Self-retaining suture with variable dimension filament and method

摘要

A self-retaining suture comprises a variable-dimension filament which varies in size and/or shape along the length of the filament. The variation in size and/or shape results in a variation in the distribution of filament material from one region of the filament to the next. The filament has retainers formed in the surface such that the filament can engage and retain tissue. The retainers are formed in a manner that makes use of regions of the filament where additional material is distributed. The resulting self-retaining suture has a greater minimum cross-section than would be created using an equivalent uniform filament. The resulting self-retaining suture consequently has a greater tensile strength. Methods for manufacturing the filament and retainers are also described.