Patent ID: 8011072
Filing Date: 2011-09-06
Classification: A61B,B21J,B26D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for cutting barbs on a suture thread having a longitudinal axis, the method comprising: (a) setting the suture thread on a support; (b) moving a blade along a selected path relative to the support whereby the blade passes through the suture thread to create a first barb at a first location on the suture thread; (c) changing the angle of the blade during step (b); (d) indexing the suture thread wherein indexing the suture thread includes at least one of rotating the suture thread about the longitudinal axis and translating the suture thread along the longitudinal axis; and (e) moving the blade along said selected path relative to the support whereby the blade passes through the suture thread to create a second barb at a second location on the suture thread.