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: The purse string applicator has a pair of tissue engaging arms which can be extended from the applicator to grasp apertured tissue and to subsequently flatten and move the engaged tissue over an anvil carrier. The arms are mounted on a tube which can be slid through a handle by means of a tissue knob held by a surgeon. The arms are also movable transversely by means of a control knob at the proximal end so as to engage and flatten the apertured tissue. A pair of handles are provided to staple a purse string about the apertured tissue after postioning of the tissue on the anvil carrier.