PATENT DOCUMENT

Abstract:
A barbed suture with a first end and a second end and a body with a plurality of barbs extending from the body. Each barb causes the suture to resist movement in an opposite direction from which the barb faces. Projections extend from said suture. The projections can also engage tissue. The barbs cover the projections when the first end of the suture is moved in tissue and exposes the projections in order to engage tissue when the suture is moved in the direction of the second end through tissue.

Full Description:
CLAIM TO PRIORITY 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/065,280, filed Sep. 30, 2002, now pending, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates, in general, to a barbed suture useful for connecting bodily tissue in various surgical contexts, and more particularly, to the optimization of the disposition and/or configuration of the barbs on such barbed sutures. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Various surgical methods employing sutures have been used in the past for closing or binding together wounds in human or animal tissue, such as skin, muscles, tendons, internal organs, nerves, blood vessels, and the like. More specifically, the surgeon may use a surgical needle with an attached conventional suture (which can be a smooth monofilament or can be a multi-filament) to pierce the tissue alternately on opposing faces of the wound and thus sew the wound closed. Whether the wound is accidental or surgical, loop stitching is the method often used, especially for surface wounds. The surgical needle is then removed and the ends of the suture are tied, typically with at least three overhand throws to form a knot. 
     As is well known, conventional sutures can be of non-absorbable material such as silk, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, or cotton, or can be of bio-absorbable material such as glycolic acid polymers and copolymers or lactic acid polymers and copolymers. 
     Since the time of their conception, barbed sutures, which are generally of the same materials as conventional sutures, have offered numerous advantages over closing wounds with conventional sutures. A barbed suture includes an elongated body that has one or more spaced barbs, which project from the body surface along the body length. The barbs are arranged to allow passage of the barbed suture in one direction through tissue but resist movement of the barbed suture in the opposite direction. Thus, the main advantage of barbed sutures has been the provision of a non-slip attribute. Accordingly, barbed sutures do not have to be knotted, like conventional sutures. Like a conventional suture, a barbed suture may be inserted into tissue using a surgical needle. 
     For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 3,123,077 to Alcamo describes an elongated cord for sewing human flesh, where the cord has a body portion and sharp-edged, resilient barbs projecting from the body at acute angles relative to the body. The barbed suture can be passed through tissue in one direction, but resists movement in the opposite direction. 
     Sutures with barbs disposed in a bidirectional arrangement, also called double-armed sutures, are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,931,855 to Buncke and U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,747 to Ruff More particularly, the suture has barbs facing toward one end of the suture for about half the suture length and barbs facing in the opposite direction toward the other end of the suture for the other half of the suture length. This arrangement allows the barbs to move in the same direction as each respective suture end is inserted into the first and second sides of a wound. Such bi-directional barbed sutures not only are especially suitable for closing wounds with edges prone to separation, but also obviate the need to secure suture ends together with knotted loops. 
     Of interest is European Published Patent Application No. 1,075,843 A1 to Sulamanidze and Mikhailov, published Feb. 2, 2001, derived from PCT/RU99/00263 (published as WO 00/51658 on Sep. 8, 2000), priority to RU 991 03732 (Mar. 3, 1999), which shows conical barbs arranged sequentially along the length of a thread and oriented in a direction opposite to that of the thread tension, with the distance between barbs being not less than 1.5 times the thread diameter. 
     Also of interest is U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,376 to Ruff. This patent shows an insertion device that is useful for positioning a barbed suture in order to close a wound. The insertion device has a tubular body for receiving a barbed suture, and preferably also has a handle to facilitate manipulation of the device by the surgeon. The insertion device is recommended for use with a barbed suture where the suture portion being inserted includes barbs facing a direction opposed to the direction of insertion. Such sutures with barbs opposing the direction of insertion are also shown in &#39;376 to Ruff. 
     The disclosures of all patents and patent applications mentioned here are incorporated by reference. 
     Escarpment of barbs into a monofilament, depending on the barb cut depth, reduces the straight pull tensile strength since the effective suture diameter is decreased. However, the straight pull tensile strength of a barbed suture should be compared to the minimum knot pull strength of a conventional suture (a non-barbed suture) in accordance with the United States Pharmacopoeia since failure of conventional sutures (which have to be knotted and must meet a minimum knot pull tensile strength) occurs most frequently at the knot due to increased local stress. 
     To optimize the performance of a barbed suture, it is advantageous to consider varying the barb geometry (barb cut angle, barb cut depth, barb cut length, barb cut distance, etc.) and/or the spatial arrangement of the barbs. This should not only enhance the tensile strength of a barbed suture, but also should enhance the ability of a barbed suture in holding and maintaining wound edges together. Unlike conventional sutures, which place tensions directly at the knots, barbed sutures can spread out the tension along the escarped suture length, often evenly along the length. Optimizing the disposition and/or the configuration of the barbs should therefore further increase the effectiveness of the new barbed suture in maximizing the holding strength and minimizing the gap formation along the wound edges. The latter is particularly beneficial for promoting wound healing. 
     Also, such new barbed sutures should approximate tissue quickly with appropriate tension, alleviate distortion of tissue, and help to minimize scarring, due to the self-retaining benefits imparted by the barbs. The new barbed sutures would be especially useful in surgeries where minimization of scarring is imperative, such as cosmetic surgery, as well as in surgeries where space is limited, such as endoscopic surgery or microsurgery. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the present invention provides a barbed suture for connecting human or animal tissue. The barbed suture comprises an elongated body having a first end and a second end. The barbed suture further comprises a plurality of barbs projecting from the body. Each barb is adapted for enabling the barbed suture to resist movement, when in tissue, in the direction that is opposite from the direction in which that barb faces. The barbed suture further comprises the barbs being disposed on the body in a disposition selected from a staggered disposition, a twist cut multiple spiral disposition, an overlapping disposition, a random disposition, or combinations thereof. 
     For the staggered disposition, the twist cut multiple spiral disposition, and/or the overlapping disposition, the barbs may all be facing toward only one of the first and second ends. Alternatively, the barbed suture may have at least a first portion and a second portion, where the barbs of the first portion are facing toward the first end and the barbs of the second portion are facing toward the second end. 
     Also, in an alternative embodiment, the present invention provides a barbed suture for connecting human or animal tissue, where the suture comprises an elongated body having a first end and a second end. The suture further comprises a plurality of barbs projecting from the body. Each barb is adapted for enabling the suture to resist movement, when the suture is in tissue, in the direction that is opposite from the direction in which that barb faces. The suture further comprises the barbs having a configuration selected from a barb cut angle θ ranging from about 140 degrees to about 175 degrees, a barb cut depth with a ratio of cut depth to suture diameter ranging from about 0.05 to about 0.6, a barb cut length with a ratio of cut length to suture diameter ranging from about 0.2 to about 2, a barb cut distance with a ratio of cut distance to suture diameter ranging from about 0.1 to about 6, a corrugated underside, an arcuate base, varying sizes, or combinations thereof. 
     For the twist cut multiple spiral disposition, the barbed suture preferably has a spirality a angle ranging from about 5 degrees to about 25 degrees. 
     For the overlapping disposition, it is meant that at least two adjacent barbs are disposed where one overlaps the other. During escarpment of the barbs, the overlapping is created by a barb (i.e., the overlapping barb) being escarped into the topside of another adjacent barb (i.e., the overlapped barb), and so on. Hence, part of the topside of the overlapped barb becomes part of the underside of the overlapping barb, and so on. Thus, with the overlapping disposition, the barb cut distance between the overlapping barb and the overlapped barb may be shorter than the barb cut length of overlapped second barb, whereas, in general for barbed sutures, the barb cut distance between two barbs ≧ the barb cut length. 
     In still another embodiment, the present invention provides a barbed suture for connecting human or animal tissue in combination with a surgical needle, where the combination comprises a barbed suture attached to a surgical needle. The suture comprises a plurality of barbs projecting from an elongated body having a first end and a second end. Each barb is adapted for enabling the suture to resist movement, when the suture is in tissue, in the direction that is opposite from the direction in which that barb faces. The ratio of the surgical needle diameter to the suture diameter preferably is about 3:1 or less. Suitably, any of the inventive barbed sutures described here may be attached to a surgical needle. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a side view of one embodiment of the present invention, showing a barbed suture with barbs disposed in a 180 degree staggered spacing; 
         FIG. 1B  is a sectional view along line  1 B- 1 B of the barbed suture in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 2A  is a side view of another embodiment of the present invention, showing a barbed suture that is bi-directional with barbs disposed in a 180 degree staggered spacing; 
         FIG. 2B  is a sectional view along line  2 B- 2 B of the barbed suture in  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 3A  is a side view of another embodiment of the present invention, showing a barbed suture with barbs disposed in a 120 degree staggered spacing; 
         FIG. 3B  is a sectional view along line  3 B- 3 B of the barbed suture in  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 4A  is a side view of another embodiment of the present invention, showing a barbed suture that is bidirectional with barbs disposed in a 120 degree staggered spacing; 
         FIG. 4B  is a sectional view along line  4 B- 4 B of the barbed suture in  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 5A  is a side view of another embodiment of the present invention, showing a barbed suture with barbs disposed in a twist cut multiple spiral disposition; 
         FIG. 5B  is a sectional view along line  5 B- 5 B of the barbed suture in  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 6A  is a side view of another embodiment of the present invention, showing a barbed suture that is bidirectional with barbs disposed in a twist cut multiple spiral disposition; 
         FIG. 6B  is a sectional view along line  6 B- 6 B of the barbed suture in  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 7A  is a sectional side view of a barbed suture, which is bidirectional with barbs disposed in a twist cut multiple spiral disposition like the barbed suture in  FIG. 6A , but illustrated in an enlarged section; 
         FIG. 7B  is the sectional side view as illustrated in  FIG. 7A , but rotated and clamped to align the barbs for measurement of the cut distance between the barbs; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of another embodiment of the present invention, showing a barbed suture with barbs in a random disposition; 
         FIG. 9  is a sectional side view of another embodiment of the present invention, showing a barbed suture having a barb with a corrugated or serrated underside; 
         FIG. 10A  is a sectional perspective view another embodiment of the present invention, showing a barbed suture having a barb with an arcuate base; 
         FIG. 10B  is a sectional top plan view of the barbed suture in  FIG. 10A ; 
         FIG. 10C  is a cross-sectional view along line  10 C- 10 C of  FIG. 10B ; 
         FIG. 10D  is a cross-sectional view along line  10 D- 10 D of  FIG. 10B ; 
         FIG. 11  is a sectional side view of another embodiment of the present invention, showing a barbed suture with barbs of various sizes; 
         FIG. 12A  is a sectional perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention, showing a barbed suture with barbs in an overlapping disposition; 
         FIG. 12B  is a perspective view of a portion of the overlapping barbs of the suture of  FIG. 12A ; 
         FIG. 12C  is a plan view of the portion of barbs of  FIG. 12B ; 
         FIG. 12D  is a side view along line  12 D- 12 D of  FIG. 12C ; and 
         FIGS. 13A ,  13 B,  13 C, and  13 D show various surgical needles, where a barbed suture is attached to each surgical needle. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As used here, the term wound means a surgical incision, cut, laceration, severed tissue or accidental wound in human or animal skin or other human or animal bodily tissue, or other condition in a human or animal where suturing, stapling, or the use of another tissue connecting device may be required. 
     Also as used here, the term tissue includes, but is not limited to, tissues such as skin, fat, fascia, bone, muscle, organs, nerves, or blood vessels, or fibrous tissues such as tendons or ligaments. 
     Moreover, the term polymer as used here generally includes, but is not limited to, homopolymers, copolymers (such as block, graft, random and alternating copolymers), terpolymers, et cetera, and blends and modifications thereof Furthermore, the term polymer shall include all possible structures of the material. These structures include, but are not limited to, isotactic, syndiotactic, and random symmetries. 
     Although the sutures are described below in a preferred embodiment with a circular cross section, the sutures could also have a non-circular cross sectional shape that could increase the surface area and facilitate the formation of the barbs. Other cross sectional shapes may include, but are not limited to, oval, triangle, square, parallelepiped, trapezoid, rhomboid, pentagon, hexagon, cruciform, and the like. Typically, barbs are cut into a polymeric filament that has been formed by extrusion using a die with a circular cross section, and thus, the cross section of the filament will be circular, as that is what results during such extrusion. However, extrusion dies can be custom made with any desired cross-sectional shape. 
     Hence, the term diameter as used here is intended to mean the transverse length of the cross section, regardless of whether the cross section is circular or some other shape. 
     Suitable diameters for the inventive sutures described below may range from about 0.001 mm to about 1 mm, and of course, the diameter may be from about 0.01 mm to about 0.9 mm, or from about 0.015 mm to about 0.8 mm The typical diameter ranges from about 0.01 mm to about 0.5 mm The length of the suture can vary depending on several factors such as the length and/or depth of the wound to be closed, the type of tissue to be joined, the location of the wound, and the like. Typical suture lengths range from about 1 cm to about 30 cm, more particularly from about 2 cm to about 22 cm. 
     The terms staggered and staggering as used here in relation to the disposition of barbs on a suture are intended to mean that the suture has at least two sets of barbs that are offset with respect to each other, where the first set is aligned longitudinally on the suture and the second set is aligned longitudinally on the suture, but a plane perpendicular to the suture and cutting transversely through the suture and intersecting the base of a barb of the first set will not intersect the base of a barb of the second set. 
     The barbs project from the exterior surface of the suture body on which the barbs are disposed. Depending on the intended end use of the barbed suture, barbs of different sizes may be employed. In general, larger barbs are more suitable for joining certain types of tissue such as fat tissue or soft tissue. On the other hand, smaller barbs are more suitable for joining other types of tissue, such as collagen dense tissue. 
     As noted above, barbed sutures may be made from the same materials used for making conventional loop sutures. Any particular chosen material for the barbed suture depends on the strength and flexibility requirements. 
     More specifically, barbed sutures may be formed from a bio-absorbable material that allows the suture to degrade and thus to be absorbed over time into the tissue as the wound heals. Generally, bio-absorbable materials are polymeric, and depending on the particular polymer selected, the degradation time in the wound ranges from about 1 month to over 24 months. The use of bio-absorbable materials eliminates the necessity of removing the sutures from the patient. 
     Various bio-absorbable polymers include, but are not limited to, polydioxanone, polylactide, polyglycolide, polycaprolactone, and copolymers thereof Commercially available examples are polydioxanone (sold as PDS II, a trade name used by Ethicon for selling surgical sutures), copolymer of about 67% glycolide and about 33% trimethylene carbonate (sold as MAXON®, a trademark registered to American Cyanamid for surgical sutures), and copolymer of about 75% glycolide and about 25% caprolactone (sold as MONOCRYL®, a trademark registered to Johnson &amp; Johnson for sutures and suture needles). Barbed sutures made from such bio-absorbable materials are useful in a wide range of applications. 
     Additionally, barbed sutures may be formed from a non-absorbable material, which may be a polymer. Such polymers include, but are not limited to, polypropylene, polyamide (also known as nylon), polyester (such as polyethylene terephthlate, abbreviated here as PET), polytetrafluoroethylene (such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, abbreviated here as ePTFE and sold by Gore as GORTEX®) polyether-ester (such as polybutester, which is the condensation polymerization of dimethyl terephthlate, polytetramethylene ether glycol, and 1,4-butanediol, and which is marketed by Davis &amp; Geck and by U.S. Surgical, companies owned by Tyco, under the name NOVAFIL®, which is a trademark registered to American Cyanamid for surgical sutures), or polyurethane. Alternatively, the non-absorbable material may be metal (e.g., steel), metal alloys, natural fiber (e.g., silk, cotton, et cetera), and the like. 
     Most of the barbed sutures discussed below are described as having their ends being pointed and formed of a material sufficiently stiff to allow for piercing tissue. It is contemplated that the ends of the barbed sutures may comprise a surgical needle. In this embodiment, the barbed suture is adapted for attachment, such as by swaging, channel wrapping, heat shrinking, or eyelet threading to the surgical needle for insertion into tissue. 
     Attachment by swaging is well described and is typically accomplished by inserting the suture end into the surgical needle hole that is longitudinally disposed at one end of the surgical needle (usually the hole has been drilled longitudinally into one end of the needle), followed by crimping the resultant about the needle hole so that the suture is secured to the surgical needle for insertion into tissue. Also, some surgical needles with a longitudinal hole in one end are heat-shrinkable tubes that are heat shrunk after insertion of the suture in order to attach the suture to the surgical needle. Additionally, some surgical needles have a channel or trough at one end, and the suture is laid in the trough, followed by wrapping to secure the suture to the surgical needle. Surgical needles with a conventional eyelet type of hole transversely disposed in one end of the surgical needle could also be used, but are not preferred for barbed sutures. For the present invention, part of the discussion below regards surgical needles swaged with barbed sutures, but it is contemplated that any other suitable means of attaching needles can be employed. 
     Attachment of sutures and surgical needles is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,981,307 Borysko, U.S. Pat. No. 5,084,063 to Korthoff, U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,418 to Granger et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,123,911 to Granger et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,991 to Demarest et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,991 to Colligan, U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,216 to Esteves et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,163,948 to Esteves et al. A method for the manufacture of surgical needles is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,982 to Rizk et al. Further, it is noted that the surgical needle may be coated, the coating allowing for the needle of the inventive combination surgical needle/barbed suture to be inserted into tissue with less force than if the surgical needle were not coated. The coating may be a polymer, for instance, a silicone resin coating. For example, an improved siliconized surgical needle that requires significantly less force to effect tissue penetration than a standard siliconized surgical needle is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,258,013 to Granger et al. 
     The barbs are disposed in various arrangements on the body of the suture. The barbs may be formed using any suitable method, including injection molding, stamping, cutting, laser, and the like. With regard to cutting, in general, polymeric threads or filaments are purchased, and then the barbs are cut onto the filament body. 
     The cutting may be manual, but that is labor intensive and not cost effective. 
     A very suitable cutting machine is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/943,733 to Genova et al., assignors to Quill Medical, filed Aug. 31, 2001, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. Such a cutting machine has a plurality of blades for escarpment of barbs onto a suture filament. A typical cutting machine for manufacturing barbed sutures utilizes a cutting bed, a vise, one or more blade assemblies, and sometimes a template or guide for the blades. The suture filament is placed in the bed and held by the vise, with the transverse direction of the blades generally disposed in the transverse direction of the suture filament, in order to cut a plurality of axially spaced barbs disposed on the exterior of a suture filament. 
     With reference now to the drawings, where like reference numerals designate corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views, shown in  FIG. 1A  is a side view of a barbed suture according to the present invention and generally designated at 1. 
     Suture  1  includes elongated body  2  that is generally circular in cross section and that terminates in end  4 . End  4  is illustrated in one embodiment as being pointed for penetrating tissue, but it is contemplated that end  4  may comprise a surgical needle (not shown) for insertion into tissue. (The other end is not shown.) Also, suture  1  includes plurality of closely spaced barbs  7 ,  9  arranged in a staggered uni-directional disposition. More specifically, axially spaced barbs  7  are radially arranged about 180 degrees from and staggered with respect to axially spaced barbs  9 , with barbs  7 ,  9  facing pointed end  4 . First set of barbs  7  define a plane that is substantially coplanar with the plane defined by second set of barbs  9 , and consequently, barbs  7 ,  9  define substantially the same one plane due to the radial 180 degree arrangement. 
       FIG. 1B , which is a cross sectional view along line  1 B- 1 B of suture  1  in  FIG. 1A , more clearly illustrates angle X, namely the radial 180 degree arrangement of barbs  7  with respect to barbs  9 . As also can be seen from  FIG. 1B , the stippling illustrates that first barb  7  of barbs  7  is closer to pointed end  4  (not shown in  FIG. 1B ), and thus, seems to be larger than farther away first barb  9  of barbs  9 , due to the staggering. A transverse plane that is perpendicular to suture body  2  and that intersects the base of one barb  7  of barbs  7  does not intersect the base of any barb  9  of barbs  9 . 
     Suture  1  may be made with a cutting machine that produces two sets of barbs  7 ,  9 , usually one set at a time, in a staggered position along suture  1 , such as the cutting device described in the above-noted Ser. No. 09/943,733 to Genova et al. 
     First set of barbs  7  is created by placing and holding a suture filament in the vise, and then, the set of blades, with a predetermined length, splices into the suture filament at an angle selected to create barbs  7  pointing in one direction toward pointed end  4 . Second set of barbs  9  is created similarly after offsetting the blades longitudinally (to create the staggering) approximately half of the longitudinal distance between two of barbs  7  and also rotating the suture filament about 180 degrees on the vise, which is equipped to accommodate first set of barbs  7  that are already cut. 
     Shown in  FIG. 2A  is suture  10 , which is another embodiment of the present invention and is like suture  1 , except that suture  10  is bidirectional. Suture  10  includes elongated body  12  that is generally circular in cross section. Elongated body  12  terminates in first and second pointed ends  14 ,  16  for penetrating tissue. Also, it is contemplated that one or both ends  14 ,  16  may comprise a surgical needle (not shown) for insertion into tissue. Also, suture  10  includes plurality of closely spaced barbs  17 ,  18 ,  19 ,  20  arranged in a staggered bidirectional disposition. 
     More specifically, plurality of axially spaced barbs  17  are radially arranged about 180 degrees from and staggered with respect to plurality of axially spaced barbs  19 , with barbs  17 ,  19  facing pointed end  14  for a portion (about half of the length) of suture  10 . Similarly, plurality of axially spaced barbs  18  are radially arranged about 180 degrees from and staggered with respect to plurality of axially spaced barbs  20 , with barbs  18 ,  20  facing pointed end  16  for another portion (approximately the other half of the length) of suture  10 . First set of barbs  17 ,  18  define a plane that is substantially coplanar with the plane defined by second set of barbs  19 ,  20 . As a result, all of barbs  17 ,  18 ,  19 ,  20  define substantially the same one plane due to the radial 180 degree arrangement of first set of barbs  17 ,  18  with respect to second set of barbs  19 ,  20 . 
       FIG. 2B  is a cross sectional view along line  2 B- 2 B of suture  10  in  FIG. 2A , more clearly illustrating angle X, namely the radial 180 degree arrangement. Due to the staggering, first barb  17  of barbs  17  is closer to pointed end  14  (not shown in  FIG. 2B ), and thus, appears larger than farther away first barb  19  of barbs  19 , as is illustrated by the stippling. A transverse plane that is perpendicular to suture body  12  and that intersects the base of one barb  17  of barbs  17  does not intersect the base of any barb  19  of barbs  19 . Likewise, a transverse plane that is perpendicular to suture body  12  and that intersects the base of one barb  18  of barbs  18  does not intersect the base of any barb  20  of barbs  20 . 
     Suture  10  may be made with the same cutting machine as suture  1 , such as the cutting device described in the above-noted Ser. No. 09/943,733 to Genova et al., except with the following change in blade direction. 
     For first set of bidirectional barbs  17 ,  18 , after the suture filament is placed and held in the vise, the blades splice with a first cutting action into approximately half of the length of the suture filament to create barbs  17  facing in one direction toward pointed end  14 . Next, the blades are rotated 180 degrees so that they are now disposed in the opposite direction and over the uncut half of the length. The blades are then allowed to splice into the other half of the length of the suture filament with a second cutting action to create barbs  18  facing in the opposite direction toward pointed end  16 . 
     Next, the blades are offset longitudinally (to create the staggering) about half of the longitudinal distance between two of barbs  17 , and also the suture filament is rotated about 180 degrees on the vice, which is equipped to accommodate first set of bidirectional barbs  17 ,  18  that are already cut. Then, for second set of bidirectional barbs  19 ,  20 , the blades splice with a first cutting action into approximately half the length of the suture filament to create barbs  20  facing in one direction toward pointed end  16 . The first cutting action is followed by rotating the blades longitudinally 180 degrees so that they are now disposed in the opposite direction and over the uncut half of the length. The blades are then allowed to splice into the other half of the length of the suture filament with a second cutting action to create barbs  19  facing in the opposite direction toward pointed end  14 . 
     In an alternative embodiment (not shown) for bidirectional suture  10 , the portion of suture  10  with barbs  17 ,  19  may have them facing toward pointed end  16  and the portion of suture  10  with barbs  18 ,  20  may have them facing toward pointed end  14 . With this variation, the barbed suture would be inserted into tissue with an insertion device, such as that shown in the above-noted U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,376 to Ruff. Additionally, it is noted that, if desired, barbs may be escarped so that there may be two portions with barbs facing one end and one portion with barbs facing the other end, or two portions with barbs facing one end and two portions with barbs facing the other end, and so on (not shown), and thus, if a portion of barbs is not facing the suture end to which those barbs are adjacent, then, the barbed suture would be inserted into tissue with an insertion device. 
     An advantage of a barbed suture having a radial 180 degree arrangement with staggering is that the 180 degree spacing is readily fabricated on relatively small diameter filaments and the staggering improves anchoring performance. Thus, in thin and delicate tissue, where a smaller suture is desirable, the staggered 180 degree spacing generates effective anchoring performance. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 3A , depicted is a side view of another embodiment of a suture according to the present invention, and generally designated at suture  30 . Suture  30  is like suture  1  shown in  FIG. 1A , except that the radial spacing for suture  30  is 120 degrees instead of 180 degrees as is shown for suture  1 . 
     More particularly, suture  30  includes elongated body  32  that is generally circular in cross section and that terminates in pointed end  34  for penetrating tissue. It is contemplated that end  34  may comprise a surgical needle (not shown) so that the suture can be inserted into tissue. (The other end is not shown.) Additionally, suture  30  includes plurality of closely spaced barbs  35 ,  37 ,  39  arranged so that all face in the same direction toward pointed end  34 . Hence, the disposition of barbs  35 ,  37 ,  39  is unidirectional. 
     Also, axial spaced barbs  35  are radially arranged about 120 degrees from and staggered with respect to axially spaced barbs  37 , which are radially arranged about 120 degrees from and staggered with respect to axially spaced barbs  39 . Hence, axially spaced barbs  39  are also arranged about 120 degrees from and staggered with respect to axially spaced barbs  35 . As a result of the radial 120 degree arrangement, first set of barbs  35  define substantially the same one plane; second set of barbs  37  define substantially another same one plane; and third set of barbs  39  define substantially still another same one plane. Thus, suture  30  has barbs  35 ,  37 ,  39  arranged in a staggered uni-directional 120 degree disposition. 
       FIG. 3B  is a cross sectional view along line  3 B- 3 B of suture  30  in  FIG. 3A  and shows with more particularity angle Y, namely the radial 120 degree arrangement of barbs  35  with respect to barbs  37 , barbs  37  with respect to barbs  39 , and barbs  39  with respect to barbs  35 . 
     As illustrated by the stippling, first barb  35  of barbs  35 , because of the staggering, is closer to pointed end  34  (not shown in  FIG. 3B ), and thus, seems to be larger than farther away first barb  37  of barbs  37 . Also, first barb  37  of barbs  37 , due to the staggering, is closer to pointed end  34  (not shown in  FIG. 3B ), and thus, seems to be larger than even farther away first barb  39  of barbs  39 . A transverse plane that is perpendicular to suture body  32  and that intersects the base of one barb  35  of barbs  35  does not intersect the base of any barb  37  of barbs  37 . Likewise, a transverse plane that is perpendicular to suture body  32  and that intersects the base of one barb  37  of barbs  37  does not intersect the base of any barb  39  of barbs  39 . Similarly, a transverse plane that is perpendicular to suture body  32  and that intersects the base of one barb  39  of barbs  39  does not intersect the base of any barb  35  of barbs  35 . 
     Suture  30  may be made with the same cutting machine as suture  1 , such as the cutting device described in the above-noted Ser. No. 09/943,733 to Genova et al. The cutting machine is now used to produce three sets of barbs  35 ,  37 ,  39 , usually one set at a time, in a staggered position along suture  30 . 
     First set of barbs  35  is created by placing and holding a suture filament in the vise, followed by the blades, after having been adjusted to a predetermined length, splicing into the suture filament at an angle that is chosen to create barbs  35  so that all are facing in the same direction toward pointed end  34 . 
     Next, the blades are offset longitudinally (to create the staggering) approximately half of the longitudinal distance between two of barbs  35 . Also, the filament is rotated about 120 degrees on the vise, which is equipped to accommodate first set of barbs  35  that have already been cut, and then second set of barbs  37  is created in a similar manner. 
     Likewise, the blades are again offset longitudinally (to create the staggering) approximately half the longitudinal distance between two of barbs  35 , and also the suture filament is rotated about 120 degrees on the vise, which is equipped to accommodate both already cut first set of barbs  35  and already cut second set of barbs  37 . Following the longitudinal movement and rotation, third set of barbs  39  is created in a similar manner. 
     Preferably, each successive barb is escarped at a position about 120 degrees, around suture body  32  from the preceding barb and does not overlap with any other barb. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 4A , illustrated is suture  40 , another embodiment of the present invention. Suture  40  is similar to suture  30 , except that suture  40  is bi-directional. Suture  40  includes elongated body  42  that is generally circular in cross section and that terminates in first and second pointed ends  44 ,  46  for penetrating tissue. Also, it is contemplated that one or both ends  44 ,  46  may comprise a surgical needle (not shown) in order to be inserted into tissue. Suture  40  further includes plurality of closely spaced barbs  47 ,  48 ,  49 ,  50 ,  51 ,  52  arranged in a staggered bi-directional disposition. 
     For about half of the length of suture  40 , axially spaced barbs  47  are circumferentially arranged about 120 degrees from and staggered with respect to axially spaced barbs  49 , which are radially arranged about 120 degrees from and staggered with respect to axially spaced barbs  51 . Consequently, axially spaced barbs  51  are also arranged about 120 degrees from and staggered with respect to axially spaced barbs  47 . Thus, a portion of suture  40  has all of barbs  47 ,  49 ,  51  facing in the same direction toward pointed end  44 . 
     For the other half of the length of suture  40 , axially spaced barbs  48  are radially arranged about 120 degrees from and staggered with respect to axially spaced barbs  50 , which are radially arranged about 120 degrees from and staggered with respect to axially spaced barbs  52 . Consequently, axially spaced barbs  52  are also arranged about 120 degrees from and staggered with respect to axially spaced barbs  48 . Thus, another portion of suture  40  has all of barbs  48 ,  50 ,  52  facing in the same direction toward pointed end  46 . 
     As a result of the radial 120 degree arrangement, first set of barbs  47 ,  48  define substantially the same one plane; second set of barbs  49 ,  50  define substantially another same one plane; and third set of barbs  51 ,  52  define substantially still another same one plane. 
       FIG. 4B , which is a cross sectional view along line  4 B- 4 B of suture  40  in  FIG. 4A , shows more clearly angle Y, namely the radial 120 arrangement with greater specificity. As illustrated by the stippling, first barb  47  of barbs  47 , on account of the staggering, is closer to pointed end  44  (not shown in  FIG. 4B ), and thus, appears larger than farther away first barb  49  of barbs  49 . Also because of the staggering, first barb  49  of barbs  49  is closer to pointed end  44  (not shown in  FIG. 4B ), and thus, appears larger than even farther away first barb  51  of barbs  51 . 
     A transverse plane that is perpendicular to suture body  42  and that intersects the base of one barb  47  of barbs  47  does not intersect the base of any barb  49  of barbs  49 . Likewise, a transverse plane that is perpendicular to suture body  32  and that intersects the base of one barb  49  of barbs  49  does not intersect the base of any barb  51  of barbs  51 . Similarly, a transverse plane that is perpendicular to suture body  42  and that intersects the base of one barb  51  of barbs  51  does not intersect the base of any barb  47  of barbs  47 . Also, a transverse plane that is perpendicular to suture body  42  and that intersects the base of one barb  48  of barbs  48  does not intersect the base of any barb  50  of barbs  50 . Likewise, a transverse plane that is perpendicular to suture body  32  and that intersects the base of one barb  50  of barbs  50  does not intersect the base of any barb  52  of barbs  52 . Similarly, a transverse plane that is perpendicular to suture body  42  and that intersects the base of one barb  52  of barbs  52  does not intersect the base of any barb  48  of barbs  48 . 
     Suture  40  may be made with the same cutting machine as suture  1 , such as the cutting device described in the above-noted Ser. No. 09/943,733 to Genova et al., except with the following change in blade direction. 
     For first set of bi-directional barbs  47 ,  48 , after the suture filament is placed and held in the vise, the blades splice with a first cutting action into approximately half of the length of the suture filament to create barbs  47  facing in one direction toward pointed end  44 . Then, the blades are rotated 180 degrees so that they are now disposed in the opposite direction and over the uncut half of the length. The blades then are allowed to splice into the other half of the length of the suture filament with a second cutting action to create barbs  48  facing in the opposite direction toward pointed end  46 . 
     Next, the blades are offset longitudinally (to create the staggering) for about half the longitudinal distance between two of barbs  47 , and also the suture filament is rotated about 120 degrees on the vise, which is equipped to accommodate first set of bi-directional barbs  47 ,  48  that are already cut. Then, for second set of bi-directional barbs  49 ,  50 , the blades splice with a first cutting action into approximately half of the length of the suture filament to create barbs  50  facing in one direction toward pointed end  46 . The first cutting action is followed by rotating the blades 180 degrees so that they are now disposed in the opposite direction and over the uncut half of the suture filament. They then splice into the other half of the length of the suture filament with a second cutting action to create barbs  49  facing in the opposite direction toward pointed end  44 . 
     Then, the blades are again offset longitudinally (to create the staggering) for about half the longitudinal distance between two of barbs  47 . Additionally, the suture filament again is rotated about 120 degrees on the vise, which is equipped to accommodate already cut first set of bidirectional barbs  47 ,  48  and already cut second set of bidirectional barbs  49 ,  50 . Following the longitudinal movement and rotation, the third set of bidirectional barbs  51 ,  52  are made by having the blades splice with a first cutting action into approximately half of the length of the suture filament to create barbs  51  facing in one direction toward pointed end  44 . The first cutting action is followed by rotating the blades 180 degrees so that they are now disposed in the opposite direction and over the uncut half of the suture filament. They next splice into the other half of the length of the suture filament with a second cutting action to create barbs  52  facing in the opposite direction toward pointed end  46 . 
     Preferably, each successive barb is escarped at a position about 120 degrees around suture body  42  from the preceding barb and does not overlap with any other barb. 
     In an alternative embodiment (not shown) for bidirectional suture  40 , the portion of suture  40  having barbs  47 ,  49 ,  51  may have them facing toward pointed end  46  and the portion of suture  40  having barbs  48 ,  50 ,  52  may have them facing toward pointed end  44 . With this variation, the barbed suture would be inserted into tissue with an insertion device, such as that shown in the above-noted U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,376 to Ruff. Additionally, it is noted that, if desired, barbs may be escarped so that there may be two portions with barbs facing one end and one portion with barbs facing the other end, or two portions with barbs facing one end and two portions with barbs facing the other end, and so on (not shown), and thus, if a portion of barbs is not facing the suture end that those barbs are adjacent, then, the barbed suture would be inserted into tissue with an insertion device. 
     An advantage of a barbed suture with a radial 120 degree arrangement is that the barbs exert force in three distinct planes that compliment each other, resulting in maximization of the retention force of the suture overall. As noted above, the staggering enhances anchoring performance. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 5A , shown is another embodiment of the present invention, which is generally designated at suture  60 , with radial spacing that is in a twist cut multiple spiral. Suture  60  includes elongated body  62  of generally circular cross section. Elongated body  62  terminates in pointed end  64  for penetrating tissue. Also, it is contemplated that end  64  may comprise a surgical needle (not shown) for insertion into tissue. Furthermore, suture  60  includes plurality of closely spaced barbs  67  arranged in a twist cut multiple spiral pattern around body  62  and facing in the same direction toward pointed end  64 . 
       FIG. 5B  is a cross sectional view along line  5 B- 5 B of suture  60  in  FIG. 5A . Due to the twist cut multiple spiral disposition, each respective barb  67  seems to be smaller and smaller as each is farther and farther away from pointed end  64  (not shown in  FIG. 5B ), the illusion of size difference being illustrated by the stippling. 
     Suture  60  may be constructed with a similar cutting machine as that used for making suture  1 , such as the cutting device described in the above-noted Ser. No. 09/943,733 to Genova et al. With a twist cutting method, barbs  67  may be produced in multiple spirals that preferably are created at the same time as the suture filament is held stationary, instead of being rotated, when the cutting takes place. 
     More particularly, a suture filament that is about 7 inches (about 178 mm) in length, is longitudinally twisted for a portion of the suture length, such as 39 times for a portion that is about 4.5 inches (about 114 mm) of the suture length. Thus, an end is secured, and the other end is grasped and rotated 360 degrees, 39 times, so the portion of the suture filament is twisted when the suture is then placed and held in the vise. 
     Twisting preferably is performed 28 to 50 times, and may be performed more or less, such as 19 to 70 times. Suitably, twisting may be from about 2 to about 17 twists per inch, or about 3 to about 15 twists per inch, or about 5 to about 13 twists per inch (per inch being per 25.4 mm). 
     Next, the blades, after having been adjusted to a predetermined length, simultaneously splice into the suture filament. The cutting action makes cuts to create barbs  67  so that all are facing in the same direction toward pointed end  64 . After twist cut multiple spiral barbed suture  60  is released from the vice and untwisted, barbs  67  are disposed in multiple spirals on suture  60 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 6A , shown is another embodiment of the present invention, which is generally designated at suture  70 . Suture  70  is of a twist cut multiple spiral disposition and thus is similar to suture  60 , except that suture  70  is bidirectional. Suture  70  includes elongated body  72  that is generally circular in cross section and that terminates in first and second pointed ends  74 ,  76  for penetrating tissue. It is contemplated that one or both of ends  74 ,  76  may comprise a surgical needle (not shown) for insertion into tissue. 
     Suture  70  further includes plurality of closely spaced barbs  77 ,  78  arranged in two respective spiral patterns, each being a multiple spiral around body  72 . Barbs  77 ,  78  are disposed on middle portion MP that is approximately 3 inches (approximately 76 mm) of suture  70 , with each end portion EP of suture  70  being barb-free. More particularly, plurality of barbs  77  are arranged in a multiple spiral pattern with all barbs  77  facing toward pointed end  74  for a part (about half) of middle portion MP along the length of suture  70 . Similarly, plurality of barbs  78  are arranged in a multiple spiral pattern with all barbs  78  facing toward pointed end  76  for another part (the other approximate half) of middle potion MP along the length of suture  70 . 
       FIG. 6B  is a cross sectional view along line  6 B- 6 B of suture  60  in  FIG. 6A . Due to the multiple spiral configuration, each respective barb  77  seems to be smaller and smaller as each is farther and farther away from pointed end  74  (not shown in  FIG. 6B ), as illustrated by the stippling. 
     Suture  70  may be made with the same cutting machine as suture  60 , such as the cutting device described in the above-noted Ser. No. 09/943,733 to Genova et al., but with the following change in blade direction. Using the twist cutting method, barbs  77  may be produced in multiple spirals that preferably are created at the same time, and then after the direction change for the blades, barbs  78  may be produced in multiple spirals that preferably are created at the same time. Thus during the cutting, the suture filament is held stationary instead of being rotated. 
     More specifically, a section of about 4.5 inches (about 114 mm) in length of a suture filament is twisted, such as 39 times for a suture about 7 inches (about 178 mm) in length. Thus, an end is secured, and the other end is grasped and rotated 360 degrees, 39 times, so the twisted section of the suture filament has about 8⅔ twists per inch (per 25.4 mm) when the suture filament is then is placed and held in the vise. 
     Twisting preferably is performed 28 to 50 times, and may be performed more or less, such as 19 to 70 times. Suitably, twisting may be from about 2 to about 17 twists per inch, or about 3 to about 15 twists per inch, or about 5 to about 13 twists per inch (per inch being per 25.4 mm). 
     Next, the blades, after having been adjusted to a predetermined length, splice into approximately half of the approximately 3 inch (approximately 76 mm) length of middle portion MP of the approximately 4.5 inch (approximately 114 mm) twisted section of the suture filament in a first cutting action with the blades making cuts to create barbs  77  so that all are facing in one direction toward pointed end  74 . Depending on how many blades there are on the cutting machine and how many barbs  77  are desired, there may be one cutting motion to cut all barbs  77  simultaneously, or there may be repeated cutting motions until the desired number of barbs  77  are escarped into a portion of the suture filament. 
     Then, the blades are rotated 180 degrees so that they are now disposed in the opposite direction and over the other half of the approximately 3 inch (approximately 76 mm) length of middle portion MP of the approximately 4.5 inch (approximately 114 mm) twisted section of the suture filament. The blades are then allowed to splice into the other half in a second cutting action with the blades making cuts to create barbs  78  so that all are facing in the opposite direction toward pointed end  76 . Depending on how many blades there are on the cutting machine and how many barbs  78  are desired, there may be one cutting motion to cut all barbs  78  simultaneously, or there may be repeated cutting motions until the desired number of barbs  78  are escarped into a portion of the suture filament. 
     When twist cut multiple spiral barbed suture  70  is released from the vise and untwisted, the first cuts and the second cuts result in barbs  77 ,  78  being in two respective multiple spiral patterns on two respective portions of suture  70 , the two respective portions defining middle portion MP of about 3 inches (about 76 mm) in length. 
     More particularly, several twist cut multiple spiral, barbed sutures were manufactured from a monofilament having a diameter of about 0.018 inch (about 0.457 mm) and spun from polydioxanone (which is a synthetic absorbable suture material). A diameter of about 0.018 inch (about 0.457 mm) is slightly larger than the size 0 synthetic absorbable suture, which has a diameter range from about 0.35 mm to about 0.399 mm in accordance with the specifications of the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP). 
     Each suture contained a total of 78 barbs introduced in two respective multiple spiral patterns around the circumference of the suture. Since the barbed suture was bi-directional, the barbs were divided into a left group with 39 barbs disposed on a first portion of the suture and a right group with 39 barbs on a second portion of the suture, each group opposing the direction of the other group from the approximate middle of the suture. The specific cutting machine employed had 13 blades. Thus, for each group of 39 barbs, there were 3 cutting motions (3×13=39), with the blades being offset with a guide for each of the 3 cutting motions. 
     Each suture was about 7 inches (about 178 mm) long. The middle portion MP was about 3 inches (about 76 mm) long and contained the 78 barbs that were escarped into the suture filament. Extending beyond the 3 inch (76 mm) barbed middle portion MP were two unbarbed end portions EP of the suture that were each about 2 inches (about 51 mm) long. Depending on the suturing technique, one or both ends of the barbed suture may be sufficiently pointed and rigid for insertion into tissue, or may comprise a straight or curved surgical needle. 
     The strength of the twist cut, 7 inch (178 mm) barbed sutures was tested by two methods. One method was a straight pull tensile strength test with a Universal Tester and the other method was an in vivo performance test with dogs. 
     For the straight pull tensile strength measurement, testing was performed using a Test Resources Universal Tester, Model 200Q. The average reading of 10 repeated measurements made for each kind of suture was recorded for the barbed sutures and for the comparison unbarbed sutures. 
     Comparison unbarbed sutures were polydioxanone monofilaments (a synthetic absorbable suture material) of various suture diameters of about 0.018 inch (about 0.457 mm), about 0.015 inch (about 0.381 mm), and about 0.0115 inch (about 0.292 mm), which are respectively slightly larger than the United States Pharmacopoeia sizes 0, 2-0, and 3-0 for synthetic absorbable sutures. In accordance with United States Pharmacopoeia specifications for synthetic absorbable sutures, size 0 has a diameter range of about 0.35 mm to about 0.399 mm; size 2-0 has a diameter range of about 0.30 mm to about 0.339 mm; and size 3-0 has a diameter range of about 0.20 mm to about 0.249 mm. 
     Each barbed suture was gripped at each end by being held with cork gasket padding in two respective serrated jaws, whereas each unbarbed suture was gripped at each end by being wrapped around two respective capstan roller grips. Capstan rollers were used for holding the unbarbed sutures to avoid stress and distension. 
     The portion of each suture specimen between the two gripped places was about 5 inches (about 126 mm) in length, which, in the case of barbed sutures, contained the entire 3 inches (76 mm) of the barbed middle portion. 
     Each specimen was pulled longitudinally at a rate of about 10 inches (about 254 mm) per minute until breakage occurred. The peak load was recorded as the straight pull tensile strength. 
     The results are summarized in Table 6A below, and the far right column denotes the USP knot pull test minimum requirements for conventional (unbarbed) sutures made from a synthetic absorbable material. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 6A 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 (Tensile Strength) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                 USP Minimum 
               
               
                 Barbed 
                   
                 Straight Pull 
                 Requirements for 
               
               
                 or Unbarbed 
                 Suture Size 
                 (pounds) 
                 Knot Pull (pounds) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Unbarbed 
                 0 
                 17.72 
                 8.60 
               
               
                 Unbarbed 
                 2-0 
                 11.86 
                 5.91 
               
               
                 Unbarbed 
                 3-0 
                 8.82 
                 3.90 
               
               
                 Barbed 
                 0 
                 7.03 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     As can be seen, escarpment of barbs into the size 0 polydioxanone monofilament reduced the straight pull tensile strength by approximately 60% as compared to the conventional unbarbed size 0 polydioxanone monofilament (7.03 pounds=40% of 17.72 pounds). 
     However, the straight pull tensile strength of 7.03 pounds at breakage for the size 0 polydioxanone barbed suture (which, due to the escarpment of the barbs, has an effective diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the conventional unbarbed size 0 polydioxanone suture) compared favorably with the minimum USP knot pull requirement of 8.60 pounds for the size 0 polydioxanone conventional unbarbed suture. 
     Additional straight pull tensile strength tests were performed on additional size 0 polydioxanone barbed sutures, as discussed below in Tables 7K-7Z, in connection with  FIGS. 7A and 7B . 
     For the in vivo performance, 3 mongrel dogs, each about 14 kg, were used. On each dog, 7 incisions were made at the thorax (twice), thigh (twice), flank, ventral midline, and paramedian, each of the 7 incisions having 1, 2, or 3 closure sites. The length of each incision ranged from about 0.5 inch (about 12.5 mm) to about 4 inches (about 101 mm) and the depth of each incision was from the superficial dermis to the peritoneum. 
     Using the barbed sutures (all made from size 0 polydioxanone monofilament), 24 of the sites were closed. For comparison, the remaining sites were closed with various diameter sizes of conventional unbarbed sutures (1 site with size 2-0 silk braided filament, 6 sites with size 2-0 nylon monofilament, and 7 sites with size 3-0 polydioxanone monofilament), which were knotted. All closing of sites was performed according to a randomized scheme. 
     The dogs were monitored daily, and then subjected to euthanasia at 14 days. At the time of death, the incisions were evaluated macroscopically. With regard to various tissues, incision sizes, and locations on the dogs, all sites apposed with the size 0 polydioxanone barbed sutures stayed closed and appeared to be healing normally throughout the 14 day observation period. No dehiscence occurred. 
     The site apposed with the conventional unbarbed silk sutures and the sites apposed with the conventional unbarbed polydioxanone sutures also healed will without complications. No dehiscence occurred. 
     For the 6 topical skin sites closed with the size 2-0 nylon monofilament conventional unbarbed sutures, 3 sites exhibited partial or complete suture loss, apparently due to self-mutilation by the dogs. Knots in the conventional sutures possibly caused discomfort by creating localized pressure, and animals cannot understand that they should not manipulate the sutures. Thus, barbed sutures should help obviate the problem of an animal manipulating and pulling out the sutures. 
     In summary, the in vivo performance of the size 0 polydioxanone barbed sutures was efficacious when compared to the size 2-0 silk braided filament unbarbed sutures, the size 2-0 nylon monofilament unbarbed sutures, and the size 3-0 polydioxanone monofilament unbarbed sutures. 
     In an alternative embodiment (not shown) for bidirectional twist cut, multiple spiral suture  70 , the portion of suture  70  on which is disposed barbs  77  may have barbs  77  facing toward pointed end  76  and the portion of suture  70  on which is disposed barbs  78  may have barbs  78  facing toward pointed end  74 . With this variation, the barbed suture would be inserted into tissue with an insertion device, such as that shown in the above-noted U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,376 to Ruff Also if desired, it is noted that barbs may be escarped so that there may be 2 portions with barbs facing an end and 1 portion with barbs facing the other end, or 2 portions with barbs facing an end and 2 portions with barbs facing the other end, and so on (not shown), and thus, if a portion of barbs is not facing the suture end to which those barbs are adjacent, then, the barbed suture would be inserted into tissue with an insertion device. 
     An advantage of a barbed suture having a twist cut, multiple spiral disposition is that such a barbed suture affords better wound holding capability as compared to the 120 degree spaced barbed suture. The reason is that the twist cut, multiple spiral pattern results in groups of barbs that complement successive and preceding groups of barbs, which tends to provide improved anchoring when the suture is in tissue. This feature is especially useful for tissue such as fat tissue, which has fewer connective fibers compared with other types of tissues, so that greater suture retention force is desirable. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 7A , shown is a sectional side view of barbed suture  80 . Barbed suture  80  has plurality of closely spaced barbs  81  on elongated suture body  82  of generally circular cross section. Each barb  81  has barb tip  85 . Shown are suture longitudinal axis A, suture diameter SD, barb length L, barb cut depth D, barb cut angle θ, cut distance P, spirality angle α, cut-out depression CD, and tip T of cut-out depression CD. 
       FIG. 7B  is the sectional side view as illustrated in  FIG. 7A , but rotated and clamped to align the barbs for measurement of the cut distance P between barbs  81 . 
     Barbed suture  80  is a twist cut, multiple spiral, bidirectional barbed suture, like suture  70  in  FIG. 6A , but illustrated as an enlarged section in order to show more detail with respect to the configuration of barbs  81  vis-à-vis suture longitudinal axis A, suture diameter SD, barb length L, barb cut depth D, barb cut angle θ, cut distance P, spirality angle α, cut-out depression CD, and terminus T of cut-out depression CD. 
     More specifically, several twist cut, multiple spiral, barbed sutures were manufactured from monofilament spun from polydioxanone and having a diameter of about 0.018 inch (about 0.457 mm, which is slightly more than the USP requirement for a size 0 synthetic absorbable suture). Each suture contained 78 barbs introduced in 2 separate multiple spiral patterns around the circumference of the suture. Since the barbs were bi-directional, they were divided into a left group with 39 barbs and a right group with 39 barbs, each group opposing the direction of the other group from the approximate middle of the suture. Each suture was about 7 inches (about 178 mm) long. The middle portion was about 3 inches (about 76 mm) of the suture and contained the 78 barbs that were escarped into the suture filament. Extending beyond the 3 inch (76 mm) barbed middle portion toward each suture end were two unbarbed end portions of the suture filament that were each about 2 inches (about 51 mm) long. Depending on the stitching technique, one or both ends of the barbed suture may be sufficiently pointed and rigid for insertion into tissue, or may comprise a straight or curved needle. 
     In order to characterize the configuration of barbs  81 , an Optem Zoom  100  custom microscope with both ring and back lighting was used together with a CCD brand video camera in order to measure selected barbs  81  at ×21.5 magnification from each of the left and right groups. 
     The average was calculated for 10 repeated measurements (5 from the left group of barbs and 5 from the right group of barbs on the same suture) that were made for each of cut angle θ and cut depth D. Barb cut angle θ was measured from the surface of the cut to the outer surface of barbed suture  80 . Barb cut depth D was measured along a perpendicular from the outer surface of barbed suture  80  toward longitudinal axis A of barbed suture  80 . The measurements enabled cut length L to be calculated using the following formula.
 
 L=D /{Sin(180−θ)}
 
     Also, angle α of spirality was measured microscopically on various barbed sutures  80  as follows. When the twisted suture filament is gripped by the vise during cutting of barbs  81 , the vise leaves a very light mark designated as line M impressed on the suture filament. Thus, line M will be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vise while the twisted suture filament is being held in the vise. If the vise does not leave a light mark on the suture filament, then line M can be determined in that it is parallel to a line connecting the two respective terminus T of the two successive cut-out depressions CD left in suture body  82  from the escarpment of two successive barbs  81 . After cutting of barbs  81 , when barbed suture  80  is released from the vise and untwisted so that suture  80  lies free, then line M spirals on suture body  82  around barbed suture  80 , forming angle α of spirality. 
     Specifically for measuring spirality angle α, the Optem Zoom  100  custom microscope was set with ring lighting at 60 and back lighting at coarse  12  and fine  10 . Also, imaging analysis system software was used. Spirality angle α was then measured between the outer surface of the barbed suture and line M. The average was calculated for 10 repeated measurements (5 from the left group of barbs and 5 from the right group of barbs on the same suture). 
     Then, barbed suture  80  was mounted in a twisting device with one end of suture  80  clamped in a fixed position. The other end of suture  80  was rotated to insert twist until barbs  81  were aligned. Next on barbed suture  80 , longitudinal cut distance P between two adjacent barbs  81  was measured microscopically between the two respective terminus T of the two successive cut-out depressions CD left in suture body  82  from the escarpment of two successive barbs  81 . The average was calculated for 10 repeated measurements (5 from the left group of barbs and 5 from the right group of barbs on the same suture). 
     The results are summarized in the following Tables 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 7A 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 (size 0 barbed suture) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Ratio of D, L, or P over 
               
               
                 Measurement 
                 Units 
                 Left 
                 Right 
                 Suture Diameter (0.457 mm) 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 cut angle θ 
                 degrees 
                 156 +/− 2  
                 157 +/− 1  
                 not applicable 
               
               
                 cut depth D 
                 mm 
                 0.15 +/− 0.02 
                 0.16 +/− 0.04 
                 0.35 
               
               
                 cut length L 
                 mm 
                 0.36 +/− 0.03 
                 0.40 +/− 0.10 
                 0.87 
               
               
                 cut distance P 
                 mm 
                 0.90 +/− 0.17 
                 0.88 +/− 0.15 
                 1.92 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 7B 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 (size 0 barbed suture) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Ratio of D, L, or 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Standard 
                 P over Suture 
               
               
                 Measurement 
                 Units 
                 Average 
                 Deviation 
                 Diameter (0.457 mm) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 cut angle θ 
                 degrees 
                 151 
                 1.642 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                 cut depth D 
                 mm 
                 0.215 
                 0.027 
                 0.47 
               
               
                 cut length L 
                 mm 
                 0.446 
                 0.042 
                 0.97 
               
               
                 cut distance P 
                 mm 
                 0.962 
                 0.073 
                 2.1  
               
               
                 spirality angle α 
                 degrees 
                 20.833 
                 1.602 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 7C 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 (size 0 barbed suture) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Ratio of D, L, or 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Standard 
                 P over Suture 
               
               
                 Measurement 
                 Units 
                 Average 
                 Deviation 
                 Diameter (0.457 mm) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 cut angle θ 
                 degrees 
                 154 
                 2.870 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                 cut depth D 
                 mm 
                 0.205 
                 0.033 
                 0.45 
               
               
                 cut length L 
                 mm 
                 0.469 
                 0.044 
                 1.03 
               
               
                 cut distance P 
                 mm 
                 0.975 
                 0.103 
                 2.13 
               
               
                 spirality angle α 
                 degrees 
                 19.333 
                 1.506 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 7D 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 (size 0 barbed suture) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Ratio of D, L, or 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Standard 
                 P over Suture 
               
               
                 Measurement 
                 Units 
                 Average 
                 Deviation 
                 Diameter (0.457 mm) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 cut angle θ 
                 degrees 
                 155 
                 2.390 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                 cut depth D 
                 mm 
                 0.186 
                 0.026 
                 0.41 
               
               
                 cut length L 
                 mm 
                 0.437 
                 0.039 
                 0.96 
               
               
                 cut distance P 
                 mm 
                 0.966 
                 0.071 
                 2.11 
               
               
                 spirality angle α 
                 degrees 
                 18.833 
                 2.137 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Also, some additional measurements of angle α were performed on a few additional bidirectional twist cut, multiple spiral barbed sutures with a diameter of about 0.018 inch (about 0.457 mm, slightly more than the USP requirement for a size 0 synthetic absorbable suture). The mean average was 16.87 and the standard deviation was +0.85. 
     Additionally, measurements of barb cut angle θ, barb length L, barb cut depth D, and cut distance P were performed on 3 additional bi-directional twist cut, multiple spiral barbed sutures like sutures  80 , but having a diameter of about 0.0115 inch (about 0.292 mm, which is slightly more than the USP requirement for a size 3-0 synthetic absorbable suture), and measurements of spirality angle α were performed on 2 of these 3 additional barbed sutures. Also, measurements of barb cut angle θ, barb length L, barb cut depth D, cut distance P, and spirality angle .alpha. were performed on 3 additional bi-directional twist cut, multiple spiral barbed sutures like sutures  80 , but with a diameter of about 0.015 inch (about 0.381 mm, which is slightly more than the USP requirement for a size 2-0 synthetic absorbable suture). The results are summarized in the following Tables 7E, 7F, 7G, 7H, 7I, and 7J. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 7E 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 (size 3-0 barbed suture) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Ratio of D, L, or 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Standard 
                 P over Suture 
               
               
                 Measurement 
                 Units 
                 Average 
                 Deviation 
                 Diameter (0.292 mm) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 cut angle θ 
                 degrees 
                 166 
                 1.651 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                 cut depth D 
                 mm 
                 0.107 
                 0.007 
                 0.37 
               
               
                 cut length L 
                 mm 
                 0.443 
                 0.042 
                 1.52 
               
               
                 cut distance P 
                 mm 
                 0.956 
                 0.079 
                 3.27 
               
               
                 spirality 
                 degrees 
                 not tested 
                 not 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                 angle α 
                   
                   
                 applicable 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 7F 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 (size 3-0 barbed suture) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Ratio of D, L, or 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Standard 
                 P over Suture 
               
               
                 Measurement 
                 Units 
                 Average 
                 Deviation 
                 Diameter (0.292 mm) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 cut angle θ 
                 degrees 
                 164 
                 2.055 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                 cut depth D 
                 mm 
                 0.106 
                 0.006 
                 0.36 
               
               
                 cut length L 
                 mm 
                 0.395 
                 0.042 
                 1.35 
               
               
                 cut distance P 
                 mm 
                 0.959 
                 0.074 
                 3.28 
               
               
                 spirality 
                 degrees 
                 7.329 
                 0.547 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                 angle α 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 7G 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 (size 3-0 barbed suture) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Ratio of D, L, or 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Standard 
                 P over Suture 
               
               
                 Measurement 
                 Units 
                 Average 
                 Deviation 
                 Diameter (0.292 mm) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 cut angle θ 
                 degrees 
                 165 
                 1.031 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                 cut depth D 
                 mm 
                 0.104 
                 0.009 
                 0.36 
               
               
                 cut length L 
                 mm 
                 0.390 
                 0.035 
                 1.34 
               
               
                 cut distance P 
                 mm 
                 0.975 
                 0.103 
                 3.34 
               
               
                 spirality angle α 
                 degrees 
                 7.258 
                 0.636 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 7H 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 (size 2-0 barbed suture) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Ratio of D, L, or, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Standard 
                 P over Suture 
               
               
                 Measurement 
                 Units 
                 Average 
                 Deviation 
                 Diameter (0.381 mm) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 cut angle θ 
                 degrees 
                 160.2 
                 1.320 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                 cut depth D 
                 mm 
                 0.152 
                 0.019 
                 0.40 
               
               
                 cut length L 
                 mm 
                 0.449 
                 0.057 
                 1.18 
               
               
                 cut distance P 
                 mm 
                 0.944 
                 0.098 
                 2.48 
               
               
                 spirality angle α 
                 degrees 
                 9.40 
                 1.606 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 7I 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 (size 2-0 barbed suture) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Ratio of D, L, or 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Standard 
                 P over Suture 
               
               
                 Measurement 
                 Units 
                 Average 
                 Deviation 
                 Diameter (0.381 mm) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 cut angle θ 
                 degrees 
                 161.0 
                 1.707 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                 cut depth D 
                 mm 
                 0.158 
                 0.014 
                 0.41 
               
               
                 cut length L 
                 mm 
                 0.489 
                 0.054 
                 1.28 
               
               
                 cut distance P 
                 mm 
                 0.962 
                 0.054 
                 2.52 
               
               
                 spirality angle α 
                 degrees 
                 7.96 
                 1.075 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 7J 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 (size 2-0 barbed suture) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Ratio of D, L, or 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Standard 
                 P over Suture 
               
               
                 Measurement 
                 Units 
                 Average 
                 Deviation 
                 Diameter (0.381 mm) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 cut angle θ 
                 degrees 
                 161.0 
                 1.506 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                 cut depth D 
                 mm 
                 0.154 
                 0.017 
                 0.40 
               
               
                 cut length L 
                 mm 
                 0.474 
                 0.058 
                 1.24 
               
               
                 cut distance P 
                 mm 
                 0.973 
                 0.068 
                 2.55 
               
               
                 spirality angle α 
                 degrees 
                 6.53 
                 1.755 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Additional measurements were performed on several other twist cut, multiple spiral, barbed sutures manufactured from monofilament spun from polydioxanone and having a diameter of about 0.018 inch (about 0.457 mm, which is slightly more than the USP requirement for a size 0 synthetic absorbable suture) and thus similar to the above-described tested barbed sutures, except that these other barbed sutures were cut with a different cutting machine, namely a machine with one blade that moved longitudinally along the twisted filament between cutting strokes and that was controlled with a computer to make the various cuts for the escarpment of the barbs. These other barbed sutures were also tested for straight pull tensile strength and for chamois cloth closure strength. (A discussion of how chamois cloth closure strength is performed can be seen below in connection with  FIGS. 13A and 13B .) The results for these other barbed sutures are summarized in the following Tables 7K-7Z. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 7K 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 (size 0 barbed suture) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Ratio of D, L, or 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Standard 
                 P over Suture 
               
               
                 Measurement 
                 Units 
                 Average 
                 Deviation 
                 Diameter (0.457 mm) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 cut angle θ 
                 degrees 
                 152.6 
                 0.718 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                 cut depth D 
                 mm 
                 0.221 
                 0.011 
                 0.48 
               
               
                 cut length L 
                 mm 
                 0.479 
                 0.022 
                 1.05 
               
               
                 cut distance P 
                 mm 
                 0.784 
                 0.015 
                 1.71 
               
               
                 spirality angle α 
                 degrees 
                 12.9 
                 0.453 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 7L 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 (size 0 barbed suture) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Ratio of D, L, or 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Standard 
                 P over Suture 
               
               
                 Measurement 
                 Units 
                 Average 
                 Deviation 
                 Diameter (0.457 mm) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 cut angle θ 
                 degrees 
                 152.4 
                 0.947 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                 cut depth D 
                 mm 
                 0.216 
                 0.014 
                 0.47 
               
               
                 cut length L 
                 mm 
                 0.465 
                 0.024 
                 1.02 
               
               
                 cut distance P 
                 mm 
                 0.774 
                 0.015 
                 1.69 
               
               
                 spirality angle α 
                 degrees 
                 13.2 
                 0.349 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 7M 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 (size 0 barbed suture) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Ratio of D, L, or 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Standard 
                 P over Suture 
               
               
                 Measurement 
                 Units 
                 Average 
                 Deviation 
                 Diameter (0.457 mm) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 cut angle θ 
                 degrees 
                 152.3 
                 0.576 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                 cut depth D 
                 mm 
                 0.227 
                 0.015 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 cut length L 
                 mm 
                 0.489 
                 0.034 
                 1.07 
               
               
                 cut distance P 
                 mm 
                 0.796 
                 0.018 
                 1.74 
               
               
                 spirality angle α 
                 degrees 
                 13.1 
                 0.193 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 7N 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 (size 0 barbed suture) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Ratio of D, L, or 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Standard 
                 P over Suture 
               
               
                 Measurement 
                 Units 
                 Average 
                 Deviation 
                 Diameter (0.457 mm) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 cut angle θ 
                 degrees 
                 152.8 
                 0.612 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                 cut depth D 
                 mm 
                 0.207 
                 0.007 
                 0.45 
               
               
                 cut length L 
                 mm 
                 0.453 
                 0.016 
                 0.99 
               
               
                 cut distance P 
                 mm 
                 0.798 
                 0.017 
                 1.75 
               
               
                 spirality angle α 
                 degrees 
                 13.6 
                 0.560 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 7O 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 (size 0 barbed suture) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Ratio of D, L, or 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Standard 
                 P over Suture 
               
               
                 Measurement 
                 Units 
                 Average 
                 Deviation 
                 Diameter (0.457 mm) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 cut angle θ 
                 degrees 
                 152.9 
                 0.549 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                 cut depth D 
                 mm 
                 0.188 
                 0.016 
                 0.41 
               
               
                 cut length L 
                 mm 
                 0.413 
                 0.030 
                 0.90 
               
               
                 cut distance P 
                 mm 
                 0.787 
                 0.024 
                 1.72 
               
               
                 spirality angle α 
                 degrees 
                 13.8 
                 0.270 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 7P 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 (size 0 barbed suture) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Ratio of D, L, or 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Standard 
                 P over Suture 
               
               
                 Measurement 
                 Units 
                 Average 
                 Deviation 
                 Diameter (0.457 mm) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 cut angle θ 
                 degrees 
                 153.1 
                 0.655 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                 cut depth D 
                 mm 
                 0.204 
                 0.007 
                 0.45 
               
               
                 cut length L 
                 mm 
                 0.451 
                 0.019 
                 0.99 
               
               
                 cut distance P 
                 mm 
                 0.792 
                 0.018 
                 1.73 
               
               
                 spirality angle α 
                 degrees 
                 13.6 
                 0.410 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 7Q 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 (size 0 barbed suture) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Ratio of D, L, or 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Standard 
                 P over Suture 
               
               
                 Measurement 
                 Units 
                 Average 
                 Deviation 
                 Diameter (0.457 mm) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 cut angle θ 
                 degrees 
                 163.1 
                 0.505 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                 cut depth D 
                 mm 
                 0.245 
                 0.013 
                 0.54 
               
               
                 cut length L 
                 mm 
                 0.842 
                 0.045 
                 1.84 
               
               
                 cut distance P 
                 mm 
                 0.774 
                 0.009 
                 1.69 
               
               
                 spirality angle α 
                 degrees 
                 10.8 
                 0.449 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 7R 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 (size 0 barbed suture) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Ratio of D, L, or 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Standard 
                 P over Suture 
               
               
                 Measurement 
                 Units 
                 Average 
                 Deviation 
                 Diameter (0.457 mm) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 cut angle θ 
                 degrees 
                 161.1 
                 1.126 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                 cut depth D 
                 mm 
                 0.233 
                 0.017 
                 0.51 
               
               
                 cut length L 
                 mm 
                 0.721 
                 0.035 
                 1.58 
               
               
                 cut distance P 
                 mm 
                 0.773 
                 0.010 
                 1.69 
               
               
                 spirality angle α 
                 degrees 
                 12.6 
                 0.189 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 7S 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 (size 0 barbed suture) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Ratio of D, L, or 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Standard 
                 P over Suture 
               
               
                 Measurement 
                 Units 
                 Average 
                 Deviation 
                 Diameter (0.457 mm) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 cut angle θ 
                 degrees 
                 160.9 
                 0.708 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                 cut depth D 
                 mm 
                 0.240 
                 0.014 
                 0.52 
               
               
                 cut length L 
                 mm 
                 0.734 
                 0.037 
                 1.61 
               
               
                 cut distance P 
                 mm 
                 0.774 
                 0.009 
                 1.69 
               
               
                 spirality angle α 
                 degrees 
                 13.6 
                 0.312 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 7T 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 (size 0 barbed suture) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Ratio of D, L, or 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Standard 
                 P over Suture 
               
               
                 Measurement 
                 Units 
                 Average 
                 Deviation 
                 Diameter (0.457 mm) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 cut angle θ 
                 degrees 
                 154.6 
                 1.434 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                 cut depth D 
                 mm 
                 0.210 
                 0.009 
                 0.46 
               
               
                 cut length L 
                 mm 
                 0.492 
                 0.026 
                 1.08 
               
               
                 cut distance P 
                 mm 
                 0.538 
                 0.011 
                 1.18 
               
               
                 spirality angle α 
                 degrees 
                 12.3 
                 0.223 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 7U 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 (size 0 barbed suture) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Ratio of D, L, or 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Standard 
                 P over Suture 
               
               
                 Measurement 
                 Units 
                 Average 
                 Deviation 
                 Diameter (0.457 mm) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 cut angle θ 
                 degrees 
                 152.9 
                 0.809 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                 cut depth D 
                 mm 
                 0.212 
                 0.014 
                 0.46 
               
               
                 cut length L 
                 mm 
                 0.464 
                 0.026 
                 1.01 
               
               
                 cut distance P 
                 mm 
                 0.530 
                 0.015 
                 1.16 
               
               
                 spirality angle α 
                 degrees 
                 13.7 
                 0.411 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 7V 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 (size 0 barbed suture) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Ratio of D, L, or 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Standard 
                 P over Suture 
               
               
                 Measurement 
                 Units 
                 Average 
                 Deviation 
                 Diameter (0.457 mm) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 cut angle θ 
                 degrees 
                 153.4 
                 0.903 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                 cut depth D 
                 mm 
                 0.221 
                 0.010 
                 0.48 
               
               
                 cut length L 
                 mm 
                 0.495 
                 0.023 
                 1.08 
               
               
                 cut distance P 
                 mm 
                 0.537 
                 0.012 
                 1.17 
               
               
                 spirality angle α 
                 degrees 
                 13.9 
                 0.605 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 7W 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 (size 0 barbed suture) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Ratio of D, L, or 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Standard 
                 P over Suture 
               
               
                 Measurement 
                 Units 
                 Average 
                 Deviation 
                 Diameter (0.457 mm) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 cut angle θ 
                 degrees 
                 155.2 
                 0.829 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                 cut depth D 
                 mm 
                 0.202 
                 0.008 
                 0.44 
               
               
                 cut length L 
                 mm 
                 0.483 
                 0.017 
                 1.06 
               
               
                 cut distance P 
                 mm 
                 0.789 
                 0.031 
                 1.73 
               
               
                 spirality angle α 
                 degrees 
                 12.6 
                 0.328 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 7X 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 (size 0 barbed suture) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Ratio of D, L, or 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Standard 
                 P over Suture 
               
               
                 Measurement 
                 Units 
                 Average 
                 Deviation 
                 Diameter (0.457 mm) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 cut angle θ 
                 degrees 
                 155.5 
                 0.799 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                 cut depth D 
                 mm 
                 0.200 
                 0.010 
                 0.44 
               
               
                 cut length L 
                 mm 
                 0.484 
                 0.027 
                 1.06 
               
               
                 cut distance P 
                 mm 
                 0.798 
                 0.017 
                 1.75 
               
               
                 spirality angle α 
                 degrees 
                 11.8 
                 0.362 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 7Y 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 (size 0 barbed suture) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Ratio of D, L, or 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Standard 
                 P over Suture 
               
               
                 Measurement 
                 Units 
                 Average 
                 Deviation 
                 Diameter (0.457 mm) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 cut angle θ 
                 degrees 
                 155.4 
                 0.560 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                 cut depth D 
                 mm 
                 0.196 
                 0.008 
                 0.43 
               
               
                 cut length L 
                 mm 
                 0.471 
                 0.017 
                 1.03 
               
               
                 cut distance P 
                 mm 
                 0.799 
                 0.019 
                 1.75 
               
               
                 spirality angle α 
                 degrees 
                 11.8 
                 0.496 
                 not applicable 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 7Z 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Straight Pull 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Strength 
                 Chamois Cloth Closure 
               
               
                 Barbed Suture 
                 (pounds) 
                 Strength (pounds to rupture) 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Sample 1 (Tables 7K-7M) 
                 7.29 
                 11.23 
               
               
                 Sample 2 (Tables 7N-7P) 
                 8.73 
                 12.14 
               
               
                 Sample 3 (Tables 7Q-7S) 
                 8.5 
                 9.22 
               
               
                 Sample 4 (Tables 7T-7V) 
                 5.92 
                 9.27 
               
               
                 Sample 5 (Tables 7W-7Y) 
                 7.69 
                 9.97 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Although all the above-noted measurements were performed on bi-directional, twist cut, multiple spiral barbed sutures, the below-noted desirable ranges for measurements for barb length L, barb cut depth D, barb cut angle θ, and/or cut distance P should be the same for the various other inventive barbed sutures described here. 
     A suitable ratio of cut length L to barbed suture diameter SD ranges from about 0.2 to about 2, more preferably from about 0.4 to about 1.7, even more preferably from about 0.8 to about 1.5. However, very suitable barbed sutures may have a ratio of cut length L to barbed suture diameter SD from about 1 down to about 0.2, whereby the ratio of the highest possible barb elevation (the elevation of barb tip  85  above suture body  82 ) to the suture diameter SD correspondingly ranges from about 1 down to about 0.2. (The highest possible barb elevation is the same as the barb length L.) Also, a suitable ratio of cut depth D to barbed suture diameter SD ranges from about 0.05 to about 0.6, more preferably from about 0.1 to about 0.55, even more preferably from about 0.2 to about 0.5. 
     Regardless, length L may be desirably varied depending on the intended end use, since larger barbs are more suitable for joining certain types of tissue such as fat tissue or soft tissue, whereas smaller barbs are more suitable for joining other types of tissues such as fibrous tissue. As discussed in more detail below vis-à-vis  FIG. 11 , there will also be instances where a barb configuration that is a combination of large, medium, and/or small barbs disposed on the same suture will be desirable, for instance, when the barbed suture is employed in tissue that has differing layer structures. 
     Cut angle θ formed between the barb and the elongated suture body desirably would range from about 140 degrees to about 175 degrees, more preferably would range from about 145 degrees to about 173 degrees. The most preferred cut angle 0 for all barbs ranges from about 150° to about 170°. 
     For instance, for a polydioxanone barbed suture with a diameter of about 0.018 inch (about 0.457 mm), which is slightly larger that the USP requirement for a synthetic absorbable suture of size 0, the preferred barb length L would be 0.45 mm; the preferred barb depth D would be 0.2 mm; and the preferred barb cut angle would be 153 degrees. 
     Longitudinal spacing between any two barbs is generally effected with the goal of creating as many barbs as possible along the suture, and is a factor in the ability of the barbed suture to anchor tissues while maintaining firmness. As barbs are spaced farther apart, tissue-anchoring capacity decreases. Nevertheless, if barbs are spaced too close, the integrity of the filament may be jeopardized, which could lead to a tendency of the barbs to peel back and also to a decrease in suture tensile strength. 
     Generally, a suitable ratio of cut distance P to barbed suture diameter SD ranges from about 0.1 to about 6, more preferably from about 0.5 to about 4.5, even more preferably from about 1.0 to about 3.5. Very suitable barbed sutures may have a ratio of cut distance P to barbed suture diameter SD from about 1.5 down to about 0.2, whereby cut distance P may be as low as about 0.1, particularly for the overlapping barb embodiment, which is discussed in more detail below vis-à-vis  FIGS. 12A ,  12 B,  12 C, and  12 D. 
     Additionally, spirality angle α formed between line M and the longitudinal direction of the elongated suture body for a twist cut, multiple spiral barbed suture typically would range from about 5 degrees to about 25 degrees, more preferably from about 7 degrees to about 21 degrees. The most preferred angle α for all barbs on a twist cut, multiple spiral barbed suture is about 10° to about 18°. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 8 , shown is suture  90 , which is another embodiment of the present invention. Suture  90  includes elongated body  92  that is generally circular in cross section. Elongated body  92  terminates in first and second pointed ends  94 ,  96  for penetrating tissue. It is contemplated that one or both ends  94 ,  96  may comprise a surgical needle (not shown) for insertion into tissue. Additionally, suture  90  includes plurality of closely spaced barbs  97  arranged in a random disposition. 
     Suture  90  may be made with the same cutting machine as the above-discussed sutures, such as the cutting device described in the above-noted Ser. No. 09/943,733 to Genova et al. With combinations of the above-described methods for making the 180 degree disposition (sutures  1 ,  10 ), the 120 degree disposition (sutures  30 ,  40 ), and/or the twist cut multiple spiral disposition (sutures  60 ,  70 ,  80 ), barbed suture  90  with a very random barb disposition is obtained. The advantage of the random disposition is that the many barb angles provide superior anchoring in tissues and thus afford superior wound holding properties. With the random disposition, the barbed suture would be inserted into tissue with an insertion device, such as that shown in the above-noted U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,376 to Ruff. 
     With regard to  FIG. 9 , shown is a sectional side view of barbed suture  100 , which is another embodiment of the present invention. Suture  100  includes elongated suture body  102  of generally circular cross section. Also, suture body  102  has disposed on it a plurality of closely spaced barbs  107 . Each barb  107  has a barb configuration such that barb underside  108  is serrated or corrugated. One or both suture ends (not shown) are pointed for penetrating tissue and it is contemplated that one or both may comprise a surgical needle (not shown) for insertion into tissue. 
     Suture  100  may be made with the same cutting machine as the above-discussed sutures, such as the cutting device described in the above-noted Ser. No. 09/943,733 to Genova et al. Barb  107  having serrated underside  108  is achieved by vibrating or oscillating the cutting blades of the cutting device when barbs are being escarped into the body of a monofilament. It is intended that any of the barbed sutures of the present invention as described here may have barbs with a configuration that includes a serrated or corrugated underside. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 10A and 10B , depicted in  FIG. 10A  is a perspective view and depicted in  FIG. 10B  is a top view of barbed suture  110 , which is another embodiment of the present invention. Suture  110  includes elongated suture body  112  of generally circular cross section. Also, suture body  112  has disposed on it a plurality of closely spaced barbs  115  having barb tips  117  (one barb  115  is shown for purposes of brevity). Barb  115  has a configuration with an arcuate base  119  where barb  115  is attached to suture body  112 . One or both suture ends (not shown) are pointed for penetrating tissue and it is contemplated that one or both may comprise a surgical needle (not shown) for insertion into tissue. 
       FIGS. 10C and 10D  are cross-sectional views respectively along line  10 C- 10 C and line  10 D- 10 D of  FIG. 10B .  FIGS. 10C and 10D  further clarify that barb  115  becomes narrower going from base  119  toward tip  117 . 
     Suture  110  may be made with the same cutting machine as the above-discussed sutures, such as the cutting device described in the above-noted Ser. No. 09/943,733 to Genova et al. To achieve barb  115  having arcuate base  119 , the cutting device is provided with cutting blades with ends that are correspondingly arcuate with respect to arcuate base  119 . 
     It is intended that any of the barbed sutures of the present invention as described here may have barbs with a configuration that includes an arcuate base. The arcuate base should enhance tissue anchoring as compared to a flat, linear base. Regardless, it is not desired for the base to be circular or oval, which would result from conical shaped barbs, as that could decrease tissue anchoring. 
     Shown in  FIG. 11  is a sectional side view of a barbed suture that is another embodiment of the present invention, and that is generally designated at  120 . Suture  120  includes elongated body  122  that is generally circular in cross section. Elongated body  122  terminates in end  124 . End  124  is pointed for penetrating tissue and it is contemplated that end  124  may comprise a surgical needle (not shown) for insertion into tissue. (The other end is not shown, and also may be pointed for penetrating tissue and may comprise a surgical needle for penetrating tissue.) Also, suture  120  includes plurality of closely spaced barbs  125 , plurality of closely spaced barbs  127 , and plurality of closely spaced barbs  129 . Barbs  125  are relatively small in size with a relatively short barb length as compared to barbs  127 , which are relatively medium in size with a relatively medium barb length, as compared to barbs  129 , which are relatively large in size with a relatively long barb length. 
     Suture  120  may be made with the same cutting machine as the above-described sutures were made, such as the cutting device described in the above-noted Ser. No. 09/943,733 to Genova et al. By altering the amount of blade movement during cutting into a suture filament, then the barb cut length is made longer or shorter, as desired, to result in each of the three sets of barbs  125 ,  127 , and  129  being of a size different from the others, where the varying sizes are designed for various surgical applications. The barb size may also vary in the transverse direction, whereby the barb base may be short, medium, or long, and regardless, the barb base typically is less than about ¼ of the suture diameter. 
     For instance, relatively larger barbs are desirable for joining fat and soft tissues, whereas relatively smaller barbs are desirable for joining fibrous tissues. Use of a combination of large, medium, and/or small barbs on the same suture helps to ensure maximum anchoring properties when barb sizes are customized for each tissue layer. Only two different sized sets of barbs (not shown) may be escarped into suture body  122 , or additional sets of barbs (not shown) with four, five, six, or more different sized sets than three sizes as illustrated for sets of barbs  125 , 127 , and  129  may be escarped into suture body  122  as desired, in accordance with the intended end use. Also, although suture  120  is illustrated with the barbs being unidirectional, it is intended that barbed sutures with barbs having a configuration of varying sizes in accordance with the invention also may be bi-directional barbed sutures or random barbed sutures or any of the other inventive barbed sutures described here. 
       FIG. 12A  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention, showing barbed suture  130  having elongated body  132  of generally circular cross section. One or both suture ends (not shown) are pointed for penetrating tissue and it is contemplated that one or both ends may comprise a surgical needle (not shown) for insertion into tissue. 
     Suture  130  further includes plurality of barbs  135  projecting from body  132  such that at least two longitudinally adjacent first and second barbs  135  are disposed on body  132  where first barb  135  overlaps second barb  135  if first and second barbs  135 , which is readily apparent if barbs  135  are laid flat on body  132 . 
       FIG. 12B  is a perspective view of a portion of overlapping barbs  135  of the overlapping disposition barbed suture  130  of  FIG. 12A , and  FIG. 12C  is a top plan view of  FIG. 12B .  FIG. 12D  is a cross-sectional view along ling  12 D- 12 D of  FIG. 12C . As can be more clearly seen from  FIGS. 12B ,  12 C, and  12 D, during escarpment of barbs  135 , overlapping first barb  135  is escarped into part of topside TS of overlapped second barb  135 , and so on. Part of topside TS of overlapped second barb  135  becomes part of underside US of overlapping first barb  135 . 
     Thus, with the overlapping disposition, the barb cut distance between first barb  135  and second barb  135  may be shorter than the barb cut length of overlapped second barb  135 , whereas, in general for barbed sutures, the barb cut distance between two barbs&gt;the barb cut length. Particularly for the overlapping barb disposition, very suitable barbed sutures may have a ratio of the barb cut distance to the barbed suture diameter from about 1.5 down to about 0.2, since the barb cut distance P may be as low as about 0.1. (See discussion of  FIG. 7  for comments vis-à-vis the barb cut length and the barb cut distance.) This overlapping disposition allows for closely packing many barbs  135  on body  132 , and typically, barbs  135  are thin, as compared to when the barb cut distance between two barbs&gt;the barb cut length. 
     Also, although suture  130  is illustrated with barbs  135  being unidirectional, it is intended to include that suture  130  in accordance with the invention also may be a bi-directional barbed suture as described here. 
       FIGS. 13A ,  13 B,  13 C, and  13 D show various surgical needles, where a barbed suture is attached to each surgical needle. In order to facilitate insertion into tissue, the surgical needles may be coated with a polymer, for instance, as described above vis-à-vis U.S. Pat. No. 5,258,013 to Granger et al. 
       FIG. 13A  shows surgical needle N 1  that is a straight elongated needle in the longitudinal direction and that is generally circular in cross section. Surgical needle N 1  has pointed tip T 1  for insertion into tissue and also has hole H 1 . Surgical needle N 1  is illustrated as attached, such as by swaging, to barbed suture S 1 . Barbed suture S 1  is a barbed suture including, but not limited to, any of the above-described barbed sutures. Additionally, surgical needle N 1  has diameter D 1  in the transverse direction, which is illustrated as a relatively thin diameter, such as about 0.02 inch (about 0.51 mm). As discussed above vis-à-vis swaging, surgical needle N 1 , after having suture S 1  inserted into hole H 1 , may be crimped by standard procedures about hole H 1  to hold suture S 1  in place for suturing tissue. 
       FIG. 13B  shows surgical needle N 2  that is a straight elongated needle in the longitudinal direction and that is generally circular in cross section. Surgical needle N 2  has pointed tip T 2  for insertion into tissue and also has hole H 2 . Surgical needle N 2  is illustrated as attached, such as by swaging, to barbed suture S 2 . Barbed suture S 2  is a barbed suture including, but not limited to, any of the above-described barbed sutures. Additionally, surgical needle N 2  has diameter D 2  in the transverse direction, which is illustrated as a suitably thin diameter, such as about 0.032 inch (about 0.81 mm), but not as thin as diameter D 1  of surgical needle N 1 . As discussed above vis-à-vis swaging, surgical needle N 2 , after having suture S 2  inserted into hole H 2 , may be crimped by standard procedures about hole H 2  to hold suture S 2  in place for use in suturing tissue. 
       FIG. 13C  shows surgical needle N 3  that is a curved elongated needle in the longitudinal direction and that is generally circular in cross section. Surgical needle N 3  has pointed tip T 3  for insertion into tissue and also has hole H 3 . Surgical needle N 3  is illustrated as attached, such as by swaging, to barbed suture S 3 . Barbed suture S 3  is a barbed suture including, but not limited to, any of the above-described barbed sutures. Additionally, surgical needle N 3  has diameter D 3  in the transverse direction, which is illustrated as a relatively thin diameter, such as about 0.02 inch (about 0.51 mm) As discussed above vis-à-vis swaging, surgical needle N 3 , after having suture S 3  inserted into hole H 3 , may be crimped by standard procedures about hole H 3  to hold suture S 3  in place for use in suturing tissue. 
       FIG. 13D  shows surgical needle N 4  that is a curved elongated needle in the longitudinal direction and that is generally circular in cross section. Surgical needle N 4  has pointed tip T 4  for insertion into tissue and also has hole H 4 . Surgical needle N 4  is illustrated as attached, such as by swaging, to barbed suture S 4 . Barbed suture S 4  is a barbed suture including, but not limited to, any of the above-described barbed sutures. Additionally, surgical needle N 4  has diameter D 4  in the transverse direction, which is illustrated as a suitably thin diameter, such as about 0.032 inch (about 0.81 mm), but not as thin as diameter D 3  of surgical needle N 3 . As discussed above vis-à-vis swaging, surgical needle N 4 , after having suture S 4  inserted into hole H 4 , may be crimped by standard procedures about hole H 4  to hold suture S 4  in place for use in suturing tissue. 
     Needle tips T 1 , T 2 , T 3 , and T 4  are schematically illustrated as pointed, but, as is well known, surgical needles come with various kinds of pointed tips, such as taper point, taper cutting, ball point, cutting edge, diamond point, thin line, and lancet point, and it is intended to include, but not be limited to, all such needle tips. Taper point, taper cutting, and diamond point are preferred needle tips for surgical needles used with barbed sutures. 
     As is well known in the art, needle diameter for surgical needles used with conventional (i.e., unbarbed) sutures is considered unimportant, and often very thick surgical needles are used with thin conventional sutures such that the ratio of surgical needle diameter to conventional suture diameter is 4:1 or even higher, such as 4.43:1. 
     However, with the surgical needle/barbed suture combination of the present invention (for either a straight needle or a curved needle), the thinner that the surgical needle is, then the more preferable that the surgical needle/barbed suture is, with the desired needle diameter being thinner and thinner as it approaches the barbed suture diameter, and it is possible that the needle diameter may be even thinner than the barbed suture diameter. 
     In general for the present invention, a relatively thin surgical needle attached to a barbed suture is more preferable for approximating tissue when stitching a wound closed than a relatively thick surgical needle threaded with a barbed suture. The reason is that the relatively thin surgical needle attached to a barbed suture allows for greater engagement of barbs in tissue, and therefore provides better closure strength to the approximated tissue that has been sutured to prevent the opposing sides of the closed wound from pulling apart, as compared to the closure strength provided to approximated tissue that has been sutured with the relatively thick surgical needle. 
     The most important feature for the combination of the surgical needle attached to the barbed suture is that the surgical needle diameter should be of sufficient width in order to make a hole or a channel in the end, such by drilling, to allow for insertion of the barbed suture into the hole or the channel. Nevertheless, as the surgical needle diameter increases, the surgical needle is still suitable as long as the ratio of the surgical needle diameter to the barbed suture diameter is about 3:1 or less. 
     Accordingly, a desirable ratio of surgical needle diameter to barbed suture diameter, for either a straight needle or a curved needle, is about 3:1 or less, more preferably about 2:1 or less, most preferably about 1.8:1 or less. Furthermore, particularly if channel needles are employed, the ratio of surgical needle diameter to barbed suture diameter may be as low as about 1:1 or less, or even lower; for instance, about 0.9:1 or less, or about 08:1 or less, or as low as about 0.5:1. It will be appreciated by the person of ordinary skill in the art that care should be taken with extremely thin needles so as to ameliorate the possibility of localized weakness, which may compromise tissue insertion. 
     Closure strength of thin surgical needles, both having a ratio of surgical needle diameter to barbed suture diameter suitable for the present invention, was tested as follows. 
     Various pieces of chamois leather (manufactured by U.S. Chamois of Florida) having a thickness of about 0.6 in (about 15.2 mm) were cut with a wound having a length of about 1.25 inch (about 32 mm). 
     A first specimen was made from a piece of chamois leather by stitching together the respective edges of the wound with a drilled end surgical needle (item no. 382077A purchased from Sulzle Company) which was swaged with a barbed suture. In other words, after insertion of the barbed suture into the needle hole, the needle was crimped about the hole to secure the barbed suture during stitching. After stitching closed the wound, the piece of chamois leather was cut to a rectangular shape of about 3 inches (about 76 mm) in length by about 1.25 inches (about 32 mm) in width, where the stitched wound was in the middle of the length and transverse the width. The needle was a taper point, curved surgical needle (⅜ of a circle), with a length of about 22 mm and a relatively thin diameter of about 0.020 inch (about 0.51 mm). 
     Then, using the same stitching method, a second specimen was made from another piece of chamois leather by stitching together the respective edges of the wound, using a drilled end surgical needle (item no. 383271A purchased from Sulzle Company) swaged with the same kind of barbed suture, i.e., the surgical needle was crimped about the needle hole, after insertion of the barbed suture into the hole, to secure the barbed suture during stitching. For the second specimen, the needle was a taper point curved surgical needle (⅜ of a circle) with a length of about 22 mm and a suitable thin diameter of about 0.032 inch (about 0.81 mm), although not as thin as the diameter of the needle used for first specimen. 
     Each barbed suture for each specimen was a bi-directional, twist cut multiple spiral, polydioxanone barbed suture like suture  70  in  FIG. 6A , except that each barbed suture had a diameter of about 0.0115 inch (about 0.291 mm, which is slightly larger than the USP requirement for a size 3-0 synthetic absorbable suture), instead of a suture diameter of about 0.018 inch (about 0.457 mm). 
     Both the first and the second specimens of stitched chamois cloth were tested for closure strength using a Test Resources Universal Tester, Model 200Q. Each specimen was gripped by two respective serrated jaws. Then, each specimen was pulled longitudinally at a rate of about 10 inches per minute (about 254 mm per minute) until complete rupture. The peak load in pounds reached before complete wound disruption was recorded as the closure strength. The results were that the first specimen (which was sutured with the needle that had a relatively thin diameter of about 0.020 inch, about 0.51 mm) took 5.88 pounds until wound disruption occurred and the specimen pulled apart back into 2 pieces, whereas the second specimen (which was stitched with the needle that had a suitably thin diameter of about 0.032 inch, about 0.81 mm, but not as thin as the needle for the first specimen) took only 2.88 pounds until the wound disruption and the specimen pulled apart back into 2 pieces. 
     The results are summarized in Table 13A below. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 13A 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 (Chamois Cloth Closure Strength) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Needle 
                 Barbed Suture 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Specimen 
                 Diameter 
                 Diameter 
                 Ratio* 
                 Pounds to Rupture 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 First 
                 0.020 inch 
                 0.0115 inch 
                 1.74 
                 5.88 
               
               
                 Second 
                 0.032 inch 
                 0.0115 inch 
                 2.78 
                 2.88 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 *Ratio of surgical needle diameter to barbed suture diameter. 
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Also, various pieces of rat skin were cut and stitched for testing of more surgical needles swaged with barbed sutures as follows. 
     Three freshly killed Sprague-Dawley rats, each about 600 to 700 g, were used. Two full-thickness skin incisions were made on the back of each rat to create wounds. Each wound was about 4 cm in length and parallel to the spine. 
     For each rat, one of the two wounds was closed with a drilled end, curved surgical needle that was a Sulzle item no. 382273A, which was ⅜ circle. The needle had a length of 18 mm and a diameter of about 0.022 inch (about 0.56 mm) Also, the needle had a taper point needle tip where the needle tip had been ground to a 3-facet cut to approximate a taper cutting needle tip to facilitate penetration of rat tissue. The needle was swaged to a barbed suture. 
     The other of the two wounds was closed using the same suturing technique, but with a drilled end, curved surgical needle that was a Sulzle item no. 832679A, which was ⅜ circle. The needle had a length of about 18 mm and a diameter of about 0.026 inch (about 0.66 mm) Also, the needle had a diamond point needle tip. The needle was swaged to a barbed suture. 
     Each barbed suture for each specimen was a bidirectional, twist cut multiple spiral, polydioxanone barbed suture like suture  70  in  FIG. 6A , except that each barbed suture had a diameter of about 0.015 inch (about 0.381 mm, which is slightly larger than the USP requirement for a size 2-0 synthetic absorbable suture), instead of a suture diameter of about 0.018 inch (about 0.457 mm). 
     For each stitched wound, a tissue specimen that was approximately a square measuring about 4 cm×about 4 cm, with the stitched wound in the middle paralleling two opposing tissue edges, was retrieved for closure strength testing. 
     The force to open each wound was determined using a Test Resources Universal Tester, Model 200Q. For each tissue specimen, the two edges paralleling each stitched wound were mounted in the two respective serrated jaws of the tester. 
     Then, each specimen was pulled longitudinally at a rate of about 2 inches per minute (about 51 mm per minute) until complete rupture occurred. The maximum force encountered before complete wound disruption was recorded as the closure strength. 
     The results were averaged from the first set of three wounds closed with a needle having a diameter of about 0.022 inch (about 0.56 mm) and swaged to a barbed suture. Also, the results were averaged from the second set of three wounds closed with a needle having a diameter of about 0.026 inch (about 0.66 mm) and swaged to a barbed suture. 
     The results are summarized in Table 13B below. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 13B 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 (Rat Skin Closure Strength) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Average of 3 
               
               
                   
                 Needle 
                 Barbed Suture 
                   
                 Wounds Pounds to 
               
               
                 Specimens 
                 Diameter 
                 Diameter 
                 Ratio* 
                 Rupture 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 First Set of 3 
                 0.022 inch 
                 0.015 inch 
                 1.47 
                 11.9 
               
               
                 Second Set 
                 0.026 inch 
                 0.015 inch 
                 1.73 
                 8.1 
               
               
                 of 3 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 *Ratio of surgical needle diameter to barbed suture diameter. 
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Thus, the lower the ratio of surgical needle diameter to barbed suture diameter, then the better the closure strength when suturing a wound closed with a surgical needle attached to a barbed suture. In general, the thinner the surgical needle, the better the closure strength, particularly for delicate tissues; however, for tough tissues, such as muscle and bowel, thicker needles are preferred. Thus, what is important, regardless of whether the needle is thick or thin or somewhere in the middle, is that the ratio of surgical needle diameter to barbed suture diameter should be about 3:1 or less, more preferably about 2:1 or less. 
     Although the present invention has been shown and described in detail with regard to only a few exemplary embodiments of the invention, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that it is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed. Various modifications, omissions, and additions may be made to the disclosed embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the invention, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings. For instance, the barbed suture of the present invention can be used alone or with other closure methods, such as staples and/or skin adhesives, to aid in holding the position of the tissue. Accordingly, it is intended to cover all such modifications, omissions, additions, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.