Patent ID: 8696688
Filing Date: 2014-04-15
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for passing a suture into a portion of an anatomy comprising: a graspable portion having an outer housing that defines an aperture at one end to receive the suture; a suture advancement mechanism disposed in the outer housing of the graspable portion adjacent to the aperture, the suture advancement mechanism adapted to advance the suture, the suture advancement mechanism including a belt having a first surface that contacts the suture, the belt including a first end spaced a distance apart from a second end, with a first post positioned at the first end and a second post positioned at the second end such that the first post is spaced a distance apart from the second post, the belt rotatable about the first post and the second post, a slider directly engaging the first surface of the belt to advance the suture; a member coupled to the graspable portion and in communication with the suture advancement mechanism to receive the suture, the member having an interior surface positioned and fixed opposite the first surface of the belt, with the suture advancement mechanism positioned such that the suture contacts the fixed interior surface of the member and the first surface of the belt; a cannula coupled to the member for receipt of the suture, at least a portion of the cannula operable to pass through a portion of the anatomy, the cannula defining an opening opposite the aperture that directs the suture into the anatomy; and wherein the suture advancement mechanism contacts the suture along a length of the suture to advance the suture into the member.