SUTURE PACKAGING
Packaging and dispenser embodiments for sutures including bi-directional sutures are used to reduce catching and tangling of the sutures.
1 . A package that can hold at least one suture with first and second segments, the package comprising:
a. a base having at least one surface;
b. first and second suture holders adapted to segregate the first and second segments, respectively, the first and second suture holders associated with the base.
2 . The package of claim 1 , wherein at least one suture holder comprises a housing having at least one suture aperture.
3 . The package of claim 1 , wherein at least one suture holder comprises a guide.
4 . The package of claim 3 , wherein the guide comprises a spool.
5 . The package of claim 1 , wherein the first and second suture holders share a dividing wall, said wall having a suture passage communicating the first and second suture holders.
6 . The package of claim 1 , wherein the base comprises at least two surfaces.
7 . The package of claim 6 , where the first and second suture holders are on the same base surface.
8 . The package of claim 6 , wherein the first and second suture holders are on different base surfaces.
9 . The package of claim 8 , wherein the base further comprises a suture passage communicating the first and second suture holders.
10 . The package of claim 2 , wherein the housing is openable.
11 . The package of claim 2 , wherein the housing comprises a cover coupled with at least a portion of the base.
12 . The package of claim 11 , wherein the portion of base comprises a well.
13 . The package of claim 1 , further comprising a needle park disposed at or proximally to at least one of the first and second suture holders.
14 . The package of claim 1 , further comprising at least in part a composition having at least one biological agent.
15 . The package of claim 14 , wherein the biological agent is selected from the class consisting of anti-proliferative agents, anti-angiogenic agents, anti-infective agents, fibrosis-inducing agents, anti-scarring agents, lubricious agents, echogenic agents, anti-inflammatory agents, cell cycle inhibitors, analgesics, and anti-microtubule agents.
16 . A suture dispenser, comprising:
a. a self-retaining suture having an elongated suture body with a first segment having a plurality of retainers disposed proximally to a first end, and a second segment having a plurality of retainers disposed proximally to a second end; and,
b. a package having a base with at least one surface, a first suture holder that contains the first segment and a second suture holder that contains the second segment, the first and second suture holders associated with the base.
17 . The package of claim 16 , wherein at least one suture holder comprises a housing having at least one suture aperture.
18 . The dispenser of claim 16 , wherein at least one suture holder comprises a guide.
19 . The dispenser of claim 18 , wherein the guide comprises a spool.
20 - 30 . (canceled)
31 . A package that can hold at least one suture having with a first segment having a plurality of retainers disposed proximally to a first end, and a second segment having a plurality of retainers disposed proximally to a second end, the package comprising:
a. a base having at least one surface;
b. first and second suture holders adapted to segregate the first and second segments, respectively, the first and second suture holders associated with the base.
32 - 51 . (canceled)