Apparatus and method for making suture packages

A mold assembly for making suture packages, comprising:

• first and second opposing mold parts partially defining a mold cavity, at least one of said first and second opposing mold parts having an opening therein communicating with the mold cavity;
• a first insert removeably insertable into said opening, said first insert completing the mold cavity in a form suitable for molding a first type of suture package when said first insert has been inserted into said opening;
• and
• an alternative second insert selectably interchangeable with said first insert and removeably insertable into said opening for completing the mold cavity in a form suitable for molding a second type of suture package when said second insert has been inserted into said opening.

A method for making a plurality of suture packages using a mold, comprising the steps of:

• (A) providing first and second mold parts defining a first mold cavity;
• (B) providing a third mold part selectively conjoinable with the first mold part to define a second mold cavity;
• (C) assembling the first and second mold parts;
• (D) injecting a material suitable for forming suture packages into the first mold cavity to form a first type of suture package;
• (E) dissembling the first and second mold parts;
• (F) removing the first type suture package from the mold;
• (G) assembling the first and third mold parts;
• (H) injecting a material suitable for forming suture packages into the second mold cavity to form a second type of suture package.