Abstract: An anchor assembly for use with a fixation system for stabilizing one or more spinal bone segments by means of an elongated stabilizer includes an anchor base that receives a fastener and includes s a first coupling feature including guide slots and a recessed channel for receiving the elongated stabilizer. The anchor assembly further includes a cap that has a second coupling feature that is complementary to the first coupling feature and includes structures that are laterally received in the base guide slots for mating the cap to the base, as well as a stop element that in combination with the first coupling feature limits the lateral movement of the cap in the guide slots. The cap includes a retaining element that is driven into engagement with the elongated stabilizer so as to lock and retain the elongated stabilizer in place within the anchor assembly.

Abstract: A suture anchor, an insertion tool for inserting a suture anchor, and a device for internal working of hole in bony tissue. The anchor comprises an anchor body having a longitudinal cross-section defined by a perimeter. The perimeter comprises at least one tissue-intruding edge formed between the first side and the second side of the perimeter. The intruding edge is arranged to penetrate the tissue during a rotating motion of the anchor in said opening. The anchor further comprises an abutment surface, arranged substantially on the opposite side of the anchor body in relation to said intruding edge. The first side of the intruding edge is arranged to connect with the abutment surface by a connecting part of the perimeter having the shape of a substantially curved piece in said longitudinal cross-section.

Abstract: A retention and release mechanism and ski boot for mitigating injury to a skier when the rearward loads, potentially injurious to the user, are imparted to the boot. The mechanism includes a first linkage having an end coupled to a first rigid boot portion, and a second linkage coupled to the first linkage through a pin disposed in a slot in the first linkage. The mechanism provides stable orientation of the first portion to the second portion in a “ski” position, and allows rotation of the first portion relative to the second portion in a “release” position, the “release” position being established upon imposition of a predetermined level of rearward force on the boot.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for promoting wound healing and reducing scar formation. In particular, the present invention provides cyanoacrylate polymer sealants formulated to contain biologically active elemental silver and/or insulin. The invention also provides methods and compositions for delivering silver and/or insulin in combination with cyanoacrylate sealants. In particular, the present invention provides methods and compositions suitable for treatment of wounds in diabetics, normal patients and surgical patients.

Abstract: An electrolytic device (20) comprising a structure (22) having a first surface (24) with a first surface area, a thickness region (29) and a plurality of openings (30) in the thickness region. The plurality of openings (30) is defined by a plurality of inner surfaces (34) that together have an inner surface area. The plurality of inner surfaces comprise silver. A metal-bearing material (40) other than silver is interspersed throughout at least some of the plurality of openings.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for promoting wound healing and reducing scar formation. In particular, the present invention provides cyanoacrylate polymer sealants formulated to contain biologically active elemental silver and/or insulin. The invention also provides methods and compositions for delivering silver and/or insulin in combination with cyanoacrylate sealants. In particular, the present invention provides methods and compositions suitable for treatment of wounds in diabetics, normal patients and surgical patients.

Abstract: A retention and release mechanism and ski boot for mitigating injury to a skier when the rearward loads, potentially injurious to the user, are imparted to the boot. The mechanism includes a first linkage having an end coupled to a first rigid boot portion, and a second linkage coupled to the first linkage through a pin disposed in a slot in the first linkage. The mechanism provides stable orientation of the first portion to the second portion in a “ski” position, and allows rotation of the first portion relative to the second portion in a “release” position, the “release” position being established upon imposition of a predetermined level of rearward force on the boot.

Abstract: A retention and release mechanism and ski boot for mitigating injury to a skier when the rearward loads, potentially injurious to the user, are imparted to the boot. The mechanism includes a first linkage arm, a latch, and a second linkage arm. The latch is connected to a first end of the first linkage arm, and is configured for direct or indirect pivotal connection to a first portion of the boot (e.g., an upper portion), which is pivotally connected to a second portion of the boot (e.g., a lower portion). The second linkage arm is pivotally connected to a second end of the first linkage arm at a pivot point, and is configured for pivotal connection to the second portion of the boot.

Abstract: A suture needle manipulating device having an elongated substantially cylindrical shaft. A slot for receiving a suture needle is configured in a distal end of the shaft, and a handle is suitably affixed to a proximal end of the shaft. In addition, the needle manipulating device includes a slidable sheath assembly affixed around the shaft and is configured to engage the suture needle when it is in an initial retracted position.When the needle is in the retracted position, the device with the needle can be inserted through an endoscopic portal. Once through the portal, the surgeon can then place the needle in an active, suturing position by retracting the sheath and applying tension to a suture attached to the suture needle. By applying tension to the suture, the swaged portion of the suture needle is retracted into a hollow cannula in the shaft until the needle becomes secured therein. At this point, the suture needle is extended and ready for suturing.

Abstract: An apparatus for surgically manipulating tissue without causing irreparable damage to the tissue during retention and manipulation is disclosed. The tissue manipulator apparatus includes a shaft having proximal and distal ends, a rod member with proximal and distal ends circumferentially contained within the shaft, a contact member having at least one tissue contact surface area comprising a plurality of projections connected to the distal end of the rod member, and a handle member attached near the proximal end of the shaft. The plurality of projections preferably point in the direction of retraction of the targeted tissue. The apparatus is designed to distribute the interdentating contact over the tissue micro surface area in an effort to reduce reliance on pressure induced friction alone.

Abstract: The instant device is made up of a guide wire component, a proximal wedge component and a distal wedge component with the proximal wedge component having a side with an inclined medial face, two suture grooves on this side above its inclined face, a stop face inclined obtusely to and outwardly from its inclined face and a guide wire hole through its head extending through its length and terminating in its inclined face as well as serrated bone biting edges located on its opposite side and with the distal wedge component having two suture thread holes in its medial face and at its base and a guide wire hole on the side where its inclined face is found below and between its two suture thread holes and at its base, and a stop face inclined obtusely and inwardly from its inclined face as well as a beveled bone biting edge at its top such that simultaneous application of downward pressure on the head of the proximal wedge component and upward pressure on suture thread threaded through suture thread holes in the di

Abstract: A device is provided for advancing a winding of a knot through a space which is too small for conventional methods. The device can be used, for example, to advance the knot of a suture through an endoscopic portal. The device has opposed pulley-like surface for guiding the ends of the suture away from the winding as the winding is advanced through the portal.