摘要 |
A molded two-piece (12, 14) suture package is disclosed which encloses and defines an oval channel (30) in which sutures (60) may be wound. The oval channel (30) has two semicircular end sections (32, 33) connected by straight side sections (34). An opening (38) in the channel (30) is provided at the juncture of a straight section (34) and an end section (33), permitting sutures (60) to be withdrawn from the channel (30) at the end of a straight section (34). In a preferred embodiment the interior wall of the channel (30) is formed by alternating engaging sections (32-36) formed in the respective package pieces (12, 14). To prevent the wrapped suture (60) from becoming entrapped when the two pieces (12, 14) are engaged, the top and bottom of the channel (30) is alternately raised (26', 30') and lowered (26'', 30'') in alignment with the alternating wall sections, causing the wound suture (60) to bridge those areas where it may become entrapped between the mating package pieces (12, 14). Entrapment of the suture (60) end at the outside of the channel (30) is prevented by alternately recessing the outer wall of the channel (30). Flexible molded needle (70) parks are also disclosed for the package. |