Importance

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Abstract

An instrument for facilitating the use of sutures in laparoscopic surgical procedures includes a hollow housing defining an internal cavity. A plunger extends within the cavity of the housing and is supported therein for relative sliding movement between first and second axial positions. A spring disposed within the cavity urges the plunger to the first axial position relative to the housing. An introducer needle is secured to the housing and extends co-axially therefrom, terminating in an angled tip having a sharp point. An actuator tube is disposed within the introducer needle and is secured to the plunger for axial movement therewith relative to the housing. A flexible wire is disposed within portions of the actuator tube and is secured thereto for axial movement with the plunger. The wire is folded back over itself to form a looped end. When the plunger is in the first axial position, the looped end of the wire is withdrawn within the angled end of the introducer needle. When the plunger is moved to the second axial position, the looped end of the wire is extended outwardly from the angled end of the introducer needle. The looped end of the wire is permanently deformed in a diamond-like shape to facilitate usage when extended outwardly from the introducer needle.

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First Claim