Patent ID: 9125647
Filing Date: 2015-09-08
Classification: A61B,D02J,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of forming a self-retaining suture comprising the steps of: forming a plurality of retainers on an elongated suture body by inserting said suture into a retainer-forming machine, wherein said retainer-forming machine forms retainers in said suture; and performing a step of elevating the retainers away from the suture body, wherein the step of elevating the retainers comprises: after the retainers have been created by said retainer-forming machine, inserting the suture having retainers into an apparatus having at least one roller and at least one bending bar; drawing the suture through the apparatus over the at least one roller; and contacting the retainers with said at least one bending bar, wherein said bending bar physically applies a force to the retainers and bends the retainers back.