High strength suture coated with collagen

Abstract

A high strength surgical suture formed of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) yarns, the suture being coated with native or denatured collagen. The braided jacket surrounds a core formed of twisted yarns of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene. The suture has exceptional strength, is ideally suited for most orthopedic procedures, and can be attached to a suture anchor or a curved needle.

1 . A suture comprising a jacket comprising a plurality of braided yarns formed of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, the suture being coated with collagen. 
   
   
       2 . The suture of  claim 1 , further comprising a core comprising yarns of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene surrounded by the jacket. 
   
   
       3 . The suture of  claim 2 , wherein the yarns of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene comprise at least 40% of the yarns in the suture. 
   
   
       4 . The suture of  claim 2 , wherein the core comprises about 18% or greater of the total amount of yarns in the suture. 
   
   
       5 . The suture of  claim 2 , wherein the jacket comprises yarns of the ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene braided with yarns of polyester. 
   
   
       6 . The suture of  claim 2 , wherein the jacket further comprises trace yarns for suture identification. 
   
   
       7 . The suture of  claim 2 , wherein the core is formed of at least three yarns of the ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene twisted at three to six twists per inch. 
   
   
       8 . The suture of  claim 2 , wherein the jacket comprises yarns of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene braided with yarns of a bioabsorbable material comprising PLLA. 
   
   
       9 . The suture of  claim 2 , wherein the jacket comprises at least eight yarns of the ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene braided with six yarns of polyester and two yarns of nylon. 
   
   
       10 . A suture assembly comprising:
 a suture, the suture having a longitudinal length and a multifilament jacket comprising a plurality of braided yarns of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, the suture being coated with collagen; and   a suture anchor, wherein the suture is attached to the suture anchor.   
   
   
       11 . A suture assembly comprising:
 a suture, the suture having a longitudinal length and a multifilament jacket comprising a plurality of braided yarns of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, the suture being coated with collagen; and   a needle, wherein the suture is attached to the needle.