Patent ID: 7131980
Filing Date: 2006-11-07
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A surgical device for passing a flexible elongated element through tissue of a subject, the device comprising: a flexible elongated element; an elongate shaft with a proximal end, a distal end with an opening, and a passageway adapted to deliver the elongated element toward the distal end and out of the opening; an advancement mechanism located adjacent the distal end of the elongated shaft and adapted to move the flexible elongated element in the passageway, the advancement mechanism having a first surface to engage a first lateral portion of the flexible elongated element such that movement of the first surface moves the flexible elongated element out of the opening with force sufficient to puncture the tissue; a compartment to store a length of the flexible elongated element in a coil in the surgical device; and a cutter adapted to cut the flexible elongated element near the distal end of the elongate shaft.