PAUL A KENDRICK
Engineering in South River, NJ
License number
Massachusetts 20195
Type
Engineer in Training
Address
Address
South River, NJ 08882
Professional information
Tissue Repair
US Patent:
2005009, Apr 28, 2005
Filed:
Jun 3, 2004
Appl. No.:
10/861250
Inventors:
Peter Gerbino - Wellesley MA, US
Paul Kendrick - South River NJ, US
William Smith - Rye NH, US
David Norman - Worcester MA, US
Gregory Dion - Tucson AZ, US
Manuel Goulart - Gloucester MA, US
Paul Kendrick - South River NJ, US
William Smith - Rye NH, US
David Norman - Worcester MA, US
Gregory Dion - Tucson AZ, US
Manuel Goulart - Gloucester MA, US
Assignee:
The Children's Medical Center Corporation - Boston MA
Northeastern University - Boston MA
Northeastern University - Boston MA
International Classification:
A61B017/10, A61B017/04, A61B017/12
US Classification:
606148000, 606144000
Abstract:
The proposed meniscus suturing machine provides quick, strong, reliable sutures to torn medial menisci. An electronically controlled pneumatic system powers the suturing process. The meniscus suturing machine utilizes the chain stitch, a common sewing stitch, and applies it to the repair of torn menisci using only a single thread. The designed device is simple to use, with an on/off switch and fire button. While the device is simple, it has internal fault protection devices such as an automatic emergency shutoff and suture recovery loop. The device also comes apart easily, with a disposable needle-thread system. An autoclave sterilizes the remaining portion of the device. The initial application of the design is to suture medial menisci, but modifications will allow the suturing device to accommodate other areas too, such as the lateral meniscus. The benefits of the suturing device include a reduction in operating time and complexity of meniscus repairs.