#$%^&*AU2011200086B220150514.pdf#####SUTURE AND RETAINER ASSEMBLY AND SULU Abstract A suturing system (5) for receiving and retaining a suture (10) is disclosed and includes a suture (10), at least one retainer (30), and at least one needle (20). Each needle s is able to receive and removably retain the suture (10) within a groove (22) located in a tapered end (21). The retainer (30) has a body (31) that defines an aperture (32) therethrough. The shape of the aperture (32) is formed by a central passageway (33), and a pair of diametrically opposed slots (34) extending radially outward from the central passageway (33). The central passageway (33) is sized to allow passage of the needle io (20) therethrough. Each slot (34) defines a tortured path section (35) that permits passage of the suture (10) in a first direction (a) and inhibits passage of the suture (10) in a second direction (b).1/8 Figo 3 Fig. I Fig.43 £1 Figs 4a XI F3g 2
