Method of forming barbs on a suture
A method is provided for forming a barbed medical device which includes the steps of providing a blank workpiece and forming at least one barb on the blank workpiece by applying vibrational energy to a tool and bringing the tool and the blank workpiece into contact with each other at an angle such that the tool cuts into the surface of the blank workpiece. A barbed medical device formed by this method is also provided.
1. An apparatus for forming a barbed suture comprising:
a tool;
a converter operably connected to the tool for transmitting ultrasonic energy to the tool;
a gripper for supporting a suture relative to the tool; and
a motorized slide for moving the gripper in X, Y, and Z planes relative to the tool from a first position in which the gripper is laterally spaced from the tool to a second position in which the gripper is positioned adjacent the tool such that the suture contacts the tool.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the tool includes a horn.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the converter transmits ultrasonic energy to the horn.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the tool includes a blade secured to the horn.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the blade is one of a knife blade and a rotary blade.
6. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein a frequency of the ultrasonic energy transmitted to the horn is between about 1 kHz and about 100 kHz.
7. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein a signal amplitude of the ultrasonic energy transmitted to the horn is between about 1μ and 125μ.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 , further including a camera and a light source for optimizing a view of the camera.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 , further including a rotation motor for rotating a suture relative to the tool.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the gripper includes an anvil.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 , further including an advance slide for moving a suture parallel to the tool.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 , further including an ultrasonic generator for supplying ultrasonic energy to the convertor.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the converter converts electrical energy from the ultrasonic generator to mechanical energy.