Abstract: A closure device for a patent foramen ovale (PFO) has proximal and distal occlusion members for applying compressive forces to tissue on opposite sides of septal defects to help close the defects. The devices are collapsible for delivery and deployment, and can be easily retrieved and redeployed or repositioned if needed.

Abstract: A tissue approximation device comprising two elongate arms, an attachment means to secure the elongate arms to each other, adhesive pads on at least a portion of the elongate arms to anchor the tissue approximation device to the skin, and a locking means to lock the elongate arms in place relative to each other.

Abstract: A wound closure device using magnets to draw skin together without using stitches. When two skin adhering magnets are placed on opposite sides of a wound in a polar opposite configuration, the magnets attract each other, thus drawing the skin underneath the magnets together. Each device has a magnet, an insulation layer that separates the magnet from an absorbent layer that absorbs wound secretions, a polymer layer having a plurality of holes that allow drainage of potential build-up secretions away from the absorbent layer, and an adhesive layer on the bottom that allows the device to adhere to the patient's skin. The device may be enclosed within a polymer casing that use flexible magnets, or a plurality of segmented magnets to help align the device along a non-linear (curved) wound.

Abstract: This invention relates to the design of tissue covering elements for use in vacuum assisted tissue apposition systems, wherein the geometry of the covering elements favours the application of contractile forces over compressive or extensive forces at the tissue interface.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for sternum repair. A sternum repair device may include a central body, which may include a plurality of bands and buckles, such that a band extends from the central body and is received by a buckle component. The band may wrap around the sternum and the device may be tightened to keep the separate sternum pieces together.

Abstract: A sternal clamp having a first sliding body member and a second sliding body member telescopically mated, and a suture-receiving channel disposed on the exterior of the first sliding body member and the second sliding body member, wherein the first sliding body member and the second sliding body member are securable about a severed sternum by encircling and securing a suture about the first sliding body member and the second sliding body member, the suture being received and retained within the suture-receiving channel.

Abstract: A reduced-pressure, deep-tissue closure device for applying a closing force on a deep tissue includes a contractible matrix that is formed with a first plurality of apertures and which has a first side and a second, inward-facing side. The contractible matrix is for disposing proximate to the deep tissue. A reduced-pressure source is fluidly coupled to the contractible matrix and operable to deliver reduced pressure to the contractible matrix. When under reduced pressure, the contractible matrix grips the deep tissue adjacent the contractible matrix and provides a closing force on the deep tissue. A system and method are also presented.

Abstract: Tissue closure devices include one or more closure components, each closure component having a first member and a second member, each of the first and second members having a first surface that adheres to a tissue surface proximate to the tissue opening, each of the first and second members having a second surface substantially orthogonal to the first surface, and each of the first and second members having a transitional region between the first surface and the second surface which is contoured to evert an edge of the tissue opening upon the drawing together of the first and second members.

Abstract: A pre-stressed pressure device for treating a wound or reduce scarring of a skin of a patient includes a substrate assembly having a first surface, a pressure member having a curve in a central portion, the pressure member being secured to the substrate assembly; a treatment device for exerting a pressure on the wound or the scarring, the treatment device being connected to a first area of the first surface; and an adhesive for applying the pressure bandage to the skin, the adhesive being disposed on a second area of the first surface, the first and second areas being non-overlapping.

Abstract: A wound closure system having first, second and third adhesive pads with a pair of strap members fixedly secured to the first and third adhesive pads. The pair of strap members are slidably received within the second adhesive pad. When the third adhesive pad is displaced, the first and second adhesive pads are displaced toward each other to close the wound.

Abstract: The invention discloses a skin wound closure device capable of promoting skin wound healing and characterized by being capable of randomly adjusting stitching force for a wound. The skin wound closure device includes a support structure respectively arranged at both sides of a skin wound, at least one locking device is arranged above the support structure, the locking device includes a locking bar and a locking buckle arranged on the support structure, the locking bar is movably connected within the locking buckle, and a locking member is arranged on the locking buckle and can lock or loosely fit the locking bar in the locking buckle.

Abstract: A device for attaching, relocating or reinforcing tissue includes a first tissue anchoring portion having a support plate and a plurality of barbs extending from the support plate for engaging tissue at a first location, a second tissue anchoring portion having a support plate and a plurality of barbs extending from the support plate for engaging tissue at a second location which is different from the first location, and a connection element, such as a suture or a mesh structure, interposed between and interconnecting the first tissue anchoring portion and the second tissue anchoring portion. The support plate of at least one of the first tissue anchoring portion and the second tissue anchoring portion may have longitudinally axially formed therethrough a bore for receiving the connecting element so that the surgeon may pull on the end of the connecting element to adjust the distance between the first tissue anchoring portion and the second tissue anchoring portion.

Abstract: A wound closure system and a method of closing a wound are disclosed. The disclosure is directed to a wound closure system comprising a skin anchor mechanically attached to external skin tissue on a first side of a generally linear wound, an anchorable tensioning apparatus mechanically attached to external skin tissue on an opposite side of the wound, and a line extending between the skin anchor and the tensioning apparatus to movably connect the anchor to the tensioning apparatus. The line is fixedly engaged with an anchor on one side of the wound while the tensioning apparatus provides tension on the line to draw the skin anchor and the tensioning apparatus toward each other and toward the wound.

Abstract: A closure system and methods of use are provided for use in sealing an opening in a body tissue, such as a vascular puncture site. A method of closing the opening in the body tissue can be performed with the closure system having a closure clip. The method can include positioning the closure clip in a first closure clip position adjacent to the opening in the body tissue such that a plurality of spikes of the closure clip are inserted into the tissue at a location outward from a central axis of the opening. Subsequently, the closure clip can be positioned in a second closure clip position such that the plurality of spikes are pulled inward toward the central axis of the opening so as to pull the tissue between the opening and each of the spikes together and close the opening.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed herein for a closure device. A closure device includes a body movable from a pre-deployed configuration towards a deployed configuration, a plurality of tissue-engaging portions extending from the body. At least two of the tissue-engaging portions are separated by a first distance in the deployed configuration and a second distance in the pre-deployed configuration in which the first distance is smaller than the second distance. The closure device also includes a plurality of device capture features secured to the body. The device capture features are configured to move the tissue-engaging portions to a separation greater than the first distance.

Abstract: A tissue closure device includes a main body, a sheath, and a biasing member. The main body has a plurality of resilient arms that each extend from a proximal end to a distal tip. The resilient arms are movable between an open configuration in which the distal tips are radially spaced apart from the longitudinal axis of the main body and from each other and a closed configuration in which the distal tips abut one another at or near the longitudinal axis. The sheath is longitudinally slideable on the main body to move the arms between the open and closed configurations. The biasing member causes the sheath to bias the arms toward the closed configuration.

Abstract: This invention relates to the design of tissue covering elements for use in vacuum assisted tissue apposition systems, wherein the geometry of the covering elements favors the application of contractile forces over compressive or extensive forces at the tissue interface.

Abstract: A device for occluding a septal defect is provided. In general, the occluding device has a contracted state that allows the occluding device to be received within a delivery device for deployment to the site of the defect and an expanded state that is achieved when the occluding device is deployed from the delivery device. The occluding device has a proximal portion, which may be substantially circular, a distal portion, which may be substantially ovaloid, and a connecting portion extending between the two. The distal portion may define first and second outer parts at opposite ends of the major axis, which may be bent or curved. The configuration of the proximal and distal portions allow the occluding device to securely engage the septal wall and be kept in position at the septal defect without causing substantial interference with the functioning of adjacent heart structures.

Abstract: Implantable tissue structure modification devices are provided. Aspects of the tissue structure modification devices include first and second tissue securers separated by a contraction region, wherein the device is configured to be implanted at a cardiac location and assume a first constrained length that is longer than a second relaxed length. Also provided are methods of using the devices for tissue structure modification, as well as delivery systems and kits that find use in the methods. The devices and methods of the invention find use in a variety of different applications, including valve (e.g., mitral valve) structure modification.

Abstract: The present application is directed to an endoscopic closure device. The endoscopic closure device adapted to be delivered by an endoscope having an axis. The endoscopic closure device includes a pair of grasping members coupled by a support member that extends between the grasping members along the direction of the axis. The endoscopic closure device is configured to align and deploy along the axis of the endoscope accessory channel.

Abstract: A system for wound closure has at least two closure elements. One closure element is detachably tethered to another closure element. Each closure element includes: a base member with an integral strap hingably connected to the base member, and a lock member slidably disposed on the strap and being lockable on the strap. Alternatively, the base member defines a plane and the strap being affixed to the base member at an angle to the plane. The system may further include a wound covering disposed between the straps and the wound. The wound covering may be a laminate having at least two layers; a first layer is a moisture impervious layer adapted to contain body heat, and a second hydrophilic layer is adapted to retain moisture.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing a surgical incision comprises left and right base panels, a plurality of closure components, and a plurality of left and right axial supports coupled to the respective base panels. The closure components couple the left and right base panels to each other laterally and have left and right ends coupled to the respective base panels. The closure components are positioned laterally across the left and right panels, the left axial supports are disposed between pairs of left closure component ends, the right axial supports are disposed between pairs of right closure component ends, and the left and right axial supports are offset from one another such that a serpentine arrangement of consecutive closure components and axial supports is formed. The apparatus can be made of antimicrobial materials or materials impregnated with antimicrobial agents. A flexible adhesive cover can be provided over the apparatus when in use.

Abstract: A biodegradable device for providing scaffolding for a trocar defect to promote healing. The device consists of an upper and lower scaffold, offset by a connector. The device is arranged so the distance between the lower surface of the upper scaffolding and upper surface of the lower scaffolding holds the fascia around the trocar defect while promoting tissue growth. The surfaces of the scaffolding in contact with the trocar defect are textured to maximize adherence to tissue.

Abstract: A device for sealing a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in the heart is provided. The device includes a left atrial anchor adapted to be placed in a left atrium of the heart, a right atrial anchor adapted to be placed in a right atrium of the heart, and an elongate member adapted to extend through the passageway and connect the left and right atrial anchors. The right atrial anchor preferably includes a plurality of arms and a cover attached to the arms. The left atrial anchor also includes a plurality of arms and preferably does not include a cover. Preferably, the elongate member has a first end of fixedly connected to the left atrial anchor and a portion, proximal to the first end, releasably connected to the right atrial anchor. Preferably, the elongate member is flexible.

Abstract: Subcutaneous sinusoidal wound-closure techniques use one-way sutures. The one-way sutures have tissue-grasping surface features which allow passage of the suture in one direction through tissue, but not in the opposite direction. In closing a wound, the one-way suture is deployed along a curvilinear path which passes alternately through subcutaneous tissue on opposed sides of the wound. The wound-closure techniques allow approximation of the sides of the wound without knots, avoid loop stitching and reduce scarring.

Abstract: A biodegradable suture clip for joining bodily soft tissue is described. The suture clip has a pair of identical flexible compression strips which are identical and adapted to interlock with one another. Each strip has at least two piercing teeth having pointed free ends and opposed latch formations and also has at least two tooth latching guide openings for captive engagement with the piercing teeth. The openings are provided with latching guide ramps provided with arresting gripping formations wherein opposed latch formations of the teeth engage with associated ones of the gripping formations.

Abstract: A device having a plurality of anchors configured to be driven into a tissue, and a closure element extending between the anchors and configured to urge the anchors from a first configuration in which the anchors are a first distance from each other, toward a second configuration in which the anchors are a second distance from each other, the second distance being less than the first distance, wherein the device is configured to maintain the anchors in the first configuration during a surgical intervention and to subsequently allow the anchors to be moved by the closure element toward the second configuration.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for sternum repair. A sternum repair device may include a central body, which may include a plurality of male and female components, such that a suture extends from a male component and is received by the female component. The suture may wrap around the sternum and the device may be tightened to keep the separate sternum pieces together.

Abstract: Continuous wound-closure techniques use one-way suture. The one-way suture has tissue-grasping surface features which allow passage of the suture in one direction through tissue, but not in the opposite direction. In closing a wound, the one-way suture is passed alternately through tissue on opposed sides of the wound. The wound-closure techniques allow approximation of the sides of the wound without knots, avoid loop stitching and reduce scarring.

Abstract: An open abdomen wound as a result of injury or surgery is closed using hook and loop fastener sheets that are attached at opposing edges of the wound using bolsters through which surgical suture threat is passed to secure the abdominal wall between the fastener sheets and the bolsters. Tension forces are exerted on the fastener sheets and the sheets secured to one another in one or more steps drawing the wound edges toward one another. The tension forces are distributed by the bolsters to avoid loss of tissue at the wound edges. Successful closure of the wound is possible.

Abstract: There is disclosed a threaded tissue tack for use in approximating and securing a pair of tissue sections together. The threaded tissue tack has a central body portion and first and second screws extending from opposite ends of the central body portion. The first screw includes a left-hand thread and the second includes a right-hand thread. Engagement structure is provided on the central body portion to rotate the threaded tissue tack about its longitudinal axis and into the pair of tissue sections. There is also disclosed a tack driver for rotating the threaded tissue tack into the tissue. Guards are provided intermediate first and second ends of the central body portion and the first and second screws to protect surrounding tissue from the tack driver.

Abstract: A device for pinching an opening in a vessel wall, comprising an introducer sheath, a lumen having a distal opening and a bleed hole; an anchoring having a cylindrical shape in a first constrained state and a flared shape in a second unconstrained state; a pincher member slidably disposed between the anchoring member and the introducer sheath comprising at its distal end a plurality of elongate pincher arms, each of the plurality of elongate pincher arms having a free distal end such that when the pincher member distal end is unconstrained, the free distal ends of the elongate pincher arms are biased to expand radially; and an interior support member slidably disposed in the anchoring member comprising a plurality of elongate support legs, each having a free distal end such that when the distal end of the interior support member is unconstrained, the free distal ends curve outwardly.

Abstract: A method for closing an opening at a target site including bodily tissue including embedding a plurality of self-closing clips into the target site in a spaced apart manner about a perimeter of the opening. Each of the clips has opposing clip ends and an intermediate segment. A flexible tether is coupled to the embedded clips to form a loop about the opening perimeter. A pulling force is applied onto at least one of the loop ends, thereby drawing the perimeter of the opening onto itself to completely close the opening. The loop ends are secured to maintain the target site in a closed state. In some embodiments, the target site is apical cardiac tissue, and the method is performed as part of a trans-apical access procedure.

Abstract: Devices for treating wounds and methods of treating wounds are described. In use, the devices allow both mechanical force and negative pressure therapy.

Abstract: An open abdomen wound as a result of injury or surgery is closed using fastener sheets, such as hook and loop fastener sheets, that are attached at opposing edges of the wound using bolsters through which surgical suture thread is passed to secure the abdominal wall between the fastener sheets and the bolsters. Tension forces are exerted on the fastener sheets and the sheets secured to one another in one or more steps drawing the wound edges toward one another. The tension forces are distributed by the bolsters to avoid loss of tissue at the wound edges. Successful closure of the wound is possible.

Abstract: Devices, kits and methods described herein may be for wound healing, including the treatment, amelioration, or prevention of scars and/or keloids by applying and/or maintaining a pre-determined strain in an elastic skin treatment device that is then affixed to the skin surface using skin adhesives to transfer a generally planar force from the bandage to the skin surface. Applicators are used to apply and/or maintain the strains, and some of the applicators are further configured to provide at least some mechanical advantage to the user when exerting loads onto the skin treatment device.

Abstract: A system and method of moving and stretching plastic tissue using dynamic force. A preferably non-reactive force applying component is adjustably attachable to one or more tissue attachment structures for securing the force applying component to the plastic tissue, providing a self adjusting system that is capable of exerting relatively constant tension over a certain distance.

Abstract: Devices, tools, systems, kits and methods for closing a tissue opening non-invasively are presented. The devices include a tissue closure device that reliably induces eversion of tissue edges that define a tissue opening. The devices may be used in combination with an applicator tool to provide easy and uniform apposition of the tissue closure devices across the tissue opening. Further embodiments provide for releasable locking of the tissue closure devices, allowing for drainage of wound edema and/or treatment of infection, without removal and reapplication of the devices. Still further embodiments allow for the passing of moisture or other substances that may collect under a tissue closure device.

Abstract: A surgical incision closure device and method for using the same, having first and second elements adapted for positioning on first and second sides of the incision respectively. The first element is substantially flat and includes a first longitudinal portion extending in a longitudinal direction, and at least first and second arm portions each extending substantially perpendicularly outward from the first portion and spaced apart from one another. The second element is substantially flat and includes a second longitudinal portion extending in the longitudinal direction, and at least third and fourth arm portions extending substantially perpendicularly outward from the second portion and spaced apart from one another.

Abstract: A dressing for covering a wound in which the dressing includes: a first component having a first shape with a first dimension; a second component releasably attached to a first surface of the first component to maintain the first component in a second shape different from the first shape, the second shape having a second dimension longer than the first dimension; and an adhesive disposed on a surface of the first component different from the first surface for attaching the first component to the wound such that the second component can be released from the first component to allow the first component to take the first shape to apply a pressure to portions of the skin surrounding the wound to close the wound.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for treating an incisional wound having incisional walls is disclosed. The apparatus includes a conduit having a first end for receiving reduced pressure and a second end. The apparatus further includes a scaffold. The scaffold has opposing surfaces for positioning adjacent the incisional walls and is fluidly coupled to the second end of the conduit for receiving the reduced pressure. The scaffold is generally elongated in shape and has a thickness between the opposing surfaces that is sufficiently thin for positioning within the incisional wound. The apparatus further includes an internal manifold that has a primary flow channel extending generally longitudinally within the scaffold and between the opposing surfaces of the scaffold. The internal manifold is fluidly coupled to the second end of the conduit. The application of the reduced pressure through the scaffold and the internal manifold induces tissue apposition between the incisional walls.

Abstract: A clip for closing a puncture in a body lumen comprises a clip having a resiliently expandable circumference and a plurality of barbed prongs extending at least approximately in the same direction from one edge of the clip. A device for deploying such a clip is described. A method for deploying such a clip is also described.

Abstract: A reduced-pressure abdominal treatment system has an open-cavity treatment device for providing reduced-pressure treatment proximate a patient's abdominal contents; a deep-tissue closure device for applying a closing force on a deep-tissue wound on a patient's fascia; a surface-wound closure subsystem for providing a closing force on a surface wound on the patient's epidermis; and a reduced-pressure supply subsystem operable to develop a reduced pressure. Methods are also included.

Abstract: A dressing for covering a wound. The dressing including: a first component having a first shape; a second component releasably attached to a first surface of the first component to maintain the first component in a second shape different from the first shape; and an adhesive disposed on a surface of the first component different from the first surface for attaching the first component to the wound such that the second component can be released from the first component to allow the first component to take the first shape to apply a pressure to portions of the skin surrounding the wound to close the wound; wherein the second component is a mechanical device.

Abstract: Devices for attaching a first mass and a second mass and methods of making and using the same are disclosed. The devices can be made from an resilient, elastic or deformable materials. The devices can be used to attach a heart valve ring to a biological annulus. The devices can also be used for wound closure or a variety of other procedures such as anchoring a prosthesis to surrounding tissue or another prosthesis, tissue repair, such as in the closure of congenital defects such as septal heart defects, tissue or vessel anastomosis, fixation of tissue with or without a reinforcing mesh for hernia repair, orthopedic anchoring such as in bone fusing or tendon or muscle repair, ophthalmic indications, laparoscopic or endoscopic tissue repair or placement of prostheses, or use by robotic devices for procedures such as those above performed remotely.

Abstract: A PFO closing device for bringing the septum primum and the septum secundum into contact with each other and joining them together includes a clamping mechanism and energy supplying device. The clamping mechanism includes a needle part for puncturing the septum primum, and a clamping member for cooperating with the needle part in clamping therebetween tissue of the septum primum and the septum secundum. The energy supplying device supplies energy for joining the tissues clamped by the needle part and the clamping member. The clamping mechanism is mounted in a catheter so as to be protrudable from and retractable into the catheter.

Abstract: A surgical device to stanch the flow of blood is disclosed. The surgical device can place an implantable adhesive over or around varices or other bleeders. The surgical device has a vacuum system for capturing tissue and an adhesive system to apply adhesive to the captured tissue. A vacuum chamber is used to contact tissue and contains a chamber therein for the reception of tissue. An adhesive applicator is provided within the vacuum chamber and moves longitudinally therein to apply adhesive to tissue. The surgical device can apply an adhesive patch to tissue or inject adhesive into tissue. Alternately, an adhesive actuator and a chemical agent can be dispensed to tissue within the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: Devices and tissue fasteners for approximating and fastening tissue using minimally invasive techniques are disclosed. Methods for approximating and fastening tissue by application of one or more tissue fasteners are also provided. In one embodiment, spaced apart tissue locations are engaged by tissue penetrating members of a deformable fastener, one of more of the engaged tissue locations is moved toward another engaged tissue location to approximate the spaced apart locations, and the deformable fastener is deployed to secure the approximated tissue locations. These methods may be used in laparoscopic plication gastroplasty procedures for forming an invaginated tissue fold, to close holes in the gastrointestinal lumen, and in a variety of interventional procedures.

Abstract: Devices, kits and methods described herein may be for wound healing, including the treatment, amelioration, or prevention of scars and/or keloids by applying and/or maintaining a predetermined strain in an elastic skin treatment device that is then affixed to the skin surface using skin adhesives to transfer a generally planar force from the bandage to the skin surface. Applicators are used to apply and/or maintain the strains, and some of the applicators are further configured to provide at least some mechanical advantage to the user when exerting loads onto the skin treatment device.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for binding together human or animal tissue using one-way sutures having barbs on their exterior surfaces, allowing passage of a needle-drawn suture in one direction through tissue, but not in the opposite direction. In closing a wound, the sutures are passed through tissue at each of the opposed sides of the wound, forming suture pairs in which trailing ends of the sutures are juxtaposed in the wound. The number of suture pairs is selected in accordance with the size of the wound. The wound is closed and ends of the sutures of each suture pair are secured together, which may be by heat bonding or surgical knots. In a variation of this procedure double-armed sutures are used. In another variation detachable needles are used to leave the barbed sutures below the skin. The invention avoids loop stitching, minimizing scarring.