Kwan-Ho Chan
ABSTRACT
A suture passer comprises a longitudinally extending hollow cannula having a central passage slidingly receivable of a surgical suture; a manually graspable handle connected to the hollow cannula for manipulation thereof, the handle having an upper surface; first guide means, connected to the upper surface of the handle, proximate a proximal end of the handle for releasably, guidingly, holding the surgical suture; second guide means, connected to the upper surface of the handle, distal to the first guide means, for releasably, guidingly, holding the surgical suture. The suture passer can be provided in a kit, for use in the suturing of internal tissue, along with a cannula bender, various hollow surgical needles and surgical suture material. The suture passer finds particular use in the suturing of internal tissues which are at least partially accessible through a body cavity, e.g., arthroscopic surgery.
Notes
Claims
What is claimed is:1. A suture passer comprising:a longitudinally extending hollow canal having a central passage slidingly receivable of a surgical suture;a manually graspable handle connected to said hollow cannula for manipulation thereof, said handle having an upper surface;first guide means, connected to said upper surface of said handle, proximate a proximal end of said handle, for releasably, guidingly, holding said surgical suture;second guide means, connected to said upper surface of sa...