Patent ID: 6679895
Filing Date: 2004-01-20
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
Suture placer apparatus for placing a length of suture wire through tissue whereby the length of suture wire may thereafter be used to approximate and tension the tissue, said suture placer apparatus comprising:a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a lumen extending through said shaft and sized to closely receive the suture wire for supported passage therethrough, said lumen exiting said shaft at a hole at said distal end of said shaft, and said distal end of said shaft being adapted to pierce the tissue so that said hole may be positioned below a surface of the tissue; a deflection die located adjacent to said hole for engagement by a suture wire passing through said lumen, whereby the trajectory of the suture wire will be changed by said reflection die; a cutting bar slidably disposed relative to said shaft, said cutting bar adapted to selectively intrude across said lumen so to selectively sever a piece of said suture wire extending within said lumen; and said suture wire being provided with an appropriate yield strength so as to allow permanent redirection of said suture wire away from said deflection die and so as to allow a distal end of said suture wire to penetrate tissue.