Abstract: Devices for holding one or more flexible or elastic loops or bands, in particular hair ties, are disclosed herein. Such devices can include first and second portions having one or more protruding features around which one or more loops or bands can be secured in place. The first and second portions can be movably attached so as to move between an open position for placement of the one or more loops thereon, and a closed position to secure the one or more loops drawn taut or in a folded configuration. The device can be secured in the closed position with a fastener to maintain the one or more loops stored within for portable storage.

Abstract: A surgical device for closing a vaginal cuff includes a handle having an elongated shaft and a plurality of needles disposed therein. Each needle includes a suture anchor at a distal end thereof having a suture engaged therewith. An anvil is disposed at a distal end of the elongated shaft. A cutting mechanism is operably associated with the handle and is configured to cut tissue upon actuation thereof. A firing mechanism is operably associated with the handle and is movable between an unactuated position wherein the plurality of needles and suture anchors remain retained within the elongated shaft, an actuated position wherein the plurality of needles and suture anchors deploy from the elongated shaft through the cervical tissue, and a reverted position wherein the plurality of needles retract leaving the plurality of suture anchors and sutures engaged with the cervical tissue for tying off the vaginal cuff.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of and a corresponding method for subcuticular suturing of an incision in a single pass is provided. The apparatus includes a straight needle, a suture thread extending from a free end of the needle, and a grip couplable to or pre-attached to the needle. The grip is used for controlling, manipulating, and advancing the needle and its sharp end through the incision. The needle is generally long enough to pierce and bind both sides of the incision together without having to pull the entire needle and any slack in the suture thread through each piercing prior to proceeding to the next piercing. The needle holds the entire incision closed presets the entire path for the suture thread prior to pulling the suture thread through the incision to hold the incision closed.

Abstract: A urinary catheter deployment cassette or system includes a catheter pack, a urinary catheter, and an introducer aid. The catheter pack defines an interior compartment having a rotatable spindle at least partially positioned therein. The urinary catheter is at least partially received within the interior compartment of the catheter pack and associated with the spindle. The catheter pack includes a deformable or pierceable cover that the spindle engagement member of the introducer aid is pressed to rotate the spindle and deploy the catheter from the catheter pack. In another embodiment, a catheter pack includes an associated drainage adaptor for draining fluid from the catheter pack or a urinary catheter positioned within the catheter pack. In another embodiment, a cassette includes a rotatable drum with a two-piece catheter wrapped around it and a joining tube that places the pieces of the catheter in fluid communication.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, a user input feature, an elongate shaft extending from the body along a longitudinal axis, and a needle applier coupled to the elongate shaft. The needle applier further includes a needle and a drive assembly coupled to the needle. The drive assembly is configured to rotate the needle about a rotation axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis, in response to an actuation of the user input feature. The needle applier further includes a housing containing the needle and the drive assembly. The housing presents at least one indicator. The least one indicator is positioned to indicate at least one of a position of the needle relative to the housing, and a direction of rotation of the needle relative to the housing.

Abstract: A stented valve having at least one leaflet made of pericardium or other material having a relatively thin profile at the annulus. The leaflets are attached via chords to a stent frame, where the chords are positioned to mimic the native valve anatomy and functionality. In particular, the valves of one exemplary embodiment of the invention are sized to replace a mitral valve and therefore the chords are arranged to prevent prolapse of the leaflets into the atrium. The stented valve has a relatively short height at its annulus due to the positioning of the chords. In addition, the stented valve is capable of being crimped to a small enough size that it can be delivered to the implantation site via transcatheter delivery systems and methods.

Abstract: A suture package for retaining a barbed suture is provided. The suture package includes a suture retaining member including an outer wall and an inner wall. The inner wall is radially spaced from the outer wall and defines a suture retaining area therebetween. The inner wall defines a needle retaining area and includes at least one opening therein to permit reception of at least one suture therethrough. The outer wall includes a plurality of inwardly extending tabs configured to engage a cover. The suture package further includes a cover configured to be received within the outer wall of the suture retaining member and to selectively engage the inwardly extending tabs formed thereon.

Abstract: Suture packaging and methods of use related thereto, wherein sutures are stored in suture packaging (100) having a panel (102) with apertures (104), needle parks (106, 500) removably or fixedly and selectively inserted into the apertures, and wrapping pegs (108, 400) removably or fixedly and selectively inserted into the apertures. The suture package can further comprise a tab (716) and a tab slot (718) for closing the package.

Abstract: An embroidery thread organizing card including a thread organizing structure having a front panel and a back panel, a barcode provided on a front side of the front panel near one corner thereof for material management, and instruction information provided on a rear side of the back panel showing things to be noted during embroidering, a plurality of information zones provided on the front side of the front panel, and a plurality of embroidery thread groups having a number and a location corresponding to that of the information zones and being clamped at an end to the thread organizing structure. Each of the information zones shows a thread color sample and information related to the use of the corresponding embroidery thread group. A user picking a thread for embroidery can at the same time obtain information related to the picked thread, so as to avoid using a wrong thread and to embroider efficiently.

Abstract: A kit for storing and applying an adhesive removing device comprising an enclosure which includes a base portion and a removable top layer releasably secured to the base portion; an adhesive removing device including at least one wiping mechanism which includes at least one absorbent portion; and a biocompatible composition including a solvent and a moisturizing agent embedded in the absorbent portion of the wiping mechanism. A method for storing and applying an adhesive removing device comprises a series of steps for using the adhesive removing device to remove an adhesive from a surface.

Abstract: A novel suture tray package is disclosed. The package has a floor member and a plurality of curvilinear walls extending up from the top of the floor member and forming suture tracks. The walls extend in a spiral manner from the central section of the floor member to the periphery. Extending radially outwardly about the periphery are platform sections in communication with the tracks and optionally containing needle park members and pledget park members.

Abstract: A suture pledget assembly is disclosed that includes a block with at least one slit and a pledget in an abutting relationship to the block. A suture has first and second end portions that are retained by the first and second slits, respectively. The first and second end portions generally extend beyond a face of the block and are substantially parallel to each other. A suture pledget package for retaining a suture is disclosed. The suture pledget package includes a front panel and a backing panel where the backing panel forms a plurality of tracks. Each track is configured and dimensioned to receive at least one suture pledget assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a suture retainer including a one-piece retaining structure having a passageway formed therein for receiving at least one suture, wherein the passageway includes a substantially open top portion, a substantially closed bottom portion, at least one radial turn and a plurality of rib members positioned along the radial turn of the passageway, wherein the rib members and the passageway are unitarily formed in a fixed position.

Abstract: An article and related method for creating custom and decorative fringes including an elongate and flexible template exhibiting an interior and linear extending slot. A yarn or ribbon is successively wrapped around the sides of the template in length progressing fashion as to overlay the slot. A stabilizer, including such as a hem tape, bias tape or ribbon, is aligned with the slot and sewn or otherwise secured to the yarn or ribbon, following which the lateral extending edges are sectioned to remove the finished item from the template and to permit subsequent application to an edge or other surface of an existing article.

Abstract: A suture pledget assembly is disclosed that includes a block with at least one slit and a pledget in an abutting relationship to the block. A suture has first and second end portions that are retained by the first and second slits, respectively. The first and second end portions generally extend beyond a face of the block and are substantially parallel to each other. A suture pledget package for retaining a suture is disclosed. The suture pledget package includes a front panel and a backing panel where the backing panel forms a plurality of tracks. Each track is configured and dimensioned to receive at least one suture pledget assembly.

Abstract: A protective holder for displaying a generally thin article includes a first member formed from a translucent material and a second member which is permanently attached to the first member to form a pocket open along one edge of at least one of the first member and the second member for receiving such generally thin article. A flap is hingedly attached to the edge of the first member and movable into a position internal to the pocket for securing such generally thin article, wherein a portion of such generally thin article is caged between the flap and the first member and is further movable into a position external to the pocket for one of insertion and removal of such generally thin article.

Abstract: A suture pledget assembly is disclosed that includes a block with at least one slit and a pledget in an abutting relationship to the block. A suture has first and second end portions that are retained by the first and second slits, respectively. The first and second end portions generally extend beyond a face of the block and are substantially parallel to each other. A suture pledget package for retaining a suture is disclosed. The suture pledget package includes a front panel and a backing panel where the backing panel forms a plurality of tracks. Each track is configured and dimensioned to receive at least one suture pledget assembly.

Abstract: A portable carrier includes a base housing and a cover member secured to the base housing. The base housing is provided with an internal cavity defined by a bottom wall and an enclosing wall extending substantially upwardly from the bottom wall. The cover member is adapted for selectively reconfiguring the portable carrier between a first, closed position preventing access to the internal cavity and a second, open position providing access to the internal cavity. The cover member is dimensioned to closely conform an outer peripheral surface of the base housing so that in the second position the cover member is nested under the base housing over and around the outer peripheral surface thereof. The portable carrier further includes a child-resistant locking device provided for preventing the portable carrier from being open.

Abstract: A threading kit (10) having a first threading assembly (11), a second threading assembly (20), a package of leather lace (38), and a carrying case (42) which holds and protects the first threading assembly (11), the second threading assembly (20), and the leather lace (38). Particularly, the leather lace (38) is removably coupled to either the first or the second threading assembly (11, 20) and is used to either pierce a material or perform a re-lacing or threading task.

Abstract: A kite container has a barrel, a lower cover disposed on a lower end of the barrel, a carrying strap having two ends connected to the barrel, and the barrel having an upper opening to receive a bobbin. The bobbin has an annular flange to block an upper end of the barrel.

Abstract: A suture package for multiple double armed sutures has a base panel with a multi-compartment pocket disposed at a bottom portion thereof. A needle park adhered to the base panel holds a first group of needle pairs with the associated sutures extending down into compartments of the pocket. A divider panel divides the pocket structure in half and supports a second needle park for holding a second plurality of needle pairs. The needle parks have a serrated top edge and angled slits that hold the needles such that they have a reduced lateral profile to allow the package to have a manipulable width while holding multiple sutures. Pledgets on the sutures park besides the needles in valleys of the serrated edge. In order to prevent the second panel from compressing the sutures when the package is folded, the fold lines of the base panel and the second panel are offset and the top portion of the second panel is slidably attached to the base panel by tabs and slots.

Abstract: A tray package is provided for sutures and needles. The tray package includes a base member which has top and bottom surfaces. A needle park bridge is formed on the top surface and is sized and shaped to receive a needle of a suture. A suture channel is formed on the bottom surface and is sized and shaped to receive a suture.

Abstract: A suture package (30) including a panel having a series of superimposed subpanels (32a). A suture (20) loops back and forth on the subpanels (32a) such that adjacent loops are retained on adjacent subpanels (32a) and the adjacent subpanels separate the adjacent loops from one another. In the preferred embodiment, an accordion style panel (32) is utilized and the series of subpanels (32a) are folded into a superimposed relationship. Various features are incorporated to reduce the instances or likelihood of kinking and tangling of the suture (20) when pulled from the package (30) by a user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a generally box-shaped case having a removable cover and a base being made of lightweight, yet durable material The removable cover has a sunken-handle located on a top portion and a means for securely attaching the removable cover to the base. The base has an inside portion which is divided into five compartments, with three of the compartments extending on a front to back axis along side of and parallel to each other, and the fourth and fifth compartments extending from side to side along the rear of the base. A removable rod is provided extending from side to side in the interior of the base. The base has a front portion which has three holes therethrough and a measuring device.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a surgical suture dispenser (1) especially suitable for retaining prepared sutures (4,5), that is to say, sutures provided with one or more needles (5), which are coiled in the dispenser (1) so that the respective needle (s) can be accessible through its central portion. This invention also relates to a method of coiling surgical sutures.According to this invention, the dispenser (1) comprises first and second panels (2,3) joined to each other so as to retain, in a central position, a needle (5) secured to an end of a suture (4), characterized in that the free end of the suture (4) is fixed in co-operation with at least one of the panels (2,3), in a position away from the needle (5).Further according to the invention, a coiling method is provided for coiling a surgical suture (4) in a dispenser (1) substantially as defined in claim 1, characterized by comprising a step of pulling the free end of the suture (4) in a direction away from the first panel (2).

Abstract: A suture package includes a base panel with a needle park and a plurality of pockets having plural compartments stacked in the Z direction. The package is suitable for containing and dispensing a plurality of double-armed sutures during time-critical surgery and promotes tangle-free dispensing by winding the sutures through the compartments in a serpentine manner to avoid suture-to-suture interaction. Spatial separation of the needles in the needle park and color coding of the sutures allows for easy identification of the individual sutures during dispensing and when tying off the sutures during surgery.

Abstract: A suture package comprising a needled suture or a non-needled suture, in the same folding retainer. The retainer comprises first and second suture-supporting panels hinged together along a common side edge; a cover panel hinged to each of the supporting panels along a common side edge; and a closing mechanism for releasably closing the panels together, folded about the hinges to retain a suture; one of the supporting panels and one of the cover panels including two separate access features providing access to either a needled or non-needled suture.

Abstract: A suture package having a shallow polymer tray for holding a suture. The package has a substantially flat floor area, an upturned edge and a plurality of fenestrations therein. The fenestrations cause the package to lay flat by interrupting material stresses set up by, e.g., differential cooling during injection molding. The flatness of the package promotes automated package handling by machines. The fenestrations also save on material usage and disposal while providing the necessary structural integrity for the package.

Abstract: The package (10) provides a first panel (11) and a second panel (12) foldably connected thereto. The first panel (11) serves as a winding panel and is connected at opposite sides to various separation panels (18,19, 20,21). Thread coils (42) can be wound on the first panel (11), the needles (43) thereof are inserted into a foam material needle support (24). After that, a separation panel (19) is folded over to cover a part of the finished thread coil (42). Above that, a further thread coil is produced. The individual separation panels (18-21) each only cover a part of the thread coil below, yet keep the threads from becoming entangled with one another.

Abstract: An automatic squeeze-bottle utilization cycle counting device in the form of a squeeze bottle, a bottle cap having a nozzle attached to the squeeze bottle and a removable nozzle cap hinged to the bottle cap for isolating the nozzle from the outside environment. An indicating mechanism indicates the number of times the nozzle cap has been removed and replaced is provided in the form of a rotatable part rotatably attached to the bottle cap, a set of symbols on the rotatable part, a window in the nozzle cap for sequential indication of the symbols and cooperating ratchet elements on the rotatable part and the nozzle cap for indexing the rotatable part. The device provides positive positioning of the nozzle cap and allows tracking of compliance with a prescribed regimen which includes using the contents of the squeeze-bottle, while decreasing the risk of contamination of the nozzle and the contents of the bottle.

Abstract: A package for maintaining a needle-suture product in a sterile condition includes a peelable foil container in which a peripheral heat seal defines a cavity for retaining a suture packet. The packet has a plastic tray and a stiff paper lid secured to the tray by hinged paper cleats extending into sockets in the tray. The lid covers most of the area of the tray, leaving an uncovered portion for accessing a needle mounted in the tray. A suture attached to the needle is coiled in a peripheral track in the tray so that an extended length of suture material can be retained in a relatively small space. The container has top and bottom aluminum foils with differentiated polymeric coatings on their interior surfaces, which are thermally fused to form the seal. Unsealed foil flaps are provided at one end of the container to enable peeling apart the foils to open the package.

Abstract: A display package for ribbon and like materials in which a length of ribbon is wound onto a supporting blank preferably fabricated of paperboard which partially encloses the wound ribbon and partially exposes the ribbon for inspection and evaluation by purchasers.

Abstract: A folder package for surgical sutures. The package has a base panel, a foldably connected cover panel, a foldably connected closure panel, a foldably connected end panel, and a ramp structure. The package also has at least one needle/suture park mounted to the base panel. The ramp structure is mounted adjacent to the needle/suture park and allows sutures to pass over the park without getting hung-up on or in the park.

Abstract: A metal musical string having a plastic or polymer material covering an end of the string opposite to a ball end of the string is contained in a flexible enclosure or pouch. In a coiled configuration, the ends of the string are twisted around convolutions of the coil to maintain the coil configuration. Different colors of polymer material cover ends of respective different music strings to identify the strings contained in the single pouch. The polymer material is either thin to allow insertion through holes or slots of musical instruments or removable. The flexible enclosure is a sealed gas impervious pouch filled with a non-corrosive gas such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, argon, helium, etc.

Abstract: A package for surgical sutures and needles. The package has an elongated retention panel with a needle park and a plurality of openings in the retention panel to receive winding pins for winding a suture onto the retention panel. The package also has a foldably connected second retention panel and first and second ancillary retention panels.

Abstract: A suture package is provided having a body portion defining an inner cavity and a cover plate affixed to the body for retention of a coiled length of suture therebetween and having an exit area configured to prevent kinking of the coils of suture upon removal of the suture from the package. A loading unit for use with a surgical suturing apparatus is provided having a body portion defining an inner cavity, a cover plate affixed to the body portion for retention of a coiled length of suture therebetween and having an exit area configured to prevent kinking of the coils of the suture upon removal, and a mounting member positioned on the body portion and configured to releasably hold a surgical needle.

Abstract: A suture package having a base member, an upwardly extending outer wall about the periphery of the base member, a plurality of grooves in the base member for receiving a suture, and a top lid member. The package has a central needle park and a discharge opening in the lid member for removing a needle and suture from the package. The package may alternatively have spoke members and rib members extending up from the base member containing grooves which form a suture channel for receiving a suture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support-wrapping for a surgical suture including a pivotally-hinged flap having the needle of the suture fixed thereto. The invention also provides packaging for a surgical suture and that includes a support-wrapping of the above-specified type.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a package (100,200) made up of a plurality of folding panels (101-106), particularly suitable for retaining a surgical suture (115) wound in a non-crossed manner on pins (111) that penetrate a first retaining panel (101) and are preferably arranged along semicircular paths. Thus, even a suture (115) made of a material provided with a great elastic memory can be retained in the package (100,200) of this invention for long periods of time, without assuming an accentuated undulated shape after being taken out of the package (100,200). Further according to the present invention, the package (100,200) includes a locking device of the tongue-slot type (130,131) for keeping the package (100,200) folded and closed, the respective slot (131) being disposed in a transversely median position in said first retaining panel (101).

Abstract: An elongated, folded paper package for containing surgical suture material and needles. The package includes folding panels which cover and protect the suture material, winding pin holes to assist in winding suture material, a foam block to hold the needles securely, one slit to hold the package closed and additional slits for ease of opening the package to expose the needles.

Abstract: A moisture impervious package for surgical elements such as retainers having suture-needle assemblies positioned thereon. The package is provided with a top wall of moisture impervious material having an access opening die cut into the wall over which a closure flap secured by a peripheral heat seal to fully enclose the access opening. The top wall is then positioned over a bottom wall of moisture impervious material whereby a retainer having the suture needle assemblies is positioned therebetween. A peripheral heat seal then secures the top wall to the bottom wall to form the package.

Abstract: A suture package for storing a plurality of sutures is disclosed. The package includes a plurality of panel members foldably connected to each other and arranged to fold onto each other to form a plurality of suture compartments for storing an individual suture therein. The package also includes an enclosure card defining at least two card portions. One of the card portions of the enclosure card includes a plurality of tabs and apertures for securing the needled ends of the sutures. The card portions are adapted to fold onto each other to define a compartment to accommodate the folded suture panel members.

Abstract: An apparatus as disclosed for holding and organizing colored threads used in needlework. The organizer includes a card, on each face of which are provided a plurality of rings for attaching needlework threads of individual colors and a needle for use with each different color of thread. A plastic sleeve for the card has holes for insertion of the sleeve and card in a three-ring binder.

Abstract: A needle shield for retainers enclosing suture-needle assemblies constructed of a fibrous material and foldable about at least two score lines to provide a protective device against needle damage, accidental sticking of the user's fingers, and puncture of the package within which the retainer is packaged.

Abstract: A retainer for a combined surgical needle suture device, or armed suture, possesses a cut-away region and integral slot which facilitates loading and removal of the armed suture therefrom.

Abstract: A suture material pack for surgical suture material comprises. The pack includes a folding card (10) with a base plate (11) and a pair of cover plates (13, 14) adjoining the same in the longitudinal direction. Projecting to one side from the base plate (11), there is a first holding plate (22) over which a second holding plate (27) may be folded. The holding plates enclose the suture material (35) and they are shorter than the suture material loop. During the placing of the suture material and the closing of the holding plates, the suture material loop can be held at the ends. The cover plates (13) and (14) are then folded onto the base plate and the holding plate folded thereon so that the suture material is protected. The folding card (10) is welded into a foil sheath that is torn open to take out the filament. In doing so, a flap (14a) provided at the second cover plate (14) is torn off so as to expose the filament end.

Abstract: A molded suture retainer is provided for retaining and storing sutures. Both absorbable and nonabsobable sutures fabricated from natural or synthetic materials can be advantageously retained and stored therein. The retainer is characterized by a wide spiraling oval passageway with minimal convolutions covered by a cover sheet. The length of the passageway is preferably proportional to 1/3 to 1/2 the overall length of the suture to be retained therein. Recesses are provided for receiving package stabilizing agents and/or needle parks. Sutures packaged in accordance with the invention exhibit fewer kinks and bends than prior packaged sutures.

Abstract: A one piece needle and suture holder is described in which a rounded channel is formed for retention of the suture. One end of the suture exits the channel toward the interior of the channel and is attached to a needle located in a needle holder in the interior of the channel. The channel is formed with an open side, to which are attached a plurality of hinged doors. After the suture is wound in the open channel, the doors are folded over the open side of the channel and are locked in place to retain the suture within the channel. In an alternative embodiment a paper cover is utilized to complete the enclosing channel. To afford ease of winding the suture the bottom of the channel is perforated for the application of a vacuum to the channel during suture winding. Also disclosed is a needle park for retaining the needle in the center of the package.

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: A package is provided for receiving and retaining at least one resilient surgical suture arranged in a coil configuration. The package is formed with a loading port which defines a radially unobstructed passageway through which a resilient surgical suture coil may be loaded and thereafter caused to uncoil and expand radially outward into a retaining channel. The package may include needle park means for securely maintaining armed sutures in a manner for ready removal.