Importance

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Abstract

A surgical instrument for facilitating the use of sutures in arthroscopic, laparoscopic or other similar surgical procedures includes a housing having 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. A tubular introducer needle is secured to the housing and extends co-axially therefrom. An extension tube is disposed within the introducer needle and is secured to the plunger for axial movement therewith relative to the housing. The extension tube has an extension finger axially extending therefrom. A resilient wire having a wire finger portion is operatively coupled to the extension tube. When the plunger is in the first position, the extension finger and the wire finger are retracted within the introducer needle so that the wire extends generally alongside the extension finger in a closed position. When the plunger is in the second position, the extension finger and the wire finger are extended outwardly from the introducer needle. The wire is resiliently predisposed to urge said wire finger radially outwardly from the extension finger to an open position.

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First Claim