Sheathed elastic surgical thread

Abstract

Surgical thread ( 13 ), that has an elastic core ( 10 ) and a non-elastic sheathing, in which the elastic core ( 10 ) consists of one or more bio-compatible elastic threads, and the sheathing consists of one or more non-stretch threads ( 11, 12 ) made of bio-compatible material. The non-stretch treads of the sheathing may be absorbable or non-absorbable. Chemical substances and/or medications can be incorporated into the sheath. Different attachments between suture and needle are also covered.

1 - 21 . (canceled)  
   
   
       22 . Surgical thread, wherein it has an elastic core and a non-elastic sheathing, in which the elastic core consists of one or more bio-compatible elastic threads, and the sheathing consists of one or more non-stretch threads made of bio-compatible material and wherein the non-stretch sheathing thread or threads and the elastic core are made of non-absorbable material, and wherein the non-stretch sheathing thread is wound in a spiral fashion, forming one or more overlying spirals wound in opposite directions, with the windings to limit the maximum extension of the elastic thread.  
   
   
       23 . Surgical thread, according to  claim 22 , wherein it has an elastic core made of methylvinyl-polysiloxane silicone rubber or other bio-compatible elastic materials, such as purified natural rubber, 1,4 cis-polyisoprene, acrylonitrile butadiene copolymer, isoprene cisobutylene, conjugated ethylene-propylene/diene terpolymer.  
   
   
       24 . Surgical thread, according to  claim 22 , wherein the non-absorbable material used in the non-stretch sheathing thread or threads is constituted by PTFE or polypropylene, polyurethane, polyester, polyurethane-polyether, PVDF (polyvinylidine fluoride), polyamide or derivatives of these, or by silk or other natural fibres.  
   
   
       25 . Process to attach the surgical thread, according to  claim 22 , to a needle, wherein the end portion of the thread is thinned by applying tension, and wherein such thinning of the end is maintained by means of low-temperature treatment with quick liquid nitrogen cooling.  
   
   
       26 . Surgical thread, according to  claim 22 , which is woven in order to create an elastic surface for implantation.