Patent ID: 9675341
Date: 2017-06-13
CPC Classifications: A61B

Claim:
1. A removable bidirectional self-retaining suture, the suture comprising: a. a first end, a second end, and a periphery; b. a plurality of retainers, the plurality of retainers located on a first portion of the suture between the first end of the suture and a first axial location on the suture for permitting movement of the suture through tissue in a direction of movement of the first end and preventing movement of the suture through tissue in a direction opposite the direction of movement of the first end, and the plurality of retainers on a second portion of the suture between the second end of the suture and a second axial location on the suture permitting movement of the suture through tissue in a direction of movement of the second end and preventing movement of the suture through tissue in a direction opposite the direction of movement of the second end; and c. a grasp engagement element comprising a rigid continuous loop or polygon integrally formed with the suture between the first and second axial locations.