Heterogeneous Yarns For Surgical Articles

Abstract

Heterogeneous yarns containing strands of dissimilar materials are useful in forming surgical device.

1 . A method of manufacturing a yarn for use with a surgical device comprising:
 positioning a plurality of heterogeneous strands in side-by-side fashion such that the plurality of heterogeneous strands are maintained in a parallel relation to one another;   applying a binding agent to the plurality of heterogeneous strands; and   setting the binding agent.   
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1 , further comprising forming the heterogeneous strands via an extrusion process. 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of heterogeneous strands are extruded to a length from about  5  inches to about  144  inches. 
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein positioning the plurality of heterogeneous strands occurs within a holding receptacle configured to maintain the plurality of heterogeneous strands in the parallel relation to one another. 
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 4 , wherein the holding receptacle is a forming sheath. 
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 4 , wherein the holding receptacle is a permanent sheath that is applied to a surface of the plurality of heterogeneous strands. 
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 4 , wherein the holding receptacle is made from the same material as the plurality of heterogeneous strands. 
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein setting the binding agent occurs by heating the binding agent. 
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 8 , wherein heating the binding agent occurs at a temperature from about 70° C. to about 160° C. 
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 8 , wherein heating the binding agent occurs at a temperature from about 100° C. to about 140° C. 
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 8 , wherein heating the binding agent further comprises tensioning the plurality of heterogeneous strands to facilitate maintaining the parallel relation of the plurality of heterogeneous strands with respect to one another. 
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the binding agent is applied along the entire length of the plurality of heterogeneous strands. 
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the binding agent is applied along discrete locations along the length of the plurality of heterogeneous strands. 
     
     
         14 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the binding agent is selected from the group consisting of biocompatible adhesives, thermoplastic resins, waxes, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         15 . A method according to  claim 14 , wherein the biocompatible adhesives are selected from the group consisting of synthetic absorbable and non-absorbable monomers and oligomers. 
     
     
         16 . A method according to  claim 15 , wherein the synthetic absorbable and non-absorbable monomers and oligomers are selected from the group consisting of lactic acid, glycolic acid, caprolactone, dioxanone, polyethylene glycol (PEG), polypropylene glycol, isocyanates, copolymers thereof, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         17 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein positioning the plurality of heterogeneous strands in side-by-side fashion forms a corresponding plurality of interstices between the plurality of heterogeneous strands. 
     
     
         18 . A method according to  claim 17 , wherein the plurality of interstices are configured to provide an area for receiving the binding agent therein.