Abstract: A system for forming a looped suture having a tapered cut is provided. The system includes a base for selectively retaining a portion of thread, a clamping device for receiving a first end of the thread, a tensioning device for receiving a second end of the thread, a welding assembly configured to join a first and second section of the thread to form a loop, and a cutting assembly configured to form a tapered end on the first section of the thread.

Abstract: A compound barb medical device is provided which includes an elongated body having at least one barb formed along the length of the body, the barb defining an inner surface with a first portion disposed at a first orientation relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongated body, and a second portion disposed at a second orientation relative to the longitudinal axis. Optionally, the barb defines a third portion disposed at a third orientation relative to the longitudinal axis. A method for forming a compound barb on a medical device is also provided.

Abstract: A system for forming a looped suture having a tapered cut is provided. The system includes a base for selectively retaining a portion of thread, a clamping device for receiving a first end of the thread, a tensioning device for receiving a second end of the thread, a welding assembly configured to join a first and second section of the thread to form a loop, and a cutting assembly configured to form a tapered end on the first section of the thread.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device is disclosed for performing circular anastomoses. The surgical stapling device includes a handle portion, an elongated body portion and a head portion including an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The surgical stapling device includes a knife blade possessing a lubricious coating which enhances the ability of the knife to cut through tissue and minimizes the knife sticking to tissue or other components of the surgical stapling device.

Abstract: A station for cutting a barb suture is provided. The barb cutting station includes a suture transport assembly for supporting a first suture, a first knife assembly for forming barbs on the first suture, and a first clamp and position assembly for approximating the at least first suture towards the at least first knife assembly. The barb cutting station may further include at least a first suture cutting mechanism configured for severing the at least first suture when a defect is detected. The station may also include at least a first visual inspection assembly configured for detecting defective barbs.

Abstract: A system for forming a looped suture is provided. The system includes a suture supply assembly configured for supplying thread, a flipper gripping assembly configured for forming a loop in the thread, a carriage assembly configured for advancing the thread through the forming process, and a welding assembly configured for securing the loop in the thread.

Abstract: An anchoring device having an elongate body at a proximal portion, a distal portion of the elongate body forming a loop at a distal portion of the anchoring device. The loop further includes a plurality of anchors disposed along a surface thereof and the loop also including an end effector. Methods for securing anchoring devices of the present disclosure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical device having an elongate body at a proximal portion, a distal portion of the elongate body forming a loop at a distal portion of the anchoring device. The loop may further include a plurality of barbs disposed along a surface thereof and the loop also including an end effector. The elongate body, loop, and/or medical device may be formed from shape memory polymers. Methods for securing medical devices of the present disclosure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A suture deployment system is disclosed including a surgical needle having a flexible suture fixedly attached thereto and a target suture releasably secured to the flexible suture. Either the flexible suture or the target suture may be made of a shape memory polymer. A collar is positioned between the flexible suture and the target suture and is fixedly secured to the flexible suture. The target suture is releasably secured to the collar is such that the target suture may detach from the collar once a surgical procedure has been completed. The surgical needle is a double pointed surgical needle specifically configured to be manipulated by a surgical suturing apparatus.

Abstract: Barbed medical devices include a crown interconnecting a pair of legs and at least one barb extending from each of the legs. The at least one barb may define an inner surface with a first portion disposed at a first orientation relative to a longitudinal axis of the leg, a second portion disposed at a second orientation relative to the longitudinal axis, and optionally, a third portion disposed at a third orientation relative to the longitudinal axis of the leg.

Abstract: A compound barb medical device includes a body portion and at least one barb extending therefrom. The at least one barb defines an inner surface. The inner surface includes a first portion disposed at a first orientation relative to a longitudinal axis of the body portion and a second portion disposed at a second orientation relative to the longitudinal axis. The at least one barb is made from a shape memory material which can be deformed into a temporary shape from a permanent shape. The barb projects from the body portion in a first position relative to the body portion when in the permanent shape and in a second position when in the temporary shape.

Abstract: A suture including a loop having a tapered end is provided. The suture includes an elongate body including a proximal end and a distal end and a loop integrally formed on the distal end of the elongate body. At least a portion of the loop includes a shape memory polymeric material.

Abstract: A suture including a knotted end effector is provided. The suture includes a body portion defining a longitudinal axis and an end effector formed from the body portion. The end effector includes first and second extensions which extend outwardly from the longitudinal axis in opposite directions when the end effector is in a permanent configuration. The extensions of the end effector extend substantially along the longitudinal axis when the end effector is in a temporary position. In embodiments, at least a portion of the end effector includes a shape memory material.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a looped suture having a tapered cut is provided. The system includes a base for selectively retaining a portion of thread, a clamping device for receiving a first end of the thread, a tensioning device for receiving a second end of the thread, and a welding/cutting assembly configured to join a first section and second section of the thread to form a loop and to form a tapered end on the first section of the thread. A die for forming a looped suture having a tapered cut is also provided.

Abstract: A suture including a knotted end effector is provided. The suture includes a body portion defining a longitudinal axis and an end effector integrally formed from the body portion. The end effector includes first and second extensions extending outwardly from the longitudinal axis in opposite directions. Each of the first and second extensions includes at least one throw.

Abstract: A system for forming a looped suture having a tapered cut is provided. The system includes a base for selectively retaining a portion of thread, a clamping device for receiving a first end of the thread, a tensioning device for receiving a second end of the thread, a welding assembly configured to join a first and second section of the thread to form a loop, and a cutting assembly configured to form a tapered end on the first section of the thread.

Abstract: A suture including a loop having a tapered surface is provided. The suture includes an elongate body including a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the distal portion includes first and second overlapping sections and a loop. A proximal end of the first overlapping section may be tapered with respect to a longitudinal axis of the elongate body. The first overlapping section may be secured to the second overlapping section proximal of the loop. The overlapping sections may be secured together by at least one method selected from the group consisting of glues, adhesives, epoxies, solvents, heat and ultrasonic energy.

Abstract: A suture deployment system is disclosed including a surgical needle having a flexible suture fixedly attached thereto and a target suture releasably secured to the flexible suture. A collar is positioned between the flexible suture and the target suture and is fixedly secured to the flexible suture. The target suture is releasably secured to the collar is such that the target suture may detach from the collar once a surgical procedure has been completed. The surgical needle is a double pointed surgical needle specifically configured to be manipulated by a surgical suturing apparatus.

Abstract: An anchoring device having an elongate body at a proximal portion, a distal portion of the elongate body forming a loop at a distal portion of the anchoring device. The loop further includes a plurality of anchors disposed along a surface thereof and the loop also including an end effector. Methods for securing anchoring devices of the present disclosure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical device having an elongate body having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion of the elongate body terminating in a free end; the distal portion of the elongate body terminating in a loop. The loop further includes a first plurality of anchors disposed along a surface of the loop.