Importance

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Abstract

A suturing device includes a handle and an elongate needle having a hollow lumen. The needle is insertable percutaneously to form a suture around tissue portions within a body cavity. Initially the needle is inserted through the tissue portions and one end of a suture is deployable through the lumen of the needle by operation of the handle. The needle can then be retracted leaving the suture extending through the tissue portions. A snare also positioned within the lumen of the needle is deployable by operation of the handle to engage and capture the free end of the suture. Both ends of the suture can then be removed and a slip knot tied to form the suture. The snare can be formed in a hook configuration and maintained in a particular plane as it is deployed and retracted. This enables the hook to be guided back into the lumen in order to capture the free end of the suture line and facilitate retraction of the suturing device. Single-handed operation of the suturing device is emphasized in an associated method.

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First Claim