A suturing device for suturing a portion of biological tissue includes a needle attached to a suture, a needle holder that releasably holds the needle, and a needle driver adapted to be advanced and retracted substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the suturing device. A distal needle holder adapted to releasably hold the needle is positioned in a distal position relative to the portion of biological tissue and a distal end of the needle driver is positioned in a proximal position relative to the portion of biological tissue. The needle is positioned in either the proximal position or the distal position. The needle driver is moved longitudinally in a first direction along a path substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis such that the needle and suture pass through the portion of biological tissue, thereby forming a suture incision through which the suture passes. By repeating the above-described processes, a series of stitches is thereby formed.

An apparatus and a method for surgical suturing with thread management. An apparatus for tissue suturing comprising a cartridge having a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis; a pusher assembly comprising a cartridge holder having a needle rotation drive capable of releasably engaging the cartridge and rotating the suturing needle about the axis; and an actuator capable of releasably engaging the needle rotation drive to rotate the needle rotation drive. A method for suturing tissue comprising placing a suturing device having a cartridge containing a suturing needle to span separated tissue segments; activating an actuator to cause rotational movement of the suturing needle through the separated tissue segments; and deactivating the actuator to stop an advancing movement of the suturing needle to cause a suturing material to be pulled through the separated tissue segments forming a stitch.

Laparoscopic instruments and trocars are provided for performing laparoscopic procedures entirely through the umbilicus. A generally C-shaped trocar provides increased work space between the hands of the surgeon as well as S-shaped laparoscopic instruments placed through the trocar when laparoscopic instrument-trocar units are placed through the umbilicus. In order to facilitate retraction of intra-abdominal structures during a laparoscopic procedure, an angulated needle and thread with either one- or two sharp ends is provided. Alternatively, an inflatable unit having at least one generally C-shaped trocar incorporated within the unit's walls can be placed through the umbilicus following a single incision. Generally S-shaped laparoscopic instruments may be placed through the generally C-shaped trocars to facilitate access to intra-abdominal structures.

Provided herewith is a needle for delivering dermal filler thread to a wrinkle in a patient. The needle can also be used to deliver the thread to a patient for the purposes of facial contouring. The needle comprises a coupler for attaching the thread to the needle and also a trocar to ease delivery through the skin.

An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle, and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a reciprocating needle drive having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.

Apparatus for attaching a first object to a second object, said apparatus comprising: a distal anchor comprising a generally cylindrical body, a distal end and a proximal end, wherein said distal end comprises an inclined distal end surface, and a vertical bore extending through said generally cylindrical body, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said generally cylindrical body; a distal suture having a proximal end and a distal end, with an enlargement formed at said distal end and an eyelet formed at said proximal end, wherein said suture extends through said vertical bore of said distal anchor; a proximal anchor comprising a generally cylindrical body, a distal end and a proximal end, a vertical bore extending through said generally cylindrical body, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said generally cylindrical body, a recess formed on one side of said generally cylindrical body and a U-shaped slot formed on the opposing side of said generally cylindrical body, whereby to form a flexible finger extending distally within said generally cylindrical body, and further wherein said distal end of said finger is spaced from an opposing portion of said generally cylindrical body; and a proximal suture having a proximal end and a distal end, with an enlargement formed at said distal end, wherein said proximal suture extends through said vertical bore of said proximal anchor, through said eyelet of said distal suture, back through said vertical bore of said proximal anchor, through said recess of said proximal bore and through said U-shaped slot of said proximal anchor, with a loop of proximal suture extending through said eyelet of said distal suture.

Provided herewith is a needle for delivering dermal filler thread to a wrinkle in a patient. The needle can also be used to deliver the thread to a patient for the purposes of facial contouring. The needle comprises a coupler for attaching the thread to the needle and also a trocar to ease delivery through the skin.

Devices and methods for suturing are disclosed. An illustrative suturing device includes a housing defining an arced needle track having a first end and a second end, the housing defining a gap between the first end of the arced needle track and the second end of the arced needle track that extends inwardly into the housing to receive a tissue sample therein for suturing. The arced needle track is configured to receive an arced needle therein. The housing further defines an arcuate guide track to receive at least a portion of a needle drive of the suturing device. The suturing device further includes a needle drive configured to advance the arced needle along the arced needle track along a first direction. The needle drive includes a drive filament and a needle engagement surface. The drive filament is directed around and at least partially surrounds the gap of the housing.

Devices and methods for minimally invasive suturing are disclosed. An illustrative device includes a housing defining an arced needle track therein having a first end and a second end separated by a gap defined in the housing to receive tissue to be sutured. The arced needle track is configured to receive an arced needle therein. The housing further defines an arced guide track therein to receive a guide. The device further includes a guide slidably disposed in the arced guide track displaceable between a first position along the guide track and a second position along the guide track. The guide includes a pawl to releasably engage the arced needle. The device further includes a filament operably coupled to the guide. The filament traverses a pathway from a proximal end of the housing toward a distal end of the housing.

Surgical suture assemblies, and methods of their use, are disclosed having configurations suitable for closure of biological tissue, including the bony tissue of the sternum. The surgical suture assemblies described or contemplated herein have physical characteristics that help to mitigate undesirable issues, such as bleeding.