A tapered suture having a core region of a first diameter and at least one tail region of a second diameter, the second diameter being smaller than the first diameter. In one embodiment, the core region is in the center of the suture strand, between two ends of a smaller diameter. The diameter of the suture tapers from the core region to the tail region(s). The suture is made from a material having high strength, and the tapered ends facilitate loading of the suture into instruments intra-operatively.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a tapered suture of the present invention; and
FIG. 2 illustrates a second embodiment of a tapered suture of the present invention.
Claims
1. A suture strand suitable for use as a suture or ligature, comprising:
a first portion having a first diameter; andat least one second portion having a second diameter, wherein the second portion is at a first end region of the suture strand;wherein the first diameter is larger than the second diameter.
2. The suture strand of claim 1, further comprising a second end portion at an opposite end region of the suture strand from the first end region, such that the first portion having a larger diameter is disposed between the two second portions at the end regions of the suture strand.
3. The suture strand of claim 1, wherein the transition between the first portion and the second portion of the suture strand is a gradual taper, formed by braiding.
4. The suture strand of claim 1, wherein the transition between the first portion and the second portion of the suture strand is formed by splicing the first and second portions together.
5. The suture strand of claim 1, wherein the first portion and the second portion of the suture strand are provided in contrasting colors or striping.
6. The suture strand of claim 1, wherein the suture strand is formed of a strand material comprising a high strength material.
7. The suture strand of claim 6, wherein the strand material further comprises a bioabsorbable material.
8. The suture strand of claim 7, wherein the bioabsorbable material comprises poly-L-lactide, and poly-DL-lactide.
9. The suture strand of claim 6, wherein the strand material is coated with a material comprising wax, silicone, polytetrafluroethylene, and polybutylate acid.
10. The suture strand of claim 1, wherein the second portion has an end coated with a plastic material.
11. The suture strand of claim 1, wherein the second portion has an end impregnated with a plastic material.
Patent Application
20070213770
