| abstract |
The present invention provides a suture-terminating device comprising a central body having at least one surface, a plurality of flanges extending radially from the surface and defining at least one grove therebetween, each flange having at least one aperture axially aligned and spaced away from the base wall, at least one removable member disposed within each aperture, and at least one spring disposed adjacently to the surface and maintained in its activated state by contact with a removable member disposed within the aperture. The grove has a base wall and at least one sidewall. The spring, while in its active state, is positioned adjacent to and spaced from the base wall, defining a gap of sufficient size to permit the passage of at least one suture therethrough. The surgeon actuates the device by withdrawing the removable member from the aperture, thus permitting the spring to return to its resting state within the grove. The spring and the base and side walls cooperate to restrict the suture's movement through the gap. |