System and Method of Making Tapered Looped Suture

Abstract

A system for forming a looped suture having a tapered cut is provided. The system includes a base for selectively retaining a portion of thread, a clamping device for receiving a first end of the thread, a tensioning device for receiving a second end of the thread, a welding assembly configured to join a first and second section of the thread to form a loop, and a cutting assembly configured to form a tapered end on the first section of the thread.

1 - 15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . A method of forming a loop in a suture, the method comprising the step of:
 providing a loop forming system including, a base for securely retaining the suture to be formed, a welding assembly for forming a loop in the suture, and a cutting assembly for forming a taper on an surface of the loop;   securing a portion of the suture to the base such that a first section of the suture is maintained adjacent to a second section of the suture;   approximating the welding assembly and the base towards each other;   approximating the welding assembly and base away from each other;   approximating the cutting assembly and the base towards each other; and   cutting a tapered surface on a proximal end of the first section of the suture;   approximating the cutting assembly and base away from each other; and   removing the formed suture from the base.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the loop forming system further includes a clamping device for receiving a first end of a suture. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the loop forming system further includes a tensioning device for tensioning the suture once the suture is retained in the base. 
     
     
         19 . A medical device formed from the method  claim 16 .