Force Limited Needle Driver

摘要

A surgical suturing device comprises an arced needle comprises a length of suture. An elongate shaft comprises a proximal end and a distal end. A needle driver is on the distal end of the elongate shaft operable to engage and rotate the needle in a circular path. The needle driver reciprocates between a drive stroke wherein the needle is rotated and a return stroke. A trigger is on the proximal end of the elongate shaft. A drive rod in the elongate shaft operably connects the trigger and the needle driver. Moving the trigger in a first direction actuates the needle driver through its drive stroke, and moving the trigger in a second direction actuates the needle driver through its return stroke. A spring is operably connected to the drive rod limiting a load transmitted through the drive rod. The spring may limit the load transmitted through the drive rod when the trigger is moved in a first direction.

主权项

1. A surgical suturing device, comprising:
an arced needle comprising a length of suture; an elongate shaft comprising a proximal end and a distal end; a needle driver on the distal end of the elongate shaft, the needle driver being operable to engage and rotate the needle in a circular path, the needle driver reciprocating between a drive stroke wherein the needle is rotated and a return stroke; a trigger on the proximal end of the elongate shaft; a drive rod in the elongate shaft, the drive rod operably connecting the trigger and the needle driver, wherein moving the trigger in a first direction actuates the needle driver through its drive stroke, and moving the trigger in a second direction actuates the needle driver through its return stroke; a spring operably connected to the drive rod, the spring limiting a load transmitted through the drive rod.