Endoscopic stapling device for single hand operation

Abstract

A surgical suturing device is configured for single-handed operation, which allows the suture needle to pass through tissue with minimal operational requirements. The surgical needle is selectively attachable to a first and second clamp that are pivotally connected to each other. When the first and second clamps are in an open configuration with the first and second clamps spaced apart, the suture needle is detachably attached to the first and second clamps. When the first and second clamps are in a closed configuration with the first and second clamps approaching each other, the suture needle is detachably attached to one of the first and second clamps and removed from the other. This single-handed operation facilitates procedures such as extraterrestrial circumferential suture closure.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 010,732, filed April 16, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to surgical devices for suturing or suturing, and more specifically, to endoscopic suturing or suturing devices configured for single-handed operation. Background Technology

[0004] One recent advancement in reducing the invasiveness of surgical procedures is endoscopic surgery. Endoscopic surgery typically involves cutting through the body wall. A cannula is usually used to create the incision through which the endoscopic procedure is performed. The cannula or insertion device is extended into the abdominal wall and left in situ to provide access for endoscopic instruments. A camera or endoscope is inserted through a relatively large-diameter cannula, typically located at the navel incision, allowing for visual inspection and magnification of the body cavity. The surgeon can then perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures at the surgical site using specialized instruments designed to work with additional cannulas, such as forceps, scalpels, and dressings.

[0005] In many surgical procedures, including those involving endoscopy, it is often necessary to suture body organs or tissues. In such procedures, it is necessary to manipulate suture needles with a length of suture material attached thereto using a surgical suture device. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure describes a surgical suturing device that demonstrates a practical method for meeting performance requirements and overcoming usability challenges associated with sutured tissue.

[0007] According to this disclosure, a surgical suturing apparatus includes an axial rod, a first drive shaft and a second drive shaft, a suture needle, and a tool assembly. The suture needle includes a flat-ended end portion and a penetrating end portion diametrically opposed to the flat-ended end portion. The tool assembly includes a first jaw and a second jaw, and a first engaging member and a second engaging member slidably coupled to the respective first jaw and second jaw. The first jaw is operatively coupled to the axial rod such that axial displacement of the axial rod causes the first jaw and second jaw to switch between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The first jaw and the second jaw include respective first receiving portions and second receiving portions configured to receive portions of the suture needle. The first engaging member and the second engaging member detachably secure portions of the suture needle to the respective first receiving portions and second receiving portions. The first engaging member and the second engaging member are coupled to the respective first drive shaft and second drive shaft for accompanying axial displacement.

[0008] In one aspect, the first and second storage portions may include corresponding first and second guides, the corresponding first and second guides defining corresponding first and second cuts of the portion configured to store the sewing needle.

[0009] In another aspect, the first guide and the second guide of the corresponding first storage portion and the second storage portion can extend along the length of the corresponding first storage portion and the second storage portion.

[0010] In another aspect, the first and second grippers may define corresponding first and second channels. At least a portion of the first and second engaging members may be slidably received within the corresponding first and second channels.

[0011] In another aspect, the first and second grippers may include a first and a second spring, which are disposed within corresponding first and second channels of the first and second grippers, such that the first and second engaging members are biased away from the corresponding first and second receiving portions.

[0012] In one aspect, the first engaging member and the second engaging member may include corresponding first head portions and second head portions. Each of the first head portion and the second head portion may include a pair of fingers defining a slot configured to receive a corresponding first guide or second guide.

[0013] In another aspect, each of the pair of fingers can define a cut in the portion configured to receive the sewing needle.

[0014] In another aspect, the incision can include both an arc-shaped portion and a cone-shaped portion.

[0015] In another aspect, the suture needle can have a non-circular cross-section to suppress its rotation.

[0016] In one aspect, the sewing needle can be fixed to one of the first or second jaws such that the sewing needle at least partially surrounds an extension of the other of the first or second jaws.

[0017] In another aspect, the sewing needle may include a sewing thread connected to the sewing needle.

[0018] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a tool assembly for use with a surgical suturing device includes a suture needle having an arcuate profile, and a first gripper and a second gripper. The first gripper includes a first elongated portion and a first engaging member, the first engaging member being slidable relative to the first elongated portion to support at least a portion of the suture needle. The second gripper is pivotally coupled to the first gripper such that the first and second grippers can switch between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The second gripper includes a second elongated portion and a second engaging member, the second engaging member being slidable relative to the second elongated portion to support at least a portion of the suture needle. The first and second grippers in the open configuration define a first angle. The first and second grippers detachably secure the suture needle to the first or second gripper such that the suture needle defines a second angle relative to an axis orthogonal to the corresponding first or second gripper. The second angle is approximately half the first angle.

[0019] In one aspect, the suture needle may include a flat-ended end portion and a penetrating end portion. The flat-ended end portion and the penetrating end portion may be diametrically opposed to each other.

[0020] In another aspect, when the first and second grippers are in the open configuration, one of the flat-end portion and the penetrating end portion of the sewing needle can be detachably fixed to the first gripper, and the other of the flat-end portion and the penetrating end portion of the sewing needle can be detachably fixed to the second gripper.

[0021] In another aspect, when the first and second grippers are in a closed configuration, one of the flat-end portion and the penetrating end portion of the sewing needle can be detachably fixed to one of the first or second grippers, and the other of the flat-end portion and the penetrating end portion of the sewing needle can be detached from the other of the first or second grippers.

[0022] In another aspect, the first and second engaging members of the first and second grippers can be biased away from the corresponding first and second elongated portions.

[0023] In another aspect, the first elongated portion and the second elongated portion may include corresponding first and second receiving portions configured to receive the sewing needle.

[0024] In one aspect, the first and second joining members can be axially aligned with the corresponding first and second elongated portions.

[0025] In another aspect, the first and second joining members can move independently of each other.

[0026] In another aspect, the sewing needle may further include a sewing thread attached to its flat-end portion. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The above and other aspects and features of this disclosure will become more apparent when considered in conjunction with the following detailed description, in which like reference numerals denote similar or identical elements.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the surgical suturing apparatus according to this disclosure;

[0029] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified perspective view of the indicated detail area;

[0030] Figure 3 The components are separated. Figure 1 Exploded perspective view of the tool components of a surgical suturing apparatus;

[0031] Figure 4 It is along Figure 1 The section line 4-4 is cut off Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the tool component;

[0032] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the tool assembly, showing the opening of the first gripper;

[0033] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the tool components, showing the tool components in a closed configuration; and

[0034] Figure 7-10 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the tool assembly, showing the tool assembly used with a suture needle. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The surgical suturing apparatus disclosed herein is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein in each of the several views, similar reference numerals denote the same or corresponding elements.

[0036] As used herein, the term "far side" refers to the portion described as being farther from the user, while the term "proximal side" refers to the portion described as being closer to the user. Furthermore, the terms parallel and perpendicular should be understood to include substantially parallel and substantially perpendicular relative configurations that differ from true parallel and true perpendicular by at most approximately +10 degrees or -10 degrees. Additionally, to the extent consistent, any or all aspects detailed herein may be used in conjunction with any or all other aspects detailed herein.

[0037] exist Figure 1 In this embodiment, an exemplary surgical suturing device according to the present disclosure is generally shown as 10. The surgical suturing device 10 is adapted for endoscopic or laparoscopic surgery. For example, the surgical suturing device 10 can be used for abdominal hernia surgery. The endoscopic portion of the surgical suturing device 10, such as the tool assembly 500, can be inserted into the surgical site via a cannulation assembly (not shown). The surgical suturing device 10 is configured for single-handed operation, which allows the suture needle 199 to pass through tissue present, for example, along the edge of a midline hernia, with minimal operational requirements. Such single-handed operation facilitates procedures such as extraterritorial circumferential suture closure. The surgical suturing device 10 includes a handle assembly 100, an elongated shaft assembly 300 extending distally from the handle assembly 100, and a tool assembly 500 supported on the distal end of the elongated shaft assembly 300.

[0038] The handle assembly 100 includes a housing 102, a pair of handles 110 pivotally fixed to the housing 102 about respective pivots, and a first slider 182a and a second slider 182b independently slidable on the housing 102. The pair of handles 110 are operatively coupled to an axial rod 152 in a manner known to those skilled in the art. Figure 3 This allows the axial rod 152 to displace distally when the pair of handles 110 are squeezed. For example, the pair of handles 110 are pivotally fixed to the housing 102 about a corresponding pivot (not shown). Additionally, the pair of handles 110 can be pivotally connected to a connecting rod (not shown), which is pivotally connected to a connecting portion (not shown). The connecting portion can be connected to the axial rod 152 to impart accompanying axial displacement to the axial rod 152. Specifically, the axial rod 152 can be spring-loaded (not shown) at arrow "P" (… Figure 1 The axial rod 152 is biased proximally in the direction of arrow "D". In this configuration, the proximally biased axial rod 152 positions the connecting portion in a proximal position, which in turn places the pair of handles 110 in a spaced-actuated (i.e., unactuated) configuration. In this configuration, when the clinician squeezes the pair of handles 110, the connecting portion is in the direction of arrow "D" ( Figure 1The axial displacement of the first jaw 504 in the direction of the second jaw 506 results in an axial displacement of the first jaw 504 in the same direction. The axial jaw 152 is operatively coupled to the tool assembly 500 such that the axial displacement of the axial jaw 152 (in the direction of arrow "D") causes the first jaw 504 to move away from the second jaw 506 to the open position, as will be discussed below.

[0039] Figure 1 and 2 Slider blocks 182a and 182b are shown slidably supported on housing 102. Slider blocks 182a and 182b are connected via corresponding first drive shaft 184 and second drive shaft 186. Figure 3 The tool assembly 500 is operatively connected to a first engaging member 160 and a second engaging member 162. The first engaging member 160 and the second engaging member 162 are configured to selectively engage a sewing needle 199. The sewing needle 199 has an arcuate configuration. Specifically, the sewing needle 199 has a flat-end portion 199a and a penetrating end portion 199b. For example, the flat-end portion 199a and the penetrating end portion 199b may be diametrically opposed to each other. However, the flat-end portion 199a and the penetrating end portion 199b may be spaced more than 180 degrees apart. A first drive shaft 184 and a second drive shaft 186 are slidably supported by an elongated shaft assembly 300, such that axial displacement of the first drive shaft 184 and the second drive shaft 186 is imparted to the corresponding first engaging member 160 and the second engaging member 162, as will be described below. The first drive shaft 184 and the second drive shaft 186 may, for example, be substantially parallel to the axial rod 152. The housing 102 may include a pawl mechanism (not shown) as known to those skilled in the art to selectively hold the first drive shaft 184 and the second drive shaft 186 in either the farthest or the nearest position.

[0040] Figure 2 and 3 The image shows a configuration for support on an elongated shaft assembly 300. Figure 1 Tool assembly 500 on a tool assembly. Tool assembly 500 includes a first gripper 504 and a second gripper 506, the first gripper and the second gripper being in an open configuration spaced apart by the first gripper 504 and the second gripper 506. Figure 5 A closed configuration close to the first gripper 504 and the second gripper 506. Figure 4The transition between the first gripper 504 and the first engagement member 160 is described below. The first gripper 504 includes a first elongated portion 505 and a first engagement member 160, which is slidably coupled to the first elongated portion 505 to secure the sewing needle 199 between the first elongated portion 505 and the first engagement member 160. The first elongated portion 505 includes a neck portion 505a and a receiving portion 505b. The neck portion 505a defines a cam slot 601, which defines an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis “FF” defined by the first gripper 504. The width of the neck portion 505a is less than the width of the opening 153 at the distal end portion 152a of the axial rod 152. Specifically, the opening 153 includes a pair of opposing walls 153a, which define a gap 153b therebetween. The gap 153b is sized to receive the neck portion 505a of the first elongated portion 505 therein. The pair of opposing walls 153a define a hole 153d therethrough. A cam pin 159 is fixed to a hole 153d in the axial rod 152 and engages in a cam manner with the cam slot 601 of the first gripper 504 and the slot 777 defined in the second gripper 506. Furthermore, an elongated portion 505 of the first gripper 504 defines a hole 603, which is configured to receive a pivot pin 171 fixed to a hole 509c in the second gripper 506. In this manner, as the cam pin 159 engages in a cam manner with the cam slot 601 of the first gripper 504 and the slot 777 of the second gripper 506, the first gripper 506 transitions between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

[0041] The first elongated portion 505 further defines a first channel 505c, which is configured to slidably receive a portion of the first engaging member 160 therein. The first elongated portion 505 further includes a spring 118 disposed within the first channel 505c and a first cover 121a configured to retain the spring 118 within the first channel 505c. The spring 118 biases the first engaging member 160 distally, i.e., away from the first elongated portion 505. The first elongated portion 505 further includes a receiving portion 505b configured to receive a portion of a sewing needle 199. Specifically, the receiving portion 505b includes a guide 511 extending along the length of the first elongated portion 505. The guide 511 defines a cut 511a configured to receive a portion of the sewing needle 199 therein. The guide 511 may include a surface configured to make planar contact with the sewing needle 199 to inhibit rotation of the sewing needle 199.

[0042] Figure 3A first engaging member 160 is shown, comprising a first head portion 163a and a first extension portion 163b extending proximally from the first head portion 163a. ​​The first head portion 163a includes a pair of fingers 165 defining a slot 165a therebetween. The slot 165a is configured to receive a guide 511 of a receiving portion 505b of a first gripper 504. Specifically, each of the pair of fingers 165 defines a cut 166 having a tapered portion 166a and an arcuate portion 166b, the arcuate portion being configured to engage portions of a sewing needle 199 to clamp the sewing needle 199 between the guide 511 of the first elongated portion 505 and the pair of fingers 165 of the first engaging member 160. The tapered portion 166a and the arcuate portion 166b of each finger 165 facilitates the retention of the sewing needle 199. Furthermore, the sewing needle 199 and the cut 166 may have non-circular cross-sections, such as triangular, rectangular, or polygonal cross-sections, to inhibit rotation of the sewing needle 199. The first extension 163b is configured to be slidably received in the channel 505c of the first elongated portion 505. In this configuration, the sewing needle 199 is positioned, for example, orthogonal to the longitudinal axis “FF” when detachably secured to the first gripper 504.

[0043] Figure 3 A second gripper 506 is further shown, comprising a second elongated portion 507 and a second engaging member 162 slidably coupled to the second elongated portion 507 to abut against a portion of the second elongated portion 507 to grip a portion of the sewing needle 199. The second elongated portion 507 includes a connecting portion 507a defining a slot 509b, the slot being sized to pivotally receive a neck portion 505a of the first gripper 504. The connecting portion 507a further defines a bore 509c and a slot 777. Specifically, a pivot pin 171 is secured to the bore 509c of the connecting portion 507a of the second gripper 506 and extends through a bore 603 of the first gripper 504 to pivotally connect the first gripper 504 to the second gripper 506. Furthermore, a cam pin 159 is configured to slidably receive in the cam slot 777. Specifically, the cam pin 159 is fixed to the hole 153d of the axial rod 152 and engages in a cam manner with the cam slot 601 of the first jaw 504 and the slot 777 of the second jaw 506. In this configuration, axial displacement of the axial rod 152 will cause the first jaw 504 to turn toward or away from the second jaw 506.

[0044] Figure 3A second gripper 506 is further shown, comprising a second elongated portion 507 defining a channel 507c configured to slidably receive a portion of the second engagement member 162. Similar to the first gripper 504, the second elongated portion 507 further includes a spring 119 disposed within the channel 507c and a cover 121b configured to retain the spring 119 within the channel 507c. The spring 119 biases the second engagement member 162 distally in the direction of arrow "D," i.e., away from the second elongated portion 507. The second elongated portion 507 further includes a second receiving portion 507b, comprising a guide 513 extending along the length of the second elongated portion 507. The second guide 513 defines a second cutout 513a configured to receive a portion therein of a sewing needle 199.

[0045] The second engaging member 162 includes a second head portion 179a and a second extension portion 173b extending proximally from the second head portion 179a. The second head portion 179a includes a pair of fingers 175 defining a slot 175a therebetween. The slot 175a is configured to receive a second guide 513 of the second receiving portion 507b therein. Specifically, each of the pair of fingers 175 defines a cut 177 having a tapered portion 177a and an arcuate portion 177b, the arcuate portion being configured to engage a portion of a sewing needle 199 to clamp the sewing needle 199 between the guide 513 and the pair of fingers 175 of the second head portion 179a. The second extension portion 173b is configured to be slidably received in a channel 507c of the second elongated portion 507. In this configuration, the sewing needle 199 is positioned, for example, orthogonal to the second gripper 506 when it is detachably secured to the second gripper 506.

[0046] Figure 4 and 5 The tool assembly 500 is shown, which can be switched between a closed configuration with the first jaw 504 and the second jaw 506 approaching and an open configuration with the first jaw 504 and the second jaw 506 spaced apart. Specifically, as the axial rod 152 moves in the direction of arrow "D" ( Figure 3 The cam pin 159 moves along the cam slot 601 of the first pawl 504 and the first pawl 504 pivots about the pivot pin 171.

[0047] Figure 5The first gripper 504 and the second gripper 506 are shown in an open configuration. The sewing needle 199 can be held at an angle α to an orthogonal reference to the axis of the first gripper 504, and similarly held at an angle β to an orthogonal reference to the axis of the second gripper 506. Angles α and β can be equal to each other and approximately half of the angle µ formed between the axes of the first gripper 504 and the second gripper 506, respectively.

[0048] In use, the tool assembly 500 of the surgical suture device 10 is initially in a closed configuration, wherein the first gripper 504 and the second gripper 506 are close together ( Figure 6 At this time, sliders 182a and 182b ( Figure 1 The first and second engaging members 160 and 162 are positioned in their most distal positions and can be held in place by a pawl mechanism (not shown), such that the first engaging member 160 and the second engaging member 162 are in their most distal positions. Alternatively, the positions can be held by a lever mechanism (not shown) in which the travel range is shallowly angled and self-locking according to the force applied by the axially aligned lever. In this case, the clinician can position the first gripper 504 and the second gripper 506 through an opening in the tissue. Subsequently, the suture needle 199 is secured to the second gripper 506. Figure 7 The suture needle 199 has a circular configuration such that the flat-ended end portion 199a and the penetrating end portion 199 are diametrically opposed to each other. The flat-ended end portion 199a is initially placed within the cut 513a of the second guide 513 of the second gripper 506. Subsequently, the clinician slides the slider 182a to the proximal position to retract the second engaging member 162, thereby clamping the flat-ended end portion 199a of the suture needle 199 between the second guide 513 and a pair of fingers 175 of the second engaging member 162. The suture needle 199 is positioned to extend laterally around at least a portion of the first gripper 504. Figure 7 At this point, the clinician can manipulate the suture thread suturing device 10 because it is configured for one-handed operation. Specifically, the clinician can rotate the suture thread suturing device 10 in the direction of the penetrating end portion 199b of the suture needle 199 (in the direction of arrow "R"), so that the penetrating end portion 199b penetrates through the tissue until the penetrating end portion 199b is exposed. Figure 8 The surgical suture 7 is attached to, for example, the flat end portion 199a of the suture needle 199.

[0049] Subsequently, a pair of handles 110 ( Figure 1 The first gripper 504 and the second gripper 506 are squeezed together to switch to the open configuration. Figure 9 At this point, the penetrating end portion 199b of the sewing needle 199 is housed in the cut 165a of the first gripper 504. The sewing needle 199 is moved by the slider 182b ( Figure 1The needle 199 is slid proximally to hold the penetrating end portion 199b of the sewing needle 199 between the guide 511 and the first head portion 163a of the first gripper 504, thus securing it to the first gripper 504. Subsequently, the second engaging member 162 of the second gripper 506 is displaced distally by sliding the slider 182a to its furthest position, and a pair of handles 110 are released, causing the axial rod 152 ( Figure 3 The first gripper 504 and the second gripper 506 retract proximally to change to a closed configuration. Figure 10 At this point, the flat-tipped end portion 199a of the suture needle 199 disengages from the second clamp 506. The suture thread 7 can now extend through the target tissue. The process is repeated, allowing the suture needle 199 to pass between the first clamp 504 and the second clamp 506, and pulling the suture thread 7 through the target tissue, thereby suturing the target tissue as needed or desired. In this manner, the suture needle 199 can reliably pass through tissue existing along, for example, the edge of a midline hernia. The suture needle 199 can be adapted to pass through tissue as needed to close abdominal defects by, for example, an externally extending circumferential suture method.

[0050] It is envisioned that the surgical suture device 10 can be configured to connect to the robotic arm of a robotic surgical system, enabling manipulation and control of the robotic arm. It is also anticipated that the handle assembly 100 ( Figure 1 The handle may be an electric or electromechanical assembly. Therefore, it should be understood that those skilled in the art can make various other changes and modifications therein without departing from the scope or spirit of this disclosure.

[0051] Although this disclosure is shown in the accompanying drawings, it is not limited thereto, as its scope is as broad as that permitted in the art and should be read in the same manner. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as restrictive but is merely exemplary. Those skilled in the art will contemplate other modifications within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A surgical suturing device, comprising: Axial rod; First drive shaft and second drive shaft; A suture needle comprising a flat-ended end portion and a penetrating end portion diametrically opposite to the flat-ended end portion; and The tool component includes: A first gripper and a second gripper, the first gripper being operatively connected to the axial rod such that axial displacement of the axial rod causes the first gripper and the second gripper to switch between an open configuration and a closed configuration, the first gripper and the second gripper including corresponding first and second receiving portions configured to receive portions of the sewing needle. as well as A first engaging member and a second engaging member are slidably connected to corresponding first grippers and second grippers. The first engaging member and the second engaging member detachably fix the portion of the sewing needle to corresponding first receiving portion and second receiving portion. The first engaging member and the second engaging member are connected to corresponding first drive shafts and second drive shafts for accompanying axial displacement. The first and second storage portions include corresponding first and second guides, which define corresponding first and second cuts configured to receive the portion of the sewing needle. The first and second engaging members each include a first head portion and a second head portion, each of the first and second head portions including a pair of fingers defining a slot configured to receive a corresponding first guide or second guide.

2. The surgical suturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first guide and the second guide of the respective first receiving portion and the second receiving portion extend along the length of the respective first receiving portion and the second receiving portion.

3. The surgical suturing apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first gripper and the second gripper define respective first channels and second channels, and at least a portion of the first engaging member and the second engaging member is slidably received in the respective first channels and second channels.

4. The surgical suturing apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first gripper and the second gripper comprise a first spring and a second spring, the first spring and the second spring being disposed within the respective first channel and the second channel of the first gripper and the second gripper, such that the first engaging member and the second engaging member are biased away from the respective first receiving portion and the second receiving portion.

5. The surgical suturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of fingers defines an incision configured to receive the portion of the suture needle.

6. The surgical suturing device according to claim 5, wherein the incision comprises an arcuate portion and a conical portion.

7. The surgical suturing device of claim 1, wherein the suture needle has a non-circular cross-section to inhibit its rotation.

8. The surgical suturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the suture needle is capable of being secured to one of the first or second clamps such that the suture needle at least partially surrounds an extension of the other of the first or second clamps.

9. The surgical suturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the suture needle comprises a suture thread connected to the suture needle.

10. A tool assembly for use with a surgical suture device, the tool assembly comprising: A sewing needle with an arched profile; A first gripper includes a first elongated portion and a first engaging member, the first engaging member being slidable relative to the first elongated portion to support at least a portion of the sewing needle; as well as A second gripper, pivotally coupled to the first gripper such that the first and second grippers can switch between an open configuration and a closed configuration, the second gripper including a second elongated portion and a second engaging member, the second engaging member being slidable relative to the second elongated portion to support at least a portion of the sewing needle, the first and second grippers including corresponding first and second receiving portions configured to receive a portion of the sewing needle, the first and second engaging members removably securing the portion of the sewing needle to the corresponding first and second receiving portions; The first and second storage portions include corresponding first and second guides, which define corresponding first and second cuts configured to receive the portion of the sewing needle. as well as The first and second engaging members each include a first head portion and a second head portion, each of the first and second head portions including a pair of fingers defining a slot configured to receive a corresponding first guide or second guide.

11. The tool assembly of claim 10, wherein the suture needle comprises a flat-ended end portion and a penetrating end portion, the flat-ended end portion and the penetrating end portion being diametrically opposed to each other.

12. The tool assembly of claim 11, wherein when the first gripper and the second gripper are in the open configuration, one of the flat-end portion and the penetrating end portion of the sewing needle is detachably secured to the first gripper, and the other of the flat-end portion and the penetrating end portion of the sewing needle is detachably secured to the second gripper.

13. The tool assembly of claim 11, wherein when the first jaw and the second jaw are in the closed configuration, one of the flat-end portion and the penetrating end portion of the sewing needle is detachably secured to one of the first jaw or the second jaw, and the other of the flat-end portion and the penetrating end portion of the sewing needle disengages from the other of the first jaw or the second jaw.

14. The tool assembly of claim 10, wherein the first engagement member and the second engagement member of the first jaw and the second jaw are biased away from the respective first elongated portion and the second elongated portion.

15. The tool assembly of claim 10, wherein the first engaging member and the second engaging member are axially aligned with corresponding first elongated portions and second elongated portions.

16. The tool assembly of claim 10, wherein the first engaging member and the second engaging member are movable independently of each other.

17. The tool assembly of claim 11, wherein the sewing needle further comprises a sewing thread attached to its flat-end portion.

18. The tool assembly of claim 11, wherein the first and second grippers in the open configuration define a first angle, and The first and second grippers detachably secure the sewing needle to the first or second gripper such that the sewing needle defines a second angle relative to an axis orthogonal to the corresponding first or second gripper, the second angle being approximately half of the first angle.

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