Patent ID: 8821520

Claim:
A surgical system comprising: a) an applicator tool comprising a proximal end with an actuator, a distal end comprising a coupling operatively connected to the actuator, and an elongate shaft extending between the proximal and distal ends; b) a surgical knotting element comprising a coupling complementary to the coupling of an applicator tool, the surgical knotting element further comprising a suture path, the surgical knotting element comprising a fastened configuration whereby suture positioned in the suture path is cinched and an unfastened configuration; c) a loader separate from the applicator tool, the loader comprising (i) a housing comprising a channel dimensioned to receive the distal end of the applicator tool; (ii) a carriage receiving the surgical knotting element, the carriage being moveable in a transverse direction relative the channel between a first position where the knotting element is misaligned with the channel and a second position where, when the applicator tool is received by channel, the couplings are engaged with one another; and (iii) an elongate flexible suture guide positioned in the suture path, the suture guide comprising a flared loop portion.