Stryker Corporation
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PASSING SUTURE THROUGH TISSUE

Abstract:

A method for passing a suture through tissue includes positioning a suture passer in a surgical cavity, the suture passer comprising a tube defined by a wall and a suture retainer received in the tube and configured to extend at least partially out of the tube; retaining a suture between a retaining surface of a cutaway in the tube and a proximally facing portion of a distal portion of the suture retainer such that the suture is retained against the retaining surface of the cutaway by the proximally facing portion of the distal portion of the suture retainer, wherein a distal end of the suture retainer is distal to the retaining surface of the cutaway and proximal to the distal end of the tube when the suture is retained against the retaining surface of the cutaway; and passing the suture passer with the retained suture through the tissue.