NEEDLE RELOAD DEVICE FOR USE WITH ENDOSTITCH DEVICE
FIG4 is a partial, longitudinal cross-sectional view of the tool assembly of FIG2
With particular reference to FIG4, the blade receiving channels 130d, 132d are dimensioned to at least partially intersect needle recesses 130a, 132a. Thus, by advancing the blade 150 or 152 within the corresponding blade receiving channel 130d or 132d, the distal end 150a or 152a of the corresponding blade 150 or 152 engages or "locks in" a groove 104a formed in the needle 104 when at least a portion of the needle 104 is received within the corresponding recess 130a or 132a. A suture (not shown) may be secured to the needle 104. The suture may include a plurality of barbs oriented to resist movement in a direction opposite to the direction of travel.
longitudinal cross-sectional view
122
support member
130
jaws jaw
4
paragraph
138
camming pin
134
jaw pivot pin
132
second jaw
150
blades blade
['1. A needle reload device for use with an endoscopic stitching device comprising: a base portion including a tool receiving portion configured to receive a tool assembly of the endoscopic stitching device; and a loading assembly disposed within the base portion, the loading assembly including: a needle holder pulley rotatably supported with the base portion, the needle holder pulley including a base including first and second portions configured to detachably receive a suture needle; and a needle release arm transitionable between an engaged state, in which, the needle release arm engages the needle holder pulley to inhibit rotation of the needle holder pulley, and a disengaged state, in which, the needle release arm is disengaged from the needle holder pulley such that the needle holder pulley is rotatable, wherein when the needle release arm is in the engaged state, the first portion of the needle holder pulley is positioned between jaws of the tool assembly of the endoscopic stitching device disposed in the tool receiving portion of the base portion, and when the needle release arm is in the disengage state, the second portion of the base of the needle holder pulley is positioned between the jaws of the tool assembly disposed in the tool receiving portion of the base portion.']