Abstract: A suture including a reinforced loop is described herein. The suture includes an elongate body including a proximal section and a distal section, wherein the distal section includes first and second overlapping sections and a loop. A polymeric coating is positioned on at least a portion of the distal section to reinforce the loop.

Abstract: This invention relates to a disk device for anchoring one or more transluminal sutures, and methods for anchoring such sutures, especially for anchoring transcatheter heart valves.

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: Materials and methods for immobilizing bioactive molecules, stem and other precursor cells, and other agents of therapeutic value in surgical sutures and other tissue scaffold devices are described herein. Broadly drawn to the integration and incorporation of bioactive materials into suture constructs, tissue scaffolds and medical devices, the present invention has particular utility in the development of novel systems that enable medical personnel performing surgical and other medical procedures to utilize and subsequently reintroduce bioactive materials extracted from a patient (or their allogenic equivalents) to a wound or target surgical site.

Abstract: A tissue fixation device includes an elongated body extending between a distal portion including a barbed loop, and a proximal portion including a blunt tip. The elongated body, proximal portion, and distal portion are provided in a variety of configurations depending upon the performance requirements desired of the tissue fixation device for the envisaged application of use.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for making surgical braids, the apparatuses and methods having active and passive tracks. Additionally, various embodiments of surgical braids having changing patterns of traces, alternating colors, alternating cores, and tubular and flat sections, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for securing soft tissue to bone. One exemplary embodiment of a surgical repair construct includes an anchor, a filament having a snare on one end and a collapsible loop on another end, and a suture having a plurality of stationary protrusions. The suture is configured to be coupled to detached tissue and have its ends passed through an opening in the snare. The snare can be collapsed around the suture so at least one of the protrusions is proximal of the collapsed snare. The anchor can be disposed in bone and the filament coupled thereto. Accordingly, collapsing the snare around the suture couples the tissue to bone, and applying tension to a tensioning limb of the filament can collapse the loop to incrementally tighten and secure the tissue to bone. Other exemplary systems, devices, and methods for use with tissue repair are also provided.

Abstract: A multi-filament surgical suture comprising cover and core layers is differentially coated or impregnated with a long-acting local anesthetic so as produce a differential distribution of the anesthetic within the suture. The differential distribution of the anesthetic within the suture can be adjusted so as to release a uniform or variable prescribed dosage of the anesthetic at a uniform or variable prescribed rate over one or more prescribed intervals. The time-release period and the rate of anesthetic release can be regulated to suit the needs of the specific patient and/or the nature of the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A threading device assembly for use in plastic surgery that includes a first elongated rod having first and second opposite ends, a second elongated rod having first and second opposite ends, and a suture having first and second opposite ends. The first end of the suture is secured to the first elongated rod at a location that is approximately halfway between the first and second ends, and the second end of the suture is secured to the second elongated rod at a location that is approximately halfway between the first and second ends.

Abstract: A wound closure device includes a shaft, a sleeve, a suture, and a cartridge. The sleeve is disposed about the shaft and defines first and second sleeve arms movable between a retracted position, wherein the sleeve arms extend along the shaft, and a deployed position, wherein the sleeve arms extend outwardly from the shaft. The cartridge includes a base and first and second cartridge arms. The base is configured for releasable coupling with the shaft and defining a pocket configured to retain an intermediate portion of the suture. The first and second cartridge arms are configured for positioning adjacent the respective first and second sleeve arms and are configured to move in conjunction with the respective first and second sleeve arms between the retracted and deployed positions. The first and second cartridge arms are configured to retain first and second ends of the suture, respectively.

Abstract: A tissue fixation device includes an elongated body extending between a proximal portion and a distal portion including a plurality of barbed loops. The elongated body, proximal portion, and distal portion are provided in a variety of configurations depending upon the performance requirements desired of the tissue fixation device for the envisaged application of use.

Abstract: Systems and methods for securing a soft tissue graft to bone are provided herein. In one embodiment, a surgical implant can include an elongate body having a longitudinal axis extending therealong and having first and second through-holes that are offset to a first side of the longitudinal axis and a third through-hole that is offset to a second side of the longitudinal axis and that is positioned between the first and second through-holes. The implant can also include a suture length extending through the first, second, and third through-holes such that a self-locking knot is formed on a first side of the body and a plurality of suture loops are formed on a second side of the body opposite the first side.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to tissue, incorporating anchoring devices constructed substantially from suture. The anchoring devices are constructed as longitudinally extended, preformed knot configurations that upon deployment are reconfigured to form anchoring knots having an increased cross-section relative to the preformed knot configuration, for secure lodging in tissue. The anchoring devices are suitable for single and multi-anchor surgical procedures in soft tissue or bone, and multiple anchors can be delivered using a single delivery device.

Abstract: A method for repairing a soft tissue includes boring a first nest in a portion of a bone at a first location, boring a second nest through a portion of the bone at a second location, shuttling a suture from a top surface of the soft tissue to a bottom surface of the soft tissue, disposing a first suture anchor in the first nest and fixating the first suture anchor to the first location, passing the suture through the first suture anchor, the bottom surface of the soft tissue and the top surface of the soft tissue to form a medial row, disposing a second suture anchor in the second nest and fixating the second suture anchor to the second location, passing the suture through the second suture anchor from the top surface of the soft tissue to form a lateral row, and tensioning the suture.

Abstract: A hybrid monofilament/braided surgical suture that combines a monofilament with a braided construction. The hybrid surgical suture may be formed by braiding yarns of high tenacity fibers tightly over a core in the form of a monofilament yarn. The monofilament may be any type of material, for example, a nylon, silk, polyester, polyethylene or polypropylene filament, among many others. The stiffness properties of the hybrid surgical suture allow the suture to be pushed through small and very small diameter tubes and cannulations (such as Lasso instruments, for example) yet fix securely with existing fixation devices (such as knotless suture anchors like PushLock® anchors).

Abstract: A novel high tensile strength semi-absorbable composite suture with minimized non-absorbable mass. The suture has a core made from a bioabsorbable polymer. The core is covered by a braided sheath. The braided sheath is made from an absorbable yarn and a bioabsorbable yarn. The bioabsorbable yarn is made from a least one filament of a bioabsorbable polymer. The nonabsorbable yarn is made from at least one filament of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene.

Abstract: Bioswellable sutures are provided in the form of absorbable, compliant monofilaments of an amphiphilic copolyester, an absorbable multifilament braid, a non-absorbable monofilament with swellable outer layer, a non-absorbable multifilament braid with an absorbable monofilament core of an amphiphilic copolymer, and a non-absorbable, multifilament braid molecularly integrated with an outer sheath that is highly hydrophilic.

Abstract: An apparatus can include a first flexible member having first and second ends and a first body extending therebetween, where the first body defines a first passage portion. A second flexible member can have first and second ends and a second body extending therebetween, where the second body defines second and third passage portions. The first end of the first flexible member passes into and through the second passage portion such that the first end extends outside of the second passage portion, and the second end of the first flexible member passes into and through the third passage portion such that the second end extends outside of the third passage portion. The first and second ends of the second flexible member pass into and through the first passage portion to form a self-locking adjustable flexible member construct.

Abstract: A drawn surgical suture material includes an elongate main body and barbs for anchoring in biological tissues, wherein the barbs are formed by cuts made into the suture material in the undrawn state.

Abstract: Tissue anchors include a flat, broad, and large contact surface for engagement with a portion of tissue. Several embodiments of composite tissue anchors include a support element and an overlay element. Tissue anchor assemblies include two or more tissue anchors, a connector, and a cinching mechanism. In some embodiments, the tissue anchors included in the tissue anchor assemblies are of different types, sizes, and/or shapes.

Abstract: A method and device for anchoring a length of self-retaining suture. The method of anchoring includes providing for an assembly having a length of self-retaining suture and a suture insertion device. The length of suture includes at least a portion of the length having a plurality of retainers thereon extending in a first direction. The insertion device has a length and a recess to receive a portion of the suture length. The method further includes placing a portion of the suture length in the recess and inserting the device into the body of a mammal until the recess reaches a predetermined location thereby forming an insertion pathway. The method further includes retrieving the insertion device from the body by moving the insertion device in a direction substantially opposed to the insertion pathway.

Abstract: A compound barb medical device includes a body portion and at least one barb extending therefrom. The at least one barb defines an inner surface. The inner surface includes a first portion disposed at a first orientation relative to a longitudinal axis of the body portion and a second portion disposed at a second orientation relative to the longitudinal axis. The at least one barb is made from a shape memory material which can be deformed into a temporary shape from a permanent shape. The barb projects from the body portion in a first position relative to the body portion when in the permanent shape and in a second position when in the temporary shape.

Abstract: An anchoring device having an elongate body at a proximal portion, a distal portion of the elongate body forming a loop at a distal portion of the anchoring device. The loop further includes a plurality of anchors disposed along a surface thereof and the loop also including an end effector. Methods for securing anchoring devices of the present disclosure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling a soft tissue implant into a locking cavity formed within a bone. The method includes the following: implanting in bone a first anchor including a first suture construct connected to the first anchor; passing a first adjustable loop of the first suture construct at least one of over or through the soft tissue; coupling the first adjustable loop to one of a first locking feature of the first anchor or a second locking feature of a second anchor; adjusting the first adjustable loop by pulling a first end of the first suture construct; and securing the soft tissue against bone by pulling the first end of the first suture construct.

Abstract: Disclosed are medical devices, e.g., surgical sutures, surgical staples, surgical pads, surgical meshes, surgical scaffolds etc., and methods of use at a wound in a patient to facilitate the rapid healing Of the tissue at the situs of the wound with minimal fibrous tissue formation. The devices are arranged to be brought into engagement with tissue adjacent the wound to close the Wound and include a core formed of a piezo-electric material and an outer layer covering the core. The outer layer is platelet derived growth factors. The methods of use of the devices also include applying a local molecular energy production agent to the wound and irradiating the wound with a pulsed infra-red laser beam.

Abstract: A surgical filament snare assembly including an anchor capable of being fixated in bone and having a filament engagement feature. A first filament has a noose with first and second noose limbs connected, preferably slidably connected, to the filament engagement feature of the anchor. The first and second noose limbs emerge from the anchor as first and second free filament limbs which are capable of being passed through tissue to be repaired and then passable through the noose. The noose, such as one or more half-hitches, is capable of receiving the free filament limbs and strangulating them when tension is applied to at least one of the free filament limbs and the noose to enable incremental tensioning of the tissue after the anchor is fixated. Preferably, the snare assembly further includes a flexible sleeve joining at least some portion of the first and second free filament limbs to facilitate passing of the free filament limbs at least through the tissue as a single unit.

Abstract: A barbed suture is disclosed having barbs defined by a variable-angle cut surface. A cutting bed supports the suture during cutting. A cutting device is moved through the suture thread along a selected path. The angle of the cutting device is changed during cutting so that there is a corresponding change in the angle of the cut surface which defines each barb. A cutting arm is articulated to allow change of the angle of the cutting device. The change in the angle of the cutting device is used to control the shape and depth of cut of the barbs.

Abstract: A surgical construct having a flexible strand with a middle region and at least two opposing tail regions that are spliced to form a single tail. The middle region has a first diameter and the opposing tail regions have a second diameter, which is smaller than the first diameter. The tail regions may have similar or different diameters. Because of the thin spliced tail regions, the suturing construct of the present invention can be easily inserted into suture/tape passing and retrieving instruments and passed through soft tissue (such as a rotator cuff). Once the suturing construct has been passed through tissue, the splice may be cut to allow the suture/tape to have again individual tails.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to self-retaining systems for surgical procedures, methods of manufacturing self-retaining systems for surgical procedures, and their uses.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides filaments and/or surgical sutures which include an inner core, an outer sheath and a plurality of barbs on a surface thereof. The filaments and/or surgical sutures further include at least one adhesive precursor material which transitions from a non-adherent material to an adhesive material to attach a portion of the filament and/or suture to the surrounding area, such as tissue and/or other portions of the filament.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a suture which is firmly maintained and fixed to an operation site to stably sustain suturing or lifting effects for a long time. More specifically, the present invention provides a suture having a conic or pyramidal shape with a cut top, wherein a suture supporter comprising a communication hole penetrating the both ends is provided at one end. The suture support can have one or more portions which are cut vertically from a lower end at a lower end portion having a larger diameter between the both ends, or a part of the lower end can be removed so as to form one or more gaps formed from the end at a wall of the end portion.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for securing soft tissue to bone. One exemplary embodiment of a surgical repair construct includes an anchor, a filament having a snare on one end and a collapsible loop on another end, and a suture having a plurality of stationary protrusions. The suture is configured to be coupled to detached tissue and have its ends passed through an opening in the snare. The snare can be collapsed around the suture so at least one of the protrusions is proximal of the collapsed snare. The anchor can be disposed in bone and the filament coupled thereto. Accordingly, collapsing the snare around the suture couples the tissue to bone, and applying tension to a tensioning limb of the filament can collapse the loop to incrementally tighten and secure the tissue to bone. Other exemplary systems, devices, and methods for use with tissue repair are also provided.

Abstract: A looped suture construct is formed by looping a suture on itself and slidably connecting the suture through an anchoring structure such that a looped end and a free end of the suture are on opposite sides of the slidable connection. The anchoring structure may be bone, a suture anchor, or another structure securely attached to bone. The looped end and the free end are passed through the soft tissue to be repaired. The free end is then passed through the looped end. Tension is applied to the free end to draw the soft tissue into contact with the desired bone, whereupon the free end is secured to maintain the tension. The looped suture end remains open and positioned on one side or surface of the soft tissue. Suture anchors of the invention are pre-loaded with at least one suture having a looped end and at least one free end.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for repairing openings such as septal defects includes advancing a catheter to the site of the defect, grasping opposing edges of the defect, passing one or more suture lines through the opposing edges, tightening the suture lines, and deploying and expanding a fastener to secure the suture lines and close the defect. The fastener can include tissue-growth-inducing materials to encourage tissue growth onto or into the fastener and/or suture. The fastener includes a locking clip portion and a plug portion, which may be an expandable portion and/or tissue-growth-inducing portion.

Abstract: A pre-sutured anchor including a deformable anchor sleeve with a lumen sized to receive the therapy delivery element. An outer surface of the anchor sleeve including one or more annular compression grooves oriented generally co-axial to the lumen. At least one compression member is located in a compression groove in an open configuration. The compression member includes at least one stop. A suture material pre-tied in a self-locking compression knot extends around each compression member. The suture material includes distal ends adapted to receive a tension force that is transmitted as a radial compression force to deform the compression members and substantially engage the stop in a compressed configuration. The anchor sleeve compressively engages the therapy delivery element in the compressed configuration.

Abstract: Materials and methods for immobilizing bioactive molecules, stem and other precursor cells, and other agents of therapeutic value in surgical sutures and other tissue scaffold devices are described herein. Broadly drawn to the integration and incorporation of bioactive materials into suture constructs, tissue scaffolds and medical devices, the present invention has particular utility in the development of novel systems that enable medical personnel performing surgical and other medical procedures to utilize and subsequently reintroduce bioactive materials extracted from a patient (or their allogenic equivalents) to a wound or target surgical site.

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: An apparatus and method for cutting retainers on a continuous strand is provided. The apparatus may include a rotary head member configured to be rotatably driven about a longitudinal axis. The rotary head member may include a center hole substantially coincident with the longitudinal axis and configured to receive the strand. A retainer forming member may be supported on the rotary head member and may include a cutting edge directed substantially inward toward the longitudinal axis. When the rotary head member rotates about the longitudinal axis and the strand is continuously pulled through the center hole along the longitudinal axis, the cutting edge may intermittently or continuously cuts retainers about an outer surface of the strand.

Abstract: Disclosed is a joining element (10), especially a suture material for surgical use. The joining element (10) is composed of a first material (12) that is essentially rigid during impingement by a relatively short-lasting tensile load on opposite sides as well as a second material (11) which is connected to the first material. The second material is substantially rigid during impingement by said tensile load on opposite sides while contracting slowly during a second period of time that is longer than the first period of time.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing a first object to a second object, said apparatus comprising: an anchor body which is longitudinally and laterally deformable; and a working suture which is connected to said anchor body; said anchor body and said working suture being configured such that, when at least one of said anchor body and said working suture receives a repair suture which is connected to the first object, and said anchor body is thereafter disposed in a hole in the second object, applying tension to said working suture secures said anchor body to the second object and secures said repair suture to said anchor body without requiring that a knot be tied after said anchor body is disposed in the hole in the second object.

Abstract: A suture deployment system is disclosed including a surgical needle having a flexible suture fixedly attached thereto and a target suture releasably secured to the flexible suture. A collar is positioned between the flexible suture and the target suture and is fixedly secured to the flexible suture. The target suture is releasably secured to the collar is such that the target suture may detach from the collar once a surgical procedure has been completed. The surgical needle is a double pointed surgical needle specifically configured to be manipulated by a surgical suturing apparatus.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for securing tissue to bone, including drilling a bone hole into the bone; passing a filament through the tissue, the filament including a first end, a second end and a length therebetween, the second end having a loop; passing the first end of the filament through the loop of the filament; pulling on the first end of the filament such that the loop travels along the length of the filament and to the tissue; passing an anchor along the length of the filament, from the first end towards the loop and tissue; engaging the loop with a distal end of the anchor; positioning the distal end of the anchor, with the loop of the filament, into the bone hole; and securing the anchor in the bone.

Abstract: Bioswellable sutures are provided in the form of absorbable, compliant monofilaments of an amphiphilic copolyester, an absorbable multifilament braid, a non-absorbable monofilament with swellable outer layer, a non-absorbable multifilament braid with an absorbable monofilament core of an amphiphilic copolymer, and a non-absorbable, multifilament braid molecularly integrated with an outer sheath that is highly hydrophilic.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical repair article, comprising a structural member of high performance polyethylene (HPPE) filament(s). The invention also relates to a method of making such a surgical repair article, and to a kit of parts comprising the article. The surgical repair article comprises a structural member of high performance polyethylene (HPPE) filament(s), and a biodegradable coating applied to the surface of the structural member, wherein the coating comprises a sol/gel produced inorganic oxide and a biologically active compound incorporated therein. The article combines high tensile strength, biocompatibility and favorable bioactive compound delivery characteristics.

Abstract: A variety of medical devices including staples sutures and dental floss with surface treatment on at least one tissue-facing surface to improve biologic function such as to control tissue adhesion are disclosed including heparin surface treatment which provides heparin present in an amount to yield heparin bioactivity of at least one of i) an ATIII binding of at least 2 pmol/cm2, and ii) a thrombin deactivation of at least 0.2 IU/cm2; an acrylic surface treatment for coupling thereto of a heparin surface treatment, a collagen surface treatment or both; and an amino-functional polysiloxane surface treatment for coupling thereto of a heparin surface treatment.

Abstract: A suture for use in cardiac valve repair comprises a flexible rod of ePTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) formed with end sections of a first diameter and a center section of a second diameter, the second diameter being greater than the first diameter, and the end sections having a length sufficient to enable one to be fastened to the other. In one embodiment, the first diameter is about 1-1.6 mm and the second diameter is between about 1.8-4 mm. The center section can be about 2-9 cm in length. Surgical needles are preferably provided attached to the distal ends of the end sections. The center section has a density less than the end sections, the density of the center section being chosen to promote tissue ingrowth following implantation in heart tissue. Representative density range for the center section is 0.25-0.35 g/cm3.

Abstract: A method of assembling an adjustable continuous filament assembly whereby a single length of filament is spliced to form a nonadjustable portion and a single free segment. The single free segment is introduced into the inner core of the nonadjustable portion at a first position. The single free segment is passed through at least a portion of the inner core of the nonadjustable portion. The single free segment is withdrawn from the nonadjustable portion at a second position, thereby forming an adjustable portion secured to the nonadjustable portion and adjustable by the single free segment.

Abstract: Devices and systems for use in soft tissue repair are provided, as are methods of manufacturing the same. In one exemplary embodiment, an implantable surgical construct includes an implant and a continuous braided closed filament loop that is attached to the implant. The continuous loop can be formed from a single strand of filament such that portions of the filament, sometimes referred to as tails, can be arranged with respect to each other to form a braided configuration. A related method of manufacture can involve passing portions of a single strand of filament around different sets of posts and selectively over and under each other to create the braided configuration. Other devices, systems, and methods of manufacturing are also provided, including some that involve using multiple strands of suture to form a continuous braided closed filament loop.

Abstract: A fabricated component for providing desired structural support has plural strands of material extending between opposing gathering points, and free ends extending from the gathering points. The component is preferably fabricated from a single strand of material using an appropriate folding procedure which includes the formation of plural loops of the strand, one upon the other, and development of the gathering points in opposing regions of the looped strand by passing opposing ends of the strand around the loops of the strand, and then through the resulting throws, or using a separate knotting arrangement. The fabricated component can be used in medical procedures, such as the support of subcutaneous tissue, muscle and organs, and other non-medical applications.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides medical devices possessing reactants thereon, which further promote adherence of the device to tissue in vivo and/or release of bioactive agents from the device.