APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE SUTURING

摘要

An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device (50) for minimally invasive suturing includes an elongated barrel (54) having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a suture head assembly (56) extending from the distal end of the elongated barrel (54); a suturing needle (120) having a pointed end (12) and a blunt end (126), the suturing needle (120) capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the elongated barrel (54), wherein the pointed end (124) of the suturing needle (120) is positioned within the suture head assembly (56) prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle (120); and an actuator (52) extending from the proximal end of the elongated barrel (54) to actuate a drive mechanism (70) having a needle driver (198) for engaging and rotating the suturing needle (120).