The invention relates to helical retainers, particularly helical retainers
adapted for use in laparoscopic surgery. One aspect of the invention
provides a helical retainer having a sterile coiled body adapted and
configured to secure a surgical suture, the coiled body having a
plurality of coils and being formed from a strand and an extension of the
strand extending from the coiled body adapted to engage a suture or to be
grasped by a holding tool. Another aspect of the invention provides a
method of using a helical retainer including the steps of placing a
helical retainer at a desired location, the helical retainer comprising a
plurality of coils, engaging a suture with the helical retainer at a
first engagement point, and engaging the suture with the helical retainer
at a second engagement point to secure the suture to the helical
retainer.