US Patent 7316694 Surgical suturing apparatus

A surgical suturing device has a body with a “J”-shaped suturing needle attached. One end of a movable arm is pivotably attached to the body so that the other end of the movable arm may swing into and out of engagement with the tip of the suturing needle. The movable arm is engaged by a rod that slides transversely within the body. The moveable arm swings in response to pressure on a thumb nut that moves the rod. Rod movement is resisted by a compression spring within the body. The device allows a surgeon to suture the fascial layer from within a surgical incision. The surgeon avoids unwanted penetration of tissue by pressing the thumb nut to cause the movable arm to engage and cover at least a portion of the needle tip.