Abstract: A knot-pushing instrument consisting of an elongated member that has an axis of elongation and an axially extending cavity therein where the cavity is bounded at the distal end of the elongated member by the proximate face of a laterally extending distal wall. The distal wall has a transverse slit which extends through the wall and communicates with the cavity. A first axially extending slot communicates with both the cavity and the transverse slit and is so dimensioned and proportioned to permit a strand of suture to pass laterally through the first axially extending slot and into the cavity. The transverse slit is so dimensioned and proportioned to permit the strand of suture to advance axially through the transverse slit when a slip-type knot is pushed by the distal wall along the strand of suture.

Abstract: An instrument is set forth for pushing a knot formed extracorporeally through a trocar and into the operative region during endoscopic surgery. An elongated member having an axially extending groove at its distal end is dimensioned to permit the axial advance of a strand of suture material through the groove. A locking sleeve is carried by the elongated member at its distal end and adapted for rotation relative to the elongated member. The locking sleeve has an axially extending slit which in one position may be aligned with the groove for insertion of the suture strand. By rotating the sleeve to a second position, the suture strand is captively retained within the groove so as to permit axial advance of the suture strand as the knot is pushed through the trocar.

Abstract: A trocar support comprising an elastomeric membrane having an aperture to receive the trocar. The membrane comprises an elongated wall portion which surrounds the aperture and an outer flange portion. Between the flange and the elongated wall is an intermediate, expandable, bellows-like portion which provides flexibility to a trocar inserted through the aperture. Adhesive material is disposed at the flange portion to enable the membrane to be adhered to a body surface. The aperture in the membrane which receives the trocar is sized with respect to the outer surface of the trocar disposed therein, so as to form a substantially tight fit and seal between the wall portion and the trocar.