Laser cutting system and methods for creating self-retaining sutures

Abstract

A laser-machining system and method is disclosed for forming retainers on a suture thread. The laser system is preferably a femtosecond laser system which is capable of creating submicron features on the suture thread while preserving strength of the suture thread. The laser-machining system enables creation of retainers and self-retaining suture systems in configurations which are difficult and / or impossible to achieve using mechanical cutting technology.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a National Stage application under 35 U.S.C. 371 of PCT / US2011 / 035270, filed on May 4, 2011, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 331,294, filed on May 4, 2010 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 331,302, filed on May 4, 2010.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to laser-cutting equipment and methods of manufacturing self-retaining suture systems for surgical procedures.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION[0003]Wound closure devices such as sutures, staples and tacks have been widely used in superficial and deep surgical procedures in humans and animals for closing wounds, repairing traumatic injuries or defects, joining tissues together (bringing severed tissues into approximation, closing an anatomical space, affixing single or multiple tissue layers together, creating an anastomosis between two hollow / luminal structures, adjoining tissues, attaching or reattachin...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a laser cutting apparatus and methods for creating retainers on a suture thread. The apparatus includes a stabilizing apparatus for stabilizing the suture during laser-cutting of retainers. Overall, the invention improves the design of the suture by eliminating limitations and adding functionality.

Problems solved by technology

Knot tying takes time and causes a range of complications, including, but not limited to (i) spitting (a condition where the suture, usually a knot) pushes through the skin after a subcutaneous closure), (ii) infection (bacteria are often able to attach and grow in the spaces created by a knot), (iii) bulk / mass (a significant amount of suture material left in a wound is the portion that comprises the knot), (iv) slippage (knots can slip or come untied), and (v) irritation (knots serve as a bulk “foreign body” in a wound).

Suture loops associated with knot tying may lead to ischemia (knots can create tension points that can strangulate tissue and limit blood flow to the region) and increased risk of dehiscence or rupture at the surgical wound.

Knot tying is also labor intensive and can comprise a significant percentage of the time spent closing a surgical wound.

Additional operative procedure time is not only bad for the patient (complication rates rise with time spent under anesthesia), but it also adds to the overall cost of the operation (many surgical procedures are estimated to cost between $15 and $30 per minute of operating time).

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