Importance

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Abstract

A suture-material-dispenser system for a supply of dry suture material includes the supply of such material, a housing which defines a cavity for containing the supply, and desiccant preferably housed within the housing. The housing includes a top region that has an opening formed in it, and a bottom region with a semi-circular bearing positioned in it. A reel fits within the cavity on the bearing, and has wound on it the supply. An anti-contaminant, flip-top cover is pivotably attached to the top region, and is constructed for releasable closure over the top region substantially to prevent contaminants from entering the cavity. A gas-permeable, resilient member is also included and has a body that fits sealingly within the opening, which body has formed in it a suture-material-dispensing port to allow dispensing of suture material therethrough. The body is preferably formed from a substance with a hardness in the range of about 40-80 on a Shore A durometer. An on-board cutter is also attached to the housing adjacent the resilient member for allowing the user to cut a desired dispensed amount of material from such supply. The cover may also include a downwardly extending, elongate pressure applicator with a bottom surface that presses against the resilient member adjacent the port when the cover is closed over the top region. Preferably, the resilient member is formed from a material that is ethylene-oxide-gas permeable, such as liquid-injection-molded silicone.

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First Claim