WO2024023738A1

WO2024023738A1 - Surgical suturing instruments

Info

Publication number: WO2024023738A1
Application number: PCT/IB2023/057595
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alexander D. NORMAN; Gary Stacey; Zhixu XING; Paul PEATSON; Charles F. Kilby; Richard O. Kuenzler; Brian A. Rockrohr; Eric J. Taylor; Alejandro Suarez
Original assignee: Covidien Lp
Priority date: 2022-07-29
Filing date: 2023-07-26
Publication date: 2024-02-01

Abstract

A surgical suturing instrument includes first and second jaw members each defining a hole for detachable receipt of opposite ends of a curved needle. The first jaw member is pivotable relative to the second jaw member to move and transfer the curved needle between the jaw members. A needle retention mechanism in the first jaw member includes a spring and a shape memory material member that when electrified, causes the spring to disengage an end of the curved needle.

Description

SURGICAU SUTURING INSTRUMENTS

INTRODUCTION

[0001] In many surgical procedures, including those involved in endoscopic surgery, it is often necessary to suture bodily organs or tissue. In the past, suturing of bodily organs or tissue through endoscopic surgery was achieved through the use of a sharp metal suture needle which had attached at one of its ends a length of suture material. The surgeon would cause the suture needle to penetrate and pass through bodily tissue, pulling the suture material through the bodily tissue. Once the suture material was pulled through the bodily tissue, the surgeon tied a knot in the suture material.

SUMMARY

[0002] In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, a surgical suturing instrument is provided and includes a shaft and an end effector including a first jaw member coupled to a distal end portion of the shaft, a second jaw member coupled to the distal end portion of the shaft, a first spring positioned within the first jaw member, and a first shape memory material member coupled to the first spring. The first and second jaw members are configured to pivot relative to one another between opened and closed configurations. The first spring is configured to detachably secure a needle to the first jaw member and the first shape memory material member is configured to move the first spring to disengage the first spring from the needle in response to the first shape memory material member receiving an electric current.

[0003] In aspects, the surgical suturing instrument may further include a second spring positioned within the second jaw member and a second shape memory material member coupled to the second spring. The second spring may be configured to detachably secure the needle to the second jaw member and the second shape memory material member may be configured to move the second spring to disengage the second spring from the needle in response to the second shape memory material member receiving an electric current. [0004] In aspects, the first spring may be configured to transition from a first configuration, in which the first spring is secured to an end of the needle, to a second configuration, in which the first spring is disengaged from the end of the needle.

[0005] In aspects, the first spring may be resiliently biased toward the first configuration.

[0006] In aspects, the first shape memory material member may be configured to contract along a length thereof in response to receiving the electric current to transition the first spring from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0007] In aspects, the first shape memory material member may extend along a longitudinal axis of the first jaw member.

[0008] In aspects, the first spring may include a first portion configured for receipt in a notch defined in an end of the needle, and a second portion extending from the first portion and coupled to an end of the first shape member material member.

[0009] In aspects, the first portion of the first spring may be configured to deflect outwardly relative to the second portion in response to the end of the needle being received in the first jaw member and then deflect inwardly into the notch of the end of the needle when the end of the needle is fully received in the first jaw member.

[0010] In aspects, the first portion may extend longitudinally along a longitudinal axis of the first jaw member, and the second portion may extend perpendicularly relative to the first portion.

[0011] In aspects, the first spring may include a third portion extending from the second portion. The second portion may be configured to deflect relative to the third portion in response to the first shape member material member receiving the electric current, whereby the first portion moves out of the notch of the end of the needle.

[0012] In aspects, the first spring may include a fourth portion secured to the third portion and the first jaw member.

[0013] In aspects, the first spring may be a wire having a generally square shape, circular shape, or any other suitable shape. [0014] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an end effector of a surgical suturing instrument is provided and includes a body portion, a first jaw member pivotably coupled to the body portion, a second jaw member pivotably coupled to the body portion such that the first and second jaw members are configured to pivot relative to one another between opened and closed configurations, and a first needle retention mechanism. The first jaw member defines a hole configured for detachable receipt of a first end of a needle, and the second jaw member defines a hole configured for detachable receipt of a second end of the needle. The first needle retention mechanism includes a first spring positioned within the first jaw member and a first shape memory alloy wire coupled to the first spring. The first spring is configured to detachably secure to the first end of the needle when the first end of the needle is received in the hole of the first jaw member. The first shape memory alloy wire is configured to move the first spring to disengage the first spring from the first end of the needle in response to the first shape memory alloy wire receiving an electric current.

[0015] In aspects, the end effector may further include a second needle retention mechanism including a second spring positioned within the second jaw member, and a second shape memory alloy wire coupled to the second spring. The second spring may be configured to detachably secure to the second end of the needle when the second end of the needle is received in the hole of the second jaw member. The second shape memory alloy wire may be configured to move the second spring to disengage the first spring from the second end of the needle in response to the second shape memory alloy wire receiving an electric current.

[0016] In aspects, the first spring may be configured to transition from a first configuration, in which the first spring is secured to the first end of the needle, to a second configuration, in which the first spring is disengaged from the first end of the needle.

[0017] In aspects, the first spring may be resiliently biased toward the first configuration.

[0018] In aspects, the first shape memory alloy wire may extend along a longitudinal axis of the first jaw member. [0019] In aspects, the first shape memory alloy wire may be configured to retract along a length thereof in response to receiving the electric current to transition the first spring from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0020] In aspects, the first spring may include a first portion configured for receipt in a notch defined in the first end of the needle, and a second portion extending from the first portion and coupled to a distal end of the first shape memory alloy wire.

[0021] In aspects, the first portion of the first spring may be configured to deflect outwardly relative to the second portion in response to the first end of the needle being received in the hole of the first jaw member and then deflect inwardly into the notch of the first end of the needle when the first end of the needle is fully received in the hole of the first jaw member.

[0022] In accordance with yet another aspect of the disclosure, a jaw member of a surgical suturing instrument is provided and includes a jaw body having a distal end portion defining a hole therein, a wire spring positioned within the jaw body, and a shape memory alloy wire coupled to the wire spring. The wire spring is configured to detachably secure to an end of a needle when the end of the needle is received in the hole of the jaw body. The shape memory alloy wire is configured to contract in response to receiving an electric current to transition the wire spring from a first configuration, in which the wire spring is secured to the end of the needle, to a second configuration, in which the wire spring is disengaged from the end of the needle.

[0023] Further details and aspects of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are described in more detail below with reference to the appended figures.

[0024] As used herein, the terms parallel and perpendicular are understood to include relative configurations that are substantially parallel and substantially perpendicular up to about + or - 10 degrees from true parallel and true perpendicular. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The above and other objects and features of the disclosure will become apparent from the following description of embodiments given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a surgical robotic system including a control tower, a console, and one or more surgical robotic arms;

[0027] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a surgical suturing instrument for use with the surgical robotic system of FIG. 1;

[0028] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an end effector of the surgical suturing instrument of FIG. 2, with one of a pair of jaw members removed;

[0029] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the end effector of FIG. 3, with parts shown transparently to reveal components of a needle retention mechanism;

[0030] FIG. 5A is an enlarged perspective view illustrating the needle retention mechanism of FIG. 4 including a wire spring being shown in a relaxed state;

[0031] FIG. 5B is an enlarged perspective view illustrating the needle retention mechanism of FIG. 4 including the wire spring being shown in a pulled state;

[0032] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a curved needle for use with the surgical suturing instrument of FIG. 2;

[0033] FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating cables routed through the end effector of FIG. 3; and

[0034] FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating another aspect of cables routed through the end effector of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Various embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical suturing instruments for endoscopic, laparoscopic, endoluminal, and/or transluminal suturing will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements. In the drawings and in the description that follows, the term “proximal” will refer to the portion of the surgical suturing instrument, or component thereof, that is closer to the user, while the term “distal” will refer to the portion of the surgical suturing instrument, or component thereof, that is farther from the user.

[0036] The minimally invasive surgical suturing instruments of the disclosure generally include an elongate tubular body or shaft and an end effector. The end effector includes a curved suture needle and a pair of jaw members. In operation, the suture needle is passed back and forth through tissue from one jaw to another jaw by pivoting the jaw members from opened to closed states. Each of the jaw members includes a needle retention mechanism configured to selectively engage and release an end of the curved needle. The needle retention mechanisms include a shape memory alloy wire and a wire spring configured to engage the end of the curved needle. Upon energizing the shape memory alloy wire, the shape memory alloy wire contracts to disengage the wire spring from the end of the curved needle to allow the curved needle to pass to the other jaw member. After energizing the shape memory alloy wire, the shape memory alloy wire cools to return to its unactuated state, thereby resetting the needle retention mechanism.

[0037] With reference to FIG. 1, a surgical robotic system 10 includes a control tower 20, which is connected to all of the components of the surgical robotic system 10 including a surgical console 30 and one or more robotic arms 40. Each of the robotic arms 40 includes a surgical instrument 100 removably coupled thereto. Each of the robotic arms 40 is also coupled to a movable cart 60.

[0038] One of the robotic arms 40 may include the endoscopic camera 51 configured to capture video of the surgical site. The endoscopic camera 51 may be a stereoscopic endoscope configured to capture two side-by-side (i.e., left and right) images of the surgical site to produce a video stream of the surgical scene. The endoscopic camera 51 is coupled to a video processing device 56, which may be disposed within the control tower 20. The video processing device 56 may be any computing device as described below configured to receive the video feed from the endoscopic camera 51 perform the image processing based on the depth estimating algorithms of the disclosure and output the processed video stream.

[0039] The surgical console 30 includes a first display 32, which displays a video feed of the surgical site provided by camera 51 of the surgical instrument 100 disposed on the robotic arms 40, and a second display 34, which displays a user interface for controlling the surgical robotic system 10. The first and second displays 32 and 34 are touchscreens allowing for displaying various graphical user inputs.

[0040] The surgical console 30 also includes a plurality of user interface devices, such as foot pedals 36 and a pair of handle controllers 38a and 38b which are used by a user to remotely control robotic arms 40. The surgical console further includes an armrest 33 used to support clinician’s arms while operating the handle controllers 38a and 38b.

[0041] The control tower 20 includes a display 23, which may be a touchscreen, and outputs on the graphical user interfaces (GUIs). The control tower 20 also acts as an interface between the surgical console 30 and one or more robotic arms 40. In particular, the control tower 20 is configured to control the robotic arms 40, such as to move the robotic arms 40 and the corresponding surgical instrument 100, based on a set of programmable instructions and/or input commands from the surgical console 30, in such a way that robotic arms 40 and the surgical instrument 100 execute a desired movement sequence in response to input from the foot pedals 36 and the handle controllers 38a and 38b.

[0042] Each of the control tower 20, the surgical console 30, and the robotic arm 40 includes a respective computer 21, 31, 41. The computers 21, 31, 41 are interconnected to each other using any suitable communication network based on wired or wireless communication protocols. The term “network,” whether plural or singular, as used herein, denotes a data network, including, but not limited to, the Internet, Intranet, a wide area network, or a local area network, and without limitation as to the full scope of the definition of communication networks as encompassed by the present disclosure. Suitable protocols include, but are not limited to, transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP), datagram protocol/internet protocol (UDP/IP), and/or datagram congestion control protocol (DCCP). Wireless communication may be achieved via one or more wireless configurations, e.g., radio frequency, optical, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (an open wireless protocol for exchanging data over short distances, using short length radio waves, from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks (PANs), ZigBee® (a specification for a suite of high level communication protocols using small, low-power digital radios based on the IEEE 122.15.4-2003 standard for wireless personal area networks (WPANs)).

[0043] The computers 21, 31, 41 may include any suitable processor (not shown) operably connected to a memory (not shown), which may include one or more of volatile, non-volatile, magnetic, optical, or electrical media, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), electrically-erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), or flash memory. The processor may be any suitable processor (e.g., control circuit) adapted to perform the operations, calculations, and/or set of instructions described in the present disclosure including, but not limited to, a hardware processor, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, and combinations thereof. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the processor may be substituted for by using any logic processor (e.g., control circuit) adapted to execute algorithms, calculations, and/or set of instructions described herein.

[0044] With reference to FIGS. 2-4, a surgical suturing instrument in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure is identified generally as 100. Surgical suturing instrument 100 is adapted to be particularly useful in endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures, wherein an end effector 104 of the surgical suturing instrument 100 is insertable into a surgical site, via a cannula assembly or the like. Surgical suturing instrument 100 may be operably coupled to the instrument drive unit 52 of the surgical robotic system 10 (FIG. 1) or a handle assembly (not explicitly shown). The surgical suturing instrument 100 generally includes a shaft 102 or elongated tubular portion and an end effector 104 coupled to a distal end portion 106 of the shaft 102. In aspects, the end effector 104 may be rotationally coupled to the shaft 102 such that the end effector 104 is rotatable relative to and about a central longitudinal axis defined by the shaft 102. The shaft 102 may include a neck portion (not explicitly shown) allowing the shaft 102 to articulate in a plurality of directions to adjust the pitch and/or yaw of the attached end effector 104.

[0045] The end effector 104 includes a proximal body portion 108 and a pair of first and second jaw members 110, 112 pivotably coupled to the proximal body portion 108 via a common pivot pin 114. The proximal body portion 108 of the end effector 104 includes a proximal end portion 108a rotatably received in the distal end portion 106 of the shaft 102, and a distal clevis 108b extending distally from the proximal end portion 108a. The distal clevis 108b receives respective proximal end portions 110a, 112a of the first and second jaw members 110, 112 of the end effector 104 to prevent lateral movement of the first and second jaw members 110, 112 while permitting pivoting of the first and second jaw members 110, 112 relative to one another and about the pivot pin 114 between opened and closed configurations. The distal clevis 108b defines a linear slot 116 through which a pin 118 of an actuator bar 120 (FIGS. 3 and 4) extends. The pin 118 of the actuation bar also extends through cam slots 122 (FIGS. 3-4, only the cam slot 122 of the first jaw member 110 is labeled) defined in respective proximal end portions 110a, 112a of the first and second jaw members 110, 112 such that proximal translation of the actuation bar 120 closes the jaw members 110, 112 and distal translation of the actuation bar 120 opens the jaw members 110, 112. It is contemplated that in other aspects, distal translation of the actuation bar 120 closes the jaw members 110, 112 and proximal translation of the actuation bar 120 opens the jaw members 110, 112

[0046] The first and second jaw members 110, 112 each have a distal end portion 110b, 112b defining a hole 124, 126 therein sized and dimensioned for detachable and/or selective receipt of a respective end 130a, 130b of a curved suture needle 130. Holes 124, 126 may extend entirely through a thickness of first and second jaw members 110, 112, respectively. In some embodiments, holes 124, 126 may only extend partially through a thickness of first and second jaw members 110, 112. Holes 124, 126 are configured to selectively retain a respective end 130a, 130b of the curved needle 130 therein such that needle 130 may be passed to and from first and second jaw members 110, 112 during a surgical procedure, as will be described in further detail below.

[0047] With reference to FIGS. 2-5B, each of the jaw members 110, 112 of the end effector 104 includes a needle retention mechanism 140, 142 configured to selectively engage a respective end 130a, 130b of the curved needle 130. The needle retention mechanism 140 includes a first shape memory material member, such as, for example, a shape memory alloy (“SMA”) wire 144, and a first spring, such as, for example, a first wire spring 146 each extending through the first jaw member 110. In aspects, instead of the first spring 146 being a wire, the first spring 146 may be a photo etched part, a molded part, a composite, or any other resilient element capable of deflecting out of a preset configuration and returning to the preset configuration in the absence of an external force. The first SMA wire 144 is coupled to the first wire spring 146 and the first wire spring 146 is configured to detachably secure to the first end 130a of the curved needle 130 when the first end 130a of the curved needle 130 is received in the hole 124 of the first jaw member 110. Similarly, the second needle retention mechanism 142 includes a second shape memory material member, such as, for example, a shape memory alloy (“SMA”) wire 148, and a second spring, such as, for example, a second wire spring 150 each extending through the second jaw member 112. Since the first and second needle retention mechanisms 140, 142 may be identical, only the first needle retention mechanism 140 will be described in detail. [0048] The SMA wire 144 has a proximal end portion 144a secured or anchored to the jaw member 110 via a crimp 153 (FIG. 7) and from which a conductive wire(s) 152 extends and receives an electric signal from a switch (not explicitly shown). As shown in FIG. 7, the conductive wire 152 includes a first conductive wire 152a that receives a voltage and the second conductive wire 152b coupled to ground. In another aspect, each of the conductive wires 152a, 152b may receive a voltage and the distal end portion 144b of the SMA wire 144 is grounded. Instead of conductive wire(s) 152, the first SMA wire 144 may have a flexible ribbon cable that extends proximally therefrom, through the shaft 102 and to either a switch in a handle assembly or a switch in the instrument drive unit 52 (FIG. 1). The SMA wire 144 may be fabricated from nickel-titanium or any other suitable shape memory material (e.g., shape memory polymer or composite) that is configured to change shape in response to receiving an electric current. The SMA wire 144 may extend longitudinally through the first jaw member 110 and terminate in a distal end 144b that is secured to the first wire spring 146. Electrical insulation 155 (FIG. 7, e.g., polyamide) may be provided at the distal end 144b of the SMA wire 144 or wrapped around the entirety of the SMA wire 144 to prevent the electric current from passing from the SMA wire 144 to the first wire spring 146. In aspects, as shown in FIG. 8, the electrical insulation 155 may be absent from the distal end portion 144b of the SMA wire 144 where the SMA wire 144 contacts the first wire spring 146 to allow for the SMA wire 144 to be grounded to the jaw member 110 via the first wire spring 146.

[0049] When the SMA wire 144 receives an electric current (e.g., 1-2 volts), the SMA wire 144 increases in temperature, thereby triggering a phase change to its austenitic memory state during which the SMA wire 144 contracts along its length. In response to the SMA wire 144 contracting, the first wire spring 146 is configured to transition from a first configuration (shown in FIG. 5 A), in which the first wire spring 146 is secured to the first end 130a of the needle 130, to a second configuration (shown in FIG. 5B), in which the first wire spring 146 is disengaged from the first end 130a of the needle 130. The first wire spring 146 is resiliently biased toward the first configuration.

[0050] With reference to FIGS. 5 A and 5B, the first wire spring 146 includes a first portion 146a extending longitudinally along a longitudinal axis of the first jaw member 110, and a second portion 146b extending at an angle (e.g., perpendicularly) from the first portion 146a and coupled to the distal end 144b of the first SMA wire 144. It is contemplated that the distal end 144b of the SMA wire 144 may be soldered, glued, crimped, wrapped around (FIG. 7), or otherwise secured to the first portion 146a of the first wire spring 146 via any suitable fastening engagement. The first portion 146a of the first wire spring 146 is configured for receipt in a notch 132 (FIG. 6) defined in the first end 130a of the needle 130 when the SMA wire 144 is in its natural or unactuated (e.g., non-energized) state, and therefore when the first wire spring 146 is in its natural or unactuated first configuration.

[0051] The first wire spring 146 further includes a third portion 146c extending perpendicularly from the second portion 146b, and a fourth portion 146d extending perpendicularly from the third portion 146c such that the first wire spring 146 may assume a generally square shape. However, other suitable shapes for the first wire spring 146 are contemplated, such as, for example, rounded, triangular, or the like. The fourth portion 146d may be curved about a post 154 that is fixed in the distal end portion 11 Ob of the jaw member 110. The fourth portion 146d of the first wire spring 146 may rotate about the post 154 as the first wire spring 146 transitions between the first and second configurations. In aspects, instead of the post 154, the fourth portion 146d may be formed with or clamped to the jaw member 110.

[0052] With brief reference to FIG. 6, each opposing end 130a, 130b of the curved needle 130 may be tapered and have a notch 132, 134 defined laterally in a first side thereof configured to selectively engage the respective first portions 146a of the wire springs 146, 150 of the needle retention mechanisms 140, 142. Further, each opposing end 130a, 130b of the curved needle 130 may have a flattened portion 136, 138 defined in a second side thereof to selectively engage antirotation features such as flat surfaces (not explicitly shown) positioned in the respective holes 124, 126. It is contemplated that the first end 130a of the curved needle 130 is captured between the first portion 146a of the first wire spring 46 and the anti-rotation feature in the hole 124 such that the curved needle 130 is prevented from swiveling or pivoting within the jaw member 110.

[0053] In operation, to perform a minimally invasive procedure involving a suturing of tissue, for example, a hernia repair, an access tube or cannula is positioned through surface tissue of a patient to gain access to the surgical site within a body of the patient. Surgical suturing instrument 100 is passed through the cannula to position jaw members 110, 112, with curved needle 130, adjacent the subject tissue. To pass curved needle 130 (having a suture attached thereto) through the tissue to suture the tissue, jaw members 110, 112 are pivoted about the pivot pin 114 from a spaced-apart position to an approximated position. [0054] To pivot the jaw members 110, 112 from an opened state to a closed state, the actuation bar 120 is moved proximally (e.g., via actuation by the instrument drive unit 52 or a handle assembly), whereby the post of the actuation bar 118 moves through cam slots 122 of the jaw members 110, 112 and the linear slot 116 of the distal clevis 108b. Approximation of the distal end portions 110b, 112b of the jaw members 110, 112 is continued until the hole 124 of first jaw member 110 receives the first end 130a of the curved needle 130. As the first end 130a of the curved needle 130 is initially received in the hole 124, due to the tapered configuration of the first end 130a, the first portion 146a of the first wire spring 146 is deflected outwardly relative to the second portion 146b. When the first end 130a of the needle 130 is fully received in the hole 124 of the first jaw member 110, the first portion 146a of the first wire spring 146 is deflected inwardly into the notch 132 of the first end 130a of the needle 130. In other aspects, instead of the first portion 146a of the first wire spring 146 bending or deflecting relative to the second portion 146b, the entire wire spring 146 may rotate relative to the post 154 as the first end 130a of the curved needle 130 engages the first portion 146a.

[0055] To release the second end 130b of the curved needle 130 from the second jaw member 112 and complete the needle 130 exchange, the SMA wire 148 of the second needle retention mechanism 142 receives an electric current, whereby the SMA wire 148 contracts along its length to proximally pull the second wire spring 150 of the second needle retention mechanism 142 and disengage the second wire spring 150 from the notch 134 in the second end 130b of the curved needle 130. With the first needle retention mechanism 140 secured to the first end 130a of the needle 130, and the second end 130b of the curved needle 130 released from the second jaw member 112, the jaw members 110, 112 may be transitioned to the opened configuration. It is contemplated that the temperature of the SMA wire 148 of the second needle retention mechanism 142 is configured to cool rapidly (either naturally or via a cooling fluid) to allow the SMA wire 148 to automatically return to its natural, longer state, in which the second wire spring 150 overlaps with the hole 126 of the second jaw member 112 and is ready to engage the second end 130b of the curved needle 130.

[0056] In alternative aspects, the needle retention mechanism 140 may be devoid of the wire spring 146 and instead the SMA wire 144 may extend distally into direct engagement with the notch 132 in the end 130a of the needle 130. [0057] It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely exemplifications of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modification within the scope and spirit of the claims appended thereto.

Claims

IN THE CLAIMS

1. A surgical suturing instrument, comprising: a shaft; and an end effector including: a first jaw member coupled to a distal end portion of the shaft; a second jaw member coupled to the distal end portion of the shaft, the first and second jaw members being configured to pivot relative to one another between opened and closed configurations; a first spring positioned within the first jaw member and configured to detachably secure a needle to the first jaw member; and a first shape memory material member coupled to the first spring, wherein the first shape memory material member is configured to move the first spring to disengage the first spring from the needle in response to the first shape memory material member receiving an electric current.

2. The surgical suturing instrument according to claim 1, further comprising: a second spring positioned within the second jaw member and configured to detachably secure the needle to the second jaw member; and a second shape memory material member coupled to the second spring, wherein the second shape memory material member is configured to move the second spring to disengage the second spring from the needle in response to the second shape memory material member receiving an electric current.

3. The surgical suturing instrument according to claim 1, wherein the first spring is configured to transition from a first configuration, in which the first spring is secured to an end of the needle, to a second configuration, in which the first spring is disengaged from the end of the needle.

4. The surgical suturing instrument according to claim 3, wherein the first spring is resiliently biased toward the first configuration.

5. The surgical suturing instrument according to claim 3, wherein the first shape memory material member is configured to contract along a length thereof in response to receiving the electric current to transition the first spring from the first configuration to the second configuration.

6. The surgical suturing instrument according to claim 1, wherein the first shape memory material member extends along a longitudinal axis of the first jaw member.

7. The surgical suturing instrument according to claim 1, wherein the first spring includes a first portion configured for receipt in a notch defined in an end of the needle, and a second portion extending from the first portion and coupled to an end of the first shape member material member.

8. The surgical suturing instrument according to claim 7, wherein the first portion of the first spring is configured to deflect outwardly relative to the second portion in response to the end of the needle being received in the first jaw member and then deflect inwardly into the notch of the end of the needle when the end of the needle is fully received in the first jaw member.

9. The surgical suturing instrument according to claim 8, wherein the first portion extends longitudinally along a longitudinal axis of the first jaw member, and the second portion extends perpendicularly relative to the first portion.

10. The surgical suturing instrument according to claim 9, wherein the first spring includes a third portion extending from the second portion, the second portion being configured to deflect relative to the third portion in response to the first shape member material member receiving the electric current, whereby the first portion moves out of the notch of the end of the needle.

11. The surgical suturing instrument according to claim 10, wherein the first spring includes a fourth portion secured to the third portion and the first jaw member.

12. The surgical suturing instrument according to claim 11, wherein the first spring is a wire having a generally square shape.

13. An end effector of a surgical suturing instrument, the end effector comprising: a body portion; a first jaw member pivotably coupled to the body portion, the first jaw member defining a hole configured for detachable receipt of a first end of a needle; a second jaw member pivotably coupled to the body portion such that the first and second jaw members are configured to pivot relative to one another between opened and closed configurations, the second jaw member defining a hole configured for detachable receipt of a second end of the needle; and a first needle retention mechanism including: a first spring positioned within the first jaw member and configured to detachably secure to the first end of the needle when the first end of the needle is received in the hole of the first jaw member; and a first shape memory alloy wire coupled to the first spring, wherein the first shape memory alloy wire is configured to move the first spring to disengage the first spring from the first end of the needle in response to the first shape memory alloy wire receiving an electric current.

14. The end effector according to claim 13, further comprising a second needle retention mechanism including: a second spring positioned within the second jaw member and configured to detachably secure to the second end of the needle when the second end of the needle is received in the hole of the second jaw member; and a second shape memory alloy wire coupled to the second spring, wherein the second shape memory alloy wire is configured to move the second spring to disengage the first spring from the second end of the needle in response to the second shape memory alloy wire receiving an electric current.

15. The end effector according to claim 13, wherein the first spring is configured to transition from a first configuration, in which the first spring is secured to the first end of the needle, to a second configuration, in which the first spring is disengaged from the first end of the needle.

16. The end effector according to claim 15, wherein the first spring is resiliently biased toward the first configuration.

17. The end effector according to claim 15, wherein the first shape memory alloy wire extends along a longitudinal axis of the first jaw member, the first shape memory alloy wire being configured to retract along a length thereof in response to receiving the electric current to transition the first spring from the first configuration to the second configuration.

18. The end effector according to claim 13, wherein the first spring includes a first portion configured for receipt in a notch defined in the first end of the needle, and a second portion extending from the first portion and coupled to a distal end of the first shape memory alloy wire.

19. The end effector according to claim 18, wherein the first portion of the first spring is configured to deflect outwardly relative to the second portion in response to the first end of the needle being received in the hole of the first jaw member and then deflect inwardly into the notch of the first end of the needle when the first end of the needle is fully received in the hole of the first jaw member.

20. A jaw member of a surgical suturing instrument, the jaw member comprising: a jaw body having a distal end portion defining a hole therein; a wire spring positioned within the jaw body and configured to detachably secure to an end of a needle when the end of the needle is received in the hole of the jaw body; and a shape memory alloy wire coupled to the wire spring, wherein the shape memory alloy wire is configured to contract in response to receiving an electric current to transition the wire spring from a first configuration, in which the wire spring is secured to the end of the needle, to a second configuration, in which the wire spring is disengaged from the end of the needle.