A malleable suture needle

摘要

A malleable suture needle 2001 having a sharpened distal end 2002 and a proximal end 2003, sutures may be attached to the needle at a distance from the proximal end 2003 of the needle 2001. The needle 2001 is for use with a handheld instrument 1 for grasping tissue and controlling needle placement, and a trocar 70 to supply the force required for needle placement. The needle 2001 is deformed at the tip of the instrument 1, which preferably includes a curved segment 3. As the distal tip of the needle 2002 pierces the tissue, it continues its radial path through the tissue. When the proximal end of the needle 2003 exits from the instrument 1, the needle 2001 is entirely radial in shape and traverses an essentially radial path through the tissue. Non-radial linear or nonlinear segments may alternatively be used. The upper, movable jaw 4 contains a shaped passageway which allows the curved needle to pass there through during use. Once the needle 2001 has passed entirely through the tissue it is ready for retrieval using the jaws of the punch or another instrument.