Suturing instrument with rotatably mounted offset needle holder and method of using the same

摘要

An instrument for suturing anatomical tissue with a suture needle includes a barrel having at least one needle holding apparatus therein which can be manipulated from a proximal end of the barrel. Jaws of the needle holding apparatus are offset from a rotatable shaft by a connecting member. In an insertion position, the needle jaws are confined within the diametrical dimension of the barrel at a distal end thereof. After insertion, the jaws can be manipulated to extend beyond the diametrical dimension of the barrel to provide a large working span in which tissue can be sutured.