Abstract: A suture package is designed to facilitate automated loading of multiple needles and sutures into the package. The package includes a tray, for containing the needles and sutures, and a cover. The sutures are contained in a peripheral channel of the tray and an array of resilient cantilevered fingers prevent the sutures from lifting up out of the channel. Needle parks retain the needles that are attached to the sutures. In another embodiment of the invention, a package for retaining a wound suture and attached needle includes a tray for containing the needle and suture, including cover-latching elements that each have two vertical surfaces. Tabs on the removable cover each contact a surface of a corresponding latching element and have a free element that engages a shoulder of the element.

Abstract: An easy loading suture package contains sutures in a channel near the periphery of the package. Resilient cantilevered fingers extend most of the way across the channel to prevent any part of the suture from coming up out of the channel either during or after loading of the suture into the package. A needle park retains a needle attached to one end of the suture. The package lends itself to fabrication by molding and is adapted for automated loading and convenient, reliable dispensing.

Abstract: A needle park for a package that holds one or more surgical needles and sutures has a generally planar base. A cantilevered arm, fixed at one end and free at its other end, extends above and parallel to the base. A needle is introduced between the free end of the arm and the base and held between the arm and base. A nib that extends from the free end of the arm toward the base secures the needle. The needle park may be molded as part of a one-piece needle and suture package and is well adapted for automatic loading.

Abstract: A retainer for surgical sutures comprising three panels which provide for a separate needle compartment and a separate suture compartment. The panels are aligned so that once the needle has been placed in position, the winding of a suture maintains the needle in the desired position.