Suturing device with angled head

1. A suturing apparatus for the continuous application of a suture, comprising:

a suturing head shaped and dimensioned for attachment to a distal end of a support member, the suturing head including a track shaped and dimensioned for supporting and guiding the needle for movement in a predetermined circular path under the control of a drive assembly;

a support arm including first and second lateral arms connected by a central connecting member supporting the track, wherein the support arm includes a longitudinal axis and the track and needle lie in a transverse plane, angular orientation of the support arm relative to the track and needle is achieved by positioning the transverse plane of the track at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the support arm such that the needle is moved about a circular pattern while being on an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the support arm thereby providing operators with improved access to the surgical site; and

the drive assembly coupled to the needle for driving the needle about the predetermined circular path under the guidance of the track, the drive assembly includes a drive shaft including a longitudinal axis in parallel alignment with the longitudinal axis of the support arm, the drive shaft rotating about the longitudinal axis thereof.

2. The suturing apparatus according to claim 1 , further including a sled to which the needle is secured, wherein the sled is mounted on the track for movement about the track and the needle is secured to the sled such that it may be moved about the track under the control of the drive assembly.

3. The suturing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the support arm is U-shaped.

4. The suturing apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the support arm includes first and second lateral arms connected by the central connecting member supporting the track, and the longitudinal axis of the support arm extends generally parallel to the first and second lateral arms.

5. The suturing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the track is oriented at up to approximately a 45-degree angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft.

6. The suturing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft is obliquely oriented relative to the transverse plane of the track.

7. The suturing apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the drive shaft rotates and is pivotally connected to a drive arm extending to the needle for pivotal attachment thereto.

8. The suturing apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the drive arm is provided with a telescoping joint accommodating adjustments in length.

9. The suturing apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the drive shaft oscillates back and forth allowing for changing length as the needle is driven about the track.

10. The suturing apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the drive assembly and the drive shaft are of a fixed length.

11. The suturing apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the drive assembly includes a barrel cam on the drive shaft for controlling axial motion of the drive shaft relative to the needle.

12. The suturing apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the drive shaft oscillates back and forth allowing for changing length as the needle is driven about the track.

13. The suturing apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein the drive shaft includes a telescoping joint.

14. The suturing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the drive assembly includes a flexible drive shaft.

15. The suturing apparatus according to claim 1 , further including a trigger assembly linked to the drive assembly.

16. The suturing apparatus according to claim 15 , wherein the trigger assembly includes a first pivotally mounted trigger handle.

17. The suturing apparatus according to claim 15 , wherein the trigger assembly includes first and second pivotally mounted trigger handles.

18. The suturing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the sled is releasably secured to the needle.