SURGICAL SUTURING INSTRUMENT AND METHOD OF USE

摘要

A device (2) is disclosed for introducing a flexible elongated element throu gh at least two portions of a subject. In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a proximal end and a distal end, and an advancement unit (300) for longitudinally advancing the flexible elongated element toward the distal en d of the device (2) such that a proximal end of the elongated element may exit from the distal end of the device with sufficient force to pass through the subject. The device also includes a curved die (204) at the distal end of th e device (2) for imparting a looping configuration to portions of the flexible elongated element exiting the distal end of the device (2), and a curved gui de at the distal end for receiving the looped flexible elongated element as it returns to the distal end of the device. In a further feature of the invention, a cutting mechanism (206) is provided to permit the looped flexib le elongated element to be separated from the remainder of the flexible elongat ed element. And in a further feature of the invention, the cutting mechanism (206) is adapted to deform the trailing end of the looped flexible elongated element so that the trailing end is forced distally, toward the subject bein g sutured.