Preformed ligatures for bleeders and methods of applying such ligatures

Abstract

A preformed ligature comprises a loop, loop forming closure and an extension which may be pulled to close the loop about a bleeder. One preformed ligature according to the invention is formed of a continuous loop of gut or synthetic suture material tied into a slip knot to form the closure and the extension is the second loop thus formed therein which may be pulled by means of a hook. Another preformed dual loop ligature is formed of a continuous loop of suture material and a narrow enveloping closure. The loop preferably has a ratchet-like surface and the closure a cooperating pawl-like surface to provide a ligature loop that may only slip one way. The loop and the closure, in one embodiment, are each provided with an extension ending in a finger engaging loop. These are grasped and pulled to close the closure around a bleeder or the like. In another embodiment, the loop is provided with an extension and a finger loop and the closure is pushed closed by means of an eyelet mounted on a stick. In alternative embodiments, the closure is smooth on the inside and formed of material having elastic memory. The normal shape of the closure is round and, when in this shape, its inner edges engage the ratchet-like pawls of the loop. Under axial pressure the closure may be pushed along the pawls in one direction to close one end of the loop about a bleeder or the like. The loops of the hand applied ligatures are large enough to be slipped over a hemostat.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.