Abstract: Absorbable, segmented copolymers of aliphatic polyesters based on lactone monomers glycolide, trimethylene carbonate and .epsilon.-caprolactone are described. The segmented copolymers exhibit a broad range of properties, especially high strength, low modulus and fast in vivo absorption, useful in a variety of medical devices. The copolymers of the present invention have such properties, making them useful in medical devices for plastic surgery indications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process and apparatus for coating sutures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical suture comprising a copolymer as an essential component, the copolymer consisting of lactic acid (lactide) and .epsilon.-caprolacton as repeating unit, wherein shrinkage ratio of said surgical suture is 5% or less after heat treatment at 60.degree. C. for 20 hours and method for production thereof.

Abstract: A surgical suture comprised of a first thermally formed tip portion having a first length which is adjacent to a body portion having a second length. The first thermally formed tip portion has a generally uniform cross-section perpendicular to the first length, while the body portion has a varying cross-section which corresponds to a distribution of different cross-sectional sizes along the second length. The generally uniform cross-section of the first thermally formed tip portion has an average cross-sectional size that is less than the average of the different cross-sectional sizes along the second length.

Abstract: We have discovered a process for producing a suture from copolymers of glycolide and .epsilon.-caprolactone comprising the steps of (a) extruding a melted copolymer of a glycolide and .epsilon.-caprolactone resin through an orifice and rapidly quenching the melted copolymer resin to produce a filament; (b) drawing the filament in the range of from about 4.times. to about 7.5.times. to produce a singly drawn filament; (c) drawing the singly drawn filament in the range of form about 1.times. to about 3.times. in a first heated zone being maintained at a temperature in the range of from about 150.degree. F. to about 450.degree. F., to form a doubly drawn filament; (d) shrinking the doubly drawn filament in the range of from about 0.75 percent to about 0.98 percent, in a second heated zone being maintained at a temperature in the range of from about 100.degree. F. to about 400.degree. F., to form a relaxed filament then rack annealing the relaxed filament to form a glycolide/.epsilon.-caprolactone suture.

Abstract: Absorbable mixtures are fabricated from a predominant component of fatty acid ester mixed with a copolymer comprising a predominant amount of epsilon-caprolactone and a minor amount of at least one other copolymerizable monomer of other bioabsorbable monomers. These mixtures are useful in forming coating for surgical articles, including multifilament sutures.

Abstract: Medical devices or components for medical devices formed from bioabsorbable elastomers comprising a random copolymer are disclosed. The random copolymer is a copolymer of from about 30 to about 70 weight percent of: a) .epsilon.-caprolactone, trimethylene carbonate, an ether lactone, or a mixture of these, and b) the balance being substantially glycolide, para-dioxanone, or a mixture of these. The random copolymers surprisingly exhibit elastomeric properties, and the copolymers are bioabsorbable. The combination of physical and biological properties of these elastomeric copolymers are particularly well-suited for numerous medical and surgical applications.

Abstract: A surgical suture material of absorbable, synthetic polymer is formed from glycolide-trimethylene carbonate copolymer with a glycolide content higher than 76 wt. % and with a statistical distribution of the monomers. Within 9 to 21 days, the suture material has a complete breaking strength loss and is completely absorbed in vivo after 35 to 91 days.

Abstract: Wounds in lung tissue are closed in a two step method consisting essentially of applying fasteners to a region adjacent to the wound, wherein the fasteners may cause penetrations. The fasteners are present in a preformed layer of collagen, fibrin, fibrinogen, elastin, albumin, or a combination thereof, and energy is applied to the region to fuse the material to the tissue and seal perforations in the tissue.

Abstract: A suture for particular use in endoscopic surgery includes a distal end needle, a preferably braided suture body, and a bulbous proximal end. The method includes stitching the tissue, then passing the needle/distal end through the bulbous proximal end, where the body of the suture is held frictionally or adhesively under proper tension.

Abstract: A suture is provided with a solid spiroid braid construction. The suture exhibits greater flexibility, better hand and less chatter and drag than tubular braided sutures of known construction.

Abstract: A surgical implant or external wound dressing which functions as both a hemostat and a device to safely and effectively deliver any of a number of pharmaceuticals to targeted tissue at a controlled rate is disclosed. The device generally comprises a carrier in the form of fibers, sutures, fabrics, cross-linked solid foams or bandages, a pharmaceutical in solid micoparticulate form releasably bound to the carrier fibers, and a lipid adjuvant which aids the binding of the microparticles to the fibers as well as their function in the body.

Abstract: Absorbable, segmented copolymers of aliphatic polyesters based on lactone monomers glycolide, and p-dioxanone are described. The segmented copolymers exhibit a broad range of properties, especially high strength and stiffness, and fast absorption rates and breaking strength retention (BSR) profiles, useful in a variety of medical devices. Most importantly, for suture applications where Vicryl.RTM.-like polyglcolide-polylactide sutures with excellent tensile properties, but shorter BSR profiles than Vicryl.RTM. are needed. The copolymers of the present invention have such properties, making them useful in plastic surgery where faster absorption times would lead to less tissue scarring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to composite materials having a core portion formed from a first bioabsorbable material and at least one shell portion of a second bioabsorbable material joined to the core portion. The first and second bioabsorbable materials have different rates of bioabsorption. In a preferred embodiment, the core portion is coextruded with the shell portion to form a composite filament or sheet. The materials of the present invention may be used as sutures or formed into medical devices or surgical articles for implantation within a living organism.

Abstract: This invention relates to materials for medical or veterinary use that possess considerably improved properties with regard to friction. The invention also relates to the production of such materials from existing materials that possess suitable bulk properties, but inappropriate frictional properties. This invention also relates to a hydrophilic coating material that provides improved frictional properties.

Abstract: Absorbable copolymers are fabricated from a predominant component of dioxanone randomly copolymerized with minor amounts of other bioabsorbable monomers. The copolymers are useful in forming surgical articles, including both monofilament and multifilament sutures.

Abstract: A coating and tubing fluid for sutures, especially gut sutures, is provided. The coating composition includes linseed oil, an organic solvent and a catalyst. The tubing fluid includes water, a softening agent, a C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 alcohol and a lubricant of fatty acids, fatty acid alcohols and/or triglycerides of fatty acids. Gut sutures coated with the coating composition may be stored or packaged in the tubing fluid to provide sutures with improved flexibility, pliability, run-down performance and superior resistance to fraying and breaking.

Abstract: An antibacterial vascular prosthesis obtained by winding a tube, fiber or sheet formed from a polymeric material and combined with an antibacterial substance on the outer surface of a vascular prosthesis composed of a tubular porous body formed of a synthetic resin is provided. The antibacterial vascular prosthesis can exhibit an antibacterial activity over a long period of time without impairing the porous structure, antithrombogenicity and histocompatibility inherent in the vascular prosthesis composed of the tubular porous body formed of the synthetic resin. An antibacterial surgical suture comprising a tube or fiber formed from a polymeric material and combined with an antibacterial substance is also provided.

Abstract: A suture assembly made of bioabsorbable material is disclosed having a central body member with a plurality of elongated lateral members in a plane extending perpendicularly on each side therefrom and interconnected to the central body member by elastic connectors, each lateral member having a plurality of barb members extending at an acute angle therefrom, for the lateral members to be inserted laterally into two sides of a cut in body tissue, stretching the elastic connectors so that after insertion the two sides of the cut are joined at the incision junction around or above the central body member and are retained securely and non-withdrawably in the body tissue by the barb members on such lateral members, with such lateral members and attached body tissue being pulled toward the central body member by the contracting action of the elastic connectors. Also disclosed is a method for utilizing the suture assembly of this invention.

Abstract: A multifilament surgical suture has an end portion tipped with cyanoacrylate resin. The suture can also include filling agents and lubricants which are incorporated into the suture prior to the suture being tipped. A typical filling agent is glycerol. A typical lubricant includes a copolymer of glycolide and lactide. Tipping is accomplished by passing a portion of the suture through a mist of monomeric cyanoacrylate resin and allowing the resin to harden by curing. The tipped portion may then be cut to create a tipped end for insertion into a surgical needle.

Abstract: Block copolymers wherein one of the blocks is made from hard phase forming monomers and another of the blocks is made from soft phase forming monomers copolymerized with randomly intermingled units of other soft phase forming monomers. The copolymers are useful in forming surgical articles, including both monofilament and multifilament sutures.

Abstract: A higher order polyamide monofilament suture exhibits improved properties such as greater resistance to creep, greater knot security and greater chemical stability in aqueous environments.

Abstract: Suture devices, particularly useful in endoscopic surgery, include a suture device made of bioabsorbable material having an elongate body member with a sharp distal end for penetrating tissue and means for locking the suture device in tissue to prevent forward and rearward movement and a suture device made of bioabsorbable material having a hinge-like joint for folding a distal portion at a precise location to be juxtaposed with a proximal portion for adjustable locking. Methods of using the suture devices for joining tissue sections, such as in tuboplasty, for closing anatomical lumens and for subcuticular suturing.

Abstract: This invention relates to materials for medical or veterinary use that possess considerably improved properties with regard to friction. The invention also relates to the production of such materials from existing materials that possess suitable bulk properties, but inappropriate frictional properties. This invention also relates to a hydrophilic coating material that provides improved frictional properties.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric comprised of a lactide polymer. The lactide polymer comprises a plurality of poly(lactide) polymer chains, residual lactide in concentration of less than about 2 percent and water in concentration of less than about 2000 parts-per-million. A process for manufacturing a nonwoven fabric with the lactide polymer composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: Block copolymers have one of the block made from hard phase forming monomers and another block made from soft phase forming monomers copolymerized with randomly intermingled units of other soft phase forming monomers. Particularly useful copolymers are initiated with a polyalkylene oxide initiator. The copolymers are useful in forming surgical articles, including both monofilament and multifilament sutures.

Abstract: Crystalline, low melting .epsilon.-Caprolactone polymers which undergo accelerated hydrolysis for use, for example, as absorbable coatings for surgical sutures; the polymers bearing basic amine functionalities, ionically or covalently linked to the ester chain, which induce autocatalyzed hydrolysis.

Abstract: A composition of an absorbable polymer and a filler to increase the stiffness of the polymer is disclosed. The filler is a poly[succinimide], which is a bioabsorbable polymer that degrades into a nontoxic, simple amino acid. The composition can be melt processed to prepare medical and surgical devices, particularly those devices which are designed to penetrate bodily tissue or to withstand heavy loads. Typical surgical devices which can be made from the composition include surgical staples and ligating clips.

Abstract: A block copolymer for use in the fabrication of bioabsorbable articles such as monofilament surgical sutures is prepared by copolymerizing one or more hard phase forming monomers and 1,4-dioxan-2-one, and then polymerizing one or more hard phase forming monomers with the dioxanone-containing copolymer.

Abstract: This invention relates to medical devices formed totally or in part from homopolymers or copolymers comprising recurring carbonate moieties.

Abstract: A moldable and/or extrudable polymer which is useful for the manufacture of surgical devices such as sutures, staples, clips, etc., possesses structural units derived from a cyclic amide monomer containing oxygen, sulfur or nitrogen in the ring.

Abstract: Bioabsorbable polymers are obtained from the polymerization of cyclic ether-esters which are derived from crown ethers. The bioabsorbable polymers are useful in forming surgical articles including sutures and suture coating compositions.

Abstract: A method for suturing a wound using a suture manufactured from polyamide ester having the reaction product of at least one molecular weight diols; at least one dicarboxylic acids and at least one polyoxyalkylene diimide diacid to create a wound closure.

Abstract: A method is provided for improving the in vivo strength retention of a bioabsorbable implantable medical device such as a suture.

Abstract: A copolymer of p-dioxanone and a prepolymer of p-dioxanone and lactide and/or glycolide, and absorbable surgical devices such as sutures, surgical meshes, surgical staples, hemostatic clips, suture knot clips, and the like made therefrom.

Abstract: Medical devices or components for medical devices formed from bioabsorbable elastomers comprising a random copolymer are disclosed. The random copolymer is a copolymer of from about 30 to about 70 weight percent of: a) .epsilon.-caprolactone, trimethylene carbonate, an ether lactone, or a mixture of these, and b) the balance being substantially glycolide, para-dioxanone, or a mixture of these. The random copolymers surprisingly exhibit elastomeric properties, and the copolymers are bioabsorbable. The combination of physical and biological properties of these elastomeric copolymers are particularly well-suited for numerous medical and surgical applications.

Abstract: A system for obturating an orifice in a perforated organ or vessel such as a vessel having undergone an operation. In the system a deformable obturator element capable of being introduced in a deformed state inside a member through the orifice is used. In a position of use the obturator element has a substantially flat face that is applied in a tight manner on an inner face of the organ or vessel. The obturator element has a first portion of wire unwindable by pulling from its center. The system also uses an extractor element that consists of a second portion of wire extending from substantially the center of the obturator element. The extractor element is used to bring the flat face into contact with the inner face of the organ. After the orifice has been obturated the extractor element is used to remove the obturator element from the orifice.

Abstract: A surgical suture material is provided with a thread (1) and, in some cases, a needle (2) to allow formation of a knot with the greatest possible security while expending little effort, even in situations where space is limited--for example, during an endoscopic operation. The suture material has at least one inherently stable coil, loop or similar preformed feature in at least one initial preformed section (3,4) of its length. Another section of the thread (1) or an end of the thread can be threaded or guided through this preformed feature for the purpose of forming a loop and/or knot. The preformed section can take the form of a preformed feature with an approximately spiral shape, for example.

Abstract: This invention provides various copolymers comprising a repeating unit of the chemical formula:(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 CO.sub.2)and other repeating units having a chemical formula selected from the group consisting of:(CHRCO.sub.2),([CH.sub.2 ].sub.5 CO.sub.2),(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 CO.sub.2),(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 OCO.sub.2), andcombinations of two or mope thereof wherein R is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group and the first repeating unit is less than 45 weight percent of the total weight of the copolymer. This invention also relates to use of these copolymers in the fabrication of absorbable surgical devices such as sutures and as coatings for medical devices.

Abstract: This invention relates to materials for medical or veterinary use that possess considerably improved properties with regard to friction. The invention also relates to the production of such materials from existing materials that possess suitable bulk properties, but inappropriate frictional properties. This invention also relates to a hydrophilic coating material that provides improved frictional properties.

Abstract: Block copolymers wherein one of the blocks is made from hard phase forming monomers and another of the blocks is made from soft phase forming monomers copolymerized with randomly intermingled units of other soft phase forming monomers. The copolymers are useful in forming surgical articles, including both monofilament and multifilament sutures.

Abstract: A suture made of bioabsorbable material is disclosed having a central body member with a plurality of lateral members extending perpendicularly therefrom and in the same general plane with the central body member, each lateral member having a plurality of barb members extending at an acute angle therefrom, allowing the lateral members to be inserted laterally into two sides of a cut in body tissue so that the two sides are joined at an incision junction at the central body member and are retained securely and non-withdrawably in the body tissue by the barb members on such lateral members. Also disclosed is a method for utilizing the suture of this invention.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable copolymer is obtained from the polymerization of a major amount of .epsilon.-caprolactone and a minor amount of at least one other copolymerizable monomer in the presence of an initiator possessing at least two carboxylic acid groups. The copolymer is useful, inter alia, as a coating for a surgical suture.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable fiber useful for the manufacture of medical devices is obtained from a polymer containing from about 15 to about 30 mole percent glycolide in a melt spinning operation carried out under low shear conditions. The fiber is drawn at a ratio of about 1.5 to 2.7. The fiber possesses excellent tensile strength and a high level of retention of its original strength on storage.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable surgical suture which includes at least one multifilament yarn having at least one portion wherein the filaments of the yarn are entangled. The suture has a core formed by combining a length of the entangled yarn with a length of at least one other entangled yarn to form a plied yarn which is then entangled and twisted in a particular direction. This entangled and twisted yarn is then combined with another entangled and twisted yarn, both yarns having been twisted in the same direction. The combined yarns are then twisted together in the opposite direction to form a suture core.

Abstract: This invention relates to medical devices formed totally or in part from homopolymers or copolymers comprising recurring carbonate moieties.

Abstract: Block copolymers wherein one of the blocks is made from hard phase forming monomers and another of the blocks is made from soft phase forming monomers copolymerized with randomly intermingled units of other soft phase forming monomers. The copolymers are useful in forming surgical articles, including both monofilament and multifilament sutures. The block copolymer preferably comprising:a) a proportion of glycolic acid ester units as end blocks, andb) a center block comprising 1,4 dioxan-2-one randomly polymerized with 1,3 dioxane-2-one.

Abstract: Processes of producing 1,4-dioxan-2-one (p-dioxanone) are improved by the addition of a blocking agent to a crude reaction product containing p-dioxanone. The blocking agent reacts with unreacted starting materials in the crude reaction product to protect the active sites thereon with groups that do not initiate polymerization of p-dioxanone. The polymerization of p-dioxanone before its recovery from the process is thereby inhibited.

Abstract: Absorbable coating and absorbable blend of polycaprolactone and crystallization modifier especially suitable for use in the coating of surgical sutures and in the controlled release of chemical or pharmaceutical agents.

Abstract: Absorbable coating and absorbable blend of polycaprolactone ant crystallization modifier especially suitable for use in the coating of surgical sutures and in the controlled release of chemical or pharmaceutical agents.