Importance

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Abstract

An instrument is provided for placing and tightening a knot tied in end lengths of a suture at desired body tissue through an access tube such as a cannula. The instrument includes an elongated member having a distal working end positionable inside the body through the access tube and a proximal end manipulatable outside the body. First and second jaws are disposed at the distal working end so as to be relatively movable (e.g., closeable/openable). Each jaw includes an open-ended, axially extending slot therethrough for receiving a respective one of the free end lengths of the suture extending from body tissue to be sutured as the instrument is advanced in the access tube. Handles operable at the proximal end of the elongated member are provided to relatively move the first and second jaws between closed and an opened positions. The instrument is positioned between the end lengths of the suture after the extracorporal knot is tied with the closed jaws proximate the knot so as to push the knot through the access tube as the instrument is advanced therein to place the working end inside the body. The jaws are then opened inside the body such that the knot is tightened with the opened jaws as they are moved toward the tissue to be sutured.

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First Claim