A surgical instrument for applying sutures to tissue includes a needle deployment mechanism and a catch mechanism. In some embodiments, the needle deployment mechanism employs a linear path. Alternatively, it can employ a curved needle. The surgical instrument may include a rotatable head, a bend, and/or...http://www.google.co.uk/patents/US20010049537?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US20010049537 - Endoscopic suture systems
