Patent ID: 7857829
Filing Date: 2010-12-28
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of performing a cosmetic surgery on a breast using a barbed suture including an elongated body, first and second sharp pointed distal ends for penetrating tissue, and a plurality of barbs extending from the body, the barbs on a first portion of the body between the first end of the suture and a first axial location on the body permitting movement of the suture through the tissue in a direction of movement of the first end and preventing movement of the suture relative to the tissue in a direction opposite the direction of movement of the first end, and the barbs on a second portion of the body between the second end of the suture and a second axial location on the body which is less than the distance from the second end to the first axial location permitting movement of the suture through the tissue in a direction of movement of the second end and preventing movement of the suture relative to the tissue in a direction opposite the direction of movement of the second end, the method comprising the steps of: (a) inserting the first pointed end at an insertion point on the surface of a person's body; (b) pushing the first end of the suture through soft tissue until the first end of the suture extends out of the soft tissue at an exit point; (c) gripping and pulling the first end of the suture to draw the first portion of the suture through the soft tissue until the second axial location is proximate to the point of insertion of the first end of the suture and leaving a length of the first portion of the suture in the soft tissue between the point of insertion and exit point of the first end; (d) inserting the second pointed end of the suture at the point of insertion of the first end; (e) pushing the second end of the suture through breast tissue until the second end of the suture extends out of the breast tissue at an exit point; (f) gripping and pulling the second end of the suture to draw the second portion of the suture through the breast tissue until the second axial location is proximate to the point of insertion of the second end of the suture and leaving a length of the second portion of the suture in the breast tissue between the point of insertion and exit point of the second end; and (g) manually grouping and advancing the breast tissue relative to at least the second portion of the suture to provide a desired amount of lift.