Importance

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Abstract

An applicator for setting a needle secured to a suture thread, a method of assembling the applicator and a method of using the applicator. The applicator includes an elongated sleeve comprising a bore, a first end and a second end, the needle being disposed within the bore near the second end, a rod having a first end and a second end, the second end being adapted to slide within the bore and rest adjacent the needle, and a retaining mechanism for maintaining the position of the rod with respect to the elongated sleeve. The method of assembling includes securing the suture thread to the needle, placing the needle and a portion of the thread into the bore of the elongated sleeve, introducing the second end of the rod into the bore until it is positioned adjacent the needle, retaining the first end of the rod on the retaining mechanism, and retaining the first end of the elongated sleeve on the retaining mechanism. The method of using includes releasing the first end of the rod from the retaining mechanism, releasing the first end of the elongated sleeve from the retaining mechanism, and moving the first end of the rod towards the first end of the elongated sleeve, wherein the second end of the rod forces the needle out of the second end of the elongated sleeve when the rod is moved.

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First Claim