Subcutaneous wound closure assembly and method of use

Abstract

A subcutaneous wound closure assembly having a closure apparatus, an insertion assembly and a retracting structure. The closure apparatus includes a substrate having a central axis and an outer perimeter. Radial ribs having micro needles extend therefrom. The insertion assembly includes an outer sheath and an applicator. Retracting structures in the form of sting members are coupled to the closure apparatus. A method of use is likewise set forth.

1 - 11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A closure apparatus for use in a subcutaneous wound closure assembly, the closure apparatus comprising:
 a substrate having an inner surface and an outer surface, a central axis and an outer perimeter, the substrate having a plurality of ribs extending radially outward from the central axis, the radial ribs having a plurality of micro needles extending therefrom, the substrate being dissolvable within a body of a patient.   
     
     
         13 . The closure apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the substrate comprises a flexible material. 
     
     
         14 . The closure apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the ribs are substantially equidistantly spaced about the substrate and extend radially outward from the central axis. 
     
     
         15 . The closure apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the micro needles are curved toward the central axis of the substrate. 
     
     
         16 . The closure apparatus of  claim 15  wherein the micro needles are linearly positioned along the rib. 
     
     
         17 . A subcutaneous wound closure assembly comprising:
 a closure apparatus, the closure apparatus having a substrate having an inner surface and an outer surface, a central axis and an outer perimeter, the substrate having a plurality of ribs extending radially outward from the central axis, the radial ribs having a plurality of micro needles extending therefrom, the substrate being dissolvable within a body of a patient;   an insertion apparatus having an outer sheath and an applicator; and   a retracting structure coupled to the closure apparatus;   wherein the insertion apparatus is attachable to the substrate of the closure apparatus, to insert the closure apparatus into a patient, and the retracting structure is structurally configured to manipulate the closure apparatus into a clinching configuration.   
     
     
         18 . The assembly of  claim 17  wherein the retracting structure comprises a plurality of string members, the plurality of string members being dissolvable within the body of the patient. 
     
     
         19 . The subcutaneous wound closure assembly of  claim 17  wherein the applicator is slidably insertable within the outer sheath. 
     
     
         20 . The subcutaneous wound closure assembly of  claim 17  wherein the retracting structure comprises a plurality of string members coupled to the closure apparatus and extending through the outer sheath, the plurality of string members being dissolvable within the body of the patient. 
     
     
         21 . A method of using a subcutaneous closure apparatus comprising the steps of:
 positioning an outer sheath proximate a wound opening with a distal end opening being position proximate thereto;   folding a closure apparatus into a folded configuration, the closure apparatus comprising a substrate having an inner surface and an outer surface, a central axis and an outer perimeter, the substrate having a plurality of ribs extending radially outward from the central axis, the radial ribs having a plurality of micro needles extending therefrom, the substrate being dissolvable within a body of a patient;   directing the closure apparatus through the outer sheath beyond the wound opening with an applicator;   unfolding the closure apparatus beyond the wound opening;   engaging tissue surrounding the wound opening with the plurality of micro needles;   pulling the closure apparatus with a retracting structure;   directing the closure structure into a clinching configuration with the retracting structure, to, in turn, close the wound opening.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the wound opening is closed without the need for a suture applied about the wound opening.