Abstract:
A barbed suture is provided. The barbed suture includes an elongate body and at least one barb extending from the elongate body. The elongate body defines a recess adjacent the at least one barb. Also provided is a method of making a barbed suture. The method includes the steps of providing a suture nest and a punch apparatus configured for operable engagement with the suture nest, loading a suture through the suture nest, engaging the punch apparatus with the suture nest, and disengaging the punch apparatus with the suture nest.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/480,658, filed Apr. 29, 2011, the content of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Technical Field 
         [0003]    The present disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for forming barbs on sutures. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to apparatus and methods of forming barbs on sutures using heat staking. 
         [0004]    2. Background of Related Art 
         [0005]    Barbed sutures are generally made of the same materials as conventional sutures and offer several advantages for closing wounds compared with conventional sutures. A barbed suture includes an elongate body that has one or more spaced barbs which project outward from the surface of the suture body 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, one advantage of barbed sutures has been the provision of a non-slip attribute. 
         [0006]    Barbed sutures are used in countless procedures. The number of barbs called for on a particular suture may be influenced by the size of the wound and the strength required to hold the wound closed. Like a conventional suture, a barbed suture may be inserted into tissue using a surgical needle. 
         [0007]    In some circumstances, a specific configuration of barbs on the exterior surface of the suture is preferred to achieve optimal wound closure holding for the particular wound. However, in other circumstances, where the wound or tissue repair needed is relatively small, a reduced number of barbs may be desired. In other circumstances, a bi-directional barbed suture is desirable where the barbs over a portion of the suture permit passing of the suture in one direction and barbs over another portion of the suture permit passing of the suture in a second direction to perform a tight closing stitch. 
         [0008]    Various methods of forming barbs on sutures have been proposed such as mechanical cutting, laser cutting, injection molding, extrusion and the like. However, such methods may be difficult or costly to achieve the desired result with respect to getting the arrangement of barbs in a configuration needed for the appropriate procedure and for doing so in an efficient cost effective manner. 
         [0009]    Accordingly, there is a continuing need for methods of forming barbs on a suture that are less difficult, more effective and/or economical. There is also a continuing need for methods which are able to vary the size, the number, the location and/or the depth of the barbs. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0010]    A system for forming one or more barbs on a length of suture is provided. The system includes a suture nest and a punch apparatus. The suture nest defines a longitudinal passage configured for receipt of a length of suture. The suture nest includes at least one recess formed along the longitudinal passage and at least one opening corresponding to the at least one recess. The punch apparatus includes at least one punch member corresponding to the at least one opening in the suture nest. The at least one punch member is configured to be selectively received within the at least one opening in the suture nest. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment, the suture nest includes a plurality of recesses and a plurality of corresponding openings. The punch apparatus may include a plurality of punch members corresponding to the plurality of openings in the suture nest. At least one of the punch apparatus and the nest may be selectively movable relative to the other. The suture nest may include first and second nest halves and at least one recess may be formed in one of the first and second nest halves. At least one opening corresponding to the at least one recess may be formed on the other of the first and second nest halves. 
         [0012]    A suture forming nest is also provided. The suture forming nest includes a first nest half defining a first longitudinal groove and a second nest half defining a second longitudinal groove corresponding to the first longitudinal groove. The first nest half further defines at least a first recess formed along the longitudinal groove. The second nest half further defines at least a first opening extending therethrough corresponding to the at least first recess of the first nest half. 
         [0013]    In one embodiment, the first and second nest halves each include an inner surface configured to be in contact during a suture forming process. The first and second longitudinal grooves may form a longitudinal passage for receiving a suture when the first and second inner surfaces of the first and second nest halves are in contact. The first nest half may include a plurality of recesses formed along the first longitudinal groove. The plurality of recesses may be formed on alternating sides of the first longitudinal groove. The second nest half may include a plurality of openings formed along the first longitudinal groove. The plurality of openings may be formed on alternating sides of the second longitudinal groove. The at least one recess may form one of a pointed barb and a rounded barb. The second nest half may be configured to engage a punch. 
         [0014]    Also provided is a punch device for use with a suture forming nest. The apparatus includes a base and at least one punch assembly extending from the base. The at least one punch assembly includes a base member and a punch member. The punch member may be configured for reception within an opening of the suture nest. The base member may be selectively extendable relative to the base and/or the base member. The distal end of the punch member may be configured to engage a suture. The punch device may further include a mechanism for heating the at least one punch member. 
         [0015]    Additionally, a barbed suture is provided. The barbed suture includes an elongate body and at least one barb extending from the elongate body, wherein the elongate body defines a recess adjacent the at least one barb. In one embodiment, the elongate body includes a plurality of barbs. The barbed suture may further include one or more ridges extending about the recess defined in the elongate body. The plurality of ridges corresponds to each of the plurality of barbs. The recesses adjacent the at least one barb may be oriented in the same direction as the at least one barb. The recess may be substantially oval. 
         [0016]    A method of making a barbed suture is also provided. The method includes the steps of providing a suture nest and a punch apparatus configured for operable engagement with the suture nest, loading a suture through the suture nest, engaging the punch apparatus with the suture nest, and disengaging the punch apparatus with the suture nest. The suture nest may include first and second suture halves. The first nest half may define a first longitudinal groove and at least a first recess formed along the longitudinal groove. The second nest half may define a second longitudinal groove corresponding to the first longitudinal groove and at least a first opening extending therethrough corresponding to the at least first recess of the first nest half. The first and second longitudinal grooves may form an elongate passage through the nest when the first and second nest halves are engaged. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    Various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described herein below with reference to the figures wherein: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a barbed suture formed of a monofilament thread in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0019]      FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a barbed suture formed of a multifilament braided thread in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0020]      FIG. 1C  is a cross-sectional view of the barbed suture of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0021]      FIGS. 2A-2G  are ends views of sutures having alternative cross-sectional geometries, including circular ( FIG. 2A ), elliptical ( FIG. 2B ), square ( FIG. 2C ), star-shaped ( FIG. 2D ), octagonal ( FIG. 2E ), rectangular ( FIG. 2F ), and planar ( FIG. 2G ); 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a barbed suture forming nest according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4A  is a front side view of a first nest half of the barbed suture forming nest of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 4B  is a back side view of the first nest half of  FIG. 4A ; 
           [0025]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are enlarged sectional views of nest halves according to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0026]      FIG. 6A  is a front side view of a second nest half of the barbed suture forming nest of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 6B  is a back side view of the second nest halve of  FIG. 6A ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  is a front view of a punch for use with the barbed suture forming nest of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the punch of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the barbed suture forming nest of  FIG. 3  taken along plane  9  of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the barbed suture forming nest of  FIG. 9 , including a length of suture received therein; 
           [0032]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the barbed suture forming nest and suture of  FIG. 10 , including a punch assembly being operably engaged therewith; 
           [0033]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the barbed suture forming nest and suture of  FIG. 11 , including the punch assembly being operably disengaged therewith; 
           [0034]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of a barbed suture forming nest according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, in an open position and including a length of suture received therethrough; 
           [0035]      FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of the barbed suture forming nest of  FIG. 13 , in a closed position; 
           [0036]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of a barbed suture forming nest according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, in an open position and including a length of suture received therethrough; 
           [0037]      FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of the barbed suture forming nest of  FIG. 15 , in a closed position, including a pair of punch assemblies operably engaged therewith; 
           [0038]      FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of a barb forming nest according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0039]      FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of the barb forming nest of  FIG. 17  including a suture received therein and prior to barb formation; and 
           [0040]      FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view of the barb forming nest and suture of  FIG. 17 , post barb formation. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0041]    Disclosed herein are an apparatus, system and method for forming a suture having at least one barb formed along the length thereof. Referring now in detail to the drawings in which like reference numerals are applied to like elements in the various views,  FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate a length of suture  10  having an elongate body  12  and a plurality of barbs  14  formed therefrom. Suture  10  has a proximal end  10   a  and distal end  10   b . Either or both of proximal and distal ends  10   a ,  10   b  may include a needle (not shown). As shown, barbs  14  are formed projecting outward from elongate body  12  of suture  10  in a first direction, however, it is envisioned that barbs  14  may project outwardly in a first direction along a first portion of suture  10  and a second length of barbs  14  may project outwardly in a second direction along a second portion of suture  10 , thereby forming a bi-directional barbed suture. 
         [0042]    With reference still to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , barbs  14  form an angle “a” ( FIG. 1A ) of less than ninety degrees (90°) between barbs  14  and elongate body  12 . Each of barbs  14  includes a cavity or recess  15  which is at least partially disposed along elongate body  12 . As shown, each recess  15  is defined by a ridge  16  ( FIG. 1C ). Ridges  16  are formed from a portion of elongate body  12  and have an increased thickness and/or density. Ridges  16  are created as part of the barb forming process. Although shown including ridges  16 , it is envisioned that elongate body  12  may define one or more recesses  15  formed without ridges  16 . Alternatively, it is envisioned that elongate body  12  may define a recess formed with multiple ridges  16 ,  16   a . (See  FIG. 1C , shown in phantom). Recesses  15  and/or ridges  16  may be configured to add structural strength to barbs  14  and/or elongate body  12 . As seen in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , recesses  15  are oriented in the same direction as barbs  14 . 
         [0043]    As shown in  FIG. 1A , suture  10  is formed of a monofilament thread. With reference to  FIG. 1B , as shown, suture  10  is formed of braided threads. The braiding may be done by any method within the purview of those skilled in the art. The filaments and/or fibers used for forming suture  10  may be formed using any technique within the purview of those skilled in the art, such as, for example, extrusion and/or molding. In some embodiments, the suture may include a yarn made of more than one filament. The filament or filaments may contain multiple strands of the same or different materials. Where suture  10  is made of multiple filaments, suture  10  may be made using any known technique such as, for example, braiding, weaving or knitting. The filaments may also be combined to produce a non-woven suture. The filaments themselves may be drawn, oriented, crinkled, twisted, commingled or air entangled to form yarns as part of the suture forming process. As will become apparent from the following disclosure, certain aspects of the present disclosure are especially well suited for use with braided and/or multifilament sutures as the barb forming process may operate to join or secure the multiple threads with each other. 
         [0044]    Suture  10  may be formed of degradable materials, non-degradable materials, and combinations thereof. More particularly, suture  10  may be formed of a degradable material selected from the group consisting of polyesters, polyorthoesters, polymer drugs, polydroxybutyrates, proteins, carbonates, homopolymers thereof, copolymers thereof, and combinations thereof. In other embodiments, suitable degradable materials which may be utilized to form suture  10  include natural collagenous materials or synthetic resins. 
         [0045]    Suitable non-degradable materials which may be utilized to form suture  10  include polyolefins, such as polyethylene and polypropylene; copolymers of polyethylene and polypropylene, and blends of polyethylene and polypropylene; polyamides (such as nylon); polyamines; polyimines; polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate; polytetrafluoroethylene; polyether-esters such as polybutester; polytetramethylene ether glycol; 1,4-butanediol; polyurethanes; and combinations thereof. The polypropylene may be isotactic polypropylene or a mixture of isotactic and syndiotactic or atactic polypropylene. 
         [0046]    As shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , suture  10  is circular in cross-sectional geometry, however, the cross-sectional geometry of suture  10  may be of any suitable shape. For example, with reference to  FIGS. 2A-2G , the cross-sectional geometry of suture  10  may include, circular ( FIG. 2A ), elliptical ( FIG. 2B ), square ( FIG. 2C ), star-shaped ( FIG. 2D ), octagonal ( FIG. 2E ), rectangular ( FIG. 2F ), and planar ( FIG. 2G ). 
         [0047]    With reference now to  FIG. 3 , an embodiment of an apparatus for forming barbs  14  on suture  10  ( FIGS. 1A and 1B ) is shown generally as suture forming nest  100 . Suture forming nest  100  includes first and second nest halves  110 ,  120 . First and second nest halves  110 ,  120  cooperate to form a cavity  101  configured for receipt of a length of suture  10  therein. 
         [0048]    With reference now to  FIGS. 3 ,  4 A and  4 B, first nest half  110  of suture forming nest  100  defines a longitudinal groove  111  along an inner surface  112 . Longitudinal groove  111  is configured to receive elongate body  12  of suture  10 . A plurality of barb-shaped recesses  113  are formed in inner surface  112  along the length of longitudinal groove  111 . As shown, recesses  113  are formed along first and second sides of groove  111  in an alternating pattern. It is envisioned, however, that recesses  113  may be formed in inner surface  112  along only one side of groove  111 . It is further envisioned that first nest half  110  may include only a single recess  113  formed in inner surface  112 . As shown, recesses  113  form substantially triangular cut-outs. Turning briefly to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , first nest half  110  may instead define sharpened recesses  113   a  ( FIG. 5A ) for forming a pointed barb or rounded recesses  113   b  ( FIG. 5B ) for forming a smooth barb. In one embodiment, nest half  110  may define recesses  113  having one or more different configurations. In another embodiment, recesses  113  may not only differ in shape, but also in size. 
         [0049]    With reference now to  FIGS. 3 ,  6 A and  6 B, second nest half  120  defines a longitudinal groove  121  along an inner surface  122  thereof. Longitudinal groove  121  is configured to receive elongate body  12  of suture  10  and corresponds to longitudinal groove  111  of first nest half  110 . Longitudinal grooves  111 ,  121  cooperate when inner surfaces  112 ,  122  of respective first and second halves  110 ,  120  are in contact with each other to form passage  101  through barb forming nest  100 . Second nest half  120  further defines a plurality of openings  123 . Openings  123  extend through second nest half  120 . Each opening  123  correspond to a recess  113  formed in first nest half  110 . Each of openings  123  is configured to receive a distal end of a punch member  156  ( FIG. 8 ). As will be discussed in further detail below, punch member  156  is received through openings  123  to form barb  14  in elongate body  12  of suture  10  ( FIG. 1 ). As shown, openings  123  define slots having a substantially oval cross-section configured to receive a distal end  156   b  of punch member  156  having a substantially oval cross-section. Openings  123  are oriented such that a portion of distal end  156   b  of punch member  156  engages a portion of elongate body  12  of suture  10 . 
         [0050]    With reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , an apparatus for use with suture forming nest  100  is shown generally as punch  150 . Punch  150  includes a base  151  and a plurality of punch assemblies  152  operably connected to base  151 . The configuration of punch assemblies  152  corresponds to openings  123  of suture forming nest  100 . Punch assemblies  152  each include a base  154  and a punch member  156  extending from base  154 . Punch member  156  includes a rounded distal end  156   b . Although shown having a substantially orthogonal distal surface  157 , it is envisioned that distal surface  157  of punch member  156  may be angled. Angling of distal surface  157  may facilitate movement of the suture material during forming of barbs  14  and/or may facilitate the forming of recess  15  ( FIG. 1A ) on elongate body  12  of suture  10 . Although not shown, distal surface  157  of punch member  156  may be contoured or otherwise configured to facilitate forming of one or more ridges  15  on elongate body  12  of suture  10 . Punch member  156  is of sufficient length to extend through openings  123  of second nest half  120  such that distal end  156   b  of punch member  156  engages elongate body  12  of suture  10 . In one embodiment, punch member  156  is of a length such that a distal surface  155  of base  154  engages an outer surface of second nest half  120 . In this manner, distal surface  155  of base  154  acts as a stop to prevent over insertion of punch member  156  within opening  123 . 
         [0051]    Base members  154  and/or punch members  156  may be configured for selective rotation about a longitudinal axis “X” thereof ( FIG. 8 ). In this manner, punch members  156  may be reoriented to correspond with alternatively oriented openings in alternative suture forming nests. Base members  154  may also be configured for selective removal from punch  150 . In this manner, one or more punch assemblies  152  may be removed such that punch  150  may be used with a suture forming nest having fewer than five (5) openings. Additionally, selective removal of base members  154  permits replacing punch members  156  in the event of damage to punch member  156 , or to replace punch members  156  with alternatively configured punch members (not shown) for use with alternatively formed openings. 
         [0052]    With reference still to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , in one embodiment, base members  154  are configured to selectively extend from base  151  of punch  150 . In this manner, punch  150  may be fixed relative to suture forming nest  100  and positioned such that punch members  156  align with openings  123  in second nest half  110 . Upon advancement of base members  154  relative to base  151 , as indicated by arrows “A” ( FIG. 8 ), punch members  156  are received in openings  123  ( FIG. 6A ) of second nest half  120 . Alternatively, base members  154  may be fixed relative to base  151 , while base  151  is configured to be moved relative to suture forming nest  100 . In this manner, upon advancement of base  151  relative to nest  100 , as indicated by arrows “B” ( FIG. 8 ), punch members  156  are received in openings  123  of second nest half  120 . Regardless of whether either or both of base  151  and/or base members  154  are advanced, retraction of respective base members  154  and/or base  151 , causes retraction of punch members  156  from within openings  123  of second nest half  120 . 
         [0053]    Still referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , base  151  of punch  150  includes a mechanism  158  for heating each of punch members  156 . Mechanism  158  may include a heating element (not shown) or any other suitable method for heating punch member  156 , i.e., laser beams, electric current flowing through resistors, inductive heating. Alternatively, base  151  may include an ultrasonic device (not shown) for ultrasonically oscillating punch members  156 . In certain embodiments, the ultrasonic device creates friction between elongate body  12  of suture  10  ( FIG. 1A ) and punch member  156 , thereby causing that portion of elongate body  12  in contact with punch member  156  to soften or become pliable. In yet other embodiments, punch members  156  and/or elongate body  12  may be treated with a solvent or other chemical to soften or make pliable the material forming elongate body  12  in order to facilitate molding of barbs  14 . 
         [0054]    The use of suture forming nest  100  will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 9-12 . Referring initially to  FIG. 9 , inner surfaces  112 ,  122  of first and second nest halves  110 ,  120  are shown in contact to form elongated passage  101 . A suture  10  may then be loaded through longitudinal passage  101 . Alternatively, either or both of first and second nest halves  110 ,  120  may be approximated away from the other nest half, as indicated by arrows “C”, such that a suture may be loaded therein. Turning briefly to  FIG. 10 , suture  10  is shown positioned within passage  101  of suture nest  100 . 
         [0055]    With reference now to  FIG. 11 , once suture  10  is positioned within elongate passage  101  of barb forming nest  100 , punch  150  ( FIG. 7 ) are activated and punch members  156  thereof are inserted through corresponding openings  123  in second nest half  120  of nest  100 . Punch members  156  may be inserted into openings  123  individually or simultaneously. As discussed above, punch  150  includes a plurality of punch members  156  corresponding in size and location with openings  123  of second nest half  120 . 
         [0056]    With reference still to  FIG. 11 , as discussed above, punch member  156  is advanced, as indicated by arrow “D”, such that distal end  156   b  thereof engages a portion of elongate body  12  of suture  10 . Continued advancement of punch member  156  relative to suture  10  causes localized softening or melting of elongate body  12  of suture  10  and displacement of the softened/melted material into recess  113  of first nest half  110 . As discussed above, distal surface  157  of punch member  156  may be angled to facilitate flow of the melted material into recess  113 . In one embodiment, and as shown, distal surface  155  of base member  154  is configured to engage second nest half  120  of suture forming nest  100  upon complete reception of punch member  156  within opening  123 , thereby acting as a stop to prevent over-insertion of punch members  156  into openings  123 . Alternatively, the mechanism for advancing and retracting either or both of base members  154  and base  151  may include a stop feature to prevent over-insertion of punch members  156  within openings  123 . 
         [0057]    Once punch member  156  has been appropriately advanced, heating mechanism  158  may be deactivated to permit cooling of punch member  156 . In one embodiment, punch assemblies  152  include a heat sink (not shown) for assisting in cooling punch member  156 . With reference now to  FIG. 12 , upon sufficient cooling of punch member  156 , punch member  156  is retracted away from elongate body  12  of suture  10 , as indicated by arrow “E”, such that distal end  156   b  of punch member  156  disengages from elongate body  12  of suture  10 . 
         [0058]    Depending on the configuration of suture forming nest  100  and the desired number and configuration of barbs  14 , suture  10  may be advance longitudinally relative to suture forming nest  100  to receive a smooth length of suture  10  therein. Suture  10  may also be rotated along the longitudinal axis to radially offset the subsequently formed barbs from the previously formed barbs. Alternatively, suture forming nest  100  may be configured to accommodate an entire length of suture  10  such that barbs  14  may be formed simultaneously or without moving suture  10 . In another embodiment, suture  10  is removed from within elongate passage  101  of nest  100  and rotated one-hundred eighty degrees (180°) to form barbs extending opposite the first barbs. In this manner, a bi-directional barbed suture may be formed. The barb forming process may be repeated along the length of suture  10 . 
         [0059]    It is envisioned that suture forming nest  100  may be modified to form barbs of various configuration. Barbs  14  may be arranged in any suitable pattern, for example, helical, linear, or randomly spaced. The pattern may be symmetrical or asymmetrical. The number, configuration, spacing and surface area of barbs  14  may vary depending upon the tissue in which the suture is used, as well as the composition and geometry of the material utilized to form suture  10 . Additionally, the proportions of barbs  14  may remain relatively constant while the overall length of barbs  14  and the spacing of barbs  14  may be determined by the tissue being connected. For example, if suture  10  is to be used to connect the edges of a wound in skin or tendon, barbs  14  may be made relatively short and more rigid to facilitate entry into this rather firm tissue. Alternatively, if suture  10  is intended for use in fatty tissue, which is relatively soft, barbs  14  may be made longer and spaced further apart to increase the ability of the suture to grip the soft tissue. 
         [0060]    The surface area of barbs  14  may also vary. For example, fuller-tipped barbs may be made of varying sizes designed for specific surgical applications. For joining fat and relatively soft tissues, larger barbs may be desired, whereas smaller barbs may be more suitable for collagen-dense tissues. In some embodiments, a combination of large and small barbs within the same structure may be beneficial, for example, when a suture is used in tissue repair with differing layer structures. The use of the combination of large and small barbs with the same suture wherein the barb sizes are customized for each tissue layer may maximize the anchoring properties of the suture. In particular embodiments, a single directional suture may have both large and small barbs; in other embodiments a bi-directional suture may have both large and small barbs. The barbs formed may include geometrical shapes such as round, triangular, square, oblique, elliptical, octagonal, rectangular, and flat. 
         [0061]    With reference now to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , an alternative embodiment of an apparatus for forming barbs  14  on suture  10  ( FIGS. 1A and 1B ) is shown generally as suture forming nest  200 . Suture forming nest  200  is substantially similar to suture forming nest  100  described hereinabove, and therefore will only be described as relates to the differences therebetween. 
         [0062]    Still referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , suture forming nest  200  includes a first nest half  210  defining a longitudinal groove  211  and a second nest half  202  defining a longitudinal groove  221 . First and second nest halves  210 ,  220  correspond to form elongate passage  201 . As seen in  FIG. 13 , elongate passage  201  is configured to receive elongate body  12  of suture  10  having a diameter that is larger than the diameter of elongate passage  201 . Alternatively, elongate body  12  of suture  10  may have a different cross-sectional configuration than the cross-sectional configuration of elongate passage  201 . As shown, elongate body  12  of suture  10  includes a substantially circular cross-sectional configuration while elongate passage  201  includes a substantially oval cross-sectional configuration. Although shown having a substantially oval cross-sectional configuration, it is envisioned that elongate passage  201  may have other cross-sectional shapes. For example, elongate passage  201  may instead have a diamond-shaped cross-sectional configuration. First nest half  210  further defines at least one recess  213  for forming a barb  14  on suture  10  ( FIG. 1A ). Second nest half  220  further defines at least one opening  223  corresponding to barb forming recess  213 . As with opening  123  of second nest half  120 , opening  223  is configured to receive punch member  156 . 
         [0063]    Turning to  FIG. 14 , first and second nest halves  210 ,  220  are configured such that, when suture forming nest  200  is closed about elongate body  12  of suture  10 , elongate body  12  is deformed in a manner that pinches a portion of elongate body  12  towards recess  213 . In this manner, first and second nest halves  210 ,  220  facilitate the forming of a barb  14  on elongate body  12  of suture  10 . 
         [0064]    With reference now to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , another embodiment of an apparatus for forming barbs on elongate body  12  of a suture is shown generally as suture forming nest  300 . Suture forming nest  300  is substantially similar to suture forming nests  100  and  200  described hereinabove, and therefore, will only be described as relates to the differences therebetween. 
         [0065]    Suture forming nest  300  includes first and second nest halves  310 ,  320 . Each of first and second nest halves  310 ,  320  define a longitudinal groove  311 ,  321 , respectively, which correspond to form an elongate passage  301 . Each of first and second nest halves  310 ,  320  further define openings  313 ,  323 , respectively. Openings  313 ,  323  are aligned with one another and are each configured to receive a punch member  156 . As seen in  FIG. 16 , first and second nest halves  310 ,  320  are configured to simultaneously receive punch members  156  through respective openings  313 ,  323  to cause the formation of a barb on elongate body  12  of the suture. 
         [0066]    With reference now to  FIGS. 17-19 , yet another embodiment of a suture forming nest according to the present disclosure is shown generally as suture forming nest  400 . Barb forming nest  400  is similar to suture forming nests  100 ,  200  and  300  described hereinabove, and therefore, will only be described as relates to the differences therebetween. 
         [0067]    With reference still to  FIGS. 17-19 , suture forming nest  200  includes first and second nest halves  410 ,  420 . Each of barb forming nests  410 ,  420  include an inner surface  412 ,  422  defining a longitudinal groove  411 ,  421 , respectively. Longitudinal grooves  411 ,  421  cooperate to form an elongate passage  401  between first and second nest halves  410 ,  420  when inner surfaces  412 ,  422  thereof are in contact. First nest half  410  further defines at least one recess  413  extending from longitudinal groove  411 . As shown, recess  413  extends perpendicular to inner surface  412  to form a barb  14  ( FIG. 19 ) that extends perpendicular to elongate body  12  of suture  10 , however, it is envisioned that recess  413  may instead extend from longitudinal groove  411  at various angles so as to form a barb  14  extending from elongate body  12  of suture  10  at various angles. It is further envisioned that second nest half  420  may also include one or more recesses  423  (shown in phantom) for forming one or more barbs  14 . Either or both of first and second nest halves  410 ,  420  are operably connected to a heating mechanism  458  for selectively heating at least portions of first and second nest halves  410 ,  420 . In one embodiment, heating mechanism  458  heats only the portions of first and second nest halves  410 ,  420  corresponding to recesses  423 . 
         [0068]    The use of barb forming nest  400  will be now described with particular reference to  FIGS. 17-19 . Initially, a length of suture  10  is loaded within elongated passage  401  of nest  400 . As seen, suture  10  includes a diameter larger then the diameter of elongated passage  401 . Heating mechanism  458  is then activated to heat either or both of first and second nest halves  410 ,  420 . Heating of nest halves  410 ,  420  causes suture  10  to soften and/or melt. Approximation of first and second nest halves  410 ,  420  towards each other, as indicated by arrows “F” ( FIG. 18 ), as suture  10  is melted, forces the melted material of suture  10  into recess  413  to form barb  14 . Once inner surfaces  412 ,  422  of first and second nest halves  410 ,  420  are in contact, heating mechanism  458  is deactivated and suture  10  is permitted to solidify. As with punch member  156 , first and second nest halves  410 ,  420  may include a heat sink (not shown) to facilitate cooling of suture  10 . Once suture  10  has cooled sufficiently, first and second nest halves  410 ,  420  are approximated away from each other and suture  10  is removed. Suture  10  may then be repositioned within nest  400  and the process may be repeated. As with the previously disclosed suture forming nests, it is envisioned that barb forming nest  400  may be configured to form barbs  14  along an entire length of elongate body  12  of suture  10  simultaneously. 
         [0069]    While the above description contains many specifics, these specifics should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the disclosure, but merely as exemplifications of embodiments thereof. Those skilled in the art will envision many other possibilities within the scope and spirit of the disclosure as defined by the claims appended hereto. For example, each of first and second nest halves  110 ,  120  may each include both openings and recesses. In this manner, radially offset barbs may be formed without moving suture  10  relative to the nest. A second punch may also be used with the nest to simultaneously form the second set of barbs. Alternatively, or in addition, openings and recesses may be formed in either or both of the top and bottom surfaces of the nest halves to further permit forming of radially offset barbs without moving suture  10 .