STATE OF THE ART

We know the state of the art various types of packaging for suture.

A first type of packing known for many years is a pouch or blister, tearable or peelable, may itself contain a second pouch or blister, which houses a shuttle carrier which is wound in the suture. Discloses a single shuttle formed carton on which the suture is wound in 0 or 8.

Also known shuttles comprising a base having two opposite sides, the base comprising on one side thereof, a retaining channel of a suture in a coiled position and a parking zone from one end of the suture provided with a needle or two, the parking area being surrounded by the retaining channel. The retaining channel and prevents the formation of knots. To remove the wire, an operator grasps with one hand the shuttle, grasps with the other hand the end of the wire located in the parking zone with a needle holder, and so feeds the wire out of channel containing the. By convention, it is assumed in the following that the gripping end of the suture gripping means of the needle when it is present, the

However, the suture is only accessible from one of the two sides of the base. Accordingly, the suture contained in such shuttle is not as easy to extract depending on whether the operator grasps the yarn end by the right hand or the left hand.

To remedy this problem, it has been proposed in US

5,906,273, as illustrated in Figure 1 attached, a shuttle E which wants ambidextrous and comprising, in addition to the above characteristics, a through window 0 between the two sides of the base, the window being formed in 0 the parking zone.

An operator can grasp the end of the suture from each of the two sides of the base, using one or the other of his hands. In a first use, the operator may have entered with a first hand (e.g. the right) the yarn end from the side on which extends the retaining channel and the parking zone; and in a second alternative use, the operator can grasp the yarn end located in the parking zone inserted from the opposite side of the base by the second hand (here the left). The suture is then, during its extraction, pass through the through window, as shown in Figure 2.

However, the gesture according to this second use is complex.

Moreover, during the extraction of the wire in the second operation, the suture is exposed to friction that are not encountered in the first use. As the retaining channel surrounds the through window, the wire being extracted stretches and form an acute angle in an inner edge of the retaining channel, which is a first source of friction, and optionally on one edge of the window traversing second source of friction at the point P shown in Figure 2. such friction can not only damage the suture, usually of small diameter, but also lead to resistance making it more difficult to extract.

It has also been proposed in EP 1106142 A2 a support base comprising a zone of parking device in which is formed a through opening.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

The invention therefore aims to propose a package for suture out of which the suture can be removed as easily by the right hand and the left hand, without damaging or pinching the suture by one either of these two uses.

For this purpose, there is provided a support base for suture having two opposite sides and comprising on one of its sides a retaining channel of a suture in a coiled position and a parking zone from one end of suture, the parking area being surrounded by the retaining channel, the supporting base being characterized in that it has a through opening between its two sides, the through opening extending in the parking zone and extending since the parking zone so as to intersect the retaining channel. The support base further comprises a movable shutter between an open position to expose the through opening between its two sides, and a closed position for closing at least partly the through opening, the movable flap being configured to protrude,

When an operator moves the end of the suture through the through opening, and it pulls on this end to unwind the suture thread, this thread will naturally leave the part of the opening located in the area yardage and tender along an axis having a small angular deviation from the winding path of the thread in the retaining channel, this deviation being printed in the portion of the through-opening which intersects the retaining channel. The operator can, by removing both hands from each other,

feed the wire without the wire is highly mechanically constrained by any edge of the through opening.

The invention can also be supplemented with the following characteristics, taken alone or in any of their technically possible combinations.

The retaining channel being delimited externally by a peripheral wall constituting a free edge of the base, the through opening may be extended to also interrupt the peripheral wall. Such an extension of the through opening makes it possible to limit friction on the wire during extraction even when the operator both hands away from each other in a natural movement in circular arc.

The retaining channel can further comprise a first section having a first end opens into the through opening, the end of the wire located in the parking central zone escaping from the retaining channel through the first end. When the operator away from the end of the strand during the extraction, the yarn tightens and naturally between the first section end and the yarn end without complex manipulation.

The first section may be rectilinear along a longitudinal axis, so as to provide the operator with a preferred extraction axis in which friction is minimized.

The first end may have a connection edge connecting the two sides of the base, the connection edge extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis. If, during the extraction of suture out of the base, the operator performs a natural movement in an arc, the suture gradually slides along the smooth joint edge.

The retaining channel can further comprise a second section having a second end opposite the first end also opens into the through opening, the second section

also extending along the same longitudinal axis. Thus, even if the through opening locally interrupts the retaining channel between the first section and the second section, the suture thread is not deflected by the presence of this opening, and the wire feeding can be operated without additional friction .

The first end and the second end may also be of the same width between the parking zone and the peripheral wall of the base.

The through-hole may extend between the two section ends facing a first length along the longitudinal axis and extend in the parking zone of a second length parallel to and higher than the first length. This facilitates the gripping of the end of the suture from the side opposite to that on which the parking zone is formed, while avoiding that portions of yarn wound suture, visible between the ends of the first section and second section opposite from each other, from sliding into the parking zone, thereby interfering with the gripping of the end of the suture.

The first section may have a length along the longitudinal axis greater than the second section. The first portion and has a larger grip surface for the operator, and increases in this way the extraction comfort.

The retaining channel can also be in a substantially ellipsoid shape. In such form, devoid of acute angle, allows avoiding friction within the channel during the unwinding of the suture and minimizes the shape-memory of the wire once unwound.

The support base may further be made of a rigid material more easily grippable than a carton, and / or fluid-impervious, whose manufacture allows more varied geometries.

The support base may further include a stiffening rib projecting from at least one of two opposite sides of the base, the reinforcing rib extending along an edge of the through opening.

The stiffening rib may extend between the through opening and a section of the retaining channel having a generally C-shape

The movable flap may have a pivotally mounted link end to a portion of the base secured to the peripheral wall, and a free edge opposite to the connecting end and arranged to be aligned with or protruding from the peripheral wall when the movable flap is positioned in its closed position. Such free edge allows to easily grip the mobile component to move it from its closed position to its open position.

The movable flap may have two opposite sides each forming a portion of opposite sides of the base when the movable flap is positioned in its closed position. Thus, the thickness of the support base remains low despite the addition of the mobile component.

The invention also relates to a method for extracting a wound suture in the retainer channel to a support base of the aforementioned type, the method comprising the steps of:

- inserting a gripping means through the through opening through the side of the base opposite to the side on which the retaining channel is formed,

- the thread end the input suture parked in the parking area with the gripping means passed through the through opening,

- mutual separation of the base and of the end of the suture grasped by the gripping means.

In the case where the base comprises a mobile component, the above method may comprise a step of moving the movable flap (8) from its closed position into its open position, before the insertion step.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Other features, objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which is purely illustrative and not exhaustive, and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

- Figures 1 and 2, already discussed, are known for packing a suture.

- Figures 3 and 4 are two front views of a support base for suture according to a first embodiment of the invention.

- Figure 5 is a back view of the support base already shown in Figures 2 and 3.

- Figures 6 to 8 show the support base of Figure 2-4 manipulated by an operator to retrieve the suture therein in a first use.

- Figure 9 represents the support base of Figure 2-4 manipulated by an operator to retrieve the suture therein in a second use.

- Figure 10 is a front view of a support base for suture according to a second embodiment of the invention.

- Figure 11 is a partial view of three quarters of the embodiment of Figure 10.

- Figure 12 is a back view of the support base shown in Figures 10 and 11.

- Figures 13 to 15 are views of a support base according to a third embodiment of the invention.

Of all the figures, similar elements bear identical references.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figures 1 and 2 have already been described.

A package for suture comprises a blister shell or cover (not shown), and a support base 1 to be substantially flat in the casing.

Referring to Figures 3 to 5, the support base 1 comprises a first side 12 and a second side opposite the first side 1 12.

The support base is of generally oval outline, ellipsoid or racetrack.

The surface of the first side 12, visible in Figures 3 and 4, is divided into two zones: a central zone of parking 4, and a peripheral area surrounding the parking zone 4, peripheral area on which is formed a retaining channel 2 for holding a suture.

2 the retaining channel is defined by an outer peripheral wall 3 and inner retaining means, the wall and said retaining means protruding from the first side 12.

The outer wall 3 has an outer surface forming a free edge of the base 1. The free edge is graspable by an operator.

The inner retaining means delimit the parking zone 4. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, these retaining means are formed by a plurality of fingers 20 protruding from the side 12 of the base I .The fingers 20 are disposed in a racetrack or oval path circumscribed by the free edge of the base 1, similarly trajectory. A suture may be accommodated in the retaining channel 2 according to a similar path or at least an ellipsoidal path.

Each finger 20 has a flexible portion 201 integral with the base and extending in the plane of the base. The flexible portion 201 has a thickness adapted to serve as elastic pivot 20 corresponding to the finger. The flexible portion 201 is extended by an intermediate portion 202 forming a bend with the flexible portion 201 so as to protrude from the first side 12, for example perpendicular to the first side 12. The intermediate portion 202 is itself extended by a portion terminal 203 forming an elbow with the intermediate portion 202 and extending cantilevered towards the peripheral edge 3 in a plane parallel to the base plane, for retaining a suture accommodated between the outer wall of the channel and the part intermediate 202.

The side 14 of the base opposite to the side 12 is visible in Figure 5. The base has a plurality of peripheral holes between its two sides 12 and 14 and accessible from the side hole 14. Each device is provided between the peripheral edge of the base and the flexible portion 201 of a corresponding finger 20. Each terminal portion 203 overhangs the corresponding peripheral hole.

Each device hole has slightly larger dimensions than the end portion which overhangs the to allow demolding of the part.

The base 1 also has a through opening 5 between its two opposite sides 12 and 14. This through-hole 5 has a portion 50 extending in the central zone of parking 4. The part 50 is extended by a portion 50 'which s extends in the peripheral area so as to locally interrupt the retaining channel 2 and cutting the winding trajectory of the channel 2.

Accordingly, a suture wound in the retaining channel 2 will be visible from both sides 12 and 14 of the base at the portion 50 'of the through opening 5.

The part 50 'of the through opening 5 extends further up to the outer wall 3 so as to interrupt locally. The through-opening thus forms an opening in the base plane, the bay being accessible from the free edge of the base formed by the outer wall 3.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 3 to 5, the two retaining channel comprises a first section 22 and second section 24 each extending along a same longitudinal axis X, each section

22, 24 ending in a respective end 220, 240 of the channel 2 which opens directly into the through opening 5.

The retaining channel 2 consists of the following successive lengths from the end 220, the first straight portion 22, a first curve portion 25 turning 180 degrees, a third rectilinear portion 26 parallel to the first section 22, and then another section curve 23 rotating 180 degrees, and finally the second portion 24 terminated by the end 240. the two curved sections 23 and 25 are symmetrical and located on either side of the parking zone 4.

The curved sections 23 and 25 generally have the shape of

C when the general shape of the base is racetrack. Other curved shapes for curved sections may however be provided.

Both ends 220 and 240, separated by the part 50 'of the through opening 5 are opposite one another and centered on the same longitudinal axis X so as to allow the suture to be wound into the retaining channel 2 according to an ellipsoid trajectory, devoid of sharp deviations may locally use the wire at the time of unwinding.

Each end 220, 240 has a respective joint edge

222, 242 connecting the two sides 12 and 14 of the base, and a respective outer edge 32, 34 which terminates further the outer wall 3. The outer edge and joining edge are coplanar for example, and the outer edge forms a bend at right angles to the joint edge. At each end 220, 240, the corresponding pair formed by a junction and an outer edge and edge is L-shaped

Each joining edge 222, 242 is straight, smooth and extends in the plane of the base in a transverse direction Y perpendicular to the direction of the longitudinal axis X, between the corresponding outer edge and the parking zone 4.

Portion 50 of the through opening 5 which is located in the parking zone is delimited by a contour having a first end ends with the joint edge 220 and a second end ends with the connection edge 240.

The contour of the portion 50 of the through opening 5 presents the following successive portions from the joint edge 220 to the joint edge 240 a first edge 52 of withdrawal along the first section 22 in the parking zone 4 parallel to the longitudinal axis X, a 51 diagonal connecting edge connects the first portion 22 to the referenced portion 26, a straight edge 56 along the portion 26, a curved edge 53 along the curved section 23 and a second edge 54 along the withdrawal second section 24 in the parking zone 4 parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

The thus delimited 5 through aperture occupies an extreme portion of the parking zone 4, the portion being closer to the curve portion 23 as the curved section 25 opposite thereto.

12 on the side of the surface portion located in the area of ​​parking 4, and more precisely between the connecting edge 51 and the curved section 25 is fixed a bracket 42 for needle. Such support 42 is generally in the form of a foam in which a needle can be pricked and out of which the needle can be easily withdrawn. The support 42 is positioned in the parking zone 4 so that a needle in this support 42 can partially overhang portion 50 of the through opening 5 (typically 1/3 of the needle). Thus, for a large needle, the support 42 may be remote from the edge 51.

The 51 diagonal connecting edge extends rectilinearly in a direction secant to the longitudinal axis X, the diagonal connecting edge 51 away from the portion 26 from the edge 56 towards the edge 52. This transversal direction forms an angle typically ranging between 20 ° and 60 ° relative to the direction of the longitudinal axis, in the plane of the base 1.

Such an orientation is adapted to varying lengths of curved needles, commonly used to suture son. An arcuate needle can indeed be stuck into the support 42 so as to be contained in a plane parallel to that of the base 1, and the overhang portion 50 of the through opening 5, thus facilitating its grip as seen in the after.

The base support 1 may also comprise means for attaching a cardboard label above the side 12, the tag can for example comprise inscriptions.

These hooking means comprise for example a plurality of pins 28 projecting from the peripheral wall towards the parking zone 4, these pins being located at a height slightly greater than the height occupied by the upper face of the portion 203 of the retaining fingers 20. a cardboard label having dimensions adapted to the inner periphery of the wall 3 can thus be clamped between the plurality of pins 28 and the plurality of fingers 20.

The parking zone 4 may also comprise a locally raised portion relative to the rest of the parking area, the raised portion being adapted to serve as a support for the cardboard label. This locally raised portion also provides a gripping area for a user.

Insertion of the suture in the support base

The previously described support base may contain various types of suture:

- a wire comprising a needle crimped at one of its two ends;

- a wire comprising two needle crimped at both opposite ends;

- a wire comprising a single needle crimped at both ends forming a loop. In this case, both ends of the wire together in the needle; or

- one or more bare son called "strands".

In the following, we take the example of a wire provided with an attached needle at one of its ends. By convention, it is also considered that the needle itself constitutes the yarn end of the suture; also be understood that the gripping end of the suture gripping means of the needle.

The suture may be housed in the support base 1 as follows.

The side 14 of the base 1 is placed on a flat support having a plurality of pins projecting distributed so that each pin partly housed in a corresponding hole left at a finger 20.

By plating the base 1 on the plane support, each pin exerts pressure on the end portion 203 of a finger 20. The fingers 20 rise simultaneously at their flexible portion 201 and 202. The retaining channel 2 is then accessible from the side 12 of an ovoid path forming a closed line internally delimited by the intermediate portions 202 of the various fingers 20.

The needle is stuck into the support 42 located in the parking zone 4 of the base 1.

In addition, the suture is wound one or more turns around the intermediate portions 202 of the plurality of fingers 20, starting with the finger of the first section 22 which is the closest to the end 220.

When the base 1 is removed from the holder, after the wire has been wound, each finger 20 kept by elastic return to its rest position in which its end portion 203 extends parallel to the plane of the base, thereby retaining a portion of the wire wound.

The suture is then housed in the base 1. The two retaining channel prevents the formation of knots may hinder its extraction from the base 1.

At this point, the suture and has an end portion (hand side) not contained in the retaining channel 2. This portion of unwound wire escapes into effect from the first end 220 of the portion 22, extends in the parking area overlooking the through aperture 5 and finishes with the partially needle in the support 42.

Extraction of the suture out of the support base

We will now describe how the suture may be extracted from the base support 1 in a first use in connection with FIGS 6-8.

An operator pinches the base 1 between the fingers of his right hand, so that the side 14 is facing him. The thread and needle is not fully visible. It can for example enter the outer wall at the portion 22 by the thumb, and the same at the outer wall section 26 by the index.

The operator holds in his left hand grasping instrument such as forceps. The operator is then passed from the side 14 of the base 1 the jaws of the clamp by the through-opening 5 in its portion 50. Through the through opening 5, the clamp jaws penetrate into the region of parking 4 and grip the non-coiled portion of the suture which overhangs the through opening 5 (by the needle, which provides a better grip than the wire itself).

The operator releases the needle holder 42 and the foam is then cross the entry needle and in the through opening 5 from the side 12 to side 14. The needle then penetrates the half-plane of the space defined by the side 14 of the base 1 facing the operator.

The operator then moves the clamp, usually called "needle holder" of the base 1 according to the movement shown in Figure 7. In doing so, the portion of non-wound wire tends progressively between the first end 220 from which it escapes, and the jaws of the needle holder so that the portion of unwound wire touches the joint edge 240 against the side 14 and describes a straight line substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the first section 22.

From the time the portion of unwound suture is perfectly tensioned, the portion of wire wound in the retaining channel unwinds gradually, without significant deviation can cause friction and / or significant pinching on the wire.

A As the operator continues to remove her hands from one another, the entry needle naturally follows a trajectory in an arc, as shown in Figure 8, and the wound wire feeds. In this movement, the unwinding of current suture will then gradually along the joint edge 220 toward the outer edge 32 and up to touch it without imposing significant mechanical stress over. The yarn then describes a relatively small angle, controllable by the operator in this outer edge 32 until the suture is fully pulled out of the base 1.

According to a second alternative use illustrated in Figure 9, the operator grasps the package with his left hand, so that the side 12 on which the foam 42 is fixed to face him. It can for example enter the outer wall at the portion 22 by the thumb, and the same at the outer wall section 26 by the index.

The operator also enters the grip in his right hand. The needle is directly visible by the operator.

The operator grasps the needle in the holder 42 which makes it directly face by means of the clamp.

By performing a similar motion as described in connection with the first use described above, the portion of non-wound wire tends progressively between the first end 220 and the jaws of the clamp so that the portion of unwound wire be located in the half-plane of the space defined by the side 12 of the package, and describes a line substantially aligned with the axis X of the first section (possibly touching the end portion of a finger 20 of the second section 24 the closest to the end 240).

A As the operator continues to remove her hands from one another, the reeling being suture will then be closer together, at the end 22, until the outer edge 32 ' to touch it, without imposing excessive mechanical stress on the wire.

The operator wishing to extract the base 1 suture may therefore choose the first or second use at their convenience, without the wire undergo additional friction in the first use, compared to the second use.

The base 1 thus defines part ambidextrous packaging for suture.

The length L2 of the portion 22 along the longitudinal axis X, from which escapes the portion of unwound suture is preferably chosen larger than the length L4 of the section 24 so as to provide the operator greater gripping surface on the base 1 and thus improve the ease of use of the package to retrieve the suture therein. The length L2 of the portion 22 may for example be 2 to 5 times greater than the length L4 of the section 24.

Portion 50 of the through-opening 5 located in the parking zone 4 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis X over a length L5, and the part 50 'of the through-opening located between the two ends 220, 240 extends along the longitudinal axis X with an average length L5 'which is less than the length L5. Such a design provides a through opening 5 relatively

great in the parking zone so as to facilitate access to the needle 14 from the side of the package, and relatively narrow between the two ends 220 and 240 facing each other, which prevents the or wound wire portions visible between the two ends 220 and 240 are too long and may therefore slide into the parking zone, thereby interfering with the access to the needle 14 from the side of the base 1.

The average length L5 may for example be 2 to 4 times greater than the length L5.

The length L5 'of the through opening between the two ends 220 and 240 is preferably between 5 mm and 20 mm, so as to allow extraction along an axis of limited deflection while preventing the suture escaping from the tip 220 does not rub excessively on the end 240 during the extraction or cardboard on the label when the latter is hooked to the hooking means 28.

Moreover, it will be appreciated that having a section 22 which escapes from the non-wound wire portion which is rectilinear allows to naturally induce the operator anxious not to damage the suture to make an extraction motion substantially along the longitudinal axis X corresponding.

The two joint edges 222 and 242 are of the same width in the transverse direction Y.

Furthermore, the edges 32 and 34 of the outer wall 3 in the ends 22 and 24 opposite is also the same height in a direction normal to the plane of the base 1.

Note also that the straightness of each joining edge 222, 242 facilitates the sliding of the suture being extracted from the area of ​​parking 4 to the edge 32, 34 corresponding.

The support base 1 is preferably made in one piece for example by molding.

The base 1 is preferably made of a rigid material to improve the gripping comfort thereof with respect to a carton and / or fluid-impervious, in order to shorten the drying during manufacture. The stiffness of this material is chosen so as to allow lifting of the fingers without observing significant residual deformation.

The base 1 may preferably have a maximum length (measured parallel to the longitudinal axis X) between 70 and 200 mm, preferably 90 mm. The base 1 may further have a width (measured along the transverse axis Y) between 30 and 70 mm, preferably 38 mm.

A second embodiment of the support base, referenced 1 'in Figures 10 to 12, comprises the following features in addition to those of the base 1, already described.

Referring to Figure 10, the interior retaining means of the base 1 'comprise, extra retaining fingers 20 already discussed, a plurality of ribs 27 protruding from the side 12, each rib 27 being located between two fingers 20 adjacent so as to improve the overall trajectory already defined by the portions 202 of the fingers 20.

The ribs 27 are preferably located between the defining fingers curved sections 23 and 25 so that the wire does not force on the fingers 20 during its unwinding.

The base 1 further comprises a stiffening rib 6 extending transversely to the side 12, since the portion 53 defining an edge of the through opening 5. This rib 6 increases the rigidity of the section 23 despite the presence of the opening 5, and also facilitates filling of the mold used for the manufacture of the support base 1 '.

The number of fingers can be reduced on the straight sections 22,

24 and 26 relative to the curved sections 23 and 25.

Referring to Figure 11, the peripheral wall 3 of the base 1 'has an inner surface facing the retaining channel 2 having a rounded profile to gradual radius 36 relative to side 12.

In particular, the outer edge 32 and the joint edge 222 do not form an "L" but substantially form a "C" with this progressive radius 36 which interconnects the two edges 32 and 222. The pair of edges 34 and 242 have a similar structure.

In the base 1 ', the empty space left between the end portion of each finger 20 and the inner surface of the peripheral wall 3 opposite is enlarged relative to the base 1 to facilitate the injection during the molding part . However, with such a change, fingers 20 are less likely to hold the suture.

It is therefore expected of the pins 38 protruding from the inner surface of the peripheral wall 3 transversely to the side 12 (and hence transversely to the winding yarn path). These pins allow to remove the wire from the inner surface of the wall 3 and therefore the empty space left above.

Each finger 20 of the base 1 'comprises, as the base 1, the parts 201, 202 and 203. However, the end portion 203 does not extend parallel to the side 12 in the base 1', but at an angle. for example there may be provided an angle a between the intermediate portion 201 and the end portion 203 of value between 45 ° and 90 °. This compensates a residual strain after the lifting of the fingers 20 and increases the robustness of the injection mold for the manufacture of the base.

Referring to Figure 12, the side 14 includes a registration M manual preference. Here is the inscription "access left hand" ( "left hand access") indicating that this side 14 gives the user better access if it is left-handed and he extracted the wire while it made him side 14 face. This listing is for example formed by molding character to the surface of side 14, which provides a larger surface

registration the opposite side 12. Registration may also be written on the cardboard label positioned over the side 12.

A third embodiment of the support base, referenced 1 ", is illustrated in Figures 1 March to 1 May.

The base 1 'according to this third embodiment differs from the two embodiments previously described in that it further comprises a movable flap 8 between an open position to expose the through opening 5 between its two sides 12 and 14 and a closed position for closing at least partly the through opening 5.

The mobile 8 flap has a first side 82 forming a portion of the side 12 of the base 1 'and a second 84 side opposite its first side 82 forming a portion of the side 14 of the base 1 ", when the mobile 8 flap is positioned in its closed position.

The base 1 "includes hinge means for connecting the flap 8 to the body of the base 1".

The joint means comprise a connecting end 80 of the movable flap 8, this end being pivotally mounted to the body of the base 1 ". The rest of the body of the base 1" includes the peripheral wall 3 and the channel retainer 2.

This end 80 defines an axis fold line parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the base 1 ".

The connecting end is connected for example to the straight edge 56 of the through-opening along the portion 26 (the edge 56 is a free edge in the embodiments already described).

Furthermore, the movable flap 8 has a free edge 83 opposite to the connecting end 80, and which is arranged to be aligned with the peripheral wall 3 when the movable part 8 is positioned in its closed position. In other words, the free edge 83 of the flap 8 complete the free edge formed by the peripheral wall 3, so as to define therewith a closed perimeter of the base 1 "when the movable part 8 is positioned in its position closed.

In one variant of the mobile flap 8, the free edge 83 is not aligned with the peripheral wall 3, but projects outwardly from the base 1 'with respect to the circumferential wall 3, in the plane defined by its two sides 12 and 14. This improves the ease of gripping the free edge 83 with a finger of a hand holding also the base 1 "by another party such as the peripheral wall 3.

In this way, when the flap 8 is moved into its open position by pivoting about the connection end 80, the portion 50 'which extends in the peripheral area so as to locally interrupt the retaining channel 2 and the cut winding trajectory of the channel 2 is fully disclosed.

The movable flap 8 may also present a substantially complementary shape of the through opening 5, so as to completely clog when positioned in its closed position. It may be nevertheless provided a residual gap between the edges of the through opening 51, 52, 53, 54 and the movable shutter 8 in the closed position (distance between 0.5 and 3 millimeters, preferably 0.7 millimeters).

When it is complementary to the contour of the through opening 5, the flap 8 comprises a part housed in the closed rest position in the portion 50 'of the opening which extends in the peripheral area so as to interrupt locally the retaining channel 2 and the channel cut of the winding path 2. the connecting end 80 is formed on the edge of the flap 8 opposite the edge of the flap 8 which is flush with the outer periphery of the base 1 "by positron closed rest.

The connecting end 80, preferably integrally formed on the base 1 'and the flap 8 may be formed by local thickness shrinkage relative to the thickness of the base 1 "and the flap 8. Such shrinkage facilitates opening of the flap 8 by bending at the link 80.

When the flap 8 is positioned in its open position, an operator can access, via a gripping tool in the through opening 5 from the side 14 of the base 1 ", to the free end portion of the suture to be grasped for its removal, according to a similar use to that described in relation to figures 6 and 7.

When the flap 8 is positioned in its closed position, the flap 8 mouth through aperture 5. The shutter 8 then forms a shield between said end portion of the suture to grip, localized 12 side of the base and any object beyond the other side 14 of the base. "

Such a pane 8 makes it possible in its closed position to limit the area of ​​freedom of the end of the suture to be grasped for its removal.

The flap 8 is particularly advantageous when the free end of the suture to be entered is provided with a needle. Indeed, the needle, which has a rigid structure, may damage the base 1 'itself and / or a package in which the base 1 "is conditioned by friction or following its detachment from the holder 42, for example during transport of the base 1 ".

The movable flap 8 is arranged to project, in its open position, from the side 14 of the base 12 opposite to the side on which the retaining channel 2 is formed, as shown in Figure 15.

Preferably, the movable flap 8 and the rest of the body of the base 1 "are part of a single piece, the movable flap 8 then being a portion formed integrally on the base 1", foldable from the base relative to the rest her body (particularly with respect to retaining channel 2 and to the parking zone 4).

Furthermore, the mobile pane 8 may be configured so as to occupy at rest its closed position, and thus be naturally biased by elastic return to the closed position after being moved by external force towards the open position.

A suture wound in the base 1 "can be pulled out therefrom by the steps already described.

However, prior to passing an instrument gripping through the through-opening according to the first use already described in relation to Figures 6 to 8, an additional step of disclosure of the through opening by movement of the shutter 8 in its open position , projecting from the side 14, is implemented.

The operator can hold the flap 8 in its open position with the hand he used to hold the body of the base during the unwinding of the suture. The user may for example grip the base by positioning his thumb against the side 14, in such a position that the thumb is partially located between the flap 8 projecting and the through opening.

Alternatively, the connection 80 is adapted so that the movable flap 8 can remain in its open position naturally without any external stress. This allows the operator seizing the base 1 "of not having to manually maintain the flap 8 in the open position, and thus improve the base 1 entry comfort" by this operator.

The support base according to the invention is obviously not limited to the embodiments illustrated in the figures but may be other variants, a non-limiting list is given below.

It is not mandatory that the through opening intersects the retaining channel on an entire section thereof, to reach and stop the outer wall 3, as was described in the embodiment shown. It is sufficient that the through opening extends from the parking zone so as to cut at least partially a section of the retaining channel, so as to permit limited deflection of the suture when it is pulled by the operator in at the other of the uses described.

2 the retaining channel can be modified to define a generally ellipsoid winding path, ranging from a circular shape to a racetrack shape as shown in the illustrated embodiment.

The sections 22 and 24 may thus be curved and not straight.

2 the retaining channel can be achieved by means other than fingers 20 pivot. For example, the base 1 may consist of two parts forming after assembly the retaining channel 2.

The portion of the non-wound suture may also escape from the section 24 and not the segment 22.

The ends 220 and 240 opposite may be the same or different dimensions. For example, the joint edges 222 and 242 may be of respective different widths.

CLAIMS

1. Base support (1 ") suture thread, the support base (1") having two opposite sides (12, 14) and comprising on one (12) of its sides:

- a retaining channel (2) of a suture in a coiled position,

- a parking zone (4) from one end of the suture, the parking zone (4) being surrounded by the retaining channel (2), the support base (1 ") being characterized in that it comprises in addition :

- a through opening (5) between its two sides (12, 14), the through opening (5) extending in the parking zone (4) and extending from the parking zone (4) so ​​as to cut the retaining channel (2),

- a movable flap (8) between an open position to expose the through opening (5) between its two sides (12, 14) and a closed position for closing at least partly the through-opening (5), the flap mobile (8) being configured to project, in its open position, from the side (14) of the base (1 ") which is opposite the side (12) on which the retaining channel (2) is formed.

2. Base medium (1 ") according to claim 1, wherein the retaining channel (2) is delimited externally by a peripheral wall (3) forming a free edge of the support base (1") and the opening therethrough (5) extends to also cut the peripheral wall (3).

3. Support Base (1 ") according to one of claims 1 and 2 including a stiffening rib (6) projecting from at least one of two opposite sides (12, 14), the stiffening rib (6) s extending along an edge of the through opening (5).

4. Base medium (1 ") according to claim 3, wherein the stiffening rib extends between the through opening (5) and a portion (23) of the retaining channel (2) generally having a C-shape

5. Base support (1 ") according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the retaining channel (2) comprises a first section (22) having a first end (220) opens into the through opening (5) , the end of the wire located in the parking central zone escaping from the retaining channel (2) through the first end (220).

6. Base support (1 ") according to claim 5, wherein the first section (22) is rectilinear.

7. Support Base (1 ") according to one of Claims 5 and 6, wherein the first section (22) extends along a longitudinal axis (X) and the first end (220) has a joint edge (222 ) straight connecting the two sides of the base, the joint edge (222) extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (X).

8. Support Base (1 ") according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the retaining channel (2) comprises a second section (24), a second end (240) opposite the first end (220) also opens into the through opening (5), the second section extending along the same longitudinal axis (X).

9. Support Base (1 ") according to claim 8, wherein the first end (220) and the second end (240) are of the same width between the parking zone (4) and the peripheral wall of the base (3) .

10. Base support (1 ") according to one of Claims 8 and 9, wherein the through opening (5) extends between the two section facing ends (220, 240) over a first length (Ι_5 ' ) along the longitudinal axis (X), and extends in the parking zone (4) over a second length (L5) parallel to and higher than the first length (L5 ').

11. Base media (1 ") according to one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the first section (22) has a length (L2) along the longitudinal axis greater than that (L4) of the second section (24).

12. Base support (1 ") according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining channel (2) has a shape adapted to hold a coiled suture in a substantially ellipsoid trajectory.

13. Support Base (1 ") according to one of the preceding claims, made of a rigid material and / or impermeable.

14. Base support (1 ") according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable flap (8) has a connecting end (80) pivotally mounted to the base portion (1") integral with the circumferential wall ( 3), and a free edge (83) opposite to the connecting end (80) arranged to be aligned with or protruding from the peripheral wall (3) when the movable flap (8) is positioned in its closed position.

15. Base support (1 ") according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable flap (8) comprises two sides (82, 84) opposite each forming a portion of the sides (12, 14) opposite the base (1 ") where the movable flap is positioned in its closed position.

16. A method of extracting a wound suture in the retainer channel (2) a support base (1 ") according to one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of:

- inserting a gripping means through the through opening (5) from the side (14) of the base opposite to the side (12) on which the retaining channel (2) is formed,

- gripping the end of the suture parked in the parking zone (4) with the gripping means passed through the through opening,

- mutual distance of the base (1 ") and the end of the suture grasped by the gripping means.

17. Extraction method according to the preceding claim, further comprising a displacement of the movable flap (8) from its closed position into its open position, before the insertion step.