Patent ID: 8075572

Claim:
A surgical suturing apparatus comprising: a channel having a longitudinal axis, a distal end and a proximal end, said channel defining a housing at the distal end thereof having an opening therein; a needle releasably disposed within said housing, said needle having a distal end, a proximal end, and a proximal puncturing point at the proximal end, said needle being structured for attachment to a length of suture material; a needle positioning assembly having members movable relative to said channel for effecting a desired number of release and retrieval cycles for releasing said needle from said housing and guiding the return of said needle to said housing; and an actuation assembly for controlling said members of said needle positioning assembly; wherein needle positioning assembly comprises (a) an engagement member configured for releasably engaging said needle to effect axial movement of said needle within said channel; (b) a ramp member movable axially within said channel and configured for operative contact with said needle for effecting movement of said needle to a first stage of progression adjacent said opening of said housing and to a second stage of progression wherein at least said proximal puncturing point is out of said housing; and (c) a movable snare member having a portion configured for engagement with said needle for guiding said needle when said needle is out of said housing.