| abstract |
A needle counter device which utilizes an adhesive disposed in one or more, preferably V-shaped, troughs. The adhesive provides instant, strong grip upon contact, but also provides very low resistance to needle penetration (i.e., it is easy to stick a needle in the adhesive, but difficult to pull the needle out). The device includes a base and a lid, and opens and closes much like a book. Once the device is closed, the device tends to remain closed unless intentionally opened. A thin layer of adhesive may be provided on the inside of the lid, to retain used surgical blades, and a piece of resilient foam may also be provided for temporarily “parking” a suture needle. The sides of each trough are lined with structure which serves to prevent an accidentally laid surgical instrument from unintentionally contacting the adhesive. Numerical indices provide a quick visual, counting assist. Double sticky tape, covered with a protective peel away release sheet, can be provided on the outside surface of the lid and/or the base, for adhering the device to work surfaces. |