Semi-automatic suturing and sewing device

摘要

A semi-automatic suturing device passes a single or double pointed needle back and forth between two needle holders in order to avoid the need for manually grasping and otherwise manipulating the needle after it has passed through body tissue or other material being sewn. The needle holders are provided in the form of respective sets of vise-like jaws on a pair of arms which are pivotally attached to each other. The holders are thereby manually movable into and out of proximity with each other. The needle holding jaws are automatically alternatingly actuated to open and close when they are pivoted into proximity with each other, such that a hand-off of the needle can occur. Actuation of the needle gripping jaws is power driven, e.g., by a solenoid, and automatically initiated by a proximity switch which detects when the jaws have been brought together. Logic circuitry ensures that one set of needle gripping jaws does not release the needle until the other holder has closed to grip the opposite end of the needle. In this manner, accidental needle droppings are avoided.