Abstract: Novel, lubricious coatings for medical devices are disclosed. The coatings provide improved lubricity and durability and are readily applied in coating processes a low temperatures that do not deform the device. The present invention is also directed to a novel platinum catalyst for use in such coatings. The catalyst provides for rapid curing, while inhibiting cross-linking at ambient temperatures, thereby improving the production pot life of the coatings.

Abstract: Novel, lubricious antimicrobial coatings for medical devices are disclosed. The coatings provide improved lubricity and durability and are readily applied in coating processes at low temperatures that do not deform the device and preserves the antimicrobial effectiveness of the antimicrobial agent. The present invention is also directed to a novel platinum catalyst for use in such coatings. The catalyst provides for rapid curing, while inhibiting cross-linking at ambient temperatures, thereby improving the production pot life of the coatings.

Abstract: A method of effecting a tendon repair in a patient comprising providing a suture tape, using the suture tape to connect tendon tissue to bone of the patient such that the suture tape lays flat on the tendon, and permitting ingrowth of the tendon tissue into the suture tape as the absorbable fibers are absorbed into the patient's tissue. The suture tape is a flat braid of elastic, absorbable fibers and high strength fibers, the tape being at least 1 mm wide and 2 cm long, and less than 1 mm high. The suture tape includes at least 4 absorbable fibers and at least 4 high strength fibers. Further, the suture tape is capable of being stretched at least 10% from its shortest length to the length at which it breaks and is capable of withstanding a load of at least 260 Newtons before breaking.

Abstract: A suture to be used in producing a medical instrument provided with a sutured site such as a stent graft, an artificial blood vessel or an artificial heart valve, has two components, i.e., a high melting-point component and a low-melting point component, the difference between the melting points of components being 30° C. or more and the low-melting point component is exposed on the suture surface entirely along the length direction. When a medical material formed of a fabric or a film is sutured or knotted with the suture and then the suture site is heated at such a temperature not allowing the high-melting point component but the low-melting point component alone to melt, the sutured site is fused and fixed. Thus, a knot or a seam, which sustains the fiber shape and strength and never becomes loose, can be formed.

Abstract: A suture to be used in producing a medical instrument provided with a sutured site such as a stent graft, an artificial blood vessel or an artificial heart valve, has two components, i.e., a high melting-point component and a low-melting point component, the difference between the melting points of components being 30° C. or more and the low-melting point component is exposed on the suture surface entirely along the length direction. When a medical material formed of a fabric or a film is sutured or knotted with the suture and then the suture site is heated at such a temperature not allowing the high-melting point component but the low-melting point component alone to melt, the sutured site is fused and fixed. Thus, a knot or a seam, which sustains the fiber shape and strength and never becomes loose, can be formed.

Abstract: High-consistency nonabsorbable braided suture stock of specified size is prepared from twisted multifilament strands braided together with a tightness of weave of less than 60 picks/inch. The suture stock can be cut to provide sutures, which may be combined with needles to provide surgical sutures for wound closure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are surgical suture materials that facilitate the sustained delivery of releasable components. The suture materials are processed by the disclosed methods to create a layer of pores extending inward from the outer surface of the suture. Particularly, the surgical suture materials are swollen in a calcium-ion containing solution, then freeze-dried to create pores which can be filled with a releasable component for ultimate delivery to the tissue. In one particular embodiment, the suture has an outer sheath that defines a lumen. Elongated filaments extend through the lumen. This suture embodiment is processed by the disclosed methods to yield a surgical suture material with a porous outer sheath. The pores enable efficient loading of a releasable component into the lumen, facilitating sustained delivery of the releasable component from the suture.

Abstract: An organ retention device and system, and use of the same for laparoscopic surgery is provided. The organ retention device includes a biologically compatible flexible barrier configured to restrain one or more organs. First and second anchor strings extend from first and second connection regions of the flexible barrier respectively and have a first and a second loop distal from the flexible barrier. At least one expansion element is configured to expand the flexible barrier generally perpendicularly to an axis between the first connection region and the second connection region when the first loop and the second loop are held apart in tension. A retraction device is also provided having a sharp distal end configured to enter an abdominal cavity by puncturing the abdominal wall, and a hook proximate to the sharp distal end configured to catch and retract one of the loops.

Abstract: A drug-eluting self-retaining suture comprises a filament, a plurality of retainers, and a drug impregnated in or coated on the filament. The shape and distribution of retainers modifies the in vivo release kinetics of the drug. The drug release kinetics may be modified uniformly or region by region. The self-retaining suture may for example be used for reattaching severed nerves and release nerve growth factor or other regeneration accelerating agents into the region of the nerve injury.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present technology may permit for native, intact, natural, human-derived, or allograft-derived fibers to be used as threads for suturing. Embodiments may include a thread for suturing. The thread may include a first portion, which includes a fascia fiber. The first portion may have a first end that includes the fascia fiber. The thread may also include a second portion including a non-human-derived fiber. The second portion may have a first end that includes the non-human-derived fiber. The first end of the second portion may be attached to the first end of the first portion. Embodiments may include a method of forming a thread. The method may include attaching a first end of a fascia fiber to a first end of a first non-human-derived fiber. The method may also include attaching a second end of the fascia fiber to a first end of a second non-human-derived fiber.

Abstract: A fastening element includes (a) a non-load bearing core, the non-load bearing core includes a first biocompatible polymer; and (b) a load bearing sheath, the load bearing sheath including a second biocompatible polymer, wherein the load bearing sheath surrounds the non-load bearing core. The fastening element can be used as a suture, shoe lace or rope. The non-load bearing core has a Durometer Hardness Type A value ranging from 15 to 30. The load bearing sheath is formed from a plurality of yarns, each yarn comprising a plurality of filaments in form of mono or multifilament of the second biocompatible polymer. Each yarn may have a tenacity at break value ranging from 30 cN/dtex to 45 cN/dtex.

Abstract: Implants for osteo and osteochondral repair have been developed. These implants include a series of channels between the upper and lower surfaces of the implants, such that when implanted the lower surfaces are situated in an area rich in bone marrow and the channels provide a means for the bone marrow to migrate through the implant. Preferably the implants are made from resorbable polymer fibers, preferably arranged in braids that are knitted or woven together such that the braids are substantially parallel with each other. The implants may be rolled into a bundle of braids with the axis of the braids substantially parallel to the axis of the bundle, to provide channels along the axis of the bundle. A preferred embodiment includes P4HB fibers braided and knitted into a structure that is coated with a ceramic, preferably physiologic calcium phosphate.

Abstract: An interarticular ligament prosthesis is formed from a plurality of high strength high modulus polymeric fibers. The fibers are independent and free from intrinsic inter-fiber shear coupling found in braided or bonded fibers. The ligament prosthesis is installed with tubular, bone screw anchors. The fibers of the ligament prosthesis pass through the central hole of the anchors and are knotted at one end. The exit holes of the anchors include ceramic eyelets with polished edges. The edges are rounded to a defined radius for desired fatigue life of the prosthesis.

Abstract: Barbed surgical sutures are prepared with a bioactive agent thereon. In embodiments, the bioactive agent may be an antimicrobial or clotting agent deposited within the angle formed by the barb and the suture body. Placement of the bioactive agent in the angle between the barb and suture body enhances the delivery of the bioactive agent to wound tissue at the point of contact.

Abstract: An antimicrobial composition comprising: a complex of an anionic polyester with an antimicrobial metal wherein the anionic polyester has at least one carboxylic acid group. A medical device having an antimicrobial composition comprising: a complex of an anionic polyester with an antimicrobial metal wherein the anionic polyester has at least one carboxylic acid group.

Abstract: The invention relates to a treated HPPE yarn characterized in that the treated HPPE yarn comprises: a porous polyolefin layer that adheres to a surface of a HPPE yarn and covers at least partly the surface of the HPPE yarn; a composition comprising an active agent and which composition is at least partially absorbed within the porous polyolefin layer. The invention further relates to an article comprising the treated HPPE yarn, a device comprising the treated HPPE yarn or the article. The invention also relates to a process for preparing the treated HPPE yarn or treated HPPE yarn structure or treated HPPE yarn configuration and use of the treated HPPE yarn or an article or a device comprising the treated HPPE yarn for automotive applications, marine applications, aerospace applications, medical applications, defense applications, sports/recreational applications, architectural applications, clothing applications, bottling applications, machinery applications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing eye surgery. A deformable body having shape memory retentive properties is formed with one or more open loops. The body is longitudinally stretched so that it can follow a needle through a small caliber needle track formed in the cornea, into the anterior chamber in front of the iris. There, the body has relaxed and reverted to its original shape. The needle is of such size that the needle track self-closes and no closure stitch is needed. Two sutures are connected to opposite ends of the body and one of the sutures connects the body to the needle. After the body is in the pupil of the iris, the loop openings face the wall of the iris and then the sutures are pulled to displace the body and press it against the wall of the iris to dilate the pupil.

Abstract: The invention relates to a resorbable multifilament comprising a number of individual resorbable filaments of a first type having a first degradation time and a number of individual resorbable filaments of a second type having a second degradation time, wherein the filaments of the first type and the filaments of the second type are arranged in close relationship to form a composite multifilament having a length and a specific composite cross-section comprising cross-sections of the individual filaments of the first type and second type, wherein the cross-sections of the individual filaments of the first and second type are located at determined relative positions, wherein the relative positions amongst the individual cross-sections of the filaments of the first and second types are invariant over the length of the composite multifilament.

Abstract: Methods and devices for retracting tissue in a surgical procedure to allow access to the surgical site. Retractor systems and methods that comprise a retractor frame comprising rotatable arms and a linearly translatable arm, the rotatable arms and the linearly translatable arm each coupled to blades that can angulate. Systems for securing a retractor system to a patient's spine, the systems comprising a retractor blade and a shim device.

Abstract: A composite material for the production of a medical device having an antiseptic action includes a matrix of alginate in which the complex of iodopovidone is dispersed. The composite material is used particularly for the production of films, micro-capsules, and suture threads with iodine controlled release.

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: Fixation of soft tissue to bone (or of soft tissue to soft tissue) is performed using a flexible material (for example, a suture strand, a braid, a suture tape, a stuffed suture, or a combination thereof) with a portion having an expanded footprint to provide a cushion or tissue protector between the flexible strand (suture) and the tissue to be attached. The suture and cushion may be manufactured from materials that have properties to amplify the body's healing response. The cushion may have any shape and geometry that provides cushioning action between the suture and the tissue to be fixated. The cushion may be provided along the length of the flexible strand (i.e., the flexible strand may be provided with a cushion) or the flexible strand may extend from the cushion.

Abstract: A medical device includes an elongated body including an outer surface having a plurality of barbs extending therefrom and an inner surface defining a lumen therethrough. The elongated body includes at least one channel extending through the inner surface and the outer surface, the channel defined between an inner surface of one of the plurality of barbs and a cut outer surface of the elongated body. A wound treatment material is disposed within the lumen of the elongated body. The barb is configured to move between a first position to close the channel and retain the wound treatment material within the lumen and a second position to open the channel and permit the release of the wound treatment material therethrough.

Abstract: An antiadhesive material that is excellent in biocompatibility and bioabsorbability, as well as excellent strength in suturing and bonding, is provided. A reinforcing material 12 made of a biodegradable polymer is placed in a gelatin solution so that the reinforcing material 12 is impregnated with the solution, and the gelatin is caused to gelate and dried. By so doing, an antiadhesive material in which a gelatin film 11 and the reinforcing material 12 are integrated is obtained. The reinforcing material 12 preferably is arranged in a portion of the gelatin film 11 to be subjected to suturing, and preferably is arranged along a periphery of the gelatin film 11. The gelatin film 11 preferably is a cross-linked gelatin film, and the reinforcing material 12 preferably is a nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for producing, including intra-operatively obtaining, a fixation device, and fixation devices produced thereby, containing an autologous cell concentrate from a physiological solution, wherein the cell concentrate is isolated without the need for centrifugation.

Abstract: Ophthalmic suture materials made from biocompatible and biodegradable polymers with high tensile strength for use in drug delivery, methods of making them, and method of using them for ocular surgery and repair have been developed. The suture materials are made from a combination of a biodegradable, biocompatible polymer and a hydrophilic biocompatible polymer. In a preferred embodiment the suture materials are made from a poly(hydroxyl acid) such as poly(l-lactic acid) and a polyalkylene oxide such as poly(ethylene glycol) or a polyalkylene oxide block copolymer. The sutures entrap (e.g., encapsulate) one or more therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic agents and provide prolonged release over a period of at least a week, preferably a month.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a suture manufactured using poly octyl cyanoacrylate, and a method for manufacturing same. The disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a suture, and a suture prepared using the method, the method comprising: a step for preparing octyl cyanoacetate by reacting cyanoacetic acid and octane alcohol by 1:1 equivalence ratio under the existence of a solvent; a step for reacting the octyl cyanoacetate and paraformaldehyde by 1:1 equivalence ratio under the existence of a solvent; a step for isolating and refining octyl cyanoacrylate after removing the solvent when the reaction is completed; a step for collecting poly octyl cyanoacrylate from the byproduct left from refining octyl cyanoacrylate; and a step for manufacturing a suture by a braid process after manufacturing a thread by melt spinning and extrusion molding the collected poly octyl cyanoacrylate.

Abstract: A self-retaining braided suture comprises a braided suture with tissue retainers formed on the surface such that the suture can engage and retain tissue without knots. The suture includes a plurality of braided fibers which may be covered by a non-braided sheath of a material which enhances the formation, elevation and/or deployment of the retainers. The retainers can be formed so as not to disrupt the braided fibers. The self-retaining braided suture has properties which enhance the tensile strength of the suture while preserving flexibility and durability. Methods for manufacturing and using self-retaining braided suture are also described.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to threads with improved properties comprising cross-linked hyaluronic acid, optimized methods of making such threads and uses thereof, for example, in aesthetic applications (e.g., facial contouring, soft tissue augmentation products), surgery (e.g., sutures), drug delivery, negative pressure wound therapy, moist wound dressing, and the like.

Abstract: A surgical retractor includes a plurality of blade assemblies interconnected by a plurality of racks. One or more of the blade assemblies is movable along a rack to selectively expand the retractor. At least one of the blade assemblies includes a blade that is rotatably connected to the blade assembly and that is rotatable independent of other blades of the retractor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel carbohydrate lactone, functionalized aliphatic polyesters and copolymers formed therefrom, and processes for the preparation thereof from renewable resources.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to threads with improved properties comprising cross-linked hyaluronic acid, optimized methods of making such threads and uses thereof, for example, in aesthetic applications (e.g., facial contouring, soft tissue augmentation products), surgery (e.g., sutures), drug delivery, negative pressure wound therapy, moist wound dressing, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides that coatings applied to natural, synthetic and recombinant expressed polymer filaments can be used to modify the properties of monofilament and multifilament self-retaining sutures. In an embodiment of the invention, the coating enables the suture to be easily inserted into tissue, whereupon the extended interaction of the coating and the tissue increase the ability of the tissue retainers to hold the suture in the tissue. In an embodiment of the present invention, the coated polymers have a melting point in the range from between approximately 40° C. to approximately 180° C. while retaining tensile strength. In an embodiment of the invention, the increased strength is due in part to the tissue specific reaction generated by the suture coating.

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: Provided in one embodiment is a suture, comprising: a porous interior component comprising a volume of pores or interstices, the volume comprising a binding surface; and a first number of biological cells dispersed in the volume; wherein the first number of biological cells in the volume is greater than a threshold number representing a second number of the biological cells at 100% confluence on the binding surface.

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: A fluid-swellable fiber in particular for the use as a surgical suture, the fiber comprising chitosan, the fiber's swelling ratio being less than 100%, and a fabric comprising the fiber. Moreover, a method of manufacturing from a chitosan-containing solution a fiber comprising chitosan, wherein during manufacture, the solution is brought into contact with a coagulation medium containing at least one organic solvent, a method of removing a fiber from a living organism, wherein the fiber is at least partly dissolved in a solvent applied from the outside, and a kit comprising a chitosan containing fiber and a solvent for at least partly dissolving the fiber.

Abstract: A spinning solution composition which provides regenerated silk fiber that exhibits a strength and elongation close to those of natural silk fiber, is rapidly degradable in vivo, and can be caused to have ability to gradually release a drug to prevent inflammation; a process for producing such regenerated silk fiber by use of the composition; and regenerated silk fiber obtained through the process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a suture including a drug-loaded polymer layer and a method of manufacturing the same, and more particularly, to a suture, the surface of which is wound with a film including a drug-loaded biodegradable polymer layer, or coated with a drug-loaded biodegradable polymer layer, and to a method of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a coating for a surgical filament including a vinyl lactam polymer and a lactone polymer.

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: 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: 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: Phosphorus-based coatings having a plurality of phosphate moieties, a plurality of phosphonate moieties, or both, covalently bonded to an oxide surface of an implantable substrate exhibiting one or more of the following characteristics: (a) the surface phosphorus-containing group density of the coated regions of the substrate is at least about 0.1 nmol/cm2; (b) the phosphorus-based coating has a thickness of less than about 10 nm; or (c) the surface phosphorus-containing group density of the coated regions of the substrate is equal to or greater than the surface hydroxyl group density of the oxide surface of the substrate. Implantable devices embodying the coated substrates are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to Shape Memory Polymers (SMP's) comprising function groups that allow the polymers to be elastically deformed, utilized in the elastically deformed state, and subsequently returned to the original polymorphic shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biodegradable suture-type cell delivery system, a preparation method thereof and a biodegradable suture comprising the same. The biodegradable suture-type cell delivery system has improved cell compatibility as a result of depositing a hydrophilic functional group-containing compound on the surface of a biodegradable suture yarn made of a biodegradable polymer, a portion of which has partially a bulky structure beneficial for the proliferation of cells or living tissue, so as to hydrophilically modify the surface, and then bonding a cell compatible material to the surface, and also functions as a cell culture scaffold, because the bulky structure is beneficial for the proliferation of cells. Accordingly, the biodegradable suture-type cell delivery system can improve the rate of engraftment of stem cells in vivo.

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 invention relates to thermoresponsive adhesives. The invention further relates to methods for the reversible attachment of retinal implants, other implants, and drug delivery devices.

Abstract: Vascular endothelial growth factor alternative splice variants and methods of their use 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.