Laparoscopic suturing device

摘要

The present invention relates to surgical suturing devices, particularly for use in laparoscopic surgery. The surgical suturing device has a tubular elongated shaft terminating into a jaw assembly at the distal end and a handle assembly at the proximal end thereof. The jaw assembly includes a first jaw member pivotally connected to a second jaw member. An actuator rod extending longitudinally within the length of said shaft is connected at its proximal end to said handle assembly and is pivotally connected at its distal end to said jaw assembly. The underside of said first jaw member is provided with a cupped recess having a wheel assembly disposed therein. The wheel assembly includes a needle mount for securably retaining a needle and is configured such that the needle lies within the cupped recess when the jaw members are closed and can be deployed in a protracted position away from the first jaw member when the jaw members are in an open position. In operation, the suturing device offers superior control over both the needle and the tissue to be sutured.