Patent ID: 8709022

Claim:
A suture passing instrument comprising: an operation handle having at least one actuator movable between a first position and a second position and a slider mechanism operable by the actuator and including first and second pivotally attached slide members, the first slide member movable longitudinally along and inside a central cavity formed inside the handle body and the second slide member movable longitudinally along and inside a curved channel formed inside the handle body; a needle member extending from the operation handle, the needle member having a curved end portion with a distal end and defining an eyelet extending therethrough at the distal end of the curved end portion wherein the needle member is cannulated and includes an interference member movable within the needle member to lock the suture within the eyelet; and a suture holder assembly extending from the operation handle and being external to the needle member, the suture holder assembly has a movable suture carrier at a distal end configured to hold a suture, the movable suture carrier having a suture pusher telescopically and movably received in the movable suture carrier, wherein the suture carrier is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the suture pusher is movable beyond the suture carrier to carry the suture from outside the needle member and through the eyelet transversely to the distal end of the needle member.