Patent ID: 8906041
Filing Date: 2014-12-09
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A suturing instrument, comprising: an elongate body member including a distal portion defining a first opening and a second opening that opposes the first opening, the second opening having a centerline axis; a tubular suture holder having a longitudinal axis and defining a lumen, the tubular suture holder configured to hold at least one suture within the lumen and to allow movement of the at least one suture through and out of the lumen, the longitudinal axis of the tubular suture holder being perpendicular to the centerline axis of the second opening, the tubular suture holder being partially disposed within the second opening; and a needle deployment mechanism disposed at least partially within the elongate body member for moving a needle between the first and second openings, the needle configured for capturing the at least one suture from the second opening and pulling at least a portion of the at least one suture through and out of the lumen of the tubular suture holder.