Abstract: A surgical suture having a coating thereon of at least one polyvinyl ester, and a method for improving the knot tiedown performance of a suture by first coating a polyvinyl ester solution onto the surface of the suture and then removing the solvent from the coated suture.

Abstract: Low molecular weight absorbable copolymers of p-dioxanone with lactide and/or glycolide are used as coatings for surgical filaments to improve tactile smoothness and tie-down properties. These copolymers are prepared by reacting p-dioxanone with lactide and/or glycolide in the presence of an initiator such as a mono- or polyhydric alcohol or a hydroxy acid.

Abstract: The storage stability of a polymeric article susceptible to hydrolytic degradation, e.g., an absorbable suture, is improved by applying a storage stabilizing amount of a mixture comprising at least one water soluble hygroscopic polyhydroxy compound and/or ester thereof, e.g., glycerol, monoacetin, diacetin, and the like, and at least one compound having the general formula ##STR1## and hydreates thereof to the article as storage stabilizing agent, said agent being retained by the article prior to sealing of the enclosure in which the suture is packaged.

Abstract: Crystalline copolymers of .epsilon.-caprolactone and a monomer having the formula: ##STR1## Surgical filaments, especially monofilament sutures, prepared by melt spinning the crystalline copolymers described above.

Abstract: The storage stability of a polymeric article susceptible to hydrolytic degradation, e.g., an absorbable suture manufactured from a polymer of glycolic acid, glycolide, lactic acid, lactide or combination thereof, is improved by applying a storage stabilizing amount of at least one water soluble hygroscopic polyhydroxy compound and/or ester thereof, e.g., glycerol, monoacetin, diacetin, and the like, to the article as storage stabilizing agent, said agent being retained by the article prior to sealing of the enclosure in which the suture is packaged.

Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of D,L-Lactide which can be used directly in polymerization reactions.

Abstract: Biocompatible, biodegradable poly(amide- and imide-co-anhydride)s are described which are useful for biological applications such as biodegradable controlled release devices for drug delivery, site-specific drug carriers, matrices for cell attachment, and for bioabsorbable sutures.

Abstract: A crystalline copolyester of p-diaxanone and a prepolymer of lactide and glycolide, and absorbable surgical filaments derived therefrom.

Abstract: The invention involves the use of absorbable or absorbable/nonabsorbable components to fabricate textile vascular grafts of all sizes and specifically for repair of the peripheral vascular system and for coronary bypass use. The bioabsorbable component of the graft fosters increased tissue ingrowth into the graft as compared to conventional 100% nonabsorbable grafts. Increased tissue ingrowth leads to greater patency through formation of a vascularized neointima and less tendency to be aneurysmal through formation of a suitable adventitia. The absorbable component can be a variety of materials, including PGA, MAXON.TM., etc., whereas the nonabsorbable component (to be used as the backbone) can be new materials, e.g. NOVAFIL.RTM., or more conventional polymers, including polyester, polyamide or polypropylene.

Abstract: The invention relates to a meso-lactide having a melting point of 52.8.degree. C., processes for its preparation, and its use in the preparation of resorbable polymers and copolymers.

Abstract: Braided multifilament sutures exhibiting excellent tie-down performance and knot security are provided. The sutures of the invention comprise synthetic, textured braided sutures coated with a coating composition for lubricating the sutures.

Abstract: A surgical repair device having a length to width ratio of greater than one is disclosed. The device has an absorbable component consisting essentially of a first plurality of fibers. Each fiber of the first plurality of fibers is prepared from poly(butylene terephthalate) or a polymer having a glycolic or lactic acid ester linkage. The deivce also has a nonabsorbable component consisting of a second plurality of fibers. Each fiber of the second plurality of fibers is prepared from a polyether-ester block copolymer. The device comprises about ten percent of the first plurality of fibers and about ninety percent of the second plurality of fibers. The majority of the first and of the second plurality of fibers is essentially in the lengthwise direction of the device. The device can be knitted or woven. In one embodiment, the device is a connective tissue repair device.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel copolymers containing carbonate repeat units and ester repeat units.

Abstract: Polypropylene surgical monofilaments sutures of improved compliance are made by drawing polypropylene monofilament to a greater extent than its natural draw ratio, followed by annealing with shrinkage.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing surgical sutures that have an elastomeric and porous structure. The elastomeric and porous structure is formed from a mixture including a polymer material and an elutable solvent therefor, which mixture is extruded into an aqueous liquid and pulled therethrough.