Abstract: The method for surface inclusions detection, enhancement of endothelial and osteoblast cells adhesion and proliferation and sterilization of electropolished and magnetoelectropolished Nitinol implantable medical device surfaces uses an aqueous solution of chemical compounds containing halogenous oxyanions as hypochlorite (ClO?) and hypobromite (BrO?) preferentially 6% sodium hypochlorite (NaClO).

Abstract: A thread, in particular surgical thread includes a cell-retaining structure and cells and a method for manufacturing the thread.

Abstract: A method of closing a thoracic incision includes providing a barbed suture and threading the suture around first and second ribs of a chest wall in a generally S-shaped configuration to close an incision positioned therebetween. The barbed suture is threaded through the chest wall by introducing the barbed suture through a first terminal tissue layer and around a surface of the first rib that is facing a second terminal tissue layer, passing the barbed suture across the incision and around a surface of the second rib that is facing the first terminal tissue layer, and withdrawing the barbed suture through the second terminal tissue layer. A second barbed suture may be threaded through the chest wall in a complementary S-shaped configuration in which the second barbed suture enters and exits the chest wall through the opposing terminal tissue layer from that of the first barbed suture.

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: The present disclosure generally relates to medical devices including sutures and methods of use thereof. The medical device may include a suture having projections angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of the suture and a needle coupled to the suture for inserting the suture into tissue, wherein the projections may allow movement of the suture in a first direction and prevent movement in a second direction. The suture may include an anchor at a distal end such that once the needle is removed, the suture may be pulled in a proximal direction to engage the anchor with an inner tissue wall to tighten and secure the suture within the tissue.

Abstract: A surgical suture material includes a drawn elongate main body and barbs adapted to anchor in human and/or animal tissues, wherein the barbs are partially in drawn form.

Abstract: Devices and methods for forming and securing a tissue plication are disclosed herein. In one aspect, a tissue manipulation device is described that includes a first jaw member pivotally coupled to a distal end of an elongate shaft and having an articulating portion located distal to the proximal end of the first jaw member. The device also includes a second jaw member pivotally coupled to the first jaw member such that the jaws move in a first plane, and a fastener delivery member attached to the second jaw member. The articulating portion of the first jaw member is configured to move the first and second jaw members between a straight configuration in which a longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft is contained within the first plane and an articulated configuration in which the longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft is transverse to the first plane.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for lifting, suspending and stiffening a patient's tissue are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method of lifting and stiffening a patient's tissue includes inserting at least one suture into the patient's tissue in a first direction, pulling the suture in a second direction so as to lift and suspend the tissue in a lifted position and stiffen the tissue in the lifted position, and cutting the suture so that the tissue remains in the lifted position. Preferably, the patient's tissue is the patient's soft palate.

Abstract: A system for repairing a soft tissue includes a first suture anchor, a suture and a second suture anchor. The first suture anchor is disposed at a first location on a bone. The suture is defined by a first end and a second end. The second suture anchor disposed at a second location on the bone. The suture is passed through the first suture anchor and the second suture anchor to form a medial row and a lateral row to repair the soft tissue.

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: A tissue fixation device includes an elongated body defining a longitudinal axis and including a proximal end and a distal end. At least two barbed segments diverge distally away from the distal end of the elongated body and a pledget is disposed at distal ends of the barbed segments. The elongated body, barbed segments, and pledget 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: A barbed suture and a method of forming a barbed suture are disclosed. The barbed suture includes a core fiber and a sheet, which can be monolithic or formed from a plurality of longitudinally extending fibers, which is placed around the core fiber.

Abstract: Tape constructs for fixation of soft tissue to bone, or of soft tissue to soft tissue. The tape construct includes a thin tape material with at least one thread positioned on the exterior of the thin tape material. Preferably, two threads are provided only on the exterior of the thin tape material, the threads extending in a direction about longitudinal with the thin tape material and abutting the edges or rims of the tape. The two exterior threads act like a parachute for compression of tissue and also allow the tape to fold easily to reduce the diameter of the tape construct for tissue passing and instrument passing. The construct is a simple, collapsible, flexible, parachute-like structure that allows easy threading and passing through instruments.

Abstract: A method for making an expanded, and optionally multi-component and/or colored PTFE monofilament is disclosed. The method includes forming a first paste by mixing a PTFE powder with a hydrocarbon solvent; forming an extrusion preform by pressing the first paste into a form; curing the extrusion preform by exposing the extrusion preform to a first temperature for a first time duration; forming a green monofilament by extruding the first paste through a die; expanding the green monofilament by exposing the green monofilament to a second temperature for a second time duration, the second time duration occurring after the first time duration; stretching the green monofilament substantially along a longitudinal axis of the green monofilament, the stretching the green monofilament occurring after the expanding the green monofilament; and sintering the green monofilament after the stretching the green monofilament.

Abstract: An anchor for securing suture to tissue, the anchor comprising: an elongated body having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end having a distal slot extending proximally into the elongated body, and the proximal end having a proximal slot extending distally into the body; the distal slot comprising a wide section and a narrow section, wherein the wide section has a width such that the suture is slidably accommodated therein and the narrow section has a width such that the suture is bound therein, and further wherein the wide section is disposed distally of the narrow section.

Abstract: A cleat for securing suture to tissue, the cleat comprising an elongated body having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end having a distal slot extending proximally into the elongated body, and the proximal end having a proximal slot extending distally into the body; the distal slot comprising a wide section and a narrow section, wherein the wide section has a width such that the suture is slidably accommodated therein and the narrow section has a width such that the suture is bound therein, and further wherein the wide section is disposed distally of the narrow section.

Abstract: A method of suturing includes: (1) wrapping a first segment of a suture through a traction loop; (2) pulling the traction loop and the first segment through an opening in a suture lock; (3) continuing to pull the traction loop such that a second segment of the suture extends through the opening, wherein the second segment has a greater denier than the first segment such that the second segment more nearly fills an entire dimension of the opening than the first segment; and (4) locking the suture in place with the second segment in the opening.

Abstract: A tissue fixation device includes a barbed body in a general figure eight configuration including a first loop intersecting a second loop. The barbed body may include a third loop at a proximal end thereof, and/or a pledget at a distal end thereof. The configuration of the tissue fixation device may vary depending upon the performance requirements desired of the tissue fixation device for the envisaged application of use.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 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 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 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 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Methods are disclosed for binding together human or animal tissue using one-way sutures having barbs on their exterior surfaces, allowing passage of a needle-drawn suture in one direction through tissue, but not in the opposite direction. In closing a wound, the sutures are passed through tissue at each of the opposed sides of the wound, forming suture pairs in which trailing ends of the sutures are juxtaposed in the wound. The number of suture pairs is selected in accordance with the size of the wound. The wound is closed and ends of the sutures of each suture pair are secured together, which may be by heat bonding or surgical knots. In a variation of this procedure double-armed sutures are used. In another variation detachable needles are used to leave the barbed sutures below the skin. The invention avoids loop stitching, minimizing scarring.