| abstract |
(57) Summary The suture delivery device (10) includes a shaft (12) having a nosepiece (14) attached to its distal end. The shaft and nosepiece are separated by a transition region (32) and a needle entry lumen (24) in the shaft allows a flexible needle (42) to be introduced distally. The needle can traverse the transition region, penetrate the tissue retained therein, and enter the return lumen (36) in the nosepiece. The return lumen is U-shaped, providing bending of the flexible needle as the needle is advanced. In this manner, the needle can be advanced from the nosepiece proximally through the transition region and from the first suture pass through the tissue generally within the transition region opposite the tissue puncture. . The needle then exits the device, allowing the suture attached to the needle to be fully withdrawn through the device. The suture can then be tied to close and seal the tissue penetration. |