Systems and methods for suturing tissue

Abstract

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for suturing tissue is provided that includes a body having a proximate end and a distal end. A suturing head is coupled to the distal end of the body, including a first set of curved needles, a second set of curved needles, and a plurality of sutures. A first end of a suture is coupled to one of the curved needles of the first set. A second end of the suture is coupled to one of the curved needles of the second set. The curved needles of the first set are oppositely oriented to the curved needles of the second set. The suturing head can be positioned between two substantially parallel sections of tissue. An actuator is coupled to the body to deploy the first and second sets of curved needles.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of suturing tissue, comprising:
 positioning a first set of needles proximate a section of tissue, and wherein first portions of a set of sutures are respectively coupled to the first set of needles;   deploying the first set of needles, such that the first set of needles, along with the first portions of the set of sutures, pass through the section of tissue and exit at a first set of exit points;   retracting the first set of needles through the first set of exit points, such that the first portions of the set of sutures decouple from the first set of needles and, after retracting the first set of needles, extend through the first set of exit points, and   tensioning the set of sutures.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 ,
 wherein a first set of anchors is respectively coupled to the first portions of the set of sutures and to the first set of needles;   wherein the first set of needles is deployed, such that the first set of needles, along with the first set of anchors, pass through the section of tissue and exit at the first set of exit points; and   wherein the first set of needles is retracted from the section of tissue, such that the first set of anchors decouple from the first set of needles and, after retracting the first set of needles, extend through the first set of exit points.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the first set of anchors is slidably coupled to the first portions of the set of sutures, such that free ends of the set of sutures are free floating on one side of the first set of anchors. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the needles of the first set of needles respectively comprise a first set of apertures in which the first set of anchors are respectively positioned. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein each needle of the first set of needles includes:
 a first, relatively proximal region having a first diameter; and   a second, relatively distal region having a second diameter, the distal region including a distal tip of the needle, wherein the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter; and   wherein the first set of anchors is respectively coupled to the distal regions of the first set of needles.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein each needle of the first set of needles is a curved needle, wherein deploying the first set of curved needles comprises rotating the first set of curved needles in a first direction about a first axis. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein retracting the first set of curved needles comprises rotating the first set of curved needles in a second direction opposite the first direction about the first axis. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein each curved needle of the first set of needles is an arcuate needle.