US4438253A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Poly(glycolic acid)/poly(alkylene glycol) block copolymers and method of manufacturing the same
Assignee: Covidien AG
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Filing: 1982-11-12
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Granted: 1984-03-20
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Expires: 2002-11-12
Abstract
Abstract Multiblock copolymers having the following general formula: ##STR1## where R represents alkylene and Ar is an aromatic group, are obtained by transesterification of poly(glycolic acid) and an hydroxyl-ended poly(alkylene glycol) such as poly(oxyethylene) in the presence of a catalyst with the degree of polymerization of the copolymer being increased by the subsequent addition of an aromatic orthocarbonate such as tetra-p-tolyl orthocarbonate. The copolymers find use in the manufacture of surgical articles, particularly absorbable monofilament sutures possessing the desired characteristics of flexibility, resulting in good handling properties, and biodegradability.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald J. Casey
- 👤 Kenneth R. Huffman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 17:55
CPC Classifications
C; C08; C08G; C08G63/00; C08G63/66; C08G63/664; A; A61; A61L; A61L17/00; A61L17/06; A61L17/10; A61L17/12; A61L31/00; A61L31/04; A61L31/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
63 words
A multiblock copolymer useful for the manufacture of bioabsorbable surgical articles comprising the formula: ##STR5## wherein R represents an alkylene group and Ar is an aromatic group, the poly(glycolic acid) content is about 80 to 85 percent, the poly(oxyalkylene) content is about 20 to 15 percent l and m are the same or a different positive integer, and n is 23 to 91.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
63 words
A multiblock copolymer useful for the manufacture of bioabsorbable surgical articles comprising the formula: ##STR5## wherein R represents an alkylene group and Ar is an aromatic group, the poly(glycolic acid) content is about 80 to 85 percent, the poly(oxyalkylene) content is about 20 to 15 percent l and m are the same or a different positive integer, and n is 23 to 91.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
A multiblock copolymer as claimed in claim 1 where R is ethylene.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
A multiblock copolymer as claimed in claim 2 wherein the aromatic group is tetra-p-tolyl.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
A surgical article manufactured from a copolymer as claimed in claim 1.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
A flexible monofilament suture or ligature manufactured from a copolymer as claimed in claim 1.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
A surgical article as claimed in claim 4 selected from the group consisting of a suture, ligature, needle and suture combination, surgical clip, surgical staple, surgical prosthesis, textile structure, coupling, tube, and support.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
40 words
A method of making a multiblock copolymer comprising transesterifying poly(glycolic) acid and a hydroxyl-ended poly(alkylene glycol), in the presence of a catalyst, and adding to the copolymer produced thereby, an aromatic orthocarbonate to extend the chain polymerization and reduce brittleness.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
40 words
A method of making a multiblock copolymer comprising transesterifying poly(glycolic) acid and a hydroxyl-ended poly(alkylene glycol), in the presence of a catalyst, and adding to the copolymer produced thereby, an aromatic orthocarbonate to extend the chain polymerization and reduce brittleness.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as claimed in claim 7 wherein the poly(alkylene glycol) is poly(oxyethylene) and the aromatic orthocarbonate is tetra-p-tolyl orthocarbonate.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
A surgical article manufactured from copolymer made according to a method claimed in claim 7.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
A bioabsorbable flexible monofilament suture or ligature manufactured from copolymer made according to a method claimed in claim 7.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
33 words
A surgical article as claimed in claim 9 selected from the group consisting of a suture, ligature, needle and suture combination, surgical clip, surgical staple, surgical prosthesis, textile structure, coupling, tube, and support.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
69 words
A hydrolyzable monofilament fiber formed from a multiblock copolymer comprising the formula: ##STR6## wherein R represents an alkylene group and Ar is an aromatic group, the poly(glycolic acid) content is about 80 to 85 percent, the poly(oxyalkylene) content is about 20 to 15 percent, l and m are the same or a different positive integer and n is 23 to 91, having a tensile modulus below 1×10 6 psi.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
69 words
A hydrolyzable monofilament fiber formed from a multiblock copolymer comprising the formula: ##STR6## wherein R represents an alkylene group and Ar is an aromatic group, the poly(glycolic acid) content is about 80 to 85 percent, the poly(oxyalkylene) content is about 20 to 15 percent, l and m are the same or a different positive integer and n is 23 to 91, having a tensile modulus below 1×10 6 psi.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-03-20 | 1987-09-19 | 1988-03-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-03-20 | 1991-09-19 | 1992-03-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-03-20 | 1995-09-19 | 1996-03-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |