System , method and apparatus for making tapered looped suture

Abstract

A system and method 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, and a welding/cutting assembly configured to join a first section and second section of the thread to form a loop and to form a tapered end on the first section of the thread. A die for forming a looped suture having a tapered cut is also provided.

1 . A method of forming a loop in a thread, the method comprising the steps of:
 providing a loop forming system including, a base for securely retaining a thread to be formed and a welding/cutting assembly for forming a loop;   securing a portion of the thread relative to the base such that a first section of the thread is maintained adjacent to a second section of the thread;   moving at least one of the welding/cutting assembly and the base towards the other to fuse the first section of thread to the second section of thread while simultaneously cutting a tapered end on a proximal end of the first section of the thread; and,   moving at least one of the welding/cutting assembly and the base away from the other.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the welding/cutting assembly further comprises a clamp for retaining a first end of the thread and a tensioning member for retaining a second end of the thread and applying tension to the thread. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the step of securing the portion of the thread to the base includes clamping the first end of the thread in the clamp and clumping the second end of the thread in the tensioning member. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the step of securing the portion of the thread to the base includes wrapping the thread about a pin to form the loop. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the welding/cutting assembly includes a die having a thread engaging portion and a thread cutting portion configured to form the tapered end on the thread. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of removing the formed suture from the base. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , further including the step of removing debris from the formed suture. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the base includes at least one channel tor receiving at least a portion of the second section of the thread. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the step of securing the portion of the thread to the base includes receiving at least the portion of the second section of the thread within the channel. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , further including a step of moving at least one of the welding/cutting assembly and the base laterally with respect to the other.