Importance

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Abstract

A device for storing and dispensing a suture includes an outer envelope formed of two panel layers which are sealed along their peripheries so as to hermetically enclose a region therebetween. An inner container positioned within the region includes rectangular upper, center and lower panels which are foldably secured along respective score lines. The upper panel has a pocket formed by an overlaying window to snugly retain a needle therein. The upper panel is folded back onto the center panel which receives and retains a major portion of the suture secured to the needle. The lower panel is also folded over the center panel and is coupled to the upper panel. Both the upper and lower panels are capable of slidably moving over the center panel. Interlocking panels secured to lower panel sides lock the upper and lower panels together. Score lines across the upper and lower panels permit the upper and lower panels to interact so that flexing of one panel from a raised configuration to a generally flat configuration causes the other panel to flex from a generally flat configuration to a raised configuration. A window is provided in the upper panel layer and overlies the window of the center panel so that the needle and a portion of the thread are viewable therethrough. After tearing or removing a portion of the upper panel layer so as to expose the window on the center panel, the upper panel layer is depressed adjacent the score line across the lower panel so as to expose a portion of the needle together with a portion of the suture free of the surface of the upper panel. A method for storing and dispensing the suture and respective needle is also disclosed.

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First Claim