Holder for surgical suture needle

摘要

The needle holder consists of a shaft (17) at the proximal end of which are scissor like handles (13,14) which when operated move a push rod (16) through the shaft by means of a driver (15) located between the handles. The push rod extends the length of the shaft and operates an upper jaw (19) at the distal end (20) of the shaft so that it can be pressed against a lower jaw (18).The gripping underside (26) of the upper jaw has a raised rounded ridge extending along its surface whilst the upper part (27) of the lower jaw has two rounded projecting ridges running parallel to each other and the axis of the shaft on its upper surface. The projection on the upper jaw locates between the two on the lower jaw. In use, the curved needle is located with its curved section between the ridges on the upper and lower jaws so that it is clamped between them and partially deformed to ensure secure clamping.