SHAPE-MEMORY SELF-RETAINING SUTURES, METHODS OF MANUFACTURE, AND METHODS OF USE

摘要

A self-retaining suture comprises a filament. The filament has retainers on the surface such that the filament can engage and retain tissue without knots. The filament comprises one or more materials at least one of which is a shape-memory polymer or shape-memory alloy. The shape-memory material is used to cause the shape of the retainers and or the filament to transition from a first configuration to a second configuration in response to a transition stimulus. The transition stimulus may be applied before, during, or after deployment of the suture in tissue. In particular, the shape-memory material may be used to enhance the formation, elevation and/or deployment of the retainers. Methods for manufacturing the filament and retainers are also described.