Abstract: An apparatus for thermally treating and coloring a plurality of curved suture needles. The apparatus includes a conveyer for transferring the plurality of curved suture needles from a source of curved suture needles to a receiver, a housing positioned adjacent the conveyer, the housing having a first end, a second end, and an opening running from the first end to the second end, the opening aligned with the conveyer to enable the plurality of curved suture needles to pass therethrough, a heat source located within the housing for heating the plurality of curved suture needles as the plurality of curved suture needles are transferred by the conveyer from the first end of the housing to the second end of the housing and a system for providing a gas mixture containing a fractional concentration of oxygen to oxidize and colorize the surfaces of the plurality of curved suture needles as the plurality of suture needles pass through the housing.

Abstract: A surgical knotting device comprising a length of suture thread; a first portion located and held in place on the length of suture thread; a needle on the length of suture thread at a position spaced from where the first portion is located; a second portion attached to the first portion and having a groove therein adapted to receive the length of suture thread at a point between where the first portion is located and the needle, and to secure the length of suture thread in place; and an auxiliary thread on the length of suture thread at an end opposite the needle.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical suture needle assembly is provided including an elongate tube defining a lumen through at least a portion of a length thereof; and a wound treatment material contained within the lumen of the suture structure. The present disclosure further provides for methods of using the surgical suture needle assembly in anastomotic procedures and the like.

Abstract: A surgical suture material and a method to the use thereof are represented by different needles and surgical threads. The main embodiments comprises a needle (6), consisting of two needles (7, 8) jointed by a temporary connection having a tetrahedral, diamond or another shape in such a way that a single needle point (9) is formed, and a surgical thread (10) provided with shaped design projections embodied on the thread surface in the form of notches. The shaped design of the notches has a very important significance since it makes it possible to provide a reliable linkage with soft tissues and to forcedly holding the soft tissues when force actions are applied thereto. The method consists in introducing, during a surgical intervention, the twin needle in one puncture at a small depth, wherein the needle is divided into two needles, and in leading each needle along a required contour. The surgical suture material can be extensively used for surgical and cosmetic interventions.

Abstract: A surgical thread includes a polymeric core and a polymeric sheath surrounding the core, wherein the sheath includes barbs for anchoring in human and/or animal, tissues.

Abstract: An apparatus houses a plurality of surgical elements, such as needles and sutures, both before and after use. The largest cross-sectional dimension of the housing is preferably less than about 12 mm. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a substantially rigid housing having a first section that holds a plurality of unused needles and a second section that receives the plurality of needles after use. In other embodiments, the apparatus includes a flexible panel having a plurality of pockets therein, wherein each pocket is configured to house a single needle.

Abstract: A novel bridge clip tissue connector includes two clips separated by a bridge portion. The clips allow for the connecting of tissue at two positions that are maintained by the bridge portion. The connector can be used for performing a wide variety of surgical procedures, including anastomosis and a horizontal mattress suture-like connection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rhenium tungsten wire comprising 10 to 30 mass % of rhenium and balance of tungsten, and having a wire diameter D of 0.10-0.40 mm, wherein a tensile strength T (N/mm2) of the rhenium tungsten wire exists within a range specified by an equation (1). 6314.6×D2?7869.3×D+4516.3?T?5047.4×D2×7206.4×D+5129.2??(1). In a case where the medical needle is manufactured from the above rhenium tungsten wire, crack and breakage hardly occur at a time of performing a pressing work or a bending work, so that a production yield and durability of the resultant products can be greatly improved.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for medializing the middle turbinate following sinus surgery, thus preventing synacheiae, granulation tissue, and other complications of the prior art. The apparatus utilizes a fastening device configured to attach the middle turbinate to the nasal septum, a prong comprising a slender wand portion and a fastening module, and a handle configured to trigger deployment of the fastening means by activating the fastening module. The fastening device may be a staple, rivet, glue, or another similar device.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for surgical suturing with thread management. An apparatus for tissue suturing including a cartridge having a suturing needle having a pointed end, a blunt end and notches, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis; a pusher assembly comprising a cartridge holder having a needle rotation drive capable of releasably engaging the cartridge and rotating the suturing needle about the axis; and an actuator capable of releasably engaging the needle rotation drive to rotate the needle rotation drive. A method for suturing tissue including placing a suturing device having a cartridge containing a suturing needle to span separated tissue segments; activating an actuator to cause rotational movement of the suturing needle through the separated tissue segments; and deactivating the actuator to stop an advancing movement of the suturing needle to cause a suturing material to be pulled through the separated tissue segments forming a stitch.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for surgical suturing with thread management. An apparatus for tissue suturing comprising a cartridge having a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis; a pusher assembly comprising a cartridge holder having a needle rotation drive capable of releasably engaging the cartridge and rotating the suturing needle about the axis; and an actuator capable of releasably engaging the needle rotation drive to rotate the needle rotation drive. A method for suturing tissue comprising placing a suturing device having a cartridge containing a suturing needle to span separated tissue segments; activating an actuator to cause rotational movement of the suturing needle through the separated tissue segments; and deactivating the actuator to stop an advancing movement of the suturing needle to cause a suturing material to be pulled through the separated tissue segments forming a stitch.

Abstract: A surgical needle includes an elongated needle body defining a longitudinal y-axis along which the needle body extends and transverse x and z-axes. The needle body includes a central shaft portion, a first suture end portion for attachment to a suture and a second needled end portion for penetrating tissue. The needled end portion has three sides which intersect to define three cutting edges and terminate at a needle point. At least one side includes a pair of planar surface portions arranged in oblique relation to define a general concave appearance to the one side. The needled end portion further defines an enlarged transition portion adjacent the central shaft portion with at least an x-dimension greater than a corresponding x-dimension of the central shaft portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tendon repair includes an elongated member of a generally tubular shape having two barbed sections with oppositely directed barbs and a middle portion between the barbed sections. The barbs are cut from the tubular body leaving a mesh-like body of interconnected struts. The middle portion is also formed of interconnected struts. A needle and suture is connected at both opposite ends of the elongated member and used to pull the barbed sections into respective ends of a severed tendon. The barbs bite into the tendon tissue to hold the ends together. The sutures are preferably cut off at the tendon surface at a location spaced from the rejoined ends. One or more of the tendon repair devices may be used to repair each tendon, optionally with perimeter stitching at the rejoined ends.

Abstract: A drawn surgical suture material includes an elongate main body and barbs for anchoring in biological tissues, wherein the barbs are formed by cuts made into the suture material in the undrawn state.

Abstract: A medical product including a biocompatible material includes two mutually opposite main surfaces, wherein at least one of the two main surfaces that anchor biological tissues, wherein the barbs protrude from the at least one main surface and are formed by cuts made in the biocompatible material, and wherein the material between the two main surfaces is completely broken through in an area of the cuts.

Abstract: Disclosed is an injection needle for plastic surgery prefilled with one or more surgical threads for wrinkle removal. The injection needle for plastic surgery is designed to have a sharp tip through which the surgical threads are inserted into a human body and a hollow cylindrical injection portion accommodating the surgical threads therein. Each of the surgical threads is 0.8 to 10 cm long and has a plurality of projections in different directions. The projections are symmetrically formed with respect to the axis of the thread to gather soft tissues of the skin or to stretch epidermal tissues.

Abstract: In general, the invention features needles, with or without lumens, that contain a barrel being transparent or translucent or having a transparent or translucent portion. Needles of the invention may further include a lumen, the interior of which is visualizable through the transparent or translucent portion. A needle may also include a portion to which a suture is capable of being attached.

Abstract: A surgical needle includes a needle body defining leading and trailing ends, a general spherical region disposed adjacent the leading end of the needle body and having a blunt outer surface, and a plurality of cutting edges extending from the spherical region toward the trailing end of the needle body.

Abstract: A surgical needle is disclosed and includes an elongated needle body defining a longitudinal axis The surgical needle has a first end for attachment to a suture and a second needled end for penetrating tissue. The needled end includes lower and upper opposed surfaces and a pair of side surfaces extending between the lower and upper surfaces and being contiguous therewith. The upper surface and side surfaces extend to a pointed tip. The lower surface extends to a cutting edge, which is defined at the intersection of the side surfaces and proximal of the pointed tip. The cutting edge extends in oblique relation relative to the longitudinal axis and terminates at the pointed tip.

Abstract: A linear surgical needle is provided having a body portion including a proximal end section; a central section; and a distal end section. The distal end section has a substantially parabolic configuration for producing a substantially uniform stress profile along a length thereof.

Abstract: A delivery catheter for a gastric reduction system includes an elongate torqueable tube, a needle translatably disposed within the torqueable tube, an anchor translatably disposed within the needle and a stabilization device for holding a distal tip of the torqueable tube against a tissue wall.

Abstract: The goal is to provide a medical suture needle having, as the material, austenite stainless steel with a structure that is elongated in a fiber form while improving the hardness and flexural strength of the cutting portion. A medical suture needle (A) is made of austenite stainless steel having a structure that is elongated in fiber form, and has a cutting portion (1) and a body portion (2) with a triangular cross-sectional shape that is continuous with said cutting portion (1). The cutting portion (1) has cutting edges (13), at least one surface of which is formed by a pressed surface (11), and which are formed by the intersection of said pressed surface (11) with two sharpened surfaces (12), and a cutting edge (14) that is formed by the intersection of the two sharpened surfaces (12). The tip (15) where the various cutting edges (13) and (14) converge is positioned in the center of the pressed surface (11).

Abstract: A suture punch system that is capable of directly passing braided suture through tissue in a simple, one-step process. The system includes three principle components: a malleable needle capable of delivering the suture to the tissue, a handheld instrument for grasping tissue and controlling needle placement, and a force-supplying mechanism to supply the force required for needle placement. Needle deformation begins at the tip of the instrument, which beneficially includes a curved segment. As the distal tip of the needle pierces the tissue, it continues its radial path through the tissue. When the proximal end of the needle exits from the instrument, the needle may be radial in shape and traverses an essentially radial path through the tissue. Once the needle has passed entirely through the tissue, it may be retrieved using the jaws of the punch or another instrument.

Abstract: A suture passer comprising: a shaft having an axis; a first jaw mounted to the shaft in alignment with the axis, the first jaw being configured to releasably support a length of suture thereon; a second jaw movably mounted to the shaft; and a needle movably mounted to the shaft, the needle having a hook and being configured to reciprocate in alignment with the axis so that the hook can selectively pass by the second jaw and engage suture releasably supported on the first jaw; wherein the first jaw comprises a spring for selectively binding the suture to the first jaw.

Abstract: A system for treating a septal defect having a suture-like implantable treatment apparatus and devices for delivering the implantable treatment apparatus and methods for treating a septal defect are provided. The suture-like apparatus is preferably implantable through a septal wall or portion thereof. The treatment system can include a flexible elongate body member, a delivery device configured to deliver the suture-like apparatus, a stabilization device configured to stabilize the delivery device and a positioning device configured to position the delivery device in a desired location. The suture-like device can include a suture body coupled with one or more lock devices or anchor devices.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a surgical device for passing suture through soft tissue. The surgical device can include at least one elongate superelastic member having a thickness and having a first resting configuration that defines at least one curve having a first radius of curvature greater than or equal to 3 times the thickness of the superelastic member. The surgical device also can include a thermally formed opening in the superelastic member, the opening adapted to receive at least one strand of suture. Moreover, the surgical device can include a superelastic member adapted to be straightened into a second configuration having a second radius of curvature larger than the first radius of curvature.

Abstract: A self-retaining suture includes a plurality of tissue retainers which allow deployment in a deployment direction, but prevent movement in the opposite direction. The self-retaining suture has a needle at the proximal end and a tissue anchor at the distal end. The tissue anchor includes a curved portion of the suture formed into a loop which anchors the suture in the tissue. Additionally, the suture can be passed through a tissue and then passed through the loop to secure the distal end of the suture to the tissue.

Abstract: In an insertion configuration, an endoscope assembly includes an insertion member with a distal end face and a working channel and further includes an instrument shaft extending through the working channel and an operative tip connected to the instrument shaft and extending in a plane oriented perpendicularly to the instrument shaft. The operative tip is positioned along the distal end face of the endoscope insertion member. The operative tip is separable from the distal end face of the endoscope insertion member by a distally directed motion of the instrument shaft along the working channel.

Abstract: A design for a suture for use in suture appositioning techniques, and a method for use are disclosed. In one embodiment the suture may comprise a hollow length having a wall forming a lumen, which may serve as a conduit through which fluid may be pumped and discharged through a plurality of perforations in the wall. In another embodiment the suture may comprise a plurality of suture members connected by a connecting member. In one embodiment of a method disclosed, a suture having a hollow length having a wall forming a lumen, with a plurality of perforations in the wall, may be placed in a stitching procedure to apposition tissues, and a fluid such as an adhesive, adhesive activating agent or drug may be pumped through the lumen and discharged out the perforations for various beneficial effects.

Abstract: A surgical needle possesses enhanced needle attributes including needle sharpness and resistance to bending or breaking during use. The surgical needle includes an elongated needle body defining a longitudinal y axis and x and z axes transverse to the y axis. The elongated needle body includes a central shaft and a first end for attachment to a suture and a second needled end for penetrating tissue. The needled end includes lower and upper opposed planar surfaces and a pair of side surfaces extending between the lower and upper planar surfaces and contiguous therewith. The upper surface and side surfaces extend to a pointed tip. The lower surface extends to a cutting edge defined at the intersection of the side surfaces and proximal of the pointed tip. The cutting edge extends in oblique relation relative to the longitudinal axis of the needle body and terminates at the pointed tip.

Abstract: When a biotissue is sutured using a curved medical suture needle, the penetration resistance becomes uniform. In a bending method, a straight needle-shaped material A which has a thickness decreased from a body portion 1 to a needle point 2 is inserted between a roller 11 having a processing surface 11a and a belt 12 wound around the roller 11 via a separating member 21, and then the roller 11 is rotated and the belt 12 is winded, thereby pressing and curving the straight needle-shaped material onto the processing surface 11a. In a suture needle B, a portion of a tip side including the needle point 2 is formed as a non-restricted portion which is not restricted by the processing surface 11a of the roller 11, and a portion except for the non-restricted portion is formed as a curved portion which is bent along the processing surface 11a of the roller 11.

Abstract: A surgical procedure is described for the restoration of eyelid function in individuals suffering from ptosis or upper eyelid droop syndrome that makes a patient unable to voluntarily fully raise an eyelid. The surgical procedure includes implantation and suturing of eye drop (pH) activated and actuated fibrous contractile and expansive artificial muscles such as pH active hydrogels of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) artificial muscles that are surgically implanted and sutured under the superior palpebral conjunctiva in a serpentine parallel configuration with respect to the tarsal (meibomian) glands of the upper eyelid and anchored to the tissues of superior fornix.

Abstract: A medical needle and the like that has small resistance when piercing, scraping or incising the body tissue, that is not easily bent and that reduces the reflection of the illumination as much as possible when in surgery performed under scope is provided. The medical needle and the like has a hardened layer, in which a carbon atom is penetrated, of a depth of 5 micrometers to 70 micrometers provided on a parent material surface of a fiber shape structure having an austenite stainless steel containing 1% to 6% of molybdenum or 13% to 25% of chromium. Further, after the hardened layer is provided, one part of the hardened layer is removed. Further, the dark layer is formed on the outer most surface of the hardened layer to provide a non-reflective surface.

Abstract: An endoscopic stitching device including a tool assembly having a pair of juxtaposed jaws; a rotatably supported camming hub defining a groove formed in an inner surface of a central lumen thereof; and a center rod slidably and rotatably disposed within the lumen of the camming hub. The center rod is operatively engaged with the groove formed in the camming hub and engaged with the pair of jaws. The inner groove of the camming hub is configured such that, in at least one position, axial translation of the center rod relative to the camming hub results in rotation of the camming hub and at least one of opening and closing of the pair of jaws. The inner groove of the camming hub is configured such that, in at least one other position, rotation of the canter rod results in rotation of the tool assembly.

Abstract: A surgical needle includes an elongated needle body defining a longitudinal axis. The surgical needle has a first end for attachment to a suture and a second needled end for penetrating tissue. The needled end includes lower and upper opposed surfaces and a pair of side surfaces extending between the lower and upper surfaces and being contiguous therewith. The upper surface and the side surfaces extend to a pointed tip. The lower surface extends to a cutting edge, which is defined at the intersection of the sides surfaces and proximal of the pointed tip. The cutting edge extends in oblique relation relative to the longitudinal axis and terminating at the pointed tip.

Abstract: The invention includes a needle loader that may be used with a suturing device. The needle loader includes a generally planar needle supporting surface, a hub configured and adapted for receiving a generally toroidally shaped suturing needle around the hub, and means for retaining a suturing needle in a fixed toroidal rotational position with respect to the hub about a center axis of needle rotation. Generally, a needle mounted around the hub is selectively disposable on and removable from the hub. In accordance with a further aspect, the loader may further include an opening for retaining suture material attached to a suturing needle. The opening may include a groove defined through the needle supporting surface. The needle loader may further include a guard for preventing access to the point of a suturing needle to protect the needle and/or to prevent accidental needle sticks.

Abstract: A needle driver is described that can be used to drive a plurality of surgical needles into or proximate to tissue of a living body. The needle driver assists the surgeon in perforating the tissue, creating the tracts at a desired depth, and creating multiple tracts simultaneously. The needle driver is configured to hold the needles securely when creating the tracts, and is also configured to disengage from the needles after the tracts have been created.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of suturing. Briefly, a portion of a needle having a continuous suture thread running through the eye is advanced through a first location on a first side of a tissue. When the needle is withdrawn from said tissue a suture loop is retained on a second side of said tissue. This can be repeated to obtain as many suture loops as desired on additional locations of the tissue. When all the desired suture loops are formed the needle is advanced all the way through the tissue and a single strand of suture thread is passed through each suture loop on the second side of the said tissue. Thus, one continuous suture forms the suture loop(s) and engages the sutured loops. In a preferred embodiment the needle eye, through which the suture thread runs, is located in the tip portion of said needle. It is also preferred that the needle is curved. The tissue may be, for example, a tendon (e.g., patellar), a ligament, or a graft.

Abstract: Sutures can be placed in difficult to access areas of the human body with devices, and related methods, utilizing a needle carrier. The devices and methods can be used in conjunction with both endosurgical and traditional open surgery procedures.

Abstract: A gliding stitch technique provides efficient and effective means to close a wound under tension. The gliding stitch is especially useful in treating wounds found within thick skin such as a scalp or back wound. The disclosed suture method may be used upon humans and other mammals.

Abstract: A method of thermal forming of refractory alloy suture needles is disclosed. Needle blanks made from refractory alloys are used to form surgical needles, which are heated to a temperature above the ductile to brittle transition temperature but below the recrystallization temperature of the refractory alloy. The heated needle blanks are then mechanically formed into a surgical needle.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a device for repairing torn tissue or muscle such as the meniscus of the knee. The device includes a pair of anchoring members having a plurality of barb-like projections extending outwardly therefrom. The anchoring members are joined by a flexible linking member which connects the ends of the anchoring members opposite one another. Such a device can be fabricated by insert molding of the appropriate members together.

Abstract: A suture for facilitating tying of knots includes a length of suture material fixed to a needle. At least part of the length of the suture material is resiliently biased to a coiled state which is straightenable under applied tension but which returns to its coiled state when released. In use, part of the suture material is drawn through a region of tissue so that portions of the suture material lie on opposite sides of the tissue. A knot is then formed in the suture material by passing one of the portions through at least one resiliently-formed coil formed in the other of the portions, and pulling tight the suture material.

Abstract: In order to rotate and move an arm of a slave which supports a needle-holder, the rotation and movement of a pen-shaped operating section (31) caused by the fingers of the operator's hand are directly transmitted as the rotation and movement of the needle-holder, as sensors for detecting the rotation and movement of the operating section, an X-axis torque sensor, Y-axis torque sensor, Z-axis torque sensor, and a rotation detecting potentiometer (33) are installed thereon. As a result, the rotation and movement of the pen-shaped operating section (31) caused by the fingers of the operator's hand are transmitted as the rotation and movement of the needle-holder in optimum proportions through a computing section. Therefore, when the needle-holder is to be finely moved, a subtle motion of the fingers of the hand can be satisfactorily transmitted. Thereby, it is possible to provide a surgical operation device capable of doing minute surgical operations with ease.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a medical device includes a support portion having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. An elongate member extends from the first end portion of the support portion and has a length sufficient to extend from the first end portion of the support portion to a location above a pubic bone when the support portion is disposed between the bladder and a vagina of the patient. An elongate member extends from the second end portion of the support portion and has a length sufficient to extend from the second end portion of the support portion and through an obturator membrane of the patient when the support portion is disposed between the bladder and the vagina of the patient.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises two elongated arms terminating in a finger ring and a jaw for holding a needle. The arms are pivotably fastened to each other and a scissors member that includes a finger ring and a cutting edge proximate the scissors member second end. The arms can be locked together by a pair of interengageable clasps having a plurality of projections, which interlock when the clasps are engaged. A stop member attached to one arm limits the scissors member's movement. When the device is in a closed position, a needle is retained between the jaws, the needle being attached to a length of suture material. The device is used to place the suture, tie the suture, and the scissors member is opened, and then used to cut the untied suture material after the suture has been tied.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wound closure device, such as a suture, including a substantially flexible tensile member, the tensile member having an external surface, the external surface including a biocidal material such as a coating of substantially pure silver. A method of applying the suture includes piercing a patient's skin adjacent to a wound using, for example, a needle and drawing a substantially flexible tensile member through a resulting aperture in the skin. By virtue of the biocidal material, pathogens and other bioactive materials drawn through the aperture are rendered less active and/or incapable of causing infection.

Abstract: There is provided an endoscopic system. The system comprises a flexible endoscope insertable into a first tubular organ from a natural opening of a human body. The system further comprises an opening member which forms on a wall part of the first tubular organ an opening used to insert the endoscope into an abdominal cavity from the first tubular organ in the body, an anastomosing member which is able to anastomoses the first tubular organ with a second tubular organ in the abdominal cavity, and a cutting member with which the second tubular organ is able to be cut.

Abstract: A needle attachment for a surgical sewing instrument has a proximal-side connector for connecting to a sewing instrument. The needle attachment has a hollow shaft-like body which has a curved hollow needle on the distal side. A thread can be guided through the needle attachment. The cross-section of the curved hollow needle is oval.

Abstract: A system and method to manage delivery of healthcare via a plurality of resources to a patient is provided. The system and method track and output a signal representative of a location of at least one of a series of resources relative to a control volume associated with the patient, acquire at least one signal representative of detecting ingress or egress of at least one of the plurality of resources relative to the control volume; and output a first signal representative of one of a series of milestones as defined in a predetermined protocol in response to detecting ingress or egress of at least one of the resources relative to the control volume.