Single actuating jaw flexible endolumenal stitching device

An end effector for use in an endoscopic stitching device, the end effector comprising:

• a fixed jaw;
• a moveable jaw pivotably associated with the fixed jaw and being pivotable about a first pivot axis, each jaw defining a needle receiving recess formed in a tissue contacting surface thereof and a longitudinal channel in communication with the needle receiving recess;
• a linkage member pivotably associated with the moveable jaw about a second pivot axis;
• a needle engaging blade slidably supported in each of the fixed jaw and the moveable jaw, each needle engaging blade being axially translatable in the longitudinal channel between a first position in which the needle engaging blade partially extends across the needle receiving recess and a second position in which the needle engaging blade does not extend across the needle receiving recess;
• and
• a rotatable member defining a helical groove in an outer surface thereof, a proximal end of each needle engaging blade being configured for slidable engagement in the helical groove, wherein the needle engaging blades are disposed on opposed sides of the rotatable member, wherein an axial movement of the linkage member causes the moveable jaw to pivot about the first pivot axis with respect to the fixed jaw, and rotation of the rotatable member causes opposed axial movement of the needle engaging blades.