Patent ID: 8992549
Filing Date: 2015-03-31
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A device for assisting in the closure of an incision in tissue layers of a patient, comprising: a longitudinally extending tubular body defining an annular sidewall and configured for introduction through the incision, the body having a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, and a length between said distal and proximal end portions sized so that the distal end portion may be positioned adjacent an innermost tissue layer while the proximal end portion is accessible outside the patient; at least one stabilizer element supported for lateral movement relative to said tubular body, said stabilizer element movable relative to said tubular body between an insertion position for insertion through the incision and a stabilizing position when extended laterally away from the body configured to permit contact with the interior surface of the innermost tissue layer; and at least one guide channel configured to receive a needle carrying a suture said guide channel arranged so that the needle passing therethrough will be directed toward the at least one stabilizer element when said at least one stabilizing element is in the stabilizing position, wherein said at least one guide channel defines a slot through the annular sidewall, said slot sized to allow lateral passage of the suture while preventing lateral passage of the needle.