Abstract: A surgical electrode has an anchor which is constrained by a coating made from a bioabsorbable material. The anchor may have a barbed harpoon-like shape designed to enhance the retention strength of the anchor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wound drain catheter system for draining fluid from, or supplying medication to, a wound in a patient. The system comprises (A) a trocar having (a) a blade portion on a distal end; and (b) a connector portion on a proximal end, the connector portion being a hollow core lying on a longitudinal axis; (B) a drain having (a) a first connector portion on a distal end, the first connector portion being a protrude lying on a longitudinal axis; and (b) a second connector portion on a proximal end; (C) a flexible outflow tube having (a) a proximal end and a distal end; and (b) a smooth exterior for sealing to surface tissue at the point of exit from the body of a patient; and (D) means for connecting the second connector portion of the drain to the distal end of the flexible outflow tube. The protrude of the first connector portion of the drain engages the interior of the hollow core of the connector portion of the trocar.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wound drain catheter for draining fluid from, or supplying medication to, a wound in a patient. The wound drain catheter comprises a drain, a flexible outflow tube, and means for connecting the drain to the flexible outflow tube. The drain comprises a hollow core having a longitudinal axis; plural struts extending outwardly from the hollow core and being closed to the hollow core; and plural overhangs connected to the outward ends of the struts, respectively, the overhangs cooperating with the struts to form plural longitudinal lumens, the overhangs cooperating with each other to form, on the outer surface of the drain, segments of a segmented, closed curve with gaps between the segments providing plural longitudinal grooves for fluid communication between the wound and a respective lumen, the grooves sized to inhibit tissue from growing therein and debris from passing therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for ultrasonically forming a surgical suture tip from a length of unfinished surgical suture material. The apparatus includes a first tipping die having a first face for contacting a portion of the length of unfinished surgical suture material. A second tipping die having a second face is also provided. The first and second die also having extending therefrom a first member and a second member. The first and second dies cooperate with the first and second members to form a length of suture. At least one mechanical actuator is provided for moving the first face of the first tipping die and the third face of the first member toward the second face of the second tipping die and the fourth face of the second member. A second actuator vibrates at least one of the first and second tipping dies at an ultrasonic frequency of about 15 KHz to about 70 KHz.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wound drain catheter for draining fluid from, or supplying medication to, a wound in a patient. The wound drain catheter comprises a drain, a flexible outflow tube, and means for connecting the drain to the flexible outflow tube. The drain comprises a hollow core having a longitudinal axis; plural struts extending outwardly from the hollow core and being closed to the hollow core; and plural overhangs connected to the outward ends of the struts, respectively, the overhangs cooperating with the struts to form plural longitudinal lumens, the overhangs cooperating with each other to form, on the outer surface of the drain, segments of a segmented, closed curve with gaps between the segments providing plural longitudinal grooves for fluid communication between the wound and a respective lumen, the grooves sized to inhibit tissue from growing therein and debris from passing therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wound drain catheter system for draining fluid from, or supplying medication to, a wound in a patient. The system comprises (A) a trocar having (a) a blade portion on a distal end; and (b) a connector portion on a proximal end, the connector portion being a hollow core lying on a longitudinal axis; (B) a drain having (a) a first connector portion on a distal end, the first connector portion being a protrude lying on a longitudinal axis; and (b) a second connector portion on a proximal end; (C) a flexible outflow tube having (a) a proximal end and a distal end; and (b) a smooth exterior for sealing to surface tissue at the point of exit from the body of a patient; and (D) means for connecting the second connector portion of the drain to the distal end of the flexible outflow tube. The protrude of the first connector portion of the drain engages the interior of the hollow core of the connector portion of the trocar.

Abstract: A surgical electrode has an anchor which is constrained by a coating made from a bioabsorbable material. The anchor may have a barbed harpoon-like shape designed to enhance the retention strength of the anchor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for ultrasonically forming a surgical suture tip from a length of unfinished surgical suture material. The apparatus includes a first tipping die having a first face for contacting a portion of the length of unfinished surgical suture material. A second tipping die having a second face is also provided. The first and second die also having extending therefrom a first member and a second member. The first and second dies cooperate with the first and second members to form a length of suture. At least one mechanical actuator is provided for moving the first face of the first tipping die and the third face of the first member toward the second face of the second tipping die and the fourth face of the second member. A second actuator vibrates at least one of the first and second tipping dies at an ultrasonic frequency of about 15 KHz to about 70 KHz.

Abstract: An electrical connector for a cardiac device is disclosed. The connector has a wire and an electrode at the distal end of the wire. The wire is attached to a patch, and the patch is coated with an adhesive film for adhering the patch to tissue. The preferred connector is a bipolar temporary cardiac pacing wire. The use of an adhesive film eliminates or reduces the need for suturing the patch to tissue, thus avoiding or significantly reducing tissue trauma associated with suturing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for ultrasonically forming a surgical suture tip from a length of unfinished surgical suture material. The apparatus includes a first tipping die having a first face for contacting a portion of the length of unfinished surgical suture material. A second tipping die having a second face is also provided. The first and second die also having extending therefrom a first member and a second member. The first and second dies cooperate with the first and second members to form a length of suture. At least one mechanical actuator is provided for moving the first face of the first tipping die and the third face of the first member toward the second face of the second tipping die and the fourth face of the second member. A second actuator vibrates at least one of the first and second tipping dies at an ultrasonic frequency of about 15 KHz to about 70 KHz.

Abstract: A temporary cardiac pacing wire, or a similar device, includes a pair of flexible electrode wires extending conjointly from a distal end of the pacing wire to its proximal end, where two electrically conductive sections are located. The conductive sections are suitable for connection to a power source adapted to generate electrical signals for stimulating, pacing, sensing, monitoring or defibrillating the heart of a patient. One conductive section results from the distal end of a Keith-type needle that breaks away from the rest of the needle. The other conductive section is arranged at the free end of a third electrode wire which is movable independently of the other two electrode wires, thereby permitting its connection to the power source in a plug-like fashion.

Abstract: A temporary cardiac pacing wire, or a similar device, includes an electrically conductive lead which is folded over on itself so as to be adapted for connection to a pacing or monitoring apparatus. In the case of a bipolar temporary cardiac pacing wire, flexible wires are employed having two elongated conductive sections at a proximal end. The conductive sections are suitable for connecting to a power source adapted to generate electrical signals for stimulating, pacing, sensing, monitoring or defibrillating the heart of a patient. One conductive section results from the distal end of a Keith-type needle that breaks away from the rest of the needle. This section is suitable for directly connecting to the power source. The other conductive section is suitable for connecting to the power source when folded over on itself.

Abstract: A temporary cardiac pacing wire (TPW) includes an electrically conductive flexible wire having a bioabsorbable anchor near its distal end. The anchor includes a tubular section that surrounds the wire and a leg that extends from the tubular section at an acute angle to the wire. The bioabsorbable anchor causes minimal trauma to the heart when it is inserted with the TPW, but securely anchors the TPW in the heart. After the TPW is no longer needed, it can be removed, again with minimal trauma to the heart, leaving behind only the bioabsorbable anchor. The bioabsorbable anchor is suitable for use with both monopolar and bipolar TPWs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for ultrasonically forming a surgical suture tip from a length of unfinished surgical suture material. The apparatus includes a first tipping die having a first face for contacting a portion of the length of unfinished surgical suture material. A second tipping die having a second face is also provided. The first and second die also having extending therefrom a first member and a second member. The first and second dies cooperate with the first and second members to form a length of suture. At least one mechanical actuator is provided for moving the first face of the first tipping die and the third face of the first member toward the second face of the second tipping die and the fourth face of the second member. A second actuator vibrates at least one of the first and second tipping dies at an ultrasonic frequency of about 15 KHz to about 70 KHz.

Abstract: A device for sealing puncture wounds in blood vessels is open at one end and closed at the other end. The tube closure is generally flat and pivotable, and the tube region near the closed end is expandable. The device is initially contained in a sleeve, which is inserted through a cannula, so that the closed end is within the vessel to be sealed. After the cannula is removed, the closure is pivoted and the device withdrawn to a point where the closure abuts the puncture wound. After the sleeve is removed, the expandable region is expanded, so that the blood vessel wall around the puncture is sandwiched between the closure and the expanded region. The device prevents blood from seeping out of the punctured vessel during the healing process.

Abstract: An apparatus for ultrasonically forming a surgical suture tip from a length of unfinished surgical suture material. The apparatus includes a first tipping die having a first face for contacting a portion of the length of unfinished surgical suture material. A second tipping die having a second face is also provided. At least one mechanical actuator is provided for moving the first face of the first tipping die toward the second face of the second tipping die. A second actuator vibrates at least one of the first and second tipping dies at an ultrasonic frequency of about 15 KHz to 70 KHz.

Abstract: A surgical electrode of the type used as a temporary cardiac pacing wire provides electrical contact between a patient's heart and a source of electrical pulses (i.e., a pacemaker). One end of the wire attaches to the heart. The other end is attached to a surgical needle that has a weakened zone in its shaft, to permit the sharp end of the needle to be broken off and discarded. The remaining shaft connects to the pacemaker. By providing an insulating coating over part of the shaft, the electrode of the invention protects against harm to the patient that would otherwise be caused by mis-connecting the electrode or by shorting the two electrodes that comprise a setup.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of suture needles and, more particularly, a process for enhancing the physical strength of the suture needles through an expedient cold-working or cold-forming procedure. Also disclosed is the provision of a novel and physically strengthened suture needle, particularly a surgical suture needle possessing a curvilinear configuration wherein the cross-sectional configuration of the needle is cold-formed into varying shapes in order to produce a needle having superior physical characteristics and strengths imparted thereto through the inventive process.

Abstract: A taper point surgical needle having improved needle point strength is disclosed. In one embodiment of the needle, a tip portion includes first and second integral tapered regions having first and second cross-sectional areas respectively which decrease progressively toward the tip of the needle in accordance with first and second angles of inclination respectively, with the first angle being greater than the second angle. In another embodiment of the needle of the present invention, the tip portion includes a third tapered region integral with the second tapered region and having a cross-sectional area which decreases progressively toward the needle tip in accordance with a third angle of inclination which is smaller than the second angle.

Abstract: A blunt tip surgical needle which significantly reduces the probability of skin penetration of the gloved hand of an operator is disclosed. The blunt tip needle includes a tip portion having at least one flat surface. The flat surface(s) blends smoothly between each other and with the outer surface of the tip portion such that the entire tip portion has a continuously smooth outer surface lacking any discontinuities or sharp edges.