Abstract: A station for cutting a barb suture is provided. The barb cutting station includes a suture transport assembly for supporting a first suture, a first knife assembly for forming barbs on the first suture, and a first clamp and position assembly for approximating the at least first suture towards the at least first knife assembly. The barb cutting station may further include at least a first suture cutting mechanism configured for severing the at least first suture when a defect is detected. The station may also include at least a first visual inspection assembly configured for detecting defective barbs.

Abstract: A system for forming a looped suture is provided. The system includes a suture supply assembly configured for supplying thread, a flipper gripping assembly configured for forming a loop in the thread, a carriage assembly configured for advancing the thread through the forming process, and a welding assembly configured for securing the loop in the thread.