Abstract: A method of transporting suture materials deep within a patient's body cavity includes the providing of an elongated instrument having proximal and distal end portions and an elongated continuous bore with an internal diameter of about one millimeter or less. The elongated instrument is provided for gripping and transporting a length of suture material that is placed within the bore. The elongated length of suture shuttle material is placed in the bore, the shuttle having loops at each end. Each loop includes a short leader portion that is a single strand monofilament member at the end of the shuttle. The surgeon can then move the shuttle material and its loops through the bore after pushing a sharp end of the instrument through tissue to be sutured. The shuttle is then thrusted through the instrument and through the selected tissue until one or both of the loops passes through the instrument bore and the tissue.

Abstract: A knot puller instrument and its method of use with surgical suture aids a surgeon in tying surgical knots. The apparatus includes a main body member that is formed of rigid structural material that can be sterilized such as stainless steel. The body is elongated, having a preferably linear central longitudinal axis, and proximal and distal end portions. The proximal end of the main body provides a handle for gripping. The distal end of the main body is comprised of a pair of spaced apart appendages that are positioned to hold a length of suture therebetween at a transverse concavely shaped bridge portion. A space between the appendages is formed by having one appendage suspended free of the instrument body, connected only to the bridge member. This allows a surgeon to place a length of suture in between the two appendages for engagement by the transverse curved bridge connector.