Importance

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Abstract

An instrument for suturing anatomical tissue with a suture needle includes a housing, an elongate shaft having a proximal end mounted by the housing and a distal end with a peripheral edge, and a needle holder protruding from the distal end of the elongate shaft and having a needle holding member at a distal end operable to grasp and release a suture needle. A distal portion of the needle holder extends laterally outward at an angle from a first longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft to a position where at least a portion of the corresponding needle holding members are spaced laterally outward of the peripheral edge of the elongate shaft. In addition, the needle holder is rotatable about the first longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft to cause the corresponding needle holding members to move along an arcuate path. When inserting the suturing instrument through a portal in an endoscopic procedure, the needle holder is preferably movable to an undeployed position where their needle holding members are spaced laterally inward of the peripheral edge of the elongate shaft. When suturing, the needle holding members can be moved from their undeployed position to a deployed position disposed laterally outward of the peripheral edge due to the angled configuration of the distal portion of the needle holder.

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First Claim