SUTURE PASSERS ADAPTED FOR USE IN CONSTRAINED REGIONS

摘要

Described herein suture passer apparatus (devices and systems) that may be used to suture tissue within a narrow, confined space. In particular, described herein are suture passers having an elongate body (101, 3607) connected to a proximal handle, and a lower jaw member (107, 3605) that houses a tissue penetrator (118) that is adapted to extend laterally from the lower jaw member and be deflected by a second jaw member (109, 3603). The second jaw member typically deflects the tissue penetrator either distally or proximally. The upper jaw member is configured to retract and extend away from the distal end region of the elongate body, wherein the upper jaw member curves away from the long axis of the elongate body as it is extended