Importance

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Abstract

A suture needle manipulating device having an elongated substantially cylindrical shaft. A slot for receiving a suture needle is configured in a distal end of the shaft, and a handle is suitably affixed to a proximal end of the shaft. In addition, the needle manipulating device includes a slidable sheath assembly affixed around the shaft and is configured to engage the suture needle when it is in an initial retracted position. When the needle is in the retracted position, the device with the needle can be inserted through an endoscopic portal. Once through the portal, the surgeon can then place the needle in an active, suturing position by retracting the sheath and applying tension to a suture attached to the suture needle. By applying tension to the suture, the swaged portion of the suture needle is retracted into a hollow cannula in the shaft until the needle becomes secured therein. At this point, the suture needle is extended and ready for suturing.

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First Claim