Endoscopic stapling device with tilted stapling needle

Abstract

A surgical suturing device includes a suture needle configured to reliably pass through typically thick scar tissue present along, for example, the edge of a midline hernia. The surgical suturing device includes a first clamp and a second clamp. The suture needle is selectively supported on the first clamp or the second clamp at an acute angle, for example, relative to a longitudinal axis defined by the corresponding first clamp or second clamp. The suture needle can be selectively secured to the first clamp or the second clamp via a first needle-receiving leaflet and a second needle-receiving leaflet configured for reciprocating axial displacement. A suture thread is connected to the suture needle to perform tissue suturing.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 015,043, filed April 24, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to surgical devices for suturing or stitching, and more specifically, to endoscopic suturing or stitching devices comprising a tool assembly that supports a suture needle at an acute angle. 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. A 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 abdominal incision site, 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 surgeries, a surgical suture device is used to manipulate a suture needle with a length of suture material attached thereto. 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 tissue suturing.

[0007] According to this disclosure, a surgical suturing device includes: an elongated shaft assembly comprising an axial rod extending therethrough; and a tool assembly coupled to the elongated shaft assembly. The tool assembly includes a first clamp and a second clamp, a first needle receiving blade and a second needle receiving blade slidably disposed in the respective first and second clamps, and a suture needle. The first clamp is operatively coupled to the axial rod of the elongated shaft such that axial displacement of the axial rod causes the first and second clamps to switch between an open and closed configuration. The suture needle is supported on the first or second clamp and defines an acute angle relative to a longitudinal axis defined by the tool assembly. The suture needle is detachably secured to one of the first and second clamps via a corresponding first or second needle receiving blade.

[0008] In one aspect, the first clamp and the second clamp may include respective first receiving portion and second receiving portion configured to support the sewing needle.

[0009] In another aspect, the first and second receiving portions may include opposing flat surfaces that define corresponding acute angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the tool assembly.

[0010] In another aspect, the first receiving portion of the first clamp may be located near the second receiving portion of the second clamp.

[0011] In another respect, the sewing needle can be a straight needle.

[0012] In one aspect, the acute angle can be approximately 45 degrees.

[0013] In another embodiment, the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion may define corresponding holes orthogonal to the respective flat surfaces. The holes may be configured to receive a portion therein of a sewing needle.

[0014] In another aspect, the first needle receiving blade and the second needle receiving blade may include corresponding notches configured to join seam needles.

[0015] In another aspect, the sewing needle may be defined by a circular groove on the opposite end of the sewing needle.

[0016] In one aspect, when the suture needle is supported on the first clamp, the suture needle can extend distally.

[0017] In another aspect, when the suture needle is supported on the second clamp, the suture needle can extend proximally.

[0018] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a tool assembly for use with a surgical suturing device includes: a suture needle having a first end and a second end; a first clamp and a second clamp convertible between an open and closed configuration; and a first needle-receiving blade and a second needle-receiving blade axially movable in a reciprocating manner. The first clamp includes a first elongated portion and a first receiving portion configured to support the first end of the suture needle. The second clamp includes a second elongated portion longer than the first elongated portion and a second receiving portion configured to support the second end of the suture needle. When supported on the first clamp or the second clamp, the suture needle defines an acute angle relative to a longitudinal axis defined by the tool assembly. The first needle-receiving blade and the second needle-receiving blade engage the respective first end and second end of the suture needle to secure the suture needle to the corresponding first clamp or second clamp.

[0019] In one aspect, the acute angle can be approximately 45 degrees.

[0020] In another aspect, the suture needle may be parallel to the longitudinal axis when supported on the first clamp in the open configuration.

[0021] In another aspect, the suture needle can define the axis.

[0022] In another aspect, the second receiving portion of the second clamp may be located distal to the first receiving portion of the first clamp.

[0023] In another aspect, the first and second receiving portions of the first and second clamps may include corresponding flat surfaces and define corresponding holes configured to receive a portion of a sewing needle. The first and second receiving portions of the first and second clamps may extend distally from corresponding first and second elongated portions.

[0024] In one aspect, the first clamp may include a cam pin configured to slidably engage an arcuate cam groove defined in the second clamp.

[0025] In another aspect, the tool assembly may further include a linkage component that pivotally interconnects the first clamp and the second clamp.

[0026] In another aspect, the first clamp and the second clamp may define corresponding channels configured to slidably receive the first blade and the second blade, and corresponding holes configured to support the sewing needle. Each hole may communicate with the corresponding channel.

[0027] In another aspect, when the second clamp is furthest from the first clamp, the second clamp moves in an arc, and when the second clamp approaches the first clamp, the movement of the second clamp becomes a linear translation so that the sewing needle passes through the corner hole of the first clamp. This linear translation increases the force driving the sewing needle, making it exceed the driving force in the angled rotating travel section. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The foregoing and other aspects and features of this disclosure will become more apparent when considered in conjunction with the following detailed description, in which similar reference numerals identify similar or identical elements.

[0029] Figure 1 A perspective view of the surgical suturing apparatus according to this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 2 To remove parts of the housing and slender components Figure 1 A side view of the surgical suture device;

[0031] Figure 3 For parts that have been separated Figure 1 A partially exploded perspective view of the surgical suture device;

[0032] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A magnified side view of the indicated detail area;

[0033] Figure 5To remove half of the shell Figure 1 A partial perspective view of the handle assembly of a surgical suture device;

[0034] Figure 6 For parts that have been separated Figure 3 A partially exploded perspective view of the indicated detail area;

[0035] Figure 7 for Figure 1 A magnified perspective view of the indicated detail area;

[0036] Figure 8 for Figure 2 A side view of the area indicating the details;

[0037] Figure 9 for Figure 3 A magnified view of the indicated detailed area; and

[0038] Figure 10 and 11 for Figure 1 A partial side view of the surgical suturing apparatus, showing the use of the tool components. Detailed Implementation

[0039] 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 designate the same or corresponding elements.

[0040] 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. Additionally, 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. Furthermore, to the extent consistent, any or all aspects detailed herein may be used in conjunction with any or all other aspects detailed herein.

[0041] exist Figure 1 and 2 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 particularly 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 a tool assembly 500, can be inserted into the surgical site via a cannulation assembly (not shown). The surgical suturing device 10 includes a first clamp 504 or a second clamp 506 relative to the tool assembly 500. Figure 3 ) 199 (with acute-angle support) Figure 3Compared to a tool assembly where the suture needle is orthogonal to the tool assembly, positioning the suture needle 199 at an angle within the tool assembly 500 allows for the use of a longer suture needle, which in turn facilitates the suture needle 199 passing through typically thicker scar tissue, such as along the edge of a midline hernia. 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 at the distal end of the elongated shaft assembly 300.

[0042] Figure 3 and 4 A handle assembly 100 is shown, comprising a housing 102 having a first housing half 102a and a second housing half 102b, a pair of handles 110 pivotally fixed to the housing 102 about corresponding pivots 101a, 101b, a lever 182 pivotally supported in the housing 102 and extending laterally from the housing 102, and a connecting portion 116. The pair of handles 110 are operatively coupled to an axial rod 152 such that, when the pair of handles 110 are pressed, the axial rod 152 is displaced distally. The axial rod 152 is operatively coupled to a tool assembly 500 to allow the tool assembly 500 to switch between an open and closed configuration, as will be discussed below. The pair of handles 110 are pivotally fixed to the housing 102 about corresponding pivots 101a, 101b. Furthermore, the pair of handles 110 are pivotally coupled to a connecting rod 112, which is pivotally coupled to the connecting portion 116. The connecting portion 116 is connected to the axial rod 152 to impart accompanying axial displacement to the axial rod 152. Specifically, the axial rod 152 is connected by a spring 118 at the arrow "P" ( Figure 2 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 116 in a proximal position, which in turn places the pair of handles 110 in a spaced-apart (i.e., unactuated) configuration. When the clinician squeezes the pair of handles 110, the connecting portion 116 is in the direction of arrow "D" ( Figure 2 The axial rod 152 is displaced distally in the direction of the second clamp 506, which imparts axial displacement to the axial rod 152 in the same direction. The axial rod 152 is operatively coupled to the tool assembly 500 such that the axial displacement of the axial rod 152 causes the first clamp 504 to change between open and closed positions toward or away from the second clamp 506, as will be discussed below.

[0043] Figures 4 to 6 A lever 182 is shown, pivotally connected to housing 102 about pivot 105. Lever 182 is operatively connected to first blade 160 and second blade 162 via first drive shaft 184 and second drive shaft 186. Figure 3 The first blade 160 and the second blade 162 are configured to selectively engage the seam connector 199. Figure 11This allows for the interchange of the sewing needle 199 between the first clamp 504 and the second clamp 506. Specifically, the first drive shaft 184 and the second drive shaft 186 are pivotally connected to the lever 182 about corresponding pivots 107, 109. Pivots 107, 109 are laterally spaced about pivot 105 on opposite sides of the lever 182. Specifically, the first drive shaft 184 and the second drive shaft 186 are slidably supported along the length of the 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 blade 160 and second blade 162, as will be described below. The first drive shaft 184 may, for example, be substantially parallel to the axial rod 152. The first drive shaft 184 includes a body portion 184a, an adapter portion 184b, and a connecting rod 184c. The connecting rod 184c is pivotally connected to the lever 182 about pivot 107. Link 184c is also connected to adapter portion 184b via pin 183a. Main portion 184a engages adapter portion 184b in a cam manner via cam pin 183b connected to main portion 184a. Cam pin 183b rests in slot 183 defined in adapter portion 184b. Furthermore, adapter portion 184b may include spring 190 to bias main portion 184a away from link 184c, for example, in a distal direction. Lever 182 may include stop mechanism 187 to maintain the relative position of first drive shaft 184 and second drive shaft 186. Specifically, stop mechanism 187 includes recesses 187a, 187b defined in lever 182 and boss 187c extending from housing 102 and configured to frictionally engage recesses 187a, 187b. In this configuration, the stop mechanism 187 holds the first drive shaft 184 in the nearest position and the second drive shaft 186 in the farthest position, such that the second blade 162 is positioned to engage the seam needle 199. Similarly, the stop mechanism 187 holds the first drive shaft 184 in the farthest position and the second drive shaft 186 in the nearest position, such that the first blade 160 is positioned to engage the seam needle 199. The second drive shaft 186 includes a portion 186a that defines, for example, an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis "LL," such that pivoting of the lever 182 causes a reciprocating axial displacement of the first blade 160 and the second blade 162, enabling the seam needle 199 to be interchanged between the first clamp 504 and the second clamp 506.

[0044] Figure 7 and 8A tool assembly 500 is shown coupled to the distal portion of an elongated shaft assembly 300. The tool assembly 500 includes a support portion 502 coupled to the elongated shaft assembly 300, a first clamp 504 movably coupled to the support portion 502, and a second clamp 506 fixedly coupled to the support portion 502. Specifically, the first clamp 504 is movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration, in which a sewing needle 199 engages both the first clamp 504 and the second clamp 506, and in the open configuration, the sewing needle 199 rests on one of the first clamp 504 and the second clamp 506 and is spaced apart from the other. The first clamp 504 is coupled to an axial rod 152. Specifically, the axial rod 152 is pivotally coupled to a link member 580 about a pivot 580a. The link member 580 defines a slot 582 configured to pivotally receive the distal end of the axial rod 152 therein. Linkage 580 is pivotally connected to a first clamp 504 about a pivot 580b. Specifically, the first clamp 504 defines a slot 504j configured to pivotally receive a portion of the linkage 580 therein.

[0045] Figure 9 A support portion 502 of the tool assembly 500 is shown, defining a slot 508 and a hole 512. Specifically, the slot 508 has an arcuate profile, and the hole 512 is defined on the distal side of the slot 508. A first clamp 504 includes a cam pin 509a fixed to the hole 504a and engaging the slot 508 in a cam manner, and a pivot pin 509b received in the hole 504b and pivotally fixed about a pivot 583b to a second link member 583. The second link member 583 is pivotally coupled to the support portion 502 via a pin 509d received in the hole 512 defined in the support portion 502 about a pivot 583a. The first clamp 504 further defines holes 504f, 504e, which are configured to receive a pin 504c (only one shown) to guide a first blade 160.

[0046] Figure 9 The orientation of the first clamp 504 at the end of the linear portion of its stroke is shown. The linkage member 580 is directly positioned relative to the root of the axial rod 152 and the first clamp 504, such that the force applied to the axial rod 152 is converted into a closing force with leverage loss, which is only a multiple of the COS of the angle formed between the suture needle 199 and the longitudinal axis of the instrument. This provides a wide range of advantages over the prior art, in which force loss is typically a leverage ratio, i.e., the ratio of the pivot to the clamp end or suture needle position and the ratio of the pivot to the actuator, which can be approximately 5:1.

[0047] The first blade 160 and the second blade 162 include corresponding proximal portions 160a and 162a configured to engage corresponding distal portions 184a and 186a of the first drive shaft 184 and the second drive shaft 186. The distal portions 184a and 186a define grooves whose shapes are complementary to those of the proximal portions 160a and 162a. In this way, the first blade 160 and the second blade 162 can move as a single configuration with the corresponding first drive shaft 184 and the second drive shaft 186. The corresponding first blade 160 and the second blade 162 define corresponding recesses 160c and 162c at the distal portions 160b and 162b. The distal portions 160b and 162b of the first blade 160 and the second blade 162 slidably extend into blade receiving channels (not shown) of the corresponding first clamp 504 and the second clamp 506. By advancing a first blade 160 or a second blade 162 within a corresponding blade receiving channel, notches 160c, 162c defined in the distal portions 160b, 162a of the advanced first blade 160 or second blade 162 engage or "lock" in grooves 199a, 199b of the sewing needle 199 to support the sewing needle 199 on a corresponding first clamp 504 or second clamp 506. A sewing thread (not shown) is connected to the sewing needle 199. The sewing thread may include a plurality of barbs oriented to block movement in a direction opposite to the insertion direction.

[0048] In this configuration, lever 182 can pivot between a first position where the first blade 160 is in its most distal position to secure the sewing needle 199 to the first clamp 504. At this time, the second blade 162 is in its most distal position and disengaged from the second clamp 506. When lever 182 pivots to the second position, the second blade 162 is in its most distal position to secure the sewing needle 199 to the second clamp 506. At this time, the first blade 160 is in its most distal position. In this way, the sewing needle 199 is switched from engaging one of the first blade 160 or the second blade 162 to engaging the other of the first blade 160 or the second blade 162.

[0049] It is understood that when the first clamp 504 is opened, its relative position to the axis of the instrument moves proximally, and when the clamp is closed, it moves back to its original distal position. A spring 190 enclosed within the adapter portion 184b is positioned on the first drive shaft 184 to facilitate movement from proximity to distality without moving the lever 182 or disengaging from the sewing needle 199.

[0050] Figure 10 and 11A sewing needle 199 is shown supported on at least one of a first clamp 504 or a second clamp 506. Specifically, the first clamp 504 includes a first elongated portion 504g and a first receiving portion 504h extending distally from the first elongated portion 504g. The first receiving portion 504h defines a first receiving hole 507a configured to receive a portion of the sewing needle 199. The first receiving hole 507a is configured to support the sewing needle 199 at an acute angle α, for example, relative to a longitudinal axis “TT” defined by the first clamp 504. For example, the acute angle α relative to the longitudinal axis “TT” may be about 45 degrees. The first receiving portion 504h includes a first flat surface 504k, for example, orthogonal to the sewing needle 199. The second clamp 506 includes a second elongated portion 506g and a second receiving portion 506h extending distally from the second elongated portion 506g. The second elongated portion 506g is longer than the first elongated portion 504g. The second receiving portion 506h is located distal to the first receiving portion 504h. The second receiving portion 506h defines a second receiving hole 507b configured to receive a portion of the sewing needle 199. The second receiving hole 507b is configured to support the sewing needle 199 at an acute angle β relative to, for example, the longitudinal axis “TT” defined by the first clamp 504. For example, the acute angle β relative to the longitudinal axis “TT” may be approximately 45 degrees. The second receiving portion 506h includes a second flat surface 506k opposite to the first flat surface 504k. The first flat surface 504k and the second flat surface 506k may be substantially parallel to each other. The second flat surface 506k is, for example, orthogonal to the sewing needle 199.

[0051] In use, the pair of handles 110 are initially compressed to place the surgical suture device 10 in a closed configuration, in which the first clamp 504 and the second clamp 506 are close together (see...). Figure 11 At this point, the clinician can locate the first clamp 504 and the second clamp 506 through the opening in the tissue. Thereafter, the pair of handles 110 are released to turn the first clamp 504 and the second clamp 506 into an open configuration (see [link]). Figure 10The first clamp 504 and the second clamp 506 are spaced apart. At this time, the suture needle 199 can be securely supported on the first clamp 504. Tissue is placed between the first clamp 504 and the second clamp 506 when they are in the open configuration. The pair of handles 110 are squeezed to change the first clamp 504 and the second clamp 506 into the closed configuration. At this time, the suture needle 199 is received in the second hole 507 of the second clamp 506. Once the suture needle 199 is loaded or at least partially inserted into the second hole 507b, the lever 182 can be pivoted to advance the second blade 162 and retract the first blade 160, such that the notch 162c of the second blade 162 aligns with the groove 199b of the suture needle 199, and the notch 160b of the first blade 160 disengages from the groove 199a of the suture needle 199. With only the second blade 162 engaged with the sewing needle 199, the pair of handles 110 can be released, thereby moving the axial rod 152 proximally to open the first clamp 504 and the second clamp 506.

[0052] With the first clamp 504 and the second clamp 506 in the open position and the suture needle 199 loaded and held in the second clamp 506, the first clamp 504 and the second clamp 506 can be positioned around or above the target tissue, and the pair of handles 110 can be actuated to close the first clamp 504 and the second clamp 506. As the first clamp 504 approaches the second clamp 506, the exposed end of the suture needle 199 passes through the target tissue and the opposing first clamp 504. With the suture needle 199 in the first clamp 504, the lever 182 is rotated again, causing the first blade 160 and the second blade 162 to reverse. In this operation, the suture needle 199 is switched from the second blade 162 to the first blade 160 and is thus loaded or held in the first clamp 160. This process is repeated, causing the suture needle 199 to pass between the first clamp 160 and the second clamp 162 and pull the suture thread through the target tissue, thereby suturing the target tissue as needed or desired. In this way, the suture needle 199 can reliably pass through the typically thicker scar tissue present along, for example, the edge of a midline hernia. The straight suture needle 199 can be adapted to pass through the tissue as needed using, for example, externally extending circumferential sutures to close abdominal defects.

[0053] It is conceivable that the surgical suture device 10 can be configured to connect to the robotic arm of a robotic surgical system to enable manipulation and control of the robotic arm. It is also anticipated that the handle assembly 100 can be an electric or electromechanical handle assembly. Therefore, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope or spirit of this disclosure.

[0054] Although this disclosure is shown in the 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 foregoing 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: An elongated shaft assembly comprising an axial rod extending through the elongated shaft assembly; as well as A tool assembly, which is connected to the elongated shaft assembly, the tool assembly comprising: A first clamp and a second clamp, the first clamp being operatively connected to the axial rod of the elongated shaft assembly such that axial displacement of the axial rod causes the first clamp and the second clamp to switch between an open configuration and a closed configuration; A first needle-receiving blade is slidably disposed in the first clamp and a second needle-receiving blade is slidably disposed in the second clamp; as well as A sewing needle, supported on the first clamp or the second clamp, and defining an acute angle relative to a longitudinal axis defined by the tool assembly, the sewing needle being detachably secured to the first clamp via a first needle receiving blade or detachably secured to the second clamp via a second needle receiving blade; A first hole is located on the first clamp and defines a first acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the first clamp; as well as A second hole, located on the second clamp and defining a second acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the second clamp, and both the first hole and the second hole are configured to receive a portion of the suture needle.

2. The surgical suturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first clamp includes a first receiving portion and the second clamp includes a second receiving portion, both the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion being configured to support the suture needle.

3. The surgical suturing apparatus of claim 2, wherein both the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion include opposing flat surfaces, the opposing flat surfaces defining corresponding acute angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the tool assembly.

4. The surgical suturing apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first receiving portion of the first clamp is proximal to the second receiving portion of the second clamp.

5. The surgical suturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the suture needle is a straight needle.

6. The surgical suturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acute angle of the suture needle is about 45 degrees.

7. The surgical suturing apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first receiving portion includes the first hole and the second receiving portion includes the second hole, the first hole and the second hole being orthogonal to a corresponding flat surface.

8. The surgical suturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein both the first needle receiving blade and the second needle receiving blade include a corresponding notch configured to engage the suture needle.

9. The surgical suturing apparatus of claim 8, wherein the suture needle is defined in a circular groove on opposite ends of the suture needle.

10. The surgical suturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the suture needle extends distally when supported on the first clamp.

11. The surgical suturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the suturing needle extends proximally when supported on the second clamp.

12. A tool assembly for use with a surgical suture device, the tool assembly comprising: A sewing needle having a first end and a second end; First clamp and second clamp, the first clamp and the second clamp being switchable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, the first clamp including a first elongated portion and a first receiving portion configured to support the first end of the suture needle, the second clamp including a second elongated portion longer than the first elongated portion and a second receiving portion configured to support the second end of the suture needle, the suture needle defining an acute angle relative to a longitudinal axis defined by the tool assembly when supported on the first clamp or the second clamp; as well as A first needle receiving blade and a second needle receiving blade are axially movable in a reciprocating manner. The first needle receiving blade and the second needle receiving blade engage with the corresponding first and second ends of the sewing needle to fix the sewing needle to the corresponding first clamp or second clamp.

13. The tool assembly of claim 12, wherein the acute angle is about 45 degrees.

14. The tool assembly of claim 12, wherein the stitching needle is parallel to the longitudinal axis when supported on the first clamp in the open configuration.

15. The tool assembly of claim 12, wherein the sewing needle defines an axis.

16. The tool assembly of claim 12, wherein the second receiving portion of the second clamp is distal to the first receiving portion of the first clamp.

17. The tool assembly of claim 12, wherein the first receiving portion of the first clamp and the second receiving portion of the second clamp include corresponding flat surfaces and define corresponding holes configured to receive a portion of the sewing needle, the first receiving portion of the first clamp and the second receiving portion of the second clamp extending distally from corresponding first elongated portions and second elongated portions.

18. The tool assembly of claim 12, wherein the first clamp and the second clamp define respective channels configured to slidably receive the first needle receiving blade and the second needle receiving blade, and respective holes configured to support the sewing needle, each hole communicating with the corresponding channel.

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