Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a surgical device for passing suture through soft tissue. The surgical device can include at least one elongate superelastic member having a thickness and having a first resting configuration that defines at least one curve having a first radius of curvature greater than or equal to 3 times the thickness of the superelastic member. The surgical device also can include a thermally formed opening in the superelastic member, the opening adapted to receive at least one strand of suture. Moreover, the surgical device can include a superelastic member adapted to be straightened into a second configuration having a second radius of curvature larger than the first radius of curvature.

Abstract: A suturing system includes a tool employed to pull at least two sutures through tissue. The tool includes a head having a proximal portion housing a needle movable through a needle exit port of the head and a distal end spaced apart from the proximal portion by a throat. The distal end of the head defines a cavity. A first suture is durably connected to a capsule that is sized for placement in the cavity. The capsule defines a through-hole sized for engagement with the needle and A second suture is removably insertable into the through-hole. The needle is movable from the proximal portion of the head across the throat to form a channel in tissue and to frictionally engage with the second suture and is retractable into the needle exit port to draw the capsule and the first and second sutures through the channel formed in the tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for surgical suturing with thread management. An apparatus for tissue suturing including a cartridge having a suturing needle having a pointed end, a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis; a pusher assembly comprising a cartridge holder having a needle rotation drive capable of releasably engaging the cartridge and rotating the suturing needle about the axis; and an actuator capable of releasably engaging the needle rotation drive to rotate the needle rotation drive. A method for suturing tissue including placing a suturing device having a cartridge containing a suturing needle to span separated tissue segments; activating an actuator to cause rotational movement of the suturing needle through the separated tissue segments; and deactivating the actuator to stop an advancing movement of the suturing needle to cause a suturing material to be pulled through the separated tissue segments forming a stitch.

Abstract: A tissue fixation system is provided for dynamic and rigid fixation of tissue. A fastener connected with an elongate fastening member, such as a cable, wire, suture, rod, or tube, is moved through a passage between opposite sides of tissue. A medical device is used to secure the fastener to the elongate fastening member. The medical device includes a tensioning mechanism for tensioning the elongate fastening member. As crimping mechanism is used to secure the fastener to the elongated member, where a cutting mechanism cut the excess portion of the elongated member.

Abstract: In repairing soft tissue with a bone anchoring instrument (such as reattaching a tendon of a torn rotator cuff), the bone anchoring instrument may be used to anchor the soft tissue to a region of bone. The anchors inserted into the underlying bone may have one or more lengths of suture or wire attached thereto which may be tensioned independently of one another to affix the soft tissue to the bone by having a selector mechanism selectively engage and disengage ratcheted tensioning wheels from one another. Suture loading mechanisms may be employed for passing suture lengths into and/or through the anchors prior to deployment into the bone where such mechanisms may employ suture snares which are configured to reconfigure from an expanded shape through which suture lengths may be easily passed to a low-profile shape which secures the suture lengths within the snare.

Abstract: Medical suturing devices, systems, and methods will be useful for endoscopic or open surgeries, including ear, nose, and throat procedures. Articulation motions may be transferred from a handle to needle grasping jaws using an axial movement of a shaft. Portions of the devices may be disposable, replaceable, and/or reusable, with different needle-grasping jaws and/or different elongate extension bodies having different configurations optionally being selectably coupleably to an articulatable handle and housing so as to allow the user to configure the device for a particular procedure.

Abstract: A soft tissue defect repair system for approximating defects, such as defects in the annulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc, includes a cannulated rod through which is disposed a suture retrieval device. A strand of suture includes a locking or ratcheting knot pre-tied around the outside of the cannulated rod and a free end that is guided in and out of the soft tissue. A knot pusher fits around the cannulated rod, which is used to push the knot off of the cannulated rod after the stitching of the tissue is accomplished. The defect is approximated by tensioning the free end. Various suturing methods or patterns are disclosed for defect approximation.

Abstract: An organism tissue suturing apparatus for suturing a penetrated hole formed subcutaneously in a tissue membrane of an organism includes a body part having a predetermined length. The body part includes a rotary portion, disposed at a front end thereof, that can be inserted into the tissue of the organism from the hole, a needle member accommodated in a portion, inside the body part, rearward from the rotary position, and a pressing mechanism for advancing the needle member from a side surface of the body part and pressing the needle member into the rotary portion. The rotary portion has a needle member receiving portion for receiving essentially a front end of the needle member pressed into the rotary portion by the pressing mechanism, with the rotary portion disposed in the tissue of the organism. The needle member has a suturing thread of a duct for the suturing thread.

Abstract: A ligating apparatus including a thread receiving portion movably disposed at a distal end of an inserting part body. An outer circumference of the thread receiving portion forms the loop holding portion around which a knot forming loop formed from a ligature is disposed. When a first end of the ligature is pulled into the thread receiving portion, the knot forming loop is pushed out of the loop holding portion by a delivery portion of the knot pusher. The knot forming loop is further pushed by the delivery portion along the ligature toward tissue and ligated. Such ligating apparatus is capable of reducing a load on the tissue to be ligated during a ligating operation.

Abstract: Various robotic devices and related medical procedures are disclosed herein. Each of the various robotic devices have an arm. The arm can have two arm components coupled at a joint.

Abstract: Improved medical suturing devices, systems, and methods may hold a suture needle at a fixed location relative to a handle of the device, allowing the surgeon to grasp and manipulate the handle of the suturing device to insert the needle through tissues in a manner analogous to use of a standard needle gripper. Cycling the handle from a closed position to an open position and back to the closed position may alternate the device between gripping the needle with a first clamp (for example, along a proximal portion of the needle) to gripping the needle with a second clamp (for example, along a distal portion of the needle) and optionally back to gripping with the first clamp, with the needle often staying at a substantially fixed location relative to the suturing device body. Related single-clamp needle grasping devices can be bent plastically by a surgeon, and/or have bodies that are grasped by a hand while a portion of the hand actuates a handle.

Abstract: A suturing assembly including a first puncture element including a sharp distal end for puncturing tissue, a second puncture element including a sharp distal end for puncturing tissue, the distal ends of the first and second puncture elements being spaced from each other by a gap, suture thread disposed along a portion of the first puncture element, wherein the suture thread is arranged to be grabbed at the distal end of the first puncture element, and a suture grabber positioned at the distal end of the second puncture element.

Abstract: A circumcision system for removing excess foreskin from a penis is disclosed and includes a housing, an actuation mechanism, and an anvil. The housing has a threaded hole that defines a longitudinal axis and a locking ring. The locking ring has an internal thread. The actuation mechanism extends through the threaded hole and has a series of needles. A suture is removably attached to a distal end of each of the series of needles. Each of the series of needles has a tapered end and a groove through the tapered end configured to accept and detachably retain the suture. A knife is connected to the actuation mechanism. The knife has a circular blade. The anvil has a passage that is co-axially located with the longitudinal axis and an external thread that is configured to be complimentary to the internal thread. The anvil is in the shape of a collar.

Abstract: A laparoscopic tool for surgery on an internal body tissue of a patient. The laparoscopic tool comprises a main body to which is affixed an attachment. The main body has a main aperture for fixing a compatible anchor. The attachment has a support member connected to the main body, and a needle portion connected to the support member. The needle portion has an interlocking mechanism to interlock with the support member. The attachment is deployable from a first position aligned with the main body, for insertion through a laparoscopic port, to a second position unaligned with the main body, for insertion into a tissue and for anchoring the tool to the tissue. A method of performing a laparoscopic surgery using the laparoscopic tool, the use of the laparoscopic tool for laparoscopic surgery, and kits for laparoscopic surgery comprising the laparoscopic tool and the compatible anchor are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for suturing an opening in a tissue, having an elongated shaft, at least two arms movable to a deployed positioning which the arms are non-perpendicular to the shaft, the arms having needle receiving portions; and needles advanceable longitudinally along the shaft toward the needle receiving portions, the needles exiting through side walls of the shaft at a location proximal to the arms.

Abstract: Endoscopic devices and methods used for fastening multiple tissue layers, such as, for example, an endoscopic fundoplication procedure, are disclosed. The endoluminal device includes a tissue fastener, a flexible needle having means for grasping and releasing a portion of the tissue fastener, and a deflector for deflecting and guiding the needle toward the multiple tissue layers.

Abstract: A suturing device includes an elongated sheath and a suturing assembly. The elongated sheath has a working end for insertion through a working channel in an endoscope and has an inner passage. The suturing assembly includes an elongated flexible base member, a first suturing arm and a second suturing arm. The suturing arms each have a proximal end interconnected with the elongated base member and an opposite distal end. A needle receiver is disposed at the distal end of each suturing arm. The suturing arms are movable between an open position wherein the distal ends are spaced apart by a first distance and a closed position wherein the distal ends are spaced apart by a second distance less than the first distance.

Abstract: A suture system includes a tool and a suture assembly. The tool includes a head having a proximal portion housing a needle and a distal end spaced apart from the proximal portion by a throat, where the needle is movable through a needle exit port formed in the proximal portion of the head to a cavity formed in the distal end of the head. The suture assembly includes a length of suture connected to a suture cap that includes an annular wall that forms a hollow tubular section, and a tubular sleeve inserted in the annular wall, with an end of the length of suture inserted into and connected to the tubular sleeve. The needle is operable to engage with the hollow tubular section of the suture cap and move the suture cap between the cavity and the needle exit port.

Abstract: A suture passer including a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end and a central axis defined therethrough, in which the tubular member includes at least one lumen formed therein, an eyelet configured to receive a suture, a movable jaw formed on the distal end of the tubular member configured to move between an open position and a closed position, in which the movable jaw includes a plurality of portions, and an actuator configured to be received within the at least one lumen of the tubular member, in which the actuator is configured to move along the central axis of the tubular member between a first position and a second position, in which, in the first position, the movable jaw is in the closed position, and in which, in the second position, the movable jaw is in the open position.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for percutaneous repair of an affected area in a blood vessel.

Abstract: A device for repairing a tear in a portion of tissue comprises a proximal actuator portion, a transfer needle extending distally from the proximal actuator portion and a catch needle extending distally from the proximal actuator portion. A suture needle is disposed in the transfer needle, and is extendable from the transfer needle toward the catch needle and retractable from the catch needle toward the transfer needle. An extendable catch plunger is disposed in the catch needle for capturing suture therein when it is transferred from the transfer needle. A retractable insertion sheath is provided for covering the transfer needle and the catch needle when the device is inserted into a procedural site. A depth limiting apparatus limits the depth of insertion of the needle into the procedural site.

Abstract: A machine constructed and configured for automatic continuous suturing for reduced or minimized scarring and reduced suturing time, including methods of using the same. A device for continuous suturing. A variety of needles designed and constructed for suturing and more particularly for use with a machine operable for continuous suturing for reduced or minimized scarring and reducing the suturing time. Suture stitches by the same device. A device, method and suture for subcuticular suturing.

Abstract: A surgical suturing device (10) having an axis extending between a proximal end and a distal end is operable to move a suture (32) through body tissue (34). A handle assembly (110) is coupled to an elongated shaft (14) having a hollow configuration. An actuating rod (16) is disposed to extend between the handle assembly (110) and the shaft (14). A thumb actuation assembly is coupled to a proximal end of the actuating rod (16) for moving the rod both axially and rotationally. A needle assembly (2) at the distal end of the actuating rod (16) is movable with the actuating rod (16) between an extended state and a retracted state and at various angular orientations. Bifurcated portions (24, 26) of the needle assembly (20) define a suture slot (28), the bifurcated portions having a proximate relationship when the needle assembly (20) is in the retracted state and having a separated relationship when the needle assembly (20) is in the extended state.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a loading unit having proximal and distal portions. The proximal portion of the loading unit is configured to be attached to an actuation apparatus. The surgical device further includes a flexible shaft interconnecting the proximal portion and the distal portion of the loading unit. Additionally, the surgical device has a tool assembly disposed in mechanical cooperation with the distal portion of the loading unit. The tool assembly is configured to articulate upon activation of the actuation apparatus. In a further embodiment, the surgical device includes a guiding member operatively connected to the tool assembly. The guiding member has a body and a bore extending through the body.

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.

Abstract: A suture securing device includes a body with a distal end portion defining a suture receiving opening; a shaft and the body being assembled for relative reciprocal motion between a first position and a second position; and a tension coil spring operably attached to the body and operably attached adjacent a distal end portion of the shaft and disposed adjacent a suture receiving opening, When the body and shaft are in the first position, the tension coil spring is in a rest position, and when the body and/or the shaft are in the second position, the tension coil spring is in a tensioned position to form at least one gap therebetween to enable receipt of at least a portion of at least one suture.

Abstract: A member of a rigid flexible elastic material, the member including a body portion and an aperture portion with the member adapted for delivery through an axial longitudinal channel of a percutaneous delivery subsystem, the aperture portion including an expanded mode having a lateral dimension greater than an inner diameter of the channel when the aperture portion extends outside the channel and a collapsed mode wherein the lateral dimension is not greater than the inner diameter of the channel when the aperture portion is within the channel, the channel including a first axial opening and a second axial opening with the aperture portion transitioning from the expanded mode to the collapsed mode when inserted into the openings and the aperture transitioning from the collapsed mode to the expanded mode when exiting from the openings.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to arthroscopic repair surgery and more specifically to rotator cuff tendon tears in the shoulder. One aspect of the invention may comprise a device used to place one or more sutures within the tendon in a grasping type stitch. The suture may then be secured to the humerus bone via a bone anchor or tunnel allowing the tendon to heal.

Abstract: A suture-based vessel closure device can perform the dilation of an arteriotomy puncture and does not require previous dilation of the arteriotomy puncture by a separate device or by a procedural sheath dilator. The suture-based vessel closure device can place one or more sutures across the vessel access site such that, when the suture ends are tied off after sheath removal, the stitch or stitches provide hemostasis to the access site.

Abstract: An integrated anastomosis tool may include an effector that both makes an opening in the wall of a target vessel and connects a graft vessel to the target vessel. The effector may include a cutter assembly and a connection module that are independently actuatable. The connection between the graft vessel and the target vessel may be compliant, and may be achieved by suturing an end of the graft vessel to the side of the target vessel with the connection module.

Abstract: A device is provided herein for deploying a suture in a puncture through a vessel wall of a blood vessel, the puncture disposed within a tissue tract of a patient body. The device includes a shaft suitable for insertion along the tissue tract and into the vessel through a puncture, a plurality of needles, each needle having a proximal end and a distal end suitable for forming a needle path through the vessel wall, wires associated with each needle, each wire having a distal end and a proximal end, and hooks coupled to each of the distal ends of each wire, each hook being configured to anchor the wire to an interior portion of the vessel wall.

Abstract: An integrated anastomosis tool may include an effector that both makes an opening in the wall of a target vessel and connects a graft vessel to the target vessel. The effector may include a cutter assembly and a connection module that are independently actuatable. The connection between the graft vessel and the target vessel may be compliant, and may be achieved by suturing an end of the graft vessel to the side of the target vessel with the connection module.

Abstract: A suturing device for suturing a portion of biological tissue includes a needle attached to a suture, a needle holder that releasably holds the needle, and a needle driver adapted to be advanced and retracted substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the suturing device. A distal needle holder adapted to releasably hold the needle is positioned in a distal position relative to the portion of biological tissue and a distal end of the needle driver is positioned in a proximal position relative to the portion of biological tissue. The needle is positioned in either the proximal position or the distal position. The needle driver is moved longitudinally in a first direction along a path substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis such that the needle and suture pass through the portion of biological tissue, thereby forming a suture incision through which the suture passes. By repeating the above-described processes, a series of stitches is thereby formed.

Abstract: A suture system includes a tool and a suture assembly. The tool includes a head having a proximal portion housing a needle and a distal end spaced apart from the proximal portion by a throat. The needle is movable through a needle exit port formed in the proximal portion of the head to a cavity formed in the distal end of the head. The suture assembly includes a length of suture connected to a tubular leader. The tubular leader includes an annular wall extending between an interior surface and an exterior surface, and a clasp having a first portion disposed between the interior surface and the exterior surface of the annular wall and a second portion extending out of the annular wall and adapted to secure the suture against the annular wall.

Abstract: A suture needle driving instrument comprises a shaft assembly, an end effector, and a grasping actuation assembly. The end effector is located at the distal end of the shaft assembly and includes a pair of grasping arms. Each grasping arm comprises a respective pair of jaws. Each pair of jaws is operable to cooperate to grasp and release a suture needle. The grasping actuation assembly is operable to drive one jaw of each pair in one direction while simultaneously driving the other jaw of the pair in an opposite direction, to selectively grasp or release the suture needle. The shaft assembly includes two pairs of parallel concentric shafts, which form part of the actuation assembly. Each shaft pair is operable to drive a respective internal drive shaft having separate threaded regions with opposing pitch. The instrument may be used through a trocar during minimally invasive surgery.

Abstract: Suture locking clamps for securing prostheses such as heart valves or annuloplasty rings with sutures and without knots improve the ease of implantation. The clamps have opposed clamp halves separated by a slot opening to one side and surrounded by a biasing member such as one or more C-clip springs. Sutures pass laterally into the slot which is held open by a retention member positioned between the clamp halves. The locking clamp slides along the sutures into position, the tension of the sutures is adjusted, and the retention member removed to allow the biasing member to clamp the sutures between the clamp halves. A delivery tool used to deliver and deploy the locking clamps contains a number of clamps within a delivery tube in a stack and bonded together for safety and a common retention member. The tool has a longitudinal channel on one side for entry of sutures.

Abstract: An implant manipulator may have a distal end that retains an implant, a proximal end, and an intermediate portion between the ends. The intermediate portion may have a cross-sectional shape that extends along a nonlinear pathway. The intermediate portion may have a selectively bendable portion in which the cross-sectional shape varies to facilitate bending when desired. The implant manipulator may be a needle for a suture passer, with a suture capture feature at the distal end. The suture capture feature may have first and second members that flex apart to permit entry of the suture into a suture capture hole wherein the suture is retained until released. A suture passer may receive the needle in a bore shaped to change the cross-sectional shape to facilitate or restrict bending of the needle, as needed.

Abstract: A method for inserting a stitch through tissue around a hole in an abdominal muscle or a hollow organ includes: inserting into the hole a body assembly having penetration members that move from an in-line position to a deployed position, and a suture cartridge assembly secured to a forward end of the body assembly, the suture cartridge assembly having opposing arm members that move from an in-line position to a deployed position and each holding a capture sleeve to which an end of a suture cord is secured; simultaneously deploying the penetration members through the tissue around the hole and into the arm members such that the penetration members capture the capture sleeves; and simultaneously retracting the penetration members and the arm members such that the ends of the suture are retracted with the penetration members through the tissue around the hole and into the body assembly.

Abstract: Suturing instruments and methods for placing mattress stitches in soft tissue allowing the practitioner to selectively control placement of each stitch of the mattress stitch and/or place the stitch deeper into tissue by pulling tissue farther into the device are described herein.

Abstract: An actuation line is positioned external to the support structure lumen of a medical device. The medical device, which may be a ligation banding cap assembly, may comprise a support structure having a support structure lumen therethrough, an external channel on the outer surface of the support structure, and an actuation line positioned at least in part in the external channel. The external channel may be defined by raised ridges on either side of the external channel. The external channel may be recessed in the outer surface of the support structure. When the medical device is attached to a second elongated medical device, the actuation line is external to the support structure lumen of the medical device and the second elongated medical device.

Abstract: An implant manipulator may have a distal end that retains an implant, a proximal end, and an intermediate portion between the ends. The intermediate portion may have a cross-sectional shape that extends along a nonlinear pathway. The intermediate portion may have a selectively bendable portion in which the cross-sectional shape varies to facilitate bending when desired. The implant manipulator may be a needle for a suture passer, with a suture capture feature at the distal end. The suture capture feature may have first and second members that flex apart to permit entry of the suture into a suture capture hole wherein the suture is retained until released. A suture passer may receive the needle in a bore shaped to change the cross-sectional shape to facilitate or restrict bending of the needle, as needed.

Abstract: An apparatus for suturing body lumens is provided. The apparatus includes a flexible elongated member that has a proximal end, a distal end, a central passage and multiple needle lumens extending from the proximal end toward the distal end. The flexible elongated member further includes an elongated subsection spanning from the end of the needle lumens in the elongated member to a barrel portion that includes corresponding needle lumens on the proximal end of the elongated member. The elongated subsection provides sufficient space between the needles and the barrel portion to allow transapical insertion of the elongated member into a body lumen. The apparatus further includes needles disposed within and advancable from the needle lumens. The apparatus also includes a handle disposed at the proximal end of the elongated member. The handle is operable to retract the needles through the needle lumens toward the handle at the proximal end.

Abstract: An apparatus for suturing body lumens is provided. The apparatus includes a flexible elongated member that has a proximal end, a distal end, a central passage and multiple needle lumens extending from the proximal end toward the distal end. The flexible elongated member further includes an elongated subsection spanning from the end of the needle lumens in the elongated member to a barrel portion that includes corresponding needle lumens on the proximal end of the elongated member. The elongated subsection provides sufficient space between the needles and the barrel portion to allow transapical insertion of the elongated member into a body lumen. The apparatus further includes needles disposed within and advanceable from the needle lumens. The apparatus also includes a handle disposed at the proximal end of the elongated member. The handle is operable to retract the needles through the needle lumens toward the handle at the proximal end.

Abstract: Described are methods and devices relating to reconnecting tissue of the urethra, e.g., connecting the urethra and bladder after a radical prostatectomy, wherein the devices incorporate tissue approximating structure such as tines to maintain contact between severed tissue, such as a severed bladder neck tissue and a severed urethral stump tissue, preferably without the use of sutures.

Abstract: A combination tissue apposition and suture capturing device (100) for performing endoscopic procedures typically in the gastro-esophageal tract. The device (100) is particularly adapted for forming multiple plications used in a gastroplasty procedure devised to cure or ameliorate gastro-esophageal reflux disease. The device include a tissue sewing capsule (102) attached to the distal end of an endoscope having a needle (120) that is deposited in a capsule (102) distal tip cavity following the suturing of a tissue fold and retrieved to enable the suturing of a subsequent tissue fold without the need for multiple intubations. A suture clip delivery device (200) is also disclosed that is adapted to fit within the capsule to enable suture capture without the need for multiple intubations. The combination device eliminates the need for an overtube and maximizes the speed efficiency of the gastroplasty procedure. A method for using the combination device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A knot placement device allows a physician to apply a knot for securing two or more suture ends extending from an incision in a vessel or organ of a patient relative to each other in order to seal an opening in the vessel or organ. The knot placement device has a handle and an elongate shaft and a push rod slidably inserted in said shaft. A knot is disposed in the distal end of the shaft. An actuator on the handle may be depressed to distally advance said push rod relative to said shaft and thereby distally advance said knot. The knot may include a knot body having an inner cavity and a plug sized to fit securely within the inner cavity. In use, the plug may be inserted into the inner cavity of the knot body to fixedly hold two or more suture ends between the knot body and the plug.

Abstract: A handle assembly for operating a surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing; a trigger operatively supported on the housing; and an articulation assembly supported on the housing for effectuating an articulation of an end effector operatively connected to the housing, the articulation assembly being operable to effect articulation of the end effector in a first pair of opposed directions and a second pair of opposed direction which is substantially transverse to the first pair of opposed directions.

Abstract: A tissue closure device includes a pusher assembly having a drive arm extending from a drive shaft and a drive mechanism at a distal end of the drive arm, wherein the drive mechanism is capable of releasably engaging and rotating a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end about a rotational axis and a cartridge having a protective housing and the suturing needle, the cartridge extending from a distal end of a cartridge holder assembly and releasably attached to the cartridge holder assembly. A pointed end of the suturing needle may be positioned within the protective housing before and after a complete rotation of the suturing needle about the rotational axis. A removable electronic module may be provided controlled by an actuator that mechanically engages the drive shaft to rotate the drive shaft and the drive mechanism, thereby rotating the suturing needle about the rotational axis.

Abstract: A method of suturing tissue includes engaging tissue with a suturing head, driving a needle from a proximal end portion of the suturing head through the tissue, and engaging a capsule disposed in a distal end portion of the suturing head with the needle, the capsule comprising a length of suture attached thereto.

Abstract: A suturing assembly is provided that is configured to pull a capsule attached to a suture through tissue. The suturing assembly includes a shaft aligned on a longitudinal axis of the suturing assembly, and a head coupled to the shaft. The head includes a proximal portion and a distal end spaced apart from the proximal portion by a throat. The proximal portion houses a needle that is movable through a needle exit port. The proximal portion of the head and the needle exit port are both aligned on the longitudinal axis. A proximal side of the distal end of the head defines a cavity adapted to receive the capsule and a distal side of the distal end of the head defines a slot adapted to allow the suture to pass through the distal end of the head and into the cavity.