Patent ID: 8282657
Filing Date: 2012-10-09
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A suturing assembly configured to place suture in tissue, the suturing assembly comprising: a handle comprising an actuator; a shaft coupled to the handle; and a head coupled to the shaft such that a proximal portion of the head and the shaft are aligned on a longitudinal axis of the suturing assembly, the head comprising the proximal portion housing a needle movable through a needle exit port that is formed on the longitudinal axis and a distal end spaced apart from the proximal portion by a throat, the distal end of the head offset radially off of the longitudinal axis and defining a cavity; wherein the actuator is configured to move the needle out of the needle exit port along the longitudinal axis and shunt the needle off of the longitudinal axis to engage a capsule disposed in the cavity formed in the distal end of the head, the capsule attached to the suture.