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Abstract

Methods and devices facilitate welding sutures during laparoscopic and robotic surgical procedures. A first end of a weldable suture is reversibly fastened to the distal end of a novel welding instrument then inserted into a patient, preferably through a laparoscopic portal or trocar. A needle on the second or distal end of the suture is passed through tissue then the distal end of the suture is reversibly fastened to the distal end of the novel welding instrument. An alignment feature in the distal end of the instrument aligns portions of the suture for placement in the jaws of a welding tool. The surgeon may tighten the suture by pulling on the ends of the suture, which reduces the diameter of the suture loop and pulls the tissues together. The instrument maintains tension on the suture and immobilizes the suture during suture welding. Sutures with low melting temperatures may be melted into and around portions of rapid absorption multifilament suture.

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First Claim