摘要 |
<p>A loading unit (10) is provided for use with a surgical vascular suturing instrument. The loading unit is dimensioned and configurative to securely retain a surgical needle (12), and an associated length of suture (14) in a position to be received by a jaw of the vascular suturing instrument. The loading unit generally includes one or more needle supply stations (22) each of which include needle support structure (24), and jaw receiving structure (26). The needle supporting structure releasably secures a surgical needle to the loading unit, and the jaw receiving structure is dimensioned and configurational to guide the jaw of a vascular suturing instrument about the end of the surgical needle. The needle supply station also includes a shield (28) to protect the pointed end of the surgical needle during storage and transportation. The loading unit also includes suture retaining structure (74) for holding the length of suture material attached to the surgical needle.</p> |