Suture element delivery device and method

DETAILED DESCRIPTION An object of the present invention is to provide a device for delivering a suture element endoscopically.
The device can be used with conventional 10 mm trocars which are commonly employed in laparoscopic surgery.
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, this and other objectives are achieved by providing a suture element delivery device including an elongated arm assembly including a housing having proximal and distal ends.
A series of successive suture elements and a series of successive receptacle elements are carried by the arm assembly.
A suture delivery structure is mounted to the housing assembly for movement between a retracted position disposed within the housing assembly and an extended position extending from the housing assembly.
The suture delivery structure is constructed and arranged to engage and displace a forwardmost suture element.
A receptacle delivery structure is mounted to a distal end of the housing assembly and is movable between receptacle loading and unloading positions.
The receptacle delivery structure is constructed and arranged to engage and displace a forwardmost receptacle element.
An actuating structure is carried by the arm assembly and is constructed and arranged to move the suture delivery structure between its retracted and extended positions and the receptacle delivery structure between its loading and unloading positions.
A handle structure is coupled to the proximal end of the arm assembly and is operatively coupled to the actuating structure.
The handle structure is movable between first and second positions such that movement of the handle structure from its first position to its second position during a suturing operation moves the actuating structure between first and second positions, thereby moving the suture delivery structure from its retracted position to its extended position and moving the receptacle delivery structure from its loading position to its unloading position such that a forwardmost suture element and an associated forwardmost receptacle element are moved from the distal end of the housing assembly with the suture element engaging the receptacle element