Abstract: A double needle ligature device for efficiently creating a loop suture for closing wounds, such as trocar wounds. The device preferably includes a double needle assembly to ensure that the suture is positively held in place during needle retraction.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead which may be introduced using a thorascope and is used to electrically stimulate tissue, such as a heart. The lead of the present invention has a "ski-shaped" needle, a strand of between 1-5 cm. attached to the needle, an electrode attached to the strand, and an insulated lead body attached to the electrode. In addition, a test wire is also attached to the needle to permit the electrical characteristics of tissue to be ascertained before the lead is fully inserted. In an alternate embodiment the strand may feature a fixation helix. Due to the shape of the needle and the relatively short strand, the lead is particularly suitable for implantation to a heart using minimally invasive techniques, such as through a trocar.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use in placing suture or fasteners in tissue at a remote location such as a laproscopic surgery is comprised of an elongated handle having a coiled projection at its distal end. The coiled projection is employed in penetrating and positioning a length of suture or fastener in tissue, for example, as in tissue proximation.

Abstract: A knot puller instrument and its method of use with surgical suture aids a surgeon in tying surgical knots. The apparatus includes a main body member that is formed of rigid structural material that can be sterilized such as stainless steel. The body is elongated, having a preferably linear central longitudinal axis, and proximal and distal end portions. The proximal end of the main body provides a handle for gripping. The distal end of the main body is comprised of a pair of spaced apart appendages that are positioned to hold a length of suture therebetween at a transverse concavely shaped bridge portion. A space between the appendages is formed by having one appendage suspended free of the instrument body, connected only to the bridge member. This allows a surgeon to place a length of suture in between the two appendages for engagement by the transverse curved bridge connector.

Abstract: A surgical needle for use in suturing non-cutaneous soft tissues of the body. The surgical needle includes a needle shaft and a needle tip formed of a rigid material suitable for use inside the body. The needle tip has a body portion integrally formed with and extending from the needle shaft and is tapered along its length. The needle tip is further provided with a blunt head which together with the body portion defines a continuously smooth outer surface lacking any sharp cutting edges. The blunt head is adapted to penetrate muscle and fascia, muscle alone, adipose, pericostal tissue and other non-cutaneous soft tissues or the body while at the same time preventing skin penetration of the gloved hand of an operator.

Abstract: A surgical needle is provided including a body portion defining first and second longitudinal ends, the body portion includes a central portion having a first cross-sectional area and end portions adjacent the central portion having a smaller second cross-sectional area. A tissue penetrating portion is provided adjacent at least one end portion. Transition portions are provided intermediate the central portion and the end portions and taper from the first cross-sectional area to the second cross-sectional area. Suture attachment structure is formed in the central portion and a suture is attached to the suture attachment structure. A method of suturing is also provided wherein the surgical needle may be passed through tough tissue while minimizing bending of the surgical needle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical needle with a suture material or thread fixed to the end opposite to the perforation tip, characterized in that the puncturing tip and the area of the needle following onto the latter is made up to approximately 50% of its length from bare or surface-untreated metal, whereas the surface of the remaining part of the needle and up to the thread shoulder is chemically or electrolytically of a coating dulled or coloured in a continuous manner or with minor interruptions.

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 safe and effective method of performing a vasectomy with minimal patient discomfort involves manipulating the vas deferens to a forward, operative position adjacent the scrotal wall where a hypodermic needle is inserted to isolate the vas deferens thereat and to administer a local anesthetic through side-opening injection ports. A crescent-shaped surgical slip is then applied with the needle in place, to tightly clamp the vas deferens between a folded portion of the scrotal skin. The portions of the scrotal skin and vas deferens forward of the clip are then excised.

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.

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: An improved device and method for suturing penetrations and incisions through tissue into a body cavity. The device should find particular use in laparoscopic and other types of minimally invasive surgical procedures. A device according to the invention includes a shaft and an inverted needle joined to the shaft. Two ends of a length of suture material are attached at or near a sharpened proximal tip on the needle. The device may include a movable shield that is slidable to alternately cover and expose the sharpened tip of the needle. This shield may include a blunt distal end and an inclined proximal surface to assist the surgeon in guiding the hook into and out of the body cavity. The device may be provided with a visual and tactile indicator on one side of the device to assist the user in threading and removing the suture material into and out of a selected side of the hook.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for applying sutures including an elongated housing having a proximal end and a distal end, means associated with the distal end of the elongated housing for carrying at least one needle, the needle carrier means being movable between a retracted position and an extended position, at least one needle positioned on the needle carrier means, and means associated with the needle carrier means for moving the needle carrier means to the extended position to deploy the at least one needle such that upon movement of the needle carrier means by the moving means, the needle carrier moves from the retracted position to the extended position whereby the at least one needle is caused to travel through a tissue engaging path in one continuous motion.

Abstract: A suture passer comprises a longitudinally extending hollow cannula having a central passage slidingly receivable of a surgical suture; a manually graspable handle connected to the hollow cannula for manipulation thereof, the handle having an upper surface; first guide means, connected to the upper surface of the handle, proximate a distal end of the handle for releasably, guidingly, holding the surgical suture; second guide means, connected to the upper surface of the handle, proximate to the first guide means, for releasably, guidingly, holding the surgical suture. The suture passer can be provided in a kit, for use in the suturing of internal tissue, along with a cannula bender, various hollow surgical needles and surgical suture material. The suture passer finds particular use in the suturing of internal tissues which are at least partially accessible through a body cavity, e.g. arthroscopic surgery.

Abstract: This invention provides for a novel retractable, telescoping, surgical needle cover and a collapsible needle, such that the sharp tip of the needle is covered after use thereby protecting the user from accidental needle sticks. In one embodiment, the needle cover is hollow and holds the needle at the tip. When the sharp tip is struck on a hard surface, the needle collapses inside of the needle cover. A second embodiment of the invention provides for a cover which slides back and forth along the length of a needle and is held in a forward position by a lever which is movably disposed within a groove at the base of the needle. In the third embodiment, the needle cover only partially the covers the outer surface of the needle, and when the needle is held by a needle holder such that the needle holder contacts both the cover and the needle, then the needle tip is exposed.

Abstract: An aqueous silicone coating composition containing a reactive siloxane polymer and a non-reactive dimethylpolysiloxane in an aqueous carrier having an effective amount of at least one dispersing agent to disperse the siloxanes throughout the aqueous carrier. Also provided is a method of lubricating substrates by applying an aqueous silicone coating composition to the substrate and curing the silicone thereon, as well as lubricated surgical needles prepared by that method.

Abstract: A method for producing a detachable surgical needle-suture combination of the type incorporating a fluid swellable suture material is capable of producing needle-suture attachments which conform to the prescribed minimum pull-out forces for detachable needle-suture combinations as set forth in the U.S. Pharmacopeia. Generally, the method includes the steps of providing a surgical needle and a fluid swellable suture, immersing an end portion of the suture into a liquid solution whereby the suture end portion swells and assumes an expanded condition, positioning the suture end portion in its expanded condition into an aperture formed in the blunt end of the needle and swaging the blunt end of the needle to cause deformation of at least a portion of the blunt end and engagement with the suture end portion to effect needle-suture attachment.

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.

Abstract: A surgical needle for sutural treatment having a triangle or polygon body in cross section, including a blunt needle point with a plate or round end and at least two cutting edges to prevent a health care provider from mistakenly hurting themselves even if the needle comes into contact with the tissue of the health care provide, and to provide a property that enables the needle to pass smoothly through tissues. A first face of the body may be ground by a grinding apparatus specially made for the surgical needle to form a tapered slope and the cutting edges. By pressing a material piece of the needle in a V-shaped groove it forms a second and third face and readily produces a high quality surgical needle.

Abstract: An improved device and method for suturing penetrations and incisions through tissue into a body cavity. The device should find particular use in laparoscopic and other types of minimally invasive surgical procedures. A device according to the invention includes a shaft and an inverted needle joined to the shaft. Two ends of a length of suture material are attached at or near a sharpened proximal tip on the needle. The device may include a movable shield that is slidable to alternately cover and expose the sharpened tip of the needle. This shield may include a blunt distal end and an inclined proximal surface to assist the surgeon in guiding the hook into and out of the body cavity. The device may be provided with a visual and tactile indicator on one side of the device to assist the user in threading and removing the suture material into and out of a selected side of the hook.

Abstract: A suture needle having, in sequence, a shaft portion, a tip portion, a conical point portion and a point. The shaft portion may be straight or curved, and cylindrical or tapered. The tip portion has at least two substantially flat surfaces. The conical point portion is of conical shape having a substantially round cross section adjacent to the point of the needle. A plane tangent to the surface of the conical point portion makes a greater angle with respect to the longitudinal centerline of the needle than does the angle formed by the intersection of a plane through a flat surface of the tip portion and the longitudinal centerline of the needle.

Abstract: A double needle ligature device for efficiently creating a loop suture for closing wounds, such as trocar wounds. The device preferrably includes a double rod-in-needle assembly to ensure that the suture is positively held in place during needle retraction.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having a surgeon operable control handle for advancing a needle to pierce tissue and to carry a ligature through the pierced tissue.

Abstract: A generally sickle shaped needle having a short shank is disclosed. An optional perpendicularly aligned grooved needle holder may be utilized in combination with the needle to rapidly close deeply lying trocared fascial wounds to prevent sequela and hernia formation after laparascopic surgery.

Abstract: A surgical sewing needle, including a generally arcuate needle body having a first end for receiving suture material and a second end which forms a sharp point, the needle body being flexible between closed and open positions, the first end protecting the second end in the closed position to prevent the sharp point from unintentional punctures, the needle body being biased such that the first and second ends are separated from each other in the open position to facilitate suturing.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable copolymer is obtained from the polymerization of a major amount of .epsilon.-caprolactone and a minor amount of at least one other copolymerizable monomer in the presence of an initiator possessing at least two carboxylic acid groups. The copolymer is useful, inter alia, as a coating for a surgical suture.

Abstract: Disclosed are sterile surgical needles formed of alloys of tungsten and a second metal selected from the group consisting of rhenium, rhodium and iridium. The needles exhibit a tensile yield strength in excess of 250,000 psi and a tensile modulus of elasticity in excess of 45.times.10.sup.6 psi, and have advantageously high ductility. The needles have a body portion, a distal point, and a proximal suture mounting portion. Preferably the needles comprise about 3 to about 84 6 weight percent of rhenium, rhodium and/or iridium. The needles exhibit improved yield point and elastic modulus in tension.

Abstract: Surgical needles are produced from martensitic precipitation-hardening stainless steel and then vacuum heat treated and vacuum cooled to increase its tensile strength while retaining the polished surface of the needle. A needle made by this process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A laparo-suture needle and method for use thereof. A medical suturing instrument employs an outer, hollow shaft having a laterally-disposed, elongate handle at a proximal end and an elongate, inner shaft disposed within the outer shaft. The inner shaft has a cutting edge at the distal end and extends out of the outer shaft at the proximal end, terminating in a spring-loaded push button. A lateral notch is formed in the inner shaft proximal of the cutting edge. The spring forces the inner shaft rearwardly so as to pull the notch within the outer shaft. By gripping the handle and placing pressure on the push button, the inner shaft is moved forward so as to expose the notch. A suture may then be placed in the notch so that the instrument grips the suture between the outer shaft and the inner shaft when the push button is released.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for attaching a surgical needle having a generally cylindrical end portion defining an elongated aperture having a generally circular cross-section and a suture having a generally elongated end portion of generally circular cross-section corresponding in dimension to the elongated aperture of the needle. The apparatus includes a pair of dies, each having a die face with an inner die surface portion. The inner die surface portion includes at least one generally planar crimping surface having an arcuate recess formed therein which extends along at least a portion of the planar crimping surface.

Abstract: An implant assist apparatus is disclosed for implanting material such as a suture in tissue to reapproximate or reinforce the tissue. A cannula is provided having a hollow body and an open proximal and distal end. Point means is detachably fixed to the open proximal end of the cannula for penetrating tissue. A method of implanting the material in tissue for reapproximating or reinforcing the tissue with the implant assist apparatus is also disclosed whereby a length of the implant material is attached to a guide wire for partial containment within the cannula. The cannula with detachable point is passed into the tissue at an entry point remote from one side of the defect and out an exit point on the opposite side remote from the defect such that the distal end of the hollow body extends from the entry point and a proximal end extends from the exit point.

Abstract: A device for repairing torn tissue or muscle such as the meniscus of the knee. The device consists of a pair of needles detachably secured to a pair of anchoring members having a plurality of barb-like projections extending outwardly therefrom. The anchoring members are joined by a suture which connects the ends of the anchoring members opposite the needles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for attaching surgical sutures to eyeless surgical needles. The apparatus includes a frame for positioning and maintaining the needle while the suture is being attached and a rotating die system which selectively impacts the needle to secure the suture thereto.

Abstract: Blunt tip cutting edge needles which are suitable for use in suturing cutaneous tissues of the body while at the same time significantly reducing the probability of skin penetration of the gloved hand of an operator are disclosed. The needle includes a blunt tip and an integral cutting section having at least one cutting edge. The blunt tip blends smoothly with an outer surface of a distal end of the cutting portion such that the blunt tip has no sharp edges or discontinuities.

Abstract: A suture or fixation wire having a relatively high degree of elasticity is utilized in suturing or fixation procedures in soft tissue or bone, with improvements in corrosion and breakage resistance and with reduction of tissue trauma. The wire is comprised of a medical grade low carbon content stainless steel, formed under low vacuum conditions in a substantially oxygen free environment and subsequently cold drawn into the wire configuration. The forming process provides the requisite flexibility and enhanced corrosion and breakage resistance without detrimentally affecting holding power. Alternatively, a cobalt-chromium or titanium wire is annealed or otherwise treated such as by modification of the chemical composition to reduce tensile strength by at least 10% for enhanced flexibility. The cobalt-chromium or titanium wire, though not as flexible as the low vacuum formed stainless steel, is preferably used in applications wherein a metal prosthesis has been implanted in the body.

Abstract: A surgical suturing needle is formed to have a needle shaft with a rectangular cross-section and a needle head with a triangular needle point. A transitional portion between the needle shaft and the needle head is formed to have a maximum width greater than the width of the needle shaft. A plurality of cutting edges extend from the needle point to at least the maximum width section of the transitional portion. After forming and grinding the suturing needle, it is immersed in an acid bath and exposed to an electrical field. Finally, the surgical needle is heat-treated to increase its strength and resistance to bending or breaking.

Abstract: A surgical needle having an I-beam configuration is disclosed. The surgical needle comprises an elongated member having an I-beam cross section wherein two opposed flange members are connected by a web member. The elongated member has a piercing point extending from its distal end. A cylindrical mounting section extends from the proximal end of the needle for receiving an end of a suture. The needle has increased resistance to bending and buckling when compared to conventional needles and does not have an increase in resistance or drag.

Abstract: A device for repairing torn tissue or muscle such as the meniscus of the knee. The device consists of a pair of needles detachably secured to a pair of anchoring members having a plurality of barb-like projections extending outwardly therefrom. The anchoring members are joined by a suture which connects the ends of the anchoring members opposite the needles.

Abstract: There are disclosed a method of and apparatus for grinding an elongated material for a suture needle. An elongated grinding tape is reciprocally moved in its longitudinal direction, and simultaneously the material is pressed against the grinding tape in such a manner that the material is disposed substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the grinding tape and is inclined relative to one face of the grinding tape, thereby grinding the material to form a cutting edge on at least one side edge of a grounded surface of the material.

Abstract: A process for tunneling in tissue to install catheters and the like includes insertion of a hollow needle through the skin and, exiting from the skin as limited by the length of the needle or the catheter to be installed. A suture is then fed through the needle after which pulling tip of diameter approximately the same as the catheter to be installed, is selected and the suture attached to the distal end of the pulling tip. The catheter is then fastened to the proximal end of the pulling tip and the free end of the suture pulled to pull the catheter through the tunnel defined by the suture. The needle and suture may be inserted successively a number of times if a longer catheter is to be installed and the pulling tip and catheter pulled through the tissue. A similar procedure may be implemented using a solid needle with a swaged-on suture.

Abstract: A surgical needle comprising an elongate shaft having proximal and distal ends, said distal end further comprising an eye which can be opened and closed, and said elongate shaft further comprising a means for opening and closing said eye. The needle may be securely affixed to a handle for convenient use. The needle may be used to place sutures in a wide variety of applications.

Abstract: Surgical needles are fabricated from a shape memory alloy. The alloy has a low temperature state, in which the needle is formable into an elongated shape to pass through an elongated tube, and a high temperature state, in which the needle forms an arc. The needle is particularly adapted for use in endoscopic surgery. A needle that has a remembered curved shape is straightened and passed to a surgical site through a cannula. It is then returned to its curved shape by heating it at the surgical site. After use, it is withdrawn through the cannula.

Abstract: In the production of a suture needle, a distal end portion of an elongated material is ground into a generally quadrangular pyramid shape. Then, the distal end portion of the elongated material is further ground into a generally triangular-pyramid shape, so that the distal or foremost end of the elongated material is positively pointed. The suture needle has four main surfaces and an auxiliary surface. The above triangular-pyramid shape is defined by two of the main surfaces and the auxiliary surface.

Abstract: A one piece needle and suture holder is described in which a rounded channel is formed for retention of the suture. One end of the suture exits the channel toward the interior of the channel and is attached to a needle located in a needle holder in the interior of the channel. The channel is formed with an open side, to which are attached a plurality of hinged doors. After the suture is wound in the open channel, the doors are folded over the open side of the channel and are locked in place to retain the suture within the channel. In an alternative embodiment a paper cover is utilized to complete the enclosing channel. To afford ease of winding the suture the bottom of the channel is preforated for the application of a vacuum to the channel during suture winding. Also disclosed is a needle park for retaining the needle in the center of the package.

Abstract: A suture comprising a needle including a substantially straight section terminating at one end in a point and a curved section joined to the other end of the straight section. The straight section and the curved section lie in substantially the same plane. The curved section terminates in a proximal end portion, and a suture is coupled to the proximal end portion of the curved section. This needle can be used in a method for closing an incision in the sclera or cornea with only a single stitch.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting users of invasive instruments from inadvertent skin puncture by providing the user with an article of protective clothing and an invasive instrument both designed so that the instrument will become entangled with the clothing during contact, thereby preventing penetration of the skin.

Abstract: An endoscopic suturing device comprises an endoscope and a needle having a spring bias construction tending to bend the needle into an arcuate configuration. The endoscope includes an elongate flexible outer tubular member and a biopsy channel extending longitudinally through the tubular member. A flexible inner tubular member is disposed inside the biopsy channel of the outer tubular member, while the needle is disposed in a straightened configuration at least part partially inside the inner tubular member at a distal end thereof. The surgical instrument further comprises an ejector device in the form of an elongate flexible rod member slidably disposed inside the inner tubular member proximally of the needle for ejecting the needle from the inner tubular member.

Abstract: A needle having three fluted edges, all of the same angular size. The needle presents a five sided cross-section at a tapered end. This results in easier tissue penetration, reduced cross-sectional needle area, better wound opening area performance, and minimized tissue distortion. In an alternate embodiment, the flat surface from which the taper is formed is on the inside of the needle so that the outer fluted edges are formed outside that configuration.

Abstract: A suture and a suturing method are set forth for suturing a wound in the tissue of a patient and defined by tissue edges. The suture comprises an alloy member having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a first undeformed shape. It is deformable into a second deformed shape. The member has the property of recovering from its second shape towards its first shape upon the second shape being subjected to specified conditions. The first shape is a suturing loop adapted to draw and hold the tissue edges defining the wound together. The second shape is adapted to allow the member to be drawn through the tissue in position for the loop to form. The method comprises inserting such a member while it is in its second shape into position for it to assume its first suturing loop shape and subjecting it to conditions which cause it to recover towards its first shape.

Abstract: A metallic product having a dark, nonreflective and nonflaking surface is disclosed. A method of manufacturing the dark, nonreflective and nonflaking surface is also disclosed.