Suturing device provided with needle for holding first thread-like member and shuttle for holding second thread-like member

A suturing device comprising:

• a needle having an elongated shape extending in a predetermined direction and configured to hold a first thread-like member, the needle being reciprocally movable forward and backward in the predetermined direction and rotatable about an axis extending in the predetermined direction, rotation of the needle about the axis permitting the first thread-like member to cross the needle to form a loop in the first thread-like member;
• a shuttle including a holding portion configured to hold a second thread-like member, the shuttle being configured to permit the holding portion to pass through the loop;
• a shuttle guide member having a cylindrical shape extending in the predetermined direction and providing a circumferential direction and a center axis extending in the predetermined direction, the shuttle guide member being configured to guide the shuttle in the circumferential direction;
• a pusher configured to move the shuttle about the center axis;
• a hollow cylindrical member having an elongated shape extending in the predetermined direction;
• and
• a shuttle operating shaft having an end portion positioned frontward in the predetermined direction, the shuttle operating shaft being configured to move the shuttle,
• wherein the shuttle guide member comprises
• a main body reciprocally movable along the center axis relative to the hollow cylindrical member, the end portion of the shuttle operating shaft penetrating through the main body, the main body being formed with the space positioned inward of the path and configured to accommodate therein the loop, and
• a head fixed to the main body and forming the guide portion in cooperation with the main body to guide the shuttle in the circumferential direction,
• wherein the needle has a tip end reciprocally moving along a path extending in the predetermined direction in the reciprocal movement of the needle in the predetermined direction,
• wherein the shuttle guide member has a space in communication with the guide portion and configured to accommodate therein the first thread-like member positioned on the path, and
• wherein the shuttle guide member includes a guide portion formed into an annular shape and configured to guide the shuttle in the circumferential direction.