Surgical Sutures Patent

Retainer for surgical sutures

Abstract
An improved retainer for surgical sutures is provided which includes a suture retaining compartment comprising a suture winding panel with the panel having a pair of holding panels foldably connected to longitudinal edges of the suture winding panel. The holding panels are foldably connected to the winding panel by at least three gussets formed at the edges of the suture winding panel. The gussets at the ends of the foldable connection prevent frictional compression of the wound suture at the corners of the retaining compartment, and the central gussets or gussets engender a convex curvature to the holding panels, thereby creating a low friction volumetric compartment which retains the suture in place. The suture retainer also includes a needle holding means mounted at the intended location of the needle. In illustrated embodiments of the present invention the holding means is angularly disposed with respect to the longitudinal dimension of the retainer to afford ease of needle withdrawal, and in some embodiments the holding means is located on a foldable needle park panel. In some embodiments the retainer includes an insert against which the suture is wound. This insert provides several features, including preventing snagging of the suture on the needle holding means during suture withdrawal, and protection of the needle point. The insert may also include a flap to prevent the suture from snagging on a corner of the insert during withdrawal.

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