Patent ID: 6551330
Filing Date: 2003-04-22
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A suturing device for use endoscopically, comprising:a first jaw member; a second jaw member, said first and second jaw members being disposed at a distal end of said suturing device; an actuator disposed at a proximal end of the suturing device, for actuating the first and second jaw members between a closed orientation, wherein the first and second jaw members are disposed in close proximity to one another, and an open orientation, wherein said first and second jaw members are substantially spaced from one another; a hollow barrel disposed between said actuator and said first and second jaw members; a linking member disposed within said hollow barrel, connecting said actuator with said first jaw member; at least one needle disposed at the distal end of said suturing device, said at least one needle being movable between a retracted position and an extended position for passage through tissue grasped between said first and second jaw members; and a needle carriage on which said at least one needle is disposed, said needle carriage being axially movable between distal and proximal positions at said distal end of said suturing device.