SUTURING DEVICE WITH ANGLED HEAD

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a suturing device for the continuous application of a suture. SOLUTION: A suturing device 10 for the continuous application of a suture includes a suturing head 11 shaped and dimensioned for attachment to a distal end of a support member. The suturing head includes a track 12 shaped and dimensioned for receiving a needle 16 for movement about the track. A support arm 22 includes first and second lateral arms 24, 26 connected by a central connecting member 28 supporting the track, wherein the support arm includes a longitudinal axis and the track lies in a transverse plane. An angular orientation of the support arm relative to the track is achieved by positioning the transverse plane of the track at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the support arm such that operators are provided with improved access to the surgical site. A drive assembly 20 is coupled to the needle for a controlled movement about the track. COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT