Abstract: A graft fixation device combination. The device is useful for affixing a tissue graft to a bone or other body surface. The combination has a fixation device having two implantation members connected by a connecting member. The connecting member has at least one lateral wing member extending therefrom. The implantation members have longitudinal passageways therethrough. The combination also has an insertion member in engagement with the distal end of each implantation member.

Abstract: A method of affixing a graft to bone using a the combination of a graft fixation device and an insertion member. The fixation device is useful for affixing a tissue graft to a bone or other body surface. The graft fixation device comprises two implantation members connected by a connecting member. The implantation members have longitudinal passageways therethrough. The insertion device member similarly has a longitudinal passage.

Abstract: A biodegradable stent for implantation into a lumen in a human body. The stent in one embodiment is made from a biodegradable fiber having an inner core and an outer layer. The outer layer is a blend of two polymer components. The inner core has a first degradation rate, and the outer layer has a second degradation rate. The second degradation rate is slower than the first degradation rate. The fiber softens in vivo such that the stent is readily passed from the lumen as a softened fragment or filament after a predetermined period of time through normal flow of body fluids passing through the lumen.

Abstract: A method for performing an anterior cruciate ligament repair procedure wherein a bone plug attached to a section of tendon or ligament is fixed in a bone tunnel. The method utilizes an adhesive to secure the bone block in the bone tunnel.

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: An obturator for use in surgical procedures, particularly minimally invasive procedures. The obturator has an elongated member having a distal piercing tip. The obturator also has a longitudinal groove for containing a surgical instrument for insertion into a body space.

Abstract: A suture container having a spool rotatably mounted therein. A length of suture material is wound on the spool is wrapped in an outer bacterial-proof envelope.

Abstract: A method of laser drilling surgical needles. The method utilizes a diode pulsed laser to produce a laser beam consisting of a train of high energy pulses.

Abstract: A horizontal, drop-feed dispenser box for unitary surgical suture packages. The package allows for bottom or top dispensing of suture packages.

Abstract: An electrical connecting cable for bipolar electrosurgical scissors. The cable has a pair of insulated parallel conductors having insulating coatings. The coatings are separably connected. A slidable grommet is mounted to the cable. The conductors are partially separable from each other. A plug is mounted to one end of the cable. Spring loaded connectors are mounted to the other end of the cable.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing blunt tip surgical needles. Taper point needles having conventional piercing tips are placed into a vessel containing a grinding media. The needles are maintained in the vessel for a sufficient amount of time to convert the piercing point into a blunt. Additionally, the needles may be separated from the grinding media using a rotating magnetic drum such that the needles remain engaged with the magnetic drum while the grinding media is directed away to a collection tray. Needles are later removed from the magnetic drum.

Abstract: An H-type fastener for surgical tissue. The fastener has a central biasing member. The biasing member has a first end and a second end. Anchor members are mounted to each end.

Abstract: An H-type fastener for tissue. The fastener has a central spring member. The spring member has a first end and a second end. Tissue anchor members are mounted to each end. When placed in tissue, the spring member provides a compressive spring force upon tissue between the anchor members of the fastener.

Abstract: A package for sutures having a winding channel. The package has a base member and a cover member that is mounted to the base member. A plurality of cantilevered doors cover the winding channel.

Abstract: An aqueous slurry for manufacturing water soluble or dispersible paper for use in medical device packaging. The slurry has a solid component consisting of methylcellulose and paper pulp. The slurry also has a liquid component consisting of water and an alkylalcohol. The methylcellulose remains in a substantially undissolved state in the aqueous slurry.

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 present invention refers to a surgical suture dispenser (1) especially suitable for retaining prepared sutures (4,5), that is to say, sutures provided with one or more needles (5), which are coiled in the dispenser (1) so that the respective needle (s) can be accessible through its central portion. This invention also relates to a method of coiling surgical sutures.According to this invention, the dispenser (1) comprises first and second panels (2,3) joined to each other so as to retain, in a central position, a needle (5) secured to an end of a suture (4), characterized in that the free end of the suture (4) is fixed in co-operation with at least one of the panels (2,3), in a position away from the needle (5).Further according to the invention, a coiling method is provided for coiling a surgical suture (4) in a dispenser (1) substantially as defined in claim 1, characterized by comprising a step of pulling the free end of the suture (4) in a direction away from the first panel (2).

Abstract: A packaging for surgical suture material has a base sheet from which a wall extends in a spiral manner, the wall defining a thread duct. The thread duct opens at its first end into a thread-removal area. A cover is located above the thread duct. The spiral wall is provided on its outward-facing side with thread-deflector protrusions spaced apart from one another in the course of the thread duct.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting leaks in a fluid-filled device used to treat a patient's tissue includes an catheter having an expandable device defining a fluid reservoir about the distal end of the catheter. An internal electrode is in electrical contact with a conductive fluid within the fluid reservoir. A grounding electrode is outside of the fluid reservoir, in electrical contact with the patient's tissue. Voltage is supplied to the internal electrode and the grounding electrode. Where a leak occurs in the expandable device, conductive fluid will contact the patient's tissue, thus creating an electrical current path between the internal electrode and the grounding electrode. This so-called "leak current" is used to generate a leak alarm signal.