CPC A61B 17/0491 (2013.01) [A61B 17/0482 (2013.01); A61F 2/2409 (2013.01); A61F 2220/0075 (2013.01)] | 15 Claims |
1. An automated suturing system comprising:
a first automated fixture comprising a plurality of actuator devices and a holder, the first automated fixture being configured to adjust an orientation of a target device when mounted to the holder;
a second automated fixture comprising a first needle gripper and a second needle gripper that are configured to pass a needle back and forth through a surface of the target device to form stitches with a thread coupled to the needle, the first needle gripper configured to trace a needle path; and
a thread management system comprising a thread movement device having a support pin and configured to move the thread orthogonal to the needle path, the needle path being horizontal, and a tensioning device having a tensioning pin that is configured to push on the thread vertically to apply a tension to the thread to form a stitch in the target device, the thread configured to contact the support pin while the tensioning pin applies tension to the thread, the tensioning device configured to apply a first tension to the thread to secure the thread out of the needle path in conjunction with the thread movement device and to apply a second tension to pull the thread taut to form the stitch.
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