#$%^&*AU2012202238A120121220.pdf#####BARBED SUTURES ABSTRACT A system and method for affixing barbs (20) on a suture (10) are provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a suture supply mechanism (110) for selectively retaining a length of suture (10) and a barb supply mechanism (130) for operably engaging a barb supply assembly (40) including at least one barb (20). At least one of the suture supply mechanism (110) and the barb supply mechanism (130) are configured to approximate towards the other of the barb supply mechanism (130) and suture supply mechanism (110) to engage the at least one barb (20) of the barb supply assembly (40) with the suture (10) of the suture supply assembly (114). Also provided are a barb (20) for use in forming a barbed suture and a suture (10) including at least one barb (20).1/14 20 10 12a 20 10b FIG. 1B
