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Needle assembly and method for passing suture

  • US 5,904,692 A
  • Filed: 04/14/1997
  • Issued: 05/18/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/14/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A needle assembly for passing suture within the body, said assembly comprising:

  • a rigid needle having a proximal end and a pointed distal end, and an opening in said distal end extending through said needle for retaining a suture therein;

    a stop element positioned on said needle proximate to, and spaced from, said proximal end of said needle;

    a sheath having a lengthwise bore therethrough for slidably retaining said needle; and

    a lock member engageable with said stop element to prevent distal movement of said needle in said sheath bore, said lock member being hingedly attached to said sheath;

    wherein said needle distal end is movable to an exposed position for passing said assembly through tissue, and is movable to a shielded position within said sheath for passing said assembly safely past tissue which is not to be penetrated.

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