Surgical Needle with Steps and Flats
A surgical needle for use in a circular needle applier comprises a distal leading end, a proximal trailing end, and an arced body between the leading and trailing ends. The body has a medial face and a lateral face. A first step on the body is adapted to be engaged by a circular needle applier. The first step is positioned distally from the leading end. A longitudinal flat extends proximally from the first step. The flat defines a generally D-shaped cross sectional shape in the body. A second step on the body is adapted to be engaged by a circular needle applier. The second step is positioned about 180 degrees from the first step. A length of suture is connected to the trailing end.
1 . A surgical needle for use in a circular needle applier, the needle comprising:
a distal leading end;
a proximal trailing end;
an arced body between the leading and trailing ends, the body comprising a medial face and a lateral face;
a first step on the body adapted to be engaged by a circular needle applier, the first step being positioned distally from the leading end;
a longitudinal flat extending proximally from the first step, the flat defining a generally D-shaped cross sectional shape in the body;
a second step on the body adapted to be engaged by a circular needle applier, the second step being positioned about 180 degrees from the first step; and
a length of suture connected to the trailing end.
2 . The surgical needle of claim 1 , wherein needle has an angular span from the leading end to the trailing end of between about 210 degrees and about 270 degrees.
3 . The surgical needle of claim 1 , wherein the first and second steps are located on the medial face.
4 . The surgical needle of claim 1 , wherein the first and second steps are located on the lateral face.
5 . The surgical needle of claim 1 , wherein the arced body comprises a substantially constant nominal radius about an origin.
6 . The surgical needle of claim 1 , wherein the nominal radius is between about 0.170 inches to about 0.210 inches.
7 . The surgical needle of claim 1 , wherein the flat extends proximally from the first step between about 20 degrees and about 40 degrees.
8 . The surgical needle of claim 1 , wherein the flat extends proximally from the first step between about 100 degrees and about 150 degrees.
9 . The surgical needle of claim 1 , wherein the body further comprises a ramped portion on the proximal end of the flat such that the cross sectional shape in the body transitions from a generally D-shape to a generally circular shape.
10 . The surgical needle of claim 1 , wherein the body further comprises a second longitudinal flat extending proximally from the second step, the second flat defining a generally D-shaped cross sectional shape in the body.
11 . The surgical needle of claim 10 , wherein the second flat extends proximally from the second step between about 8 degrees and about 30 degrees.
12 . The surgical needle of claim 10 , wherein the body further comprises a ramped portion on the proximal end of the second flat such that the cross sectional shape in the body transitions from a generally D-shape to a generally circular shape.
13 . The surgical needle of claim 1 , wherein the leading end comprises a taper and the trailing end comprises a barrel, and the body having a substantially constant cross sectional area between the taper and barrel.