Suture assembly with tubular sheath pledget and method of using the same

A suture assembly, comprising:

• a suture having first and second suture ends;
• a first needle coupled to the first suture end;
• a second needle coupled to the second suture end;
• and
• a tube pledget disposed along the suture between the first and second needles, wherein the tube pledget includes a tubular structure formed from interlacing strands, and wherein the tubular structure includes sealed ends, an inner portion configured to engage tissue, an outer portion, and a lumen defined by the inner and outer portions, and wherein the suture extends through the lumen between the first and second needles, and further wherein the suture extends from a first end region of the tubular structure to the first needle and from a second end region of the tubular structure to the second needle.

A method of performing a surgical procedure, comprising:

• providing a suture assembly including a tube pledget extending along a length of a suture with the suture extending from end regions of the tube pledget;
• carrying a first suture end through tissue;
• carrying a second suture end through the tissue spaced from the first suture end;
• positioning the tube pledget against the tissue between the first and second suture ends;
• applying a force to the first and second suture ends;
• automatically unwinding the suture between the tube pledget and the tissue in response to the force applied to the first and second suture ends;
• and
• compressing the tube pledget against the tissue in response to the force applied to the first and second suture ends.