Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090107965 | METHOD OF MANUFACTURING AND TESTING MONOFILAMENT AND MULTI-FILAMENTS SELF-RETAINING SUTURES - The present invention relates to self-retaining (“barbed”) systems for surgical procedures, methods of manufacturing self-retaining systems for surgical procedures, included their uses and testing. In various embodiments of the invention, a device and method for barbing sutures uses a laser to cut the suture under appropriate temperature and tensile strength conditions. In various embodiments of the invention, a device and method tests the tensile strength and elasticity of a barbed monofilament or multifilament suture. In various embodiments of the invention, a potting material can be used to retain one end of the suture for manufacture or testing. | 04-30-2009 |
20090112259 | RECOMBINANT EXPRESSED BIOADSORBABLE POLYHYDROXYALKONATE MONOFILAMENT AND MULTI-FILAMENTS SELF-RETAINING SUTURES - The present invention provides polymers made by genetically engineering microorganisms for making a self-retaining suture. In an embodiment of the present invention the genetically engineering microorganisms synthesize polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymers. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the genetically engineering microorganisms synthesize polybetahydroxybutyrate (PHB) polymers. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the self-retaining sutures can be made from a copolymer such as polyhydroxybutyratevalerate (PHBV), where the genetically engineering microorganisms produces PHA polymers as the monofilament base material and a different genetically engineering microorganisms produces polyhydroxybutyratevalerate (PHBV) polymers. In various embodiments of the invention, recombinant expressed self-retaining suture materials have a melting point in the range from between approximately 40° C. to approximately 180° C. In various embodiments of the invention, recombinant expressed self-retaining suture materials have extension-to-break strength of between approximately 8% and approximately 42%. | 04-30-2009 |
20090143819 | COATINGS FOR MODIFYING MONOFILAMENT AND MULTI-FILAMENTS SELF-RETAINING SUTURES - The present invention provides that coatings applied to natural, synthetic and recombinant expressed polymer filaments can be used to modify the properties of monofilament and multifilament self-retaining sutures. In an embodiment of the invention, the coating enables the suture to be easily inserted into tissue, whereupon the extended interaction of the coating and the tissue increase the ability of the tissue retainers to hold the suture in the tissue. In an embodiment of the present invention, the coated polymers have a melting point in the range from between approximately 40° C. to approximately 180° C. while retaining tensile strength. In an embodiment of the invention, the increased strength is due in part to the tissue specific reaction generated by the suture coating. | 06-04-2009 |
20100057123 | RECOMBINANT EXPRESSED BIOADSORBABLE POLYHYDROXYALKANOATE MONOFILAMENT AND MULTI-FILAMENTS SELF-RETAINING SUTURES - The present invention provides polymers made by genetically engineering microorganisms for making a self-retaining suture. In an embodiment of the present invention the genetically engineering microorganisms synthesize polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymers. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the genetically engineering microorganisms synthesize polybetahydroxybutyrate (PHB) polymers. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the self-retaining sutures can be made from a copolymer such as polyhydroxybutyratevalerate (PHBV), where the genetically engineering microorganisms produces PHA polymers as the monofilament base material and a different genetically engineering microorganisms produces polyhydroxybutyratevalerate (PHBV) polymers. In various embodiments of the invention, recombinant expressed self-retaining suture materials have a melting point in the range from between approximately 40° C. to approximately 180° C. In various embodiments of the invention, recombinant expressed self-retaining suture materials have extension-to-break strength of between approximately 8% and approximately 42%. | 03-04-2010 |
20110022086 | COMBINING SYNTHETIC, NATURAL POLYMERS AND RECOMBINANT POLYMERS TO FORM MONOFILAMENT AND MULTIFILAMENT SELF-RETAINING SUTURES - The present invention combines synthetic, natural and recombinant polymers for making a self-retaining suture. In an embodiment of the present invention recombinant polyhydroxyalkanoate (rPHA) polymers and/or polyglycolic acid polymers are incorporated into the suture. In various embodiments of the invention, materials are incorporated into the suture to illicit a tissue response reaction. The tissue response reaction results in deposition of collagen around the tissue retainer in the tissue thereby increasing the retention of the tissue retainer in the tissue. In various embodiments of the invention, the core of the suture is made from a material that does not illicit a tissue response reaction. In various embodiments of the invention, the core can be chose to enhance elasticity and strength of the suture. | 01-27-2011 |
20110046669 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ELEVATING RETAINERS ON SELF-RETAINING SUTURES - A method and device to elevate retainers on a suture thread to a desired angle such that the retainers can retain the desired elevation. The retainers can be elevated using an apparatus having at least one roller and at least one bending bar, wherein the bending bar contacts the retainers adjacent to the at least one roller to apply a force to the retainers. The retainers can also be elevated using a tube-shaped apparatus which allows the retainers on a suture thread to be bent by the inner surface of the tube-shaped apparatus. In various embodiments of the invention, a suture can be made up of an inner core and a coating that upon a stimuli increases the protrusion of the retainers away from the suture core thereby ensuring that the suture is held securely in place, preventing wound separation and dehiscence. In an embodiment of the invention, the application of the coating to the outer face of the retainer and attractive forces between the coating at different points results in the distension of the retainers away from the suture core. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the coating inserts into the cut associated with the retainer and repulsive or expansive forces result in a pushing out of the cut and thereby the distending of the retainers away from the suture core. | 02-24-2011 |
20110264138 | CODED HETEROFUNCTIONAL SUTURES AND METHODS - A marked heterofunctional surgical filament. The filament comprises two or more sections having different features, and the different sections of the filament are provided with markers in order that they may be identified and differentiated. The filament may have retainers on the surface of one or more sections such that the filament can engage and retain tissue without knots. The markers may be used to indicate fixed features of a section of filament such as the presence and/orientation of retainers. The markers may be utilized to indicate conditions of the filament such as tension. The markers may be directly readable or be machine-readable. The surgical filament is thin and flexible and may be used for suturing. | 10-27-2011 |
20110319932 | BIDIRECTIONAL SELF-RETAINING SUTURES WITH LASER-MARKED AND/OR NON-LASER MARKED INDICIA AND METHODS - A marked heterofunctional suture thread has two or more sections having different features. One or more sections of the suture thread are provided with laser-marked and non-laser marked indicia in order that they may be identified and differentiated from other sections. The suture thread may have retainers on the surface of one or more sections such that the suture thread can engage and retain tissue without knots. The markers may be used to indicate fixed features of a section of suture thread such as the presence and/orientation of retainers. In particular embodiments, laser-marked and non-laser marked indicia are used to identify the transition section of a bidirectional self-retaining suture. | 12-29-2011 |
20120245629 | SELF-RETAINING VARIABLE LOOP SUTURES - A suture having a first end for penetrating tissue, an elongated suture body having a periphery; a plurality of retainers on the periphery, and a second end having a variable loop of variable circumference, wherein the variable loop includes a fixed loop slidably engaging the elongated body for slidingly varying the circumference of the variable loop, and wherein the first end may pass through the variable loop to secure tissue as an anchor, the anchor preventing movement of the suture in the direction of deployment of the first end. | 09-27-2012 |
20130072974 | COATINGS FOR MODIFYING MONOFILAMENT AND MULTI-FILAMENTS SELF-RETAINING SUTURES - The present invention provides that coatings applied to natural, synthetic and recombinant expressed polymer filaments can be used to modify the properties of monofilament and multifilament self-retaining sutures. In an embodiment of the invention, the coating enables the suture to be easily inserted into tissue, whereupon the extended interaction of the coating and the tissue increase the ability of the tissue retainers to hold the suture in the tissue. In an embodiment of the present invention, the coated polymers have a melting point in the range from between approximately 40° C. to approximately 180° C. while retaining tensile strength. In an embodiment of the invention, the increased strength is due in part to the tissue specific reaction generated by the suture coating. | 03-21-2013 |
20130180966 | LASER CUTTING SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR CREATING SELF-RETAINING SUTURES - A laser-machining system and method is disclosed for forming retainers on a suture thread. The laser system is preferably a femtosecond laser system which is capable of creating submicron features on the suture thread while preserving strength of the suture thread. The laser-machining system enables creation of retainers and self-retaining suture systems in configurations which are difficult and/or impossible to achieve using mechanical cutting technology. | 07-18-2013 |
20130226233 | EMERGENCY SELF-RETAINING SUTURES AND PACKAGING - A removable self-retaining suture system and methods for use thereof in emergency situations. The system comprises one or more self-retaining suture segments and a grasp engagement element. The system may be used for temporary wound closure in a trauma victim, and may be easily removed upon the availability of proper medical care to the victim. | 08-29-2013 |
20130226234 | BRAIDED SELF-RETAINING SUTURES AND METHODS - A self-retaining braided suture comprises a braided suture with tissue retainers formed on the surface such that the suture can engage and retain tissue without knots. The suture includes a plurality of braided fibers which may be covered by a non-braided sheath of a material which enhances the formation, elevation and/or deployment of the retainers. The retainers can be formed so as not to disrupt the braided fibers. The self-retaining braided suture has properties which enhance the tensile strength of the suture while preserving flexibility and durability. Methods for manufacturing and using self-retaining braided suture are also described. | 08-29-2013 |
20130238021 | High-Density Self-Retaining Sutures, Manufacturing Equipment and Methods - A self-retaining suture has a suture thread less than 1 millimeter nominal diameter. A plurality of retainers is cut into the suture thread using a high accuracy retainer cutting machine. The retainer cutting machine has sufficient accuracy and repeatability to cut consistent and effective retainers at high density on suture threads less than 1 mm nominal diameter. | 09-12-2013 |
20130238022 | Self-Retaining Systems Having Laser-Cut Retainers - Self-retaining suture systems including a suture thread bearing a plurality of laser-cut retainers are disclosed. A laser system allows the creation of retainers and self-retaining suture systems in configurations which are difficult and/or impossible to achieve using mechanical cutting technology. | 09-12-2013 |
20130317545 | DRUG-ELUTING SELF-RETAINING SUTURES AND METHODS RELATING THERETO - A drug-eluting self-retaining suture comprises a filament, a plurality of retainers, and a drug impregnated in or coated on the filament. The shape and distribution of retainers modifies the in vivo release kinetics of the drug. The drug release kinetics may be modified uniformly or region by region. The self-retaining suture may for example be used for reattaching severed nerves and release nerve growth factor or other regeneration accelerating agents into the region of the nerve injury. | 11-28-2013 |