US Patent 10973510 Needle loading unit for surgical suturing apparatus

A loading unit assembly for use with a surgical suturing apparatus includes a surgical needle and a support structure configured for releasably securing the surgical needle. The support structure may include a first finger and a second finger adjacent to the first finger. The first and second fingers may define a first channel therebetween. The support structure may also include a third finger defining a seat portion and a back portion. The seat and back portions may be in facing relation with the first and second fingers. The third finger and the first and second fingers may define a second channel therebetween. The surgical needle may be loaded in the second channel and may be in abutment with at least the seat portion.