Patent ID: 9597071
Date: 2017-03-21
CPC Classifications: A61B

Claim:
1. A suturing device having a proximal end and a distal end, comprising: a) a handle located at the proximal end of the device including an actuator; b) an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the elongate body being attached to the handle; c) a suturing head coupled to the distal end of the elongate body, the suturing head having a proximal end, a distal end, and defining a longitudinal axis between the proximal end and the distal end, the suturing head including a removable cartridge disposed therein, the removable cartridge including a cartridge housing and including a circular split ring suturing needle disposed therein, the suturing needle having a first sharpened end and an opposing second end that is attached to a length of suturing material, wherein the suturing needle is slidably disposed in a curved needle track that is defined by the removable cartridge, wherein the curved needle track includes a first end and a second end that are separated by a gap in the removable cartridge, the gap being configured to receive tissue to be sutured therein by the suturing needle; and d) a reciprocating needle drive for driving the needle about a circular path of travel about an axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the suturing head through the needle track and across the gap in the cartridge, the needle drive including (i) a reciprocating drive wheel within the suturing head defining an outer radial region that is configured to reciprocate about an axis of rotation that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the suturing head, the movement of the drive wheel being controlled by actuation of the actuator, (ii) a drive arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the drive arm being pivotally attached to the outer radial region of the drive wheel, and (iii) a pawl configured to engage and drive the suturing needle along the needle track using a reciprocating motion, the pawl being attached to the distal end of the drive arm.