This multipurpose handheld surgical device can hold suture needles, cut sutures, and remove skin staples. Whether for the 5.8 million reconstructive procedures performed by plastic surgeons in the United States in 2018, or for more than 7 million lacerations treated in emergency departments yearly, suturing remains the most popular technique for closing wounds. Suturing requires a needle driver, which commonly doubles as a suture cutter. Available needle drivers tend to catch on sutures, which can delay the procedure or damage the tissue by pulling the suture. Additionally, for procedures requiring pre-stapling, needle drivers are poorly equipped to remove skin staples after suturing.
Surgeons at University of Florida Health Jacksonville have developed a cutting needle driver with a slope between the gripping jaws and cutting edges that will not catch and pull on sutures. The cutting edge is also narrowed to allow it to fit under skin staples for removal.
A multipurpose needle driver that more easily cuts sutures and removes skin staples
An abrupt angle on needle drivers commonly used by surgeons for suturing can catch and pull on sutures, potentially causing tissue damage. This can impair wound healing and delay surgeries. This multipurpose needle driver has a sloped transition from jaws to cutting edges that makes sutures move across smoothly to prevent catching. The tip of the device is narrowed to fit into skin staples, and the tips are slightly flared to prevent the staples from falling off after removal. This will reduce the number of instruments required for surgical procedures and save time by reducing instrument switching and preventing catching on sutures.