Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for producing a surgical suture having a reduced cross-sectional area portion from monofilaments fibers of various polymeric and metallic materials. Also disclosed are novel sutures having novel tips. Novel suture tipping apparatuses are also disclosed. The monofilament is subjected to the application of thermal treatment coupled with application of mechanical shaping of the fiber element to produce a deformed cross sectional portion of the suture body. The deformed suture body region is subsequently subjected to a trimming operation within a punching/stamping die. The reduced section of the suture body region and is severed to form a suture having a reduced-cross sectional area end portion. Preferably, each reduced region is severed approximately in the center of the trimmed reduced cross sectional area portion to form a suture having both ends of a reduced cross-sectional area.

Abstract: Polymeric fibers, and apparatuses for and methods of processing such fibers to be useful as sutures, where at least one end of a fiber includes a termination feature. The termination feature is formed through the application of energy to a coiled region of the fiber.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for producing a surgical suture having a reduced cross-sectional area portion from monofilaments fibers of various polymeric and metallic materials. Also disclosed are novel sutures having novel tips. Novel suture tipping apparatuses are also disclosed. The monofilament is subjected to the application of thermal treatment coupled with application of mechanical shaping of the fiber element to produce a deformed cross sectional portion of the suture body. The deformed suture body region is subsequently subjected to a trimming operation within a punching/stamping die. The reduced section of the suture body region and is severed to form a suture having a reduced-cross sectional area end portion. Preferably, each reduced region is severed approximately in the center of the trimmed reduced cross sectional area portion to form a suture having both ends of a reduced cross-sectional area.

Abstract: A system for making braided barbed sutures includes a filament winding assembly, a barbed insert including an elongated core and barbs extending outwardly from the elongated core, and a barbed insert dispenser opening defining a passageway for orienting the barbed insert as the barbed insert is dispensed into the filament winding assembly. The barbed insert dispenser opening allows longitudinal movement of the barbed insert relative to the barbed insert dispenser opening while simultaneously preventing twisting movement of the barbed insert relative to the barbed insert dispenser opening.

Abstract: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) may be caused by a collapse of the pharyngeal wall as a result of increasing negative airway pressure. This invention is directed to systems and methods to resist collapse of the pharyngeal wall by minimally invasive upper pharyngeal airway surgery.

Abstract: A tissue supporting device is provided and method of use. The device includes an anchor element having a plate-like element and first and second side walls extending upwardly therefrom. The plate-like element is defined by front and rear edges, and first and second side edges, with the rear edge being longer than the front edge. The first and second side walls are aligned substantially along at least a portion of the first and second side edges of the plate-like element such that a distance between the first and second side walls at a front side is less than a distance between the first and second side walls at a rear side. The device also includes a soft tissue supporting element adapted for engaging and supporting soft tissue. The soft tissue supporting element is coupled to the plate-like element and extends outwardly from the anchor element.

Abstract: A surgical suture includes an elongated core having a first leg and a second leg, a first set of barbs projecting from the first leg of the core, and a second set of barbs projecting from the second leg of the core. The suture has a stop projecting from the core that is located between the first and second sets of barbs, and a braid surrounding the elongated core and the stop for strengthening the suture. The suture includes a pledget having first and second openings extending through the pledget, with the first leg extending through the first pledget opening, the second leg extending through the second pledget opening, and the stop extending between the first and second pledget openings.

Abstract: An insertion device and method of use for treating obstructive sleep apnea. The device includes an outer tubular element with a tissue penetrating end and a side opening, an inner tubular element positioned partially within the outer member and movable longitudinally relative to it, a grasping device fixedly coupled to the inner element, and a central shaft extending through the inner tubular element and movable longitudinally relative to the inner and outer tubular elements. The central shaft is slidably coupled with the grasping device. The inner tubular element is further movable between a retracted position wherein the grasping device is positioned entirely within the outer tubular element, and an extended position wherein it extends outwardly therefrom through the side opening. In the extended position, the grasping device is adapted to grasp a filamentary element positioned external of the outer tubular element and in proximity thereto.

Abstract: A system for making braided barbed sutures includes a filament winding assembly, a barbed insert including an elongated core and barbs extending outwardly from the elongated core, and a barbed insert dispenser opening defining a passageway for orienting the barbed insert as the barbed insert is dispensed into the filament winding assembly. The barbed insert dispenser opening allows longitudinal movement of the barbed insert relative to the barbed insert dispenser opening while simultaneously preventing twisting movement of the barbed insert relative to the barbed insert dispenser opening.

Abstract: Surgical sutures having a core extending along a length thereof between a first end and a second end, and a plurality of sets of first and second projections, wherein the first projections extend in a direction of a first end of the suture and the second projections extend in a direction of a second end of the suture. The first projections may be sized and shaped, and positioned relative to the second projections so as to be capable of substantially shielding the second projections when the surgical suture is drawn through tissue by the second end thereof. The first projections may additionally or alternatively be capable of overlapping and substantially covering a distal end of the respective second projections when the suture is drawn through tissue by the second end.

Abstract: A system for making braided barbed sutures includes a filament winding assembly, and a guide assembly including at least one barbed insert dispenser opening defining a passageway for orienting a barbed insert. The guide assembly is adapted to dispense at least one barbed insert from the dispenser opening into the filament winding assembly for winding a plurality of filaments around the at least one barbed insert for making a braided barbed suture. The passageway of the dispenser opening is adapted to allow longitudinal movement of the barbed insert relative to the passageway while simultaneously preventing twisting movement of the barbed insert relative to the passageway. As the barbed insert is being dispensed, the barbed insert dispenser opening is selectively rotatable for imparting rotation to the barbed insert as the filaments are wound about the barbed insert. The passageway may be an elongated slit having a greater width than height.

Abstract: A suture assembly and a method for making the same is provided. The suture assembly includes a plurality of unbarbed filamentary elements intertwined with one another and at least one barbed filamentary element having a longitudinal axis and having plurality of barbs extending outwardly therefrom in a first direction less than 90 degrees from the longitudinal axis. According to exemplary embodiments, the at least one barbed filamentary may be intertwined along its length with the plurality of unbarbed filamentary elements, and the plurality of barbs extending outwardly beyond the unbarbed filamentary elements, or the primary outer periphery of the at least one barbed filamentary element may be contained within the intertwined unbarbed filamentary elements with the plurality of barbs extending through and outwardly from the plurality of unbarbed filamentary elements.

Abstract: A wound closure device includes a filamentary element having a proximal end and a distal end, and a plurality of barbs extending outwardly from the filamentary element. Each barb has a base connected with the filamentary element, a tip spaced from the base, and an outer edge that extends between the base and the tip. The outer edge includes a first section having a concave surface that extends between the base and a transition point of the barb and a second section having a convex surface that extends between the transition point of the barb and the tip of the barb. The outer edge transforms from the concave surface of the first section to the convex curve of the second section at the transition point of the barb. The tip of the barb has a convexly curved surface facing the distal end of the filamentary element.

Abstract: A suture assembly and a method for making the same is provided. The suture assembly includes a plurality of unbarbed filamentary elements intertwined with one another and at least one barbed filamentary element having a longitudinal axis and having plurality of barbs extending outwardly therefrom in a first direction less than 90 degrees from the longitudinal axis. According to exemplary embodiments, the at least one barbed filamentary may be intertwined along its length with the plurality of unbarbed filamentary elements, and the plurality of barbs extending outwardly beyond the unbarbed filamentary elements, or the primary outer periphery of the at least one barbed filamentary element may be contained within the intertwined unbarbed filamentary elements with the plurality of barbs extending through and outwardly from the plurality of unbarbed filamentary elements.

Abstract: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) may be caused by a collapse of the pharyngeal wall as a result of increasing negative airway pressure. This invention is directed to systems and methods to resist collapse of the pharyngeal wall by minimally invasive upper pharyngeal airway surgery.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis for repairing or reinforcing a tissue or muscle wall defect including a first composite structure including at least one layer of a non-absorbable material, wherein the first composite structure has a central portion sized and shaped to cover at least a portion of the tissue or muscle wall defect, and has an outer periphery. The prosthesis further includes a second structure having a reinforced central region and an outer peripheral edge, a reinforcing element positioned between the first and second structures, and having an outer periphery and a stiffness greater than that of the first and second structures, and at least one pulling element coupled to the reinforced central region of the second structure. The second structure is coupled to the first structure substantially only at their respective peripheries.

Abstract: A method of treating obstructive sleep apnea includes providing an elongated element having a central buttress area and first and second arms extending from opposite ends of the central buttress area. The method includes implanting the central buttress area in a tongue so that a longitudinal axis of the central buttress area intersects an anterior-posterior axis of the tongue. The first and second arms are advanced through the tongue until the first and second arms engage inframandibular musculature. Tension is applied to the first and second arms for pulling the central buttress area toward the inframandibular musculature for moving a posterior surface of the tongue away from an opposing surface of a pharyngeal wall. The first and second arms are anchored to the inframandibular musculature for maintaining a space between the posterior surface of the tongue and the opposing surface of the pharyngeal wall.

Abstract: An insertion device and method of use for treating obstructive sleep apnea. The device includes an outer tubular element with a tissue penetrating end and a side opening, an inner tubular element positioned partially within the outer member and movable longitudinally relative to it, a grasping device fixedly coupled to the inner element, and a central shaft extending through the inner tubular element and movable longitudinally relative to the inner and outer tubular elements. The central shaft is slidably coupled with the grasping device. The inner tubular element is further movable between a retracted position wherein the grasping device is positioned entirely within the outer tubular element, and an extended position wherein it extends outwardly therefrom through the side opening. In the extended position, the grasping device is adapted to grasp a filamentary element positioned external of the outer tubular element and in proximity thereto.

Abstract: A tissue supporting device is provided and method of use. The device includes an anchor element having a plate-like element and first and second side walls extending upwardly therefrom. The plate-like element is defined by front and rear edges, and first and second side edges, with the rear edge being longer than the front edge. The first and second side walls are aligned substantially along at least a portion of the first and second side edges of the plate-like element such that a distance between the first and second side walls at a front side is less than a distance between the first and second side walls at a rear side. The device also includes a soft tissue supporting element adapted for engaging and supporting soft tissue. The soft tissue supporting element is coupled to the plate-like element and extends outwardly from the anchor element.