A method and device to elevate retainers on a suture thread to a desired angle such that the retainers can retain the desired elevation. The retainers can be elevated using an apparatus having at least one roller and at least one bending bar, wherein the bending bar contacts the retainers adjacent to the at least one roller to apply a force to the retainers. The retainers can also be elevated using a tube-shaped apparatus which allows the retainers on a suture thread to be bent by the inner surface of the tube-shaped apparatus. In various embodiments of the invention, a suture can be made up of an inner core and a coating that upon a stimuli increases the protrusion of the retainers away from the suture core thereby ensuring that the suture is held securely in place, preventing wound separation and dehiscence. In an embodiment of the invention, the application of the coating to the outer face of the retainer and attractive forces between the coating at different points results in the distension of the retainers away from the suture core. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the coating inserts into the cut associated with the retainer and repulsive or expansive forces result in a pushing out of the cut and thereby the distending of the retainers away from the suture core.
