Abstract: A suture trimmer having a shaft with a groove formed in the side thereof, a cutting member movably disposed within the shaft, and a suture retainer slidably disposed within the shaft. The suture trimmer may be used to position knots formed within a suture loop prior to trimming the free end(s) of the suture loop, and to deliver an agent near the location where the suture is severed.

Abstract: A suture trimmer, the suture trimmer including a shaft having a first end, a second end and a bore extending axially therebetween, the shaft having an opening formed in the side adjacent the distal end. A fitting is on the distal end of the shaft, the fitting having an aperture formed therethrough, the aperture axially aligned with the bore of the lumen and in communication with the opening formed in the shaft. The suture trimmer further including a actuating device, the actuating device coupled to a cutting member slidably disposed within the bore of the shaft, the cutting member configured to be moved between a first position and a second position, when disposed in the second position the cutting member closes the opening formed in the side of the shaft.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for suturing of body lumens allow the suturing of vascular puncture sites located at the distal end of a percutaneous tissue tract. An elongated articulated foot near a distal end of a shaft is inserted through the penetration and actuated so that the foot extends along the lumenal axis. The foot carries suturing attachment cuffs, and needles are advanced from the shaft through the vessel wall outside of the penetration and into engagement with the needle cuffs after the foot has been drawn proximally up against the endothelial surface of the blood vessel. The cross-section of the shaft within the tissue tract can be minimized by laterally deflecting the needles as they leave the shaft, while tapered depressions within the foot can guide the advancing needles into engagement with the cuffs. The cuffs lockingly engage the needles and can be withdrawn proximally along the needle paths and through the tissue tract so as to form a loop of suture across the puncture.

Abstract: Systems for suturing a tissue layer having two sides with a suture be releasably retaining at least a portion of the suture in a stationary position on one side of the tissue layer. The portion of the suture is retrieved through the tissue layer from the opposite side whereby the suture is drawn from one side to the opposite side. Systems for suturing the wall of a tubular graft having two sides is also provided using a suture by releasably retaining at least a portion of the suture on one side of the wall. the portion of the length of suture is retrieved through the wall of the graft to the opposite side of the wall.