SUTURES UTILIZING SHAPE MEMORY ALLOYS

摘要

A suture (10) and a suturing method are set forth for suturing a wound (20) in the tissue (24) of a patient and defined by tissue edges (20). The suture comprises an alloy member having a first end portion (16), a second end portion (18), and a first undeformed shape (12). It is deformable into a second deformed shape. The member has the property of recovering from its second shape towards its first shape upon the second shape being subjected to specified conditions. The first shape is a suturing loop adapted to draw and hold the tissue edges defining the wound together. The second shape is adapted to allow the member to be drawn through the tissue in position for the loop to form. The method comprises inserting such a member while it is in its second shape into position for it to assume its first suturing loop shape and subjecting it to conditions which cause it to recover towards its first shape.