Abstract: A receiver for disposing of used surgical sharps particularly needles and scalpel blades, comprising an adhesive-coated, rectangular backing panel having a cover panel and two matrix panels attached along the sides thereof. The matrix panels have cut-out windows of different sizes to accommodate the surgical sharps. In use, one matrix panel is removed and discarded while the other is folded over and secured to the adhesive-coated side of the backing panel. Used surgical sharps deposited in matrix panel windows are retained on the adhesive coating of the backing panel which forms the floor of the matrix window. When all matrix windows are used, or the surgical procedure is complete, the adhesive coated cover panel is folded over the matrix panel to seal the matrix windows and the sharps contained therein. Preferably, the cover panel is transparent to allow the sharps to be visually identified and counted after the receiver is sealed.

Abstract: A package for double-armed sutures, particularly ophthalmic sutures, comprising a one-piece folded packet having needle mounting means and suture loop retaining means which are readily accessible when the package is opened. The needle mounting means is preferably removable to allow the suture to be withdrawn from the package with the needles secured therein. The suture loop retaining means is optionally incorporated with the needle mounting means and removable therewith. The package contains a single, double-armed suture with both needles secured in the needle mounting means and with a loop substantially equidistant from each needle retained in the suture loop retaining means so that the suture may be cut at the loop to obtain two single-armed sutures of substantially equal length.

Abstract: A package for double-armed sutures equipped with a pledget and means for centering the pledget on the suture during removal of the suture from the package. The package comprises a double-armed suture in a storage compartment with the armed ends of the suture extending out of the compartment, a pledget slidably affixed to the suture strand approximate to one needle, and pledget centering means intermediate the pledget and said needle. Preferred pledget centering means comprise an integral passageway in the package material for the double suture strand and a barrier associated with said passageway which restrains the pledget as the suture is withdrawn from the package through the passageway, whereby the pledget is slidably displaced along the suture until the total length of the suture is withdrawn and the suture and pledget are released from the package.

Abstract: A needled suture mounting and dispensing device comprising a separable needle mount and a carrier therefor is described. The needle mount comprises a three-dimensional needle retaining means having a support portion and the carrier comprises a flat card member. Separability of the needle mount from the carrier is achieved either by having the needle mount and carrier as separate members which are fitted together or by having the needle mount be a detachable portion of the carrier. In a preferred embodiment, the needle mount and carrier are two separate members. In this embodiment, the carrier is provided with a pair of parallel slits forming a tongue and slot. The slits are spaced apart at a distance smaller than the width of the support portion of the needle mount and is adapted to receive the needle mount between the tongue and edges of the slot. A package, especially for microsutures, which employs the mounting and dispensing device is also described.