Abstract: A suture including at least one filament formed of at least one polymer and at least one copper ion at least partially embedded in the at least one filament in a manner such that the at least one copper ion is released from the at least one filament over time.

Abstract: Convertible surgical tissue staplers and applications thereof, having small sizes and high suitability for introduction and delivery through small surgical incisions or cuts, natural orifices, or laparoscopic ports, followed by deployment to full operational configurations. Convertible surgical tissue stapler may be a linear tissue stapler such as endo cutter stapler. Linear tissue stapler includes: elongated body having longitudinal axis; and stapling head, including first and second members, at least one with rows of tissue fasteners. Convertible from delivery configuration, whereby members are consecutively arranged lengthwise, with overall diameter smaller than minimal inner diameter, to deployment configuration, whereby members are juxtapositionally arranged, with overall diameter equal to or greater than minimal inner diameter.