SURGICAL SUTURING APPARATUS WITH LOADING MECHANISM

摘要

A surgical apparatus is provided for manipulating a surgical needle and an associated loading mechanism is provided for replacing the surgical needle. The surgica l apparatus comprises an elongated body portion, first and second jaw elements extending from the body portion, securing means for securing the surgical needle, releasing means cooperating with the securing means for releasing the surgical needle and locking means cooperating with the securing means for preventing at least one of the jaw elements from moving. A loading mechanism is also provided and includes structure for supporting a surgical needle and a storage member for retaining at least a portion of a length of suture materi al attached to the surgical needle.