Abstract: A suture anchor includes a single length of resilient wire bent to form a suture-retaining loop disposed between two proximally diverging coplanar legs having pointed ends. The legs are selectively compressible together to permit the anchor to be inserted, loop first, into a bone tunnel having a diameter smaller than the transverse spacing between the uncompressed legs. Release of the legs inside the bone tunnel permits the pointed leg ends to penetrate the tunnel wall. An insertion tool has pivotable arms distally terminating in respective transversely extending arcuate jaws contoured to engage the anchor legs at a location adjacent the loop and compress the anchor legs upon closure of the jaws. Each jaw has one end fixed to its pivotable arm and juxtaposed with a free end of the opposing jaw. An anchor dispenser includes a plurality of storage slots for retaining respective anchors with the anchor loop radially compressed and the anchor legs diverging forwardly of the slot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for anchoring suture to bone includes an anchor formed by twisting a wire to provide a loop with two legs extending distally from the twist. Each leg bends outwardly through 180.degree. to define respective knee segments between inner and outer leg segments, the outer leg segments terminating in sharp points for penetrating a bone tunnel wall. The outer leg segments are initially parallel and define an anchor width smaller than the bone tunnel diameter, thereby permitting the anchor to be inserted into and removed from the tunnel. The anchor is deployed with an insertion tool arranged to deformably pivot the outer leg segments about the knee segments, thereby causing the pointed ends to penetrate the tunnel wall in response to applied withdrawal forces. The anchor wire may be assembled on an anchor sleeve through which the loop projects proximally while the outer leg segments reside in wire relief recesses defined in the sleeve periphery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for anchoring suture to bone includes an anchor formed by twisting a wire to provide a loop with two legs extending distally from the twist. Each leg bends outwardly through 180.degree. to define respective knee segments between inner and outer leg segments, the outer leg segments terminating in sharp points for penetrating a bone tunnel wall. The outer leg segments are initially parallel and define an anchor width smaller than the bone tunnel diameter, thereby permitting the anchor to be inserted into and removed from the tunnel. The anchor is deployed with an insertion tool arranged to deformably pivot the outer leg segments about the knee segments, thereby causing the pointed ends to penetrate the tunnel wall in response to applied withdrawal forces. The anchor wire may be assembled on an anchor sleeve through which the loop projects proximally while the outer leg segments reside in wire relief recesses defined in the sleeve periphery.

Abstract: A method and bone anchor assembly apparatus for attaching suture material to bone tissue includes a hollow anchor body having a rectilinearly-bounded transverse cross-section with a maximum dimension corresponding to the diameter of the bone tunnel drilled to receive the anchor. A longitudinally displaceable plug received within the anchor body is contoured to interact with inwardly biased bone tissue engaging barbs formed on the sides of the anchor body, defining a first position wherein the barbs are allowed to uninterferingly retract within the anchor body and a second position wherein the plug forces the barbs outward into engaging contact with the bone tunnel sidewalls. Suture material is passed around the anchor assembly, through a transverse slot defined in the assembly distal end and the plug is positioned in the first position with barbs retracted. The assembly is inserted into the bone tunnel and the plug is urged into the second position with barbs engaged in bone tissue.

Abstract: A suture anchor includes a single length of resilient wire bent to form a suture-retaining loop disposed between two proximally diverging coplanar legs having pointed ends. The legs are selectively compressible together to permit the anchor to be inserted, loop first, into a bone tunnel having a diameter smaller than the transverse spacing between the uncompressed legs. Release of the legs inside the bone tunnel permits the pointed leg ends to penetrate the tunnel wall. An insertion tool has pivotable arms distally terminating in respective transversely extending arcuate jaws contoured to engage the anchor legs at a location adjacent the loop and compress the anchor legs upon closure of the jaws. Each jaw has one end fixed to its pivotable arm and juxtaposed with a free end of the opposing jaw. An anchor dispenser includes a plurality of storage slots for retaining respective anchors with the anchor loop radially compressed and the anchor legs diverging forwardly of the slot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for anchoring suture to bone includes an anchor formed by twisting a wire to provide a loop with two legs extending distally from the twist. Each leg bends outwardly through 180.degree. to define respective knee segments between inner and outer leg segments, the outer leg segments terminating in sharp points for penetrating a bone tunnel wall. The outer leg segments are initially parallel and define an anchor width smaller than the bone tunnel diameter, thereby permitting the anchor to be inserted into and removed from the tunnel. The anchor is deployed with an insertion tool arranged to deformably pivot the outer leg segments about the knee segments, thereby causing the pointed ends to penetrate the tunnel wall in response to applied withdrawal forces. The anchor wire may be assembled on an anchor sleeve through which the loop projects proximally while the outer leg segments reside in wire relief recesses defined in the sleeve periphery.

Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument includes movable and stationary jaws at a distal end of an elongate probe formed of an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member rotatable therein, a cam and cam follower at the distal end for translating rotary motion of the inner member to pivotal motion of the movable jaw to cut bodily tissue. The stationary jaw has an opening in the bottom thereof to allow cut bodily tissue to exit to a location external of the surgical cutting instrument, and a suction passage along the inner member terminates at a mouth disposed relative to the cam such that the cam contacts and comminutes cut bodily tissue before the tissue enters the mouth and is aspirated through the suction passage.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing in vivo torn cartilaginous or other bodily tissue, particularly torn meniscus tissue during arthroscopic surgery, employs a repair tack of biodegradable material chosen to have a degradation time in excess of the required healing time for the tissue. The repair tack has a shaft portion with a longitudinal bore and a grip portion adapted for releasable engagement by a hollow applicator. In one embodiment the grip portion of the tack is a cross bar, at the proximal end of the shaft, which fits into an open-sided slot at the forward end of the applicator.

Abstract: A suturing instrument for use in arthroscopic surgery includes a hollow needle for penetrating tissue to be sutured within the body while the tissue is clamped between relatively movable jaws, and a suture feed mechanism for feeding suture material through the hollow needle such that the jaws can be opened and the suturing instrument withdrawn from the body pulling the free end segment of the suture material with the instrument. A knot can be tied in the suture material externally of the body and the knot moved back into the body at a position adjacent the tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing in vivo torn cartilaginous or other bodily tissue, particularly torn meniscus tissue during arthroscopic surgery, employs a repair tack of biodegradable material chosen to have a degradation time in excess of the required healing time for the tissue. The repair tack has a shaft portion with a longitudinal bore and a grip portion adapted for releasable engagement by a hollow applicator. In one embodiment the grip portion of the tack is a cross bar, at the proximal end of the shaft, which fits into an open-sided slot at the forward end of the applicator.

Abstract: A method of suturing tissue in the body particularly useful in arthroscopic surgery requiring only small incisions or portals for insertion of diagnostic and surgical instruments includes the steps of inserting an instrument in the body having a distal end carrying relatively movable jaws with openings therein, manipulating the jaws to penetrate the tissue to be sutured and to move the jaws to positions adjacent each other with the openings therein aligned, feeding suture material through the openings in the jaws, securing ends of the suture material to form a knot and moving the knot to a position adjacent the tissue.

Abstract: A method for repairing in vivo torn cartilaginous or other bodily tissue, particularly torn meniscus tissue during arthroscopic surgery, employs a repair tack of biodegradable material chosen to have a degradation time in excess of the required healing time for the tissue. The repair tack has a shaft portion with a longitudinal bore and a grip portion adapted for releasable engagement by a hollow applicator. In one embodiment the grip portion of the tack is a cross bar, at the proximal end of the shaft, which fits into an open-sided slot at the forward end of the applicator. A needle passes through the hollow applicator and tack bore to project from the distal end of the tack shaft. With the tack supported in the slot and the needle passing through the stem, the needle and tack can be inserted into the joint cavity through a portal in the skin or through an insertion cannula.

Abstract: A suturing instrument for use in arthroscopic surgery includes a hollow needle for penetrating tissue to be sutured within the body while the tissue is clamped between relatively movable jaws, and a suture feed mechanism for feeding suture material through the hollow needle such that the jaws can be opened and the suturing instrument withdrawn from the body pulling the free end segment of the suture material with the instrument. A knot can be tied in the suture material externally of the body and the knot moved back into the body at a position adjacent the tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing in vivo torn cartilaginous or other bodily tissue, particularly torn meniscus tissue during arthroscopic surgery, employs a repair tack of biodegradable material chosen to have a degradation time in excess of the required healing time for the tissue. The repair tack has a shaft portion with a longitudinal bore and a grip portion adapted for releasable engagement by a hollow applicator. In one embodiment the grip portion of the tack is a cross bar, at the proximal end of the shaft, which fits into an open-sided slot at the forward end of the applicator. A needle passes through the hollow applicator and tack bore to project from the distal end of the tack shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for introducing a liquid within a material. The apparatus comprises a body member having an internal cavity for receiving a battery. An end member is secured to the body member for supporting a needle guide extending through the end member for slidably receiving a needle. A reciprocal coupling means interconnects the motor and the needle for reciprocating the needle relative to the end member upon rotation of the motor. A reservoir is in fluid communication with the needle for retaining the liquid therein and for enabling the liquid to flow along the needle. The reciprocating needle creates a plurality of perforations in the material enabling the liquid to flow along the needle to enter the perforations. The apparatus is suitable for introducing a liquid pigment into a skin tissue such as introducing a permanent eyeliner into an eyelid.

Abstract: A rotatable surgical tool is disclosed for cutting and removing tissue from a patient. The tool includes an outer tubular member having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. An inner tubular member has a distal end portion and a proximal end portion with the distal end portion of the inner tubular member having a cutter. The inner tubular member is rotatably disposed within the outer tubular member enabling the cutter to shear tissue disposed in the vicinity of the distal end portions upon rotation of the inner tubular member relative to the outer tubular member. A flexible transmission interconnects the distal end portion and the proximal end portion of the inner tubular member for transmitting rotational movement from a rotary power source to the cutter.

Abstract: An improved electrosurgery electrode is disclosed for cooperation with an electrode holder connected to a source of electrical power. The improved electrode comprises a solid electrode shaft having a first and a second end with a shaft connector electrically connecting the first end of the electrode shaft to the electrode holder. An electrode tip is disposed on the second end of the shaft with the electrode tip having a hook terminating in a distal end extending generally perpendicular to an axis extending through the electrode shaft. A shaft insulator provides a waterproof electrical insulation between an exposed portion of the electrode tip and the shaft connector. The shaft connector may optionally enable removal or interchange of the electrodes in the electrode holder to accommodate for various types of electrosurgery techniques such as a subcutaneous lateral release or a meniscectomy procedure through an arthroscopic system.

Abstract: A portable surgical wire inserting instrument comprising a housing defining a handle, a drive casing and a nose piece removably mounted to said drive casing. The housing holds a source of power electrically connected to a motor both of which are enclosed within the housing. A wire holding tube mounted in the housing is provided with a chuck at one end adapted to grab and fixedly hold an inner chuck of a sterile wire pack inserted in the wire holding tube. Beveled gears connect the motor to the wire holding tube and are adapted to rotate the wire holding tube upon energization of the motor. The sterile wire pack comprises a wire body having a plurality of flats and a cutting tip edge of smaller length than the diameter of the wire. The inner chuck is mounted on the wire body and the wire and chuck are covered with a material covering.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a housing with a motor and source of power contained in the housing. A removable sheath is placed over the housing and a cutter assembly is removably mounted to the housing so that the housing is protected from external materials and contamination. The cutter assembly has a body, a tube projecting from the body, a reciprocating blade positioned in the tube and a cam drive transfer mechanism mounted in the cutter body which transmits motion to the blade from the motor shaft. The tube defines an aperture in its side and the blade as it reciprocates in combination with the walls defining the aperture shears vitreous material entering the hole. A second passage is formed in the cutter body communicating with the tube to allow pressure differentials to be exerted to the tube.The cutter head and removable protective sheath are replaced after each successive operation in order to eliminate patient-to-patient cross contamination.

Abstract: A portable surgical wire inserting instrument comprising a housing defining a handle and a head casing. The housing handle holds a removable power pack in which is mounted a motor and a source of power electrically connected to the motor. A miter gear extends from the power pack and is connected by a drive shaft to the motor. A collet is mounted in the housing and is selectively adjusted to grip a plurality of different diameter surgical wires through the action of a knob and cam mechanism located on top of the instrument head.Rotation of the knob to one of a number of different positions establishes a number of different positions for the pivot points of thrust bars which act upon pins to draw the collet into an internally coned tube. Each position corresponds to a location of the thrust bar pivots suitable for gripping wires of different sizes.