Patent attributes
An endoscopic suturing instrument is equipped with a needle mounted at the distal end of the suturing instrument for the purpose of living-tissue punctures. An engaging mechanism is provided at least at the distal end of the needle for the purpose of connecting the thread while allowing it to move freely, and the suturing instrument includes a needle-driving mechanism to drive the needle. A loop-creating mechanism is used to create a first loop in the thread, by loosening the thread connected to the engaging mechanism. A catching mechanism is provided at the distal end of the suturing instrument to be inserted through the first loop to catch the thread. The thread caught by the catching mechanism can be moved freely. The needle-driving mechanism and the catching mechanism are mechanically coupled.
