Abstract: A unit is mounted directly on a tank of pressurized gas used to inflate a balloon and includes a supporting bracket having ribbon-accommodating holes defined through one end thereof and a support section on the other end. A ribbon supporting spool is rotatably mounted on the support section and ribbon drawn off the spool is threaded through the ribbon-accommodating holes to be captured in a knot formed in the neck of the balloon after that neck has been drawn around the supporting bracket and formed into a knot. A method of forming a knot in the balloon and capturing the ribbon therein is also disclosed.

Abstract: A knot-tying assembly is provided for tying overhand knots in an elastic material, such as the stem of an inflated balloon. The knot-tying assembly includes a mounting base for attaching the knot-tying assembly to a structure, such as an inflation gas regulator, and support arm rigidly connected to and extending outward from the base. The support arm includes an extension at the end distal from the base with a recessed mounting surface. A pair of posts is mounted on this recessed mounting surface with the posts positioned substantially parallel to each other and spaced apart a distance that defines a ring-retaining slot. During operation, the stem of an inflated balloon is positioned within the slot, and the ring is retained in position, at least in part, by the two posts. The knot-tying assembly further includes a slidable, hollow form which is positioned in contact with the outer surface of the support arm.

Abstract: In an end of a line passing through a hook-eye of a fishing hook with the end held adjacent a standing part of the line, apparatus for wrapping the end of the line around the standing part comprising a drive element mounted to rotate in response to exertion of a force and a clamp carried by the drive element for holding the hook.

Abstract: A leader attachment tool for use securing a wire leader within a fishing rig that includes a bent wire member including a handle portion, a right angle offset portion, an axis portion, a connecting hook with a tapered insertion end, an attachment eyelet, and a plastic sleeve handle.

Abstract: A knot tying device comprises a knotting guide which carries a pair of snare cords. Each snare cord comprises a suture capture end and a pull end. The snare cords are carried within the knotting guide in a loose, knotted configuration. By capturing a pair of free suture ends in the suture capture ends of the snare cords, the knotted configuration originally embodied in the snare cords can be transferred to the free suture ends by pulling those ends through the knotting guide.

Abstract: A kit for making a hooked rug comprised of a backing made of a flexible yet stable material with offset, intermittent holes, a hook with a handle, embroidery needle, yarn, diagrams and written instructions, all of which are packed in a bag or box. The invention also discloses a method of making a hooked rug comprised of filling in each backing hole following a chart or a pattern drawn or stamped on the backing and using a continuous length of yarn drawn through the offset intermittent holes to provide the effect of a hooked rug random looping.

Abstract: A knot tier and method for advancing, tightening and locking a sliding knot.

Abstract: An improved necktie knot forming apparatus and method. The apparatus includes a main, cylindrical body, means connected to the body for holding the necktie in position while the knot is being formed, and two projecting and divergent elongated elements protruding from one end of the cylindrical body, said elements providing wrap assist elements for knot formation.

Abstract: A balloon tying device of the invention includes a dowel having a slotted end and a hole whose axis extends transversely to the dowel in the slot. A particular feature of the invention involves a stepping-in of one side of a balloon-tying slot relative to the other, to create a land for facilitating sliding of a neck of a balloon into the slot in a method of the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for threading a hook is provided including a housing and a hook threader wire coupled to the housing for threading a fishing line through an eyelet of a hook such that a pair of free ends of the fishing line reside on a first side of the eyelet and the fishing line forms a closed loop on a second side of the eyelet.

Abstract: A hand held knot tying device used for tying fishermen's knots, such as nail knots, which are used to tie monofilament segments to fishing line segments. The device has a straight portion that extends approximately one-half of its length at which point the other half tapers down to a diameter that is small relative to the straight portion. The grooves run the length of the straight portion but run out in the tapered portion due to the taper going below the depth of the grooves. To tie a knot with the device, the fisherman lays the fishing line in the widest groove, then, coming from the opposite direction, he lays the monofilament in one of the other grooves. Next, and having provided enough slack to do so, he wraps the monofilament back upon itself and the fly line, so as to form multiple coils, and then tunnels the free end of the monofilament back beneath the coils, using the third groove as a tunneling means. He then tightens the coils to form a knot around the straight portion.

Abstract: The knot tyer in accordance with the present invention includes, a hollow, elongated body member with a coil expansion spring mounted tubular piston therein and a release thereon. The hollow, elongated body member has a tubular piston slidably mounted and constrained within a cylindrical, hollow bore therethrough. The tubular piston has a first shoulder, a second shoulder, and a groove extending around the diameter of the tubular piston. The cylindrical, hollow bore in the rear end of the hollow, elongated body member accommodates in free longitudinally sliding manner a first shoulder on the tubular piston as well as a coil expansion spring encircling the tubular piston. The cylindrical, hollow bore in the front end of the hollow, elongated body member accommodates in free longitudinally sliding manner a second shoulder and a groove on the tubular piston.

Abstract: A tool to assist in tying shoe laces, having a handle with three tool elements affixed at one end. One of the elements is a resilient element for holding a loop formed in the shoe lace, the second element is a holding element for holding the crossed laces and the third element is a hook for pulling one of the ends of the shoe lace through the loop.

Abstract: A knot tightening tool for use in mending or making a fishing net, which fishing net has a heavy rope or the like to which a flexible line such as a cord line is secured by a knot around the rope. The knot tightening tool has a pair of handles aligned in the same plane with end portions adjacent the rope and being interconnected by cross links such that rotation of the grip ends of the handles causes the end portions to move apart. Each end portion has gripping jaws that grip the free ends of the line and in the opposing movement pulls the free ends of the line, tightening the knot.

Abstract: A unitary construction hand-holdable device for tieing an inflated balloon includes projecting spaced-apart first and second prongs, and defines an opening providing finger access to the region rearward and beneath the prongs. An inflated balloon is held beneath the device, and the balloon neck is stretched to pass over both prongs and is then pulled down, below the device. The neck is then crossed over itself and a knot is formed in the region generally below the access opening. After tieing, the knotted balloon is slid off on the prongs. The device may be used to tie elastic materials other than balloons.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for forming a fully tied knot to fasten bodily tissue is disclosed. The instrument has a handle assembly for actuating first and second actuators. The first actuator remotely effects movement of a grasping jaw from an open position to a closed position relative to a suture cartridge contained in a cartridge carrier at the distal end of the instrument. Accordingly, the first actuator is capable of causing the manipulation of bodily tissue or suture filament contained in the suture cartridge. The second actuator is operatively connected to the suture filament in the suture cartridge. A portion of the suture filament is configured into a partially tied knot, and when the second actuator is actuated, it causes the proximal end of the filament to be pulled for converting the partially tied knot into a fully formed knot.

Abstract: A device for assisting in the tying of fishing knots, including a handle end including means for forming loops and a working end including a bifurcated pointed end tapering outwardly toward the handle and including upstanding edges to guide the line and a thumb pad to be used when holding the line. A method of tying knots using the tool.

Abstract: A set of medical instruments for placing and shifting knots produced with surgical sutures during surgery, wherein a further through bore is provided for pulling a suture through in the vicinity of the head end of the rod, said bore being located transversely with respect to the lengthwise axis of the cylindrical rod, with the head end of the cylindrical rod being designed as a knot shifter for shifting and tightening a knot produced by means of the sutures. Using the knot shifter and knot cutter proposed according to the invention, a reliable knotting and hence immobilization of the parts rejoined by surgical sutures, such as tendons, to their original fastening areas can be achieved.

Abstract: A method for securing a ribbon (76) to a balloon (80), having a body (84) which is in use inflated through a neck (86) is described. The method comprises the steps of retaining the body of the balloon in first retaining means (34), retaining said ribbon in second retaining means (42) spaced-apart from said first retaining means, drawing the neck of said balloon away from said first retaining means and guiding the neck around said second retaining means until the neck encircles said second retaining means and said ribbon retained in said second retaining means.

Abstract: The knot tyer in accordance with the present invention includes, a hollow, elongated body member with a coil expansion spring mounted tubular piston therein and a release thereon. The hollow, elongated body member has a tubular piston slidably mounted and constrained within a cylindrical, hollow bore therethrough. The tubular piston has a first shoulder, a second shoulder, and a groove extending around the diameter of the tubular piston. The cylindrical, hollow bore in the rear end of the hollow, elongated body member accommodates in free longitudinally sliding manner a first shoulder on the tubular piston as well as a coil expansion spring encircling the tubular piston. The cylindrical, hollow bore in the front end of the hollow, elongated body member accommodates in free longitudinally sliding manner a second shoulder and a groove on the tubular piston.

Abstract: A suture passer comprises a longitudinally extending hollow cannula having a central passage slidingly receivable of a surgical suture; a manually graspable handle connected to the hollow cannula for manipulation thereof, the handle having an upper surface; first guide member, connected to the upper surface of the handle, proximate a distal end of the handle for releasably, guidingly, holding the surgical suture; second guide member, connected to the upper surface of the handle, proximate to the first guide member, for releasably, guidingly, holding the surgical suture. The suture passer can be provided in a kit, for use in the suturing of internal tissue, along with a cannula bender, various hollow surgical needles and surgical suture material. The suture passer finds particular use in the suturing of internal tissues which are at least partially accessible through a body cavity, e.g. arthroscopic surgery.

Abstract: An improved method of forming a non-slip surgical knot for fastening tissue, and the knot prepared by the improved method, are disclosed. A partially tied knot which has a first loop and knot loops formed about the first loop to create a common loop core receiving the first loop is initially provided. The distal end of the suture filament from which the partially tied knot is made is passed through the tissue, and it is then fed through the first loop to form a tissue-fastening loop. The improvement involves pulling the first loop and a portion of the suture filament through the common loop core, thus eliminating the first loop and forming a distal loop positioned adjacent the common loop core. When this improved method is used to form the non-slip knot, a knot with a consistently high knot security can be formed without the need to provide a tension on the suture filament which exceeds the breaking strength of the suture.

Abstract: A surgical instrument facilitates tying of a knot in a length of suture material at a remote surgical location. The instrument is comprised of an inner rod having a length of suture wrapped over the rod in a particular pattern. A needle may be secured to a free end of the suture and the pattern of wrapping the suture on the rod enables loops of suture to move off the rod end and over the needle to form a knot in the suture. The inner rod is received in an interior bore of an outer rod for manually controlled reciprocating movement therein. The inner rod is manually retracted into the interior bore of the outer rod to cause the outer rod to move the loops of suture off the inner rod end and over the needle in forming a knot in the suture. An extendable filament is contained in the inner rod and has a connector at its distal end for holding the free end of the suture.

Abstract: A hand held tool for starting lace stitching or braiding, including a firm, stabilizing ridge about the perimeter with a relatively thin, flexible plastic panel within the perimeter. The panel includes a systematic scheme of holes that are interconnected by channels. The holes are sized and shaped to accommodate a particular lacing material and the holes are arranged to permit a particular design in the finished gimp. The tool is removed from the finished gimp with the exertion of a gentle separating force.

Abstract: A necktie knot forming device is provided. The knot forming device is temporarily attached to the tie prior to forming the knot and retains the tie and the device in position during the knot formation process. Once the knot is substantially completely formed, the device is then removed from the tie and a neat, consistent, four-in-hand knot remains in the tie.

Abstract: A hand-held hot-tying device used for forming fishermen's knots, such as blood knots, which are used to tie two fishing lines segments together. The device is flat with a base from which three spaced-apart legs extend at right angles. The device may be formed from an assembly consisting of congruent plates which are fastened together adjacently. The adjacent spaced-apart legs of the assembly provide three sets of two nips into which the fishing line is wedged and held fast. The top portion of each nip is tapered so as to facilitate insertion of the fishing line segments. While one free end of line to be joined remains held fast, the free end of the other is manipulated on the device and then clamped to the center legs. Then the free end of the other line to be joined is likewise manipulated and clamped to the center legs.

Abstract: A hand-held knot-tying device used for forming fishermen's knots, such as blood knots, which are used to tie two fishing lines segments together. The device is flat with a base from which two spaced-apart legs extend at right angles. The device may be formed from an assembly consisting of congruent plates which are fastened together adjacently. The assembly also includes a medial member. The spaced apart legs of the assembly provide two sets of two nips into which the fishing line is wedged and held fast. The top portion of each nip is tapered so as to facilitate insertion of the fishing line segments. The medial member is manipulated on the device so as to form two sets of coils in the line segments on either side of the medial member. Following the aforesaid line manipulation, free ends of the line segments are clamped to the medial member which is then pulled through a loop formed between the coils so as to form a loose knot.

Abstract: A fishing tool equipped with a number of useful features including a fish hook sneller. The tool comprises a support body with a hook holding mechanism provided at one end of this body adapted to engage a section of a hook. A line holder has first and second spaced apart arms with the first arm being longer than the second and generally parallel thereto. These arms are connected together and slidable in the support body between an outer position in which both arms project from the side of the support body and an inner position wherein the second arm does not project at all or substantially from the side of the support body and the first arm is flush or slightly protruding. The first arm is provided with a line catching member at one end thereof so that a line looped around this arm will not slip off when the arms are slid to the inner position. In a preferred embodiment, the line holder is generally U-shaped with a connecting section extending between ends of the two arms.

Abstract: A ligative suturer according to the present invention comprises a first rod which is connected with a ligative sutural member, and a second rod which is connected with the first rod to be bendable in the horizontal direction (L, R). A thread guard member which is capable of protrusion and storage is provided in the first rod, while a lever which can select the bending direction of the first rod in response to the situation of employment by an operator is provided in the second rod. Due to this ligative suturer, the operator can regularly bend the first rod toward him whether he handles the suturer with his left or right hand.

Abstract: The balloon tying apparatus is designed to provide a stable platform for individuals engaged in tying balloons. The apparatus is comprised of a main support platform that is in the form of a flat surface. A plurality of upper support members extends from the main support platform. A extension unit is positioned below the upper support members. The extension unit can be U shaped or in the form of parallel walls. The inflated balloon is positioned between the upper support members and the stem of the balloon is stretched below the extension unit. The stem of the balloon is wrapped around the outside of the U shaped extension unit or around the parallel wall and then passes through the center of the extension unit. As the stem is then pulled away from the main support platform a knot is formed in the stem.

Abstract: A hand held implement (20) of two pieces to tie, secure, and dispense fishhooks (60). Implement (20) consists of a cylindrical longitudinal bore (38), vertical safety chamber (40), and extended sliding mandrel tying end (29). Top plane (FIG. 2) provides a vertical opening for the safety hook chamber (40), threading line guide (44), and a vertical flute guide (52). The second part includes a cylindrical longitudinal sliding helical mandrel (24), vertical receiving hook flutes (34), spring chamber (32), and sliding mandrel tying end (29). The helical spring (46) provides actuating and biasing means that urges barbed fishhooks (60) into the vertical safety hook chamber (40) exposing a secure hook eyelet (62) for tying, while the sliding mandrel tying end (29) extends beyond the implement (20) end portion (66). Thus, the sliding helical mandrel (24) extends the vertical receiving hook flutes (34) to dispense the hook (60).

Abstract: A harness lure tying device comprises a plurality of beads and a spinner disposed on a shaft having an axial bore therethrough and removable retainers at opposite ends of the shaft. The removal of one or the other retainers permits the beads and spinner to be slid onto and off the shaft into and out of engagement with a leader line during the tying of a harness lure or the replacement of the beads and blade of a harness for those of another.

Abstract: A tool for tying knots in the necks of inflatable objects, such as balloons. The tool is an elongated member having two side surfaces, a top surface, a bottom surface, and opposing tapered ends. Each tapered end contains a recessed area in the top surface. There is a receiving slit in each recessed area. The distal portion of the receiving slit may have a "V" shape to increase ease of access of the balloon neck. The tool is made of a lubricating plastic, such as a mixture of ABS rubber and at least one of high density polyethylene, high density polypropylene, and silicone in order to decrease the friction between the tool and the ballon. To further decrease friction between the tool and the balloon, the tool contains small protrusions or dimples which decrease the surface area of contact.

Abstract: A suture applier instrument for tying suture and loop ligatures in laparoscopic excisional procedures such as LAVH, tubal ligation, salpingectomy, cophorectomy and appendectomy; in the repair of the fallopian tubes, uterus and ovaries; and in retropubic colposuspension using locking slip knots; and an efficient extracorporeal method to effectively lock them. The slip knot is held at the tip of the suture applier instrument and is kept in position on the target tissues while its two suture strands are operated extracorporeally, tying the loop ligature with one of the strands and locking or tightening the knot itself with the other. Additional hitch knots may be introduced and tied after the slip knot has been applied, using the same instrument. New knots, spool for pretied knot sutures and knot tying techniques for use with the suture applier are presented.

Abstract: A necktie knot tying tool having an elongate body with a handle at one end and a tie finishing portion at the other end. A raised projection extends outwardly from the tool between the two ends for placement beneath the final loop formed when tying a necktie. The projection has a textured surface as does the tie finishing portion to limit slippage of the tie over those portions of the tool. An indent in the top of the raised projection aids in the formation of a crease in the tie below the knot.

Abstract: A device for assisting in the tying of fishing knots, including a handle end including means for forming loops and a working end including a bifurcated pointed end tapering outwardly toward the handle and including upstanding edges to guide the line and a thumbpad to be used when holding the line.

Abstract: A suture applier instrument for tying suture and loop ligatures in laparoscopic excisional procedures such as LAVH, tubal ligation, salpingectomy, cophorectomy and appendectomy; in the repair of the fallopian tubes, uterus and ovaries; and in retropubic colposuspension using locking slip knots; and an efficient extracorporeal method to effectively lock them. The slip knot is held at the tip of the suture applier instrument and is kept in position on the target tissues while its two suture strands are operated extracorporeally, tying the loop ligature with one of the strands and locking or tightening the knot itself with the other. Additional hitch knots may be introduced and tied after the slip knot has been applied, using the same instrument. New knots, spool for pretied knot sutures and knot tying techniques for use with the suture applier are presented.

Abstract: A tool (10) is provided for creating an indentation or furrow in the portion of a neck tie (20) that flows down and out of the knot (22) formed when the neck tie is tied around a human neck. The tool includes a sheet of flexible material (12) that is bent, folded or curved along midline so as to create a concave and convex surface in the approximate shape of a hollow half cylinder without ends or a piece of tubing split in half along its length. A fin (14) runs along the midline of the sheet of flexible material on its concave surface and bisects the cavity created by the concave surface of the sheet of flexible material. An elongate probe, (16) projects from one end of the fin. The end of the elongate probe (18) is inserted into the bottom of the untightened knot in the necktie and pushed upward until it protrudes from the top of the knot. The fin and concave surface of the sheet of flexible material are then pressed into the surface of the tie that hangs below the knot and faces out and away from the chest.

Abstract: A knot tying device includes a base adapted for attaching firmly to a human hand by sliding over at least one finger; and a cantilever supported by the base and protruding away from the palm of the hand, the cant/lever having a U-shaped cross section, the cantilever having a proximal region closest to the base and a distal region, the proximal region having two ears defining generally parallel planes extending outwardly therefrom, each of the ears terminating in a distal retaining edge for retaining a loop of balloon material, the cantilever defining inside the U-shape an axially oriented recess at least 5/8 inch wide, the recess extending from the proximal region and between the ears to the distal region.

Abstract: A surgical knot pusher device comprises a thick-walled cannula or tube having a beveled elliptical face and a central channel for slidably receiving one end of a suture. The other end of the suture is slidably inserted in one of a pair of longitudinal grooves formed on the outer surface of the cannula which intersect the elliptical face at the opposite ends of its major axis. One of the longitudinal grooves extends along the longest portion of the cannula and the other longitudinal groove extends along the shortest portion of the of the cannula. As the knot pusher device is inserted into a surgical port, a knot formed in the suture is engaged by the beveled face and advanced toward a surgical site. A notch is formed at the proximal end of the cannula for receiving the end of the suture threaded into the central channel. A threading element comprising an elongated rod with a deformable loop is provided to thread the suture into the central channel of the cannula.

Abstract: A suture passer comprises a longitudinally extending hollow cannula having a central passage slidingly receivable of a surgical suture; a manually graspable handle connected to the hollow cannula for manipulation thereof, the handle having an upper surface; first guide means, connected to the upper surface of the handle, proximate a distal end of the handle for releasably, guidingly, holding the surgical suture; second guide means, connected to the upper surface of the handle, proximate to the first guide means, for releasably, guidingly, holding the surgical suture. The suture passer can be provided in a kit, for use in the suturing of internal tissue, along with a cannula bender, various hollow surgical needles and surgical suture material. The suture passer finds particular use in the suturing of internal tissues which are at least partially accessible through a body cavity, e.g. arthroscopic surgery.

Abstract: A necktie knot tying facilitator comprising an elongated member that is shaped so that a first open loop extending outwardly in a first direction and partially surrounding a first space is connected at its top end to a first end of a second open loop. The second open loop extends upward in a second direction, partially surrounding a second space. The second end of the second open loop is connected to a top end of a third open loop that extend outwardly in a third direction and partially surrounds a third space, the third open loop being symmetrical opposed to the first open loop. The bottom end of the third open loop is connected to the bottom arm of the first open loop, thus forming a horizontal base segment. A rectangularly shaped handle is attached to the horizontal base segment. The first, second, and third spaces combine to form an enclosed space at the center of the tie-tying facilitator.

Abstract: A modified hemostat adapted to be used as multi-purpose fishing tool has a gripping section, a fulcrum, handles and a knot-maker fixedly attached thereto. The handles are adapted to compress and open split-shot and to cut fishing line. The knot-maker is designed to facilitate tying knots which are specifically required for fly-fishing. The knot-maker includes a ramp, channel, and extendable head having eyelet evacuators.

Abstract: A suture applier instrument for tying suture and loop ligatures in laparoscopic excisional procedures such as LAVH, tubal ligation, salpingectomy, cophorectomy and appendectomy; in the repair of the fallopian tubes, uterus and ovaries; and in retropubic colposuspension using locking slip knots; and an efficient extracorporeal method to effectively lock them. The slip knot is held at the tip of the suture applier instrument and is kept in position on the target tissues while its two suture strands are operated extracorporeally, tying the loop ligature with one of the strands and locking or tightening the knot itself with the other. Additional hitch knots may be introduced and tied after the slip knot has been applied, using the same instrument. New knots, spool for pretied knot sutures and knot tying techniques for use with the suture applier are presented.

Abstract: A knotting tool includes an elongate handle with a cord support projecting from the handle. The cord support includes walls about which the cord being knotted is wound. A guideway along the cord support receives cord segments with one of the segments being inserted through multiple windings formed on the cord support. A cord lock is insertable through an aperture in the cord support to temporarily bind a cord segment in place and may be in the form of a paper clip. A notched end of the cord support retains a reversed cord segment in place during knot formation. A deflector in the guideway acts on an inserted end of a cord segment to divert same out of the guideway to facilitate grasping. A method of forming a knot is disclosed using the present tool.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and its method of use facilitate tying of a knot in a length of suture material at a remote surgical location. The instrument is comprised of a rod having a length of suture wrapped over the rod in a particular pattern. A needle is secured to a free end of the suture and the pattern of wrapping the suture on the rod enables loops of suture to move off the rod end and over the needle and suture to form a knot in the suture.

Abstract: A suture passer including a stainless steel cylinder that has a rubber gasket at one end adapted to provide a seal through which laparoscopic forceps may be inserted. The suture passer further includes a thin stainless steel guide fastened to the other end of the cylinder and having a laterally extending eye through which a suture may be passed for use.

Abstract: A system for the application of knots in surgical suture material consists of a pre-knotted surgical suture means (1) and a surgical knot applicator. The pre-knotted surgical suture means (1) has a sleeve (10) open at both ends (12, 13) and a surgical suture material (15) such as thread, cord, etc., which suture material is tied around the sleeve (10) to produce a pre-knotted displaceable knot (18) and has a free end (16). The surgical knot applicator contains a shaft, whose distal end-zone comprises an opening corresponding to the diameter of the sleeve (10). The sleeve (10) inserted with its proximal zone (12) into this opening is pulled back into the interior space of the shaft with a pulling-in device. The suture and the knot (18) are pulled tight by moving the free end (16) of the surgical suture material (15) guided through the sleeve (10) in proximal direction (arrow) with a pulling device.

Abstract: A controller for an intracorporeal knot tying device including a hollow handle housing and a slider operator captured in the handle for linear motion between proximal and distal positions. The slider attaches to an elongated, tubular member formed of a shape memory material for carrying a suture thread through an internal passage and a bight formed in the tube. An outer sheath extends from the handle and supports the remaining length of the tube. When a knot is to be formed, a free end of the suture is pulled through tubular member by means of an introducer. A physician advances the operator to displace the distal end of the tubular member to form the bight. Subsequently, the physician retracts the operator to a proximal position to straighten the bight and throw off a knot in the suture thread for subsequent tightening. The operator includes means for grasping the suture.

Abstract: An improved suture throw rundown tool particularly useful in laparascopic and similar surgical procedures is provided which includes an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a first distal tip, an elongated rod extending through the shaft in reciprocating relation therewith and having a proximal end and a second distal tip, and a control device connected between the shaft and the rod for controlling the relative disposition of the first and second distal tips. The first and second distal tips are specially designed to mate with each other in a first position and to be longitudinally offset relative to each other in a second position. In the offset position, a suture throw may be engaged by the distal end of one of the distal tips while the free ends of the suture emanating therefrom are extended through grooves connecting the distal end of the offset distal tip to its outer edge.