Electrically powered needle holder to assist in suturing

摘要

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a device for use with a needle with a suture attached to it. The device is used for suturing bodily tissue and comprises a handle, a right arm and a left arm extending distally from the handle. The distal end of the right arm has a right gripper attached to it for gripping and releasing the needle. The distal end of the left arm has a left gripper attached to it for gripping and releasing the needle. The device further comprises an electrically powered means for operating the left gripper and the right gripper. The left gripper and the right gripper exchange gripping of the needle. One of the left gripper and the right gripper moves near to the other to exchange gripping of the needle and moves apart from the other when not gripping the needle. The device further comprises a control unit for controlling the electrically powered means. In one embodiment, the electrically powered means comprises a drive assembly contained in the handle, and the drive assembly has an electrically powered motor.