Anesthetic Suture

摘要

A multi-filament surgical suture comprising cover and core layers is differentially coated or impregnated with a long-acting local anesthetic so as produce a differential distribution of the anesthetic within the suture. The differential distribution of the anesthetic within the suture can be adjusted so as to release a uniform or variable prescribed dosage of the anesthetic at a uniform or variable prescribed rate over one or more prescribed intervals. The time-release period and the rate of anesthetic release can be regulated to suit the needs of the specific patient and/or the nature of the surgical procedure.

主权项

1. An anesthetic suture, comprising:
multiple interwoven braids consisting of bundles of filaments; wherein the suture has an outer surface and an inner core; wherein multiple surface filaments are exposed at the surface of the suture, and multiple core filaments are within the core of the suture; wherein multiple interstices are located between the braids; wherein the interstices, the surface filaments and the core filaments are differentially impregnated or coated with a long-acting local anesthetic, so as to produce a differential distribution of the anesthetic within the suture, such that the interstices, the surface filaments and the core filaments each contain a different concentration and volume of the anesthetic and each release the anesthetic at a different rate and for a different duration; and wherein the differential distribution of the anesthetic within the suture can be adjusted so as to release a uniform or variable prescribed dosage of the anesthetic at a uniform or variable prescribed rate over one or more prescribed intervals.