Abstract: An instrument is provided for placing and tightening a knot tied in end lengths of a suture at desired body tissue through an access tube such as a cannula. The instrument includes an elongated member having a distal working end positionable inside the body through the access tube and a proximal end manipulatable outside the body. First and second jaws are disposed at the distal working end so as to be relatively movable (e.g., closeable/openable). Each jaw includes an open-ended, axially extending slot therethrough for receiving a respective one of the free end lengths of the suture extending from body tissue to be sutured as the instrument is advanced in the access tube. Handles operable at the proximal end of the elongated member are provided to relatively move the first and second jaws between closed and an opened positions.

Abstract: An instrument (10) is provided for manipulating a length of dental floss (18) so as to allow for simultaneous cleaning of the sides and the rear of a tooth. The instrument (10) comprises a handle (12) having a channel (14) therein. A pair of prongs (20) extend away from the handle (12) to distal ends that define an axis therebetween. The prongs (20) hold a length of floss (18) between their respective distal ends along the axis. A slide member (28), having a floss engaging member (32) pivotally secured thereto, is slidably retained in the channel (14) for movement along a slide axis located between and extending perpendicular to the prong-defined axis. The slide member (28) moves along the slide axis between a retracted position and an extended position.