A suturing apparatus comprises a pair of jaws. A bendable needle housed in one of the jaws is adapted to carry a suture. An optional suture receiver may be disposed adjacent to the opposite jaw. A transition block curves the needle and directs it in a direction generally unparallel to an axis of the carrying jaw. The needle may also be configured to retrieve a suture. A retaining mechanism holds a suture in place to be engaged by the needle. The jaw housing the needle may include a lateral opening through which the suture may be inserted. The needle may also include a lateral notch which may be aligned with lateral opening to receive the suture. An actuator coupled to the needle enables the user to move the needle proximally to align the notch with the lateral slot.
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application relates to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/326,287 filed on Oct. 1, 2001 entitled "SUTURING APPARATUS AND METHOD" and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/358,960 filed on Feb. 25, 2002, entitled "SUTURING APPARATUS WITH RETAINING MECHANISM," the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth.
