Patent ID: 8222564
Filing Date: 2012-07-17
Classification: A61B,D06M,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of altering a surgical fiber, comprising the steps of: providing a surgical fiber, at least a portion of the surgical fiber defining a first axis; providing an irradiating device for emitting at least one beam; directing the at least one beam at the surgical fiber for a time and with an intensity sufficient to remove material therefrom such that a reduced portion is formed configured and dimensioned for coupling with a surgical needle, wherein the step of directing the at least one beam at the surgical fiber includes directing the at least one beam substantially along the first axis such that the material is removed from an internal region of the surgical fiber to thereby form a cavity; and applying a force to the surgical fiber subsequent to the creation of the cavity to thereby reduce an initial outer dimension of the surgical fiber.