Minimally-invasive suturing device

A device for closing a tissue opening in a tissue, the tissue extending at least partially around a body cavity or lumen, the device comprising:

• an elongate shaft having a proximal end, a distal end and extending along a longitudinal axis, the elongate shaft configured to be inserted into the tissue opening in the tissue, the elongate shaft comprising at least one first and at least one second needle guide, each needle guide having an exit opening at its distal end;
• at least one first hollow needle and at least one second hollow needle, each of the first and second needles being configured to be translated along and advanced out of a respective one of the needle guides in a distal and radially outward direction from a retracted position to an extended position;
• and
• at least one first snare configured to be advanced out of a distal opening of the at least one first hollow needle and at least one second snare configured to be advanced out of a distal opening of the at least one second hollow needle.

A method for suturing an opening in a tissue, the method comprising:

• inserting an elongate shaft through the opening into a bodily cavity or lumen;
• opening a support structure in the bodily cavity or lumen;
• advancing a first hollow needle and a second hollow needle in a distal and radially outward direction from a retracted position to an advanced position;
• advancing a first snare out of the first hollow needle, and advancing a second snare out of the second hollow needle;
• releasing a first suture portion held at the elongate shaft to move radially outwards into the advanced first snare, and releasing a second suture portion held at the elongate shaft to move radially outwards into the advanced second snare;
• closing the first snare with the first suture portion held therein, and closing the second snare with the second suture portion held therein;
• retracting the closed first snare through the first hollow needle in a proximal direction with the first suture portion held therein, and retracting the closed second snare through the second hollow needle in a proximal direction with the second suture portion held therein;
• retracting the first and second hollow needle and closing the support structure;
• and
• withdrawing the elongate shaft from the opening.