| abstract |
patent summary: "circular needle applicator". The present invention relates to a surgical suture system comprising a reusable rod having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end having a receiver and a rotary drive. A reusable actuator is connected to the proximal end of the stem. A disposable cartridge is adapted to be attached to and detached from the receiver. the cartridge comprises an arcuate rail, an arcuate needle positioned on the rail having an anterior end and a rear end, a suture extension connected to the rear end, a reciprocating needle driver operable to engage and move the needle on the arcuate circular rail and a transmission operably connected to the needle drive which has a swivel inlet adapted to engage the swivel drive. the reusable rod and actuator can be autoclavable. |