Importance

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Abstract

A loading unit is disclosed for supplying multiple surgical needles or surgical incision members and associated lengths of suture material for positioning the needle or surgical incision member within the jaws of a surgical suturing apparatus. The loading unit generally includes a body portion having apparatus receiving structure for receipt of the surgical suturing apparatus and a carousel rotatably affixed to the body portion and containing a plurality of supply stations thereon. The supply stations generally include a support member for supporting a central portion of a surgical needle and a storage member for temporarily securing a length of suture material associated with the surgical needle. The apparatus receiving structure includes structure for aligning and maintaining the surgical suturing apparatus in position on the loading unit until such time as a surgical incision member has been inserted into jaws associated with the surgical suturing apparatus. Preferably, the apparatus receiving structure includes structure for gasping an elongate portion of the surgical suturing apparatus and structure for supporting jaw members associated with the surgical suturing apparatus. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, the suture storage members consist of a suture reel which is positioned in a plane offset from the needle support members.

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First Claim