Importance

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Abstract

In one embodiment of a suturing apparatus a needle member is provided with a suture material having a pre-tied knot disposed about a distal end of the needle member. The suturing apparatus further includes a first member, wherein the first member and needle member are disposed to permit selective relative movement therebetween. Upon such movement, the first member is positionable to engage and position the pre-tied knot beyond the distal end of the needle member. Such an arrangement facilitates internal suture stitching and knot placement. An advanceable/retractable grasping member may be advantageously included in the suturing apparatus for selectively retaining/releasing an end of the suture material. The grasping member may be defined by a spring-loaded hoop member that may be selectively deployed out of a hollow piercing tip comprising the needle member. In the deployed state the grasping member may be positioned about the end of the suture material (e.g., after the suture material has been pulled through a surgical site by the needle member). Thereafter, retraction of the hoop member into the hollow piercing tip will cause the hoop member to collapse and grasp the end of the suture material for subsequent suturing steps.

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First Claim