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Method and apparatus for elevating retainers on self-retaining sutures

  • US 9,125,647 B2
  • Filed: 02/20/2009
  • Issued: 09/08/2015
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/21/2008
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method of forming a self-retaining suture comprising the steps of:

  • forming a plurality of retainers on an elongated suture body by inserting said suture into a retainer-forming machine, wherein said retainer-forming machine forms retainers in said suture; and

    performing a step of elevating the retainers away from the suture body, wherein the step of elevating the retainers comprises;

    after the retainers have been created by said retainer-forming machine, inserting the suture having retainers into an apparatus having at least one roller and at least one bending bar;

    drawing the suture through the apparatus over the at least one roller;

    and contacting the retainers with said at least one bending bar, wherein said bending bar physically applies a force to the retainers and bends the retainers back.

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