Multiple suture threader and methods of use

A method of threading multiple sutures through an axial passage, comprising:

• providing a suture threader having a proximal end and a distal end, a first collapsible loop located at a first distal offset from the proximal end, and a second collapsible loop located at a second distal offset from the first collapsible loop;
• passing the first and the second collapsible loops of the suture threader through the axial passage such that the axial passage is positioned along the first distal offset;
• threading one or more first threads through the first collapsible loop such that a first end of each of the one or more of the first threads is doubled over the first collapsible loop;
• threading one or more second threads through the second collapsible loop such that a first end of each of the one or more of the second threads is doubled over the second collapsible loop;
• pulling the first collapsible loop through the axial passage until each of the first ends of the one or more of the first sutures exits a proximal end of the axial passage;
• and
• pulling the second collapsible loop through the axial passage until each of the first ends of the one or more of the second sutures exits the proximal end of the axial passage, wherein a maximum number of suture thicknesses to simultaneously pass through the axial passage equals one thickness for each of the one or more of the first threads plus two thicknesses for each of the one or more of the second threads.

A method of reducing suture traffic through an axial passage using a suture threader having a handle located at a proximal end of the suture threader, a first collapsible loop located at a first distal offset from the handle, and a second collapsible loop located at a second distal offset from the first collapsible loop, the method comprising:

• passing the first and the second collapsible loops of the suture threader through the axial passage such that the handle is located proximal to the axial passage and the first and the second collapsible loops are located distal to the axial passage;
• providing at least a first suture and a second suture, each of the first and the second sutures having first and second opposing ends;
• doubling the first end of the first suture over the first collapsible loop to form first and second thicknesses at the first end of the first suture;
• doubling the first end of the second suture over the second collapsible loop to form first and second thicknesses at the first end of the second suture;
• first pulling the first collapsible loop through the axial passage such that when the first end of the first suture passes through the axial passage, the first and the second thicknesses of the first suture are located within the axial passage, and when the first end of the first suture exits the axial passage, the second thickness of the first suture remains within the axial passage;
• and
• second pulling the second collapsible loop through the axial passage such that when the first end of the second suture passes through the axial passage, the second thickness of the first suture and the first and the second thicknesses of the second suture are located within the axial passage, and when the first end of the second suture exits the axial passage, the second thickness of the first suture and the second thickness of the second suture remain within the axial passage.