Abstract: An implant system for providing stabilized fixation of tissue includes a button having a slot, a band threaded through the slot, and a lock including a member having a slot for receiving an end of the band and a movable member for clamping the band in place. The movable member is movable between an open position and a locking position. The lock is a plug assembly which includes a flange. The slot is disposed in the flange. The movable member may be a cap which is movable between clamping and non-clamping orientations relative to the flange, or it may be a screw wherein a portion of the screw performs the clamping function. The flange is a portion of a plug, which plug further includes a boss extending from one side of the flange.

Abstract: A graft attachment apparatus including at least two separately formed filament loops, and a fixation member comprising at least one opening configured to receive the at least two separately formed filament loops. The at least two separately formed filament loops are continuous loops.

Abstract: A knitted prosthetic device has at least two knitted sections, where each knitted section has at least one row of fiber. The knitted prosthetic device also has at least one intra-articular section disposed between the at least two knitted sections. In addition, the at least one intra-articular section has at least one single continuous fiber traversing the at least one intra-articular section and the at least two knitted sections, where the at least one single continuous fiber forms a plurality of traverses extending between the at least two knitted sections. In particular, embodiments may be used as ligament prostheses by anchoring each of the at least two knitted sections to a bone section of a patient. Such embodiments may be constructed from a strong polymer, preferably, but not limited to, silk, where the polymer provides ligament support but bioresorbs as load bearing responsibilities are transferred to tissue resulting from ingrowth.

Abstract: Medical delivery devices include a needle and a flexible compressible impermeable tube attached to the needle. The compressible tube has an open interior channel. The device is adapted to releasably hold a length of a medical implant in the open interior channel of the tube. The medical implant can be slidably inserted into the interior channel of the tube and is loosely held by the tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to implantable collagen devices made by seeding at least one elongate collagen construct, e.g., comprising at least one elongate synthetic collagen fiber with a plurality of cells and applying a strain and/or stress to the at least one elongate collagen fiber to induce the cells to differentiate into target phenotypes, e.g., tendon or ligament phenotype cells (and/or fibroblasts), typically with an extracellular matrix of collagen to organize into a tissue on the at least one collagen fiber.

Abstract: Degradable, polymeric fiber-based, three-dimensional braided scaffolds for use as graft materials in ligament and tendon repair, reconstruction and replacement are provided. Also provided are methods for preparing these scaffolds.

Abstract: A method of repairing soft tissue of a joint of a human extremity, such as a hand or foot. The method includes maintaining a metapodial bone intact; inserting a suture passing instrument into a space adjacent the metapodial and phalangeal bones; passing the suture through a volar ligament near a distal end of the metapodial bone and reattaching the volar ligament to the proximal phalanx. The method also includes making an incision on the dorsal aspect of the extremity to expose the dorsal aspect; inserting the distal portion of the suture passer instrument through the incision on the dorsal aspect of the extremity; inserting the distal portion of the suture passing instrument into a tendon sheath connected to a volar plate; and passing a portion of a suture through the volar plate.

Abstract: The disclosure describes implantable medical products, that include dry or partially hydrated biocompatible constructs comprising collagen fibers configured to expand in situ after implantation to frictionally engage a bone tunnel wall to thereby affix the construct in the bone tunnel.

Abstract: Implants for osteo and osteochondral repair have been developed. These implants include a series of channels between the upper and lower surfaces of the implants, such that when implanted the lower surfaces are situated in an area rich in bone marrow and the channels provide a means for the bone marrow to migrate through the implant. Preferably the implants are made from resorbable polymer fibers, preferably arranged in braids that are knitted or woven together such that the braids are substantially parallel with each other. The implants may be rolled into a bundle of braids with the axis of the braids substantially parallel to the axis of the bundle, to provide channels along the axis of the bundle. A preferred embodiment includes P4HB fibers braided and knitted into a structure that is coated with a ceramic, preferably physiologic calcium phosphate.

Abstract: A graft ligament anchor includes a tubular body having a bore therethrough and proximal and distal ends. A flange is attached to the tubular body at the proximal end thereof and extends radially outwardly beyond the tubular body. A deformable wall is disposed in the tubular body bore and defines, at least in part, a chamber for retaining the graft ligament therein. An expansion device is configured for insertion into the tubular body axially of the tubular body, and for impinging upon the deformable wall to press the deformable wall, and hence the graft ligament received in the chamber, toward a wall of the bore, whereby to fix the graft ligament in the tubular body.

Abstract: A prosthetic anchor to be attached to a natural or prosthetic structure of a human or animal. The anchor includes a central layer with first and second surface. A plurality of fiber bundles, each with a medial portion, are concentrically embedded within the central layer to substantially define a horseshoe-shaped pattern. A substrate element is configured to be secured to the natural or prosthetic structure and to receive the second surface of the central layer. A securing element operably coupled to the second surface of the central layer is configured to secure the central layer to the substrate element in at least two positions.

Abstract: Biocompatible coatings and spin finishes that can be applied to polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymers, and medical devices made from PHA polymers, have been developed. The coatings impart good lubricity to PHA polymers, particularly to fibers and braids made from these materials, making the coatings ideal for use on medical devices such as PHA braided sutures. The spin finishes can be applied to PHA fibers to facilitate their manufacture, and also for their conversion to other products, including medical textiles. The spin finishes serve to protect multifilament fiber bundles, and keep them intact following extrusion, and also to impart lubricity to the fiber bundles and monofilament fibers so that they are not damaged in subsequent processing steps particularly in textile processing. The coating reduces tissue drag of, for example, braided sutures.

Abstract: An all-inside double-socket ACL reconstruction technique, according to which a femoral socket and a closed tibial socket are provided to accommodate retrograde fixation of at least one graft (for example, a semitendonosus allograft) within the sockets. The closed tibial socket is formed by using a retrograde drill device provided with a retrograde drill cutter detachable from a retrograde drill guide pin. The femoral socket may be formed by the retrograde drill method or by a conventional method, and may be carried out before or after the formation of the tibial socket. The graft is secured in the knee by employing a transversal implant, or by employing an interference screw, and/or a continuous loop/button construct.

Abstract: A based device for use as tissue repair includes a median part between two end parts. The median and end parts have a different tensile stiffness.

Abstract: A medical system (10) is provided having a pulling device (20) and an active substance chain (50). The active substance chain (50) has at least two storage units (51) arranged like a chain, and at least one of the storage units (51) is loaded with a medicinal active substance. The pulling device (20) has a grip element (30) and a coupling element (40), and the coupling element (40) has at least one recess (41, 41?). In a free position (100) the active substance chain (50) is arranged separated from the pulling device (20), while in an inserted position (110) at least one of the storage units (51) is arranged form-fitting in a recess (41, 41?). The active substance chain (50) can be moved reversibly from the free position (100) into the inserted position (110).

Abstract: A textile-based plate implant (and related methods) that supports tissue ingrowth within the implanted implant structure and is suitable for use in a variety of surgical applications, including but not limited to anterior, posterior and lateral surgical approaches directed towards the lumbar, thoracic and cervical regions of the spine.

Abstract: A system and method for tissue repair employing a continuous loop of suture attached to a free floating needle. The free floating needle is not swaged on the suture so that, after passing the suture loop construct through the tissue to be treated, the needle may be recentered if the suture strands are uneven.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method for repairing a partially or totally ruptured tendon. The device comprises an implant placed inside or outside of the tendon on either side of the rupture in order to strengthen the ruptured area during repair. Once positioned inside the tendon, the tendon is held in place so it can heal either by sewing or stapling through the tendon and implant, or by any other suitable method that utilizes the implant to provide strength to the ruptured area. In this manner the tendon can heal with less chance of rupturing again prior to healing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition comprising a matrix suitable for implantation in humans, comprising defatted, shredded, allogeneic human muscle tissue that has been combined with an aqueous carrier and dried in a predetermined shape. Also disclosed is a tissue graft or implant comprising a matrix suitable for implantation in humans, comprising defatted, shredded, allogeneic human muscle tissue that has been combined with an aqueous carrier and dried in a predetermined shape. The composition and/or tissue graft or implant of the invention is usable in combination with seeded cells, a tissue growth factor, and/or a chemotactic gent to attract a desired cell.

Abstract: Prosthetic ligaments and tendons comprising ligament- or tendon-mimicking nanofibers and methods of making such nanofibers and prosthetic ligaments and tendons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a collagen fiber construct composed of single collagen fibers, which is sterilized with alcohol and via irradiation and not populated with cells, wherein the single collagen fibers are isolated from collagen-containing tissue from mammals. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a collagen fiber construct composed of single collagen fibers, which is sterilized with alcohol and via irradiation and is not populated with cells, wherein the single collagen fibers are isolated from collagen-containing tissue from rat tails. Finally, there is also described the use of the collagen fiber constructs as xenoimplants.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of performing anterior cruciate ligament replacement. Specifically, a graft tissue is harvested from a patient and single tunnels are prepared in each of the tibia and the femur of the patient. The graft is secured in the femoral tunnel and separated into an anterior cruciate medial bundle and a anterior cruciate posterior lateral bundle. The bundles are inserted through the tibial tunnel. During insertion the posterior lateral bundle is positioned in a posterior lateral position in the tibial tunnel while the anterior cruciate medial bundle is positioned in an anterior cruciate medial position in the tibial tunnel. The anterior cruciate medial bundle is then tensioned while the patient's knee is in approximately 90 degrees of flexion, and the posterior lateral bundle is tensioned while the patient's knee is approximately in full extension. Each of the bundles is then secured in the tibial tunnel.

Abstract: A graft construct formed of a plurality of single tendon strands or soft tissue grafts placed together so that at least a portion of one of the single tendon strands is wrapped around a portion of another of the single tendon strands by employing suturing, for example. The graft construct is provided with at least two regions, one region formed of at least a plurality of tendon strands tied together, and the other region formed of loose segments of the plurality of tendon strands.

Abstract: Prosthetic ligaments and tendons comprising ligament- or tendon-mimicking nanofibers and methods of making such nanofibers and prosthetic ligaments and tendons.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a prosthetic anchor (36) including a central layer (1) through which embedded fibers (2), such as artificial tendons, pass in defined pathways (4), a ‘deep’ surface membrane (7) which interfaces with a hard structure, whether that is a prosthesis, a bone, or other hard tissue, and a ‘superficial’ surface membrane (8) which interfaces adjacent tissue and may be configured to adhere or not to adhere to that tissue. The central layer (1) is positioned intermediate the surface membranes (7, 8) which are mechanically and/or adherently attached thereto. Also, non-limiting examples of methods of fabrication and of affixing the anchor (36) to a relatively rigid structure, natural or prosthetic, in a human or animal body with improved stress distribution in the fixed tension member end are taught.

Abstract: Connective tissue, including neo-tendons and ligaments, has been constructed using biodegradable synthetic scaffolds seeded with tenocytes. The scaffolds are preferably formed from biodegradable fibers formed of a polymer such as polyglycolic acid-polylactic acid copolymers, and seeded with cells isolated from autologous tendon or ligament by means of enzymatic digestion or direct seeding into tissue culture dishes from explants. The cell polymer constructs are then surgically transplanted to replace missing segments of functioning tendon or ligament.

Abstract: The disclosure describes implantable bioprosthesis having an implantable construct with a multi-fiber array of collagen fibers attached together.

Abstract: Synthetic structures for soft tissue repair include a multi-layer planar fibrillar structure having layers which are intermittently secured to each other and which approximates mechanical properties comparable to those of soft tissue. In embodiments, the fibrillar structure possesses an intermittently secured edge portion secured by intermittent welds. In embodiments, the multi layer planar fibrillar structure includes a bioactive agent.

Abstract: A fiber matrix is provided for maintaining space in soft tissue, for example for use in procedures for assisting drainage of aqueous humor from an eye to treat glaucoma. The fiber matrix comprises a plurality of crossing fibers forming a mesh with a plurality of void spaces. The fibers and void spaces are sized and arranged so as to permit passage of fluid through the fiber matrix and to inhibit formation of scar tissue through the fiber matrix. The fibers may comprise a polymeric material, and the fiber matrix may be manufactured by electrospinning. The fibers may comprise a biostable and/or a biodegradable material. In one method of using a fiber matrix, the fiber matrix is positioned under a scleral flap, with at least part of the fiber matrix under the scleral flap.

Abstract: A graft ligament anchor includes a tubular body having a bore therethrough and proximal and distal ends. A flange is attached to the tubular body at the proximal end thereof and extends radially outwardly beyond the tubular body. A deformable wall is disposed in the tubular body bore and defines, at least in part, a chamber for retaining the graft ligament therein. An expansion device is configured for insertion into the tubular body axially of the tubular body, and for impinging upon the deformable wall to press the deformable wall, and hence the graft ligament received in the chamber, toward a wall of the bore, whereby to fix the graft ligament in the tubular body.

Abstract: Silk is purified to eliminate immunogenic components (particularly sericin) and is used to form fabric that is used to form tissue-supporting prosthetic devices for implantation. The fabrics can carry functional groups, drugs, and other biological reagents. Applications include hernia repair, tissue wall reconstruction, and organ support, such as bladder slings. The silk fibers are arranged in parallel and, optionally, intertwined (e.g., twisted) to form a construct; sericin may be extracted at any point during the formation of the fabric, leaving a construct of silk fibroin fibers having excellent tensile strength and other mechanical properties.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an implantable medical device comprising a composite graft material including a first biologic component, such as an acellular tissue matrix, and a second non-biologic component.

Abstract: Prosthetic ligaments and tendons comprising ligament- or tendon-mimicking nanofibers and methods of making such nanofibers and prosthetic ligaments and tendons.

Abstract: The present invention provides a replacement ligament comprising first and second ends, two or more securing portions for securing said ligament to a portion of bone material and a body portion comprising a first component having a first, higher, elongation per unit load characteristic; and a second component having a second, lower, elongation per unit load characteristic. The first and second components are between said two or more securing portions and arranged in load series such that initial, lower, loading is reacted by said first component and subsequent, higher, loading is reacted by said second component.

Abstract: Method for production of a prosthetic ligament (1), for the replacement of a natural joint ligament, having a global cylindrical form and including a medial intra-articular section (3) between two intra-osseous end parts (2). The method includes a step of the rolling or folding on itself of a web of synthetic polymer fibers, followed by a step of installation of a traction thread (5) to each of the ends (4) of the ligament (1), then a step of placing a tip (6) on the ends (5), characterized in that the placing of the tip (6) includes producing a radial ligature (60) of the ligament (1) provided with the traction threads (5), by of a ligature thread (7).

Abstract: A knitted prosthetic device has at least two knitted sections, where each knitted section has at least one row of fiber. The knitted prosthetic device also has at least one intra-articular section disposed between the at least two knitted sections. In addition, the at least one intra-articular section has at least one single continuous fiber traversing the at least one intra-articular section and the at least two knitted sections, where the at least one single continuous fiber forms a plurality of traverses extending between the at least two knitted sections. In particular, embodiments may be used as ligament prostheses by anchoring each of the at least two knitted sections to a bone section of a patient. Such embodiments may be constructed from a strong polymer, preferably, but not limited to, silk, where the polymer provides ligament support but bioresorbs as load bearing responsibilities are transferred to tissue resulting from in-growth.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a prosthetic anchor (36) including a central layer (1) through which embedded fibers (2), such as artificial tendons, pass in defined pathways (4), a ‘deep’ surface membrane (7) which interfaces with a hard structure, whether that is a prosthesis, a bone, or other hard tissue, and a ‘superficial’ surface membrane (8) which interfaces adjacent tissue and may be configured to adhere or not to adhere to that tissue. The central layer (1) is positioned intermediate the surface membranes (7, 8) which are mechanically and/or adherently attached thereto. Also, non-limiting examples of methods of fabrication and of affixing the anchor (36) to a relatively rigid structure, natural or prosthetic, in a human or animal body with improved stress distribution in the fixed tension member end are taught.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a bone-tendon-bone assembly extended between two shaped cancellous bone blocks and a method of inserting same in a joint. Each substantially cylindrically shaped cancellous bone block has a central through going bore, a flat exterior longitudinal surface and a channel longitudinally cut in the exterior of the bone block body opposite the flat longitudinal surface. A tendon replacement member is inserted through the central through going bore around the end of each block and looped back along the flat longitudinal side with each block being in a reversed orientation position as to the other block. A channel cut in the exterior surface of each block is adapted to receive an interference screw to keep the block anchored in a bone tunnel previously cut in the respective bones of a joint.

Abstract: A graft ligament for cross-pinning in a bone tunnel, the ligament comprising a tendon having first, second and third portions in series along the length thereof. The first and third portions are provided with cross-sectional thicknesses less than the cross-sectional thickness of the second portion. The tendon first and third portions are folded over and attached to the second portion to provide a graft ligament having a substantially uniform thickness along the length thereof.

Abstract: A spine stabilization system includes a flexible member attachable to a portion of the spinal column. The member includes components that are oriented and function similar to the natural fiber orientation of the anterior longitudinal ligament and annulus tissue. The use of components resist loading applied by extension and rotation of the spine, while the flexibility of the member does not subject it to the compressive loading of the spinal column segment to which it is attached.

Abstract: A strip-like implant (1) has a tape (2) with a first end (4) and with a second end (6). In the area of at least one of the two ends (4, 6), a disk-like application aid (10) aligned with the plane of the tape (2) is arranged. The disk-like application aid can also be constructed in the shape of two jaws of a surgical gripping instrument which is set up to grip an implant tape.

Abstract: A prosthetic ligament and its method of manufacture is provided by which the prosthetic ligament is comprised of a plurality of strands aligned in a parallel lengthwise relationship to form a bundle, with the strands being interwoven at their respective ends while the middle portion of the strands remain unattached to adjacent strands. A predetermined torsion is applied to each strand prior to forming the bundle to create natural coiling in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise orientation. The prosthetic ligament may be used for a posterior or anterior cruciate ligament of the knee joint.

Abstract: A spine stabilization system includes a flexible member attachable to a portion of the spinal column. The member includes components that are oriented and function similar to the natural fiber orientation of the anterior longitudinal ligament and annulus tissue. The use of components resist loading applied by extension and rotation of the spine, while the flexibility of the member does not subject it to the compressive loading of the spinal column segment to which it is attached.

Abstract: A medical, bioresorbable implant, particularly for cruciate ligament augmentation, is constructed as a composite structure in textile construction from at least two biocompatible polymer materials, which differ in their chemical composition and/or polymer structure and which are degradable, the implant having a predetermined initial tensile stiffness and a different degradation behaviour of the polymers and/or the textile construction is selected in such a way that the tensile stiffness decreases during degradation.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming an artificial tie or ligament between different internal parts within a mammalian body, the apparatus comprising a strip (10) of preferably mesh type fabric formed of a material which is suitable for remaining in the body, and a drawstring (12) which is looped between different points along the length of the strip (10). By drawing the drawstring (12) the length of the strip (10) can be reduced. Opposite ends of the strip (11, 13) are in use attached to the different internal parts, and then those parts can be pulled together by applying tension to the drawstring (12), and once the length of the strip (10) has been reduced, tying off the drawstring (12) to hold the strip (10) in its reduced length condition. The apparatus is specifically useful for use in a method of treating vault or vaginal prolapse. The invention extends to a method of treating vault or vaginal prolapse.

Abstract: A spine stabilization system includes a flexible member attachable to a portion of the spinal column. The member includes components that are oriented and function similar to the natural fiber orientation of the anterior longitudinal ligament and annulus tissue. The use of components resist loading applied by extension and rotation of the spine, while the flexibility of the member does not subject it to the compressive loading of the spinal column segment to which it is attached.

Abstract: A textile prosthesis comprising a unitary body of predetermined shape having structural integrity, the body including at least one anchorage body portion for attachment to an anatomical body part, the body being composed of a combination of binding yarns and tensile load bearing filaments, the binding yarns being located at least in the or in each of said anchorage body portions and being interconnected to one another by sewn stitches, the tensile load bearing filaments being located inbetween said stitches so as to be constrained to extend through said unitary body along predetermined pathways extending in one or more predetermined directions so as to render the body resistance to stretch when a tensile load is applied in said one or more predetermined directions.

Abstract: A spine stabilization system includes a flexible member attachable to a portion of the spinal column. The member includes components that are oriented and function similar to the natural fiber orientation of the anterior longitudinal ligament and annulus tissue. The use of components resist loading applied by extension and rotation of the spine, while the flexibility of the member does not subject it to the compressive loading of the spinal column segment to which it is attached.

Abstract: Biodegradable porous implants are provided which are biocompatible with humans and animals, and which comprise bundles of flexible threads, each of the bundles including a plurality of flexible threads, each of the plurality of flexible threads comprising from 50 to 500 filaments having a combined density of from 5 to 120 tex, each of the bundles having a twist of up to 120 revolutions per meter, and including weft threads holding together the plurality of bundles, the weft threads having a distribution density of up to about 100 threads per cm calculated in the longitudinal direction of the flexible threads.

Abstract: The invention describes a graft suspension device 2 for suspending a ligament in a bone hole. The suspension device 2 comprises a first loop 4 and second loop 6 suspended from an anchor 8 and has a cradle 10 at the opposite end of the loop to the anchor. Ligament grafts (not shown) are looped over the cradle 10 and loose ends 30,32 may be pulled by finger loops 22, 24 whereby the surgeon can adjust the distance of the cradle 10 from the anchor 8 thereby tensioning the grafts as desired.