| abstract |
A suture, graft, or suture/graft combination that functions as a drug delivery system. In one embodiment of the invention, a suture fabricated from a polymer material incorporates the therapeutic agent within its pores, and then osmotically delivers the therapeutic agent directly to the injury. In a second embodiment of the invention, the suture is coated with an active ingredient that is time released (leaches from the coating) into the sutured area. |