Abstract: Instruments for placing complex sutures into animal tissues, including instruments useful in arthroscopic surgical techniques which minimize incision size. Manipulate the flat tissue by, for example, rolling, wrinkling, folding, bending or tucking the tissue so that a needle can be placed through the tissue more than once. Sutures are placed, for example from top-to-bottom and bottom-to-top with a single pass of a straight needle. Roll, wrinkle, fold, bend or tuck the flat tissue so that a needle can be placed through the tissue more than once. Suturing a loop through the tissue that another suture will pass through result in sewing both sides of the tissue. This will allow surgeons to place complex locking and grasping suture configurations that will significantly improve the repair.

Abstract: A device for treating a tissue opening includes a proximal portion including an elongated flexible member, a capsule releasably coupled to a distal end of the flexible member and including a lumen extending therethrough and a clip including a pair of arms movably housed within the capsule. A suture extending along a first one of the pair of arms and including a loop at a distal end thereof extending across an opening extending through the first one of the pair of arms. A suture grabbing element extending laterally from a second one of the pair of arms and including a hook so that, when the pair of arms are moved toward a closed configuration, the hook extends through the opening to grab the loop and draw the distal end of the suture from the first one of the pair of arms toward the second one of the pair of arms.

Abstract: A surgical suturing system is disclosed. The surgical suturing system comprises a shaft comprising a shaft diameter, a firing drive, and an end effector extending distally from the shaft. The end effector comprises a needle track and a needle comprising suturing material attached thereto, wherein the needle is configured to be guided by the needle track and actuated by the firing drive through a firing stroke, and wherein the needle is movable along a needle path comprising a maximum capture width which is greater than the shaft diameter.

Abstract: A cassette is disclosed for use in a prosthetic suturing device. The cassette has a base. The base has a pair of pivots, a pair of alignment tabs, and at least one retention latch. The cassette also has a cover coupled to the base. The cover has at least one retention latch. The cover also defines one or more ferrule holders. The cassette further has one or more needles guided by the base and the cover. A surgical suturing device is also disclosed for use with a cassette. The suturing device has a cassette receiver and one or more needle drivers, each needle driver having a needle receiver positioned within the cassette receiver.

Abstract: A suture device may include a suture translation assembly configured to be axially translatable within a lumen of a delivery system and a distal assembly configured to be securable to the distal end of the delivery system. The suture translation assembly and the distal assembly may cooperate to enable a user to pass a needle back and forth between the two in order to endoscopically suture a defect.

Abstract: A suturing device for minimally invasive surgery is disclosed. The suturing device has a head defining one or more ferrule holders and a tissue bite area. The device also has a first needle comprising a flywheel portion and one or more curved arms extending from the flywheel portion, each of the one or more curved arms comprising a ferrule engaging tip, wherein the first needle is pivotably coupled to the head. The suturing device further has a first actuator coupled to the first needle and configured to rotate it from a retracted position, where the ferrule engaging tip of each of the one or more curved arms starts away from the one or more ferrule holders, through the tissue bite area, and to an engaged position where the ferrule engaging tip of each of the one or more curved arms is operationally aligned with the one or more ferrule holders.

Abstract: A surgical guide includes a first guide arm extending from a first end to a second end on a first longitudinal axis. The first guide arm defines a first plurality of openings sized and configured to receive a first guide element therethrough. A second guide arm extends from a first end to a second end on a second longitudinal axis. The second guide arm defines a second plurality of openings sized and configured to receive a second guide element therethrough. A pivot element couples the first end of the first guide arm to the first end of the second guide arm such that an angular distance between the first guide arm and the second guide arm can be adjusted in a first plane.

Abstract: A suturing device with built-in needle-transfer of a double-ended needle has a first jaw element with a first needle lock device for retaining and releasing a first end of the needle; a second jaw element with a second needle lock device, wherein the jaw elements are movable between an open and closed position; and a needle-transferring mechanism for alternately transferring the needle from one of the jaw elements to the other when the jaws are moved from the open to the closed position. The needle-transferring mechanism includes a first rotatable wheel connected to the first needle lock device, the first wheel having a first wheel inner portion rigidly connected to a first wheel outer portion and a second rotatable wheel connected to the second needle lock device, said second rotatable wheel comprising a second wheel inner portion rigidly connected to a second wheel outer portion.

Abstract: A suturing device comprising an elongated member including a cavity formed in a surface thereof, a needle passage, and a vacuum port. When the elongated member is inserted into a body including tissue and a vacuum is applied to the cavity, the tissue is captured by the cavity. A needle pusher is operable to move a needle having a sutured attached thereto through the tissue until a first end of the needle is captured by a needle capturing assembly. A clamp coupled to the elongated member is used to extract the needle from the needle capturing assembly and reposition the needle with suture attached to be re-engaged by the needle pusher. The cavity may include a plurality of cavity portions for capturing multiple contiguous portions of the tissue such that a single pass of the needle and the suture results in the suturing of the multiple portions of the tissue.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to devices and methods for treating a tissue defect, for example, by suturing. In some embodiments, a suturing device may include an elongate member having a working channel, a suture channel, and a suture arm extending from the elongate member. The suturing device may further include a needle passer located within the working channel, the needle passer operable to deliver a needle between the elongate member and a distal end of the suture arm for suturing a target tissue, and a suture extending through the suture channel, wherein the suture is coupled to the needle. The suturing device may further include a plurality of imaging devices, wherein a first imaging device is positioned along a distal face of the elongate member, and wherein a second imaging device is positioned along the suture arm.

Abstract: A device for treating a tissue opening includes a proximal portion including an elongated flexible member, a capsule releasably coupled to a distal end of the flexible member and including a lumen extending therethrough and a clip including a pair of arms movably housed within the capsule. A suture extending along a first one of the pair of arms and including a loop at a distal end thereof extending across an opening extending through the first one of the pair of arms. A suture grabbing element extending laterally from a second one of the pair of arms and including a hook so that, when the pair of arms are moved toward a closed configuration, the hook extends through the opening to grab the loop and draw the distal end of the suture from the first one of the pair of arms toward the second one of the pair of arms.

Abstract: Suture passer devices and methods of using the devices having one or more protective interlocks preventing or limiting operation of the suture passer when deployment of the needle may damage the apparatus or harm the patient. For example, described herein are suture passer devices that include an interlock preventing deployment of the tissue penetrator (needle) when the jaws are not clamped onto a tissue. Also described herein are interlocks preventing retraction of a jaw axially until the needle is retracted.

Abstract: An adaptor for a powered surgical instrument includes a casing, a cam drum, a first linear driver, and a second linear driver. The cam drum defines and is translatable along a longitudinal axis of the adaptor between a retracted position and an advanced position. The cam drum is being supported for rotation about the longitudinal axis. The cam drum defines first and second radial cam grooves about an outer surface thereof. The first cam groove defines a first profile and the second cam groove defines a second profile. The first linear driver includes a first cam follower disposed in the first cam groove and the second linear driver includes a second cam follower disposed in the second cam groove. The first and second linear drivers are supported for movement between advanced and retracted positions in response to rotation of the cam drum.

Abstract: A system for passing suture through biological tissue using a cannula, introducer or other minimally invasive means, to approximate, ligate, fixate and/or close biological tissue. The system includes a hand grip in operative communication with an elongated tubular member having a jaw mechanism disposed on the tubular member distal end. The elongated tubular member housing a deformable tubular needle therein having a curvilinear portion and an internal lumen.

Abstract: A loader is disclosed that can load a suture and/or a shuttle into a suture device. The loader can have a suture and/or a shuttle that can be moved (e.g., via a loader control) from a non-loaded configuration to a loaded configuration without damaging the suture or the shuttle. The shuttle can be moved from a shuttle first position to a shuttle second position. When the shuttle is in the shuttle first position, a suture device can be positionable in a device space on the loader. When the suture device is positioned in the device space, the shuttle can be moved from the shuttle first position to the shuttle second position. When the shuttle is in the shuttle first position, the shuttle can be outside the suture device. When the shuttle is in the shuttle second position, the shuttle can be inside the suture device.

Abstract: A closure device for closing an opening in tissue that includes a needle actuation handle that cooperates with a housing. A hollow needle is selectively movable by the needle actuation handle, the needle including a slot extending proximally from a distal end of the needle. A suture anchor is positioned within and selectively releasable from the slot and coupled to a suture. A portion of the suture anchor extends proximally along an outer surface of the needle as the needle is advanced through tissue adjacent the opening.

Abstract: A method of forming a channel in a bone, the method comprising: providing a first bore in the bone; and forming, a second bore in the bone at a predefined angle from said first bore, using said first bore as a reference point for defining the location of the second bore in the bone, wherein the first and second bores intersect in the bone.

Abstract: A surgical guide includes a first guide arm extending from a first end to a second end on a first longitudinal axis. The first guide arm defines a first plurality of openings sized and configured to receive a first guide element therethrough. A second guide arm extends from a first end to a second end on a second longitudinal axis. The second guide arm defines a second plurality of openings sized and configured to receive a second guide element therethrough. A pivot element couples the first end of the first guide arm to the first end of the second guide arm such that an angular distance between the first guide arm and the second guide arm can be adjusted in a first plane.

Abstract: A surgical suture apparatus for passing a double-ended surgical needle forwards and backwards includes a first and second jaw element, and an operating device to operate a first holding device in the first jaw element and a second holding device in the second jaw element to alternately hold a first needle-end by the first holding device and a second needle-end by the second holding device. The first jaw element and second jaw element are movable with respect to each other between a take-over position and an open position. The operating device includes a switch device movable between a first operating position, in which a needle is held by the first holding device, and a second operating position, in which the needle is held by the second holding device, and an activation device configured to move the switch device between the first operating position and the second operating position. The activation device includes a spring and a release device.

Abstract: A tissue closure device includes a needle and a suture extending therefrom, a proximal head including a proximal slot and a proximal locking mechanism for releasably engaging a first end of the needle in the proximal slot in a first configuration, and a distal head movably coupled to the proximal head so that the proximal and distal heads are movable relative to one another between an open configuration, in which a target tissue is received therebetween, and a closed configuration, in which the target tissue gripped therebetween. The distal head includes a distal slot and a distal locking mechanism for releasably engaging a second end of the needle in the distal slot in a second configuration, the needle movable between the first and second configurations by rotating the needle, the needle alternatingly passed between the proximal and distal heads to thread the suture through the target tissue.

Abstract: A suture passer comprising: a hollow tube, the hollow tube comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending from the distal end to the proximal end; and a clamping rod slidably received in the lumen of the hollow tube, the clamping rod comprising a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end being bifurcated into a first arm and a second arm, one of the first and second arms extending distally of the other of the first and second arms and including a clamping surface; wherein at least one of the first arm and the second arm comprises a friction-enhancing surface for facilitating manipulation of a suture via engagement of the suture with the friction-enhancing surface.

Abstract: A suturing device for grasping soft tissue and placing stitches in soft tissue during endoscopic procedures is described. An elongate housing with a stationary jaw and a movable jaw disposed at the distal end are configured for grasping and releasing soft tissue. A movable needle disposed within the housing is actuated to engage a length of suture and drive the suture into and through the grasped soft tissue. A suture capture member is disposed on the movable jaw and is configured to allow passage of the needle therethrough while securing a portion of the stitched length of suture.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle, and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a reciprocating needle drive having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.

Abstract: A surgical string applicator for anastomosis surgery is provided. The surgical string applicator includes an elongate shaft; a string applying assembly including a pair of opposing jaws connected to the elongate shaft, each jaw having an opening at its distal end, one or more surgical strings housed in the jaws in a form of an open loop with one end of the surgical string at the distal end of one jaw and an opposing end of the surgical string at the distal end of the other jaw, and a string fastening mechanism adapted to engage and fasten the surgical string around a tubular organ; and a handle portion including control mechanisms adapted to open and close at least one of the jaws and to actuate the string fastening mechanism. Further provided is an intra-lumenal position guide to be used together with the surgical string applicator.

Abstract: A surgical closure apparatus for facilitating closure of a wound includes an outer member dimensioned for positioning within a wound opening and defining a central longitudinal axis, and having a first longitudinal passage and a second longitudinal passage, a needle assembly at least partially disposed within the first longitudinal passage of the outer member, and a suture configured for at least partially closing the wound opening and extending at least partially through the second longitudinal passage of the outer member. The needle assembly includes a needle drive and a suture needle mounted to the needle drive and coupled to the suture. The suture needle is adapted for rotational movement relative to the central longitudinal axis between an unarmed condition and an armed condition through manipulation of the needle drive. The suture needle is positioned for passage through tissue adjacent the wound opening when in the armed condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (100) for a medical instrument for applying a surgical suture, comprising a release unit (200) and an operating unit (300), said operating unit (300) comprising two pivotable gripper jaws (310, 320), each gripper jaw (310, 320) having a needle receptacle (340) and a needle fixation arrangement, said release unit (200) being configured to move the two gripper jaws (310, 320), and the trigger unit (200) also being configured to actuate said needle fixation arrangement.

Abstract: A suture device may include a suture translation assembly configured to be axially translatable within a lumen of a delivery system and a distal assembly configured to be securable to the distal end of the delivery system. The suture translation assembly and the distal assembly may cooperate to enable a user to pass a needle back and forth between the two in order to endoscopically suture a defect.

Abstract: A medical securing device for securing an object with a securing member into a tissue comprises an elongated sheath comprising proximal and distal ends, and a securing member introduction device having proximal and distal ends, said distal end being configured to extend from the sheath. The medical securing device comprises also a guiding trail. At least one point of the securing member introduction device is configured to travel along said first guiding trail and thereby control a defined movement of the distal end of said securing member introduction device when extending from the sheath and so to introduce the securing member to the object and to secure said object to the tissue with the securing member.

Abstract: A system and associated method for manipulating tissues and anatomical or other structures in medical applications for the purpose of treating diseases or disorders or other purposes. In one aspect, the system includes a delivery device configured to deploy and implant anchor devices for such purposes.

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 needle cartridge for a surgical suturing instrument includes a cartridge body, a track extending through the cartridge body and defining a circular path, an arcuate needle movably positioned within the track, and a suture thread extending from the arcuate needle. A needle driver operatively connects to the cartridge body and the arcuate needle. The needle driver is configured to orbit the arcuate needle along the circular path. A needle cover is secured to the cartridge body. A clearance channel extends through at least a portion of the cartridge body along the track in communication with the track such that the clearance channel at least partially defines a suture path. The suture path is configured to receive the suture thread extending from the trailing end of the arcuate needle as the arcuate needle moves along the circular path thereby inhibiting the suture thread from obstructing movement of the arcuate needle.

Abstract: A piercing forceps includes a dynamic handle and an L-shaped static handle connected to the dynamic handle. The static handle supports a primary slide with a clamping end and a secondary slide supporting needles. The dynamic handle may be operated to bring a distal end of the primary slide toward a distal end of the static handle to provide a tissue clamp. A trigger supported by the static handle may be operated to bring a distal end of the secondary slide toward the distal end of the static handle and primary slide, thus resulting in the needles of the secondary slide distally extending from the secondary slide to pierce tissue clamped between the static handle and primary slide. As a result, the tissue can be secured by being clamped between the static handle and primary slide, as well as by the needles of the secondary slide being inserted therethrough.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for treating a patient includes a shaft assembly and a body assembly. The shaft assembly includes a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and an articulation joint operable to selectively articulate the distal end portion relative to the proximal end portion. The body assembly includes a joint drive assembly, an actuator, and a joint stabilizer. The joint drive assembly is operatively connected to the articulation joint and configured to actuate the articulation to thereby articulate the distal end portion relative to the proximal end portion. The actuator is configured to actuate the joint drive assembly for articulating the articulation joint. The joint stabilizer includes a detent abutment and a detent notch configured to releasably capture the joint drive assembly and thereby inhibit articulation of the distal end portion of the shaft assembly relative to the proximal end portion of the shaft assembly.

Abstract: A device that facilitates the placement of one or more needles and their attached sutures in the body of a surgical patient is disclosed. The device contains one or more needle guide channels in which one or more needles may be backloaded. The device also contains one or more lumens extending though the body of the device. One or more sutures may be coupled to the one or more needles, and threaded through the lumen. The one or more needles may then be advanced out of their respective needle guide channels by pulling on one end of one or more sutures. When one end of a suture is pulled, the attached needle is advanced out of the device and will pierce and be positioned in the tissue that is located adjacent to the device.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for surgical fastening is disclosed. An illustrative apparatus for tissue suturing includes a cartridge having a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis, a reciprocating needle drive, and an actuator capable of releasably engaging the needle drive to rotate the needle. A method for suturing tissue is provided that includes placing a suturing device having a cartridge containing a suturing needle to span at least one tissue segment, activating an actuator to cause rotational movement of the suturing needle through the at least one tissue segment, and deactivating the actuator to stop an advancing movement of the suturing needle to cause a suturing material to be pulled through the at least one tissue segment forming a stitch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ophthalmic knife and methods of its use for treatment of various conditions including eye diseases, such as glaucoma, using minimally invasive surgical techniques. The invention relates to a multi-blade device for cutting the tissues within the eye, for example, a trabecular meshwork (TM).

Abstract: A system for passing suture through biological tissue using a cannula, introducer or other minimally invasive means, to approximate, ligate, fixate and/or close biological tissue. The system includes a hand grip in operative communication with an elongated tubular member having a jaw mechanism disposed on the tubular member distal end. The elongated tubular member housing a deformable tubular needle therein having a curvilinear portion and an internal lumen. The jaw mechanism includes a needle shield that is configured to deflect and flex when the tubular member is slidably translated into the needle shield.

Abstract: Methods for repairing a meniscus, and particularly a torn meniscus. A method of repairing a meniscus may include using a suture passer to pass a suturing element from the region between the superior surface of the meniscus and the femoral condyle, through the meniscus tissue, into the region between the inferior surface of the meniscus and the tibial plateau, across the inferior surface of the meniscus, and back to the superior surface of the meniscus, without deeply penetrating the posterior capsular region of the knee. Equivalently, the suture element may be passed from the inferior surface of the meniscus to the superior surface and back to the inferior surface.

Abstract: A suture device including: an elongated shaft member extending along a longitudinal axis; a pair of gripping members provided at a distal end of the elongated shaft member in a pivotable manner about a pivot orthogonal to the longitudinal axis so as to be opened and closed relative to each other; and a passing mechanism which passes a suture needle between the gripping members, in which the gripping members include: fitting hole portions which are formed along an opening-closing direction of the gripping members, and to which the suture needle is detachably fitted; and contact portions which are brought into contact with front and back surfaces of a suture object in a course of a closing action of the gripping members so as to suppress a movement of the suture object along the front surface of the suture object.

Abstract: A suture device including: an elongated shaft member; a pair of gripping members; and a passing mechanism that transfers a suture needle between the gripping members, wherein the passing mechanism is provided with fitting holes provided in the individual gripping members and to which the suture needle is fitted, holding members that are inserted into recessed portions in outer circumferential surface of the suture needle by being pulled toward the proximal end sides thereof in directions that intersect axes of the individual fitting holes, a swing member that is provided so as to be swingable about an axis that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, a pair of tensile-force transmitting members that transmit tensile forces that cause the swing member to be swung, axial-force transmitting members that transmit axial forces associated with swinging of the swing member, and hold-state maintaining mechanism that maintains the holding members in the recessed portions.

Abstract: Disclosed is an instrument having an elongated shaft, a first member configured in the elongated shaft such that the first member can be deployed from a first portion of the instrument. The first member, when deployed, is configured over a tissue bridge within a heart, the tissue bridge having a clip or suture. A second member is also configured in the elongated shaft such that the second member is deployed from a second portion of the elongated shaft, wherein the second member, when deployed, is configured under the tissue bridge and the clip or suture. The elongated shaft is configured such that the second member, when deployed, moves towards the first member to yield a combined member which receives the tissue bridge and the clip or suture. The elongated shaft receives the combined member. The first member and/or the second member include a signal emitter to cut the tissue bridge.

Abstract: A suturing device includes an elongate body, a needle holder, a needle actuator mechanism, and a needle capture mechanism. The needle holder extends away from or is provided as part of a distal end portion of the elongate body. The needle holder defines a needle passage and a distal opening. The needle actuator interacts with a needle to move the needle from a retracted position toward the distal opening. The needle capture mechanism includes a needle capture member having a needle receiving portion. The needle receiving portion is capable of being positioned adjacent to and aligned with the distal opening in the needle holder to receive the associated needle exiting the needle passage through the distal opening and the needle receiving portion is capable of being offset from the distal opening so as to receive tissue between the needle capture member and the needle holder.

Abstract: A trocar wound closure system includes a suture passing needle and a guide for directing the needle through the wound site. A distal portion of the needle includes a capture rod with a slot. An obturator tube with a cutout section can be axially actuated to align the cutout section with the slot, and then moved out of alignment so as to capture the suture. The guide includes at least two tracks for directing the needle through the tissue track. A suture catcher is located adjacent to the exit of each track, and configured to be actuated from a radially extended configuration to a retracted configuration so as to capture the suture section inserted through each loop. Radially expandable arms at distal section are movable between an expanded configuration and a slender configuration.

Abstract: Placement of a stent having a tethered ferromagnetic bead may be facilitated with a modified pusher having an opening at the distal end of the pusher to receive the tethered ferromagnetic bead. The ferromagnetic bead may be positioned within the bladder whereby a tether connection to a shortened stent ending within the ureter may be used to reduce the likelihood of patient irritation. The bead, tether, and stent assembly may be advanced into the patient as a unit along a conventional guide wire and using a conventional cystoscope.

Abstract: A steerable surgical needle (10) includes an elongated needle shaft (12), a beveled tip portion (14), and a flexural element (16) that connects the needle shaft (12) with the tip portion (14) and permits the tip portion to deflect relative to the needle shaft. A method for steering the surgical needle (10) through tissue includes the steps of advancing the needle in the body tissue to induce tip flexure which causes the needle to follow a curved trajectory, and rotating the needle about its longitudinal axis in place, without advancement, to remove the tip flexure.

Abstract: A surgical instrument can be introduced to the abdominal cavity through a current trocar puncture to place a suture in the deep facia and peritoneum of the anterior abdominal wall. The instrument is lightweight and easy to use, and can be operated quickly and efficiently to close the trocar puncture wound in a simple and economical manner. The instrument is used to suture the deep facia and peritoneum of the anterior abdominal wall on opposite sides of the trocar puncture wound inside the abdomen to close the trocar puncture wound.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical suturing device has a shaft; a needle slideably coupled to the shaft and having a ferrule engaging end; and a guide tip having a ferrule receiving aperture and moveably coupled to the shaft for selectable movement between a retracted position and an enabled position. In a related method, a distal shaft end, having a guide tip in a retracted position, is passed through a minimally invasive entry point and into a body cavity. The guide tip having a ferrule receiving aperture is actuated into an enabled position such that an insertion profile of the guide tip and shaft in the enabled position is larger than an access dimension of the minimally invasive entry point. A needle, slideably coupled to the shaft and having a ferrule engaging end, is advanced on a path substantially parallel to the shaft, toward and in alignment with the ferrule receiving aperture.

Abstract: Suturing devices, systems, and methods used to suture biological structures. The suturing devices can be configured to place sutures into body tissue from one side of the tissue without requiring a component on an opposite side of the tissue and without requiring insertion of components into the body tissue beyond the needles and the suture.

Abstract: A surgical suture passer (10) having a hollow needle (11) with an axial lumen (12) and a handle (13) having the hollow needle (11) secured and retained at its proximal end (15). The handle (13) defines a planar recessed surface (21) and the lumen (12) of the hollow needle (11) is aligned with this planar recessed surface (21) when the needle is retained by the handle (13) whereby a suture positioned on the planar surface (21) may be advanced or retracted by direct finger engagement of the suture into and out of the hollow needle lumen (12).

Abstract: A suturing device needle is disclosed. The needle includes a flywheel portion. The needle also includes at least one curved arm extending from the flywheel portion, the at least one curved arm comprising a ferrule engaging tip at an end of the at least one curved arm away from the flywheel portion.