Patent · US Active

Biodegradable shape memory polymeric sutures

US8834522B2 · kind B2 · utility

1Cited by

12References

12Claims

0Family size

Assignee

Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht Zentrum für Material- und Küstenforschung GmbH

Inventors

Andreas Lendlein · Berlin, DE
Robert S. Langer · Newton, US

Key dates

Filing date	Aug 28, 2012
Grant date	Sep 16, 2014
Priority date	—
Expiry date	Oct 13, 2032

Classification

Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
CPC primaryA61L2400/16
WIPO fieldMedical technology
WIPO sectorInstruments

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.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.