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 a rectangular center panel which has a pocket formed by an overlaying window to snugly retain a needle therein. A second panel foldably secured to one longitudinal edge of the center panel receives on its left-half the major portion of the suture. The right-half of the side panel is then folded over the suture and again is folded over onto the upper surface of the center panel. A tab formed of the center panel is provided so as to lock the side panel when positioned on the center panel. 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 two panel layers so as to expose the window on the center panel, the envelope and center panel are folded in half so as to expose a portion of the needle together with a portion of the suture free of the surface of the center panel. The center panel has a score line centrally positioned along the longitudinal axis thereof to aid in the folding of the center panel. A method for storing and dispensing the suture and respective needle is also disclosed.

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First Claim