Suture with non-symmetric barbs

摘要

A barbed suture in which the barbs are non-symmetrical about a primary plane extending along the length of the suture has been developed by Ethicon. The suture described in US Patent 8 562 644 is designed to enhance barbed holding strength without significantly increasing the insertion force or stiffness of the suture, explains the company of Somerville, New Jersey, USA. Figure I shows a cross-section along the length of the barbed suture (200) having first and second barbs or projections (201,202) extending outwardly from opposite sides of the suture shaft (203); the barbs are not geometrically symmetrical about the primary plane (P).