Self-contained port closure trocar and method of use

Abstract

A self-contained, port-closing trocar and method of use which may include an elongated body having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a side wall between the first end and the second end, the body further including at least two channels therein, each of the channels originating near the second end, running parallel to the elongated body, and curving towards and forming an opening in the side wall near the first end. The self-closing trocar may also include at least two needles, each disposed within one of the at least two channels, and a handle insertable into the second end of the elongated body, the handle having at least two needle drivers coupled thereto, each needle driver being insertable into one of the at least two channels and engagable with an end of a needle.

1 - 11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A self-closing laparoscopic port system comprising:
 a self-closing obturator, the obturator including an elongated body having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a side wall between the first end and the second end, the body further including at least two channels therein, each of the channels originating near the second end, running parallel to the elongated body, and curving towards and forming a obturator opening in the side wall near the first end, at least two needles, each disposed within one of the at least two channels, and   a handle insertable into the second end of the elongated body, the handle having at least two needle drivers coupled thereto, each needle driver being insertable into one of the at least two channels and engagable with an end of a needle; and a cannula configured to receive the self-closing obturator.   
     
     
         13 . The self-closing laparoscopic port system of  claim 12 , wherein the cannula comprises two openings along a length thereof, the cannula openings configured to align with the obturator openings in the body. 
     
     
         14 . The self-closing laparoscopic port system of  claim 13 , wherein at least one of the cannula and the self-closing obturator comprises a depth guidance line. 
     
     
         15 . The self-closing laparoscopic port system of  claim 14 , wherein each of the at least two flexible needles has a free end disposed near the obturator opening. 
     
     
         16 . The self-closing laparoscopic port system of  claim 15 , further comprising at least two anchors, each of which is associated with the free end of one of the at least two flexible needles. 
     
     
         17 . The self-closing laparoscopic port system of  claim 16 , further comprising a length of suture attached to each of the at least two anchors. 
     
     
         18 . The self-closing laparoscopic port system of  claim 17 , wherein inserting the handle into the second end of the elongated body drives each of the at least two flexible needles through a obturator opening in the side wall and out of the elongated body. 
     
     
         19 . The self-closing laparoscopic port system of  claim 18 , wherein each of the at least two flexible needles is driven through one of the cannula openings. 
     
     
         20 . A suture anchor, comprising: an elongated body having a first, pointed end and a second end opposite the first pointed end and an attachment point on the elongated body between the first, pointed end and the second end. 
     
     
         21 . The suture anchor of  claim 20 , wherein the second end comprises a concave surface configured to receive a free end of a needle. 
     
     
         22 . The suture anchor of  claim 21 , wherein the concave surface comprises a conical surface. 
     
     
         23 . The suture anchor of  claim 22 , wherein the conical surface comprises a blind channel at an end thereof, the blind channel configured to receive a free end of a needle. 
     
     
         24 . The suture anchor of  claim 23 , wherein the attachment point comprises an attachment channel having an enlarged cavity at a blind end thereof, the attachment channel being configured to receive a free end of a suture. 
     
     
         25 . The suture anchor of  claim 24 , wherein the elongated body comprises PGLA. 
     
     
         26 . A handle assembly for a self-closing trocar, comprising: a handle having at least two needle drivers coupled thereto, each needle driver being engagable with an end of a needle; at least two flexible needles, each needle being coupled to one of the at least two needle drivers; and at least two anchors, each anchor being engaged with a free end of the at least two flexible needles. 
     
     
         27 . The handle assembly of  claim 26 , further comprising a length of suture attached to each of the at least two anchors. 
     
     
         28 . The handle assembly of  claim 27 , wherein the handle further comprises a gear key, and wherein the gear key either slidingly engages with the needle drivers or lockingly engages with the needle drivers.