Endoscopic forceps with prongs and related methods

Abstract

Methods and surgical devices are described that can endoscopially manipulate a length of a suture. A forceps instrument is endoscopically introduced into the body. The forceps instrument includes opposing grasping members having respective pairs of spaced-apart prongs that extend away from the respective grasping members. Each pair of prongs defines an opening therebetween. A length of suture is grasped using the forceps instrument such that the suture is captured by the pairs of prongs and a portion of the suture extends across the openings defined by the pairs of prongs. The portion of the suture that extends across the openings is grasped with another surgical instrument.