Free needles are manufactured in a variety of sizes and contours. The common feature across all free needles is that the opening (or ‘eye’) through which the suture passes in order to be engaged in the free needle is generally oval shaped with no mechanism to lock the suture in place, allowing the suture to escape with little force. Alternative designs of eyes have been developed to lock the suture more securely but it requires a significant amount to time to ‘load’ the suture. This invention is a modification of free needles to prevent suture escape during suturing that will allow rapid locking and unlocking of the suture within the needle. Our researchers have incorporated a jam cleat in the needle eye or other location on the needle. A jam cleat is usually found on boats and marina decks that allows for the rapid locking and unlocking of ropes for the mooring of the boats. This novel design allows for various modifications to facilitate easier disengagement of the suture from the needle and for easier application and removal of the suture from the needle.
Competitive Advantages:
- Allows rapid locking and unlocking of suture within the needle
- Prevents suture slippage during surgical procedure
- Facilitates easier disengagement of the suture from the needle
Free Needle with A. Open End Jam Cleat, B. Side Opening Jam Cleat, or C. Front Facing, End-Opening Jam Cleat
Desired Partnerships: