Devices, methods, and kits are provided for suturing an end of a first body
duct to a hole in the side of a second body duct. The present devices and methods
are used to simplify the suturing procedure and thus reduce operating time. In
one embodiment, the present device includes a structure for holding the end of
the first body duct and positioning the end adjacent to the hole in the side of
the second body duct. The structure of the device is typically a shaft having a
surface adapted to receive the first body duct. A plurality of needles are arranged
on the structure to be advanced along a plurality of paths. Each needle path first
passes radially into and forwardly out of the end of the first body duct and into
the hole of the second body duct. The path then everts so that the needles and
associated sutures will pass outwardly through tissue peripheral to the hole when
the end of the first body duct is on the structure adjacent to the hole in the
second body duct. The needles preferably travel along such paths when they are
advanced forward. In one embodiment, the device uses a J-shaped tube for guiding
one of the needles along the desired path. In another embodiment, shape-memory
needles having an arcuate profile are used to create the desired path.