US Patent 9549728 Placing multiple sutures

A suturing instrument for placing multiple sutures include an elongate body engaged to a handle. A suturing head extends from a distal end of the elongate body, and the suturing head is articulable relative to the elongate body. Both a first needle carrier and a second needle carrier are movable into and out of the suturing head. A first actuator allows controlled movement of the first needle carrier, and this first actuator extends from a proximal end of the handle. A second actuator allows controlled movement of the second needle carrier, and this second actuator also extends from the proximal end of the handle. The suturing head can be articulated within a range of about 0 degrees to about 30 degrees, as measured from a longitudinal axis running along the length of the elongate body, and this variable articulation angle of the head allows deployment of the first needle carrier and the second needle carrier at various orientations with respect to the longitudinal axis.