Abstract: A method for forming a surgical clip and fixture for use therein includes molding a polymeric clip body, the clip body having hinged legs, the polymer of the clip body being substantially amorphous. The clip body can then be moved to a desired configuration while being subjected to a temperature above the glass transition temperature. The molded clip body is then heated to a temperature within the crystallization range for a period of time sufficient to impart at least 20% crystallinity thereto to impart a spring back property. Also disclosed herein is a fixture for forming a surgical clip in accordance with this method.

Abstract: A latchless surgical clip provides effective hemostasis while avoiding or minimizing the risk of injury to the tissue site to which the clip is applied. The clip includes a hinge region having an elastic spring back property so that the legs are spread apart to engage opposing sides of the tissue and then released to return to their tissue clamping (closed) position. A method for forming the latchless surgical clip and a fixture for use therein are also described.

Abstract: A combined surgical needle-suture device of controlled suture release characteristics and a method for manufacturing the device employ a shrinkable tubing to connect the needle to a suture possessing a lubricated tip.

Abstract: A surgical needle is attached to a braided suture of particular construction to provide a combined surgical needle-braided suture device. A shrinkable tubing is employed to secure the needle to the suture. The tubing shrinks in response to the application of energy, e.g., heat. Attachment parameters may be controlled to provide standard needle attachment or removable needle attachment.

Abstract: A combined surgical needle-suture device of controlled suture release characteristics and a method for manufacturing the device employ a shrinkable tubing and a bonding agent to attach the needle to the suture.

Abstract: A suture is attached to a surgical needle possessing a shank of reduced diameter the butt end of which is rounded. Attachment is accomplished by means of a shrinkable tubing which is fitted about the shank of the needle and an end of the suture, application of heat to the tubing effecting its shrinkage with consequent secure attachment of the needle to the suture. Rounding of the butt end of the needle shank minimizes the possibility that during use, the needle will protrude or rip through the tubing or otherwise compromise the security of the attachment of the needle to the suture.

Abstract: A surgical needle is attached to a spiroid braided suture to provide a combined surgical needle-spiroid braided suture device. A shrinkable tubing is employed to secure the needle to the suture. The tubing shrinks in response to the application of energy, e.g., heat. Attachment parameters may be controlled to provide standard needle attachment or removable needle attachment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for performing circular anastomosis on body portions, such body portions preferably include at least one tubular organ such as intestines, colons, or the like. The apparatus includes an annular crown-like structure which includes a plurality of elongated sharp resilient members positioned and adapted to pierce and secure the tubular body part in position for attachment to the other body part. An anvil for providing closure in such circular anastomosis and a method of performing such circular anastomosis are also disclosed. A unique anvil for performing such procedures with staples is also disclosed.

Abstract: A combined surgical needle-suture device and a method for manufacturing the device employ a shrinkable tubing to connect the needle to a suture possessing a weakened segment. Separation of the needle from the suture is achieved by providing a weakened suture segment and applying a rupturing force to the suture within a predetermined range.

Abstract: Attachment of a surgical needle to a capped suture to provide a combined surgical needle-suture device employs a shrinkable tubing a suture cutting edge. The cap on the suture possesses a suture cutting edge such that separation of the needle from the suture can be achieved when desired by bringing the suture to bear under tension against the cutting edge of the cap thereby severing the suture.

Abstract: A combined surgical needle-suture device of controlled suture release characteristics and a method for manufacturing the device employ a shrinkable tubing and a suture having an expandable tip region to connect the needle to the suture.

Abstract: A combined surgical needle-suture device of controlled suture release characteristics and a method for manufacturing the device employ a shrinkable tubing and a bonding agent to attach the needle to the suture.

Abstract: A combined surgical needle-suture device of controlled suture release characteristics and a method for manufacturing the device employ a shrinkable tubing to connect the needle to the suture. The tip of the suture which is connected to the needle possesses a reduced cross section relative to the remainder of the suture, such reduced cross section being capable of rupture by applying an amount of force therto, e.g., a sharp tug, within a predetermined range thus effecting needle separation.

Abstract: A combined surgical needle-suture device of controlled suture release characteristics and a method for manufacturing the device employ a shrinkable tubing to connect the needle to the suture. A tensioning force is applied to the device to bring the average force required for the release of the needle from its attached suture to within a predetermined range of average pull-out force.

Abstract: Attachment of a surgical needle to a suture to provide a combined surgical needle-suture device employs a shrinkable tubing possessing a suture cutting edge. Separation of the needle from the suture can be achieved when desired by bringing the suture to bear under tension against the cutting edge of the tubing thereby severing the suture.

Abstract: The two-part surgical fastener is composed of an annular stapling part having projecting prongs and annular retaining board having an annular gap which receives the prongs. Barbs on the prongs serve to abutt against a retaining ring on the retaining part to maintain a fixed relationship between the parts for stapling purposes. The anvil assembly on which the retaining part of the fastener is mounted as fingers which can be collapsed radially inwardly after stapling to permit ease of removal.

Abstract: The two-part surgical fastener is composed of an annular stapling part having projecting prongs and an annular retaining part having an annular gap which receives the prongs. The anvil assembly on which the retaining part of the fastener is mounted has fingers which can be collapsed radially inwardly after stapling to permit ease of removal. During stapling, the annular stapling part is driven through the tubular ends of the tissue into retained engagement with the retaining part. At the same time, the clamped ends of the tissue are cut on a circular line and, thereafter, the anvil assembly is collapsed radially inwardly to permit withdrawing of the stapling apparatus.

Abstract: The two-part surgical fastener is composed of an annular stapling part having projecting prongs and annular retaining board having an annular gap which receives the prongs. Barbs on the prongs serve to abut against a retaining ring on the retaining part to maintain a fixed relationship between the parts for stapling purposes. The anvil assembly on which the retaining part of the fastener is mounted as fingers which can be collapsed radially inwardly after stapling to permit ease of removal.

Abstract: A surgical fastener comprising a fastener member and a retainer member is disclosed. The fastener provides improved hemostasis and, desirably, is of a resinous material that is absorbable in the body. The fastener member has prongs which extend substantially perpendicularly from a base to interlock with apertures in the retainer member. The base and the retainer member are substantially equal in length, and each prong extends from a point on the base spaced inward from its respective end of the base. The fasteners are preferably applied by apparatus including a pusher associated with each fastener member and having a particular structural relationship to the associated fastener member.