Abstract: A surgical method comprises the steps of (a) inserting a needle into a patient, a suture thread being connected to the needle, (b) moving the needle inside the patient to insert the needle into internal body tissues of the patient at a preselected surgical site inside the patient, (c) withdrawing the needle from the internal body tissues so that the suture passes through the internal body tissues, and (d) removing the needle from the patient. In a series of subsequent steps, (e) a knot is tied in the suture outside the patient, (f) the suture is manipulated to slide the knot into the patient until the knot is juxtaposed to the internal body tissues at the surgical site, (g) the suture is severed in juxtaposition to the knot at the surgical site, and (h) a severed portion of the suture is removed from the patient. A surgical instrument assembly for performing the method comprises an arcuate needle and a tubular member.

Abstract: A suture device comprises a loop member formed on one side with an aperture and an access channel extending from the aperture to an opening defined by the loop. A thread connected to loop is provided along a portion of its length with a series of tapered projections. Protuberances are provided on the loop member along the access channel between the opening and the aperture for preventing a return of the thread through the channel upon a passing of the thread through the loop and subsequently through the channel into the aperture.

Abstract: An endoscopic suturing device comprises an endoscope and a needle having a spring bias construction tending to bend the needle into an arcuate configuration. The endoscope includes an elongate flexible outer tubular member and a biopsy channel extending longitudinally through the tubular member. A flexible inner tubular member is disposed inside the biopsy channel of the outer tubular member, while the needle is disposed in a straightened configuration at least part partially inside the inner tubular member at a distal end thereof. The surgical instrument further comprises an ejector device in the form of an elongate flexible rod member slidably disposed inside the inner tubular member proximally of the needle for ejecting the needle from the inner tubular member.