The ligature-carrier here illustrated I have devised for ligations of the broad ligaments and deep pelvic vessels especially. The instrument is nine inches long and composed of two pieces, with a deep curve, each containing one-half of the eye of the needle. The handle is large, of the ratchet type, and contains a strong spring. The ligature material is threaded through the eye of the needle, which is passed beneath the vessels or ligament to be ligated: the ligature is grasped with the fingers or forceps, the handle compressed and the halves of the needle forced apart by the spring and withdrawn. This obviates the difficulty of drawing the ligature through the eye, as in the old-style pedicle needle. Any ligature material may be used without danger of cutting it. 2003 Diamond Street.