SUTURING INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE ROTATABLY MOUNTED OFFSET NEEDLE HOLDERS AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME

摘要

An instrument for suturing anatomical tissue with a suture needle that includes a barrel (32) having a two needle holding apparatus (40, 50) therein which can be manipulated from a proximal end of the barrel. Jaws (50A, 50B) of each needle holding apparatus are offset from a rotatable shaft (42, 44) by a transverse arm (51A, 51B). In an insertion position, the jaws (50A, 50B) are confined within the diametrical dimension of the barrel (32) at a distal end thereof. After insertion, the jaws (50A, 50B) can be manipulated to extend beyond the diametrical dimension of the barrel (32) to provide a large working span in which tissue can be sutured.