Abstract:
Needle-stick injuries are associated with considerable risk of morbidity for healthcare workers and patients. The present invention of a handheld surgical suturing device allows for visualization of surgical field and better control of the suture needle with possible one-hand operation The device also provides active safety features that protect the surgeon from needle-stick injury.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is based on and claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Nos. 61/083,192 filed Jul. 24, 2008, 61/148,238 filed Jan. 29, 2009, and 61/179,400 filed May 19, 2009, the entire disclosures of which are all incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Sutures are used in a variety of surgical applications to hold skin, internal organs, blood vessels or any other tissue together, after they have been severed by injury or surgery. Daring a standard suturing procedure, the sharp end of a curved suturing needle is passed through the tissue and the needle is pulled through manually. Manual suturing requires the use of both hands, which can block the surgical field of view. Further it involves direct handling of a sharp suturing needle usually with forceps which can result accidental slipping and needle-stick injury to the surgeon. For example, manual suturing with the straight Keith needle lends itself to even less needle control and increased risk of inadvertent needle-stick injury, especially to the inexperienced user. Needle-stick injury poses significant health risks to the surgeon because of the potential exposure to blood-borne pathogens such hepatitis virus or HIV. Lack of control of the suture needle can also lead to injury to the patient through inadvertent injury to surrounding tissues, vessels, and nerves. For example, when securing central venous access devices with a suture to the skin, poor needle control can lead to injury to the carotid artery, external jugular vein, internal jugular vein, nerves, and/or to the catheter itself. 
     Current designs of suturing devices that attempt to overcome these issues are extremely complex and bulky. For example, the device disclosed in 2002/0193809 describes a needle encased in a cartridge that does not permit good visualization of the surgical field. It also fails to fully protect the operator from accidental needle-stick injury. 
     For the forgoing reasons, there is an unmet need for devices that are simple to operate and can be manufactured inexpensively. In particular there is an unmet need for a suturing device that can be operated using one hand while also providing improved safety of operation. 
     SUMMARY 
     A handheld suturing device is disclosed that is simple in design and permits operation with one hand. Using this device, the surgeon gains greater control of the movement of a suturing needle and his surgical field is unobstructed. The device also provides added safety features to protect the operator from accidental needle stick injury. This application further discloses a suturing needle for use with the suturing device, methods of operation as well as a kit including both the suturing device and the suturing needle. 
     In a first aspect, a suturing device of the present invention has a driver atm with a proximal end, a distal end and a driver clasp that can reversibly secure the blunt end of a suturing needle to the driver arm. The suturing device also has a receiver arm with a proximal end, a distal end and a receiver clasp that can reversibly grasp onto the pointed end of a suturing needle. A hinge connects both proximal ends of the driver arm and the receiver arm and allows the distal ends of the driver arm and the receiver arm to converge and separate through rotation about the hinge. A spring may be disposed between the driver arm and the receiver arm and biased to separate the two arms, e.g., by less than 90 degrees. 
     According to one feature of the invention, the driver clasp of the suturing device includes a first driver clasp arm and a second driver clasp arm that are joined or otherwise attached to each other at their respective proximal ends. The distal ends of the arms are moveable between an open position and a closed position, in a relaxed state, the arms of the driver clasp are biased toward the closed position. Juxtaposition of the first driver clasp arm and the second driver clasp arm defines a first driver clasp aperture having a shape that largely matches a cross-section of a blunt end of the suturing needle and a second driver clasp aperture, adjacent to the first aperture, that largely matches the cross-section of a driver release button, in some embodiments, the contour of the first driver clasp aperture is non-cylindrical and has at least three sides or is rectangular. 
     In one embodiment, pushing the driver release button into the second driver clasp aperture pushes the first driver clasp arm and the second driver clasp arm away from each other into an open position thereby releasing any suturing needle that is previously secured by the first aperture. 
     According to another feature of the invention, the receiver clasp of the suturing device includes a first receiver clasp arm and a second receiver clasp arm that are joined or otherwise attached to each other at their respective proximal ends. The distal ends of the arms are moveable between an open position and a closed position. In a relaxed state, the arms of the receiver clasp are biased toward the closed position. Juxtaposition of the first receiver clasp arm and the second receiver clasp arm of the receiver clasp defines a first aperture having a contour that matches a cross-section of a pointed end of the suturing needle and a second aperture, adjacent to the first aperture that matches the cross-section of a receiver clasp button. In some embodiments, the contour of the first aperture has at least three sides or is triangular. 
     In one embodiment, pushing the receiver release button into the second receiver clasp aperture causes the first receiver clasp arm and the second receiver clasp arm to be pushed away from each other into an open position thereby releasing any suturing needle that is previously secured by the first receiver clasp aperture. 
     In one feature, the receiver arm has a shield around the aperture that is meant for the pointed needle end in order to protect the operator from accidental needle prick. In another feature, the receiver arm has a structure for the operator to pull the arm, e.g., a finger loop or hook. The shield and the finger loop/hook can be combined into one structure. 
     In a second aspect, a suturing needle described herein has a pointed end, a shaft and a blunt end. The pointed end can have at least three distal faces. At least one of the distal faces has at least one locking feature. The blunt end can have at least four proximal faces. At least one of the proximal faces has at least one locking feature. The locking feature may be a notch or indentation. At least one of the proximal faces may be straight. The shaft may comprise a cutting edge. The needle also has a structure for attaching a suture to it, e.g., an aperture at the blunt end of the needle. 
     In a third aspect, a method of suturing tissue is disclosed using the suturing device and the suturing needle described herein and preferably by a single hand entirely. Suturing starts by securing the blunt end of the suturing needle to the driver clasp within the driver arm of the suturing device of the invention. This may entail pressing the driver release button to force open the two arms of the driver clasp before inserting the blunt end of the needle into the first aperture of the driver clasp until the proximal locking feature, e.g., a notch, on the needle&#39;s blunt end is aligned with the clasp. The operator, e.g. a surgeon, releases the button at that point to lock the needle at its blunt end. Subsequently, the operator uses the driver arm to advance, i.e., to push, the pointed end of the suturing needle across the separated tissue fragments and then securing the pointed needle end to the receiver clasp within the receiver arm. Then, by pressing the driver release button, the blunt end of the suturing needle is released from the driver arm clasp. The operator can then use the receiver arm to pull the suturing needle along with the attached suturing material across the tissue fragments. Afterwards, The operator re-secures the blunt end of the suturing needle to the driver clasp of the driver arm. Pressing the receiver arm button, the operator then releases the pointed end of the suturing needle from the receiver clasp of the receiver arm. This suturing procedure results in a first suture or stitch across the tissue fragments. These steps are then repeated until the plurality of tissue fragments are sutured together by the suturing material. 
     According to a fourth aspect of the present invention a kit is described that includes the suturing device and the suturing needle as described herein. 
     It should be understood that this application is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but instead intended to cover modifications and variations that are within the scope of those of sufficient skill in the field, and as defined by the claims. 
     The previously described embodiments have many advantages, including the ability to operate a suturing device with one hand operation while maintaining good manual and visual control of a suturing needle. The device further incorporates safety design features that shield the user from the sharp tip of the suturing needle. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  depicts a perspective view of a suturing device as seen from slightly behind (off-center) the receiver arm and a suturing needle in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 1B  depicts a perspective view of a suturing device as seen from slightly behind (off-center) the driver arm and a suturing needle in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 1C  depicts a perspective view of a larger suturing device as seen from behind (off-center) the receiver arm according to second embodiment together with the suturing device of  FIG. 1A  (shown on the left side) for comparison; 
         FIG. 1D  depicts a perspective view of a larger suturing device as seen from behind (off-center) the driver arm according to second embodiment together with the suturing device of  FIG. 1A  (shown on the left side) for comparison; 
         FIGS. 1E-1F  show side views of the suturing device of  FIGS. 1A-1B  in an open ( FIG. 1E ) or closed ( FIG. 1F ) configuration. 
         FIG. 1G  is a side view of the suturing device of  FIGS. 1A-1B , with the spring removed, and both ends of a suturing needle safely locked between the two arms of the suturing device. 
         FIG. 2A  shows a perspective lateral view of a suturing device in accordance with another embodiment. 
         FIGS. 2B and 2C  illustrate, in perspective lateral views, two embodiments with structures that enable an operator to pull the receiver arm with his finger(s). 
         FIG. 3  illustrates the relationship between frontal, sagittal and traverse planes as described throughout the present application. 
         FIG. 4A  depicts a frontal view of the inner side of a driver arm (distal end) of the suturing device shown in  FIGS. 1A-1B . 
         FIG. 4B  depicts a cross-sectional frontal view of parts depicted in  FIG. 4A , illustrating a driver clasp in a driver arm of the suturing device according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 4C  is a perspective view of parts depicted in  FIG. 4A  showing a driver arm as seen from the top. 
         FIG. 5A  depicts a frontal view of the inner side of a receiver arm (distal end) of the suturing device of  FIGS. 1A-1B . 
         FIG. 5B  depicts a cross-sectional frontal view of a receiver clasp in a receiver arm of the suturing device depicted in  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 6A  depicts a perspective view of a suturing needle in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6B  is a cross-sectional view of the blunt end of the suturing needle of  FIG. 6A  taken through the line  6 B- 6 B. 
         FIG. 6C  is a cross-sectional view of the pointed end of a suturing needle of  FIG. 6A  taken through line  6 C- 6 C. 
         FIG. 7A  depicts a cross-sectional frontal view of the driver clasp of  FIGS. 4A-4C  with the blunt end of the suturing needle of  FIG. 6A  engaged in the driver clasp. 
         FIG. 7B  is a cross-sectional view of a traverse plane of the driver clasp of  FIG. 7A  taken through line  7 B- 7 B. 
         FIG. 7C  is a cross-sectional view of a sagittal plane of the driver clasp of  FIG. 7A  inside the distal end of a driver arm of a suturing, device of  FIGS. 1A-1E  taken along the line  7 C- 7 C. 
         FIG. 8A  depicts a cross-sectional frontal view of the receiver clasp of  FIGS. 5A-5B  with the pointed end of the suturing needle of  FIG. 6A  engaged in the receiver clasp. 
         FIG. 8B  is a cross-sectional view of a traverse plane a the receiver clasp of  FIG. 5A  taken through line  8 B- 8 B. 
         FIG. 8C  is a cross-sectional view an sagittal plane of the receiver clasp of  FIG. 8A  inside the distal end of a receiver arm of a suturing device of  FIGS. 1A-1E  taken along the line  8 C- 8 C. 
         FIGS. 9A-9D  illustrate sequential steps of suturing an incision wound using a suturing device and a suturing needle of the present application. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description relates to certain illustrative embodiments of the application, and to a particular suturing device suturing needle, methodology of suturing a tissue and to a kit comprising a suturing device and a suturing needle. As will be readily apparent from the discussion, the inventive concepts described herein can also be suitably applied to other suturing devices. In addition, such terms as “top,” “bottom,” “lateral,” “above,” “below,” “sagittal,” “frontal,” “traverse” and the like are also used in order to provide a convenient frame of reference for use with the accompanying drawings. These terms, unless stated specifically otherwise, however, are not intended to be limiting of the present invention. 
     The suturing device of the present invention is designed for one-hand operation, which frees up the other hand of the surgeon and opens up the surgical field of view. The freed up hand of the surgeon can now be used to better handle the wound, adjust the light source, and remove tissue, debris and blood from the suturing site. The suturing device of the present invention provides an intuitive way of moving the needle and enables the suturing of any type of tissue with increased certainty with regard to the positioning, advance, release, and recapturing of the suturing needle. And it eliminates the need for secondary tools traditionally used to assist suturing, such as needle holders, pick-up forceps, and laparoscopes. Moreover, because the suturing device of the present invention does not require the operator to directly handle the needle, it substantially reduces, if not eliminates, the risk of accidental needle sticks. The herein described suturing device is useful for the suturing of incisions or wounds in a subject including, but not limited to, humans and other mammals. 
     According to an embodiment,  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B  illustrate external perspective views of a handheld suturing device  10 . The suturing device  10  has a driver arm  20  and a receiver arm  30  that are connected at their proximal ends  24  and  34  by a hinge pin  40 . A spring  50  is inserted between the arms. Compressing the distal end  22  of the driver arm  20  and the distal end  32  of the receiver arm  30  together causes them to reversibly pivot toward each other around the hinge pin  40 . For ease of reference, in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , a suturing needle  60  is shown that can be used with the suturing device  10 . The suturing needle  60  has a blunt end  70 , a shaft  80  and a pointed end  90 . In this embodiment, the cross-section of the blunt end  70  is rectangularly shaped and the cross-section near the pointed end  90  is triangularly shaped. Other shapes are possible for the needle. Suturing material  100  is attached to the blunt end  70 . The suturing needle is described in greater detail below in connection with  FIGS. 6A-6C . 
     As will become apparent from this disclosure, the suturing device  10  facilitates the suturing of tissue fragments by allowing a surgeon to sequentially gasp and release either the blunt end  70  or the pointed end  90  of a suturing needle  60  using either the driver arm  20  or the receiver arm  30  as the suturing needle  60  is passed through tissue fragments during the suturing procedure. 
     Both the driver arm  20  and the receiver arm  30  can be, in part or in whole, straight, curved, articulated, branched, or otherwise composed of multiple segments. In one embodiment, they are not longer than a human hand, for example, from about 5 cm to about 10 cm or 20 cm. In one feature, the arms  20  and  30  are lightweight. This ensures that the suturing device  10  can be held comfortably in one hand and operated through fingertips. The driver arm  20  and the receiver arm  30  are generally of the same length and can be hollow or partially hollow or solid. For example, the distal end  22  of the driver arm  20  and the distal end  32  of the receiver arm  30  are substantially hollow because they house the suturing needle locking, mechanisms as is described in further detail below. However, one skilled in the art can readily realize other constructions for the arms  20  and  30 , e.g., by having the respective needle locking mechanisms on the inside faces of the arms  20  and  20 . The cross-section of the arms  20  and  30  can have any shape provided they do not interfere with the suturing procedure. For example, the cross-section of either the driver arm  20  or the receiver arm  30  can be cylindrical or largely rectangular in shape with a maximal diameter from about 0.5 cm or about 1 cm to about 3 cm or about 5 cm. The proximal end  24  of the driver arm  20  and the proximal end  34  of the receiver arm  30  are connected by a hinge pin  40  and by a compressible spring  50 , inserted between the driver arm  20  and the receiver arm  30 , The spring  50  is biased to separate the distal end  22  of the driver arm  20  from the distal end  32  of the receiver arm  30 . In one embodiment, the spring  50  is biased to separate the two arms by less than 90, 180, or 270 degrees. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1A , a perspective view of the suturing device  10  is portrayed as seen by an observer located off center and behind the receiver arm  30 . At the distal end  22  of the driver arm  20 , the top  140  can be completely open or partially open. Below the top opening  140 , on the inner face  110  at the distal cud  22  of the driver arm  20 , a channel  26  connects the top opening  140  to a generally rectangularly shaped driver arm aperture  120 . The blunt end  70  of a suturing needle  60  is designed to pass through this aperture  120  to gain access to the driver arm&#39;s locking mechanism. The locking mechanism (not shown) releasably secures the blunt end  70  of the suturing needle  60  to the driver arm  20  dining the suturing procedure. The top opening  140  allows any suturing material  100 , attached to a secured suturing needle  60 , to exit unimpeded from the interior of the driver arm  20 . The driver arm aperture  120  can have any shape provided it allows sufficient space for the blunt end  70  of the suturing needle  60  to enter the distal end  22  of the driver arm  20  and to engage the driver arm&#39;s locking mechanism, for example, a clasp which is described in further detail below in connection with  FIGS. 4A-4C  and  FIGS. 7A-7C . A driver arm release button  130  can be seen protruding from the outer face  183  ( FIG. 1B ) of the distal end  22  of the driver arm  20 . Pressing this release button  130  enables an operator to release a suturing needle  60  from the driver arm&#39;s locking mechanism. The aperture  120  and the release button  130  can be located anywhere on the driver arm  20 , including its proximal end  24  and anywhere between its distal end  22  and its proximal end  24 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the distal end of the receiver arm  30  of the suturing device  10  is depicted from the perspective of an observer located off center and behind the driver arm  20 . On the inner side  150  of the receiver arm  30 , an oval shaped receiver arm aperture  160  is visible with lateral shields  155   a  and  155   b  flanking both sides of the aperture  160 . The pointed end  90  of a suturing needle  60  can be received and enclosed by passage through the receiver arm aperture  160 . Further, the needle&#39;s painted end  90  can vain access to the receiver arm&#39;s locking mechanism (not shown) through this aperture  160 . The locking mechanism releasably secures the pointed end  90  of the suturing needle  60  to the receiver arm  30  during the suturing procedure. For example, the receiver arm&#39;s locking mechanism can be a clasp which is described in further detail below and in connection with  FIGS. 5A-5B  and  FIGS. 8A-8C . 
     The closed top of the receiver arm  30  and the lateral shields  155   a  and  155   b  are designed to protect the operator during; the suturing procedure from inadvertent needle sticks with the pointed end  90  of the suturing needle  60 . The lateral shields  155   a  and  155   b  can have any shape provided they do not interfere with the suturing procedure and that they provide adequate protection. For example, they can be generally wing-shaped or rectangularly shaped ( FIG. 2 ). They can project either towards the driver arm  20  (see  FIG. 1B ) or laterally outwards and away from the driver arm  20  ( FIG. 2A ), in one embodiment, additional finger rest  185   a  and  185   b  are provided on the driver arm  20  (see  FIGS. 2A and 2B ). In this configuration, they provide additional space for the surgeon to position his fingers and further control the operation of the suturing device  10 . 
     At the back of the receiver arm  30  near the distal end  32  is a structure for the operator to hook one or more fingers, for pulling the receiver arm  30  during use. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , that structure is a finger loop  157  connected to the base  159  of the left shield  155   a . The finger loop  157  can be a partial or full loop which the finger(s), e.g., one or more of the thumb, the index finger, the middle finger and the ring finger, can slip into. A partial loop is shown which can be easily adjusted through slight bending to accommodate fingers of different sizes. Of course, one skilled in the art readily recognizes that other configuration and structures can be provided to serve the same function and are contemplated by the invention. For example, a partial finger loop can be constructed by having two curved strips, as shown and explained in  FIG. 2A  and related text. Further, the shields and the finger loop can be combined into one structure; that embodiment is illustrated in  FIGS. 1C ,  1 D,  2 B and  2 C and described in further detail below. 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , a receiver arm release button  170  can be seen protruding from the outer face  173  at the distal end  32  of the receiver arm  30 . Pressing this button  170  enables an operator to release a suturing needle  60  from the receiver arm&#39;s locking mechanism (not shown). In one embodiment, the lateral shields  155   a  and  155   b  extend down the sides of the receiver arm  30  so as to shield the region surrounding the receiver release button  170 . The aperture  160  and the release button  170  can be located anywhere on the receiver arm  30 , including its proximal end  34  and anywhere between its distal end  32  and its proximal end  34 . 
     As an example of an alternative embodiment,  FIG. 1C  (on the right half of the figure) depicts a perspective view of an alternative suturing device  12  as seen by an observer located off center and behind its receiver arm  33 . Here, the configuration of the suturing device  12  is to that of  FIG. 1A  except that the length of the driver arm and the receiver arm are extended as compared to the suturing device  10  of  FIG. 1A  (shown on the left side of  FIG. 1C  for comparison). 
       FIG. 1D  (on the right half of the figure) depicts the distal end of the receiver arm  32  of the suturing device  12  of  FIG. 1C  from the perspective of an observer located of center and behind its driver arm  23 . Here again, the configuration of the suturing device  12  is similar to that of  FIG. 1B  except that the length of the driver arm and the receiver arm are extended as compared to the suturing device  10  of  FIG. 1B  (shown on the left side of the  FIG. 1D  for comparison). 
     In  FIGS. 1C and 1D , the receiver arm release button  170  can be seen protruding from the outer face  173  and is located about mid way between the distal end  32  and the proximal end  34  of the receiver arm  33 . Similarly, the driver arm release button  130  can be seen protruding from the outer face  183  midway between the distal end  22  and proximal end  24  of the driver arm  23 . Finger shields  165   a  and  165   b  are located just above the receiver release button  170  and also function as finger loops for the operator to pull the receiver arm  33  with his finger(s). 
     Locating the receiver arm release button  170  and the driver arm release button  130  at an approximately half way distance between the distal end and the proximal and of the receiver arm and driver arm respectively is for the purpose of placing those buttons within the reach of the finger(s) of an operator, thereby facilitating their operation during the suturing procedure. Depending on bow long the device&#39;s arms need to be, the location of those buttons can obviously be adjusted. For example, if an arm needs to be about thrice the length of a hand, the button on the arm should be located about a third of distance from the proximal end of the arm. With longer arms, the suturing device  12  of  FIGS. 1C and 1D  is particularly useful where only limited amounts of space are available for performing surgery. 
       FIGS. 1E-1F  illustrate side views of the suturing device of  FIGS. 1A-1B  in an open ( FIG. 1E ) or closed ( FIG. 1F ) configuration. In this version, the proximal end  24  of the driver arm  20  and the proximal end  34  of the receiver arm  30  are connected to a cylindrical hinge pin  40 . In this embodiment, the vertical axis of the pin  40  is disposed perpendicular to the vertical axis of the driver arm  20  and the receiver arm  30  and confines the movement of the driver arm  20  and the receiver arm  3  to a single plane. In this embodiment, the maximal angle of separation  42  between the driver arm  20  and the receiver arm  30  is defined by the location of the hinge pin  40  with respect to the edge of the proximal ends  24  and  34 . If the hinge pin is located at the edge of the proximal ends  24  and  34  of the driver arm  20  and receiver arm  30  respectively, the driver arm  20  and the receiver arm  30  can pivot freely 360 degrees about the hinge pin  40 . If the hinge pin  40  is located more distally and away from the proximal ends  24  and  34  of the driver arm  20  and receiver arm  30  respectively, as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1G , the proximal ends  24  and  34  block each other from rotating freely about the hinge pin  40 . 
     In  FIG. 1E , the suturing device  10  is shown with a coiled, compression spring  50  in a relaxed state that provides a bias to separate the distal end  22  of the driver arm  20  from the distal end  32  of the receiver arm  30  by a separation angle  42 . In one embodiment, the angle  42  is less than 180 degrees, 120 degrees, 90 degrees, e.g. about 60 or 45 degrees. The bias should be sufficient to separate the driver arm  20  and the receiver arm  30  in the relaxed state but should allow the operator&#39;s hand to compress the arms of the suturing device  10  toward each other with minimal effort. 
     In this embodiment, one end of the spring  50  is attached to the driver arm  20  between the arm&#39;s distal end  22  and proximal end  24  and the other end of the spring  50  is attached to the receiver arm  30  between the arm&#39;s distal end  32  and the proximal end  34 . 
       FIG. 1F  illustrates how movement of the driver arm  20  toward the receiver arm  30  forces the driver arm  20  and the receiver arm  30  to pivot about the hinge pin  40  in the direction  44  (see  FIG. 1E ). This movement results in the compression of the spring  50  that then exerts an outward tension on the driver arm  20  and the receiver arm  30  as shown by the arrows  46 . The receiver arm aperture  160  is situated in such a way that, when the distal arms  22  and  32  are compressed toward each other, the receiver arm aperture  160  is positioned to be largely opposite the driver arm aperture  120 . Hence, when the blunt end  70  of a suturing needle  60  is secured by the driver arm&#39;s locking mechanism, compression of the driver arm  20  toward the receiver arm  30  transports the other pointed end  90  of the engaged suturing needle  60  toward the receiver arm  30 , through the receiver arm aperture  160  and into the receiver arm&#39;s locking mechanism. Alignment of the two apertures  120  and  160  depends on the curvature of the intended suturing needle  60 . In one embodiment, the two apertures  120  and  160  are directly opposite each other when the two arms  20  and  30  converge. 
       FIG. 1G  depicts an embodiment in which the spring  50  is removed from the suturing device  10  once the suturing procedure is completed. By removing and inactivating the spring  50 , the outward tension  46  is eliminated. Both ends of the suturing needle  60  can then be secured and shielded within the driver arm  20  and the receiver arm  30  of the suturing device  10  prior disposal. In one embodiment, a clip  63  may be used to further secure the arms of the suturing device  10  in the closed configuration. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 1E and 1F , a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that there are many potential embodiments of the spring  50 . For example, the spring  50  can be a V-shaped or U-shaped flexible metal or plastic that reversibly attaches around the outside or the ins de of the hinge  40 . In another embodiment, the proximal end  24  of the driver atm  20  and the proximal end  34  of the receiver arm  30  have a cross-section that is generally U-shaped. In this configuration, the bottom of each U-shaped proximal end  24  and  34  form the outer faces of the driver arm  20  and the receiver arm  30  whereas the arms of the U-shaped proximal ends  24  and  34  project inwards. Hence, the inner face  110  at the proximal end  24  of the driver arm  20  and the inner face  150  at the proximal end  34  of the receiver arm  30  are generally open thereby allowing the arms of the U shaped proximal ends  24  and  34  to intercalate with each other. A hinge pin  40  disposed just distally from the proximal ends  24  and  34  connects the driver arm  20  to the receiver arm  30 . A coiled, steel spring wrapped around the hinge pin  40  resiliently biases the driver arm  20  and the receiver arm  30  to separate. The location of the hinge pin  40  and the intercalation of the U shaped proximal ends  24  and  34 , limits the pivotal movement around the hinge pin  40 . 
     The overall dimensions of the suturing device  10  are designed to fit into one hand (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 1A-1B ) and to be operated using the fingertips, such as the index finger and/or the middle finger and/or the ringer finger and/or little finger and/or the thumb. The relative component sizes and shapes as well as the overall size of the suturing device  10  may vary according to surgical needs (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 1C-1D ). In one embodiment where the device  1  dimension to fit entirely into one hand, neither arm of the device is longer than about 10 cm. In another embodiment, the arms are between about 10 cm and 30 cm, for farther reach ( FIGS. 1C-1D ). And in some embodiments, the arms are even longer than 30 cm. The components and interior chambers may also be resized or reconfigured to accommodate surgeons with left or right-handedness. In other embodiments, the driver arm  20  and/or the receiver arm  30  may have one or more appendages or depressions or molded conformations to further facilitate the handling of the suturing device of the invention. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2A , an external perspective view of a handheld suturing device  180  is depicted in accordance, with another embodiment. This embodiment is similar to the suturing device  10  of  FIGS. 1A-1G . However, in this version, wing-shaped structures are provided on both sides of the distal driver end  22  and the distill receiver end  32 . In other words, in addition to shields  186   a  and  186   b  on the receiver arm  30 , which normally receives the pointed end of the needle and poses the biggest pricking risk, structures  185   a  and  185   b  are also provided on the driver arm  20  to: (a) protect the surgeon&#39;s fingers from needle sticks when the needles are loaded incorrectly, and (b) to provide resting space for operating finger(s), e.g., the index and the middle/ring fingers. This improves the overall handling of the suturing device  180  and avoids slippage or the inadvertent activation of the release buttons  170  or  130  (viewable in  FIG. 1B , for example) during the suturing procedure. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2A , a partial finger loop has two curved strips  157   a  and  157   b  extending from the respective bases of the two shields  186   a  and  186   b , and meeting towards the middle—leaving a gap  161  in the middle of those two strips allows adjustment of either or both strips  157   a  and  157   b  for finger-fitting. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2B , in this embodiment, the functions of shielding the finger and providing a finger loop are combined into one housing, labeled as finger shield  172  here. Obviously, the finger shield  172  can be of various shapes, sizes and configurations. In a preferred embodiment, the finger shield  172  is long enough to effectively shield the finger from accidental sticks. In the particular embodiment shown, the finger shield is sized for one finger, e.g., the thumb. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2C , an alternative embodiment is provided where the finger shield also functions as the finger loop or book. Here, the wing-shaped shields  155   a  and  155   b  the receiver arm  30  resemble those described in relation to  FIGS. 1A and 1B  except they curl up further away from the receiver arm  30  such that they form a housing that can enclose one or more fingers. The shields  155   a  and  155   b  are preferably made of materials that offer sufficient flexibility such that they can be bent to size-adjust to the operator&#39;s fingers. In this particular embodiment, the finger shields are sized and configured to fit two fingers inside, e.g., the index finger and the middle/ring finger. 
     The suturing device of the present invention is typically light weight. Parts of or the entire device can be made of materials suitable for single disposable use, and/or sterilizable with gamma or electron beam irradiation. The framework of the driver arm  20  and receiver arm  30  may be machined or cast using any suitable resilient, biocompatible and bio-inert material, for example, carbon fiber, nylon, another suitable polymer, a metal, or a ceramic or combinations thereof or other atraumatic, non-abrasive materials. 
     In one embodiment, the suturing device of the invention comprises metal components and preferably metals appropriate for surgical devices, such as stainless steel or tungsten or alloy thereof. 
     In another embodiment, the suturing device of the invention comprises extruded, molded, or machined thermoplastic material(s) that are known to be biocompatible with surgical applications. The suitable thermoplastic materials include, but are not limited to, poly-acrylates and methacrylates (i.e., polymethylmethacrylate, polyethyl acrylate, polybutyl methacrylate and the like); polyolefins (polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutadiene; SBS (styrene-butadiene), ethylene-propylene copolymers; SE/BS (styrene-ethylene/butadiene), polycarbonates (PC), fluorocarbon polymers (i.e., polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), poly-tetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polysiloxanes, polyperfluoroethylene-propylene (FEP), various aliphatic and aromatic polymers or block copolymers, polyvinylchloride polymers, various polyesters including dacron or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or combinations thereof. 
     In another embodiment, the suturing device of the invention comprises a high-strength technical ceramic, such as aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide or silicon nitride. Ceramic materials are lightweight, of high strength and are non allergic. Particularly suitable as a ceramic material is zirconium dioxide, a mixed oxide of zirconium dioxide and aluminum oxide, a silicon or nitride ceramic. Using injection mold techniques that are well known in the art, components of the suturing device  10  can be fabricated in one piece from the ceramic material which has been mixed with a polymer component. Thereafter, the binder is removed from the finished product in the presence of nitrogen and nitric acid. 
     Embodiments intended for repeated use must be sterilized between uses, so materials that will tolerate sterilizing agents, solvents, or autoclave temperatures are preferred. 
     With the foregoing description of the external features of a suturing device, sectional views of the interior of the driver arm  20  and the receiver arm  30  are now described with respect to a frontal plane, a sagittal plane and a traverse plane. The relationship between these planes of view is depicted in  FIG. 3 . Specifically, the frontal plane  200  divides an object into front and back portions. The sagittal plane  210 , which is perpendicular to the frontal plane  200 , divides an object into a left half and a right half. The traverse plane  220 , which is perpendicular to the frontal plane  200  and dies sagittal plane  210 , divides an object into top and bottom portions. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4A , a side view of the inner face  110  of the distal end  22  of the driver arm  20  is shown. A driver clasp  230 , which functions as a locking mechanism for a cooperating suture needle (not shown), can be seen through the driver arm aperture  120 . This view therefore illustrates how the driver clasp  230  is accessible to a blunt end  70  of a suturing needle  60  passing through the driver arm aperture  120 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4B , a frontal view of the distal end  22  of the driver arm  20  is presented with a driver clasp  230  having a first driver clasp arm  240   a  and a second driver clasp arm  240   b  that are joined at a proximal end  260 . The driver clasp  230  is secured to the internal wall of the driver arm by brackets  265   a  and  265   b . Other means of fastening or securing the driver clasp  230  to the driver arm  20  can be used as well provided they do not impede on the locking mechanism. The function of the driver clasp  230  is to lock onto and subsequently release the blunt end  70  of the suturing needle  60  during the suturing procedure. The distal ends  270   a  and  270   b  of the clasp arms  240   a  and  240   b  are biased to fold towards each other, but, if force is applied, they are able to reversibly pivot away from each other in the direction  280 . The contour of the inner edge of the first clasp arm  240   a  is a mirror image of the contour of the inner edge of the second clasp arm  240   b . The inner edge of each clasp arm has a contour that includes, for example, from top to bottom, a first protrusion  306 , a first depression  307 , a second protrusion  308  and a second depression  309 . In one embodiment, the first depression  307  has straight sides and the second depression  309  has curved sides. Juxtaposition of the inner edge of the first clasp arm  240   a  with the inner edge of the second clasp arm  240   b  generally defines a first driver clasp aperture  290  and a second driver clasp aperture  300 . In one embodiment, the first driver clasp aperture  290  is largely rectangular in shape whereas the second driver clasp aperture  300  is largely circular in shape. 
     The first driver clasp aperture  290  can have any shape provided it matches the cross-section of the blunt end  70  of the suturing needle being used. It should be dimensioned to receive the tapered rectangular blunt end  70  of the suturing needle  60  and prevent the suturing needle  60  from rotating about its own axis, in one embodiment, the diameter of the tapered blunt end  70 , optionally, is substantially smaller than the diameter of the needle shaft  80 . Hence, by pushing, the tapered rectangular blunt end  70  into the first driver clasp aperture  290 , the distal ends  270   a  and  270   b  of the clasp arms  240   a  and  240   b  are forced further apart in the direction  280 . The bias of the clasp arms  240   a  and  240   b  to fold back toward each other results in the driver arm clasp  230  gripping onto the blunt end  70  of the suturing needle  60 . In one embodiment of the locking mechanism, the edges of driver clasp aperture  290  align with and insert into the one or more indentations near the blunt end  70  thereby securing the blunt end  70  to the driver arm  20 . 
     The second driver clasp aperture  300  can also have any shape provided it matches the cross-sectional shape attic tapered end of a driver arm release button  130 . For example, the end of the driver arm release button  130  can be conical in shape (see also  FIG. 4C ). Pushing the driver arm button  130  through the second driver clasp aperture  300  forces the driver clasp arms  240   a  and  240   b  even further apart to counter the bias of the driver clasp  230  on the blunt end  70  of the suturing needle  60  and to release any suturing needle  60  that is previously secured by the first driver clasp aperture  290  to the driver clasp  230 . 
       FIG. 4C  illustrates a partial perspective view of the distal end  22  of the driver arm  20  from the perspective of an observer looking down through the open top  140 . Along the inner face  110 , the open top  140  is connected to the driver arm aperture  120  by a connecting channel  26 . Within the hollow interior cavity, the driver clasp arms  240   a  and  240   b  define a first driver clasp aperture  290  that aligns with the driver arm aperture  120 . The driver release button  130  on the outer face  183  of the driver arm  20  can be seen to traverse the outer wall  25  of the driver arm  20  into the internal cavity  28  where it is inserted into the second driver clasp aperture  300 . The small conical end  305  of the driver release button  130  is opposed by a compression spring  430  connected to the inside wall of the inner face  110  of the driver arm  20 . The spring  430  is biased to push the driver release button  130  out of the first driver clasp aperture  290 . 
     In one embodiment, the driver clasp  230  is constructed with a strong spring force biased to clasp the two driver clasp arms  240   a  and  240   b . In that embodiment, the suturing device can be used with even needles with entirely smooth body surfaces, i.e., without any indentation or special locking features, which include most of the conventional, currently off-the-shelf suture needles. In that case, the operator inserts the needle&#39;s blunt end into the driver clasp aperture  290 , maybe by pressing the driver arm release button  130  to keep the clasp open, until the needle&#39;s blunt end reaches the desired depth (e.g., the back of the arm), and then simply let go of the release button and allow the spring force to lock the clasp tightly around the needle shaft. Along the same time, in other optional features, the clasp may have a textured surface or some adhesive coating where it contacts the needle shaft to strengthen the clasp&#39;s griping power in order to secure and lock the needle end. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5A , a perspective view of the inner face  150  at the distal end  32  of the receiving arm  30  is depicted. The receiver clasp  310 , which functions as a locking mechanism for a cooperating needle (not shown), can be seen through the receiver arm aperture  160 . Unlike with the driver arm  20 , the top of the receiver arm  30  is closed. This vantage point illustrates how a triangularly shaped shaft  80  near the pointed end  90  of the suturing needle  60  can pass through a receiver arm aperture  160  and be inserted into a largely triangularly shaped first receiver clasp aperture  370 . Shields  155   a  and  155   b , attached laterally to the receiver arm aperture  160 , protect the operator from inadvertent needle sticks. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5B , a frontal view of the distal end  32  of the receiver arm  30  is depicted with a receiver clasp  310  having a first receiver clasp arm  320   a  and a second receiver clasp arm  320   b  both joined at their proximal end  340 . Brackets  365   a  and  365   b  attach the receiver clasp  310  to the internal wall of the receiver arm  30 . Other means of fastening or securing the receiver clasp  310  to the receiver arm  30  can be used as well provided they do not impede on the locking mechanism. The function of the receiver clasp  310  is to lock onto and subsequently release the pointed end  90  of the suturing needle  60  from the receiver arm  30  during the suturing procedure. The mechanism is similar to that used by the driver clasp  230 . The distal ends  350   a  and  350   b  of the receiver clasp arms  320   a  and  320   b  are likewise biased to fold towards each other, but, if force is applied, they are able to reversibly pivot away from each other in the direction  360 . Again, as with the driver clasp  230 , the inner edge of the first receiver clasp arm  320   a  is a mirror image of the inner edge of the second receiver clasp arm  320   b  and includes, from top to bottom, a protrusion  351 , a first depression  352 , a second protrusion  353  followed by a second depression  354 . In one embodiment, the first depression  352  has straight sides and the second depression  354  has curved sides. Juxtaposition of the inner edge of the first receiver clasp arm  320   a  with the inner edge of the second receiver clasp arm  320   b  defines a first receiver clasp aperture  370  and a second receiver clasp aperture  380 . In one embodiment, the first receiver clasp aperture  370  is largely triangular in shape and the second receiver clasp aperture  380  is largely circular in shape. The bias of the clasp arms  320   a  and  320   b  to fold back toward each other results in the receiver arm clasp  310  gripping onto the pointed end  90  of the suturing needle  60 . The edges of receiver clasp aperture  370  align with and insert into the one or more indentations near the pointed end  90  thereby securing the pointed end  90  to the receiver arm  30 . 
     The driver clasp  230  or the receiver clasp  310  can made of any suitable material such as a thin sheet of metal or stress resilient plastic. In one embodiment, the inner edges of the clasps are thin enough to insert themselves into one or more indentations near the ends of a suturing needle  60 . 
     The first receiver clasp aperture  370  can have any shape provided it matches the cross-sectional shape of the shaft  80  near the pointed end  90  of the suturing needle  60 . In one embodiment, it is dimensioned to receive the triangular shaft  80  near the pointed end  90  of the suturing needle  60 . The insertion of the triangular shaft  80  into the first receiver clasp aperture  370  prevents the suturing needle  60  from rotating about its own axis. 
     The second receiver clasp aperture  380  can also have any shape provided it matches the cross-sectional shape of the tapered end of a receiver arm release button  170 . For example, the end of the receiver arm release button  170  can be conical in shape. Pushing the receiver arm button  170  through the second receiver clasp aperture  380  forces the receiver clasp arms  320   a  and  320   b  even further apart to counter the bias of the receiver clasp  310  on the shaft  80  near the pointed end  90  of the suturing needle  60  and to release any suturing needle  60  that is previously secured by the first receiver clasp aperture  370  to the receiver clasp  310 . 
     Similar to the driver clasp  230 , the receiver clasp  310  can be used with entirely smooth needles if the spring force biasing the two receiver clasp arms  320   a  and  320   b  strong, and/or the clasp  230  is equipped with a texture surface or some adhesive coating where it contacts the needle shaft. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6A-6C , a suturing needle  60  that can be used with the suturing device  10  of the present application is described.  FIG. 6A  shows a suturing needle  60  with a curved shape comprising a non-penetrating, rectangular blunt end  70 , a needle shaft  80  and a sharp, penetrating pointed end  90 . Suturing material  100  is attached to the blunt end  70 , e.g., through an aperture  72 , in one embodiment, one or more blunt end (or proximal) indentations  400  on the surface of the needle  60  are located near the blunt end  70  and one or more pointed end (or distal) indentations  410  on the surface of the needle  60  are located near the pointed end  90 . Indentations may be around the entire or part of the circumference of the needle. In a particular embodiment, the blunt end indentations  400  are on opposites faces of the rectangular cross-section  90  of the needle shaft  80  near the blunt end  70 . 
     The blunt end  70  may be tapered (not shown) such that the diameter at the blunt end  70  is smaller than the diameter of the needle shaft  80  near the blunt end  70 . That configuration facilitates the insertion of the blunt end  70  into the driver clasp aperture  290  within the driver arm  20 . In one embodiment, as depicted in  FIG. 6B , a proximal section of the needle shaft  80 , viewed in cross-section along the line  6 B- 6 B near the blunt end  70 , is rectangular in shape. As depicted in  FIG. 6C , a distal section of the needle shaft  80 , viewed in cross-section along the line  6 C- 6 C near the pointed end  90 , is triangular in shape. Non-circular needle shafts  80  have the advantage that they prevent the suturing needle  60  from rotating about its axis once it is secured by the suturing device  10 . However, the cross-sections of the needle shaft  80  near the blunt end  70  or near the pointed end  90  may have any shape and still fall within the intended scope of the application. In one embodiment, the cross-section of the needle shaft  80  near the blunt end  70  has at least four faces whereas the cross-section of the needle shaft  80  near the pointed end  90  has at least three faces. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 6A-6C , a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many different types of needle locking mechanisms may be used to secure an end of a suturing needle  60  to a suturing device  10 . A locking feature may be located anywhere near an end of a suturing needle  60 . It can have any configuration provided it allows a suturing needle  60  to be secured, preferably reversible, to the suturing device of the present invention and that it does not interfere with the passage of the suturing needle  60  through a tissue. In one embodiment, a needle-locking feature is located on at least one facee or on opposite faces near an end of the suturing needle  60 . Each end of a suturing needle  60  may have different needle locking features. In one embodiment, a needle-locking feature may comprise one or more machined indentations, notches, apertures or depressions or protrusions or other appendages engineered at the ends of a suturing needle  60 , in a preferred embodiment, a needle-locking feature is an indentation with a narrow trough-like structure that is etched onto the outside surface near one of the ends of a suturing needle  60 . For example, the bottom  440  of the indentation  400  or  410  can be square or U-shaped or V-shaped or any other shape provided it permits a clasp to insert itself into and lock onto the indentation. Indentations may have a depth of about 0.5, about 1 mm, about 1.5 mm, or about 2 mm and a width of about 0.5 min, about 1 mm, about 1.5 mm, or about 2 mm depending on the size of the suturing needle  60 . Indentations  400  and  410  are located at an appropriate distance from the end of the suturing needle  60  to allow a clasp of a suturing device  10  to latch onto an indentation within the confines of the driver arm or receiver arm. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the indentation can span the entire or part of one, two, three or four faces of the needle shaft depending on where it is located. If the indentation spans at least an entire lateral face of the needle body, it resembles a notch when viewed from side. The indentation can also involve less than an entire lateral face, or even just constitute a pointed dent or aperture as long as it cooperates with a corresponding feature on the suturing device to facilitate locking, preferably reversible, of the needle. The indentation can be on the inside or the outside, or the lateral sides of the curvature (i.e., the arch) of the needle  60 . 
     The needle-locking mechanism does not have to rely on structure alone, it can also rely upon or at least involve other properties, such as the tackiness of the material at a certain section near a needle&#39;s end. Furthermore, the locking feature on the needle can be a structure completely separable from either the needle, an adhesive or magnetic strip that can be affixed to an end of the needle. Separate locking features allow the use of existing, off-the shelf needles including those with cylindrical or non-cylindrical bodies. 
     The suturing needle  60  shown in  FIGS. 6A-6C  may be fabricated from any corrosion-resistant metal such as stainless steel alloys that have desired characteristics with respect to biocompatibility, strength, and the ability to take a sharp end author point when ground and polished. Generally, the needle can be fabricated from a material such as series 300 stainless steel alloy, series 400 stainless steel alloy, or nonferrous alloy, e.g., MP35N alloy and the like. 
     The suturing needle  60  of the present application may mimic the contour of any suturing needle known in the art. In one version, a suturing needle  60  may have, for example, the contour of any of the suturing needles manufactured by Ethicon, Inc, a subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson. For example, it may be a round-bodied needle (such as the Taperpoint needle, Taperpoint Plus needle, VIVI-Black needle, Ethiguard Blunt Point needle, Blunt point needle, CC needle or Tapercut needle) or it may be a cutting needle (such as the Reverse Cutting needle or Trocar point needle). In another version, a suturing needle  60  of the present application may have any curvature, including, but not limited to, a ¼ circle, a ⅜ circle, a ½ circle, a ⅝ circle J shape, a compound curve or it may be substantially straight. In a preferred embodiment, a suturing needle  60  is a curved 2-0 silk suture reverse cutting needle having a triangularly shaped pointed end  90 , a needle shaft  80  and rectangular shaped blunt end  70 . The cutting edge  420  disposed at the outside curvature of the suturing needle  60  (see  FIG. 6 ) facilitates the penetration and cutting of tough skin. 
     A cross-section of the needle shaft  80  can have any shape or multiple shapes at different locations, including, but not limited to, a circular, rectangular or triangular shape. In one embodiment, the needle shaft  80  refers to the body of a reverse cutting suturing needle that has a triangular cross-section near its pointed end  90 . In this embodiment, the apex cutting edge  420  is located on the outside of the needle curvature. The triangular shape improves the overall strength of the needle and increases its resistance to bending. It also prevents rotation of the suturing needle about its own axis once it is secured to the suturing device  10 . 
     The suturing material  100  attached to the blunt end  70  of a suturing needle  60  may be any sterile, biocompatible, strong, non-toxic, hypoallergenic and flexible material suitable for suturing skin, internal organs, blood vessels and any other tissue together, after they have been severed by injury or surgery. The suturing material  100  may be absorbable or non-absorbable depending on its intended use and may be treated with one or more additives, for example, one or more antibiotics to prevent bacterial wound infection. Absorbable suture materials are bioresorbable typically within 10 days to a few weeks. Examples of absorbable suture materials include, but are not limited to, specially prepared beef and sheep intestine (either untreated (plain gut), tanned with chromium salts to increase their persistence in the body (chromic gut), or heat-treated to give more rapid absorption (fast gut)) or various braided or monofilament synthetic polymer fibers such as various blends of polyglycolic acid, lactic acid or caprolactone. Commerically available absorbable suture materials are marketed, for example, under the brand names Biovek® (Dynek Pty. Ltd.), Vicryl PLUS® or Panacryl® (Ethicon, Inc. a Johnson &amp; Johnson company), Visorb® (CP Medical), Polysorb® and Dexon® (Syneture). Non-absorbable suturing materials are made of materials which are not metabolized, and are therefore used either on skin wound closure or other wounds that require a greater time to heal and close. Non-absorbable sutures are typically made of processed silk, artificial fibers, like polypropylene, polyester or nylon that may or may not have coatings to enhance their performance characteristics. One example of a non-absorbable suture material is Ethibond®, manufactured by Ethicon, Inc., a Johnson &amp; Johnson company. The surgeon will select the length, diameter, and characteristics of the suture to suit a particular application. 
       FIGS. 7A-7C  illustrate how the blunt end  70  of a suturing needle  60  can be reversibly secured to the driver arm  20  of the suturing device of the present invention. 
     Referring specifically to  FIG. 7A , a frontal cross-sectional view of the driver arm  20  of  FIG. 4B  is shown with the blunt end  70  of a suturing needle  60  secured by the driver clasp  230 . In its relaxed state, the width of the first driver clasp aperture  290  is slightly greater than the width of the tapered blunt end  70  of a suturing needle  60 . Insertion of the blunt end  70  into the driver clasp aperture  290  forces the distal driver clasp arms  270   a  and  270   b  of the driver clasp  230  to move apart from each other in the direction  280  until the edges around the first depression  307  of the driver clasp aperture  290  encounter the indentation  400  near the needle&#39;s blunt end  70  at which point the two arms snap back and lock in the suturing needle  60 . This locking mechanism also prevents the suturing needle  60  from rotating about its axis, thereby giving the surgeon greater control over the secured suturing needle  60 . In this embodiment, the suturing material  100  can exit through the top  140  of the driver arm  20 . Below the first driver arm aperture  290 , the driver arm release button  130  can be pressed into the second circular driver arm aperture  300  to force apart the arms of the driver clasp  230 . 
     In  FIG. 7B , a traverse cross-sectional view through the plane  7 B- 7 B is shown from the vantage point of an observer looking down at the top  140  of the distal arm of the driver arm  20 . From this perspective, the inner face  110  of the driver arm  20  is on top. The driver release button  130  can be seen protruding from the outer face  183  further down the driver arm  20 . The driver clasp  230  secures the suturing needle  60  by engaging the edges around the first depression  307  ( FIG. 7A ) of the driver clasp aperture  290  against the proximal (blunt-end) indentation  400  in the suturing needle  60 . A portion of the needle shaft  80  passes through the driver arm aperture  120  into the inner face  110  of the driver arm  20 . The blunt end  70  of the suturing needle is seen with the attached suturing material  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7C , a sagittal cross-sectional view through the plane  7 C- 7 C is shown from the vantage point of an observer looking laterally at the distal arm  20 . The top of the driver arm  140  is at the top and the inner face  110  of the driver arm  20  is on the right. From this perspective, the secured suturing needle  60  projects out through the driver arm aperture  120 . The driver arm release button  130 , a conical push-button type bit, extends outwards from the opposite face  183  of the driver arm  20 . The end of the conical bit  305  with the smaller diameter is oriented towards the inner face  110  of the driver arm  20  and is opposed by a small stainless steel compression spring  430 . Pressing the conical release button  130  through the second driver clasp aperture  300  toward the inner face  110  exerts an opening force on the distal arms  270   a  and  270   b  of the driver clasp  230  that opens up the distal arms  270   a  and  270   b  thereby releasing the suture needle  60  previously secured by the first driver arm aperture  290 . 
       FIGS. 8A-8C  illustrate how the pointed end  90  of a suturing needle  60  is reversibly secured to the receiver arm  30  of a suturing device  10  of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8A , a frontal cross-sectional view of the receiver arm  30  is shown with the pointed end  90  of a suturing needle  60  inserted into the triangular receiver clasp aperture  370 . In its relaxed state, the dimension of the first receiver clasp aperture  370  is slightly larger than the cross-sectional shape of the shaft  80  near the pointed end  90  of a suturing needle  60 . In much the same way as the locking mechanism of the driver arm  20 , insertion of the pointed end  90  into the first receiver clasp aperture  370  forces the distal receiver clasp arms  350   a  and  350   b  of the receiver clasp  370  to move apart from each other in the direction  360  until they encounter the indentation  410  at which point the two arms snap back and lock in the suturing needle  60 . This locking mechanism prevents the suturing needle  60  from rotating about its axis. Below the first receiver arm aperture  370 , the second circular receiver arm aperture  380  is occupied by an end of receiver arm release button  170 . 
     In  FIG. 8B , a traverse cross-sectional view through the plane  8 B- 8 B is shown from the vantage point of an observer looking down at the top of the distal arm of the receiver arm  30 . The top of the distal end of the receiver arm  30  is cut away to show the receiving compartment  450 . From this perspective, the inner face  150  of the receiver arm  30  is on the bottom. The receiver release button  170  can be seen projecting out from the outer face  173  of the receiver arm  30 . The receiver clasp  310  is inserted into the distal (pointed-end) indentations  410  near the pointed end  90  of the suturing needle  60 . Part of the needle shaft  80  passes through the receiver arm aperture  160  and into the inner face  150  of the receiver arm  30 . A stopper  445  protrudes from the inner surface  443  of the outer face  173  of the receiver arm  30 . The stopper  445  prevents the advancement of the pointed end  90  of the suturing needle  60  beyond the confines of the receiver compartment  450 . In one embodiment, the stopper  445  may be solid such as a plastic or a softer material such as rubber or a combination of a plastic extension cushioned by a coating of a rubber material. 
       FIG. 8C  depicts a sagittal cross-sectional view through the plane  8 C- 8 C as seen from the vantage point of an observer looking laterally at the distal arm of the receiver arm  30 . The top of the receiver arm  30  is on the top and the inner face  150  of the receiver arm  30  is on the left. From this perspective, the secured suturing needle  60  protrudes out through the receiver arm aperture  160  of the inner face  150  of the receiver arm  30 . Further advancement of the pointed end  90  of the suturing needle is blocked by the stopper  445 . Below, the receiver arm release button  170 , a conical push-button type bit, extends outwards from the outer face  173  of the receiver arm  30 . The end of the conical bit  447  with the smaller diameter is oriented towards the inner face  150  of the receiver arm  30  and is opposed by a small stainless steel compression spring  460 . Pressing the conical release button  170  through the second receiver clasp aperture  380  toward the inner face  150  exerts an opening force on the receiver clasp arms  320   a  and  320   b  of the receiver clasp  310 . This causes the distill receiver clasp arms  350   a  and  350   b  to open up thereby releasing any suture needle  60  that is previously secured in the first receiver arm aperture  370 . 
     With the aforementioned detailed structural description of a suturing device  10  and a suturing needle  60 , a method of suturing an incision wound is now described. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9A-9D , a suturing device  10  is shown being held in a surgeon&#39;s left hand  455  and operated with the fingertips, e.g. the index finger  460 , the middle finger  465 , and the thumb  475  in accordance with one embodiment of the present application. For clarity, the surgeon&#39;s hand is shown without a glove. The suturing device  10  is retained by a pincer movement between the index finger  460  and the middle finger  465  pressing on the lateral shields  155   a  and  155   b  at the distal end  32  of the receiver arm  30  and the thumb  475  pressing on the outer face at the distal end  22  of the driver arm  20 . The shields  155   a  and  155   b  in this case curve away from the receiver arm  30  and double as finger hooks. Obviously, there are alternative ways to handle the suturing device  10 , e.g., having the thumb on the receiver arm and index and middle/ring finger on the driver arm. 
     Referring specifically to the posture depicted in  FIGS. 9A-9D , application of pressure by the index finger  460  and the middle finger  465  toward the thumb  475  results in the receiver arm  30  pivoting about the hinge  468  toward the driver arm  20 . In this embodiment, a spring, located within the hinge  468 , is concealed from the view. As described above, in its relaxed state, the spring biases the driver arm  20  and the receiver arm  30  to stay separate at their distal ends  22  and  32 . 
     In  FIG. 9A , a handheld suturing device  10  is depicted with the blunt end  70  of a suturing needle  60  secured by the driver arm&#39;s locking; mechanism within the distal end  22  of the driver arm  20 . Suturing; material  100  can be seen exiting through the top  140  of the driver arm  20 . With the aid of its cutting edge  420 , the pointed end  90  of the suturing needle  60  is pushed across the incision wound  470  using the leverage of the driver arm  20  at stitch point  480  and exits from a corresponding stitch point  480  on the other side of the incision wound  470 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9B , having guided the pointed end  90  of the suturing needle  60  across the incision, the surgeon then leverages the distal end  22  of the driver arm  20  toward the distal end  32  of the receiver arm  30 , and pushes the pointed end  90  into the receiver arm aperture  160  (not shown) until the receiver arm&#39;s locking mechanism engages the pointed end indentation  410  ( FIG. 8B ). The lateral shields  155   a  and  155   b  protect the fingers from potential needle sticks by the pointed end  90  of the suturing needle  60 . Once the pointed end  90  is secured in the distal end  32  of the receiver arm  30 , the thumb  475  presses on the driver arm release button  130  to release the blunt end  70  of the suturing needle  60  from the driver arm&#39;s locking mechanism. The needle shaft  80 , the blunt end  70  and the attached suturing material  100  are then advanced through the tissue by pulling on the receiver arm  30  through the finger shields  155   a  and  155   b  (see  FIG. 2C  for structural detail). 
     In  FIG. 9C , following the position achieved in  FIG. 9B , the surgeon removes the thumb  475  away from the driver arm release button  130  and then relays the suture needle  60  from the receiver atm  30  back to the driver arm  20 . Accordingly, with the pointed end secured by the receiver arm&#39;s locking mechanism, the operator pivots the distal end  32  of the receiver arm  30  about the hinge  468  toward the distal end  22  of the driver arm  20 . The blunt end  70  of the suturing needle  60  then passes through the driver arm aperture  120  and is re-secured by the driver arm&#39;s locking mechanism ( FIG. 7B ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9D , following the capture of the blunt end  70  by the driver arm  20  depicted in  FIG. 9C , the surgeon then presses the index finger  460  on the receiver arm release button  170  to release the pointed end  90  from the receiver arm&#39;s locking mechanism. The pointed end  90  of the suturing needle  60  is then free, and the surgeon can repeat the suturing procedure as needed. After completion of the final suture, a surgical knot is tied. In certain embodiments, the spring can be removed and the blunt end  70  and the pointed end  90  of the suturing needle  60  are then securely locked between the driver arm clasp  230  and receiver arm clasp  310  prior to safe disposal. 
     The disclosure herein also provides for a kit format comprising one or more suturing devices and a packaging unit that preserves sterility of the contents. In some embodiments, the kit may also contain one or more types of suturing needles attached to various types of suturing materials as described herein depending on the intended use. Appropriate instructions for use of the contents including proper suturing instructions are also provided in the kit. 
     The suturing device of the present invention is designed to assist doctors, embalmers, and surgeons in repairing soft tissue wounds. The suturing device may be used to introduce stitches into many different types of soft tissue, including, but not limited to, skin, muscle, cartilage, fascia, ligaments, gingiva, hollow organs, blood vessels, bowel, surface and interior tissues of the heart or any other soft tissue of the human body that has been severed by injury, incision or surgery. 
     For this purpose, the suturing device of the present invention can be configured as to length, shape, locking and release mechanism, tip, needle, suture, and size for use in conventional open surgery as well as in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and in “less-invasive” surgery, such as through natural orifices or through small incisions. Additionally, portions of the arms can be oriented in any preferred direction and either fixed in a particular orientation, or rendered movable in a variety of orientations by an articulation means. In particular, parts for locking the needle, e.g., the clasps or a special housing, can be designed and manufactured as removable parts from the rest of the suturing device and even of a different material. In one embodiment, such removable parts can be made of a relatively inexpensive and disposable material while the rest of the suturing device is made of a more expensive and reusable material. In particular, there can be a removable housing made of disposable materials around the receiver arm clasp—after the operator locks the needle&#39;s pointed end securely with the clasp, the operator can remove the housing, with the needle tip enclosed, along with or without the clasp, and safely the needle, allowing the rest of the device to be sterilized for reuse. 
     The suturing device of the present invention can be useful as an emergency care apparatus to be used to stitch up wound outside a medical facility, e.g., during a field trip, hiking, or on the battlefield. The simplicity of the device lends itself to be useable by people with relatively little or no medical training, and can be easily carried on a trip. For that purpose, the invention envisions one embodiment IP be an emergency care kit with the suturing device and other conventional components of an emergency care kit such as bandage, and antiseptics. 
     While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the intended scope of the invention encompassed by the following appended claims. All printed publications cited herein are incorporated by reference as applicable under relevant patent laws.