Self-retaining suture with variable dimension filament and method
US8641732B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 25, 2009 |
| Grant date | Feb 4, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 12, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/06176
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A self-retaining suture comprises a variable-dimension filament which varies in size and/or shape along the length of the filament. The variation in size and/or shape results in a variation in the distribution of filament material from one region of the filament to the next. The filament has retainers formed in the surface such that the filament can engage and retain tissue. The retainers are formed in a manner that makes use of regions of the filament where additional material is distributed. The resulting self-retaining suture has a greater minimum cross-section than would be created using an equivalent uniform filament. The resulting self-retaining suture consequently has a greater tensile strength. Methods for manufacturing the filament and retainers are also described.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.