Abstract: A surgical device having a blade head with an inner surface facing an underside of vertebra. The device includes a first bend connecting a neck member to the blade head. The first bend includes a curvature that befits a geometry of the underside of the vertebra adjacent to an exposed area of a spinal canal. The curvature is measured between the blade head and the neck member. Moreover, the blade head includes a blade edge lengthwise. The blade head further includes a dull tip. The device also includes a stem connecting to the neck member.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a device and method for suturing the fascia or other tissue in a patient. The device includes a first arm and a second arm pivotally coupled to one another and housing a spring-based lever system that is configured to frictionally hold a portion of a needle within each of the first and second arms. A switch allows the spring-based lever system to be used to pass the needle between the first and second arms. When the switch is in a first position, the needle is frictionally held by the spring-based lever system within the first arm and released within the second arm. Likewise, when the switch is in a second position, the needle is frictionally held by the spring-based lever system within the second arm and released within the first arm.