Suture needle park and collector

Abstract

A suture needle holder includes a hollow holder portion which is preferably molded from a clear plastic, and a base portion coupled to a lower portion of the holder portion. A lower side of the base portion is provided with an adhesive. The holder portion is provided with at least one needle park which can be integrally molded with the holder portion. The holder portion also includes an opening through which used suture needles can be disposed into the hollow holder portion. The surgeon is able to see into the clear holder portion and make an accurate count of how many suture needles have been used. The adhesive on the base member enables the holder to be positioned on the surgical drape and prevents unintentional movement of the holder, and further facilitates single-handed use of the holder. In a preferred embodiment, the hollow holder portion is shaped like a hexagonal frustum and includes a needle park on each of its six sloped faces. Each needle park is formed by two inwardly angled walls, the walls able to frictionally engage the shaft of a suture needle. The holder portion is provided with a raised portion around which suture material may be thread to assist a physician in tying off suture. The opening is provided on the raised portion and includes a tapered entryway which prevents disposed needles from exiting the opening.