Patent ID: 8603113

Claim:
A suturing method comprising: inserting a distal portion of a suturing needle distally through a tissue by moving a body of a suturing device while a first clamp of the suturing device holds the needle at a fixed location relative to the body; grasping the distal portion of the needle with a second clamp of the suturing device; releasing the proximal portion of the needle from the first clamp; and pulling the proximal portion of the needle through the tissue by moving the body while the second clamp holds the needle; wherein the first and second clamps are alternatingly latched by an alternatable latch, and further comprising moving the alternatable latch laterally between a first configuration and a second configuration in response to movement of a drive element, wherein the alternatable latch in the first configuration inhibits axial movement of the first clamp, and wherein the alternatable latch in the second configuration inhibits axial movement of the second clamp.