferentially-extending edge 255, or hooking suture S with the clamping surface 285 of first arm 275; and (iii) moving clamping rod 215 proximally (e.g., by moving actuator 320 proximally relative to handle 235) so as to cause clamping surface 285 of first arm 275 to engage suture S (<figref idref="f0079">Figs. 75</figref> and <figref idref="f0080">76</figref>) and retract suture S proximally, whereby to clamp suture S against recesses 260 of circumferentially-extending edge 255 of hollow tube 210, as shown in <figref idref="f0081">Figs. 77</figref> and <figref idref="f0082">78</figref>. In this respect it will be appreciated that the creation of the funnel region 290 (established between the extended first arm 275 and the extended second arm 280) at the mouth of cutaway 245 facilitates guidance of suture S into clamping position, as shown in <figref idref="f0078 f0079 f0080 f0081 f0082">Figs. 74-78</figref>.

0106It will also be appreciated that, on account of the foregoing construction, a clamped piece of suture S may thereafter be released from suture passer 205 by (a) moving clamping rod 215 distally (<figref idref="f0081 f0082 f0083 f0084 f0085">Figs. 77-81</figref>) so as to space clamping surface 285 of first arm 275 away from recesses 260 of circumferentially-extending edge 255 of hollow tube 210, whereby to release suture S from its clamped condition, and with recess 295 of second arm 280 engaging suture S and driving it distally and laterally, so that suture S moves clear of cutaway 245 (<figref idref="f0083 f0084 f0085">Figs. 79-81</figref>); and (b) causing suture S to be withdrawn from the suture passer, either by moving suture S relative to suture passer 205, or by moving suture passer 205 relative to suture S, or by moving both suture S and suture passer 205 relative to one another.

0107It should be appreciated that, in one preferred form of the invention, when clamping rod 215 is moved proximally, both first arm 275 and second arm 280 are disposed within lumen 230 of hollow tube 210, so that the distal end of suture passer 205 presents a smooth outer surface, whereby to facilitate passage of the distal end of suture passer 205 through tissue.

Using The Novel Suture Passer To Pass Suture From The Near Side Of Tissue To The Far Side Of Tissue

0108In one preferred form of the present invention, the novel suture passer 205 can be used to pass suture S from the near side of tissue to the far side of tissue (i.e., in an "antegrade" manner).

0109More particularly, the preliminary loading of suture S into suture passer 205 may be performed away from the surgical site (e.g., outside of the patient) or it may be performed adjacent to the near side of the tissue which is to be sutured (e.g., inside of the patient). This is achieved by advancing clamping rod 215 to its distalmost position so that first arm 275 and second arm 280 advance out of cutaway 245, whereby to project the distal ends of the first and second arms out of the axis of hollow tube 210 and create the aforementioned funnel region 290. Suture S is then guided into cutaway 245 using this funnel effect, either by moving suture S relative to suture passer 205, or by moving suture passer 205 relative to suture S, or by moving both suture S and suture passer 205 relative to one another. If desired, the suture S may be tensioned so as to help draw it into cutaway 245. Or suture S may be hooked with clamping surface 285 of first arm 275. Clamping rod 215 is then retracted proximally so that clamping surface 285 of first arm 275 clamps suture S between clamping surface 285 of first arm 275 and recesses 260 of circumferentially-extending edge 255 of hollow tube 210.

0110Suture passer 205 is then advanced distally so that cutaway 245 passes through tissue, whereby to carry suture S through the tissue. With suture S extending through the tissue, clamping rod 215 is advanced distally so that first arm 275 and second arm 280 extend out of cutaway 245, thereby spacing clamping surface 285 from circumferentially-extending edge 255 of hollow tube 210, whereby to release suture S from suture passer 205 and with second arm 280 driving suture S before it as second arm 280 advances distally and proximally out of cutaway 245. See <figref idref="f0083">Fig. 79</figref>. Preferably, second arm 280 can flex proximally slightly at the end of the distal stroke, whereby to allow suture S to "slip off" the distal end of second arm 280. (see <figref idref="f0085">Fig. 81</figref>). In this respect it will be appreciated that second arm 280 is flexible, but also has column strength, so that second arm 280 can drive the suture S distally relative to hollow tube 210, but then, as the portion of second arm 280 projecting out of hollow tube 210 gets longer and longer, the second arm 280 eventually "flops over" under the drag of the suture S which is being pushed by second arm 280, whereby to cause suture S to fall free of second arm 280. Suture passer 205 and/or suture S are then manipulated so that suture S is clear of suture passer 205. Clamping rod 215 is then moved proximally so as to retract first arm 275 and second arm 280 back into hollow tube 210. Suture passer 205 may then be withdrawn back through the tissue, leaving suture S extending through the tissue.

0111Significantly, by providing second arm 280 of clamping rod 215 with a recess 295, the suture being driven forward by second arm 280 of clamping rod 215 can be "controlled" longer during the distal stroke, i.e., the suture can be retained for a longer period of time on the distally-moving second arm 280 of clamping rod 215. As a result, it is possible to advance longer lengths of suture through the tissue without driving the needle further through the tissue. This can be highly advantageous where longer lengths of suture may be required on the far side of the tissue, e.g., when suturing closed the capsule of the hip joint at the conclusion of an arthroscopic procedure but where the needle cannot be advanced further (e.g., if bone obstructs further passage of the needle, such as in a hip joint). At the same time, by forming second arm 280 out of a flexible, outwardly biased material, as the second arm 280 extends further and further out of hollow tube 210, the drag on suture S will eventually cause second arm 280 to "flop over", whereby to release the suture S from second arm 280.

Using The Novel Suture Passer To Draw Suture From The Far Side Of Tissue To The Near Side Of Tissue

0112In another preferred form of the present invention, the novel suture passer 205 can be used to draw suture S from the far side of tissue to the near side of tissue (i.e., in a "retrograde" manner).

0113More particularly, in this form of the invention, the suture S is loaded into suture passer 205 on the far side of the tissue. This is done by first passing suture passer 205 through the tissue so that cutaway 245 resides on the far side of the tissue, and then moving clamping rod 215 distally so that first arm 275 and second arm 280 extend distally and proximally out of cutaway 245, whereby to create the aforementioned funnel region 290. This funnel effect is then used to guide a free suture (disposed on the far side of the tissue) into cutaway 245, either by moving suture S relative to suture passer 205, or by moving suture passer 205 relative to suture S, or by moving both suture S and suture passer 205 relative to one another. If desired, the suture S may be tensioned so as to help draw it into cutaway 245. Or suture S may be hooked with clamping surface 285 of first arm 275.

0114Next, clamping rod 215 is retracted proximally so as to releasably secure suture S between clamping surface 285 of first arm 275 and recesses 260 of circumferentially-extending edge 255 of hollow tube 210. Suture passer 205 is then retracted proximally through the tissue, carrying suture S therethrough. Suture S can then be released from suture passer 205 by moving clamping rod 215 distally, whereby to cause second arm 280 to drive suture S out of cutaway 245 and clear of suture passer 205.

Forming First Arm 275 Without An Outward Bias

0115If desired, first arm 275 can be formed without an outward bias, so that only second arm 280 has an outward bias. In this form of the invention, the funnel region 290 is still formed between the distal ends of first arm 275 and second arm 280, however, the funnel region 290 will extend at a different angle relative to the adjacent longitudinal axis of hollow tube 210 than when both first arm 275 and second arm 280 are outwardly biased.

Forming Second Arm 280 With A Modified Construction

0116If desired, and looking now at <figref idref="f0086 f0087 f0088">Figs. 82-84</figref>, second arm 280 may be formed without the aforementioned compound curve 315.

0117Furthermore, if desired, recess 295 at the distal tip of second arm 280 may be formed with a different geometry, e.g., so as to facilitate separation of suture S from second arm 280 at the end of the second arm's distal stroke. By way of example but not limitation, recess 295 may comprise a longer distal finger 300 and a shorter proximal finger 305, with the groove 310 being formed therebetween. As a result of this construction, when a suture S is seated in cutaway 245 and second arm 280 thereafter extends out of cutaway 245, recess 295 in second arm 280 will engage suture S and carry suture S away from cutaway 245, and the shorter proximal finger 305 will thereafter facilitate separation of suture S from suture passer 205. In effect, and as best seen in <figref idref="f0088">Fig. 84</figref>, as second arm 280 moves further and further out of hollow tube 210, the second arm 280 becomes progressively less supported by hollow tube 210 which, at the end of the second arm's distal stroke and in combination with the shorter proximal finger 305, allows the suture S to fall away from second arm 280 in the proximal direction. In this respect it will also be appreciated that where suture S extends through tissue proximal to second arm 280, friction between suture S and this tissue during distal movement of second arm 280 imposes a proximally-directed force on suture S, which (i) helps cause second arm 280 to bend proximally at the end of its distal stroke, thereby directing groove 310 more proximally, and (ii) helps suture S to pull off second arm 280. If desired, second arm 280 can be formed with proximal finger 305 omitted, so that second arm 280 comprises only the distal finger 300.

0118Additionally, if desired, and looking now at <figref idref="f0089">Figs. 85</figref> and <figref idref="f0090">86</figref>, recess 295 at the distal end of second arm 280 may be replaced by a relatively short spike 325. In this form of the invention, when a suture S is seated in cutaway 245 and second arm 280 thereafter extends out of cutaway 245, spike 325 at the distal end of second arm 280 piercingly engages suture S and helps hold suture S on the distal end of second arm 280 as second arm 280 extends out of cutaway 245, whereafter the relatively short spike 325 allows suture S to separate from suture passer 205. More particularly, it will be appreciated that as second arm 280 moves further and further out of hollow tube 210, the second arm 280 becomes progressively less supported by hollow tube 210 which, in combination with the relatively short length of spike 325, allows the suture S to fall away from second arm 280 in the proximal direction. In this respect it will also be appreciated that where suture S extends through tissue proximal to second arm 280, friction between suture S and this tissue during distal movement of second arm 280 imposes a proximally-directed force on suture S, which (i) helps cause second arm 280 to bend proximally at the end of its distal stroke, thereby directing spike 325 more proximally, and (ii) helps suture S to pull off second arm 280.

Additional Construction Wherein The First And Second Arms Extend At Smaller Angles Relative To The Adjacent Longitudinal Axis Of The Hollow Tube

0119Looking next at <figref idref="f0091 f0092 f0093">Figs. 87-91</figref>, there is shown a construction wherein first arm 275 and second arm 280 both extend at smaller angles (than those previously disclosed) relative to the adjacent longitudinal axis of hollow tube 210. More particularly, in this form of the invention, first arm 275 extends substantially parallel to the adjacent longitudinal axis of hollow tube 210, and second arm 280 extends at an angle of approximately 35 degrees relative to the adjacent longitudinal axis of hollow tube 210. It has been found that by configuring second arm 280 so that it extends at a smaller angle (than those previously disclosed) relative to the adjacent longitudinal axis of hollow tube 210, the suture is more easily released from the tool after the tool has been used to pass suture in an antegrade fashion through the tissue.

0120In one preferred form of the invention, second arm 280 comprises a plurality of bends (e.g., two bends 281A and 281B) which act in an "additive" fashion so as to together provide an increased opening for funnel region 290.

0121In addition, in this form of the invention, second arm 280 is configured so that it extends laterally (of hollow tube 210) "sooner" (i.e., when clamping rod 215 is at a more proximal position than previously disclosed) so as to open funnel region 290 closer to the distal end of hollow tube 210. This is a consequence of locating bend 281A closer to the distal end of second arm 280. As a result, the tool can be used to retrieve suture without having to fully extend first arm 275 and second arm 280, which can sometimes be difficult to do in constrained spaces.

0122<figref idref="f0091">Figs. 87-88</figref> show first arm 275 and second arm 280 in a partially-extended position (i.e., in a position where suture can be adequately retrieved), while <figref idref="f0092">Figs. 89-90</figref> show first arm 275 and second arm 280 in a fully-extended position (i.e., in a position where suture can be fully advanced when being passed through tissue). <figref idref="f0093">Fig. 91</figref> shows clamping rod 215 prior to assembly into suture passer 205.

Additional Aspects Of The Invention

0123Significantly, by alternating the aforementioned antegrade suture passing procedure with the aforementioned retrograde suture passing procedure, with the needle "plunges" being laterally spaced from one another in the tissue, a mattress stitch may be placed in the tissue.

0124If desired, the novel suture passer 205 may also be used to pass suture S around a side edge of the tissue, rather than passing the suture S through the tissue. By way of example but not limitation, if the hollow tube 210 is passed around the side edge of the tissue (rather than through it), the suture passer could then be used to retrieve the suture on the far side of the tissue and draw it back around the side edge of the tissue so that the suture is brought to the near side of the tissue.

0125As described above, the novel suture passer 205 has the ability to both pass (advance) and retrieve (draw) the suture S through and/or around the tissue in a continuous series of steps. This allows the surgeon to complete the desired suture passing without having to remove the suture passer 205 from the portal through which the suture passer 205 is being used. Significantly, this passing/retrieving process can be accomplished with a single instrument, rather than requiring one instrument for passing and a separate instrument for retrieving. This offers significant advantages in convenience and in reducing surgery time.

Modifications

0126It should also be understood that many additional changes in the details, materials, steps and arrangements of parts, which have been herein described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the present invention, may be made by those skilled in the art while still remaining within the principles and scope of the invention.

0127In the following paragraphs the claims of the international application are repeated as clauses to retain all original subject-matter. <ol id="ol0002"><li>1. A suture passer comprising: <ul id="ul0020" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>a hollow tube, the hollow tube comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending from the distal end to the proximal end; and a clamping rod slidably received in the lumen of the hollow tube, the clamping rod comprising a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end being bifurcated into a first arm and a second arm, one of the first and second arms extending distally of the other of the first and second arms and including a clamping surface;</li><li>wherein at least one of the first arm and the second arm comprises a friction-enhancing surface for facilitating manipulation of a suture via engagement of the suture with the friction-enhancing surface.</li></ul></li><li>2. A suture passer according to clause 1 wherein the friction-enhancing surface comprises a plurality of suture-engaging projections.</li><li>3. A suture passer according to clause 1 wherein the friction-enhancing surface is disposed on a distal side of the at least one of the first arm and the second arm.</li><li>4. A suture passer according to clause 1 wherein the friction-enhancing surface is disposed on a proximal side of the at least one of the first arm and the second arm.</li><li>5. A suture passer according to clause 1 wherein the friction-enhancing surface is disposed on a lateral side of the at least one of the first arm and the second arm.</li><li>6. A suture passer according to clause 1 wherein the hollow tube comprises a window formed in the sidewall of the hollow tube, the window communicating with the lumen, and further wherein at least one of the first and second arms is outwardly biased such that when the clamping rod is moved distally so that the distal end of the at least one outwardly biased arm is adjacent to the window, the distal end of the at least one outwardly biased arm extends outwardly through the window.</li><li>7. A suture passer according to clause 6 wherein the first arm includes the clamping surface and the second arm is outwardly biased.</li><li>8. A suture passer according to clause 6 wherein the first arm and the second arm are both outwardly biased.</li><li>9. A suture passer according to clause 6 wherein the clamping surface faces proximally.</li><li>10. A suture passer according to clause 6 wherein the distal end of the first arm is substantially blunt.</li><li>11. A suture passer according to clause 6 wherein the distal end of the first arm is pointed.</li><li>12. A suture passer according to clause 6 wherein the second arm is outwardly biased so as to extend at an angle of 10-120 degrees to the adjacent longitudinal axis of the hollow tube in the region of the window when the second arm extends out of the window.</li><li>13. A suture passer according to clause 12 wherein the second arm is outwardly biased so as to extend at an angle of 30-90 degrees to the adjacent longitudinal axis of the hollow tube in the region of the window when the second arm extends out of the window.</li><li>14. A suture passer according to clause 6 wherein the distal end of the first arm projects out of the hollow tube when the second arm projects out of the window.</li><li>15. A suture passer according to clause 6 wherein the first arm includes the clamping surface and the first arm is outwardly biased.</li><li>16. A suture passer according to clause 6 wherein the first arm includes the clamping surface and both the first and second arms are outwardly biased such that when the clamping rod is moved distally so that the distal ends of the first and second arms are adjacent to the window, the distal ends of the first and second arms extend outwardly through the window.</li><li>17. A method for passing suture through an object, the method comprising: <ul id="ul0021" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>providing a suture passer comprising: <ul id="ul0022" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>a hollow tube, the hollow tube comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending from the distal end to the proximal end; and a clamping rod slidably received in the lumen of the hollow tube, the clamping rod comprising a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end being bifurcated into a first arm and a second arm, one of the first and second arms extending distally of the other of the first and second arms and including a clamping surface;</li><li>wherein at least one of the first arm and the second arm comprises a friction-enhancing surface for facilitating manipulation of a suture via engagement of the suture with the friction-enhancing surface;</li></ul></li><li>positioning the clamping rod so that at least one of the first arm and the second arm extends out of the hollow tube;</li><li>manipulating a suture via engagement of the suture with the friction-enhancing surface on the at least one of the first arm and the second arm; positioning at least one of the suture passer and the suture so that the suture is disposed between the first arm and the second arm; moving the clamping rod proximally so that the clamping surface clamps the suture to the hollow tube; and</li><li>moving the suture passer so that the suture is passed through the object.</li></ul></li><li>18. A method according to clause 17 wherein the hollow tube comprises a window formed in the sidewall of the hollow tube, the window communicating with the lumen, and further wherein at least one of the first and second arms is outwardly biased such that when the clamping rod is moved distally so that the distal end of the at least one outwardly biased arm is adjacent to the window, the distal end of the at least one outwardly biased arm extends outwardly through the window.</li><li>19. A suture passer comprising: a hollow tube, the hollow tube comprising a pointed distal end, a proximal end and a lumen extending from the distal end to the proximal end; and a clamping rod slidably received in the lumen of the hollow tube, the clamping rod comprising a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end being bifurcated into a first arm and a second arm, the first arm extending distally of the second arm and including a clamping surface, and the second arm being outwardly biased such that when the clamping rod is moved distally, the distal end of the second arm extends laterally of the hollow tube, and wherein the second arm is configured to releasably hold a suture to the distal end of the second arm.</li><li>20. A suture passer according to clause 19 wherein the distal end of the second arm comprises a recess for releasably seating a suture therein.</li><li>21. A suture passer according to clause 20 wherein the recess is formed by a first finger and an opposing second finger, with the suture being releasably seated between the first finger and the second finger.</li><li>22. A suture passer according to clause 21 wherein the first finger and the second finger have substantially equal lengths.</li><li>23. A suture passer according to clause 21 wherein the second finger is shorter than the first finger.</li><li>24. A suture passer according to clause 21 wherein the second finger is proximal to the first finger when the clamping rod is moved distally.</li><li>25. A suture passer according to clause 19 wherein the second arm comprises a finger projecting from the distal end of the second arm.</li><li>26. A suture passer according to clause 25 wherein the finger is disposed to sit laterally adjacent to a suture engaging the distal end of the second arm.</li><li>27. A suture passer according to clause 19 wherein the distal end of the second arm comprises a spike for releasably engaging a suture.</li><li>28. A suture passer according to clause 19 wherein the hollow tube comprises a window formed in the sidewall of the hollow tube, the window communicating with the lumen, and further wherein at least one of the first and second arms is outwardly biased such that when the clamping rod is moved distally so that the distal end of the at least one outwardly biased arm is adjacent to the window, the distal end of the at least one outwardly biased arm extends outwardly through the window.</li><li>29. A suture passer according to clause 28 wherein the second arm is outwardly biased so that when the distal end of the second arm is adjacent to the window, the distal end of the second arm extends outwardly through the window.</li><li>30. A suture passer according to clause 29 wherein the first arm is outwardly biased so that when the distal end of the first arm is adjacent to the window, the distal end of the first arm extends outwardly through the window.</li><li>31. A method for passing suture through an object, the method comprising: <ul id="ul0023" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>providing a suture passer comprising: a hollow tube, the hollow tube comprising a pointed distal end, a proximal end and a lumen extending from the distal end to the proximal end; and</li><li>a clamping rod slidably received in the lumen of the hollow tube, the clamping rod comprising a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end being bifurcated into a first arm and a second arm, the first arm extending distally of the second arm and including a clamping surface, and the second arm being outwardly biased such that when the clamping rod is moved distally so that the distal end of the second arm extends out of the distal end of the hollow tube, the distal end of the second arm extends laterally of the hollow tube, and wherein the second arm is configured to releasably hold a suture to the distal end thereof;</li><li>positioning the clamping rod so that the second arm extends out of the distal end of the hollow tube;</li><li>positioning at least one of the suture passer and the suture so that the suture is disposed between the clamping surface and the distal end of the hollow tube;</li><li>moving the clamping rod proximally so that the clamping surface clamps the suture to the hollow tube;</li><li>moving the suture passer so that the suture is passed through the object; and</li><li>moving the clamping rod distally so that the distal end of the second arm moves the suture away from the hollow tube.</li></ul></li><li>32. A method according to clause 31 wherein the distal end of the second arm comprises a recess for releasably seating a suture therein.</li><li>33. A method according to clause 32 wherein the recess is formed by a first finger and an opposing second finger, with the suture being releasably seated between the first finger and the second finger.</li><li>34. A method according to clause 33 wherein the first finger and the second finger have substantially equal lengths.</li><li>35. A method according to clause 33 wherein the second finger is shorter than the first finger.</li><li>36. A method according to clause 31 wherein the distal end of the second arm comprises a spike for releasably engaging a suture.</li><li>37. A method according to clause 31 wherein the hollow tube comprises a window formed in the sidewall of the hollow tube, the window communicating with the lumen, and further wherein at least one of the first and second arms is outwardly biased such that when the clamping rod is moved distally so that the distal end of the at least one outwardly biased arm is adjacent to the window, the distal end of the at least one outwardly biased arm extends outwardly through the window.</li><li>38. A method according to clause 37 wherein the second arm is outwardly biased so that when the distal end of the second arm is adjacent to the window, the distal end of the second arm extends outwardly through the window.</li><li>39. A method according to clause 38 wherein the first arm is outwardly biased so that when the distal end of the first arm is adjacent to the window, the distal end of the first arm extends outwardly through the window.</li></ol>