Photoreactive suturing of biological materials
AssigneeRare Earth Medical, Inc.
InventorEdward L. Sinofsky
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Materials and methods for photoreactive suturing of biological tissue are disclosed. The suture material includes a structure adapted for positioning at an anastomotic site and has at least a portion of the structure formed by a photoreactive crosslinking agent, such that upon irradiation of the structure the crosslinking agent adheres to the biological material. In one embodiment, the suture material can also include a high tensile strength element which is coated with a laser activatable crosslinking agent or glue. The suture methods can be practiced manually, or with various apparatus, such as endoscopes, catheters or hand-held instruments.
Claims8
An apparatus for joining biological materials comprising:
- a suture means for delivering a photoreactive suture material to an anastomotic site, the suture material comprising a structure with at least a portion of the structure formed by a crosslinking agent such that upon irradiation of said suture means the crosslinking agent adheres to the biological material and thereby provides closure at said anastomotic site;
- laser means for delivering laser radiation to said anastomotic site to activate the crosslinking agent;
- and
- a surgical tool, housing at least a portion of both said suture means and said laser means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.