1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a package for securely packaging and retaining an endoscopic suture system including both an endoscopic instrument and a suture retainer.
2. Background of the Art
Various types of instrument packages are known for separately packaging endoscopic surgical instruments and suture retainers. One example of a package for an elongated surgical instrument is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,324,331 which discloses a bottom assembly containing at least one cavity for receiving a surgical implement and a lid portion to cover the cavity. This package also includes a plurality of spaced apart cavities for selectively placing protective plugs at each end of the implement such that one packaging cavity may be used for various length instruments. Another example of a package for an elongated medical instrument is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,910,410 which discloses a tray having at least one cavity for receiving articles and a flange area upon which rests a lid for closing the at least one cavity. This package also includes two coatings of material for sealing the lid to the tray. Yet another example of a package for an endoscopic or elongated instrument is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,082,112 which discloses a packaging unit for an endoscopic ligating loop instrument, the packaging unit including a molded instrument holding member and a cover member.
With respect to packages for a suture, one example of such a suture retainer is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,123,528 which discloses a molded protective cover having an undulating cross-section which defines elongated tracks for receiving a suture portion. A backing panel is adhesively attached to the protective cover. Another example of suture package is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,099,994 which discloses a molded two piece suture package having an oval channel in which the sutures are wound.
The construction of a package for both an elongated surgical instrument and a suture retainer requires that the endoscopic instrument and suture retainer be securely held to prevent damage to the contents and the sterilized package. The package should also be constructed to permit relatively easy placement into the package and yet also be relatively easily releasable from the package by the user. It is also desirable that the package be economical to manufacture.
The present invention provides a package for an elongated surgical instrument and a suture retainer which provides the above properties.