Method and apparatus for calendering and coating/filling sutures

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Accordingly, a method and apparatus for treating a multifilament surgical suture are provided herein.
A compressive force is applied to the suture in a first linear direction generally transverse to the longitudinal orientation of the suture.
The compressive force is of sufficient predetermined magnitude so as to expand the diameter of the suture in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the compressive force is applied.
Preferably a second application of compressive force is administered to the suture in a direction generally transverse to that of the first compressive force as well as transverse to the longitudinal direction of the suture.
The second compressive force is substantially equal in magnitude to the first compressive force so that the suture returns to its original round configuration.
The apparatus for implementing this method includes at least one pair of rollers which are biased towards each other to apply a compressive force to a suture which is passed between them.
A second pair of rollers is oriented at angle (preferably 90.
degree.
) to the first set of rollers and transverse to the longitudinal extension of the suture.
The second pair of rollers is positioned such that a suture, passing between both the first pair of rollers and the second pair of rollers, will be alternately compressed in a first direction, then in a second direction at an angle to the first direction.
The application of compressive force expands the diameter of the suture in a direction orthogonally to the application of force.
Thus, with two pairs of rollers, the suture will be expanded in two directions, thereby opening up the filaments to make the suture more receptive to the application of fillers, coating materials, and the like.
Another feature of the present invention is the suture filling method and apparatus.
The suture is filled by passing the calendered suture lengthwise through a region in which the suture is contacted by a filling agent which is substantially continuously applied to the filling head as the suture passes therethrough