Patent ID: 7001410
Filing Date: 2006-02-21
Classification: A61B,A61P

Abstract:
1. A method for sealing an opening made by any means in a mammalian body, comprising the steps of: providing an elongate suture of a preselected dehydrated material that expands in response to a predetermined stimulus; forming said elongate suture entirely of said preselected dehydrated material; selecting a cross-linked polypeptide as said preselected dehydrated material; adapting said elongate suture to be pulled by a needle so that said elongate suture is used to sew closed said opening; dimensioning said elongate suture so that it has a diameter slightly less than a diameter of said needle, there being an annular clearance space about said elongate suture equal to half the difference in the diameter of said needle and the diameter of said elongate suture; applying said predetermined stimulus to said elongate suture until said elongate suture seals said clearance space; whereby said elongate suture, when expanded, prevents flow of liquid or gaseous fluid through said clearance space.