Patent ID: 8715303

Claim:
An adapter for a suturing device, the adapter comprising: a body having a proximal end, a distal end, a shim portion, and an instrument holding portion adjacent the shim portion, the instrument holding portion having an inner surface and an opposing peripheral outer edge, the inner surface bounding a groove extending longitudinally along the body, at least a first engagement feature being formed on the inner surface of the groove that is complementary to at least a second engagement feature formed on the suturing device, the first and second engagement features being configured to receive one another, the engagement of the first and second engagement features removably affixing the adapter to the suturing device, the shim portion being configured to provide an enlarged peripheral surface adjacent the suturing device, the suturing device being held in the groove so as to protrude laterally out of the groove and laterally beyond a first portion of the peripheral outer edge of the instrument holding portion when the suturing device and body are inserted through an opening in a patient tissue, the first portion being located proximally of the distal end and distally of the proximal end, the first portion being laterally aligned with the first engagement feature, the enlarged peripheral surface and the surface of the suturing device at the first portion of the peripheral outer edge of the instrument holding portion being capable of contacting at least a portion of the periphery of the opening in the patient tissue.