Method and apparatus for removing sutures from a suture package

Abstract

In a method of removing sutures from a suture package, a suture package is retained in a suture package retainer. The retainer includes a housing having an opening at the top, such as defined in a cover, through which sutures may be accessed. A suture package support located in the housing is biased upwardly towards the top of the housing so that a top-most suture package is located adjacent the opening, whereby a user may remove a suture associated with the top-most suture package through the opening while the suture package is securely restrained. In one embodiment, the suture package retainer is reusable and includes a single use cover and support.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/489,418, filed May 10, 2006.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for retaining a suture package to permit removal of sutures there from.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sutures are commonly used in the medical field, such as in the surgical environment. Often, sutures are supplied with an integrated needle, otherwise known as atraumatic needles with sutures. These sutures are generally pre-packaged for shipping and then use. The packaging may be a relatively light-weight molded plastic tray which is sealed in a package. This packaging has the advantage that the tray and sutures can be maintained in a sterile environment before use, and is cheap and convenient to ship and store. An example of a suture tray with associated sutures is illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 herein as associated with a suture package retainer of the present invention.

Unfortunately, a number of problems arise when using the sutures. In a surgical environment, the suture package is opened and the tray of sutures is removed. The tray of sutures may then be placed on a table. The individual sutures must then be removed from the tray as needed.

Very frequently, the medical personnel which requires a suture or is to provide the suture has only a single hand free. For example, a surgical technician who is assisting a surgeon may provide a suture to the surgeon. The surgical technician, however, is often holding a retractor or other object with one hand. This then requires that the technician acquire a suture with their other hand. This is very difficult considering how the sutures are packaged. The medical personnel usually grasps one of the needles associated with the suture and then attempts to dislodge the needle and suture from the package. Most commonly, each needle is press-fit to a portion of the tray, and the corresponding sutures are routed around a peripheral portion of the package. As such, the medical personnel must attempt to pop the needle loose from the package and then pull the suture from the package, using one hand.

Because the package is relatively small and is lightweight, an upward force on the needle or suture to dislodge it from the package generally causes the package to similarly move, thwarting the person's attempt to obtain the suture. In extreme cases, quick movement of the needle and suture may cause the tray to become airborne and it may swing or move about, hitting other objects. If the suture comes loose from the package when this occurs, the tray may actually travel some distance. It might then land on the floor, hit a patient or the like, all of which are undesirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises embodiments of a suture package retaining device and method of removing sutures from a suture package.

In one embodiment, a suture package retainer comprises a housing having a bottom, at least one wall extending upwardly from the bottom and a top located generally opposite the bottom. The housing defines a generally enclosed interior space for housing at least one suture package having an associate suture, at least one window through which sutures may be accessed, and a suture package support located in the interior space which is biased upwardly towards the top of the housing so that a top-most suture package is located adjacent the opening, whereby a user may remove a suture associated with the top-most suture package through the opening.

When configured to hold generally rectangular-shaped suture packages or trays, the at least one wall of the housing may be generally rectangular in shape. For example, the wall may have four sides and thus define a generally rectangular-shaped interior space.

In one embodiment, the top is defined by or comprises a lid or cover. The cover may be moveable with respect to the housing, thereby providing access to the interior space. The cover may be selectively attached to the housing with one or more threaded fasteners.

Preferably, the opening in the top or cover is smaller than the size of the suture container. In this manner, at least a portion of the top or cover engages a top-most suture container, maintaining the suture container(s) within the interior space.

In one embodiment the suture package support comprises a plate. The plate is biased upwardly, such as by one or more springs positioned between it and the bottom of the housing.

The housing may define one or more slots or other additional openings leading to the interior space. In one embodiment, a portion of the wall does not extend to the top or cover, thereby creating a slot near the top of the housing. The suture packages may be loaded into the interior space through the slot, or removed from the housing through the slot.

The suture package retainer may include a stand. The stand has a bottom surface for engagement with a support surface. The housing is connected to the stand. In one embodiment, the housing is rotatably mounted to the stand.

The suture package retainer is preferably configured for multiple uses. The housing and stand may be constructed of stainless steel so as to be sterilizeable (and sufficiently heavy to not lift up under the force of suture removal). The cover and the suture support may be constructed of plastic so as to be single use. In one embodiment, the cover may attach to the housing with tabs. The tabs may wear or break to prevent re-use of the cover.

In use, one or more suture packages may be loaded into the suture package retainer. The suture packages might comprise, for example, trays having one or more associated sutures.

The sutures may be loaded into the interior space by inserting them through the slot(s) in the housing (if provided) or by moving or removing the cover to provide access to the interior space (if so configured). When trays are loaded, the suture package support may be compressed towards the bottom of the housing. Thereafter, the suture package support presses the suture package(s) upwardly towards the top of the housing. In his position, at least the top-most suture package is preferably positioned adjacent the opening in the housing.

A user may grasp a suture or needle associated with a suture of the package by reaching through the opening. The user may remove the suture and/or associated needle by applying a disconnecting force. Notably, the suture package is maintained in position within the housing. In particular, the housing engages the suture package, preventing its movement, thereby permitting the disconnecting force to cause the suture to disengage from the package.

Once the suture or sutures associated with a package have been removed or the package is otherwise used, the package may be removed from the housing. The suture package may be slid out through the slot or via moving or removing the cover. When there are additional suture packages located in the housing, the next package is pressed upwardly into position for use.

In accordance with the invention, a user can quickly and easily access sutures. The sutures can be removed from their packaging with one hand. The sutures are also conveniently and safely stored.

Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention over the prior art will become apparent from the detailed description of the drawings which follows, when considered with the attached figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a suture package retainer in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the suture package retainer illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the suture package retainer illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 3A is a bottom view of a base portion of a housing of the suture package retainer illustrated in FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a suture package retainer in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the suture package retainer illustrated in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cover of the suture package retainer illustrated in FIG. 4; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a top portion of a housing of the suture package retainer illustrated in

FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention comprises a device for retaining or holding one or more suture packages to permit removal of sutures there from, and methods of retaining suture packages and removal sutures there from. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.

In general, the invention is a suture package retainer or retaining device and a method of retaining suture packages and dispensing sutures there from. The invention has particular utility to sutures which are associated with packaging, such as trays. In one embodiment, the invention is a suture package retainer which comprises a housing for containing one or more trays or other packages of sutures, the housing configured to secure the tray or package in a manner which permits the one or more sutures to easily be removed or disconnected from the tray.

One embodiment of a suture package retainer 20 will be described in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 1-3A. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the suture package retainer 20 comprises a housing 22 and a stand 24. In general, the housing 22 defines an area for the storage of one or more sutures, such as one or more packages having associated sutures. The housing 22 has a bottom and at least one wall extending upwardly to a top. The housing 22 preferably defines at least one opening or window 26 which provides access to the one or more stored sutures. In one embodiment, the housing 22 is mounted to the stand 24. In a preferred embodiment, the housing 22 is mounted for movement relative to the stand 24.

Referring to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the housing 22 comprises a base 28 and a cover or lid 30. The base 28 and cover 30 cooperate to define an interior space or area 36 which is at least partially enclosed.

In one embodiment, the base 28 has a bottom 32 and an upstanding wall 34 which at least partially define the interior area 36. In one embodiment, the suture package retainer 20 is particularly configured to house generally rectangular trays or packages of sutures. In such an embodiment, the base 28 may have a similar configuration. As illustrated, the bottom 32 may be generally rectangular in peripheral shape. Similarly, the upstanding wall 34 may have four sides 38a, b, c, d. First and second opposing sides 38a,c extend generally parallel to one another. Third and fourth opposing sides 38b,d extend parallel to one another and generally perpendicular to the first and second sides 38a,c. In such a configuration, the interior area 36 may be generally rectangular in peripheral shape.

The wall 34 may be formed from one or more elements. Those one or more elements may be connected to the bottom 32. In another embodiment, the wall 34, or at least one or more portions thereof, may be formed integrally with the bottom 32. For example, the base 28 may essentially comprise a body having a depression formed therein.

The wall 34 has a top end generally opposite the base 28. In a preferred embodiment, the top of the housing 34 is generally defined by a top or cover 30. The cover 30 is located at the top of the wall 34. In one embodiment, the cover 30 is movable between at least a first position and a second position relative to the base 28. As illustrated, fastening means are provided for selectively connecting the cover 30 to, and disconnecting the cover 30 from, the base 28. The fastening means comprise first and second threaded fasteners 40a,b which may be passed through apertures in the cover 30 into engagement with the base 28 and, more particularly, the wall 34. The cover 30 could be mounted in other manners, however, to permit movement or removal thereof. For example, the cover 30 may be connected to the base 28 by a hinge, or might be connected with clips or pins.

In a preferred embodiment, the window or opening 26 of the suture package retainer 20 is located at the top of the housing 22. Where the top of the housing 22 is defined by the cover 30, the opening is preferably defined by the cover 30. As illustrated, the cover 30 comprises a relatively thin plate which defines the opening 26 therein. For reasons described in detail below, the size of the opening 26 is preferably less than the size of a suture package to be retained in the housing 22, and thus also smaller in peripheral dimension than the peripheral dimension of the interior area 36 of the base 28.

In one embodiment, as illustrated, the opening 26 is defined within the cover 30. In other embodiments, the opening might only be partially defined or surrounded by the cover 30. There might also be more than one opening.

As described in detail below, in a preferred embodiment, one or more sutures located in the housing 22 are preferably biased upwardly towards the opening 26 for access by a user of the retainer/device 20. The suture package retainer 20 includes means for biasing sutures upwardly within the housing 22. In one embodiment, this means comprises a suture support 42 and means for biasing the support.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the means for biasing the support comprises a pair of springs 44a,b. The springs 44a,b are located between the bottom 32 of the base 28 and a bottom of the plate 42, whereby the plate 42 is biased upwardly towards the cover 30. In one embodiment, the springs 44a,b are coil springs. The length of the springs 44a,b are chosen so that when they are fully extended, the plate 42 is located proximate to the cover 30. Of course, other means for biasing might be utilized, such as one or more flexible members, such as a diaphragm.

As described in more detail below, in one embodiment, sutures may be loaded for use and unused sutures or remaining packaging may be removed from the housing 22, preferably without changing the position of the cover 30 from its connected position. In one embodiment, the housing 22 defines a slot 46 or other opening (in addition to the main opening 26).

In the embodiment illustrated, the slot 46 is defined by the base 28 and cover 30. At least a portion of the wall 34 is set back from the cover 30 when the cover 30 is connected thereto, thereby defining the slot 46. In one embodiment, one of the sides 38d of the wall 34 is shorter than the other sides 38a,b,c by a distance which is preferably at least as great as the thickness of a suture or suture package.

As indicated, in one embodiment, the suture package retainer 20 includes a stand 24. In a preferred embodiment, the housing 22 can be moved relative to the stand 24. The housing 22 may also be removable from the stand 24.

Still referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, in one embodiment the stand 24 has a top 48 and a bottom 50. When connected, the bottom 32 of the base 28 of the housing 22 is located adjacent the top 48 of the stand 24.

In one embodiment, the housing 22 is configured to move relative to the stand 24. As illustrated, a pin or post 52 extends upwardly from the top 48 of the stand 24. Referring to FIG. 3A, the base 28 of the housing 22 defines an aperture 54 for accepting the pin 52. In this manner, the housing 22 may be rotated about the pin 52, relative to the stand 24. As illustrated, the bottom 32 of the base 28 of the housing 22 and the top 48 of the stand 50 are otherwise relatively smooth to not interfere with this rotation.

The housing 22 may be connected to the stand 24 permanently. In another embodiment, the housing 22 may be removable from the stand 24 (such as illustrated in FIG. 3).

In one embodiment, the bottom 50 of the stand 24 is not flat, but defines at least two surfaces which lie in different planes. In this manner, the stand 24 may be oriented so that the top 48 thereof is generally horizontal (as illustrated in FIG. 2), or so that the top 48 is positioned at an angle offset from horizontal (as illustrated in FIG. 1). This permits the orientation of the housing 22, and thus the position of the opening 26, to be changed.

In one embodiment, means may be provided for selectively retaining the housing 22 in a fixed position relative to the stand 24. Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 3A, the stand 24 may include one or more depressions 56 for accepting a ball 58 or other protrusion from the bottom 28 of the housing 22. Location of the ball 58 in a mating depression generally maintains the stand 24 in position. Sufficient force will dislodge the ball 58 from the depression, allowing the housing 22 to easily rotate about the stand 24. In one embodiment, the depressions are in positions corresponding to commonly used positions for the housing (such as a first position and another position 90 degrees with respect thereto).

A method of using the suture package retainer 20 will now be described. Sutures may be loaded into the housing 22. In one embodiment, sutures S which are associated with a suture package, such as a tray T, are loaded into the housing 22. The one or more suture trays T may be loaded into the interior 36 of the base 28 of the housing 22 by either removing the cover 30 or sliding them through the slot 46 in the housing 22. The trays T may have various configurations. In one embodiment, the trays T are rigid or semi-rigid and have an outer edge or periphery. As illustrated, that periphery may be rectangular in shape.

Referring to FIG. 2, the housing 22 preferably has sufficient depth that a plurality of layers of trays T may be located therein. As illustrated, as trays T are loaded, the plate 42 is pressed downwardly, compressing the springs 44a,b. The trays T are biased upwardly, however, with the top-most tray T abutting the cover 30.

As indicated above, the opening 26 in the cover 30 is preferably smaller than the tray T. In this manner, the central section of the tray T, and thus the sutures S mounted thereon, may be accessed through the opening 26. On the other hand, the portion of the cover 30 which surrounds the opening 26 engages the outer portion or periphery of the top-most tray T, thereby retaining the tray(s) T in the housing 22.

As described above, in one embodiment the orientation of the housing 22 relative to the stand 24 may be changed. The housing 22 may be rotated relative to the stand 24, as best illustrated in FIG. 1. In this manner, the user may turn the housing 22 to the position which best enables them to reach the sutures S. In addition, the position of the stand 24 may be changed relative to a support surface. The stand 24 may be oriented so that the top 48 thereof is horizontal, as is the housing 22. Alternatively, the stand 24 may be “tipped” so that the housing 22 is no longer horizontal but instead is oriented at an angle.

In use, the user may grasp a needle and remove it and its associated suture from the tray T. The needle is readily accessible through the opening 26 in the housing 22. Most importantly, when the user grasps the needle and attempts to pull it and its associated suture from the tray T (by applying a “dislodging” or “disconnecting” force), movement of the tray T is limited. In particular, the tray T is restrained by the housing 22 and does not move. As such, when the user pulls on the needle and suture, the needle and suture readily disconnect from the associated tray. It is noted that the size and weight/mass of the housing 22 (and associated stand 24) are such that this action also does not result in movement of the retainer/device 20. In particular, the force needed to disconnect the needle and suture from the tray is much less than that necessary to move or pick up the retainer/device 20.

When all of the sutures S associated with a particular tray T have been utilized, or when it is otherwise desirable to remove one of the trays T, the tray T may be slid out the slot 46 (or removed after removing or moving the cover 30, though this is the less desirable option). When the top tray T is removed, the plate 42 presses the next tray upwardly into position.

The suture package retainer of the invention may have a wide variety of configurations. Another embodiment of a suture package retainer or retaining device 120 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4-7. In this description, like elements have been given like reference numbers to those of the embodiment described above.

Preferably, the device 120 again comprises a housing 122. FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment wherein the device 120 does not include a stand, though it is possible for this device 120 to include one, if desired. The housing 122 may be similar in configuration to the housing 20 described above. Further, a lid or cover 130 is configured to be located a top of the housing 122.

In a preferred embodiment, the device 120 is specifically configured to be reusable. To this end, the cover 120 is preferably disposable. Further, the cover 130 may include a mount 160 for storing used sutures, as detailed below.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the device 120 has a similar configuration to the device 20 described above. In particular, the housing 122 defines an interior area 136 having an otherwise open top. The top is selectively closed with the cover 130.

One or more suture packages or trays T may be located in the interior area 136. The trays T are preferably supported by a support 142. In one embodiment, the support 142 may be configured to be disposable, such as by being constructed of plastic or the like. In this manner, the support 142 may be cost-effectively thrown away after each use of the device 120. As illustrated, the support 142 may comprise a tray-like element. The support 142 may be of various sizes, but in one embodiment has a peripheral dimension slightly smaller than that of the interior area 136 of the housing 122.

Once again, means are provided for biasing the support 142 upwardly, so that the support 142 presses the one or more suture trays T upwardly so that the top-most tray T is accessible at the top 130 of the device 120. Such means may again comprise a spring 144 or other device or mechanism. As illustrated, in this embodiment a single large coil spring is utilized.

The support 142 may be configured to engage the spring 144. For example, the support 142 may include a plurality of tabs or slots for engaging portions of the spring 144 so as to mount the support 142 at the top of the spring 144. In this manner, a support 142 can easily be removed from the spring 144 and a new one can be installed, to permit sterile re-use of the device 120.

The cover 130 is again configured to be located at the top of the housing 122. Once again, the cover 130 preferably defines an opening 126 which provides access to one or more sutures. In a preferred embodiment, the cover 130 defines a closed periphery around the opening 126, whereby a corresponding suture tray T that is pressed against the bottom of the cover 130 is supported around the periphery of the tray T. As detailed below, in this manner, when a user applies an upward force to a suture connected to the tray T, the tray is securely maintained in position by the cover 130 (the cover 130 engages a tray around its periphery to evenly distribute the counter-acting retaining force which is necessary to maintain the tray T in position without the tray warping or twisting—thus preventing the tray from being pulled through the opening).

In one embodiment, the cover 130 includes a mount 160 or support. In one embodiment, the mount 160 extends from the cover 130. As illustrated, the mount 160 extends from a back portion of the cover 130. The mount 160 preferably defines a generally planar mounting surface. The mount 160 may extend from the cover 130 at an angle (i.e. the mount 160 does not lie in the same plane as the cover 130), such as to permit the mounting surface thereof to be generally horizontal when the cover 130 is connected to the housing 122 and the top of the housing 120 is offset from horizontal (as best illustrated in FIG. 4).

Preferably, the cover 130 is removably attachable to the housing 122. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the cover 130 has at least one mount configured to connect the cover 130 to the housing 122. Preferably, the at least one mount is configured to connect the cover 130 to the housing 122 a first or single time, and after removal of the cover, the at least one mount is configured so that the cover 130 can not be securely connected to the housing 122 a second or additional time. In one embodiment, the at least one mount comprises one or more tabs 162 extend there from. As illustrated, the cover 130 may have four tabs 162, one pair at the front and one pair at the rear thereof. The tabs 162 extend inwardly from a downwardly extending flange or lip of the cover 130. The tabs 162 may be, for example, small rectangular protrusions formed as part of the cover 130. The tabs 162 are configured to engage mating notches or slots 164 formed in the exterior of the housing 122, as best illustrated in FIG. 7.

When connected, the tabs 162 extend into the slots 164 in the housing 122 and secure the cover 130 to the housing 122. Preferably, the cover 130 locks or mates to the housing 122 sufficiently to prevent the cover 130 from being dislodged when a user applies an upward force on a suture (which force is passed to the tray T and then to the cover 130).

In a preferred embodiment, the cover 130 is configured for a single use, after which it is removed and discarded. In order to facilitate such a configuration, the tabs 162 are preferably configured to wear or break off after the cover 130 is removed, thus preventing the cover 130 from being securely re-attached to the housing 122. In one embodiment, the cover 130 is constructed of inexpensive plastic. The tabs 162 are constructed as part of the cover 130, and when engaged with the slots 164 of the metallic housing 122, wear or break when being removed from engagement with the housing 122. This then prevents the tabs 162 from securely re-engaging the housing 122, forcing the user to properly attach a new and sterile cover 130 after each use of the device 120.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the device 120 may include one or more viewing slots 166. One or more viewing slots 166 may be provided in the sides of the housing 122. The slots 166 preferably extend downwardly from the top of the housing 122 towards the bottom thereof, through the wall of the housing. For example, as illustrated, viewing slots 166 may be provided in opposing sides of the housing 122, extending downwardly from the openings 146. The viewing slots 166 allow a user to see how many trays T are in the housing 122.

Use of the device 120 is similar to that of the device 20 described above. Referring to FIG. 4, one or more suture packages or trays T (not shown) are conveniently loaded into the interior 136 of the housing 122 when no cover 130 is attached thereto. After loading, a cover 130 may be snapped into place over the top of the housing 122. At that time, the trays are biased upwardly so that the top-most tray is pressed against the bottom of the cover 130. That tray is securely retained by the cover 130 from further upward movement because the periphery of the cover 130 extends around a peripheral portion of the tray.

A user may place a suture pad on the mount 160. Such a pad may comprise a stack of paper sheets which have numbered locations. The sheets or a backing may have associated adhesive for adhering them to the mount 160 during use.

A use may remove a suture from the suture tray by reaching through the opening 126 in the cover 130 and grasping a suture. The user pulls generally upwardly to remove the suture from the tray. At this time, the cover 130 maintains the tray in position against the force which is being applied to remove the suture from the tray.

After the suture is used, it may be placed into one of the number spots on the suture pad, and then another suture may be utilized. In this manner, the sutures which are utilizes may be accounted for via the pad, ensuring that no sutures are lost.

After a particular tray is empty, it may be slid outwardly from the device 120 through a slot 146 formed in the housing 122 under the cover 130 (FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment wherein a slot 146 is located at both sides of the device 120, permitting trays T to be ejected from either side of the device). The next suture tray is then moved upwardly for use. The used suture pad may also be removed so that the sutures associated with the next tray can be accounted for via a new suture pad or sheet.

After use of the device 120, the cover 130 is preferably removed and thrown away. In one embodiment, the support 142 is also thrown away. The remainder of the device 120, such as the housing 122, may be sterilized. The device 120 is then preferably reloaded and a new support 142 and cover 130 are utilized, thus ensuring that the entire device is sterile. As indicated above, use of a new support 142 and cover 130 are facilitated by making the tabs or other attachment elements wear or break, so as to prevent re-attachment of those elements to the device 120.

As indicated, in one embodiment, one or more of the elements comprising the suture package retainer are constructed of a sterilizeable material (such as stainless steel or the like) and/or are configured to be disposable. Preferably, the device is constructed so that it has significant weight—when considering its size and/or the materials used. In this manner, the device will not readily move when sufficient force is applied to a needle and associated suture to remove them from a tray. In other embodiments, the housing might be connected to a support surface via adhesive (for example, adhesive tape may be located on the bottom of the housing) or other means of connection so as to secure it in position (since the device may otherwise then be of insufficient mass to prevent its movement when a suture is retrieved). In another embodiment, a disposable housing might be connectable to a heavy stand (such as one constructed of stainless steel). For example, the housing might be configured to slip over a pin extending from the stand. The stand might include a spring loaded ball or similar element for mating with a recess in the housing to secure the housing to the stand under normal use conditions (but permitting the housing to be separated for disposal). Of course, the housing might be connected to the stand in other manners (such as by sliding engagement, as detailed above).

As indicated, the device need not include a stand. In one embodiment, for example, the device may simply comprise a housing and the housing may rest directly upon a support surface. If a stand is utilized, the housing may engage the stand in other fashions. For example, the housing might be configured to slide into engagement with the stand. The housing might include a pin which extends outwardly into engagement with the stand. The housing and stand might include a mating slot and track. For example, the stand might define a circular groove and the housing might define a circular tab which can be placed into alignment with the groove, the tab being rotatable within the groove.

As indicated, in one embodiment the sole access to the interior of the housing might be by moving or removing the lid or cover (i.e. the housing might not include a slot). Likewise, the lid or cover might not be movable or removable and instead all access might be through the slot. The location of the slot and/or its size might vary. Preferably the slot is located near the top of the housing so that a top, used tray may be conveniently removed. The housing might, for example, include two slots: one at near the bottom for loading new trays/sutures and one near the top for removing used trays. The housing might also define one or more slots in other locations (such as slots at opposing sides of the housing.

As indicated above, in one embodiment, the suture packages or trays are biased upwardly into engagement with the top or cover of the housing. The housing could also include a stop, such as an internal shelf or the like, which serves to limit the upward travel. In this manner, for example, the cover might be removable without the trays or packages automatically springing out of the housing.

In one embodiment, various of the components of the device may comprise separate elements or instead be connected. For example, as detailed above, the housing might comprise a singular element (such as molded or machined), but might also comprise an assembly of elements (such as individual wall sections connected to one another and the base or bottom).

It will be appreciated that the device might include more than one housing or a housing configured to store or house multiple “stacks” of suture packages.

The device of the invention may be used to retain suture packages or trays of various configurations. For example, the device might retain a generally rectangular suture package or tray that supports a number of sutures, such as ten (10). However, the device might retain a generally oval suture package that supports a single large suture. In some embodiments, the shape of the opening in the cover may vary. For example, a single use cover having a generally rectangular opening may be used with generally rectangular trays. A single use cover having a generally oval or circular opening might be used to retain oval trays.

It will be understood that the above described arrangements of apparatus and the method there from are merely illustrative of applications of the principles of this invention and many other embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. In combination, a suture package retention device and one or more suture packages comprising:

a housing having a top and a bottom, at least one wall extending upwardly from said bottom, and an interior space in which one or more of said suture packages may be located, said interior space having a periphery defined by said at least one wall;

a single-use cover located at said top of said housing, said cover comprising at least one tab configured to retain said cover to said housing when said cover is connected thereto a first time, said at least one tab configured to break when said cover is removed from said housing such that said at least one tab does not permit said cover to be connected securely to said housing a second time, said cover having a top and a bottom, said cover having an opening therein and a continuous closed periphery around said opening, said periphery around said opening extending inwardly of said periphery of said interior space of said housing at said top of said housing, said cover mounted to said housing so that said cover will not move upwardly from said housing during use of said device;

at least one spring located in said housing;

a single-use suture package support mounted to said at least one spring so as to be located in said interior space and biased upwardly towards said top of said housing; and

at least one suture package located in said interior space between said suture package support and said cover, said at least one suture package comprising a tray having one or more sutures connected thereto, said suture package support biasing said at least one suture package upwardly towards said top of said housing such that a top-most of said suture packages is positioned against said bottom of said cover and whereby sutures associated with said top-most suture package are accessible through said opening in said cover, with a portion of said cover at said periphery around said opening in said cover engaging an outer portion of said top-most suture package, retaining said top-most suture package in a fixed position when a force is applied to remove one or said sutures from said top-most suture package, permitting a user to disassociate a suture from said top-most suture package.

2. The combination in accordance with claim 1 wherein said housing is constructed from stainless steel and said cover and suture package support are constructed from plastic.

3. The combination in accordance with claim 1 further comprising at least one viewing slot in said housing.

4. The combination in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a used suture mount extending outwardly from said cover.

5. The combination in accordance with claim 4 wherein said suture mount is located in a plane offset from said cover.

6. The combination in accordance with claim 1 wherein said housing comprises a slot therein corresponding to each tab for connection of said cover to said housing.

7. A suture package retention device configured to retain at least one suture package having one or more sutures connected thereto comprising:

a housing having a top and a bottom, at least one wall extending upwardly from said bottom, and an interior space in which at least one suture package may be located, said interior space having a periphery defined by said at least one wall;

a single-use cover located at said top of said housing, said cover comprising at least one mount configured to retain said cover to said housing when said cover is connected thereto a first time, said at least one mount configured to prevent said cover from being securely connected to said housing a second time after said cover is removed after said first time, said cover having a top and a bottom, said cover having an opening therein and a periphery around said opening, at least a portion of said periphery around said opening extending inwardly of said periphery of said interior space of said housing at said top of said housing;

at least one spring located in said housing; and

a single-use suture package support removably mounted to said at least one spring so as to be located in said interior space and biased upwardly towards said top of said housing; whereby at least one suture package located in said interior space between said suture package support and said cover is biased by said suture package support upwardly towards said top of said housing such that a top-most of said suture packages is positioned against said bottom of said cover and whereby sutures associated with said top-most suture package are accessible through said opening in said cover, with a portion of said cover at said periphery around said opening in said cover engaging an outer portion of said top-most suture package, retaining said top-most suture package in a fixed position when a force is applied to remove one or said sutures from said top-most suture package, permitting a user to disassociate a suture from said top-most suture package.

8. The suture package retention device in accordance with claim 7 wherein said at least one mount comprises at least one tab extending inwardly from said cover.

9. The suture package retention device in accordance with claim 7 wherein said housing is constructed of sterilizeable steel and said cover and suture package support are constructed from plastic.

10. The suture package retention device in accordance with claim 7 further comprising a generally planar mount extending from said cover outwardly of said housing.

11. The suture package retention device in accordance with claim 10 wherein said mount extends in a plane offset from a plane containing said cover.