Cutting needle holder

Abstract

A cutting needle holder includes first and second arms hingedly connected at a pivot region, each arm having proximal and distal ends and medial gripping portions, wherein the distal ends of the first and second arms form jaws comprising a cutting region and a gripping region separate from the cutting region, and wherein the proximal end of the first arm releasably attaches to the proximal end of the second arm. In some embodiments, the cutting needle holder includes a locking mechanism positioned in the medial gripping portion between the first and second arms configured to lock the arms together.

Description

[0001] TITLE

[0002] Cutting Needle Holder

[0003] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional App. No. 63 / 564,131 filed on March 12, 2024, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Oculoplastic surgery is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries in the world. Around 325,000 blepharoplasties, just a subset of all oculoplastic surgeries, were performed in the US alone in 2020. Therefore, improving the efficiency of oculoplastic surgery presents a valuable goal. A key surgical step is suturing, which is a vital but timeconsuming task. Suturing usually requires 3 surgical instruments: a needle holder, forceps, and scissors. Additionally, suturing usually requires two healthcare personnel, a surgeon handling the needle holder and forceps, and an assistant using the scissors. Oculoplastic surgery requires microsurgical instruments that allow for the highly precice surgery required around the face and eyes. This novel microsurgical instrument combines a scissor and needle holding component. This allows suturing to be done more efficiently by the surgeon alone. This in turn reduces the demand on staffing, improves surgical efficiency, improves time efficiency, and provides better health outcomes for the patient.

[0006] Thus, there is a need in the art for a novel microsurgical instrument that improves the efficiency of suturing. The present invention meets this need.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In some aspects, a cutting needle holder includes first and second arms hingedly connected at a pivot region, each arm having proximal and distal ends and medial gripping portions, wherein the distal ends of the first and second arms form jaws comprising a cutting region and a gripping region separate from the cutting region, and wherein the proximal end of the first arm releasably attaches to the proximal end of the second arm.

[0009] In some embodiments, the holder includes a locking mechanism positioned in the medial gripping portion between the first and second arms configured to lock the arms together. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism comprises a first latching member positioned on the first arm, and a second latching member positioned on the second arm opposed to the first latching member. In some embodiments, each latching member comprises a non-planar cam face.

[0010] In some embodiments, the cutting region comprises a first cutting edge positioned on the first arm, and a second cutting edge positioned on the second arm, opposed to the first cutting edge. In some embodiments, the gripping region comprises a first surface positioned on the first arm, and a second surface positioned on the second arm, opposed to the first surface. In some embodiments, at least one of the first surface and the second surface comprise a high friction material or surface.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first and second arms are formed from one or more a flexible materials. In some embodiments, the cutting region and gripping region are formed from one or more rigid materials. In some embodiments, the medial gripping portions comprises any of ridges, grooves, and a high-friction material or surface. In some embodiments, the jaws are formed in an elongate trapezoidal shape that tapers distally. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the jaws are curved.

[0012] In some embodiments, the proximal ends of the first and second arms are releasably adjoined with an adjoining region that applies a spring bias across the arms and holds the jaws in an open position. In some embodiments, the adjoining region comprises a tab extending proximally from the first arm that releasably inserts into a slot in the second arm. In some embodiments, the first and second arms each have a length ranging between 0.25 cm and 10 cm. In some embodiments, the jaws have a length ranging between 5 mm and 60 mm. In some embodiments, the first and second arms are separated by a distance between the medial gripping portions ranging between 5 mm and 40 mm.

[0013] In some aspects, a cutting needle holder includes in combination a pair of opposed, pivoted, needle-gripping and suture cutting jaws, resilient actuating extensions extending from the jaws on the opposite side of the pivot, united at their ends and biased toward the open position of the jaws, a latch between the actuating extensions for latching the extensions in the closed position of the jaws including a latching element secured to one of said actuating extensions having a non-planar cam face, another latching element secured to the other of said actuating extensions and having a lateral projection thereon with opposite non-planar cam face, both latching elements positioned such that the non-planar faces bias the latching elements to a latching position, and said elements being positioned such that the jaws are closed before the latch becomes effective.

[0014] In some embodiments, an end-effector for robotics includes first and second arms hingedly connected at a pivot region and forming jaws comprising a cutting region and a gripping region separate from the cutting region. In some embodiments, the end-effector includes one or more sensors attached to at least one of the first arm, second arm and pivot region, for measuring the position or displacement of the jaws, or the pressure on at least one of the cutting region and gripping region.

[0015] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The following detailed description of embodiments of the invention will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities of the embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0017] FIG. 1A depicts a front perspective view on exemplary cutting needle holder comprising a needle holding region, a cutting region and a locking mechanism according to aspects of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. IB depicts a rear perspective view of the cutting needle holder of FIG. 1A.

[0019] FIG. 1C depicts a top down view of the cutting needle holder of FIG. 1A. FIG. ID depicts a bottom up view of the cutting needle holder of FIG. 1A FIG. 2 depicts an enlarged view of the locking mechanism of the exemplary cutting needle holder of Fig. 1A.

[0020] FIG. 3A depicts a perspective view of the needle holding region and cutting region of the exemplary cutting needle holder of FIG. 1A.

[0021] FIG. 3B depicts an enlarged view of the needle holding region and cutting region of the exemplary cutting needle holder of FIG. 1A. FIG. 3C depicts an enlarged view of the needle holding region and cutting region of the exemplary cutting needle holder of FIG. 1A.

[0022] FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary cutting needle holder used for suturing according to aspects of the present invention.

[0023] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present invention, while eliminating, for the purpose of clarity many other elements found in related tools, instruments and / or methods. Those of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that other elements and / or steps are desirable and / or required in implementing the present invention. However, because such elements and steps are well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, a discussion of such elements and steps is not provided herein. The disclosure herein is directed to all such variations and modifications to such elements and methods known to those skilled in the art.

[0025] Definitions

[0026] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although any devices and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice for testing of the present invention, exemplary materials and methods are described herein. In describing and claiming the present invention, the following terminology will be used.

[0027] It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.

[0028] The articles “a” and “an” are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, “an element” means one element or more than one element.

[0029] “About” as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass the specified value and variations of ±20%, ±10%, ±5%, ±1%, or ±0.1% from the specified value, as such variations are appropriate.

[0030] The terms “patient,” “subject,” “individual,” and the like are used interchangeably herein, and refer to any animal amenable to the systems, devices, and methods described herein. The patient, subject or individual may be a mammal, and in some instances, a human.

[0031] Ranges: throughout this disclosure, various aspects of the invention can be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 2.7, 3, 4, 5, 5.3, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

[0032] Cutting Needle Holder

[0033] The disclosed cutting needle holder is a novel microsurgical instrument designed to streamline and enhance the efficiency of various surgical procedures, particularly those involving suturing and tissue manipulation. This innovative tool combines the functionality of traditional needle holder and scissors into a single, versatile instrument, thereby reducing the need for multiple instruments and simplifying the surgical workflow. Generally, the disclosed cutting needle holder comprises jaws with a needle holding region with a cutting region separate from the needle holding region. In some embodiments, the disclosed cutting needle holder allows healthcare personnel (e.g., a surgeon) to place, tie and cut suture without assistance.

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 1A, shown is an exemplary cutting needle holder 100 comprising a first arm 110 and a second arm 120 hingedly connected at a pivot region 130. The first arm 110 and second arm 120 each have a proximal end 102 and a distal end 104, and medial gripping portions (112, 122) for holding the tool. The distal ends of the first arm 1 10 and second arm 120 form jaws 140 comprising a cutting region 150 and a holding or gripping region 160 separate from the cutting region 150. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the first arm 110 releasably attaches or connects to the proximal end of the second arm 120 to apply a spring bias to the tool and bias the jaws to an open position. The cutting needle holder 100 is sized and shaped to be comfortably held in one hand of a user with the thumb and opposing fingers positioned over and gripping medial gripping portions 112 and 122. In some embodiments, the pivot region 130 comprises a hinge, pin, pivot, or the like. In some embodiments, medial gripping portions 112 and 122 comprise any of ridges, grooves, knurling, a high-friction surface, and the like, for enhancing ergonomics of the tool.

[0035] In some embodiments, the holder 100 comprises a locking mechanism 170 positioned between the medial gripping portions 112 and 122, and / or between the first arm 110 and second arm 120 and is configured to lock the arms together and close the jaws 140. The locking mechanism 170 may comprise any known locking mechanism for surgical instruments and tools known by one of ordinary skill in the art, including the locking mechanisms of tweezers, forceps, hemostats, and the like, including but not limited to ratcheting mechanisms and magnetic closures. Referring now to Fig. IB and Fig. 2, shown is a detailed view of an exemplary locking mechanism 170. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 170 comprises a first latching member 172 positioned on the first arm 110, and a second latching member 174 positioned on the second arm 120 opposed to the first latching member 172. The exemplary locking mechanism 170 operates by squeezing the first arm 110 and second arm 120 together and positioning the first latching member 172 to interface with and lock against the second latching member 174. Each latching member (172, 174) may comprise one or more cam faces or surfaces that interface and securely hold the latching members together when in the locked position. For example, in some embodiments, latching member 172 comprises a surface 176, and latching member 174 comprises a surface 178 configured to interface with the opposing surface. In some embodiments, surface 176 and / or surface 178 are planar, non-planar, rounded or curved. It should be appreciated that surface 176 and / or surface 178 may both comprise concave curved surfaces to center and secure the surfaces when the locking mechanism 170 is in the closed or locked position. Aspects of the present invention relate to holder 100 comprising jaws 140 having both a cutting region 150 and a gripping region 160 separate from the cutting region 150. Referring now in detail to Figs. 3A-3C, in some embodiments, the cutting region 150 comprises a first cutting edge 152 positioned on the first arm 110, and a second cutting edge 154 positioned on the second arm 120, opposed to the first cutting edge 152 and configured as scissors. In some embodiments, the gripping region 160 comprises a first surface 162 positioned on the first arm 110, and a second surface 164 positioned on the second arm 120, opposed to the first surface 162 and configured as jaws of forceps or hemostats. Generally, the size and shape of holder 100 tapers distally wherein the portions of first arm 110 and second arm 120 comprising medial gripping portions 112 and 122 are wider than the jaws 140, cutting region 150 and / or gripping region 160. However, holder 100 may be also uniform in height and width across the arms. Jaws 140 may be formed in any shape including, but not limited to, elongate shaped and tapering towards distal end 104, and / or trapezoidal shaped. In some embodiments, jaws 140 are straight in the cutting region 150, and curved, or rounded, in the gripping region 160. In another embodiment, the jaws 140 are curved, or rounded in the cutting region 150, and straight in the gripping region 160. In some embodiments, both cutting region 150 and gripping region 160 are curved, or rounded. In some embodiments, first surface 162 and / or second surface 162 of jaws 140 comprise any of ridges, grooves, knurling, a high-friction surface, and the like, for enhancing the gripping of the jaws 140 when holding a needle, suture, and the like. In some embodiments, jaws 140 may comprise interchangeable gripping surfaces for changing the gripping characteristics of the gripping region 160.

[0036] In some embodiments, holder 100 is releasably adjoined at proximal end 102 with an adjoining region 180 formed by proximal portions of first arm 110 and second arm 120. Referring again to Fig. IB, in some embodiments, adjoining region 180 comprises a tab 182 extending proximally from first arm 110 that is releasably inserted into a slot 184 of second arm 120. It should be appreciated that when first arm 110 and second arm 120 are adjoined by adjoining region 180, a spring bias is applied across the arms of holder 100 biasing jaws 140 to an open position. However, holder 100 may also comprise a spring and / or spring member positioned between first arm 110 and second arm 120 to apply a force to the arms and bias jaws 140 to an open position. Tn some embodiments, the proximal ends of the arms are permanently affixed or adjoined.

[0037] The disclosed cutting needle holder 100 may be formed of any appropriate material or materials known in the art, such as but not limited to, composite, polymer, plastic, silicone, metal, titanium, stainless steel, non-porous materials, flexible materials, elastic materials, resilient materials, rigid materials, sterilizable materials, autoclavable materials, and / or disposable materials, and any combinations thereof. For example, but without limitation, the cutting needle holder 100 may comprise flexible plastic arms and rigid metal needle holder and cutters, or plastic arms and plastic needle holder with metal cutters. In some embodiments, cutting needle holder 100 comprises stainless steel and / or titanium for any of first arm 110, second arm 120, jaws 140, cutting region 150 and gripping region 160.

[0038] The disclosed cutting needle holder 100 may be sized or dimensioned to be used as a surgical tool, microsurgical tool, or instrument on any subject or for any application. For example, but without limitation, in some embodiments, the cutting needle holder 100 has a length, defined as a distance between the proximal end 102 and the distal end 104, of about 0.25 cm, about 0.5 cm, about 0.75 cm, about 1 cm, about 1.25 cm, about 1.5 cm, about 1.75 cm, about 2 cm, about 2.25 cm, about 2.5 cm, about 2.75 cm, about 3 cm, about 3.25 cm, about 3.5 cm, about 3.75 cm, about 4 cm, about 4.25 cm, about 4.5 cm, about 4.75 cm, about 5 cm, about 5.25 cm, about 5.5 cm, about 5.75 cm, about 6 cm, about 6.25 cm, about 6.5 cm, about 6.75 cm, about 7 cm, about 7.25 cm, about 7.5 cm, about 7.75 cm, about 8 cm, about 8.25 cm, about 8.5 cm, about 8.75 cm, about 9 cm, about 9.25 cm, about 9.5 cm, about 9.75 cm, about 10 cm, about 10.25 cm, about 10.5 cm, about 10.75 cm, about 11 cm, about 11.25 cm, about 11.5 cm, about 11.75 cm, or about 12 cm. In some embodiments, cutting needle holder 100 has a length ranging between about 0.5 cm and about 10 cm, about 0.75 cm and about 8 cm, about 1 cm and about 6 cm, about 1 cm and about 4 cm, or about 1.25 cm and about 2 cm. In some embodiments, the cutting needle holder 100 may be configured for use in a microsurgical application, and may have a length ranging between about 0.25 cm and about 3 cm, about 0.5 cm and about 2.5 cm, about 0.75 cm and about 2.25 cm, or about 1 cm and about 2 cm. In some embodiments, the cutting needle holder 100 has at least one width or height, defined as the width or heights of first arm 110 and / or second arm 120, of about 0.1 cm, about 0.2 cm, about 0.3 cm, about 0.4 cm, about 0.5 cm, about 0.6 cm, about 0.7 cm, about 0.8 cm, about 0.9 cm, about 1.0 cm, about 1.1 cm, about 1.2 cm, about 1.3 cm, about 1.4 cm, about 1.5 cm, about 1.6 cm, about 1.7 cm, about 1.8 cm, about 1.9 cm, about 2 cm, about 2.1 cm, about 2.2 cm, about 2.3 cm, about 2.4 cm, about

[0039] 2.5 cm, about 2.6 cm, about 2.7 cm, about 2.8 cm, about 2.9 cm, or about 3 cm. In some embodiments, cutting needle holder 100 has a width or height ranging between about 0.1 cm and about 3 cm, about 0.5 and about 2 cm, or about 0.75 cm and about 1.5 cm. The at least one width or height across each of first arm 110 and / or second arm 120 may be the same, or different.

[0040] In some embodiments, jaws 140 have a length, defined as the distance between the pivot or hinge of pivot region 130 and distal end 104, of about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 17 mm, about 18 mm, about 19 mm, about 20 mm, about 21 mm, about 22 mm, about 23 mm, about 24 mm, about 25 mm, about 26 mm, about 27 mm, about 28 mm, about 29 mm, about 30 mm, about 31 mm, about 32 mm, about 33 mm, about 34 mm, about 35 mm, about 36 mm, about 37 mm, about 38 mm, about 39 mm, about 40 mm, about 41 mm, about 42 mm, about 43 mm, about 44 mm, about 45 mm, about 46 mm, about 47 mm, about 48 mm, about 49 mm, or about 50 mm. In some embodiments, jaws 140 have a length ranging between about 2 mm and about 50 mm, about 4 mm and about 40 mm, about 6 mm and about 30 mm, or about 8 mm and about 20 mm.

[0041] In some embodiments, jaws 140 have a width or height of about 0.5 mm, 0.75 mm, about 1 mm, about 1.25 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 1.75 mm, about 2 mm, about 2.25 mm, about 2.5 mm, about 2.75 mm, about 3 mm, about 3.25 mm, about 3.5 mm, about 3.75 mm, about 4 mm, about 4.25 mm, about 4.5 mm, about 4.75 mm, about 5 mm, about 5.25 mm, about 5.5 mm, about 5.75 mm, about 6 mm, about 6.25 mm, about 6.5 mm, about 6.75 mm, about 7 mm, about 7.25 mm, about 7.5 mm, about 7.75 mm, about 8 mm, about 8.25 mm, about 8.5 mm, about 8.75 mm, about 9 mm, about 9.25 mm, about

[0042] 9.5 mm, about 9.75 mm, about 10 mm, about 10.25 mm, about 10.5 mm, about 10.75 mm, about 1 1 mm, about 11 .25 mm, about 11.5 mm, about 11 .75 mm, about 12 mm, about 12.25 mm, about 12.5 mm, about 12.75 mm, about 13 mm, about 13.25 mm, about 13.5 mm, about 13.75 mm, about 14 mm, about 14.25 mm, about 14.5 mm, about 14.75 mm, or about 15 mm. In some embodiments, jaws 140 have a width or height ranging between about 0.5 mm and about 15 mm, about 1 mm and about 10 mm, or about 1.5 mm and about 5 mm.

[0043] When jaws 140 are in an open position, first arm 110 and second arm 120 are separated by a distance, defined as the distance between medial gripping portion 112 and medial gripping portion 122. In some embodiments, the distance between medial gripping portion 112 and medial gripping portion 122 is about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 17 mm, about 18 mm, about 19 mm, about 20 mm, about 21 mm, about 22 mm, about 23 mm, about 24 mm, about 25 mm, about 26 mm, about 27 mm, about 28 mm, about 29 mm, about 30 mm, about 31 mm, about 32 mm, about 33 mm, about 34 mm, about 35 mm, about 36 mm, about 37 mm, about 38 mm, about 39 mm, about 40 mm, about 41 mm, about 42 mm, about 43 mm, about 44 mm, about 45 mm, about 46 mm, about 47 mm, about 48 mm, about 49 mm, about 50 mm, about 51 mm, about 52 mm, about 53 mm, about 54 mm, about 55 mm, about 56 mm, about 57 mm, about 58 mm, about 59 mm, or about 60 mm. In some embodiments, the distance between medial gripping portion 112 and medial gripping portion 122 ranges between about 5 mm and about 60 mm, about 10 mm and about 50 mm, or about 15 mm and about 40 mm.

[0044] The disclosed cutting needle holder 100 may have applications including medical and non-medical uses. For example, cutting needle holder 100 may be used in surgical and field applications on any subjects including humans and animals. The cutting needle holder 100 may be used in emergency medicine or battlefield scenarios where single-handed operation is critical. Further, the cutting needle holder 100 may be used in non-surgical applications such as precision assembly in microelectronics or textiles, or any application requiring gripping and / or cutting. In some embodiments, the cutting needle holder 100 may be configured as an end-effector and / or for use as an attachment to a surgical robot. When the distal end 104 of cutting needle holder 100 is formed as an end-effector for robotic applications, various sensors may be affixed or incorporated into the tool including sensors for measuring the position of jaws 140 and / or sensors for measuring force feedback of cutting region 150 and / or gripping region 160. Exemplary sensors may include pressure sensors, contact sensors, proximity sensors, force sensors, torque sensors, force-torque sensors, displacement sensors, rotary displacement sensors, rotation sensors, temperature sensors, and the like.

[0045] Example Embodiments

[0046] A cutting needle holder comprising in combination a pair of opposed, pivoted, needle-gripping and suture-cutting jaws, resilient actuating extensions extending from the jaws on the opposite side of the pivot, united at their ends and biased toward the open position of the jaws, a latch between the actuating extensions for latching the extensions in the closed position of the jaws including a latching element secured to one of said actuating extensions and having a slot therein, another latching element secured to the other of said actuating extensions and having a lateral projection thereon with opposite cam faces, one of said elements being resiliently mounted and biased toward latching position, and said elements being positioned such that the jaws are closed before the latch becomes effective.

[0047] A surgical cutting needle holder comprising in combination a pair of opposed, pivoted, needle-gripping jaws comprising a distal gripping region and a proximal cutting region, an actuating extension extending from each of the jaws on the opposite side of the pivot, resilient sections extending from the actuating extensions and biasing the jaws away from each other, and a latch between the actuating extensions for latching the jaws in contact, the latch including a latching element secured to one of said actuating extensions and having a slot therein and another latching element secured to the other of said actuating extensions and having a projection thereon engageable in the slot in said first mentioned latching element and opposite cam faces, whereby upon movement of the actuating extensions in a direction to bring the needle-gripping and - cutting jaws together the projection thereon is positioned to enter the slot in said first mentioned latching element and upon further movement thereof in the same direction the projection thereon is released from the slot and engages the opposite side of the first mentioned latching element so as to be released upon release of the pressure on the actuating extensions.

[0048] A cutting needle holder comprising: first and second elongated members each having a longitudinal axis, first and second opposite walls, and first and second opposite edges, and including a gripping end with cutting region on one side of a pivot section, and a handle end on the opposite side of the pivot section: said first and second elongated members being pivotally and releasably engaged at said pivot sections so that upon converging movement of the handles, the gripping ends converge to allow the gripping or cutting of an object; said pivot section of said first elongated member comprising a generally rectangular box aperture extending between and through the first and second walls of the first elongated member, the long axis across the box aperture extending along the longitudinal axis of the first elongated member; said second member being insertable through said box aperture and having a cam means integrally formed at the pivot section of the second elongated member, said cam means having front and rear bearing surfaces which form pivot surfaces of the pivot section of the second member and retain said cam in said box aperture of the pivot section of the first elongated member upon sufficient convergence of said handle ends, but which allows release of the cam from the box aperture upon sufficient separation of the handles. In some embodiments, the cutting needle holder comprises a fulcrum means positioned outside of the pivot sections of the first and second elongated members.

[0049] EXPERIMENTAL EXAMPLES

[0050] The invention is further described in detail by reference to the following experimental examples. These examples are provided for purposes of illustration only, and are not intended to be limiting unless otherwise specified. Thus, the invention should in no way be construed as being limited to the following examples, but rather, should be construed to encompass any and all variations which become evident as a result of the teaching provided herein.

[0051] Without further description, it is believed that one of ordinary skill in the art can, using the preceding description and the following illustrative examples, make and utilize the present invention and practice the claimed methods. The following working examples therefore are not to be construed as limiting in any way the remainder of the disclosure.

[0052] Example 1 : Cutting Needle Holder for Suturing

[0053] Disclosed is a novel surgical instrument for suturing that reduces the demand on staffing, improves the efficiency of the suturing, and provides a better health outcome for the patient or subject. Referring now to FIG. 4 shown is an exemplary cutting needle holder 100 used for suturing according to aspects of the present invention. In some embodiments, the disclosed cutting needle holder allows healthcare personnel (e.g., a surgeon) to place, tie and cut a suture without assistance. In some embodiments, the disclosed holder 100 may be used in conjunction with tweezers 200, or any known medical tool or device.

[0054] Example 2: Cutting Needle Holder for Microsurgical Applications

[0055] In some embodiments, the disclosed cutting needle holder may be sized and configured for microsurgical applications and is distinguished from surgical tools including forceps and scissors used for large scale surgery. These larger scale surgical tools typically have loops, such as with forceps and scissors, and their movement and orientation is determined by the wrist as well as the thumb / index finger, with the thumb and index finger proceeding through the loops of the tool. The disclosed cutting needle holder when sized and shaped for microsurgical applications is held like a pen, with more refined maneuverability (e.g., can be rolled between the thumb and index finger). With a pen-like grip on the disclosed cutting needle holder sized for micro applications, there is finer dexterity and instrument handling.

[0056] The following are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety:

[0057] U.S. Patent Publication US2652832A, titled "Needle holder", published September 22, 1953

[0058] U.S. Patent Publication US4823792A, titled "Gripping Device and locking mechanism for use therewith", published April 25, 1989 The disclosures of each and every patent, patent application, and publication cited herein are hereby each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. While this invention has been disclosed with reference to specific embodiments, it is apparent that other embodiments and variations of this invention may be devised by others skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. The appended claims are intended to be construed to include all such embodiments and equivalent variations.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A cutting needle holder, comprising: first and second arms hingedly connected at a pivot region, each arm having proximal and distal ends and medial gripping portions, wherein the distal ends of the first and second arms form jaws comprising a cutting region and a gripping region separate from the cutting region, and wherein the proximal end of the first arm releasably attaches to the proximal end of the second arm.

2. The holder of claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanism positioned in the medial gripping portion between the first and second arms configured to lock the arms together.

3. The holder of claim 2, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a first latching member positioned on the first arm, and a second latching member positioned on the second arm opposed to the first latching member.

4. The holder of claim 3, wherein each latching member comprises a non- planar cam face.

5. The holder of claim 4, wherein the cutting region comprises a first cutting edge positioned on the first arm, and a second cutting edge positioned on the second arm, opposed to the first cutting edge.

6. The holder of claim 5, wherein the gripping region comprises a first surface positioned on the first arm, and a second surface positioned on the second arm, opposed to the first surface.

7. The holder of claim 6, wherein at least one of the first surface and the second surface comprise a high friction material or surface.

8. The holder of claim 7, wherein the first and second arms are formed from one or more a flexible materials.

9. The holder of claim 8, wherein the cutting region and gripping region are formed from one or more rigid materials.

10. The holder of claim 9, wherein the medial gripping portions comprises any of ridges, grooves, and a high-friction material or surface.

11. The holder of claim 1, wherein the jaws are formed in an elongate trapezoidal shape that tapers distally.

12. The holder of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the jaws are curved.

13. The holder of claim 1, wherein the proximal ends of the first and second arms are releasably adjoined with an adjoining region that applies a spring bias across the arms and holds the jaws in an open position.

14. The holder of claim 13, wherein the adjoining region comprises a tab extending proximally from the first arm that releasably inserts into a slot in the second arm.

15. The holder of claim 1 or claim 13, wherein the first and second arms each have a length ranging between 0.25 cm and 10 cm.

16. The holder of claim 15, wherein the jaws have a length ranging between 5 mm and 60 mm.

17. The holder of claim 16, wherein the first and second arms are separated by a distance between the medial gripping portions ranging between 5 mm and 40 mm.

18. A cutting needle holder comprising in combination a pair of opposed, pivoted, needle-gripping and suture cutting jaws, resilient actuating extensions extending from the jaws on the opposite side of the pivot, united at their ends and biased toward the open position of the jaws, a latch between the actuating extensions for latching the extensions in theclosed position of the jaws including a latching element secured to one of said actuating extensions having a non-planar cam face, another latching element secured to the other of said actuating extensions and having a lateral projection thereon with opposite non-planar cam face, both latching elements positioned such that the non-planar faces bias the latching elements to a latching position, and said elements being positioned such that the jaws are closed before the latch becomes effective.

19. An end-effector for robotics, comprising: first and second arms hingedly connected at a pivot region and forming jaws comprising a cutting region and a gripping region separate from the cutting region.

20. The end-effector of claim 19, further comprising one or more sensors attached to at least one of the first arm, second arm and pivot region, for measuring the position or displacement of the jaws, or the pressure on at least one of the cutting region and gripping region.

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