Needle guide assembly and method of operating the same

A needle guide assembly comprising:

• a needle guide body comprising at least two separable portions;
• and
• a controller communicatively coupled to the needle guide body;
• wherein the needle guide body is operable by the controller to actuate between a closed configuration and an open configuration, wherein in the closed configuration, the at least two portions combine to define a channel therethrough for receiving a needle, and wherein in the open configuration, the at least two portions separate to release the received needle from the channel.

An automated method of operating a needle guide assembly, the method comprising:

• identifying a needle insertion site;
• moving a needle guide body of the needle guide assembly to the needle insertion site, the needle guide body comprising at least two separable portions operable between an open configuration and closed configuration;
• actuating the at least two portions to the closed configuration, the at least two portions defining a channel therethrough in the closed configuration;
• aligning an axis of the channel with the needle insertion site such that the axis has a predetermined angular orientation;
• and
• upon completion of needle insertion, actuating the at least two portions to the open configuration.