Bending tools and methods of use thereof

Abstract

A single-patient-use, disposable tool includes a molded, one-piece body (102) having a curved upper surface (116) having a predetermined bend radius for bending a needle slidably disposed in a sheath. The distal end of the curved surface has a slot (124) for inserting the tip of the needle, and the proximal end of the curved surface has a guide member (122) for slidably receiving the sheath. Two finger rings (114) or similar ergonomic features allow the user to rotate the bending tool relative to the sheath to bend the needle about the predetermined bend radius. After the bend is completed, the tool is removed from the needle and discarded.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to bending tools, and more particularly to bending tools for bending surgical needles. Background Art

[0002] Surgical devices have been developed in which a hollow needle is slidably mounted in a protective sheath attached to a handle. One or more anchors may be disposed within the needle to be ejected from the distal end of the needle to close a wound or tear in soft tissue. Although both straight and curved needles are known in the art, in some cases, a user may desire to bend the needle beyond the range currently available. For example, an increased bend in the distal end of the needle may allow better access to tears in the posterior to middle third region of the meniscus, while a bend in the proximal portion of the needle allows manipulation around the intercondylar eminence of the tibial plateau.

[0003] Some surgical needles have been provided with flexible distal ends, and means for bending the needle in a predetermined direction. However, such surgical needles have been found to be too expensive and complicated. In non-flexible surgical needles, the user may sometimes bend the needle "off-label" manually or using a forceps-like body, which not only puts the user at risk, but also risks damaging the needle beyond the range of use. For example, bending off-label may kink the needle or crush the needle tip, which may prevent deployment of an anchor inserted into the needle. Summary of the invention

[0004] A single-patient-use, disposable tool is described herein that allows bending of a needle while limiting and controlling the maximum bend angle and bend radius of the needle. The tool can be pre-installed on the needle, or can be provided in a separate piece. The tool includes a molded one-piece body having a curved upper surface having a predetermined bend radius for bending a needle slidably disposed in a sheath. The distal end of the curved surface has a groove for inserting the needle tip, and the proximal end of the curved surface has a guide member for slidably receiving the sheath. Two finger rings or similar ergonomic features allow the user to rotate the bending tool relative to the sheath to bend the needle around a predetermined bend radius. After the bend is completed, the tool is removed from the needle and discarded.

[0005] Examples of bending tools of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following in any suitable combination.

[0006] In an example, a bending tool of the present disclosure includes a body having a curved surface extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The tool also includes a slot at the distal end of the curved surface for receiving the tip of a needle. The tool also includes a guide portion for receiving a needle sheath therethrough. When the tip of the needle is inserted into the slot, the guide portion allows the axis of the needle to bend along the curved surface of the body when the body is rotated toward the axis of the needle.

[0007] In other examples, the body is molded as a single piece. In an example, the body includes an angle limiter adjacent to the curved surface for limiting the maximum bending angle or bending radius of the needle. In an example, the curved surface has a predetermined bending radius or bending angle. In an example, the body includes a mark for indicating the predetermined bending radius or bending angle of the curved surface. In an example, the body includes a textured gripping surface. In an example, the width of the curved surface of the body is selected to be substantially equal to the width of the sheath. In an example, the body is made of injection molded plastic. In an example, the tool is preassembled to the tip of the needle. In an example, the needle is a hollow needle. In an example, the guide portion further includes a window for direct visualization of the needle. In an example, the guide portion includes a curved surface. When the tip of the needle is inserted into the slot, the guide portion also allows the axis of the needle to bend along the curved surface of the guide portion when the body is rotated away from the axis of the needle.

[0008] In an example, a method for bending a needle of the present disclosure includes inserting the tip of the needle into a slot of a bending tool. The bending tool includes a body having a curved surface extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The slot is located at the distal end of the curved surface. The tool also includes a guide portion for receiving a needle sheath therethrough. The method further includes rotating the body toward the axis of the needle so that the axis of the needle bends along the curved surface of the body. In other examples, the needle is a hollow needle. In an example, the method further includes limiting the maximum bending angle or bending radius of the needle with an angle limiter adjacent to the curved surface. In an example, the method further includes discarding the tool after bending the axis of the needle.

[0009] In an example, a bending tool of the present disclosure includes a body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The body has a slot extending through the body transverse to the longitudinal axis. The slot is configured to receive the shaft of a needle. The slot includes at least one curved surface extending at an angle to the longitudinal axis. When the shaft of the needle is inserted into the slot, the tool allows the shaft to bend along the curved surface. In an example, the slot is configured to provide three contact points on the shaft of the needle when the needle is inserted into the slot.

[0010] In an example, a bending tool of the present disclosure includes a body having a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end. A first slot extends through the body along the longitudinal axis. The proximal end of the first slot has a first curved surface extending at an angle to the longitudinal axis. The distal end of the first slot is configured to receive the tip of a needle. A second slot extends through the body transverse to the longitudinal axis. The second slot includes a second curved surface extending at an angle to the longitudinal axis. The second slot is configured to receive the shaft of the needle. When the tip of the needle is inserted into the distal end of the first slot, the slot allows the tip of the needle to bend along the first curved surface. When the shaft of the needle is inserted into the second slot, the second slot allows the shaft to bend along the second curved surface. In an example, the first slot includes a relief channel configured to provide clearance for one or more implants and / or sutures disposed in the tip of the needle.

[0011] These and other features and advantages will be apparent from reading the following detailed description and viewing the associated drawings.It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are illustrative only and are not restrictive of the aspects of what is claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The present disclosure will be more fully understood by referring to the detailed description in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1A is a side view of an example of a bending tool of the present disclosure; and

[0014] Figure 1B -D shows the use of the bending tool of Figure 1 in bending a hollow needle;

[0015] Figure 2A and 2B In side view ( Figure 2A ) and perspective view ( Figure 2B ) shows another example of the bending tool of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 2C yes Figure 2A and 2B a cross-sectional view of a bending tool; and

[0017] Figure 3A and 3B In side view ( Figure 3A ) and cross-sectional views ( Figure 3B ) shows another example of the bending tool of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 4A and 4B Another example of a bending tool of the present disclosure is shown in relative side views;

[0019] Figure 5A -D shows another example of a bending tool of the present disclosure in various views;

[0020] Figure 5E Shows Figure 5A - Alternative instance of the bending tool for D;

[0021] Fig. 6A and 6B In side view ( Fig. 6A ) and perspective view ( Figure 6B ) shows another example of the bending tool of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 7 An alternative example of a bending tool of the present disclosure is shown in side view; and

[0023] Figure 8 An example of a sheath for use with the bending tool of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In the following description, similar components have been given the same reference numerals, regardless of whether they are shown in different examples. In order to illustrate the examples in a clear and concise manner, the drawings may not necessarily be drawn to scale, and certain features may be shown in a slightly schematic form. Features described and / or shown with respect to one example may be used in the same manner or in a similar manner in one or more other examples and / or combined with features of other examples or replace features of other examples.

[0025] As used in the specification and claims, for the purpose of describing and defining the present invention, the terms "about" and "approximately" are used to represent the inherent uncertainty that can be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement or other representation. The terms "about" and "approximately" are also used herein to represent the extent to which a quantitative representation can differ from the benchmark without causing the basic function of the subject in question to change. "Includes", "includes" and / or respective plural forms are open-ended and include listed parts and may include unlisted additional parts. "And / or" is open-ended and includes one or more listed parts and a combination of listed parts. The use of the terms "upper", "lower", etc. is intended only to facilitate a clear description of the present disclosure, and is not intended to limit the structure, positioning and / or operation of the present disclosure in any way.

[0026] Now go to Figure 1A, an example of a bending tool 100 of the present disclosure is shown in a side view. The bending tool 100 is composed of a substantially flat body 102, the body including an upper curved surface 116, the upper curved surface having a width approximately equal to the sheath of a hollow needle. In an example, the body 102 is made of injection molded plastic, such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) or polycarbonate. The lower portion of the body 102 includes two finger rings 114 or similar ergonomic features to allow a user to manipulate the bending tool 100. The curved surface 116 extends between a proximal end 120 and a distal end 118 of the curved surface 116. The guide portion 122 at the proximal end 120 of the curved surface 116 is configured to receive the sheath of the needle passing therethrough. The retaining groove 124 at the distal end 118 of the curved surface 116 is configured to receive the tip of the needle. In an example where the bending tool 100 is preassembled to the needle, the groove 124 also serves as a sharps safety cap for the tip of the needle. The retaining groove 124 is spaced from the finger ring 114 to reduce user risk by positioning the hand away from the sharp needle tip. As further described below, the radius of the curved surface 116 is selected so that it has a maximum predetermined bending radius for controlling the degree of bending of the needle. The body 102 may also include a marking or logo 126 for indicating a predetermined bending radius (as shown, for example, one inch) of the bending tool 100. In addition, an angle limiter 128 is disposed below the curved surface 116 to limit the maximum bending angle or bending radius of the needle.

[0027] Now refer to Figure 1B and 1C The operation and use of the bending tool 100 is described in bending a surgical needle 140, such as the needles described in US Pat. Nos. 7,153,312, 7,887,551, 8,512,375, and 7,651,509 to Smith & Nephew, Inc. (Memphis, TN), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Figure 1B The use of the bending tool 100 is shown in a perspective view, and Figure 1C The use of the bending tool 100 is shown in a cross-sectional view. In an example, the bending tool 100 is pre-attached to the needle 140 so that the sharp beveled end 144 of the needle 140 is disposed within the slot 124 and the sheath 142 extends through the guide portion 122. Assume that the user wishes to access a repair site where the needle 140 is desired to be oriented at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis L of the sheath 142. Therefore, it is desired to place the bend in the shaft 146 of the needle 140. This can be achieved by the user holding the handle of the needle 140 (not shown) with one hand and then grasping the finger ring 114 of the bending tool 100 with the other hand.

[0028] like Figure 1DAs shown, the bending tool 100 can be rotated in a direction toward the shaft 146 of the needle 140 while the needle 140 is held in a fixed position. The guide portion 122 is configured to allow the sheath 142 to move toward the curved surface 116 so that the shaft 146 of the needle 140 is bent along the curved surface 116. The user continues to rotate the bending tool 100 until the desired amount of bend has been placed in the shaft 146 of the needle 140. In an example where the sheath 142 is made of thin plastic, the sheath 142 can bend with the needle 140 as the needle 140 is bent to the desired shape. The angle limiter 128 limits the maximum bending angle or bending radius of the needle 140. The curved portion of the shaft 146 has a predetermined bending radius determined by the curved surface 116, thereby ensuring that no excessive stress is placed in the needle 140. By providing the curved surface 116 with a predetermined bending radius, it is possible to bend the shaft 146 of the needle 140 within a predetermined limit while preventing the needle 140 from folding or kinking or crushing the needle tip 144. After the desired amount of bend has been placed in the shaft 146 of the needle 140, the bending tool 100 can be removed from the needle 140 and discarded. The needle 140 is then ready for use.

[0029] Now go to Figure 2A and 2B , another example of a bending tool 200 of the present disclosure is shown in side view and perspective view, respectively. The bending tool 200 is substantially similar to the bending tool 100 except as described below. The bending tool is composed of a substantially flat body 202, which includes a first bending surface 216 ( Figure 2B ), the first curved surface has a width substantially equal to that of the sheath 242 of the hollow needle 240. In an example, the body 202 may include a textured surface 204, such as a waffle pattern (as shown), to aid in gripping the body 202. The body 202 may also include a marking or identification 226 for indicating a predetermined bending angle of the needle 240 (different from the predetermined bending radius of the bending tool 100). The first curved surface 216 extends between the proximal end 220 and the distal end 218 of the first curved surface 216 and includes a curvature release portion for implant / suture clearance. In addition, an angle limiter 228 is disposed below the first curved surface 216 to limit the maximum bending angle or bending radius of the needle 240. The guide portion 222 is configured to receive the sheath 242 of the needle 240 therethrough. The guide portion 222 includes a window 209 for direct visualization of the needle 240 passing through the guide portion 222.

[0030] like Figure 2CAs shown, the guide portion 222 also includes a second curved surface 208 that extends away from the first curved surface 216 of the body 202. A retaining slot 224 within the guide portion 222 at the distal end 218 of the first curved surface 216 is configured to receive a tip 244 of the needle 240. When the tip 244 is inserted into the slot 224, the opening 206 at the proximal end of the guide portion 222 is configured to allow the shaft 246 of the needle 240 to bend along the first curved surface 216 by rotating the body 202 toward the shaft 246 of the needle 240, or to bend along the second curved surface 208 by rotating the body 202 away from the shaft 246 of the needle 240, as desired.

[0031] Now go to Figure 3A and 3B , another example of a bending tool 300 of the present disclosure is shown in a side view and a cross-sectional view, respectively. The bending tool 300 is substantially similar to the bending tool 200 except as described below. The bending tool 300 is composed of a substantially flat body 302 including a first curved surface 316 and a second curved surface 308. In an example, the body 302 may include a textured surface 304, such as a waffle pattern (as shown), to help grasp the body 302. The body 302 may also include a mark or identification 326 for indicating a predetermined bending angle of the needle 340. The opening 306 at the proximal end 320 of the body 302 is configured to receive a sheath 342 of the needle 340 therethrough. The retaining groove 324 in the body 302 at the distal end 318 of the curved surfaces 308, 316 is configured to receive the tip 344 of the needle 340. The body 302 may define a window 309 for direct visualization of the needle 340 in the retaining groove 324. When the tip 344 is inserted into the slot 324 , the opening 306 allows the shaft 346 of the needle 340 to bend along the first curved surface 316 by rotating the body 302 toward the shaft 346 of the needle 340 , or along the second curved surface 308 by rotating the body 302 away from the shaft 346 of the needle 340 , as desired.

[0032] Now go to Figure 4A and 4B , another example of a bending tool 400 of the present disclosure is shown in an opposite side view. Bending tool 400 is substantially similar to bending tool 300 except as described below. However, bending tool 400 is advantageously configured to allow proximal bending of the shaft of the needle and distal bending of the tip of the needle. Figure 4A and 4BAs shown, the bending tool 400 is composed of a substantially flat body 402 including a first curved surface 416 and a second curved surface 408. In an example, the body 402 may include a textured surface 404 to help grasp the body 402. The body 402 may also include a mark or identification 426 for indicating a predetermined bending angle of the needle (not shown). The first retaining groove 424 in the body 402 extends along the longitudinal axis A of the body 402 and is configured to bend the tip of the needle. In an example, the body 402 may define a window 409 for direct visualization of the needle in the first retaining groove 424. The body 402 also includes a second retaining groove 448, which extends through the body 402 transverse to the longitudinal axis A, and the second retaining groove is configured to receive the shaft of the needle. In an example, as shown, the second retaining groove 448 extends through the distal end 421 of the body 402.

[0033] Still refer to Figure 4A and 4B , the second retaining groove 448 includes at least a third curved surface 450 extending at an angle to the longitudinal axis A. In addition, an angle limiter 456 is provided at the outer end of the third curved surface 450 to limit the maximum bending angle or bending radius of the needle. When the shaft of the needle is inserted into the second retaining groove 448, the tool 400 allows the shaft to be bent along the curved surface 450 by rotating the body 402 toward the needle in either direction. It is worth noting that in the example, the body 402 is configured to provide three contact points 452a, b, c on the needle. The contact points 452a, b are provided on the distal side of the second retaining groove 448, while the contact point 452c is provided on the proximal side of the second retaining groove 448. However, the present disclosure covers more or less than three contact points. Once the bending begins, the user's hand becomes the contact point 452a or 452b, depending on the direction of the bending. After the bending is completed according to the user's preference, the tool 400 is then removed and discarded.

[0034] Now go to Figure 5A , another example of a bending tool 500 of the present disclosure is shown in side view. Bending tool 500 is substantially similar to bending tool 400 except as described below. Bending tool 500 is configured to allow proximal bending of shaft 546 of needle 540, as well as distal bending of tip 544 of needle 540. Figure 5BAs shown, the bending tool 500 is composed of a substantially flat body 502 including a first curved surface 516. In an example, the body 502 may include a textured surface 504, such as a waffle pattern, to help grasp the body 502. An opening 506 at the proximal end 520 of the body 502 is configured to receive a sheath 542 of a needle 540. A first retaining slot 524 extends along the longitudinal axis A of the body 502 at a distal end 518 of the first curved surface 516. The first retaining slot 524 is substantially equidistantly located between the first side 502a and the second side 502b of the body 502 and is configured to receive a tip 544 of the needle 540. In an example, the body 502 may define a window 509 for direct visualization of the needle in the first retaining slot 524. When the tip 544 is inserted into the slot 524, the opening 506 allows the shaft 546 of the needle 540 to be bent along the first curved surface 516 by rotating the body 502 toward the shaft 546 of the needle 540. Furthermore, an angle limiter 528 is disposed below the first curved surface 516 to limit a maximum bending angle or a bending radius of the needle 540 .

[0035] like Figure 5C As shown, the first retaining groove 524 may also include a release channel 554, which provides clearance for any implant and / or any suture attached thereto disposed in the tip 544 of the needle (not shown), so that the implant and / or suture will not be subjected to the stress generated during the bending of the tip of the needle. The window 509 may also include one or more bridging features 560 to prevent the needle from accidentally sliding out of the first retaining groove 524 during the bending of the needle and possibly causing a needle stick hazard. The bridging feature 560 also provides structural support for the window 509.

[0036] Now go to Figure 5D, the body 502 further includes a second retaining groove 548 extending through the body 502 transverse to the longitudinal axis A. The second retaining groove 548 is configured to receive the sheath 542 of the needle 540. In an example, as shown, the second retaining groove 548 extends through the distal end 521 of the body 502. The second retaining groove 548 includes at least a second curved surface 550 extending at an angle to the longitudinal axis A. In addition, an angle limiter 556 is provided at the outer end of the second curved surface 550 to limit the maximum bending angle or bending radius of the needle 540. When the sheath 542 of the needle 540 is inserted into the second retaining groove 548, the tool 500 allows the shaft of the needle 540 to be bent along the second curved surface 550 by rotating the body 502 toward the needle 540 in either direction. It is worth noting that in an example, the body 502 is configured to provide three contact points 552a, b, c on the needle 540. Contact points 552a, b are provided on the distal side of second retaining slot 548, while contact point 552c is provided on the proximal side of second retaining slot 548. However, the present disclosure encompasses more or less than three contact points. Once bending is initiated, the user's hand becomes contact point 552a or 552b, depending on the direction of the bend. After the bend is completed according to the user's preference, tool 500 is then removed and discarded.

[0037] exist Figure 5E An alternative example of a bending tool 500' is shown in FIG. Similar to the body 502 of the bending tool 500, the body 502' includes a second retaining groove 548' extending through the body 502', and a second curved surface 550'. However, in the bending tool 500', the second curved surface 550' does not include an angle limiter at the end of the second curved surface 550'. Therefore, when the needle is bent along the second curved surface 550', the bending tool 500' controls the bending radius but does not limit the bending angle of the needle. The present disclosure also contemplates that the bending tool can control the bending angle of the needle instead of the bending radius.

[0038] Now go to Fig. 6A and 6B In the side view ( Fig. 6A ) and perspective view ( Figure 6B) shows another example of a bending tool 600 of the present disclosure. Except as described below, the bending tool 600 is substantially similar to the bending tool 500. The bending tool 600 is configured to allow proximal bending of the shaft of a needle (not shown), as well as distal bending of the tip of the needle. The bending tool 600 is composed of a substantially flat body 602 including a first curved surface 616. In an example, the body 602 may include a textured surface 604, such as a waffle pattern, to help grip the body 602. An opening 606 at the proximal end 620 of the body 602 is configured to receive a sheath of the needle. A first retaining groove 624 extends along the longitudinal axis A of the body 602 at the distal end 618 of the first curved surface 616. The first retaining groove 624 is positioned closer to the first side 602a of the body 602 than the second side 602b, and is configured to receive the tip of the needle. In an example, the body 602 may define a window 609 for direct visualization of the needle in the first retaining groove 624. When the tip of the needle is inserted into the slot 624, the opening 606 allows the needle axis to bend along the first curved surface 616 by rotating the body 602 toward the needle axis. In addition, an angle limiter 628 is provided below the first curved surface 616 to limit the maximum bending angle or bending radius of the needle.

[0039] Still refer to Fig. 6A and 6B , the body 602 further includes a second retaining groove 648 extending through the body 602 transverse to the longitudinal axis A. The second retaining groove 648 is configured to receive a sheath of a needle. In an example, as shown, the second retaining groove 648 extends through the distal end 621 of the body 602. The second retaining groove 648 includes at least a second curved surface 650 extending at an angle to the longitudinal axis A. In addition, an angle limiter 656 is provided at the outer end of the second curved surface 650 to limit the maximum bending angle or bending radius of the needle. When the sheath of the needle is inserted into the second retaining groove 648, the tool 600 allows the shaft of the needle to be bent along the second curved surface 650 by rotating the body 602 toward the needle 640 in either direction. In an example, the body 602 is configured to provide three contact points 652a, b, c on the needle. The contact points 652a, b are provided on the distal side of the second retaining groove 648, and the contact point 652c is provided on the proximal side of the second retaining groove 648. However, the present disclosure contemplates more or less than three contact points. Once bending is initiated, the user's hand becomes the contact point 652a or 652b, depending on the direction of the bend. In an example, the distal end 621 of the body 602 also includes a printed arrow 662, where the three contact points 652a, b, c align with corresponding markings on the needle (not shown) to indicate a "no bend" zone, thereby minimizing the bend at the weakest point in the needle. After the bend is completed according to the user's preference, the tool 600 is then removed and discarded.

[0040] Now go to Figure 7 , shows another example of a bending tool 700 of the present disclosure. In the bending tool 700, the body 702 includes a first curved surface 716 at one end of the body 702 for distal bending of the tip of a needle (not shown), and a second curved surface 750 at the opposite end of the body 702 for proximal bending of the shaft of the needle. When the shaft is bent along the curved surface 740, the tool 700 can provide only one contact point 752a on the needle.

[0041] Now go to Figure 8 , shows an example of a sheath 842 of the present disclosure. The sheath 842 is configured to slide over a needle (not shown) and control the bend angle and bend radius of the needle via a plurality of slots or notches 858 cut into the wall of the sheath 842. Tighter set notches 858 (shown at end 842a) allow for steeper bend angles and bend radius of the needle, while wider set notches 858 (shown at end 842b) allow for more gradual bend angles and bend radius of the needle.

[0042] In other examples not shown, the bending tool can be designed to allow multiple bending radii. The present disclosure also contemplates that the bending tool can be a multi-piece design and can be used to bend other instruments, including non-hollow needles. In an example, the bending tool can have a single feature that can be used for both the proximal bending of the needle shaft and the distal bending of the needle tip. In other examples, the bending tool can include a moving part to produce a bend in the needle. In other examples, the bending tool can be reusable.

[0043] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential features of the present disclosure. Therefore, the foregoing embodiments are considered to be illustrative in all respects, rather than limiting the disclosure described herein. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and therefore all changes within the equivalent meaning and scope of the claims are intended to be included therein.

Claims

1. A bending tool for a needle slidably mounted in a sheath, the needle having a shaft and a tip, the bending tool comprising: a body including a curved surface extending between a proximal end and a distal end; a groove at a distal end of the curved surface for receiving a tip of a needle; a guide portion for receiving a sheath of the needle passing through the guide portion; Wherein when the tip of the needle is inserted into the groove, the guide portion allows the axis of the needle to bend along the curved surface of the body when the body is rotated toward the axis of the needle.

2. The bending tool of claim 1, wherein the body is molded as a single piece. 3 . The bending tool according to claim 1 , further comprising an angle limiter adjacent to the bending surface for limiting a maximum bending angle or bending radius of the needle. The bending tool according to claim 1 , wherein the bending surface has a predetermined bending radius or bending angle. 5 . The bending tool according to claim 4 , further comprising a marking on the body for indicating a predetermined bending radius or bending angle of the bending surface. The bending tool of claim 1 , wherein the body further comprises a textured gripping surface.

7. The bending tool of claim 1, wherein a width of the curved surface of the body is selected to be substantially equal to a width of the sheath.

8. The bending tool of claim 1, wherein the body is constructed of injection molded plastic.

9. The bending tool of claim 1, wherein the tool is preassembled to the tip of the needle.

10. The bending tool according to claim 1, wherein the needle is a hollow needle.

11. The bending tool of claim 1, wherein the guide portion further comprises a window for direct visualization of the needle.

12. The bending tool of claim 1 , wherein the guide portion includes a curved surface, and wherein when the tip of the needle is inserted into the slot, the guide portion also allows the axis of the needle to bend along the curved surface of the guide portion when the body is rotated away from the axis of the needle.

13. A method of bending a needle slidably mounted in a sheath, the needle having a shaft and a tip, the method comprising: Inserting the tip of the needle into the slot of the bending tool, the bending tool further comprising: a body including a curved surface extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the slot being located at the distal end of the curved surface; and a guide portion for receiving a sheath of the needle passing through the guide portion; The body is rotated toward the needle axis so that the needle axis bends along the curved surface of the body. The method of claim 13 , wherein the needle is a hollow needle.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising limiting a maximum bending angle or bending radius of the needle with an angle limiter adjacent the curved surface.

16. The method of claim 13, further comprising discarding the tool after bending the shaft of the needle.

17. A bending tool for a needle having a shaft and a tip, the bending tool comprising: a body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end; a first slot extending through the body along the longitudinal axis, a proximal end of the first slot having a first curved surface extending at an angle to the longitudinal axis, a distal end of the first slot configured to receive a tip of a needle; a second slot extending through the body transverse to the longitudinal axis, the second slot including a second curved surface extending at an angle to the longitudinal axis, the second slot being configured to receive a shaft of the needle; wherein when the tip of the needle is inserted into the distal end of the first groove, the groove allows the tip of the needle to bend along the first curved surface; and Wherein when the shaft of the needle is inserted into the second groove, the second groove allows the shaft to bend along the second curved surface.

18. The bending tool of claim 17, wherein the first slot includes a relief channel configured to provide clearance for one or more implants and / or sutures disposed within the tip of the needle.

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