Abstract: A method of making a surgical suture having a reformed tip includes providing an elongated fiber having a first end, a second end, a central axis extending between the first and second ends thereof, and an outer surface that defines a cross-sectional dimension of the elongated fiber, and compressing a center region of the elongated fiber that is located between the first and second ends thereof for reshaping the center region into a core mass and a deformed mass that extends laterally outside the cross-sectional dimension of said elongated fiber. The method includes separating the deformed mass of the center region from the core mass of the center region so that only the core mass remains for interconnecting the first and second ends of the elongated fiber, and after separating the deformed mass from the core mass, reshaping the core mass into a reformed mass having a reformed mass central axis that is offset from the central axis of the elongated fiber.

Abstract: A method for coupling tissue includes aligning a guide tool on an outer surface of a first tissue; forming a bore in the first tissue aligned with the guide tool; deploying a non-slip suture construct through the guide tool and into the bore; adjusting a saddle along a flexible member to a position adjacent to a soft anchor, wherein the saddle prevents the flexible member from slideably moving relative to the soft anchor; and threading the flexible member through a second tissue to secure the second tissue to the first tissue.

Abstract: Self-retaining sutures having a first end for penetrating tissue and an elongated suture body comprising a plurality of intermittent apertures structured to enable formation of knotless suture loop closures that securely hold opposing tissue faces together due to the presence of the intermittent apertures through the suture that permit one-way passage of the suture body thus forming a self-retaining or self-engaging loop in the suture that does not slip backwards. Once a desired loop size is formed between tissue faces by pulling the suture through one of the intermittent apertures in the suture thread, the suture thread is clipped and a further loop is begun using the remainder of the suture thread affixed to the suture needle.

Abstract: Embodiments may include fixation devices and methods for securing first and second body tissue portions. Fixation devices may include a base component, an insert component, and a flexible member. The base component may include a passage. The insert component may be positionable within at least a portion of the passage. The elongate member may be configured to be positioned through the first and second body tissue portions. The elongate member may be tensioned and pinched between the base component and insert component to secure the first and second portions.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to bone. In one embodiment, an elongate weave of fibers can be provided having a first portion with a first pick count and a second portion with a second pick count that is greater than the first pick count. The first portion can have a cross-section that deforms in response to a force that is applied thereto. The first portion can have a collapsible diameter and can have a bending stiffness that is lower than a bending stiffness of the second portion of the suture. The first portion can also have a first pattern that is different than a second pattern on the second portion of the suture. The first portion can be threaded into a suture anchor such that it can be doubled over upon itself. The present invention also provides exemplary sutures and drivers that can be used with the various methods and devices disclosed herein, or with other methods and devices known in the art.

Abstract: In one form, a surgical needle has a curved needle body having a first end and a second end and defines an interior region between the first and second ends. The interior region contains a center of curvature of the needle body. The first and second ends each terminate in a point. The needle body has an intermediate portion between the first and second ends, and defines an internal surface facing the interior region and an external surface facing away from the interior region. A recess is thrilled within the external surface of the needle body. In another form, the needle is provided in a sterilized package together with one or more elongate filaments each having a proximal end coupled to the needle body within the recess. A container holds the surgical needle and the filament.

Abstract: A medical device includes a filament having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the filament is coupled to a needle. The medical device also includes an energy delivery device. The energy delivery device has a first arm and a second arm. The energy delivery device is configured to delivery energy to a portion of the filament when the portion of the filament is disposed between the first arm and the second arm.

Abstract: A suturing device provided. The suturing device may include at least a firing aperture, a drive mechanism and an autoloading mechanism. The firing aperture may include at least one needle rotatably disposed therein configured to engage a suture for deployment. The drive mechanism may be operatively coupled to the needle and configured to advance the needle from a retracted position to an extended position during engagement, and retract the needle from the extended position to the retracted position during disengagement. The autoloading mechanism may be operatively coupled to the drive mechanism and configured to slidably retrieve and position a suture to be deployed over the firing aperture during disengagement of the drive mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing ankle syndesmosis repairs includes, inter alia, a first button, a second button, and a suture connecting the first button and the second button. The first button and the second button are stainless steel buttons. At least one of the first button and the second button is oblong. The suture includes multiple strands that extend between the first button and the second button. A first free end of the suture is tensionable to shorten a length of the suture between the first button and the second button and thereby move the first button and the second button closer together.

Abstract: The guidance and positioning device may be a system for creating a passage in tissue, positioning fasteners or other implants, and tensioning an elongated fastening member, like a suture, thread, wire, or pin. In some embodiments, the device may allow for the implantation of multiple sutures and fasteners in tissue. A fastener may be positioned at the distal end of a flexible pushrod. The fastener may be connected with the pushrod or may be loosely fitted with the distal end of the pushrod. A suture may be looped through or connected with the fastener such that one, two, or more sections, legs, strands, or portions of the suture extend from the fastener.

Abstract: A suturing device is made of two hypodermic needles allowing one or more sutures (at the same time) and a retrieval probe to be advanced into a cavity (e.g., a stomach cavity) of the patient. Both the suture and retrieval probes comprise magnets of opposite polarities on their leading ends. Thus, after the suture and retrieval probe are inside the stomach cavity, the suture and retrieval probe may mate and the suture may be transferred from one hypodermic needle to the other using magnetic attraction. In doing so, the suture forms a loop through the stomach. Once removed, this loop, having two ends that are positioned outside the patient's body, can be pulled tight in order to pull the stomach wall closer to the surface of the patient's body. With the stomach wall close to the surface of the patient's body, it is easier to insert a gastrostomy device.

Abstract: A fenestrated suture anchor for fixation of tissue to bone. In a preferred embodiment, the suture includes an implant, such a swivel implant with a forked tip for capturing suture. The implant is secured in a hole in bone by advancing a fixation device, such as a cannulated interference screw, to engage and fully seat the implant. The cannulated fixation device is provided with a plurality of openings or fenestrations of various dimensions and geometries to provide multiple pathways through the anchor (i.e., though the interior of the body and through the fenestrations) to allow blood to flow to increase the healing zone, for example, for rotator cuff repair, while also promoting bone in-growth.

Abstract: An apparatus for leading a cerclage member along a desired path through a portion of bone, comprises a guide strip extending from a proximal end to a sharpened distal end, at least a portion of the guide strip being biased to assume a shape corresponding to a portion of a desired path along which the cerclage member is to pass through a portion of bone and a delivery cannula including a lumen sized to slidably receive the guide strip therein, the cannula maintaining the guide strip in a substantially straight configuration until the guide strip is extended distally out of the lumen.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for securing tissue to bone. In general, a suture leader can have leading and trailing ends, and an inner passageway configured to receive a strand of suture therein. More specifically, the trailing end of the leader can be configured to receive the strand of suture therein to form an overlapping region of suture leader and suture. When the suture is positioned in the leader, an outer diameter of the leading end of the leader can be less than an outer diameter of the over lapping region. The leader can have a lower bending stiffness than the suture so that the leader can be more easily folded into a bend. In certain aspects, the suture leader can be formed from a substantially flexible, braided material so that the leader can be configured to contract when a pulling force is applied to the leader. In another embodiment, the suture leader can have a pre-formed crease configured to mate with a threading tool.

Abstract: A suture deployment system is disclosed including a surgical needle having a flexible suture fixedly attached thereto and a target suture releasably secured to the flexible suture. A collar is positioned between the flexible suture and the target suture and is fixedly secured to the flexible suture. The target suture is releasably secured to the collar is such that the target suture may detach from the collar once a surgical procedure has been completed. The surgical needle is a double pointed surgical needle specifically configured to be manipulated by a surgical suturing apparatus.

Abstract: A barbed suture with a first end and a second end and a body with a plurality of barbs extending from the body. Each barb causes the suture to resist movement in an opposite direction from which the barb faces. Projections extend from said suture. The projections can also engage tissue. The barbs cover the projections when the first end of the suture is moved in tissue and exposes the projections in order to engage tissue when the suture is moved in the direction of the second end through tissue.

Abstract: Knotless suture anchors are disclosed for surgical use, which contain one or more types of ratcheting mechanisms that will allow a surgeon to pull a suture strand through an anchor device in one direction, without allowing the suture strand to travel or creep backward, in the other direction. This will allow a surgeon to emplace a number of such anchors in hard bone(s) or soft tissue(s), during installation of an implant device, while the various suture strands remain loose and do not interfere with proper positioning of the implant. When the implant device is roughly in position, the surgeon can gently “snug” all of the suture strands (which preferably should be braided, to provide a non-smooth surface that will enable a stronger and more secure grip by the ratcheting mechanism), so that they will all reach a moderate plateau of gentle yet firm tension.

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 vessel-loop having an elastic tube and a needle attached to one end thereof for use in various surgical procedures, and a method for forming same. The method includes the steps of positioning a heat-sensitive element within a section of elastic tubing, applying tensile forces to the opposed ends of the tubing section, and heating the heat-sensitive element and the portion of the tubing adjacent the heat-sensitive element so that the heat-sensitive element adheres to the adjacent tubing portion. The heat-sensitive element and the adjacent tubing portion are allowed to cool until a conjoined reduced-diameter portion is formed. The reduced-diameter portion is cut to form two ends, each having a reduced-diameter end. The reduced-diameter ends are then each secured to a needle, forming two vessel loops.

Abstract: A crimper having a crimping block and a crimping lever. The crimping block has a top surface, a first end, and an opposite second end. The first end provides receptacles which each allow a swaged needle having a needle hole end having a needle hole to be inserted therein. The second end has suture channels which allow a suture to be inserted into the crimping block such that the suture is guided toward the needle end hole. The top surface has a plurality of crimping openings which each expose one of the receptacles and the needle hole end therein. The crimping lever has a plurality of protrusions which are aligned with the crimping openings such that one of the projections engages the needle end and mechanically crimp the needle end to secure the suture therein. The needle may then be withdrawn from the receptacle with the suture secured therein.

Abstract: The invention concerns a surgical needle comprising a crimping region (3) for fixing a suture (5) made of hyper-elastic alloy having, after treatment, two different states enabling to stress the needle in a substantially elongated position when it is housed in the internal bore (11) of a cannula or of an applicator (2) and when it is extracted from the cannula or the applicator to adopt an arc-shaped curved profile as a result of its own particular super-elastic or hyper-elastic properties, and the needle (1) comprises opposite the crimping zone (3) a tapered tip (6) provided with an inclined heel (7) arranged inside the curvature of the needle (1) and which is urged to be pressed against the internal wall of the bore (11) of the cannula or the applicator (2) to protect the tapered tip profile (6) when the needle is sliding inside the internal bore (11).

Abstract: The device for fixing a thread (25) to a surgical needle (22) includes a bearing piece (2) and a punch (16). The bearing piece (2) has a housing (10) adapted to receive a needle (22) so as to immobilize it when the punch (16) comes into contact with the needle.

Abstract: The device for fixing a thread (25) to a surgical needle (22) includes a bearing piece (2) and a punch (16). The bearing piece (2) has a housing (10) adapted to receive a needle (22) so as to immobilize it when the punch (16) comes into contact with the needle.

Abstract: A sternotomy suture comprises a loop which passes around a split sternum and is twisted until double cabling begins at which point the suture is fastened to itself. The loop preferably comprises a single strand of wire with one end welded to an intermediate point of said strand leaving a portion available for connection to the needle. A curved needle having a cutting tapered point is swaged to the free end of the single strand. Initially the wire is passed around the split sternum and the needle then removed with a pair of diagonal cutting pliers. A twisting tool, having a handle and a hooked portion, passes through the two free loops on opposite sides of the sternum. Twisting force is applied to the tool and transmitted through the hook to the suture causing it to twist and cable. The suture reaches its critical length L.sub.crit when the loop is fully cabled but before double cabling begins. At the onset of double cabling the loop reaches its maximum tension T.sub.crit.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a surgical needle of the type having an end portion with an elongated aperture defined therein and a suture having a generally elongated end portion which is to be positioned in the elongated aperture of the needle includes a pair of dies, each die having at least two generally planar engaging surfaces with a recessed portion disposed between adjacent engaging surfaces. The engaging surfaces of the dies each define a plane which is in general parallel relation to a longitudinal axis of the respective die.

Abstract: Apparatus for attaching a surgical needle having an end portion with an elongated aperture defined therein and a suture having a generally elongated end portion to be positioned in the elongated aperture of the needle, includes a pair of dies, each die defining a longitudinal axis and having an inner die surface. The inner die surface includes at least two raised swaging portions extending generally along the longitudinal axis of the die and a generally recessed portion defined between adjacent swaging portions and extending substantially along the lengths thereof. The swaging portions each have an engaging surface defining a plane angularly oriented relative to a longitudinal bisecting plane of the dies.

Abstract: A method for attaching a multifilament suture having a sheath and core structure to a surgical incision member includes removing a length of core material from an end portion of the suture, and inserting the coreless sheath into the surgical incision member aperture. The coreless sheath of the end portion may optionally be tipped prior to insertion into the surgical incision member.

Abstract: Suture devices, particularly useful in endoscopic surgery, include a suture device made of bioabsorbable material having an elongate body member with a sharp distal end for penetrating tissue and means for locking the suture device in tissue to prevent forward and rearward movement and a suture device made of bioabsorbable material having a hinge-like joint for folding a distal portion at a precise location to be juxtaposed with a proximal portion for adjustable locking. Methods of using the suture devices for joining tissue sections, such as in tuboplasty, for closing anatomical lumens and for subcuticular suturing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tipping surgical sutures which includes winding the suture around a drum while continuously monitoring the suture diameter in x and y directions and adjusting the tension on the suture to control the suture diameter as it is being wound. The drum is then placed in an apparatus which passes selected portions of the suture through a mist of cyanoacrylate tipping agent generated by ultrasonic atomization. The tipping agent quickly cures and the tipped portion of the suture may be cut to create a tipped end for insertion into a surgical needle to form a needle suture device.

Abstract: A needle suture combination and attachment method is disclosed wherein a surgical suture is attached to a surgical needle by inserting the suture tip into a tapered axial hole formed in the barrel section through the needle blunt end face and swaging the needle barrell section. The swage commences at a point away from the end of the needle end face. The needle suture attachment of the invention does not require closely corresponding suture and needle hole diameters, and advantageously achieves reliable needle-suture attachment with reduced needle inventory. Process and equipment maintenance are also reduced.

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: 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: A combined surgical needle-suture device is provided by attaching the reduced shank of a needle and the tip region of a suture to each other through a heat shrinkable tubing fitted around both, the axial length of the tubing bearing a defined relationship to the effective axial length of the needle shank. In the preferred detachable needle-suture device, a removal interface having a predetermined axial length and/or contact area is defined between a shrinkable tubing having a predetermined axial length and a suture tip region.

Abstract: A single-strike die mechanism includes a rotatable cam drive ring driven to impart through a cam mechanism linear motion to at least three crimping dies. The crimping dies are symmetrically arranged within a die guide and simultaneously actuated to move in a radial direction toward a centerline of a surgical needle. A surgical suture is axially inserted within a hollow barrel end of the needle, and the barrel end is crimped by the crimping dies to secure the suture therein. A method for operating the single-strike die mechanizes the procedure for securing the suture within the barrel end of the needle.

Abstract: An improved surgical needle is disclosed. The needle has a butt. The butt has a proximal and a distal end. A blind hole is in the butt. The hole originates at the proximal and terminates at the distal end of the butt. A crimp is adjacent to the butt. The improvement to the crimp comprises a first and a second side that are essentially parallel. A third side is essentially perpendicular to the first and second sides. A fourth side is curvilinear. The curvilinear fourth side can be a semicircle. A machine and a method of attaching a surgical suture to the improved needle is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved surgical needle is disclosed. The needle has a butt. The butt has a proximal and a distal end. A blind hole is in the butt. The hole originates at the proximal and terminates at the distal end of the butt. A crimp is adjacent to the butt. The improvement to the crimp comprises a first and a second side that are essentially parallel. A third side is essentially perpendicular to the first and second sides. A fourth side is curvilinear. The curvilinear fourth side can be a semicircle. A machine and a method of attaching a surgical suture to the improved needle is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved surgical needle is disclosed. The needle has a butt. The butt has a proximal and a distal end. A blind hole is in the butt. The hole originates at the proximal and terminates at the distal end of the butt. A crimp is adjacent to the butt. The improvement to the crimp comprises a first and a second side that are essentially parallel. A third side is essentially perpendicular to the first and second sides. A fourth side is curvilinear. The curvilinear fourth side can be a semicircle. A machine and a method of attaching a surgical suture to the improved needle is also disclosed.

Abstract: Attachment of a surgical needle to a suture to provide a combined surgical needle-suture device employs a shrinkable tubing possessing a controlled suture separation feature.

Abstract: A combined surgical needle-suture device of controlled suture release characteristics and a method for manufacturing the device employ a shrinkable tubing and a suture having an expandable tip region to connect the needle to the suture.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a thread wound on a bobbin to a surgical needle including feeding rollers for unwinding the thread from the bobbin, a tube-like chuck for selectively fix the thread thereto, a guide for guiding the front end of the thread, a feeding device for supporting the needle such that a hole formed in a rear end face of the needle is faced to the front end of the thread, and a clamping device having pushing rods for pressing the rear end of the needle to clamp the thread in the hole. By moving the needle to the guide, the front end of the thread is inserted into the hole of the needle, and then the clamping device is driven to press the rear end of the needle so that the thread is clamped in the hole. Then, the thread is unwound from the bobbin by a desired length by moving the feeding device away from the guide, and finally the thread is cut along an inclined line.