System and method for forming barbs on a suture
A station for cutting a barb suture is provided. The barb cutting station includes a suture transport assembly for supporting a first suture, a first knife assembly for forming barbs on the first suture, and a first clamp and position assembly for approximating the at least first suture towards the at least first knife assembly. The barb cutting station may further include at least a first suture cutting mechanism configured for severing the at least first suture when a defect is detected. The station may also include at least a first visual inspection assembly configured for detecting defective barbs.
1. A method of forming barbs on a suture comprising:
securing first and second ends of a suture to an upright suture transport such that the suture is maintained in a vertical orientation;
positioning the suture relative to a knife assembly, the knife assembly including a knife;
clamping the suture;
moving the suture into engagement with the knife; and
moving the suture out of engagement with the knife.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein securing the first and second ends of the suture to the upright suture transport includes hooking a loop of the suture about a pin assembly of the upright suture transport, and fastening a needle of the suture to a needle holding assembly of the upright suture transport.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein positioning the suture relative to the knife assembly includes advancing the upright suture transport.
4. The method of claim 1 , further including adjusting the upright suture transport to accommodate the suture.
5. The method of claim 1 , further including moving the suture while the suture is in engagement with the knife.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein moving the suture while the suture is in engagement with the knife includes advancing the suture.
7. The method of claim 5 , wherein moving the suture while the suture is in engagement with the knife includes moving the suture laterally.
8. The method of claim 1 , further including detecting a defect in the suture.
9. The method of claim 8 , further including cutting the suture after the defect in the suture is detected.
10. The method of claim 1 , further including activating an ultrasonic mechanism for ultrasonically vibrating the knife.
11. The method of claim 1 , further including activating a heating element to heat the knife.
12. The method of claim 1 , further including advancing the suture subsequent to moving the suture out of engagement with the knife.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein in advancing the suture subsequent to moving the suture out of engagement with the knife includes rotating the suture about a longitudinal axis of the suture.
14. The method of claim 1 , wherein clamping the suture includes engaging the suture with a clamping and positioning assembly.
15. The method of claim 14 , wherein moving the suture into engagement with the knife is performed by the clamping and positioning assembly.
16. The method of claim 1 , wherein securing first and second ends of the suture to the upright suture transport includes securing the first end of the suture above the second end of the suture.
17. A method of forming barbs on a suture comprising:
securing first and second ends of first and second sutures to a suture transport;
positioning the first and second sutures relative to respective first and second knife assemblies, each of the first and second knife assemblies including a knife;
clamping the first and second sutures;
moving the first and second sutures into engagement with the knife of the respective first and second knife assemblies; and
moving the first and second sutures out of engagement with the knife of the respective first and second knife assemblies.