Patent ID: 8333774
Filing Date: 2012-12-18
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of suturing tissue, the method comprising the steps of: providing a suturing instrument comprising a cannulated shaft having a curved distal end and a cannulated handle coupled to the cannulated shaft, the cannulated handle being provided with a notch located at a proximal end of the handle, the curved distal end being provided with a distal opening having an inner diameter; inserting the shaft of the instrument through a cannula so that the distal end is in proximity of tissue to be sutured; docking a proximal end of a needle for piercing through tissue within the curved distal end of the instrument, the needle having an outer diameter which is about equal to the inner diameter of the distal opening of the curved distal end to allow about half of the length of the needle to be securely held within the distal opening of the curved distal end, the distal curved end having a compound curvature to prevent rotation of the needle upon insertion, the needle being attached to a suture strand passing through the cannulated shaft, through the curved distal end and through the handle, the suture strand terminating in a loop at an end of the suture strand opposite to the needle; pulling proximally on the suture strand extending outside the handle to dock the needle on the instrument; piercing anatomical tissue with the needle; and shuttling a limb of another suture strand with the loop and tying the limb.