Photoreactive suturing of biological materials

Materials and methods for photoreactive suturing of biological tissue are disclosed. The suture material includes a structure adapted for positioning at an anastomotic site and has at least a portion of the structure formed by a photoreactive crosslinking agent, such that upon irradiation of the structure the crosslinking agent adheres to the biological material. In one embodiment, the suture material can also include a high tensile strength element which is coated with a laser activatable crosslinking agent or glue. The suture methods can be practiced manually, or with various apparatus, such as endoscopes, catheters or hand-held instruments.

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for joining biological materials comprising:

a suture means for delivering a photoreactive suture material to an anastomotic site, the suture material comprising a structure with at least a portion of the structure formed by a crosslinking agent such that upon irradiation of said suture means the crosslinking agent adheres to the biological material and thereby provides closure at said anastomotic site;

laser means for delivering laser radiation to said anastomotic site to activate the crosslinking agent; and

a surgical tool, housing at least a portion of both said suture means and said laser means.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said suture means further comprises a structure which is biodegradable over time in vivo.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the crosslinking agent comprises at least one agent chosen from the group consisting of collagen, elastin, fibrin and albumin.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the structure further comprises a crosslinking agent and at least one high tensile strength element which inhibits tears in said structure.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the high tensile strength element is connected to said cross-linking agent, such that, upon irradiation, the high strength element and biological material are joined to each other to enhance bond strength.

6. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the structure is adapted to placed around a tubular biological structure for repair purposes.

7. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the laser means further comprises a laser generating an output wavelength ranging from about 1.4 to about 2.5 micrometers.

8. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the apparatus further includes analyzing means for determining the degree of crosslinking within an exposure zone based on said plurality of reflectance intensity measurements at distinct wavelengths.