Abstract: An embodiment of a suture for use in a surgical procedure applied to tissue comprises an elongated body having a first end and a second end, and a plurality of retainers arranged along a portion of the elongated body. The retainers substantially yield to motion of the elongated body within the tissue when the elongated body is drawn at the first end and resist motion of the elongated within the tissue when the elongated body is drawn at the second end. The retainers include an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface extending from a periphery of the elongated body and the lower surface having at least two facets.

Abstract: A method and device to elevate retainers on a suture thread to a desired angle such that the retainers can retain the desired elevation. The retainers can be elevated using an apparatus having at least one roller and at least one bending bar, wherein the bending bar contacts the retainers adjacent to the at least one roller to apply a force to the retainers. The retainers can also be elevated using a tube-shaped apparatus. A suture can be made up of an inner core and a coating that upon a stimuli increases the protrusion of the retainers away from the suture core. A coating can be inserted into the cut associated with the retainer and repulsive or expansive forces result in a pushing out of the cut and distending of the retainers away from the suture core.

Abstract: A self-retaining suture comprises a composite filament. The filament has retainers on the surface such that the filament can engage and retain tissue without knots. The filament comprises at least two materials having different properties. A surface material of the filament has properties which enhance the formation, elevation and/or deployment of the retainers. A core material of the filament has properties which enhance the tensile strength of the filament. The surgical filament is thin and flexible and may be used for suturing. Methods for manufacturing the filament and retainers are also described.

Abstract: An embodiment of a suture for use in a surgical procedure applied to tissue comprises an elongated body having a first end and a second end, and a plurality of retainers arranged along a portion of the elongated body. The retainers substantially yield to motion of the elongated body within the tissue when the elongated body is drawn at the first end and resist motion of the elongated within the tissue when the elongated body is drawn at the second end. The retainers include an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface extending from a periphery of the elongated body and the lower surface having at least two facets.

Abstract: A marked heterofunctional suture thread has two or more sections having different features. One or more sections of the suture thread are provided with laser-marked and non-laser marked indicia in order that they may be identified and differentiated from other sections. The suture thread may have retainers on the surface of one or more sections such that the suture thread can engage and retain tissue without knots. The markers may be used to indicate fixed features of a section of suture thread such as the presence and/orientation of retainers. In particular embodiments, laser-marked and non-laser marked indicia are used to identify the transition section of a bidirectional self-retaining suture.

Abstract: Provided herein are sutures to be used in a procedure applied to tissue, and methods for forming such sutures. A suture can include an elongated suture body having a periphery, and a plurality of retainers formed from molten material applied to portions of the periphery. The retainers can extend from and be arranged along at least a segment of the elongated suture body. The retainers can be formed by applying molten material to portions of the periphery of the elongated suture body and cooling the material to form the retainers.

Abstract: Provided herein are sutures for use in a procedure applied to tissue, and methods for forming such sutures. Some sutures include bi-directional retainers, each of which can be deployed in two directions, but once deployed in one direction, resist motion in the opposite direction. Other sutures include uni-directional retainers that are conical in shape, and include tissue engaging protrusions that extend from edges and/or angled walls of the conical retainers.

Abstract: A method of forming retainers on a suture includes providing a suture having a longitudinal axis and a circumference, a cutter, and a displacer that can longitudinally displace at least one of the suture and the cutter relative to the other, and can at least one of revolve the cutter about the suture and rotate the suture; and placing the cutter and suture into cutting engagement to form a first helical escarpment about the suture circumference. An apparatus for performing the method is also provided.

Abstract: An embodiment of a suture for use in a surgical procedure applied to tissue comprises an elongated body having a first end and a second end, and a plurality of retainers arranged along a portion of the elongated body. The retainers substantially yield to motion of the elongated body within the tissue when the elongated body is drawn at the first end and resist motion of the elongated within the tissue when the elongated body is drawn at the second end. The retainers include an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface extending from a periphery of the elongated body and the lower surface having at least two facets.

Abstract: Provided herein are sutures to be used in a procedure applied to tissue, and methods for forming such sutures. A suture can include an elongated suture body and a plurality of heat-contact mediated retainers extending from and along the elongated suture body. The heat-contact mediated retainers can be formed by temporarily contacting the elongated suture body with one or more heated element.

Abstract: A self-retaining suture comprises a variable-dimension filament which varies in size and/or shape along the length of the filament. The variation in size and/or shape results in a variation in the distribution of filament material from one region of the filament to the next. The filament has retainers formed in the surface such that the filament can engage and retain tissue. The retainers are formed in a manner that makes use of regions of the filament where additional material is distributed. The resulting self-retaining suture has a greater minimum cross-section than would be created using an equivalent uniform filament. The resulting self-retaining suture consequently has a greater tensile strength. Methods for manufacturing the filament and retainers are also described.

Abstract: In embodiments of the invention, a manufacturing process produces and an. Article produced has a self-retaining suture wherein a force is used to squeeze the suture causing retainers to form out of material from the suture body. In an embodiment of the invention, fins are formed between the retainers and the suture body, wherein said fins support the retainers. In another embodiment, retainer stops are provided in order to prevent the retainer from settling back in the body of the suture.

Abstract: A medical device is provided which is adapted for implantation or insertion into the vasculature. The medical device has (a) a medical device substrate; (b) a lower polymeric layer, provided over the substrate made of a nitric oxide donor and a polymer; and (c) an upper polymeric layer, provided over the lower polymer layer, made of a polymer and an anti-restenotic agent.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, implantable or insertable medical devices are provided which contain the following: (a) substrate having one or more depressions that contain at least one therapeutic agent and (b) a porous membrane disposed over the substrate and the one or more depressions, which regulate transport of chemical species between the therapeutic-agent-containing depressions and the exterior of the device. The substrate and the porous membrane are formed of different materials each with a different thermal expansion coefficient. Moreover, one of the substrate and the porous membrane at least partially surrounds the other. Other aspects of the present invention are directed to methods of making such medical devices, and methods of treatment using such medical devices.

Abstract: In embodiments of the invention, a manufacturing process produces and an. Article produced has a self-retaining suture wherein a force is used to squeeze the suture causing retainers to form out of material from the suture body. In an embodiment of the invention, fins are formed between the retainers and the suture body, wherein said fins support the retainers. In another embodiment, retainer stops are provided in order to prevent the retainer from settling back in the body of the suture.

Abstract: Methods for the treatment of asthma are provided, which comprise: (a) providing an implantable or insertable medical device that comprises an asthma treatment agent; and (b) inserting or implanting the medical device within the lungs (e.g., the trachea or the bronchial tree) of a patient, whereupon the therapeutic agent is delivered to the patient in an amount effective to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of asthma. Also disclosed herein are medical devices and kits for carrying out such methods.

Abstract: In embodiments of the invention, a manufacturing process produces and an. Article produced has a self-retaining suture wherein a force is used to squeeze the suture causing retainers to form out of material from the suture body. In an embodiment of the invention, fins are formed between the retainers and the suture body, wherein said fins support the retainers. In another embodiment, retainer stops are provided in order to prevent the retainer from settling back in the body of the suture.

Abstract: A self-retaining suture comprises a composite filament. The filament has retainers on the surface such that the filament can engage and retain tissue without knots. The filament comprises at least two materials having different properties. A surface material of the filament has properties which enhance the formation, elevation and/or deployment of the retainers. A core material of the filament has properties which enhance the tensile strength of the filament. The surgical filament is thin and flexible and may be used for suturing. Methods for manufacturing the filament and retainers are also described.

Abstract: A marked heterofunctional suture thread has two or more sections having different features. One or more sections of the suture thread are provided with laser-marked and non-laser marked indicia in order that they may be identified and differentiated from other sections. The suture thread may have retainers on the surface of one or more sections such that the suture thread can engage and retain tissue without knots. The markers may be used to indicate fixed features of a section of suture thread such as the presence and/orientation of retainers. In particular embodiments, laser-marked and non-laser marked indicia are used to identify the transition section of a bidirectional self-retaining suture.

Abstract: Provided herein are sutures for use in a procedure applied to tissue, and methods for forming such sutures. Some sutures include bi-directional retainers, each of which can be deployed in two directions, but once deployed in one direction, resist motion in the opposite direction. Other sutures include uni-directional retainers that are conical in shape, and include tissue engaging protrusions that extend from edges and/or angled walls of the conical retainers.