INSTRUMENT FOR SECURING A SUTURE NEEDLE

摘要

A needle driver instrument suitable for use with a trocar sheath (102) in operative endoscopic surgical procedures such as laparoscopic and pelviscopic procedures is disclosed for driving a curved suture needle (106). The needle driver instrument comprises an elongated cylindrical tube member (101) having a channel (105) formed about the distal end thereof for receiving either a curved or a straight suture needle. The channel is transversely formed through the elongated member and has a plurality of surfaces (204-207) to orient and fix the suture needle in a predetermined orientation. A wedge (110) operable across the channel and through the passageway of the elongated member wedges the needle between at least two of the contact surfaces of the channel to fixedly position the suture needle in the desired orientation. At the proximal end of the device is a handle (108) with a generally U-shaped spring (109) extending therefrom for manual operation of the wedge. A rod extending from the wedge through the elongated member of the instrument is connected to the spring for actuation and operation of the wedge. The device is comprised of component parts which are easily disassembled for cleaning and sterilization.