A laser-machining system and method is disclosed for forming retainers on a suture thread. The laser system is preferably a femtosecond laser system which is capable of creating submicron features on the suture thread while preserving strength of the suture thread. The laser-machining system enables creation of retainers and self-retaining suture systems in configurations which are difficult and/or impossible to achieve using mechanical cutting technology. The laser-machining system includes a stabilization device configured to provide contactless stabilization of the suture thread during a machining operation on the suture thread.

A system including a bone punch tool and a needle guide. The bone punch tool can include a support arm having a support arm proximal portion and a support arm distal portion, a pivot arm having a pivot arm proximal portion and a pivot arm distal portion, and an arcuate punch configured to punch through bone. The pivot arm distal portion can be pivotably coupled to the support arm distal portion, such that the pivot arm proximal portion is configured to be moved away from the support arm proximal portion to extend the arcuate punch into a punch position to punch an arcuate hole through bone. The needle guide can be configured to guide a needle through the arcuate hole.

A system including a bone punch tool and a needle guide. The bone punch tool can include a support arm having a support arm proximal portion and a support arm distal portion, a pivot arm having a pivot arm proximal portion and a pivot arm distal portion, and an arcuate punch configured to punch through bone. The pivot arm distal portion can be pivotably coupled to the support arm distal portion, such that the pivot arm proximal portion is configured to be moved away from the support arm proximal portion to extend the arcuate punch into a punch position to punch an arcuate hole through bone. The needle guide can be configured to guide a needle through the arcuate hole.

A medical device and method of use comprising a base portion having a length extending from proximal end and a distal end and a width extending from a first side to a laterally opposed second side. At least one arm extending from at least one of the first or second sides, the at least one arm extending a distance greater than the width of the base portion. The arm being configured to extend around at least a portion of a cervical isthmus.

A system including a bone punch tool and a needle guide. The bone punch tool can include a support arm having a support arm proximal portion and a support arm distal portion, a pivot arm having a pivot arm proximal portion and a pivot arm distal portion, and an arcuate punch configured to punch through bone. The pivot arm distal portion can be pivotably coupled to the support arm distal portion, such that the pivot arm proximal portion is configured to be moved away from the support arm proximal portion to extend the arcuate punch into a punch position to punch an arcuate hole through bone. The needle guide can be configured to guide a needle through the arcuate hole.

A medical device includes a filament having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the filament is coupled to a needle. The medical device also includes an energy delivery device. The energy delivery device has a first arm and a second arm. The energy delivery device is configured to delivery energy to a portion of the filament when the portion of the filament is disposed between the first arm and the second arm.

A system including a bone punch tool and a needle guide. The bone punch tool can include a support arm having a support arm proximal portion and a support arm distal portion, a pivot arm having a pivot arm proximal portion and a pivot arm distal portion, and an arcuate punch configured to punch through bone. The pivot arm distal portion can be pivotably coupled to the support arm distal portion, such that the pivot arm proximal portion is configured to be moved away from the support arm proximal portion to extend the arcuate punch into a punch position to punch an arcuate hole through bone. The needle guide can be configured to guide a needle through the arcuate hole.

A suture assembly may include a needle having a cylindrical body with a sharp point on at least one end, a lumen extending transverse to a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body, and a recess in communication with an opening to the lumen. A suture extends through the lumen and is secured within the recess of the needle by a sleeve extending over the needle.

According to one aspect, a medical device including a needle configured for use in suturing tissue is described. The needle may include a cylindrical body having a longitudinal axis extending between first and second ends of the cylindrical body. The needle may also include a lumen extending through the cylindrical body transverse to the longitudinal axis. The needle may further include a first end portion at the first end of the cylindrical body. The first end portion may include a sharp point configured to pierce tissue. An outer surface of the cylindrical body may define a first recess in communication with an opening of the lumen and configured to receive an end of a suture.

Self-retaining suture systems including a suture thread bearing a plurality of laser-cut retainers are disclosed. A laser system allows the creation of retainers and self-retaining suture systems in configurations which are difficult and/or impossible to achieve using mechanical cutting technology.