Patent ID: 7828812
Filing Date: 2010-11-09
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A surgical suturing apparatus, comprising: a suture housing secured to a distal end of an elongated support structure; a needle mounted within the suture housing for movement about an arcuate path, the suture housing including a track in which the needle is positioned for movement about a path under the control of a drive assembly; the drive assembly is operably associated with the needle for controlling movement of the needle with a suture secured thereto about the arcuate path in a manner facilitating application of the suture to tissue; and wherein the suture housing includes a first housing member and a second housing member, and the suture housing has an open position in which the first housing member is moved away from the second housing member, while the first housing member and the second housing member remain connected to the elongated support structure, exposing the track for removal of the needle and a closed position in which the first housing member and the second housing member are secured together closing the suture housing in a manner holding the needle within the track for operation of the suturing apparatus; a release structure coupled to the first housing member and the second housing member for selectively permitting movement of the suture housing between the closed position and the open position, the release structure including a cable facilitating user actuation for release of the first housing member from the second housing member, the cable passing through the elongated support structure.