Importance

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Abstract

There is disclosed an apparatus for suturing vascular tissue sections which includes first and second arms pivotally connected together and each having a needle receiving recess and a needle engaging member mounted for movement within the arms. The apparatus also includes a toggle wheel reciprocating mechanism connected to the first and second needle engaging members and movable for alternately moving the first and second needle engaging members into and out of the first and second needle receiving recesses. The reciprocating mechanism is movable between a first position advancing the first needle engaging member with respect to the first arm and a second position advancing the second needle engaging member with respect to the second arm to alternately secure a surgical needle within the arms. A cam actuating lever is provided on one of the arms to automatically cam the reciprocating mechanism between the first and second positions upon closure of the first arm against the second arm. There is also disclosed a method of suturing a pair of vascular tissue sections utilizing the disclosed apparatus.

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First Claim