Patent ID: 7998151
Filing Date: 2011-08-16
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A suturing tool for suturing valve leaflets comprising: an outer shaft having a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end; first and second needle receptacles comprising channels disposed in a sidewall of the outer shaft proximate the distal end thereof; an inner shaft having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, a central region and a distal region, the distal region having a circumference, said inner shaft slidably disposed within said lumen; first and second needles removably coupled to said inner shaft and received within said first and second receptacles, said first and second needles linearly movable relative to the outer shaft in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis; suture thread attached to the first and second needles; first and second leaflet receptacles formed between the needles and an outer wall of the inner shaft, the leaflet receptacles receiving the leaflets; and first and second needle catches coupled to the outer shaft near the distal end thereof, wherein each of the needle catches comprise a detent mechanism that cooperates with one of the needles so as to capture the needle, and wherein the captured needle is released from the inner shaft when the outer shaft is retracted proximally relative to the inner shaft, thereby drawing each needle and a portion of the suture through the leaflets.