Suturing devices and methods for suturing an anatomic valve

Abstract

A device for suturing an anatomic valve can comprise an elongate body, a suture catch mechanism and a suture clasp arm. The suture catch mechanism can be operatively coupled to the elongate body for movement between a retracted position and an advanced position. The suture clasp arm can be attached to the elongate body for movement between a retracted position and an extended position. The suture clasp arm can comprise a suture clasp configured to releasably retain a suture portion. In some embodiments, the suture clasp is positioned on the suture clasp arm such that the suture catch mechanism retrieves the suture portion from the suture clasp arm while the arm is at least partially retracted. In some embodiments, the suture clasp arm can be closed about a tissue portion without damaging the tissue portion.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for suturing an anatomic valve, comprising:
 an elongate body;   a needle operatively coupled to the elongate body for movement between a retracted position and an advanced position;   an arm attached to the elongate body near a distal end of the elongate body for movement between a retracted position and an extended position, the arm comprising a suture mount configured to releasably retain a suture portion, the suture mount being positioned on the arm such that the needle retrieves the suture portion retained in the suture mount when the needle is moved from the retracted position to the advanced position and returned to the retracted position; and   a recess positioned between the elongate body and the arm, the recess being sized and shaped to receive a leaflet of a valve between the elongate body and the arm without damaging the leaflet.