Patent ID: 7833235
Filing Date: 2010-11-16
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A suturing instrument, comprising: an elongate body member including a distal portion defining an opening and a needle compartment, the distal portion of the elongate body member configured to rotate relative to a remainder of the elongate body member; a first needle disposed within the needle compartment; a second needle disposed within the needle compartment; and a needle deployment mechanism disposed at least partially within the elongate body member and connectable sequentially to the first needle and the second needle for moving the first needle and then the second needle out of the opening, the needle deployment mechanism comprising a needle carrier and an actuator, the needle carrier disposed at least partially within the opening and the actuator disposed in a proximal portion of the elongate body member, the needle carrier including a distal portion that defines a lumen for receiving at least one of the first needle and the second needle, a slot in communication with the lumen for loading a suture, the second needle transitioning from the needle compartment to the lumen after the first needle is deployed from the elongate body member.