DEVICES AND METHODS FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE SUTURING

The invention relates to a medical device for suturing tissue, and more particularly to a device for the manipulation and control of a suturing needle during minimally invasive suturing, methods for making such a device and methods for using such a device for suturing tissue. The disclosure is directed to a suturing needle having an arcuate body with a leading tip and a trailing end, wherein the arcuate body defines a first notch along an inner radial region needle and a second notch having a projection that lies within a plane that is defined by a central curved axis of the needle, and further wherein the first notch and second notch intersect. The needle can further define a third notch in the needle proximate its trailing end for receiving a portion of a drive pawl. Moreover, the needle can define an arcuate keel along its length to stabilize its movement in the suturing device.