Suture Having a Restraining Element at an End and Method and Use Thereof

An apparatus for forming a suture having a termination feature comprising:

• a. a welding horn having a welding tip;
• b. a welding die having an open interior sized to be similar to the welding tip;
• c. a winding pin, wherein the winding pin includes:
• i. a first cylindrical component having a central axis defining an open interior, the open interior being defined by a side wall and terminating in an open end, the first cylindrical component having a slot extending through the side wall extending from the open end to a termination point axially offset from the open end;
• and
• ii. a second cylindrical component having a central axis defining an at least partially open interior, the open interior being defined by a side wall and terminating in an open end, the second cylindrical component having a slot extending through the side wall extending from the open end to a termination point axially offset from the open end;
• the first and second cylindrical components being in concentric configuration with each other, wherein the first and second cylindrical components may be independently rotated with respect to each other.

A method of forming a termination feature on a suture comprising the steps of:

• a. placing a distal end of an elongated suture into a welding die, the welding die including an elastic element beneath the welding die;
• b. moving at least one of the welding die or a welding horn such that the welding die and welding horn are engaged with each other with the distal end of the elongated suture therebetween;
• c. applying energy to the welding horn, such that the welding horn oscillates vertically to deliver energy to the distal end of the elongated suture;
• wherein the elastic element provides a spring force to the welding die, allowing the welding die to remain substantially in contact with the welding horn during the application of energy.