Movable suturing apparatus and method

A system comprising:

• a helically-shaped needle having a helical radius, the needle having a point at a first end of a shaft and a filament joined to a second end;
• a roller mechanism configured to counter-rotatably support two generally-parallel rollers configured to engage therebetween the shaft of the needle, the needle being revolvable around a first roller upon rotation of the first roller in a first direction and a second roller in a second direction, the first roller including a smooth surface and having a first roller radius that is less than the helical radius of the needle to enable the first end of the needle to pierce a body and draw the filament through a body disposed adjacent the first roller, and wherein the second roller includes a grooved surface engaging an outer surface of the helically-shaped needle and a second roller radius larger than the first roller radius;
• and
• a motor drive including:
• a motor operably coupled with roller mechanism to convey rotational force to rotate the two generally-parallel rollers;
• a controller operably coupled with the motor and configured to cause the needle to complete at least one revolution to form a single suture in the body;
• and
• an interface configured to enable the motor drive to be supported by one of a human user and a robotic actuator.