Abstract: The present invention is directed to absorbable/biodegradable composite yarns, each comprising at least two types of fibrous components having distinctly different absorption and strength retention profiles and the use of these composite yarns to construct surgical implants, such as sutures and meshes with integrated physicochemical and biological properties, modulated through varying the individual yarn content and controlling the geometry of these constructs.

Abstract: Absorbable composite medical devices such as surgical meshes and braided sutures, which display two or more absorption/biodegradation and breaking strength retention profiles and exhibit unique properties in different clinical settings, are made using combinations of at least two types of yarns having distinctly different physicochemical and biological properties and incorporate in the subject construct special designs to provide a range of unique properties as clinically useful implants.

Abstract: The biocompatible, biodegradable materials in the solid and/or liquid form are based on segmented linear polyurethanes and/or segmented crosslinked polyurethanes based on A) one or more biocompatible polyols susceptible to hydrolytic and/or enzymatic degradation having a molecular weight of 100 to 20,000 dalton and a number of active hydroxyl groups per molecule (functionality) of at least two or higher; B) one or more diisocyanates and/or triisocyanates; and C) one or more low molecular weight chain extenders having a molecular weight of 18 to 1000 dalton and the functionality of at least two or higher.

Abstract: Various compositions, methods, and devices are provided that use fluorescent nanoparticles, which can function as markers, indicators, and light sources. The fluorescent nanoparticles can be formed from a fluorophore core surrounded by a biocompatible shell, such as a silica shell. In one embodiment, the fluorescent nanoparticles can be delivered to tissue to mark the tissue, enable identification and location of the tissue, and/or illuminate an area surrounding the tissue. In another embodiment, the fluorescent nanoparticles can be used on a device or implant to locate the device or implant in the body, indicate an orientation of the device or implant, and/or illuminate an area surrounding the device or implant. The fluorescent nanoparticles can also be used to provide a therapeutic effect.

Abstract: A novel high tensile strength semi-absorbable composite suture with minimized non-absorbable mass. The suture has a core made from a bioabsorbable polymer. The core is covered by a braided sheath. The braided sheath is made from an absorbable yarn and a bioabsorbable yarn. The bioabsorbable yarn is made from a least one filament of a bioabsorbable polymer. The nonabsorbable yarn is made from at least one filament of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an absorbable crystalline segmented copolymer comprising a polyalkylene succinate segment end-grafted in a single-step with a mixture of monomers comprising caprolactone, l-lactide, and/or glycolide. The present invention is also directed toward an absorbable crystalline segmented copolymer arising from a trihydroxy compound that is reacted in a single-step with a mixture of monomer comprising ?-caprolactone, l-lactide, and/or glycolide to produce monocentric polyaxial polymers.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for the percutaneous placement of a medical device at an area of interest in a tissue mass comprises an introducer comprising a cannula having an insertion tip, an expulsion opening near the insertion tip, and a medical device within the cannula comprising an imaging element, and a guide element connected to the imaging element and having a separable portion, and wherein the cannula is inserted into the tissue mass such that the medical device can be expelled through the expulsion opening into the tissue mass, and when the cannula is withdrawn from the tissue mass, the imaging element is placed within the tissue mass at the area of interest, and at least part of the guide element extends exteriorly of the tissue mass, and when the separable portion is separated from the guide element, no part of the guide element extends exteriorly of the tissue mass.

Abstract: Barbed surgical sutures comprised of surface eroding materials are provided having increased degradation rates due to the formation of barbs and an increase in the surface area of the suture.

Abstract: The invention concerns absorbable, thermally steam-treated, surgical suture based on polyglycolic acid and/or lactide copolymer comprising rapid degradation and rapid decrease in knot-pull breaking strength under in vivo conditions and an initial knot-pull breaking strength which is high for the rapid degradation.

Abstract: A first extruded member in joined to a molded member to form an integrated component. In one exemplary form, a surgical anchor is overmolded onto the end of an extruded suture to form a suture/anchor system.

Abstract: A buttress for use with circular surgical staplers that does not require adhesive to securely fasten the buttress to the stapler. Following cutting and stapling by the circular stapler, the buttress has an adaptive opening through its central region with a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the stapler anvil. Because of relief features built into the buttress, the stapler anvil may be pulled through the buttress material without causing permanent alteration to the buttress. These relief features may be provided regardless of whether the buttress is made of inelastic or elastic materials. The buttress is generally circular in shape with an outer diameter sized to coincide with the outer diameter of the stapler body staple compression surface and the outer diameter of the anvil compression surface of a circular stapler with which it is used. Prior to surgical use, the buttress is attached to the stapler with disruptable portions extending from outer perimetal areas of the buttress.

Abstract: A device is formed by the process into a bone screw or fastener, wherein the head has a degree of polymer alignment and strength, and wherein the shank has a higher degree of polymer alignment and strength. In practice of the present invention, the polymer slug is pressed into the die cavity by the actuation of ram press, causing the slug to conform to the die cavity. Through this process, the polymer molecular orientation is aligned to different degrees, in different zones of the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biocompatible suture material made from denatured human serum albumin. The suture material can be constructed by molding and denaturing a liquid human serum albumin, or by precision cutting a denatured albumin lamina into thin, threadlike ribbons. The denatured albumin material is strong, flexible, absorbable and biocompatible based on both in vitro and in vivo testing.

Abstract: Barbed surgical sutures and a method of forming a barbed surgical suture from a degradable material are provided having degradation rates tailored to provide the suture with a desired mass loss profile.

Abstract: Silk/absorbable polyester hybrid medical devices for tissue repair and regeneration are formed of degummed, naturally produced, multifilament silk yarn in combination with at least one absorbable polyester in the form of a surface coating, with or without an antimicrobial agent, for producing value-added braided silk sutures and multifilament yarn, as well as silk/absorbable polyester fiber composites, for producing tailored hybrid sutures, meshes, and scaffolds for tissue regeneration.

Abstract: A novel high tensile strength semi-absorbable composite suture with minimized non-absorbable mass. The suture has a core made from a bioabsorbable polymer. The core is covered by a braided sheath. The braided sheath is made from an absorbable yarn and a bioabsorbable yarn. The bioabsorbable yarn is made from a least one filament of a bioabsorbable polymer. The nonabsorbable yarn is made from at least one filament of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene.

Abstract: A novel high tensile strength semi-absorbable composite suture with minimized non-absorbable mass. The suture has a core made from a bioabsorbable polymer. The core is covered by a braided sheath. The braided sheath is made from an absorbable yarn and a bioabsorbable yarn. The bioabsorbable yarn is made from a least one filament of a bioabsorbable polymer. The nonabsorbable yarn is made from at least one filament of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene.

Abstract: Star polymers of soft segment forming monomers are useful in forming surgical devices. The star polymers can be endcapped with diketene acetals, mixed with a filler and/or cross-linked. The polymer compositions are useful, for example, as fiber coatings, surgical adhesives or bone putty, or tissue growth substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to crystalline copolymers of l-lactide and a minor portion of a cyclic monomer, preferably ?-caprolactone or trimethylene carbonate or both. The present copolymers have a melting temperature of at least 150° C. and a crystallinity of at least 20%. Preferred are high molecular weight copolymers having an inherent viscosity of at least 1.1 dl/g. A variety of surgical constructs may be formed from the present copolymers. Surgical sutures made of mono- or multifilament yams of the present copolymers will bioabsorb in less than three years and will maintain at least 50% of their initial strength three weeks post-operatively.

Abstract: Monomer addition methodology is provided to adjust monomer addition rates to a polymerization reactor. Advantages of the invention include control of bioabsorbable copolymer structure, improvement of monomer conversion, control of reaction temperature, and reduced reaction time. The overall result is an improved process and enhanced product performance. The technology is particularly useful in the copolymerization of monomers with different reactivity ratios, such as glycolide/lactide copolymers and glycolide/caprolactone copolymers. Monomer reactivity ratios and reaction kinetics are utilized to adjust monomer addition rates.

Abstract: A method of wound closure comprising providing a gold suture and closing the laceration with the gold suture. The laceration is closed by: inserting the suture into the dermis and through the subcutaneous fat layer on one side of the laceration; inserting the suture at the base of the laceration; inserting the suture through the subcutaneous fat layer and into the dermis on the other side of the laceration to form a loop under the skin; repeating the steps in another insertion 3 to 5 mm from the loop in a continuous or interrupted manner to close the laceration; and tightening the suture line by applying tension to the loops to bring one side of the laceration into contact with the other side of the laceration.

Abstract: A suture material for surgery comprises one or more filaments and is formed with a coating, which is characterized in that the coating at least partly comprises a bioresorbable polymer, which is essentially formed from a random terpolymer with a completely amorphous structure.

Abstract: An absorbable crystalline, monocentric polyaxial copolymer comprising a central carbon or nitrogen atom and at least three axes, each of which includes an amorphous flexible component adjacent and originating from the central atom and a rigid, crystallizable component extending outwardly from the amorphous, flexible component is disclosed along with the use of such copolymer in medical devices which may contain a bioactive agent. The present invention also relates to a suture, stents, stent mantles and sealing devices made from the polyaxial copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a monofilament suture prepared by co-extruding polymers having different Young's moduli and to a process for preparing the same. The suture is prepared in such a form that a polymer having a high Young's modulus surrounds a polymer having a low Young's modulus. The monofilament suture prepared by the present invention has excellent knot security, flexibility and/or knot strength.

Abstract: An absorbable crystalline, monocentric polyaxial copolymer comprising a central carbon or nitrogen atom and at least three axes, each of which includes an amorphous flexible component adjacent and originating from the central atom and a rigid, crystallizable component extending outwardly from the amorphous, flexible component is disclosed along with the use of such copolymer in medical devices which may contain a bioactive agent. The present invention also relates to a suture, stents, stent mantles and sealing devices made from the polyaxial copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to crystalline copolymers of l-lactide and a minor portion of a cyclic monomer, preferably ?-caprolactone or trimethylene carbonate or both. The present copolymers have a melting temperature of at least 150° C. and a crystallinity of at least 20%. Preferred are high molecular weight copolymers having an inherent viscosity of at least 1.1 dl/g. A variety of surgical constructs may be formed from the present copolymers. Disclosed are coated surgical constructs including sutures made of multifilament yarns of the present copolymers and coated with nitrogenous copolyesters which will bioabsorb in less than three years and will maintain at least 50% of their initial strength three weeks post-operatively.

Abstract: A high strength abrasion resistant surgical suture material with improved tie down characteristics is color coded for visualization and identification purposes. The suture features a multifilament cover formed of strands of ultra high molecular weight long chain polyethylene braided with polyester, nylon or a bioabsorbable material. Selected nylon fibers in the cover are provided in a color contrasting with the other cover fibers to provide an identifiable trace. The cover surrounds a core formed of twisted strands of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene. The suture, provided in a #2 size, has the strength of #5 Ethibond, is ideally suited for most orthopedic procedures, and can be attached to a suture anchor or a curved needle.

Abstract: An absorbable crystalline, monocentric polyaxial copolymer comprising a central carbon or nitrogen atom and at least three axes, each of which includes an amorphous flexible component adjacent and originating from the central atom and a rigid, crystallizable component extending outwardly from the amorphous, flexible component is disclosed along with the use of such copolymer in medical devices which may contain a bioactive agent. The present invention also relates to a suture, stents, stent mantles and sealing devices made from the polyaxial copolymer.

Abstract: Openings in a mammalian body made by any medical procedure or non-medical event are sealed with a bioabsorbable plug or sewn with a bioabsorbable suture. In one exemplary embodiment, the plug in dehydrated, unexpanded condition is pushed by a pushing device through the lumen of a needle until a first part of the plug is external to the opening and a second part is internal to the opening. The needle is then withdrawn while the position of the pushing device is maintained. The pushing device is then withdrawn, leaving the plug in sealing relation to the opening. The body's moisture causes the plug to expand to complete the sealing of the opening, or the expansion may be caused by exposure to air, light, or other stimulant. The opening may be formed in soft tissue, internal organs, or hard tissue. The plug seals the flow of liquid or gaseous biological fluids.

Abstract: A high strength abrasion resistant surgical suture material with improved tie down characteristics is color coded for visualization and identification purposes. The suture features a multifilament cover formed of strands of ultra high molecular weight long chain polyethylene braided with polyester, nylon or a bioabsorbable material. Selected nylon fibers in the cover are provided in a color contrasting with the other cover fibers to provide an identifiable trace. The cover surrounds a core formed of twisted strands of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene. The suture, provided in a #2 size, has the strength of #5 Ethibond, is ideally suited for most orthopedic procedures, and can be attached to a suture anchor or a curved needle. The identifiable trace preferably is provided along one half of the length of the suture, so that when the suture is loaded onto a suture anchor, for example, the two legs of the length of suture on either side of the suture anchor can be readily identified.

Abstract: A suturable adhesion-preventing membrane has high suture strength, good biocompatibility, decomposition and absorption in a living body, sufficient adhesion-preventing effect, and desirable guided tissue regeneration. The membrane is composed of at least one non-woven fabric layer made of collagen fibers, or a laminated membranous substance consisting of at least one non-woven fabric layer made of collagen fibers and at least one sponge layer made of collagen, and a coating layer of gelatin or hyaluronic acid on the surface or surfaces of the above membrane. Preferably, the membrane comprises one to six compressed cross-linked collagen non-woven fabric layers wherein a layer has a fibers having a fiber diameter of 0.05 mm to 1.0 mm, a bulk density of 5.0×10?4 to 5 g/cm3 and a thickness of 0.1 mm to 50 mm, and a coating layer containing gelatin or hyaluronic acid and having a thickness of 0.05 mm to 20 mm, wherein the coating layer covers one or both sides or a part or whole of the surface of the membrane.

Abstract: A method for making a surgical article is provided which comprises exposing a bioabsorbable material, e.g., a copolymer derived from a major amount of glycolide and a minor amount of lactide, to a humid environment either prior to coating the material or prior to or following sterilization of the material for a time period and at a temperature sufficient to predegrade the resulting surgical article.

Abstract: Sutures fabricated from and/or coated with compositions including water-soluble glass are described herein. Pledgets containing water-soluble glass within the interstices of the pledget and/or coated with compositions including water-soluble glass are also described herein. The water-soluble glass optionally includes a therapeutic agent, e.g., silver to promote wound repair.

Abstract: Compositions with antimicrobial properties contain a fatty acid ester salt mixed with a bioabsorbable copolymer. These compositions are useful in forming coatings for surgical articles, including multifilament sutures.

Abstract: A braided suture for skin lifting comprising gold threads and bioabsorbable threads, wherein the gold threads and bioabsorbable threads are braided to form a braided composite suture. A method of skin lifting providing a braided composite suture comprising gold threads and bioabsorbable threads and implanting the braided composite suture intradermally at a plurality of skin regions.

Abstract: A method of wound closure comprising providing a gold suture and closing the laceration with the gold suture. The laceration is closed by: inserting the suture into the dermis and through the subcutaneous fat layer on one side of the laceration; inserting the suture at the base of the laceration; inserting the suture through the subcutaneous fat layer and into the dermis on the other side of the laceration to form a loop under the skin; repeating the steps in another insertion 3 to 5 mm from the loop in a continuous or interrupted manner to close the laceration; and tightening the suture line by applying tension to the loops to bring one side of the laceration into contact with the other side of the laceration.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to absorbable polylactone copolymers prepared in part from about 2 to about 80 mole percent glycolide, utilizing a combination of a monofunctional polymerization initiator and a di-functional polymerization initiator, to achieve rates of crystallization of the copolymer of at least about 2 times faster than the rate of crystallization of a copolymer made by a similar process utilizing either the mono-functional or the di-functional polymerization initiator alone. Medical devices containing such copolymers are also disclosed.

Abstract: An absorbable crystalline, monocentric polyaxial copolymer comprising a central carbon or nitrogen atom and at least three axes, each of which includes an amorphous flexible component adjacent and originating from the central atom and a rigid, crystallizable component extending outwardly from the amorphous, flexible component is disclosed along with the use of such copolymer in medical devices which may contain a bioactive agent. The present invention also relates to a suture, stents, stent mantles and sealing devices made from the polyaxial copolymer.

Abstract: Absorbable radiation or radiochemically sterilized medical devices, including sutures, whose breaking strength and absorption profile can be modulated by controlling the total dose received during sterilization are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to implantable, resorbable copolymers containing L-lactide and glycolide repeat units, and in particular to terpolymers containing L-lactide, glycolide, and one other type of repeat unit selected from the group consisting of D-lactide, D,L-lactide, and &egr;-caprolactone. Medical devices for in vivo implantation applications containing such implantable, resorbable copolymers are also described, as well as methods for making such copolymers and devices.

Abstract: Polymer compositions comprising poly-glycolic acid (PGA) or a functional derivative thereof with a tensile strength of at least 1200 MPa are disclosed. Processes suitable for manufacturing said compositions are also described, comprising rendering PGA into an amorphous state then drawing to form a highly orientated polymer structure. The polymer compositions can be used to make artefacts, for example sutures, or used in combination with other polymers or non-polymeric substances to produce other artefacts, for example medical devices suitable for implantation into the human body. Processes for the production of said artefacts are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of forming bioabsorbable, multifilament yarn from Lactide-rich copolymers, including the steps of extruding and spinning a Lactide-rich copolymer to form a spun multifilament yarn, pre-tensioning the spun multifilament yarn to form a pre-tensioned yarn, heating the pre-tensioned yarn to form a pre-tensioned, preheated yarn, annealing and drawing the pre-tensioned, preheated yarn for a first time, annealing and drawing the yarn for a second time, cooling the twice-drawn yarn to a lower temperature, and taking-up the cooled multifilament yarn, to yarns prepared by the process and to medical devices prepared from such yarns.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a monofilament suture prepared by co-extruding polymers having different Young's moduli and to a process for preparing the same. The suture is prepared in such a form that a polymer having a high Young's modulus surrounds a polymer having a low Young's modulus. The monofilament suture prepared by the present invention has excellent knot security, flexibility and/or knot strength.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for producing a braided suture having an improved knot strength comprising heating a braided suture coated with a low molecular weight biocompatible polymer to a temperature sufficient to melt the low molecular weight biocompatible polymer for a time sufficient to allow the low molecular polymer to be redistributed into the interstices of the braided suture thereby providing a coated braided suture with an improved knot tensile strength. Also disclosed is the coated braided suture having a low molecular weight polymer optimally dispersed throughout the braided suture's cross-section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coating material for medical treatment, particularly a wound contact material, of resorbable, synthetic material, which is formed from a terpolymer based on lactide, trimethylene carbonate and &egr;-caprolactone with a maximum lactide content of 85 wt. %, trimethylene carbonate in the range 5 to 20 wt. % and &egr;-caprolactone in the range 5 to 20 wt. %, a method for its manufacture and its use.

Abstract: This invention deals with crystalline, nitrogen copolyester lubricant coating devices comprising sutures, wherein said lubricant comprises a triaxial copolyester chain with a central nitrogenous base or a copolyester with more than one carboxylic group ionically linked to a basic amino acid.

Abstract: A coated/impregnated anchoring device and/or suture to prevent infection, deliver site specific drugs, and deliver human growth factors to the surgical site. The coatings can include anti-microbial agents to prevent or fight infection en route to and at the surgical site. The coatings can also include site specific drugs and/or human growth factors to fight infection, anesthetize tissue and/or bone en route and at the site, promote tissue regeneration, promote bone regeneration, and/or other desired medical processes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a monofilament suture prepared by co-extruding polymers having different Young's moduli and to a process for preparing the same. The suture is prepared in such a form that a polymer having a high Young's modulus surrounds a polymer having a low Young's modulus. The monofilament suture prepared by the present invention has excellent knot security, flexibility and/or knot strength.

Abstract: An implantable medical article as well as an implantable fiber which is particularly useful for medical implants is disclosed. The fiber includes comprises a first component formed from a substantially resorbable material and a second component formed from a fiber-forming polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating material for surgical sutures which comprises as essential ingredients a copolymer having repeating units of lactic acid and &egr;-caprolacton and calcium stearate; and a surgical suture comprising a lactic acid/&egr;-caprolacton copoymer in which a lactide/&egr;-caprolacton ratio is (70-85 mol %)/(30-15 mol %) and the number of &egr;-caprolacton repeating unit is 2.5 or greater on the average.