Suturing apparatus and method

A system comprising:

• a needle formed in a helical shape, wherein the needle includes a shaft having a trailing end configured to draw a filament and a leading end shaped to pierce an object;
• a drive track that is positionable to guide a path of the needle;
• and
• a needle drive mechanism including:
• a frame;
• a first roller and a second roller rotatably mounted parallel with each other in the frame and configured to engage therebetween the shaft of the needle, the first roller and the second roller being configured to counter-rotate, the needle being revolvable eccentrically around the first roller responsive to counter-rotation of the first roller and the second roller;
• and
• a drive mechanism secured to the frame and configured to move the frame along the drive track, wherein the drive mechanism includes:
• a worm gear rotatably received in the frame and configured to engage the drive track;
• and
• a guide bracket disposed on the frame and configured to support the worm gear in engagement with the drive track, the frame being motivatable along the drive track responsive to rotation of the worm gear.