Abstract: Barbed surgical sutures are provided which include an elongated body and a plurality of barbs extending therefrom. A bioactive agent is disposed within barb angles formed between the barbs and the elongated body. The barbs may be made from a shape memory polymer having a permanent shape which may be deformed to a temporary shape, such that barbs of the suture extend at different barb angles in the different shape configurations. The barb angles of the permanent shape may be greater than the barb angles of the temporary shape, thereby exposing and/or releasing a bioactive agent after placement in tissue.

Abstract: A timed-release tensioned core-shell fiber comprises a core positioned within a shell. The shell is configured to hold the core under said tension or compression. The shell is at least partially removable and releases at least a portion of the tension or compression of the core in response to the shell being removed. The shell is at least partially removable by erosion or degradation due to mechanical, chemical, electrical, physical, or thermal processes, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the erosion or degradation of the shell may include biodegradation, bioerosion, photooxidation, or photodegradation. A fiber mesh comprised of core-shell fibers may be tuned for timed release of contraction or expansion forces in response to timed release of tension or compression of the core. The fiber mesh may be used in a medical device, bandage, implant, tissue construct, or sling. A suture may also comprise a core-shell fiber.

Abstract: Embodiments of apparatus and methods for tissue lifting, or for correcting a ptosis condition caused by tissue stretching, are described. In some embodiments a tissue is supported by a support member. In some embodiments, tension is applied to a support member through at least one suspension member. The described embodiments provide examples of methods and apparatus effective for use in lifting or otherwise applying tension to various tissues, including tissues of the breast, buttock, thigh, arm, abdomen, neck and face.

Abstract: A suture assembly and a method for making the same is provided. The suture assembly includes a plurality of unbarbed filamentary elements intertwined with one another and at least one barbed filamentary element having a longitudinal axis and having plurality of barbs extending outwardly therefrom in a first direction less than 90 degrees from the longitudinal axis. According to exemplary embodiments, the at least one barbed filamentary may be intertwined along its length with the plurality of unbarbed filamentary elements, and the plurality of barbs extending outwardly beyond the unbarbed filamentary elements, or the primary outer periphery of the at least one barbed filamentary element may be contained within the intertwined unbarbed filamentary elements with the plurality of barbs extending through and outwardly from the plurality of unbarbed filamentary elements.

Abstract: A high strength surgical suture material with improved tie down characteristics and tissue compliance formed of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) yarns, the suture being coated with arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD) peptide. The suture has exceptional strength, is ideally suited for most orthopedic procedures, and can be attached to a suture anchor or a curved needle.

Abstract: Described herein are a group of degradable, thermoplastic polymers, which are able to change their shape after an increase temperature. Their shape memory capability enables bulky implants to be placed in the body through small incisions or to perform complex mechanical deformations automatically. The shape memory polymers are preferably biocompatible and can be biodegradable or non-degradable polymers. Preferably, the biodegradable polymer has a linear degradation rate. In a specifically preferred embodiment, the suture is formed of biodegradable polymer capable of forming a self-tightening knot. In a most preferred embodiment, the suture is used to close a wound or body scission.

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: An absorbable multifilament draw-textured yarn having a bulky structure, and a manufacturing method and medical use thereof The absorbable multifilament draw-textured yarn is obtained by draw-texturing a multifilament made of an absorbable polymer and has bulkiness and a superior soft touch, which are the characteristics of draw-textured yarns. As a result of partially imparting a bulkiness of 150-1000% to the multifilament draw-textured yarn, it is possible to culture cells in the bulky structure, and the multifilament draw-textured yarn is suitable for cell delivery or drug delivery.

Abstract: Monofilament sutures are disclosed, which are formed of complaint, segmented, polyaxial, absorbable copolyesters. The sutures are capable of retaining at least 50 percent of their initial breaking strength after 6 weeks following placement in animal or human tissues.

Abstract: An active suture that can be used for both wound closure and the delivery of therapeutic fluids to the tissue surrounding a wound is disclosed. The active suture may include a connector designed to join a fluid source, such as a syringe or conventional IV delivery system, to an internal passageway that is embedded within a braided suture. The internal passageway may be comprised of a fine polymeric tube and is capable of conducting and emitting a fluid into at least a portion of the braided suture and surrounding tissue. The invention enables delivery of an efficacious volume of drug bearing solution on the order of milliliters per day, provides a high level of fluid delivery rate control enabling the physician to start or stop drug administration at his/her discretion, and offers a means of providing more than one type of medication that may be selected post-surgically in accord with unexpected patient symptoms that may arise.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable suture according to the present invention is characterized in that the suture is manufactured from monofilaments or multifilaments spun from a spinning raw solution containing one or two or more component(s) selected from the group consisting of chitin, chitosan, and derivatives thereof and a degrading enzyme for the component(s), and the degrading enzyme exists on a surface of the suture and in the suture.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an absorbable, nitrogenous copolyester composition based on more than 50 percent of ?-caprolactone-derived repeat units, having a number average molecular weight of more than ?30 kDa and its use as (1) an absorbable coating for stents which may also contain a bioactive compound at ?10 percent loading; (2) an absorbable suture or mesh and similar devices; and (3) plugs for blocking the end of seed needles used in radiation therapy.

Abstract: A thread includes an elongate thread body having on its surface protruding anchoring structures that anchor in biological tissues, and a stiffening coating on the anchoring structures.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical suture needle assembly is provided including an elongate tube defining a lumen through at least a portion of a length thereof; and a wound treatment material contained within the lumen of the suture structure. The present disclosure further provides for methods of using the surgical suture needle assembly in anastomotic procedures and the like.

Abstract: A surgical thread includes a polymeric core and a polymeric sheath surrounding the core, wherein the sheath includes barbs for anchoring in human and/or animal, tissues.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical suture needle assembly is provided including an elongate tube defining a lumen through at least a portion of a length thereof; and a wound treatment material contained within the lumen of the suture structure. The present disclosure further provides for methods of using the surgical suture needle assembly in anastomotic procedures and the like.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for coating a medical device.

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: Pharmaceutically acceptable hydrogel polymers of natural, recombinant or synthetic origin, or hybrids thereof, are introduced in a dry, less hydrated, or substantially deswollen state and rehydrate in a physiological environment to undergo a volumetric expansion and to affect sealing, plugging, or augmentation of tissue, defects in tissue, or of organs. The hydrogel polymers may deliver therapeutic entities by controlled release at the site. Methods to form useful devices from such polymers, and to implant the devices are provided.

Abstract: A medical product including a biocompatible material includes two mutually opposite main surfaces, wherein at least one of the two main surfaces that anchor biological tissues, wherein the barbs protrude from the at least one main surface and are formed by cuts made in the biocompatible material, and wherein the material between the two main surfaces is completely broken through in an area of the cuts.

Abstract: A catheter is provided for uniform distribution of fluid medication within an anatomical region. One embodiment of the catheter is comprised of an elongate tubular catheter body defining a lumen. A distal end of the lumen is closed and a portion of the catheter body includes a plurality of openings thereby defining an infusion section of the catheter. A tubular sheath is constructed from a porous material and is positioned over the infusion section. The tubular sheath extends at least a length of the infusion section. The tubular sheath and the catheter body are configured such that fluid within the lumen must pass through the tubular sheath to exit the catheter. In at least one embodiment, a pore size of the porous material is less than about 0.5 microns.

Abstract: A crimpable magnesium sleeve for securing a suture within the body and for dissolving over time while introducing only compatible amounts of magnesium into the body. An instrument for placing such a sleeve on a suture crimping the sleeve and cutting the suture after placement. An alloy of magnesium, zinc, and aluminum may be used to form the sleeve.

Abstract: Provided is a method of producing a bioabsorbable, implantable substrate having a graded molecular weight distribution, comprising exposing at least a portion of the implantable substrate to electron beam irradiation. There is also provided a bioabsorbable, implantable substrate comprising a bioabsorbable polymer having a graded molecular weight distribution through at least a portion of its thickness.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing polyalkylene terephthalate, which comprises: introducing a prepolymer of polyalkylene terephthalate that is in a molten state comprising 70 mol % or more of ethylene terephthalate or 1,4-butylene terephthalate repeating units and having an intrinsic viscosity [?] between 0.2 and 2 dl/g through a feed opening to a polymerization reactor; discharging the introduced prepolymer from holes of a perforated plate; and polymerizing the prepolymer under reduced pressure, while allowing the prepolymer to fall along the surface of a support that is open towards the outside at a temperature between the [crystalline melting point?10° C.] of the prepolymer or higher and the [crystalline melting point+30° C.] of the prepolymer or lower under the conditions represented by a formula S1/S2>1, wherein S1 is the surface area of falling polyalkylene terephthalate, and S2 is the area where the support is in contact with polyalkylene terephthalate.

Abstract: A high strength abrasion resistant surgical suture material with improved tie down characteristics and tissue compliance includes poly(p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole) (PBO). The suture features a multifilament jacket formed of braided strands of PBO, optionally with fibers of polyester, silk, nylon or aramid strands as an enhancer. In one embodiment, the braided jacket surrounds a core formed of twisted strands of PBO. The suture has exceptional strength, is ideally suited for most orthopedic procedures, and can be attached to a suture anchor or a curved needle.

Abstract: A biodegradable, bioabsorbable medical device with a coating for capturing progenitor endothelial cells in vivo and delivering a therapeutic agent at the site of implantation. The coating on the medical device is provided with a biabsorbable polymer composition such as a bioabsorbable polymer, copolymer, or terpolymer, and a copolymer or terpolymer additive for controlling the rate of delivery of the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to biodegradable and bioresorbable materials having a mineral layer on the surface of the material. More particularly, the disclosure relates to biodegradable and bioresorbable orthopedic devices having a degradable mineral layer on the surface thereof that can be used as a delivery vehicle for biological substances. Also provided are various methods of using the mineralized devices in tissue regeneration, including bone tissue engineering, and methods for producing the mineralized devices.

Abstract: Various methods are provided for forming tissue holding devices having predetermined shapes suitable for use in surgical applications, and devices formed in accordance with such methods are also provided. These methods include press forming methods, and press forming methods in combination with profile punching. Tissue holding devices formed in accordance with such methods include various configurations for a core and a plurality of tissue holding elements extending outwardly from the core.

Abstract: A biodegradable and biocompatible nontoxic polymeric composition is provided which includes a base material such as a crystallizable polymer, copolymer, or terpolymer, and a copolymer or terpolymer additive. Medical devices manufactured from the composition are also provided.

Abstract: A tissue connector has a first pointed end, an anchor end, a body with a periphery and a plurality of protrusions projecting from said periphery of said body. The plurality of protrusions are adapted to grasp tissue in a direction of movement of the first end of the connector through tissue and are not adapted to grasp tissue in an opposite direction of movement of the connector through tissue, which is in the direction of the anchor end. At axial locations of said body, three said protrusions are about equally located about the periphery of said body. At axial locations on a cylindrical periphery of the body protrusions are locate at about 120 degree spacings.

Abstract: A barbed suture with a first end and a second end and a body with a plurality of barbs extending from the body. Each barb causes the suture to resist movement in an opposite direction from which the barb faces. Projections extend from said suture. The projections can also engage tissue. The barbs cover the projections when the first end of the suture is moved in tissue and exposes the projections in order to engage tissue when the suture is moved in the direction of the second end through tissue.

Abstract: A self-retaining suture includes a plurality of tissue retainers which allow deployment in a deployment direction, but prevent movement in the opposite direction. The self-retaining suture has a needle at the proximal end and a tissue anchor at the distal end. The tissue anchor includes a curved portion of the suture formed into a loop which anchors the suture in the tissue. Additionally, the suture can be passed through a tissue and then passed through the loop to secure the distal end of the suture to the tissue.

Abstract: Methods for making bioabsorbable copolymer filaments are provided herein. The methods include drying the polymer pellets to be extruded, melt extrusion of copolymer components, stretching the filaments in one or more draw steps and permitting the drawn filaments to relax. The copolymer preferably contains units derived from glycolide or glycolic acid and units derived from an alkylene carbonate, such as, for example, trimethylene carbonate.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, medical devices are provided that contain at least one multi-component polymeric fiber. The multi-component polymeric fiber further contains at least two components of differing composition.

Abstract: A medical film that is excellent in biocompatibility and bioabsorbability and has an excellent strength in suturing and bonding is provided. A reinforcing material 12 made of a biodegradable polymer is placed in a gelatin solution so as to allow the solution to infiltrate in the reinforcing material 12 and then the gelatin is dried. This allows the gelatin that has infiltrated entirely in an internal part of the reinforcing material 12 to gel, thereby forming a gelatin film 11. Thus, a medical film 1 in which the reinforcing material 12 and the gelatin film 11 are integrated is obtained. The gelatin film 11 preferably is a cross-linked gelatin film.

Abstract: An absorbable multifilament draw-textured yarn having a bulky structure, and a manufacturing method and medical use thereof The absorbable multifilament draw-textured yarn is obtained by draw-texturing a multifilament made of an absorbable polymer and has bulkiness and a superior soft touch, which are the characteristics of draw-textured yarns. As a result of partially imparting a bulkiness of 150-1000% to the multifilament draw-textured yarn, it is possible to culture cells in the bulky structure, and the multifilament draw-textured yarn is suitable for cell delivery or drug delivery.

Abstract: A patient's pharyngeal wall is treated by inserting an expander member into the airway and positioning an active portion of the expander member in opposition to portions of the pharyngeal wall to be treated. The expander member is activated to urge the wall portions outwardly to an outwardly displaced position. The expander member is then deactivated while leaving the wall portions in the outwardly placed position and the expander member is removed from said airway. A further aspect of the treatment includes stabilization of at least a portion of the pharyngeal wall after compression of portions of the wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to increasing the strength of bio-absorbable surgical sutures. The invention allows for delayed bioabsorption of suture materials to allow maintenance of mechanical strength of the suture for example in ‘barbed’ form.

Abstract: Pharmaceutically acceptable hydrogel polymers of natural, recombinant or synthetic origin, or hybrids thereof, are introduced in a dry, less hydrated, or substantially deswollen state and rehydrate in a physiological environment to undergo a volumetric expansion and to affect sealing, plugging, or augmentation of tissue, defects in tissue, or of organs. The hydrogel polymers may deliver therapeutic entities by controlled release at the site. Methods to form useful devices from such polymers, and to implant the devices are provided.

Abstract: A device for use in tissue repair procedures, a surgical tissue repair procedure, and a method of making the device. Specifically, the device is an assembly of a cannulated anchor member with a cord passed through it, and a stopper mounted to an end of the cord to prevent the cord from passing back through the anchor member.

Abstract: A surgical thread (10) has a first component (12) made of resorbable material and a second component (14) made of non-resorbable material and/or slowly resorbable material which is more slowly resorbable than the material of the first component. The second component (14) is arranged in the thread in a non-linear manner and, before the resorption of the first component (12), is dimensionally stabilized against tensile forces by the arrangement of the first component (12).

Abstract: A reinforced closure anchor includes a fabric layer having an adhesive side, an opposite non-adhesive side, and an outer edge. An anchor member layer having a reinforcing structure, an adhesive side, and an opposite non-adhesive side is disposed on the fabric layer. The anchor member non-adhesive side is adhered to the fabric layer adhesive side. The anchor member is disposed within the outer edge of the fabric layer.

Abstract: A biomaterial for suturing comprising a physiologically compatible support material coated with a cellular population with proliferative and/or differentiation capacity, characteristics which facilitate the regeneration of the sutured tissue. This biomaterial for suturing not only brings together the two edges of an open wound, but also contributes actively to the healing process, thereby accelerating the tissue repair process. Also disclosed are methods for making the biomaterial and methods for using the biomaterials in therapy.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for joining tissue in surgical applications and/or incision repair, and to methods for making the same. The apparatus includes an elongated member formed of a biocompatible material, and a rigidifying agent associated with a distal end portion of the elongated member, wherein the rigidifying agent increases the rigidity of the distal end portion such that the distal end portion is mechanically reconfigurable to define a penetrating end integrally formed with the elongated member.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides absorbable surgical materials.

Abstract: Sutures and methods of suturing with a surgical suture having a core made substantially of biological material (such as biopolymers or proteins, for example) and a cover surrounding the core. The section comprising the biological material may be provided adjacent at least a section of suture not comprising biological material. The section comprising the biological material may be provided in the form of strands or a matrix or a spongy material, which may be additionally treated with biological components such as blood, blood fractions or components, platelet-rich plasma, autologous conditioned plasma, bone marrow aspirate, growth factors, antiseptics, and antibiotics, among others.

Abstract: A catheter is provided for uniform distribution of fluid medication within an anatomical region. One embodiment of the catheter is comprised of an elongate tubular catheter body defining a lumen. A distal end of the lumen is closed and a portion of the catheter body includes a plurality of openings thereby defining an infusion section of the catheter. A tubular sheath is constructed from a porous material and is positioned over the infusion section. The tubular sheath extends at least a length of the infusion section. The tubular sheath and the catheter body are configured such that fluid within the lumen must pass through the tubular sheath to exit the catheter. In at least one embodiment, a pore size of the porous material is less than about 0.5 microns.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymers made by genetically engineering microorganisms for making a self-retaining suture. In an embodiment of the present invention the genetically engineering microorganisms synthesize polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymers. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the genetically engineering microorganisms synthesize polybetahydroxybutyrate (PHB) polymers. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the self-retaining sutures can be made from a copolymer such as polyhydroxybutyratevalerate (PHBV), where the genetically engineering microorganisms produces PHA polymers as the monofilament base material and a different genetically engineering microorganisms produces polyhydroxybutyratevalerate (PHBV) polymers. In various embodiments of the invention, recombinant expressed self-retaining suture materials have a melting point in the range from between approximately 40° C. to approximately 180° C.

Abstract: A surgical device and method used to assist in the surgical repair and rehabilitation of damaged and/or severed tendons. In one embodiment of the present invention, the device is comprised of a hollow member, preferably shaped as a partial funnel and/or cone, having an inner and outer surface, a flared mouth, a shaft, and an apical end. In another embodiment, the device is comprised of a hollow member, preferably shaped as funnel or barrel cut in half along its longitudinal axis, having an inner and outer surface, two flared mouths, and a shaft. The device may further include a thin, elongated handle for ease of manipulation, and can be implantable or non-implantable.

Abstract: A resorbable implantable device, such as a suture or prosthesis, comprising one or more silk elements made at least partially (poly)alanine Wild silk proteins of a saturnid moth or analogues thereof.