abstract |
The present invention provides a needle holder device for use with a surgical needle which is suitable for use in suturing procedures. The needle holder device comprises handle means to allow manipulation of the needle holder device, means for bringing the surgical needle into engagement with the needle holder device, vibration means for vibrating the needle and means for preventing the vibration of the handle means when the needle is vibrated. The invention further extends to a method of penetrating tissue or blood vessels with a needle during suturing comprising the step of vibrating the needle during the passage of the needle through the tissue or blood vessel. The frequency of vibration of the needle is dependent upon the degree of resistance encountered to the passage of the needle through the blood vessel or tissue. |