Patent ID: 8152835

Claim:
A method for the placement of sutures in tissue prior to forming an opening in the tissue, the sutures for use in closing the opening, the method comprising the steps of: passing a first length of suture through a first portion of a tissue in a first direction relative to a target area to be incised; passing the first length of suture through a second portion of the tissue in the first direction; passing a second length of suture through a third portion of the tissue in a second direction relative to the target area to be incised; passing the second length of suture through a fourth portion of the tissue in the second direction, wherein the first and second lengths of suture extend generally along a longitudinal axis of the opening to be formed in the tissue; performing a surgical procedure including forming the opening in the tissue; and applying tension to the first length of suture and the second length of suture generally along the longitudinal axis of the opening to close the opening in the tissue.