Automated suture device

A suture device, comprising:

• a hollow shaft;
• a pair of jaws disposed at an end of the hollow shaft, at least one of the jaws being actuated by an actuation arm coupled to an actuation mechanism, and each of the jaws including a channel formed therein for carrying a suture;
• a locking device disposed in the hollow shaft operable to grip an end of the suture;
• a cutting device disposed in the hollow shaft operable to cut an opposing end of the suture;
• and
• a heating device configured to remove the suture from the channels of the pair of jaws, and fuse the suture.

A method for securing a suture using a suture device including a shaft having an interior;

• a pair of jaws disposed at a distal end of the shaft, at least one of the jaws being movable, and each of the jaws including a channel for carrying the suture;
• and heating device disposed in the interior of the shaft, and movable relative to the shaft and the pair of jaws, the method comprising:
• placing the suture device proximate a location that requires suturing;
• moving the jaws about the location that requires suturing;
• passing the suture through the jaws of the suture device;
• and
• fusing the suture using the heating device.