Patent ID: 8257369
Filing Date: 2012-09-04
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A suturing instrument comprising: an elongate body member having a longitudinal axis, the elongate body member including a distal portion that is pivotable about a first axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body member; a needle deployment mechanism at least partially within the elongate body member and connectable to a needle for moving the needle out of the distal portion, the needle deployment mechanism comprising a needle carrier that is slidably movable out of the distal portion, a camshaft disposed within the distal portion of the elongate body member and coupled to the needle carrier, and a drum rotatably disposed within the distal portion of the elongate body member and coupled to the camshaft for moving the camshaft when the drum rotates; and a needle catch disposed on the distal portion of the elongate body member and configured to receive and retain the needle.