SURGICAL SUTURING INSTRUMENT AND METHOD OF USE

摘要

A device (2) is disclosed for introducing a flexible elongated element (416) through at least two portions of a subject. The device (2) includes a proxim al end and a distal end, and an advancement unit (104) for longitudinally advancing the flexible elongated element (416) toward the distal end of the device (2) such that a proximal end of the elongated element (416) may exit from the distal end of the device (2). The device (2) also includes a curved die (204) at the distal end of the device (2) for imparting looping configuration to portions of the flexible elongated element (416) and a curv ed guide at the distal end for receiving the looped flexible elongated element (416). A cutting mechanism (206) is provided to permit the looped flexible elongated element (416) to be separated from the remainder of the flexible elongated element (416). The cutting mechanism (206) is also adapted to defo rm the trailing end of the looped flexible elongate element (416) so that the trailing end is forced distally.