GB190818602A - Improvements in and relating to Surgical Stitching Instruments. - Google Patents

Abstract

18,602. Mitchell, F. Sept. 4. Hand sewing-tools.-In surgical stitching-instruments the needles are operated by mechanical means to pass rapidly and completely through the flesh. In the form illustrated in Fig. 1, a curved needle A is placed between friction rollers L', L<2> in a holder C having a gap to receive the flesh. The rollers L<1>, L<2> are driven by a band B attached to a spring C, which retracts the band, when a trigger E is depressed to an extent, limited by stops, sufficient to return the needle to its original position. A coverplate, held by a catch G<2>, has bearings for the rollers L<1>, L', the axles of which are tapered, so that the rollers can be brought together by pressing on the cover-plate. In case the needle stops, the cover-plate can be removed and the needle detached for finishing the operation by hand. In a modification, the rollers are dispensed with, and the band B has projections engaging recesses in the needle. The thread is wound on a drum. In the modification shown in Fig. 4, a straight needle A works in guides C<1>, C<3> on either side of a gap for the flesh, and engages, either by friction or teeth, rollers L<3>, L' rotated by a rack B actuated either by a spring D or by hand, as by pulling a cord. The needle is pressed upwards by springs C<2>. The band or rack B may be actuated by a lever, or a lever may carry a toothed segment engaging a pinion in gear with the rollers actuating the needle. A curved, grooved needle may be used. The headed end of a thread &c, is inserted in the groove near the point, and the groove is contracted to grip the thread &c. According to the Provisional Specification, (1) the needle may be operated magnetically, (2) the free end of the band B may pass up the handle and engage a pin &c., from which it is detached by a trigger, and (3) the trigger may be released, or the rollers rotated, by electro-magnets.