Importance

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Abstract

The self securing suture includes a suture having a stiff end segment at a terminal end and a toggle disposed on the terminal end such that the stiff end segment and toggle define an acute angle between 25 degrees and 65 degrees. The toggle may be a metal or a biocompatible plastic. In one embodiment, a portion of the stiffened end segment is swaged onto the toggle in a closed channel. The present invention also includes methods for producing suture toggles. One method includes creating a partial channel on a toggle, stiffening an end segment of a suture thread, positioning a portion of the stiffened end segment in the partial channel, and swaging the toggle channel closed. The toggle and swaged suture thread may be coated with a biocompatible polymer. An alternative method of manufacture includes utilizing a tubular toggle, passing the stiffened end segment through the tube and swaging the toggle tube closed. In yet another method of manufacture for producing a suture toggle, a mold is utilized to form the toggle and the stiffened, positioned suture thread end segment.

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First Claim