Suture winding device including suture tucking apparatus and retainer and method associated therewith

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a suture tucking apparatus configured to be used with a winding device, winding apparatus, suture retainer, and various methods for winding a surgical suture into a suture retainer.

Description

SUTURE WINDING DEVICE INCLUDING SUTURE TUCKING APPARATUS AND RETAINER AND METHOD ASSOCIATED THEREWITHCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 569,346, filed March 25, 2024, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] 1. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a suture winding device including a suture tucking apparatus, a suture retainer suitable for use with a suture tucking apparatus, and a method for winding a suture into a suture retainer using a suture tucking apparatus.

[0004] 2. Related Art

[0005] Various systems and methods of winding sutures into a suture retainer are known. Although the systems, methods, and retainers of the prior art may be adequate for their intended use, it remains difficult and costly to wind sutures into a retainer and / or unwind sutures from a retainer. Proper placement of a suture into a suture retainer during loading is essential to avoid damage to the suture and / or the retainer. Misplacement of the suture inside the retainer can lead to a variety of issues, including but not limited to, the suture being loaded into a correct part of the retainer but in an unorganized or crisscrossing configuration and / or the suture being loaded into the wrong part of the retainer, either of which can make withdrawal of the suture difficult due to increased friction between unorganized and / or crisscrossing portions of the suture.

[0006] Misplacement of the suture outside the retainer can also lead to a variety of issues, including but not limited to, a portion of the suture sticking out of the retainer which can damage the suture rendering the suture unusable. The retainer can also be damaged and / or unable to be completely sealed from contamination. This can lead to the failure of the suture and / or retainer. Thus, there remains a need for novel apparatuses, devices, retainers, and / or methods that more efficiently ensure the proper placement of a suture inside the suture retainer.SUMMARY

[0007] The present disclosure describes a suture tucking apparatus designed to enhance the ability of a winding device, winding apparatus, and / or suture retainer to load a suture completely into a suture channel defined in the suture retainer.

[0008] The present disclosure relates to suture winding devices including a winding base and a complimentary winding cover with a suture tucking apparatus attached thereto. The winding cover is configured to be positioned on top of the winding base. The suture tucking apparatus is configured to transition between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

[0009] The winding base includes a retainer cavity configured to receive a suture retainer therein. The retainer cavity is defined by a winding base sidewall and a winding base floor. The winding base sidewall includes a beveled top edge defining a lower suture guiding surface of the winding device. The lower suture guiding surface is configured and / or angled to guide a suture into the winding device. The lower suture guiding surface includes at least one wall notch defined therein. Each wall notch is configured to allow a portion of the suture tucking apparatus to pass through the at least one wall notch when the suture tucking apparatus transition between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The suture tucking apparatus passing through the base notch to enter or exit the suture channel from an exterior side of the winding base.

[0010] The winding cover includes a cover sidewall having a beveled bottom edge defining an upper suture guiding surface of the winding device. The upper suture guiding surface is configured and / or angled to guide a suture into the winding device. The winding cover is also configured to cover the winding base while leaving a gap between the upper and lower suture guiding surfaces to allow a suture to enter through the gap into the winding device.

[0011] The suture tucking apparatus includes a guide assembly and a tucking assembly. The guide assembly maneuvers the winding cover relative to the winding base. The guide assembly also maneuvers the tucking assembly from an open non-tucking configuration and a closed tucking configuration. The guide assembly includes a shaft and a collar positioned around an exterior of the shaft. The collar includes a pair of vertically spaced flanges.

[0012] The shaft extends along a vertical axis between a first end portion and an opposite second end portion. The first end portion of the shaft is attached to the winding cover. In some embodiments, the shaft is an elongate shaft.

[0013] The tucking assembly is configured to transition from an open configuration and a closed configuration to force any part of a suture located exterior the winding device, and in a path of the transitioning tucking assembly, into the suture channel of a suture retainer loaded into the suture winding device.

[0014] The tucking assembly includes at least one jaw member pivotably connected to the guide assembly between the vertically spaced flanges of the collar. At least one tucking finger extends from a lateral portion of the jaw member along an outer edge of the winding cover.

[0015] In some embodiments, the tucking assembly includes at least a pair of opposing jaw members pivotably connected to the guide assembly between the vertically spaced flanges of the collar. A pair of tucking fingers extend from lateral portions of each of the jaw members.

[0016] In some embodiments, the pair of opposing jaw members include a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The first jaw member includes a first tucker base wall and a first angular wall. The first tucker base wall extends between a first medial portion and a first lateral portion. The first angular wall extends at a first obtuse angle from the first lateral portion of the first tucker base wall. A first pair of tucking fingers are spaced along a lateral part of the first angular wall. A first tucker cavity is defined in an underside of the first angular wall between the first pair of tucking fingers.

[0017] The second jaw member includes a second tucker base wall and a second angular wall. The second tucker base wall extends between a second medial portion and a second lateral portion. The second angular wall extends at a second obtuse angle from the second lateral portion of the second tucker base wall. A second pair of tucking fingers are spaced along a lateral part of the second angular wall. A second tucker cavity is defined in an underside of the second angular wall between the second pair of tucking fingers.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first jaw member is pivotably connected to the guide assembly along the first medial portion of the first tucker base wall and the second jaw member is pivotably connected to the guide assembly along the second medial portionof the second tucker base wall. The vertically spaced flanges of the collar straddling both the first medial portion and the second medial portion.

[0019] In some embodiments, the winding base and the winding cover define different outer shapes. The winding base sidewall may define an oval outer shape including a pair of opposing parallel long sides extending between essentially semicircular rounded end portions. The winding cover may define a dog-bone outer shape including a pair of opposing parallel long sides extending between essentially semicircular rounded end portions. The opposing parallel long sides define a central portion of the winding cover which is narrower than the semi-circular rounded end portions. The suture tucking apparatus can be located along the pair of opposing long sides of the winding cover between the semi-circular rounded end portions of the winding cover.

[0020] In some embodiments, the lower suture guiding surface of the winding base extends completely around the oval winding base sidewall and the upper suture guiding surface of the winding cover extends only around the semi-circular rounded end portions of the winding cover.

[0021] The present disclosure also relates to a suture winding apparatus including at least a winding platform, a suture holder, and a suture winding device. The winding platform extends longitudinally between a proximal end portion and an opposite distal end portion. The suture holder is movable along the winding platform. The suture holder is configured to maintain a suture under constant tension during winding. The suture winding device includes a winding base, a winding cover, and a suture tucking apparatus pivotably connected to the winding cover. The suture winding device is configured to spin about a vertical axis to wind the suture extending from the suture holder into the winding device. The suture winding apparatus may include any of the winding devices and the suture tucking apparatuses as described herein.

[0022] The present disclosure also relates to a suture retainer designed for use with a suture tucking apparatus. The suture retainer includes at least a suture channel positioned along an outer portion of the retainer and at least one retainer notch. The retainer notch is configured to allow a portion of the suture tucking apparatus to pass through the retainer notch to enter or exit the suture channel from an exterior side of the suture retainer.

[0023] The suture retainer includes a retainer base extending between an inner base portion and an outer base portion, and an outer wall positioned along an outer periphery of the outer base portion of the retainer base. The outer wall extends vertically from the retainer base and includes at least one retainer notch defined into a top edge of the outer wall. A vertical inner wall is spaced inward of the outer vertical wall along an outer periphery of the inner base portion of the retainer base. The suture channel is defined along the outer base portion of the retainer base between the outer wall and the inner wall.

[0024] In some embodiments, the suture retainer defines an oval outer shape including a pair of opposing parallel long sides extending between essentially semicircular rounded end portions. The at least one retainer notch may include a pair of retainer notches located on each side of the opposing parallel long sides of the suture retainer.

[0025] In some embodiments, the suture retainer is a one-piece suture retainer.

[0026] In some embodiments, the inner wall includes a plurality of inner wall segments intermittently spaced around the outer periphery of the inner base portion of the base retainer. Each inner wall segment extending vertically from the base retainer between a lower segment portion and an upper segment portion. The upper segment portion includes a liftable tab extending radially towards the outer wall. The liftable tab covers a top portion of the suture channel along each inner wall segment.

[0027] In some embodiments, the outer base portion of the retainer base includes a plurality of intermittently spaced base openings. Each base opening is positioned along one of the inner wall segments separating the inner wall segment from the outer wall. The base openings and the liftable tabs alternating around the suture channel.

[0028] In some embodiments, each inner wall segment is sandwiched between a pair of slits defined through the retainer base. The pair of slits connected to one base opening. The liftable tabs are configured to be lifted by deflecting a first part of the first inner portion of the base positioned between the pair of slits, deflecting the lower segment portion of the inner wall segment, or both.

[0029] Methods of loading a suture or suture-needle assembly into a suture retainer are also provided. In some embodiments, a method of loading a suture or suture-needle assembly into a suture retainer includes: positioning a suture retainer into a retainer cavity defined in a winding base of a winding device; placing a winding cover onto both thewinding base and the suture retainer, the winding cover defining a gap between the winding cover and the winding base around an outer perimeter of the winding device; winding a suture into the suture channel from outside the winding device by passing the suture through the gap between the winding base and the winding cover; and transitioning a suture tucking apparatus pivotably connected to the winding cover from an open configuration to a closed configuration to force parts of the suture remaining outside the winding device, and in the path of the suture tucking apparatus, to pass through the gap and into the suture channel. The suture retainer includes a suture channel defined along an outer portion of the suture retainer.

[0030] In some embodiments, the suture tucking apparatus includes a guide assembly and a tucking assembly. The guide assembly includes an elongate shaft and a collar. The elongate shaft extends along a vertical axis between a first end portion attached to the winding cover and an opposite second end portion designed to maneuver the winding cover relative to the winding base. The collar is positioned around an exterior of the elongate shaft. The collar includes a pair of vertically spaced flanges. The tucking assembly includes a pair of opposing jaw members pivotably connected to the guide assembly between the vertically spaced flanges of the collar. A pair of tucking fingers extend from lateral portions of each of the opposing jaw members.

[0031] In some embodiments, transitioning the suture tucking apparatus includes sliding the collar along the elongate shaft away from the winding cover to pivot both of the opposing jaw members from the open configuration to the closed configuration at the same time.

[0032] In some embodiments, transitioning the suture tucking apparatus includes sliding a first part of the collar along the elongate shaft away from the winding cover to pivot a first of the opposing jaw members from the open configuration to the closed configuration followed by sliding a second part of the collar along the elongate shaft away from the winding cover to pivot a second of the opposing jaw members from the open configuration to the closed configuration sequentially.

[0033] In some embodiments, transitioning the suture tucking apparatus further includes: sliding the first collar part along the elongate shaft towards the winding cover to pivot the first of the opposing jaw members from the closed configuration to the open configuration while the second of the opposing jaw members transitions from the openconfiguration to the closed configuration; and sliding the second collar part along the elongate shaft towards the winding cover to pivot the second of the opposing jaw members from the closed configuration to the open configuration while the first of the opposing jaw members transitions from the open configuration to the closed configuration, wherein the sliding of the first and second collar parts can be synchronized to follow a movement of the suture being wound around the winding device.

[0034] In some embodiments, positioning the suture retainer into the retainer cavity includes placing each liftable tab of the suture retainer on top of a stationary lifting pin such that the suture retainer is suspended or spaced from a winding floor of the winding base and each lifting tab covers the top portion of the suture channel along each inner wall segment.

[0035] In some embodiments, placing the winding cover further includes pressing down on the suture retainer, via the winding cover, to lower the suture retainer onto the winding floor which causes each liftable tab to pivot upward against the stationary lifting pin and open the top portion of the suture channel for receipt of the suture. The wall notch and the retainer notch are horizontally aligned when the suture retainer is pressed onto the winding base floor so the tucking apparatus can pass through both notches when transitioning between the open and closed configurations.

[0036] In some embodiments, the suture retainer and the winding base each define an oval outer shape including a pair of opposing parallel long sides extending between essentially semi-circular rounded end portions, and the winding cover defines a dog-bone outer shape including a pair of opposing parallel long sides of the winding cover extending between essentially semi-circular rounded end portions of the winding cover, with the opposing parallel long sides defining a central portion of the winding cover which is narrower than the semi-circular rounded end portions. The suture tucking apparatus is positioned along the pair of opposing long sides of the winding cover in between the semicircular rounded end portions of the winding cover.

[0037] The methods described herein may further include at least one of: raising the winding cover away from the suture retainer with the suture tucking apparatus in the closed configuration, wherein raising the winding cover allows the liftable tabs to return to the top portion of the suture channel preventing the suture from prematurely escaping the suture channel; transitioning the raised suture tucking apparatus from the closedconfiguration to the open configuration; and / or removing the suture retainer from the winding base, the suture retainer loaded with the suture or suture-needle assembly in the suture channel.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Embodiments of the presently disclosed suture winding apparatuses, devices, methods and / or retainers are described herein with reference to the drawings, wherein:

[0039] Fig. 1A is a perspective view of a suture winding device including a suturetucking apparatus in a fully open configuration as described in at least one embodiments herein;

[0040] Fig. IB is a cross-sectional view of the suture winding device and suture tucking apparatus of Fig. 1A as described in at least embodiment herein;

[0041] Fig. 2A is a perspective view of a suture winding device including a suturetucking apparatus in a fully closed configuration as described in at least one embodiments herein;

[0042] Fig. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the suture winding device and suture tucking apparatus of Fig. 2A as described in at least embodiment herein;

[0043] Fig. 3 is a top view of a suture-needle assembly as described in at least one embodiment herein;

[0044] Fig. 4A is a perspective view of a suture retainer as described in at least one embodiment herein;

[0045] Fig. 4B is a top view of the suture retainer of Fig. 4A, without a needle park for clarity purposes, as described in at least one embodiment herein;

[0046] Fig. 4C is a partial cross-sectional side view of the suture retainer of Fig. 4A;

[0047] Fig. 5A is a perspective view of the suture retainer of Fig. 4A positioned between a winding base and a winding cover of the winding device of Figs. 1 A-2B, without the suture tucking apparatus, as described in at least one embodiment herein;

[0048] Fig. 5B is a side view of the winding base and the winding cover of the winding device of Fig. 5A as described in at least one embodiment herein;

[0049] Fig. 5C is a botom view of the winding cover of Fig. 5A as described in at least one embodiment herein;

[0050] Figs. 5D-5F are cross-sectional views of various winding beams of the winding cover of Fig. 5 A;

[0051] Fig. 5G is a side view of the suture retainer, the winding cover, and the winding base of Fig. 5 A with the suture retainer loaded into the winding base as described in at least one embodiment herein;

[0052] Fig. 5H is a side view of suture retainer, the winding cover, and the winding base of Fig. 5 A with the winding cover positioned on top of the suture retainer and the winding base with the suture retainer loaded into the winding base as described in at least one embodiment herein;

[0053] Fig. 6A is a top view of a suture winding apparatus as described in at least one embodiment herein;

[0054] Fig. 6B is a side view of the suture winding apparatus of Fig. 6A as described in at least one embodiment herein;

[0055] Figs. 7A-7G are schematic cross-sectional representations of a method of winding a suture into a suture retainer as described in at least one embodiment herein;

[0056] Figs. 8A-8D are schematic cross-sectional representations of a suture tucking apparatus guiding a part of a suture from an exterior to an interior of a winding device, as described in at least one embodiment herein;

[0057] Figs. 9A-10B are schematic cross-sectional representations of various methods of transitioning a suture tucking apparatus between an open configuration and closed configuration.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Embodiments of the presently disclosed suture winding device including a suture tucking apparatus, and suture retainers and methods associated therewith, will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the various views.

[0059] Figs. 1A-2B depict suture tucking apparatus 180 pivotably atached to suture winding device 110. Suture winding device 110 is designed to load or wind a suture into a suture retainer temporarily positioned inside winding device 110 as providedin more detail hereinbelow. Suture tucking apparatus 180 is designed to push or move the suture from outside winding device 110 into a suture channel defined in the suture retainer located inside winding device 110 as provided in more detail hereinbelow.

[0060] In Figs. 1A-2B, suture winding device 110 includes winding cover 114 seated on top of winding base 112 with a suture retainer positioned between winding base 112 and winding cover 114. Suture tucking apparatus 180 is pivotably connected to winding cover 114. However, suture tucking apparatus 180 can be pivotably connected to any suture winding device, and more particularly, any suture winding device configured to wind a suture into the winding device from outside an outer perimeter of the winding device.

[0061] Figs. 1A-1B depict suture tucking apparatus 180 in an open, i.e., untucked, configuration. Figs. 2A-2B depict suture tucking apparatus 180 in a closed, i.e., tucked, configuration. Suture tucking apparatus 180 is designed to transition between the open configuration and the closed configuration.

[0062] In the open configuration, suture tucking apparatus 180 does not interact with or interfere with a suture being wound around an exterior of winding device 110. In the open configuration, suture tucking apparatus 180 does not interact with or interfere with a suture being wound into a suture retainer positioned inside winding device 110. When suture tucking apparatus 180 transitions from the open configuration to the closed configuration, any part of a suture located exterior winding device 110 and in the path of the transitioning tucking apparatus 180 is forced into the suture retainer seated inside winding device 110, and more specifically, into a suture channel defined in the suture retainer seated inside winding device 110. Once in the fully closed configuration, suture tucking apparatus 180 blocks any additional suture portions from entering the suture retainer.

[0063] Suture tucking apparatus 180 includes guide assembly 181 and tucking assembly 187. Guide assembly 181 includes an elongate shaft 182 and a collar 183. Shaft 182 extends along a vertical axis Vi between first end portion 182a and second end portion 182b. First end portion 182a is affixed to winding cover 114 of winding device 110. Second end portion 182b is designed to manipulate (e.g., raise, lower, move, slide, etc.) winding cover 114. In some embodiments, second end portion 182b of shaft 182 caninclude a handle on a free end, the handle designed for manual maneuvering of winding cover 114 or suture tucking apparatus 180.

[0064] In some embodiments, second end portion 182b of shaft 182 can be connected to an automated system for automated maneuvering of winding cover 114 and / or suture tucking apparatus 180. For example, second end portion 182b of shaft 182 can be connected to drive mechanism that can be a linear and / or rotary drive mechanism. In some embodiments, second end portion 182b of shaft 182 is connected to a linear drive mechanism which provides linear movement of shaft 182 to remove winding cover 114 from base 112 or cover winding base 112 with winding cover 114. Linear movement of shaft 182 can also load or unload suture retainer 10 from winding base 112. In some embodiments, a secondary linear action of collar 183, in whole or in part, can cause tucking assembly 287, and particularly one or more of tucking fingers 193, 198, to transition between an open configuration and a closed configuration at the appropriate time.

[0065] Collar 183 is positioned around an exterior of shaft 182 and includes a pair of vertically spaced flanges 184a-184b. Collar 183, including flanges 184a-b, is configured to slide vertically relative to shaft 182 in order to transition tucking apparatus 180 between the open and closed configurations. For example, as shown in Fig. IB, in the open configuration collar 183, and particularly lower flange 184b, abuts a topside of winding cover 114 and as further shown in Fig. 2B, in the closed configuration collar 183, and particularly lower flange 184b, is spaced vertically from winding cover 114 as a result of being slid vertically away from cover 114 and along shaft 182.

[0066] Tucking assembly 187 is pivotably connected to guide assembly 181 and winding cover 114. Tucking assembly 187 includes first jaw member 188 and second jaw member 189. First jaw member 188 is pivotably connected to first collar side 183a of collar 183 between spaced flanges 184a-b. First jaw member 188 is also pivotably connected to first cover side 114a of winding cover 114. Second jaw member 189 is pivotably connected to second collar side 183b of collar 183 between spaced flanges 184a- b and also pivotably connected to second cover side 114b of winding cover 114. In some embodiments, first collar side 183a and second collar side 183b are on opposite sides of collar 183 and first cover side 114a and second cover side 114b are on opposite sides of cover 114.

[0067] First jaw member 188 includes first tucker base wall 191, first angular wall192, and one or more first tucking fingers 193. First tucker base wall 191 extends between first medial portion 191a and first lateral portion 191b. First angular wall 192 extends outwardly and downwardly at a first angle ai from first lateral portion 191b of first base wall 191. In some embodiments, first angle ai is a first obtuse angle. First underside 188b of first j aw member 188 is pivotably connected to a top side of winding cover 114 via first fastener 149a (e.g., screw, bolt, nail, pin, rivet, etc.).

[0068] Second jaw member 189 includes second tucker base wall 196, second angular wall 197, and one or more second tucking fingers 198. Second tucker base wall 196 extends between second medial portion 196a and second lateral portion 196b. Second angular wall 197 extends outwardly and downwardly at a second angle a2 from second lateral portion 196b of second base wall 196. In some embodiments, second angle a2is a second obtuse angle. Second underside 189b of second jaw member 189 is pivotably connected to a top side of winding cover 114 via second fastener 149b (e.g., screw, bolt, nail, pin, rivet, etc.).

[0069] In some embodiments, at least one of first angle ai or second angle a2 range between 110 and 160 degrees, inclusively. In some embodiments, at least one of first angle ai or second angle a2 range between 120 and 150 degrees, inclusively. In some embodiments, at least one of first angle ai or second angle a2 is about 135 degrees.

[0070] In some embodiments, as further shown in Figs. 1A-2B, first jaw member 188 is pivotably connected to guide assembly 181 along first medial portion 191a of first base wall 191 and second jaw member 189 is pivotably connected to guide assembly 181 along second medial portion 196a of second base wall 196, wherein vertically spaced flanges 184a-b straddle first and second medial portions 191a, 196a, respectively.

[0071] In some embodiments, as further shown in Figs. 1A-2B, one or more first tucking fingers 193 include a first pair of tucking fingers 193 extending from lateral portion 192b of first angular wall 192. The first pair of tucking fingers 193 are spaced along a length of first angular wall 192 along longitudinal axis Ai. The first pair of tucking fingers 193 are spaced on opposite ends of lateral portion 192b of first angular wall 192.

[0072] In some embodiments, as further shown in Figs. 1A-2B, one or more second tucking fingers 198 include a second pair of tucking fingers 198 extending fromlateral portion 197b of second angular wall 197. The second pair of tucking fingers 198 are spaced along a length of second angular wall 197 along longitudinal axis Ai. The second pair of tucking fingers 198 are spaced on opposite ends of lateral portion 197b of second angular wall 197.

[0073] Tucking fingers 193, 198 include an underside 193b, 198b configured to contact a suture to physically force the suture through the winding base and the suture retainer into the suture channel. In some embodiments, underside 193b, 198b includes a flat surface designed to mirror the flat winding surface of some of the winding beams (see, e.g., Fig. 5C). In some embodiments, underside 193b, 198b includes a concave surface designed to generally mirror the outer surface of the suture.

[0074] As further shown in Figs. IB and ID, first underside 188b of first jaw member 188 may include first lateral cavity 194 positioned between the first pair of tucking fingers 193 and second underside 189b of second jaw member 189 may include second lateral cavity 199 positioned between the second pair of tucking fingers 198. First lateral cavity 194 and second lateral cavity 194 are each inward-opening, i.e., each face or open to an inside of winding cover 114. First lateral cavity 194 and second lateral cavity 194 are each designed to provide additional space for first and second jaw members 189, 189, respectively, to abut against winding cover 114 in the closed and / or tucked configuration without bumping into any possible additional elements of the winding device, such as a liftable tab of a suture retainer described in more detail hereinbelow.

[0075] The suture winding device and the suture tucking apparatus described herein are designed to be used with any type of surgical suture, with or without a needle. One suitable example is shown in Fig. 3 wherein suture 1 is armed with at least one surgical needle 2 to form surgical suture-needle assembly 3. Needle 2 is shown attached to first end portion la of suture 1 extending a length to an opposite second end portion 1c with central portion lb positioned therebetween. Needle 2 is a curved surgical needle, although it is contemplated that needle 2 may alternatively be a straight needle or any other suitable shape of surgical needle.

[0076] Suture 1 may be a monofilament or multifilament suture. Suture 1 may also include barbs along a length thereof and / or an end effector (i.e., anchor or loop) or additional needle on second end portion 1c thereof. Suture 1 (and / or the needle 2) may be made from any suitable biocompatible material including but not limited to biodegradablematerials ( e.g., metals such as zinc or magnesium, or polymeric materials such as polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, polycaprolactone, polytrimethylene carbonate, or polydioxanone), non-biodegradable materials (e.g., metals such as stainless steel, or polymeric materials such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or nylon), or combinations thereof. Suture 1 may be coated or uncoated. Suture 1 (and / or the needle 2) may be formed using any suitable method within the purview of those skilled in the art, including but not limited to, extrusion, molding, solvent casting, pressing, spinning, and combinations thereof.

[0077] The suture is intended to be loaded and / or wound into a suture retainer via a winding device with the aid of a suture tucking apparatus as described herein. One nonlimiting example of a suitable suture retainer is shown in Figs. 4A and 4B. Generally, suture retainer 10 includes at least a suture channel 30 positioned along an outer periphery of retainer 10 and a plurality of retainer notches 17a-17d defined in outer wall 18 of retainer 10. At least a portion of tucking fingers 193, 198 of suture tucking apparatus 180 are designed to pass through retainer notches 17a-17d when suture tucking apparatus 180 transitions between an open configuration and closed configuration. Tucking fingers 193, 198 entering suture channel 30 from an exterior side of retainer 10.

[0078] Retainer 10 is shown to define a one-piece, generally oval outer shape including a generally planar retainer base 12, with parallel long sides 15a, 15b and essentially semi-circular rounded ends 16a, 16b. However, retainer 10 is not intended to be limited to only being one-piece or an oval shape and may define two or more pieces and / or any shape, including but not limited to circular, square, triangular, rectangular, and the like.

[0079] Retainer base 12 extends between inner base portion 12i and outer base portion 120. Outer base portion 120may include a plurality of outer base parts 13 and outer base openings 28 in an alternating manner around retainer 10. Inner base portion 12i may include a needle area 34 and / or needle park 36.

[0080] Retainer 10 further includes outer retainer wall 18 which is positioned along an outer periphery of outer base portion 120. Outer retainer wall 18 wraps around a majority, if not an entirety, of an outer perimeter of base 12. Inward from and generally parallel to outer wall 18 is a plurality of intermittently (i.e., evenly or unevenly) spaced wall segments 22 defining a discontinuous inner retainer wall. However, a singlecontinuous inner wall is also possible. One or both of outer retainer wall 18 and inner wall segments 22 may be vertical retainer walls extending generally perpendicular to base 12.

[0081] Outer wall 18 extends between a lower wall portion 18a and an upper wall portion 18b including top edge 18c. Outer wall 18 includes a plurality of retainer notches 17a-17d defined along top edge 18c. Retainer notches 17a-17d are configured and / or shaped to allow tucking fingers 193, 198 of tucking apparatus 180 to pass therethrough when either entering suture channel 30 to guide a suture into suture channel 30 or exiting suture channel 30 when returning to an open configuration from a closed configuration. In some embodiments, retainer notches 17a-d are located only on a section of outer wall 18 along parallel long sides 15a, 15b.

[0082] Inner wall segments 22 wrap around an inside of retainer 10 defining an outer perimeter of inner base portion 12i (and / or in inner perimeter of outer portion 120). Wall segments 22 are separated by space S along the outer perimeter of inner base portion 12i. Space S is defined by a width of outer base parts 13 and a pair of slits 32a, 32b defined through a part of inner base portion 12i. First slit 32a is positioned on one side of wall segment 22 and second slit 32b is positioned on a second opposite side of the same wall segment 22. Each wall segment 22 is sandwiched between first and second slits 32a, 32b, respectively. Outer base parts 13 extend radially from inner base portion 12ito lower portion 18a of outer retainer wall 18. Outer parts 13 of base 12 are positioned between neighboring wall segments 22. Outer parts 13 of base 12 are also positioned between first slits 32a of a first wall segment 22 and second slits 32b of a second neighboring wall segment 22.

[0083] Each wall segment 22 extends generally vertically between lower segment portion 22a and upper segment portion 22b. Each lower segment portion 22a is attached to inner base portion 12i along the inner perimeter. Each wall segment 22 is free of (and / or not fixed to) outer retainer wall 18. Portions of base 12 do not extend outwardly beyond lower segment portion 22a of wall segments 22 creating base opening 28 between lower segment portion 22a and lower wall portion 18a of outer wall 18. Base opening 28 connects to first and second slits 32a, 32b.

[0084] Liftable tab 26 extends generally radially from each upper segment portion 22b of wall segment 22. Liftable tab 26 extends radially toward outer wall 18, and particularly upper wall portion 18b, to a point close to, but not touching, outer wall 18(and / or dimple 29). Dimples 29 extend inwardly from upper wall portion 18b of outer wall 18 towards tab 26 without touching. Tab 26, with or without dimple 29 is designed to prevent suture escape after a suture is loaded and / or wound into retainer 10 and / or suture channel 30. Dimples 29 are spaced intermittently around outer wall 18 in a manner which aligns with and / or is centered on liftable tabs 26.

[0085] Generally, outer base parts 13, outer wall 18, inner wall segments 22, and liftable tabs 26 define suture channel 30 along the outer base portion 120of retainer 10. Suture channel 30 is configured to receive suture 1 loaded / wound therein when liftable tabs 26 are lifted upward to open a top portion 30b of suture channel 30.

[0086] As depicted in Figs. 4A and 4B, outer base parts 13 and base openings 28 alternate around outer base portion 120defining alternating closed and open bottom portions 30a, respectively, of suture channel 30. As further depicted in Figs. 4A and 4B, outer base parts 13 and inner wall segments including liftable tabs 26 extending therefrom also alternate around the outer base portion 120defining alternating open or closed top portions 30b, respectively, of suture channel 30, as well as alternating closed or open bottom portions, respectively of suture channel 30. Suture channel 30 being open (or closed) along alternating top and bottom portions of the suture channel.

[0087] Each base opening 28 is positioned laterally between outer base parts 13 and aligned vertically with liftable tab 26 to define lower retainer pocket 46 therebetween. Lower retainer pocket 46 is configured to receive a lifting pin (shown in Figs. 5A-5B) of a suture winding base therein as described in more detail hereinbelow.

[0088] Each outer base part 13 is positioned laterally between base openings 28 and tabs 26 to define upper retainer pocket 44. Each retainer notch 17a-d is located on a part of top edge 18c of outer wall 18 extending along one outer base part 13. Each retainer notch 17a-d is located on a part of top edge 18c of outer wall 18 along one upper pocket 44.

[0089] Upper retainer pocket 44 is configured to receive a winding beam (shown in Figs. 5A-5E) of a suture winding cover therein as described in more detail hereinbelow. Upper and lower retainer pockets 44, 46 alternate around an outer periphery of retainer 10 and suture channel 30.

[0090] Base 12 may also include a pair of winding pin holes 40a, 40b defined therethrough for the passage of winding pins during winding and / or loading of suture 1into suture channel 30 as provided in more detail hereinbelow. One winding pin hole 40a may be located on inner base portion 12i in needle area 34 and another winding pin hole 40b may be located on outer base portion 22O. As shown in Fig. 4A, first end portion la of suture 1 passes around first winding pin hole 40a, across needle area 34, and around second winding pin hole 40b into suture channel 30. A plurality of raised label slots 42 may also be positioned on top of base 12 and within needle area 34. Raised label slots 42 are configured to attach a label (not shown), and particularly a desiccant label, over at least a portion of needle area 34 to cover at least a sharp end 2a of needle 2 and / or needle park 36.

[0091] As shown in Fig. 4C, in some embodiments, each inner retainer wall segment 22 is designed to pivot along a section 11 of inner base portion 12i to lift or tilt liftable tab 26 away from top portion 30b of suture channel 30. First and second slits 32a, 32b afford wall segments 22 the ability to pivot along a section 11 of inner base portion 12i. By pivoting along inner base portion 12i, the initial configuration or angle between liftable tab 26 and wall segment 22 can remain predominantly unchanged in both the closed tab configuration (Figs. 4A and 4B) and the open tab configuration (Fig. 4C) without significantly deforming liftable tab 26. For example, the generally L-shaped combination of segment wall 22 (and / or upper segment portion 22b) and tab 26 shown in Figs. 4A and 4B in the closed tab configuration remains predominantly unchanged in the open tab configuration of Fig. 4C and therefore returns to the same closed tab configuration following loading of suture 1 into suture channel 30. However, deformable liftable tabs may also be used, wherein lifting the tab deforms the angle between the inner wall and the tab.

[0092] Retainer 10 may further include needle area 34 defined by inner wall segments 22. Needle area 34 may include needle park 36 located therein. In some embodiments, as shown, needle park 36 is a sliding needle park 36 configured to slide and / or move (i.e., change locations) relative to base 12 (and / or wall segments 22) to accommodate one or more needles of varying sizes / designs. Various different sliding needle parks are described in more detail in commonly owned US Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 546154 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. However any suitable needle park may be included in retainer 10 including but not limited to non-slidable needle parks such as stationary needle parks 136 which remain in astationary location of the needle area, such as foam needles parks, multi-prong needle parks, and the like.

[0093] Suture retainer 10 has suture 1 loaded and / or wound therein in a vertically stacked configuration. However, suture 1 may be loaded and / or wound into suture channel 30 in any suitable configuration, including but not intended to be limited to, a stadium-seating configuration. A surgical needle can be included but is not shown attached to the suture and / or loaded into needle park for clarity purposes.

[0094] The sutures and retainers described herein are designed to be used with a winding device including a suture tucking apparatus and a winding apparatus including a winding device including a suture tucking apparatus as described in greater detail below.

[0095] Figs. 5A and 5B depict winding cover 114 spaced from winding base 112 of winding device 110 with suture retainer 10 positioned therebetween. Suture tucking apparatus 180 is not shown for clarity purposes of showing winding cover 114.

[0096] Winding base 112 includes retainer cavity 109 defined therein. Retainer cavity 109 is defined by winding base side wall 118 surrounding winding floor 120. Winding base sidewall 118 is generally a vertical wall having a beveled or chamfered top edge 118b. By beveled or chamfered, top edge 118b is angled inwardly from a lower vertical portion 118a of sidewall 118. Although angled inwardly at an incline, top edge 118b may be generally smooth across the incline. Beveled top edge 118b forms a lower suture guiding surface 119 around a majority, if not all, of winding base 112.

[0097] Lower suture guiding surface 119 is designed to direct a suture to a gap located between winding base 112 and winding cover 114 when properly combined to form winding device 110. Lower suture guiding surface 119 aids in directing a suture through the gap to an interior of winding device 110, and particularly into an open suture channel defined within a suture retainer sandwiched between winding base 112 and winding cover 114, when winding device 110 is spun.

[0098] Lower suture guiding surface 119 includes at least one base notch 127a-d defined into a top edge 119a of guiding surface 119. Base notch 127a-d is configured to allow one or more of the tucking fingers of the suture tucking apparatus to pass through the base notch when the suture tucking apparatus transitions between the open configuration and the closed configuration. Base notch 127a-d defines a depth into top edge 119a sufficient to allow a tucking finger to enter from or exit to an exterior side ofwinding base 112. A tucking finger can also enter into or exit from a suture channel to an exterior side of winding base 112 through base notch 127a-d when a suture retainer is loaded for winding in winding device 110.

[0099] As depicted in Fig. 5 A, in some embodiments, winding base sidewall 118 define an oval outer shape including a pair of opposing parallel long sides 215a, 215b extending between essentially semi-circular rounded end portions 216a, 216b. Retainer cavity 109 also defines an oval outer shape. Retainer cavity 109 may also define an outer shape matching the overall shape of the particular suture retainer to be placed therein. For example, retainer cavity 109 may be oval shaped to accommodate oval retainer 10 of Figs. 4A-4B. However, other shapes are envisioned.

[0100] Winding floor 120 may be generally planar across retainer cavity 109. A depth of retainer cavity 109 is generally equal to or greater than a height of a suture retainer, and particularly a height of an outer wall of a suture retainer.

[0101] A plurality of lifting pins 124 are intermittently spaced around an outer perimeter of retainer cavity 109. Lifting pins 124 are configured to cause tabs covering a top portion of a suture channel to move, i.e., lift or pivot, to open the top portion of the suture channel to receive a suture therein, particularly during suture loading. The suture is not wound directly on lifting pins 124.

[0102] Lifting pins 124 extend from winding floor 120 at a fixed height. As shown in Fig. 5B, each lifting pin 124 defines a fixed height sufficient to extend beyond top edge 118b of sidewall 118, i.e., a fixed height greater than a depth of retainer cavity 109. Each lifting pin 124 also includes an inclined or beveled top edge 124a.

[0103] Winding base 112 holds a suture retainer in a fixed position within retainer cavity 109 during spinning of winding device 110 and loading of a suture therein. A pair of winding pins 122a, 122b extend out of retainer cavity 1 from floor 120. Winding pins 122a, 122b act as an initial guide to properly positioning, i.e., seating, a suture retainer within cavity 109 and help maintain the retainer in a fixed position when spun. At least one of winding pins 122a, 122b also act as an initial guide to properly positioning, i.e., seating, winding cover 114 on to winding base 112 (with or without a suture retainer positioned therebetween) and help maintain the winding cover 114 in a fixed position relative to winding base 112 when spun.

[0104] Winding pins 122a, 122b are located inward of a plurality of lifting pins 124. Winding pins 122a, 122b are configured to have a suture wound around them. Winding pins 122a, 122b are not configured to move the tabs of a suture retainer. In some embodiments, winding pins 122a-b are retractable relative to winding floor 120.

[0105] A conical extension 126 may extend vertically from at least one of winding pins 122a, 122b. Conical extension 126 allows winding pin 122b to interact with cover underside 132 of winding cover 114, and particularly pin aperture 148 defined within cover underside 132.

[0106] As shown in Figs. 5A-5C, winding cover 114 defines a different shape than base cavity 109. For example, winding cover 114 defines a generally dog-bone shape including a pair of opposing parallel long sides 115a, 115b extending between essentially semi-circular rounded ends 116a, 116b with opposing parallel long sides 115 defining a central portion 114c of winding cover 114 which is narrower than semi-circular rounded end portions 116, 116b.

[0107] Winding cover 114 includes cover sidewall 128 extending between cover topside 130 and cover underside 132. Cover sidewall 128 is generally a vertical wall which may or may not include a beveled (i.e., beveled or chamfered) bottom edge 128a along portions thereof. By beveled, bottom edge 128a is angled inwardly from upper vertical portion 128b of sidewall 128. Although angled inwardly at an incline, bottom edge 128a may be generally smooth across the incline. Beveled bottom edge 128a forms an upper suture guiding surface 129 around an outer perimeter of at least rounded end portions 116a, 116b of winding cover 114. Upper suture guiding surface 129 directs a suture to enter winding device 110 (and / or a suture retainer and / or suture channel positioned in winding device 110), particularly when spun.

[0108] In some embodiments, upper suture guiding surface 129 only extends around an outer perimeter of rounded end portions 116a, 116b of winding cover 114 and lower suture guiding surface 119 extends completely around an entirety of winding base 112. In some embodiments, lower suture guiding surface 119 of winding base 112 includes at least one base notch 127a-d defined in a top edge thereof and upper suture guiding surface 129 is free of any notches.

[0109] Winding cover 114 also includes a plurality of winding beams 138, 139 extending from cover underside 132. A suture is intended to be wound around windingbeams 138, 139 when winding beam 138, 139 are positioned within a suture channel of a suture retainer. For example, first set of winding beams 138 extend generally perpendicular from cover underside 132 along opposing long sides 115a, 115b of winding cover 114. Second set of winding beams 139 also extend generally perpendicular from cover underside 132 along rounded ends 116a, 116b of winding cover 114.

[0110] As shown in Fig. 5D, first winding beams 138 include winding surface 140 configured to wind a suture 1 thereon in a vertically stacked configuration, i.e., one directly on top of another. Winding surface 140 is generally flat and / or perpendicular to underside 132 defining a vertically flat geometry that a suture 1 wound thereon will mimic. The vertically stacked configuration of suture 1 may be maintained inside the retainer after removal of winding beams 138 (Fig. 4A).

[0111] As shown in Figs. 5E and 5F, second winding beams 139 include winding surface 141 configured to wind a suture 1 thereon either in a vertically stacked configuration, i.e., one directly on top of another or in a stadium-seating configuration, respectively. In Fig. 5E, winding surface 141 is generally flat and / or perpendicular to underside 132 defining a vertically flat geometry that a suture 1 wound thereon will mimic. In Fig. 5F, winding surface 141 is not perpendicular to underside 132 but rather inclined relative to underside 132. The stadium-seating configuration of suture 1 may be maintained inside the retainer after removal of winding beams 139 (see Fig. 7G).

[0112] First and second winding beams 138, 139 differ in that first winding beams 138 define a linear profile while second winding beams 139 define a curved (and / or nonlinear) profile. The linear profile of first winding beams 138 follows the linear nature of opposing long sides 115a, 115b of cover 114. The curved profile of second winding beams 139 follow the rounded nature of opposing rounded end portions 116a, 116b of cover 114.

[0113] In some embodiments, cover sidewall 128 includes beveled bottom edge 128a along rounded end portions 116a, 116b of cover 114 and cover sidewall 128 is free of a bottom edge along opposing long sides 115a, 155b of cover 114. Beveled bottom edge 128a provides additional guidance to properly loading a suture onto winding beams 139 along rounded ends 116a, 116b. While opposing long sides 115a, 115b, free of the overhanging beveled bottom edge, provides enhanced visibility of the suture configuration being wound on winding beams 138.

[0114] As further shown in Fig. 5C, cover 114 includes a plurality of cavities 142. Each cavity 142 is configured to be of sufficient size to receive at least a lifted or tilted tab therein so that the tab is raised above upper suture guiding surface 129. (Fig. 6F). Each cavity 142 may also be of sufficient size or dimension to receive at least a tab and an upper segment portion of an inner wall segment attached thereto when lifted or tilted into an open configuration. (Fig. 6F).

[0115] Each tab cavity 142 opens outwardly and is defined on top by a portion 132a of underside 132, defined on the sides by opposing interior cavity sidewalls 134a, 134b, and defined on the rear and / or inside by rear wall 136 extending between opposing sidewalls 134a, 134b.

[0116] Cover underside 132 may also include pin apertures 148a, 148b defined therein. Pin apertures 148a, 148b are each positioned and configured to receive one winding pin 122a, 122b (with or without conical extension), respectively, therein when winding cover 114 is properly seated on winding base 112 to form winding device 110.

[0117] Fig. 5G illustrates suture retainer 10 loaded into winding base 112 prior to placement of winding cover 114 on top of suture retainer 10. Retainer 10 is seated on top of lifting pins 124. Because lifting pins 124 define a fixed height greater than a depth of retainer cavity 109 and / or greater than a height of lower suture guiding surface 129, retainer 10 is not completely seated in retainer cavity 109 prior to being covered with winding cover 114. Retainer notches 17a-d and base notches 117a-d are also not yet horizontally aligned.

[0118] When cover 114 is properly seated on base 112, as shown in Fig. 5G, winding cover 114 forces retainer 10 to lower into retainer cavity 109 until retainer notches 17c-d and base notches 117c-d are horizontally aligned and tabs 26 are forced to lift by lifting pins 124. With the suture channel now open and in communication with gap 121 between upper and lower suture guiding surfaces 119, 129, a suture can be wound or loaded directly into the suture channel of the suture retainer.

[0119] Figs. 6A and 6B depict winding apparatus 100 including winding platform 102, suture holder 106, and winding device 110 including suture tucking apparatus 180 pivotably attached to the winding device 110. Winding platform 102 is generally planar and extends a length along a central longitudinal axis Ai between first and second opposite end base portions 102a, 102b, respectively.

[0120] Suture holder 106 is designed to travel and / or slide along platform 102 towards winding device 110 as suture 1 is wound into suture retainer 10 positioned within winding device 110. Suture holder 106 grips second end portion 1c of suture 1, i.e., the free end portion of the suture, using any suitable means. For example, suture holder 106 may include a mechanical gripper, such as a clamp or pair of opposing jaw members, to grab or hold the suture. Alternatively or in combination, suture holder 106 may include vacuum ports or vacuum tubes secured to the suture holder 106 to fix suture 1 thereto. The vacuum ports or tubes being operably coupled to a vacuum source as is known in the art.

[0121] Suture holder 106 maintains a constant tension on suture 1 during the loading and / or winding process. Suture holder 106 also travels towards winding device 110 while maintaining constant tension on suture 1.

[0122] As further shown in Figs. 6A and 6B, winding apparatus 100 includes suture winding device 110 including winding base 112 and winding cover 114 configured to cover winding base 112 with or without a suture retainer positioned therebetween. Winding base 112 includes a lower suture guiding surface 119 and winding cover 114 includes an upper suture guiding surface 129. When winding cover 114 is properly seated on winding base 112, and particularly when a suture retainer is positioned therebetween, a gap 121 is positioned between lower and upper suture guiding surfaces 119, 129 to allow for a suture to pass therethrough to enter into winding device 110, and particularly to enter into the suture retainer positioned inside winding device 110. Gap 121 extends completely around an outer perimeter of winding device 110.

[0123] As indicated by the arrow in Fig. 6A, winding device 110, and particularly winding base 112, is configured to rotate, i.e., spin, horizontally around a generally central vertical axis V i . Although depicted as rotating in a counterclockwise manner, rotation of winding device 110 may alternatively be in a clockwise direction. Rotation of winding device 110, and particularly winding cover 114 including winding beams 138, 139 draws a suture into winding device 110 thru gap 121. As the suture is wound around winding device 110 and / or drawn into a suture retainer positioned inside winding device 110, suture holder 106 slides longitudinally along channel 104 in the direction of winding device 110 while holding free end portion 1c of suture 1 under tension. Winding device 110 can be rotated manually or may include any suitable automated rotating means. Forexample, in some embodiments, a rotary drive mechanism is implemented via direct drive, gear drive, belt drive, or any other rotary motion system using a rotary motor, to rotate the winding device to wind a suture into the suture retainer. In some embodiments, the winding device 110 is rotated via a motor, such as a servo motor, to wind a suture into a suture retainer located inside the winding device 110.

[0124] When suture holder 106 nears winding device 110, free end portion 1c of suture 1 may be released from suture holder 106. Suture tucking apparatus 180 being configured to transition from an open configuration to a closed configuration to force any part of the free end portion 1c of suture 1 remaining exterior of winding device 110 through the gap 121 and into the suture channel of the suture retainer.

[0125] In some embodiments, winding device 110 further includes a vacuum port or tube capable of directing or drawing a free end portion of a suture into the winding device through gap 121, with the assistance of suture tucking apparatus 180 and the pair of suture guiding surfaces 119, 129. The vacuum ports or tubes may be positioned in base floor 120 and aligned with base openings 28. Alternatively, the vacuum ports or tubes may be integrated into lifting pins 124. Alternatively, or in combination with the use of vacuuming, the winding system may further include a blower system designed to blow air (air, nitrogen, etc.) towards the winding device blowing the free end portion of the suture from the suture holder towards the winding device.

[0126] Winding device 110 and / or winding apparatus 100 may be operated manually or automated at least in part, if not completely.

[0127] Figs. 7A-10B schematically depict various methods of loading a suture or suture-needle assembly into a suture retainer.

[0128] In some embodiments, methods of loading a suture or suture-needle assembly into a suture retainer include at least the following steps of: positioning a suture retainer into a retainer cavity defined in a winding base of a winding device, the suture retainer including a suture channel defined along an outer portion of the suture retainer; placing a winding cover onto both the winding base and the suture retainer, the winding cover defining a gap between the winding cover and the winding base around an outer perimeter of the winding device; winding a suture into the suture channel from an exterior of the winding device by passing the suture through the gap between the winding base and the winding cover; and transitioning a suture tucking apparatus pivotably connected to thewinding cover from an open configuration to a closed configuration to force parts of the suture remaining outside the winding device, and in the path of the suture tucking apparatus, to pass through the gap and into the suture channel.

[0129] In some embodiments, methods of loading a suture or suture-needle assembly into a suture retainer further include one or more of the following steps of: securing a first fixed end portion of the suture to the suture retainer and a second free end portion to a suture holder spaced from the winding device; applying a downward force onto the suture retainer via the winding cover to load the suture retainer inside the retainer cavity with a top portion of the suture channel open and in communication with the gap; spinning the winding device to wind the suture through the gap and the open top portion of the suture channel into the suture channel; releasing the distal free end portion of the suture from the suture holder while spinning the winding device and prior to transitioning the suture tucking apparatus from the open configuration to the closed configuration; removing the downward force on the suture retainer to close the top portion of the suture channel with the suture completely wound inside the suture channel; transitioning the suture tucking apparatus from the closed configuration to the open configuration after the free end portion of the suture is received in the suture channel; removing the winding cover from the suture retainer and winding base; or removing the suture retainer from the winding base with the suture loaded into the suture channel.

[0130] Fig. 7A illustrates suture retainer 10 being positioned in retainer cavity 109 of winding base 112 with suture channel 30 defined along an outer portion of suture retainer 10. Lifting pins 124 passing vertically through base openings 28 of retainer 10. Liftable tabs 26 rest on top of lifting pins 124 with a top portion of suture channel 30 closed. Lifting pins 124 define a fixed height greater than a height of retainer 10 and cavity 109. Thus, suture retainer 10 is spaced from base floor 120 when initially positioned in retainer cavity 109.

[0131] Fig. 7B illustrates winding cover 114 of winding device 110 placed on top of both winding base 112 and suture retainer 10 and defining a gap 121 between winding base 112 and winding cover 114. Gap 121 extends along an outer perimeter of winding device 110. Winding cover 114 includes suture tucking apparatus 180 in an open configuration. Suture tucking apparatus 180 is pivotably connected to winding cover 114.

[0132] Fig. 7B further illustrates winding cover 114 applying a downward force onto suture retainer 10 to load suture retainer 10 inside retainer cavity 109. The downward force may be applied by guide assembly 181, or specifically elongate shaft 182, of suture tucking apparatus 180. Loaded suture retainer 10 may be lowered onto winding base floor 120.

[0133] Lifting pins 124 cause tabs 26 to move, i.e., pivot or lift, upward when suture retainer 10 is pressed into cavity 109 allowing the top portion of suture channel 30 to open and be in communication with gap 121. While winding cover 114 is pressed against retainer 10, the top portion of suture channel 30 remains open and connected to gap 121 so suture 1 can pass from a suture holder (not shown in Fig. 7B) located exterior of winding device 110 through gap 121 and into suture channel 30.

[0134] Fig. 7C illustrates winding suture 1 into suture channel 30 by passing suture 1 through the open top portion of suture channel 30 and gap 121 while winding cover 114 continues to apply the downward force on suture retainer 10. Winding device 110 is spinning around vertical axis Vi during winding. At least central portion lb of suture 1 is shown wound around winding beams 138, 139 located inside suture channel 30. Distal end portion 1c of suture 1 is further depicted exterior of winding device 110 and free of the suture holder. Suture tucking apparatus 180 is also shown in an open configuration.

[0135] Fig. 7D illustrates at least embodiment of suture tucking apparatus 180 transitioning from the open configuration of Figs. 7B and 7C to a closed configuration. The movement of transitioning tucking apparatus 180, and specifically tucking assembly 187 of tucking apparatus 180, forces any part of suture 1 located outside winding device 110 and in the path of the transitioning suture tucking apparatus 180 into suture channel 30. In some embodiments, tucking apparatus 180 forces the part of suture 1 released or set free of the suture holder, i.e., distal end portion 1c of suture 1.

[0136] Fig. 7D further illustrates collar 183 being slid upwardly along shaft 182 away from winding cover 114 causing opposing jaw members 188, 189 to simultaneously pivot from the open configuration to the closed configuration after suture 1 is released from the suture holder. Winding cover 114 continues to apply the downward force on suture retainer 10 during the transitioning of tucking apparatus 180. Winding device 110 also continues to spin during the transitioning of tucking apparatus 180.

[0137] Fig. 7E illustrates winding cover 114 removing the downward force on suture retainer 10 to close the top portion of suture channel 30 with suture 1 completely wound inside suture channel 30. By removing the downward force, liftable tabs 26 return to their original configuration generally parallel to retainer base 112 thereby causing suture retainer 10 to rise above top edge of lower suture guiding surface 119 for easy removal from winding base 112.

[0138] Fig. 7E further illustrates the removal of winding cover 114 from suture retainer 10 and winding base 112, as well as the transitioning of suture tucking apparatus 180 from the closed configuration to the open configuration. Specifically, collar 183 can be slid downwardly along shaft 182 towards winding cover 114 causing opposing jaw members 188, 189 to simultaneously pivot from the closed configuration to the open configuration. The removal of winding cover 114 and the transitioning of tucking apparatus 180 back to the open configuration, can be performed in an any order.

[0139] Fig. 7F illustrates suture retainer 10 being removed from winding base 112 with suture 1 wound in a stadium-seating configuration inside suture channel 30 and tabs 26 closing top portions of suture channel 30. The generally L-shaped profile of tabs 26 is maintained both during lifting and lowering of suture retainer 10 into cavity 109. A label or desiccant label (not shown) can be attached to retainer 10 via raised label slots 42 using any suitable manner. The retainer and suture-needle assembly can be sterilized and / or further packaged using any suitable manner.

[0140] Figs. 8A-8D illustrate the transitioning of suture tucking apparatus 180 from the open configuration to the closed configuration in more detail. Fig. 8A illustrates a part of suture tucking apparatus 180, and particularly first jaw member 188, in an open configuration with a part of suture 1 located exterior winding device 110 and near gap 121 in the future path of first jaw member 188 when transitioning. First jaw member 188 includes first tucker base wall 191, first angular wall 192, and one or more first tucking fingers 193. Tabs 26, defining an L-shaped profile, are tilted upward to open top portion 30a of suture channel 30.

[0141] Figs. 8B and 8C illustrate first tucking finger 193 transitioning towards the closed configuration. In Fig. 8B, underside 193b of first tucking finger 193 is shown coming into contact with the part of the suture 1 located exterior winding device 110 near gap 121. In Fig. 8C, underside 193b of first tucking finger 193 is shown pushing the partof the suture 1, previously located exterior winding device 110, into gap 121 near open top portion 30a of suture channel 30. Suture tucking finger 193 is passing through a base notch of winding base and preparing to pass through a retainer notch of suture retainer, with the base notch and retainer notch horizontally aligned.

[0142] Fig. 8D illustrates suture tucking finger 193 positioned inside suture channel 30 to ensure the part of suture 1, previously located exterior winding device 110 and in the path of the transitioning jaw member 188, is placed in suture channel 30 up against the winding beams. Suture tucking finger 193 passing through a retainer notch of retainer 10.

[0143] Figs. 9A and 9B illustrate an alternative embodiment to the methods described herein. Instead of transitioning opposing jaw members 188, 189 simultaneously, Figs. 9A and 9B illustrate transitioning opposing jaw members sequentially. For example, Fig. 9A depicts first part 183a of collar 183 being slid upwardly along shaft 182 away from winding cover 114 causing first jaw member 188 to pivot from the open configuration to the closed configuration and Fig. 9B depicts second part 183b of collar being slid upwardly along an opposite side of shaft 182 away from winding cover 114 causing second jaw member 188 to pivot from the open configuration to the closed configuration after first jaw member 188 is closed. As shown in Fig. 9B, in some embodiments, suture tucking apparatus 180, and specifically both first and second jaw members 188, 189, eventually transition to a closed configuration at the same time, i.e., in a fully closed configuration of suture tucking apparatus. It is envisioned that the sequential transitioning of the individual jaw members 188, 189 can be timed or coordinated to follow the location of free end portion 1c of suture 1 being wound around the exterior of winding device 110.

[0144] Figs. 10A and 10B illustrate an alternative embodiment to the methods described herein. Instead of simultaneously or sequentially transitioning opposing jaw members 188, 189 from a fully open suture tucking configuration to a fully closed configuration, Figs. 10A and 10B depict synchronizing the transitioning of each opposing jaw member 189, 188 in an alternating manner during the suture winding process such that suture tucking apparatus 180 is not in a fully open or closed configuration during the suture winding process. For example, Fig. 10A depicts first part 183a of collar 183 being slid upwardly along shaft 182 away from winding cover 114 causing first jaw member 188to pivot from the open configuration to the closed configuration while second part 183b of collar 183 is slid downwardly along an opposing side of shaft 182 towards winding cover 114 causing second jaw member 189 to simultaneously pivot from the closed configuration to the open configuration. In another example, Fig. 10B depicts first part 183a of collar 183 being slid downwardly along shaft 182 toward winding cover 114 causing first jaw member 188 to pivot from the closed configuration to the open configuration while second part 183b of collar 183 is slid upwardly along an opposing side of shaft 182 towards winding cover 114 causing second jaw member 189 to simultaneously pivot from the open configuration to the closed configuration. It is envisioned that the alternating transitioning of the individual jaw members 188, 189 can be timed or coordinated to follow the location of any part of suture 1 being wound around the exterior of winding device 110. .

[0145] Each of winding devices, suture tucking apparatuses, retainers, and winding apparatuses, may be individually made of any suitable material, such as but not limited to a polymeric material including but not limited to polyethylene or polypropylene. Each of winding devices, suture tucking apparatuses, retainers, and winding apparatuses, may be individually formed using any suitable method within the purview of those skilled in the art, including but not limited to, extrusion, molding, pressing, and combinations thereof.

[0146] While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in the drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplification of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

[0147] The invention may be further described by reference to the following numbered paragraphs:

[0148] 1. A suture winding device comprising: a winding base defining a retainer cavity configured to receive a suture retainer; and a winding cover configured to be positioned on top of the winding base and the retainer cavity, the winding cover including a suture tucking apparatus.

[0149] 2. The suture winding device of paragraph 1, wherein the suture tucking apparatus includes: a guide assembly configured to maneuver the winding cover relative to the winding base; and a tucking assembly configured to transition from an open configuration and a closed configuration to force any part of a suture located exterior the winding device, and in a path of the transitioning tucking assembly, into the suture channel.

[0150] 3. The suture winding device of paragraph 2, wherein the guide assembly includes: an elongate shaft extending along a vertical axis between a first end portion attached to the winding cover and an opposite second end portion designed to raise or lower the winding cover; and a collar positioned around an exterior of the elongate shaft, the collar including a pair of vertically spaced flanges.

[0151] 4. The suture winding device of paragraph 3, wherein the tucking assembly includes a pair of opposing jaw members pivotably connected to the guide assembly between the vertically spaced flanges of the collar, with a pair of tucking fingers extending from lateral portions of each of the jaw members.

[0152] 5. The suture winding device of paragraph 4, wherein the pair of opposing jaw members include: a first jaw member including a first tucker base wall and a first angular wall, the first tucker base wall extending between a first medial portion and a first lateral portion, the first angular wall extending at a first angle from the first lateral portion of the first tucker base wall; and a second jaw member including a second tucker base wall and a second angular wall, the second tucker base wall extending between a second medial portion and a second lateral portion, the second angular wall extending at a second angle from the second lateral portion of the second tucker base wall.

[0153] 6. The suture winding device of paragraph 5, wherein the first angle or the second angle is between about 110 and about 160 degrees.

[0154] 7. The suture winding device of paragraph 5, wherein the pair of tucking fingers include a first pair of tucking fingers spaced along a lateral part of the first angular wall and a second pair of tucking fingers spaced along a lateral part of the second angular wall.

[0155] 8. The suture winding device of paragraph 7, wherein: a first tucker cavity is defined in an underside of the first angular wall between the first pair of tuckingfingers; and a second tucker cavity is defined in an underside of the second angular wall between the second pair of tucking fingers.

[0156] 9. The suture winding device of any of paragraphs 4-8, wherein the first jaw member is pivotably connected to the guide assembly along the first medial portion of the first tucker base wall and the second jaw member is pivotably connected to the guide assembly along the second medial portion of the second tucker base wall, wherein the vertically spaced flanges straddle both the first medial portion and the second medial portion.

[0157] 10. The suture winding device of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein: the winding base includes a winding base sidewall and a winding base floor, the winding base sidewall defines an outer shape of the retainer cavity, the winding base sidewall defining an oval outer shape including a pair of opposing parallel long sides of the winding base sidewall extending between essentially semi-circular rounded end portions of the base side wall; and the winding cover defines a dog-bone outer shape including a pair of opposing parallel long sides of the winding cover extending between essentially semi-circular rounded end portions of the winding cover, with the opposing parallel long sides defining a central portion of the winding cover which is narrower than the semi-circular rounded end portions.

[0158] 11. The suture winding device of paragraph 10, wherein the suture tucking apparatus is located along the pair of opposing long sides of the winding cover between the semi-circular rounded end portions of the winding cover.

[0159] 12. The suture winding device of paragraphs 10 or 11, wherein: the winding base sidewall includes a beveled top edge defining a lower suture guiding surface configured to guide a suture into the winding base, the lower suture guiding surface extending around the winding base, and the lower suture guiding surface including at least one wall notch configured to allow one or more tucking fingers of the suture tucking apparatus to pass through the at least one wall notch when the suture tucking apparatus transition between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

[0160] 13. The suture winding device of any of paragraphs 10-12, wherein the winding cover includes a cover sidewall extending between a cover topside and a cover underside, the cover sidewall having a beveled bottom edge defining an upper suture guiding surface configured to guide the suture into the winding device along the semi-circular rounded end portions of the winding cover, wherein the winding cover is configured to cover the winding base while leaving a gap between the winding base and the winding cover around an outer perimeter of the winding device to allow a suture to enter through the gap into the suture retainer.

[0161] 14. The suture winding device of paragraph any of paragraphs 10-13, wherein the winding base includes: a plurality of lifting pins spaced intermittently around an outer portion of the winding floor, the plurality of lifting pins defining a fixed height greater than a height of a suture channel defined in the suture retainer configured to be received in the retainer cavity; and at least one winding pin spaced inwardly from the lifting pins.

[0162] 15. The suture winding device of any of paragraphs 10-14, wherein the winding cover further includes: a first set of winding beams projecting downward from the cover underside along the opposing parallel long sides of the winding cover, the first set of winding beams defining a linear profile and including a first winding surface which is generally perpendicular to the cover underside; and a second set of winding beams projecting downward from the cover underside along the semi-circular rounded end portions of the winding cover, the second set of winding beams defining a non-linear or curved profile and including a second winding surface which is either generally perpendicular to the cover underside or inclined relative to the cover underside.

[0163] 16. A suture winding apparatus comprising: a winding platform extending between a proximal end portion and an opposite distal end portion; a suture holder movable along the winding platform, the suture holder configured to maintain a suture under constant tension during winding, and a suture winding device including a winding base, a winding cover, and a suture tucking apparatus pivotably connected to the winding cover, the suture winding device configured to spin about a vertical axis to wind the suture extending from the suture holder into the winding device.

[0164] 17. The suture winding apparatus of paragraph 16, wherein the suture tucking apparatus includes a guide assembly and a tucking assembly, the guide assembly is configured to manipulate the winding cover relative to the winding base, and the tucking assembly is configured to transition from an open configuration and a closed configuration to force any portion of a suture outside the winding device into the winding base.

[0165] 18. The suture winding apparatus of paragraph 17, wherein: the guide assembly includes an elongate shaft and a collar, the elongate shaft extending along a vertical axis between a first end portion attached to the winding cover and an opposite second end portion designed to raise or lower the winding cover to the winding base, and the collar is positioned around an exterior of the elongate shaft, the collar including a pair of vertically spaced flanges, and the tucking assembly includes a pair of opposing jaw members pivotably connected to the guide assembly between the vertically spaced flanges of the collar, with a pair of tucking fingers extending from lateral portions of each of the jaw members.

[0166] 19. The suture winding apparatus of paragraph 18, wherein the pair of opposing jaw members include: a first jaw member including a first tucker base wall and a first angular wall, the first tucker base wall extending between a first medial portion and a first lateral portion, the first angular wall extending at a first angle from the first lateral portion of the first tucker base wall; and a second jaw member including a second tucker base wall and a second angular wall, the second tucker base wall extending between a second medial portion and a second lateral portion, the second angular wall extending at a second angle from the second lateral portion of the second tucker base wall.

[0167] 20. The suture winding apparatus of paragraph 19, wherein the pair of tucking fingers include a first pair of tucking fingers spaced along a lateral part of the first angular wall and a second pair of tucking fingers spaced along a lateral part of the second angular wall.

[0168] 21. The suture winding apparatus of any of paragraphs 16-20 wherein: the winding base includes a winding base sidewall and a winding base floor, the winding base sidewall defines an outer shape of the retainer cavity, the winding base sidewall defining an oval outer shape including a pair of opposing parallel long sides of the winding base sidewall extending between essentially semi-circular rounded end portions of the base sidewall; and the winding cover defines a dog-bone outer shape including a pair of opposing parallel long sides of the winding cover extending between essentially semi-circular rounded ends of the winding cover, with the opposing parallel long sides defining a central portion of the winding cover which is narrower than the semi-circular rounded ends, wherein the suture tucking apparatus is pivotably connected over the pair ofopposing long sides of the winding cover between the semi-circular round ends of the winding cover.

[0169] 22. The suture winding apparatus of paragraph 21, wherein: the winding base sidewall includes a beveled top edge defining a lower suture guiding surface configured to guide a suture into the winding base, the lower suture guiding surface extending completely around the winding base, and the lower suture guiding surface including at least one wall notch configured to allow one or more tucking fingers of a tucking apparatus to pass through the wall notch when transitioning between an open configuration and a closed configuration; and the winding cover including a cover sidewall extending between a cover topside and a cover underside, the cover sidewall having a beveled bottom edge defining an upper suture guiding surface configured to guide the suture into the winding device along the semi-circular rounded ends of the winding cover, the winding cover configured to cover the winding base while leaving a gap between the winding base and the winding cover around an outer perimeter of the winding device to allow a suture to enter through the gap into the suture retainer.

[0170] 23. A suture retainer for use with a suture tucking apparatus, the suture retainer comprising: a retainer base extending between an inner base portion and an outer base portion; an outer wall positioned along an outer periphery of the outer base portion of the retainer base and extending vertically from the retainer base; an inner wall spaced inward of the outer vertical wall along an outer periphery of the inner base portion of the retainer base and extending vertically from the retainer base; a suture channel defined along the outer base portion of the retainer base between the outer wall and the inner wall; and at least one retainer notch defined into a top edge of the outer wall, the retainer notch configured to allow one or more tucking fingers of a suture tucking apparatus to pass through the retainer notch to enter or exit the suture channel from a side of the suture retainer.

[0171] 24. The suture retainer of paragraph 23, wherein the suture retainer defines an oval outer shape including a pair of opposing parallel long sides of the suture retainer extending between essentially semi-circular rounded end portions of the suture retainer, wherein the at least one retainer notch includes a pair of retainer notches located on each side of the opposing parallel long sides of the suture retainer.

[0172] 25. The suture retainer of paragraphs 24 or 25, wherein the suture retainer is a one-piece suture retainer.

[0173] 26. The suture retainer of any of paragraphs 23-25, wherein the inner wall comprises a plurality of inner wall segments intermittently spaced around the outer periphery of the inner base portion of the base retainer, the inner wall segments extending vertically from the base retainer between a lower segment portion and an upper segment portion, the upper segment portion including a liftable tab extending radially towards the outer wall, the liftable tab covering a top portion of the suture channel along each inner wall segment.

[0174] 27. The suture retainer of paragraph 26, wherein: the outer base portion of the retainer base includes a plurality of intermittently spaced base openings, each base opening positioned along one of the inner wall segments separating the inner wall segment from the outer wall, the base openings and the liftable tabs alternating around the suture channel.

[0175] 28. The suture retainer of paragraph 27, wherein each inner wall segment is sandwiched between a pair of slits defined through the retainer base, each pair of slits connected to one base opening, wherein the liftable tabs are configured to be lifted by deflecting a first part of the first inner portion of the base positioned between the pair of slits, deflecting the lower segment portion of the inner wall segment, or both.

[0176] 29. A method of loading a suture or suture-needle assembly into a suture retainer comprising: positioning a suture retainer into a retainer cavity defined in a winding base of a winding device, a suture channel defined within the suture retainer around an outer portion of the suture retainer; placing a winding cover onto both the winding base and the suture retainer, the winding cover defining a gap between the winding cover and the winding base around an outer perimeter of the winding device, a suture tucking apparatus pivotably connected to the winding cover; winding a suture into the suture channel from outside the winding device by passing the suture through the gap between the winding base and the winding cover; and transitioning the suture tucking apparatus from an open configuration to a closed configuration to force parts of the suture remaining outside the winding device, and in the path of the suture tucking apparatus, to pass through the gap and into the suture channel.

[0177] 30. The method of paragraph 29, wherein the suture tucking apparatus includes: a guide assembly including an elongate shaft and a collar, the elongate shaft extending along a vertical axis between a first end portion attached to the winding cover and an opposite second end portion designed to maneuver the winding cover relative to the winding base, and the collar is positioned around an exterior of the elongate shaft, the collar including a pair of vertically spaced flanges; and a tucking assembly including a pair of opposing jaw members pivotably connected to the guide assembly between the vertically spaced flanges of the collar, with a pair of tucking fingers extending from lateral portions of each of the opposing jaw members.

[0178] 31. The method of paragraph 30, wherein transitioning the suture tucking apparatus includes sliding the collar along the elongate shaft away from the winding cover to pivot both of the opposing jaw members from the open configuration to the closed configuration at the same time.

[0179] 32. The method of paragraphs 30 or 31, wherein transitioning the suture tucking apparatus includes sliding a first part of the collar along the elongate shaft away from the winding cover to pivot a first of the opposing jaw members from the open configuration to the closed configuration followed by sliding a second part of the collar along the elongate shaft away from the winding cover to pivot a second of the opposing jaw members from the open configuration to the closed configuration sequentially.

[0180] 33. The method of paragraph 32, wherein transitioning the suture tucking apparatus further includes: sliding the first collar part along the elongate shaft towards the winding cover to pivot the first of the opposing jaw members from the closed configuration to the open configuration while the second of the opposing jaw members transitions from the open configuration to the closed configuration; and sliding the second collar part along the elongate shaft towards the winding cover to pivot the second of the opposing jaw members from the closed configuration to the open configuration while the first of the opposing jaw members transitions from the open configuration to the closed configuration, wherein the sliding of the first and second collar parts can be synchronized to follow a movement of the suture being wound around the winding device.

[0181] 34. The method of any of paragraphs 30-33, wherein the winding base includes: a winding base sidewall defining an outer shape of the retainer cavity, the winding base sidewall including a beveled top edge defining a lower suture guidingsurface configured to guide the suture into the winding base, the lower suture guiding surface extending around the winding base, and the lower suture guiding surface including at least one wall notch configured to allow one or more tucking fingers of the suture tucking apparatus to pass through the wall notch when the suture tucking apparatus transitions between the open configuration and the closed configuration; and a winding base floor including a plurality of stationary lifting pins spaced intermittently around an outer portion of the winding floor, the plurality of stationary lifting pins defining a fixed height greater than a height of the retainer cavity.

[0182] 35. The method of paragraph 34, wherein the suture retainer includes: a retainer base extending between an inner base portion and an outer base portion; an outer wall positioned along an outer periphery of the outer base portion of the retainer base and extending vertically from the retainer base; an inner wall spaced inward of the outer wall along an outer periphery of the inner base portion of the retainer base, the suture channel defined along the outer base portion of the retainer base between the outer wall and the inner wall; and at least one retainer notch defined into a top edge of the outer wall, the at least one retainer notch is configured to allow one or more of the tucking fingers of the suture tucking apparatus to pass through the at least one retainer notch when the suture tucking apparatus transitions between the open configuration and the closed configuration.

[0183] 36. The method of paragraph 35, wherein the inner wall includes a plurality of spaced inner wall segments extending vertically from the retainer base between a lower segment portion and an upper segment portion, the upper segment portion including a liftable tab extending radially towards the outer wall and vertically spaced from the retainer base, the liftable tab covering a top portion of the suture channel along each inner wall segment.

[0184] 37. The method of paragraph 36, wherein: positioning the suture retainer into the retainer cavity includes placing each liftable tab of the suture retainer on top of the stationary lifting pin such that the suture retainer is suspended or spaced from the winding floor of the winding base and each lifting tab covers the top portion of the suture channel along each inner wall segment; and placing the winding cover further includes pressing down on the suture retainer, via the winding cover, to lower the suture retainer onto the winding floor which causes each liftable tab to pivot upward against thestationary lifting pin and open the top portion of the suture channel for receipt of the suture.

[0185] 38. The method of paragraph 37, wherein the at least one retainer notch and the at least one wall notch are horizontally aligned when the suture retainer is pressed onto the winding floor, at least one tucking finger being configured to pass through both the at least one retainer notch and the at least one wall notch when the suture tucking apparatus transitions between the open configuration and the closed configuration.

[0186] 39. The method of paragraphs 37 or 38, wherein: the suture retainer defines an oval outer shape including a pair of opposing parallel long sides of the suture retainer extending between essentially semi-circular rounded end portions of the suture retainer; the winding base defines an oval outer shape including a pair of opposing parallel long sides of the winding base extending between essentially semi-circular rounded end portions of the winding base; and the winding cover defines a dog -bone outer shape including a pair of opposing parallel long sides of the winding cover extending between essentially semi-circular rounded end portions of the winding cover, with the opposing parallel long sides defining a central portion of the winding cover which is narrower than the semi-circular rounded end portions, wherein the suture tucking apparatus is positioned along the pair of opposing long sides of the winding cover in between the semi-circular rounded end portions of the winding cover.

[0187] 40. The method of paragraph 39, wherein: the at least one retainer notch includes a first pair of retainer notches located along a first long side of the pair of opposing parallel long sides of the suture retainer and a second pair of retainer notches located along a second long side of the pair of opposing parallel long sides of the suture retainer; and the at least one wall notch includes a first pair of wall notches located along a first long side of the pair of opposing parallel long sides of the winding base sidewall and a second pair of retainer notches located along a second long side of the pair of opposing parallel long sides of the winding base sidewall.

[0188] 41. The method of paragraphs 39 or 40, wherein the winding cover further includes: a first set of winding beams projecting downward from the cover underside along the opposing parallel long sides of the winding cover, the first set of winding beams defining a linear profile and including a first winding surface which is generally perpendicular to the cover underside; and a second set of winding beamsprojecting downward from the cover underside along the semi-circular rounded end portions of the winding cover, the second set of winding beams defining a non-linear or curved profile and including a second winding surface which is either generally perpendicular to the cover underside or inclined relative to the cover underside, wherein the suture can be wound in the suture channel in a stacked configuration or a stadiumseating configuration.

[0189] 42. The method of any of paragraphs 30-41, further comprising: raising the winding cover away from the suture retainer with the suture tucking apparatus in the closed configuration, wherein raising the winding cover allows the liftable tabs to return to the top portion of the suture channel preventing the suture from prematurely escaping the suture channel; transitioning the raised suture tucking apparatus from the closed configuration to the open configuration; and removing the suture retainer from the winding base, the suture retainer loaded with the suture or suture-needle assembly in the suture channel.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A suture winding device comprising: a winding base defining a retainer cavity configured to receive a suture retainer; and a winding cover configured to be positioned on top of the winding base and the retainer cavity, the winding cover including a suture tucking apparatus.

2. The suture winding device of claim 1, wherein the suture tucking apparatus includes: a guide assembly configured to maneuver the winding cover relative to the winding base; and a tucking assembly configured to transition from an open configuration and a closed configuration to force any part of a suture located exterior the winding device, and in a path of the transitioning tucking assembly, into the suture channel.

3. The suture winding device of claim 2, wherein the guide assembly includes: an elongate shaft extending along a vertical axis between a first end portion attached to the winding cover and an opposite second end portion designed to raise or lower the winding cover; and a collar positioned around an exterior of the elongate handle, the collar including a pair of vertically spaced flanges.

4. The suture winding device of claim 3, wherein the tucking assembly includes a pair of opposing jaw members pivotably connected to the guide assembly between the vertically spaced flanges of the collar, with a pair of tucking fingers extending from lateral portions of each of the jaw members.

5. The suture winding device of claim 4, wherein the pair of opposing jaw members include: a first jaw member including a first tucker base wall and a first angular wall, the first tucker base wall extending between a first medial portion and a first lateral portion, the first angular wall extending at a first angle from the first lateral portion of the first tucker base wall; anda second jaw member including a second tucker base wall and a second angular wall, the second tucker base wall extending between a second medial portion and a second lateral portion, the second angular wall extending at a second angle from the second lateral portion of the second tucker base wall.

6. The suture winding device of claim 5, wherein the first angle or the second angle is between about 110 and about 160 degrees.

7. The suture winding device of claim 5, wherein the pair of tucking fingers include a first pair of tucking fingers spaced along a lateral part of the first angular wall and a second pair of tucking fingers spaced along a lateral part of the second angular wall.

8. The suture winding device of claim 7, wherein: a first tucker cavity is defined in an underside of the first angular wall between the first pair of tucking fingers; and a second tucker cavity is defined in an underside of the second angular wall between the second pair of tucking fingers.

9. The suture winding device of any of claims 4-8, wherein the first jaw member is pivotably connected to the guide assembly along the first medial portion of the first tucker base wall and the second jaw member is pivotably connected to the guide assembly along the second medial portion of the second tucker base wall, wherein the vertically spaced flanges straddle both the first medial portion and the second medial portion.

10. The suture winding device of any of the preceding claims, wherein: the winding base includes a winding base sidewall and a winding base floor, the winding base sidewall defines an outer shape of the retainer cavity, the winding base sidewall defining an oval outer shape including a pair of opposing parallel long sides of the winding base sidewall extending between essentially semi-circular rounded end portions of the base sidewall; and the winding cover defines a dog-bone outer shape including a pair of opposing parallel long sides of the winding cover extending between essentially semi-circular rounded end portions of the winding cover, with the opposing parallel long sides defining a central portion of the winding cover which is narrower than the semi-circular rounded end portions.

11. The suture winding device of claim 10, wherein the suture tucking apparatus is located along the pair of opposing long sides of the winding cover between the semi-circular rounded end portions of the winding cover.

12. The suture winding device of claims 10 or 11, wherein: the winding base sidewall includes a beveled top edge defining a lower suture guiding surface configured to guide a suture into the winding base, the lower suture guiding surface extending around the winding base, and the lower suture guiding surface including at least one wall notch configured to allow one or more tucking fingers of the suture tucking apparatus to pass through the at least one wall notch when the suture tucking apparatus transition between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

13. The suture winding device of any of claims 10-12, wherein the winding cover includes a cover sidewall extending between a cover topside and a cover underside, the cover sidewall having a beveled bottom edge defining an upper suture guiding surface configured to guide the suture into the winding device along the semi-circular rounded end portions of the winding cover, wherein the winding cover is configured to cover the winding base while leaving a gap between the winding base and the winding cover around an outer perimeter of the winding device to allow a suture to enter through the gap into the suture retainer.

14. The suture winding device of claim any of claims 10-13, wherein the winding base includes: a plurality of lifting pins spaced intermittently around an outer portion of the winding floor, the plurality of lifting pins defining a fixed height greater than a height of a suture channel defined in the suture retainer configured to be received in the retainer cavity; and at least one winding pin spaced inwardly from the lifting pins.

15. The suture winding device of any of claims 10-14, wherein the winding cover further includes: a first set of winding beams projecting downward from the cover underside along the opposing parallel long sides of the winding cover, the first set of winding beams defining a linear profile and including a first winding surface which is generally perpendicular to the cover underside; anda second set of winding beams projecting downward from the cover underside along the semi-circular rounded end portions of the winding cover, the second set of winding beams defining a non-linear or curved profile and including a second winding surface which is either generally perpendicular to the cover underside or inclined relative to the cover underside.

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