Patent ID: 8323298
Filing Date: 2012-12-04
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A system for suturing a blood vessel, the vessel having a vessel wall, the system comprising: a first needle having a proximal end and a distal end suitable for forming a first needle path through the vessel wall; a flexible filament; a first fitting attached to the filament, the first fitting securingly engaging the first needle when the first needle advances through the vessel wall so that the first fitting and at least a portion of the filament can be withdrawn proximally along the first needle path by the first needle; a shaft having a proximal handle and a distal end suitable for insertion into the vessel through the first needle path; and a foot mounted near the distal end of the shaft, the foot having a first needle receptacle and articulatable from a small profile configuration to a large profile configuration by actuation of the handle, wherein the first fitting is removably mounted adjacent the first needle receptacle, and wherein the first needle is advanceable from the shaft to the first needle receptacle on the articulated foot.