Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus for suturing deep puncture wounds utilizes a capturing member which is pivotally mounted to the distal end of an elongate rod. During use, the capturing member is inserted into a body cavity through a trocar sheath positioned in a wound and pivoted into a position in which it extends beneath the tissue surrounding the wound. A membrane or other suture-capturing surface is formed on the surface of the capturing member. A suture to be applied to the wound has anchors on each of its ends, and suture-carrying needles carry each of the suture ends and their corresponding anchors. The suture-carrying needles are individually passed through the tissue layers surrounding the wound and subsequently passed through the membrane of the capturing member. The suture ends and corresponding anchor means are released from the needles. The capturing means is pivoted to position in which it extends longitudinally of the elongate rod, causing the anchors to become engaged by the membrane by virtue of their inability to pass through the membrane unless carried by a needle. A lifting force is applied to the elongate rod to lift the capturing member out of the wound, pulling the ends of the suture out of the wound to close the opening in the tissue.

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First Claim