Patent ID: 9326765
Filing Date: 2016-05-03
CPC Classification: A61B

Claim Text:
1. A device for suturing tissue comprising: a handle comprising a proximal end and a distal end; a generally hollow suturing needle comprising a pointed distal end, an opposite proximal end and an inner lumen having an suture exit port through which a suture material exits; a suture dispensing mechanism disposed within the handle and including a first actuator which when manipulated by a user is configured to advance suture material within the handle such that the suture material is guided into the inner lumen of the hollow suturing needle and exits through the suture exit port, wherein the first actuator is accessible to a user along one side of the handle to allow the first actuator to be contacted and driven by the user to cause the suture material to be advanced through and then exit from the hollow suturing needle; a first suture cutter mechanism for cutting the suture material internally within the handle at a location proximal to an entrance into the inner lumen of the suturing needle, the first suture cutter mechanism including a second actuator and a first cutting element coupled thereto, the first cutting element being positioned such that upon actuation of the second actuator, the first cutting element is advanced into contact with the suture material, thereby cutting the suture material; and a safety mechanism shielding at least a portion of the needle; wherein the suture dispensing mechanism comprises a manually driven mechanism and includes a suture spool that contains wound suture material, the suture spool including a second gear that is in direct contact with a first gear of the first actuator, the suture spool being disposed completely within an interior space of the handle, wherein the advanced suture material travels directly from the suture spool toward a suture guide without contacting the first actuator.