Abstract: A radiation-curable prepolymer of a polyurethane endtipped with an hydroxy (acrylate or methacrylate) is disclosed. The polyurethane is derived from the reaction of a polyfunctional isocyanate with a hydrolyzable oligomer of an anhydrous cyclic ester of an hydroxy acid. Crosslinked polymers prepared by irradiating the prepolymers are also disclosed. The crosslinked polymers are bioabsorbable and biocompatible with bodily tissue, yet still maintain the outstanding mechanical properties one would expect from a polyurethane. The prepolymers and crosslinked polymers are especially well-suited for the fabrication of surgical devices, particularly wound closure devices such as surgical staples and clips, in a stereolithography apparatus.

Abstract: A process for enhancing the security of implantable surgical devices secured to bone tissue comprising implanting in bone tissue a surgical device with a biocompatible adhesive and/or sealant selected from the group consisting of: p1 (a) a material made from monomers of the formula:CHR.sup.1 .dbd.CX.sup.1 Y.sup.1wherein X.sup.1 and Y.sup.1 are each strong electron withdrawing groups, and R.sup.1 is hydrogen or, provided that X.sup.1 and Y.sup.1 are both cyano groups, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl group;(b) a semi-crystalline aliphatic poly(ester) of the formula:[--0--R.sup.11 --C(0)--].sub.y,wherein R.sup.11 is selected from the group consisting of --CR.sup.12 H--, --(CH.sub.2).sub.3 --0--, --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --O--CH.sub.2 --, CR.sub.12 H--CH.sub.2, --(CH.sub.2).sub.4 --, --(CH.sub.2).sub.z --O--C(O)-- and --(CH.sub.2).sub.z --C(O)--CH.sub.2 --; R.sup.

Abstract: A mechanism and applier therefor which is capable of inverted anastomosis of two lumens by an absorbable fastener. The fastener is made from two washer-like plate assemblies and a pair of introducers. Each such plate assembly has slots to receive latching prongs protruding from the other plate, and pins to impale tissue. Fastening is done through an applier that causes the pins to pierce the tissue, and causes a knife blade to cut through excess tissue. Fastening is done by attaching fastener halves. Insertion and removal of the fastener and applier optimally is done in an endoscopic procedure through a trocar or through the surgical incision in an open procedure. The system can be used such that the plates can be placed to properly set gaps between and anastomose tissue. The introducer portion will soften intraluminally and be expelled, in about 24 hours. The coupler portion will remain in place for 2-3 weeks, typically, and then fragment and be expelled with the feces.

Abstract: A self-closing receiverless surgical fastener comprises a fastener body of biocompatible or bioabsorbable material including a bridge member and at least two tines extending from opposite ends of the bridge member. The tines are resiliently deformable from a normally closed position with the distal ends of the tines pointing toward each other to an open position with the distal ends of the tines extending substantially parallel to each other for penetrating into tissue. The tines are resiliently returnable to the closed position with the distal ends of the tines pointing toward each other to secure the fastener body to the tissue.