Abstract: An elastic means is provided for a disposable diaper which elastic means has substantially parallel multiple strands of stretched elastic adhered between two layers of fabric by at least one sinusoidal adhesive line.

Abstract: Novel derivatives of .gamma.-cyclodextrin, their preparation and their use as complexants and solubilizers. Compositions containing the novel .gamma.-cyclodextrin derivatives and method of preparing such compositions.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a fibrous structure including electrostatically charged mandrels arranged around a delivery assembly for fiberizable material. The delivery assembly includes capillary needles to which fiberizable material is supplied from a reservoir, the needles being arranged on manifolds moved continuously around a loop path on a rail.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing a medical prosthesis by forming the prosthesis from an uncrosslinked polyurethane and then at least partially crosslinking the polyurethane with a vaporizable halo alkylisocyanate. The haloalkylisocyanate (e.g. chloromethylisocyanate) is reacted with the uncrosslinked polyurethane at a temperature which will not degrade or soften the polyurethane, (in its uncrosslinked form) in order to crosslink the polyurethane.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for joining tissue by means of a two piece fastener. The fastener is a shaped staple having a general shape of an M, and a receiver for engaging with the legs of the staple. The staple has an M-shape with the outer legs portions being non-parallel or parallel. The legs of the staple are connected by a compressibly resilient portion. The staple legs penetrate the tissue and engage and interlock with the openings in the receiver.

Abstract: A device is provided for applying flexible fasteners to tissue to close a wound or incision. The device has a front housing mounted for rotation relative to a rear housing. A needle projects laterally from the front housing. The needle is curved, hollow, and slotted for receiving a portion of a fastener. The device has a flexible pusher member and means for moving the flexible pusher member into the hollow needle to eject a fastener from the needle and into the tissue.

Abstract: The improvement in an intraluminal stapling instrument comprising a collapsible means disposed on the central member of said instrument. The collapsible means holds the tissue to be joined in the proper position with respect the fasteners being used to accomplish the fastening and also acts as a guide in transecting the vessel.

Abstract: Novel copolymers of .epsilon.-caprolactone and glycolide useful in making surgical articles and particularly surgical sutures having Young's modulus of less than 350,000 psi. New and improved polymerization methods for producing the novel .epsilon.-caprolactone and glycolide copolymers.

Abstract: An absorbent product is provided which is disposable, light weight, stable and potentially thin. It is comprised of a superstructure of resilient fibers in combination with superabsorbent, which combination is provided with apertures. The apertures and at least one side of the superstructure are covered with hydrophilic material.

Abstract: A sterile, hemostatic clip for use in occluding vessels. The clip comprises a pair of leg members resiliently connected at a pivot area disposed between the ends of said leg members. A wedge member is used to cause one portion of the leg members to diverge even more and consequently cause the opposing portions to converge and occlude a vessel placed therebetween.

Abstract: An improved absorbent unit for a disposable diaper, or the like, wherein a fibrous batt is initially generally rectangularly shaped, and is cut so as to define side flaps which are folded over into overlapping relationship with one another in the central portion of the batt to define a multiple layer crotch region for increased liquid storage capacity. The batt is provided with a thickened densified skin at one side thereof for increased strength and stability, and for transporting liquid into remote areas of the batt. In a further embodiment, a quantity of highly liquid-sorbent superabsorbent material is provided in discrete spaced-apart regions between upper and lower fibrous webs of the diaper batt, with a network of densified wicking embossments and at least one integral densified wicking layer provided for promoting efficient wicking and transport of liquid within the absorbent structure.

Abstract: The improvement in an intraluminal stapling instrument comprising a clamping means disposed on the central member of said instrument. The clamping means holds the tissue to be joined in the proper position with respect the fasteners being used to accomplish the fastening.

Abstract: A unitary sterile surgical needle having a hardened cutting edge and a malleable center portion and body section.

Abstract: An integral fibrous structure has a plurality of continuous polymeric filaments, individual continuous filaments extending from one side of the structure to the opposite side of the structure. The portions of the continuous filaments on one side of the structure are of a first polymeric composition and the portions of the same continuous filaments on the opposite side of the structure are of a second polymeric composition different from the first polymeric composition. The structure is built up by a continuous filament forming process where fibers are attracted to a surface (11) by electrostatic potential, the composition of the fibers being varied during the production.

Abstract: Hemostatic clips of absorbable or nonabsorbable polymeric materials are formed by two hinged leg members which interlock at both ends when the clip is closed. The clip is applied to blood vessels or the like with a conventional, forceps-type instrument.

Abstract: A pair of parallel, hollow needles are provided for receiving a tissue fastener of the type having at least a fastening member with a pair of legs joined by a link. Each needle has an internal passage extending from a fastening member receiving end to a discharge end. Each needle also has a slot extending along its length in communication with the passage and facing the slot of the other needle. A leg of the fastening member is placed in each needle with the fastening member link extending through the needle slots between the needles. The instrument has an anvil for being located on one side of the tissues opposite the needles. The needles are inserted through the tissues towards the anvil. Then the fastening member is pushed through the needles by a drive member so that at least a portion of the fastening member link lies against one side of the tissues and so that at least a portion of each of the fastening member legs is located and secured on the other side of the tissues.

Abstract: A hand-operated surgical instrument of closing wounds with a fastener. The instrument has a movable operating member extending from a movable handle which actuates the operating member. A hydraulic actuator comprising first and second cylinders is connected between the handle and the operating member for effecting the movement of the operating member when the handle is moved relative to the instrument. A biasing member is provided for returning the operating member and the handle means to the unactuated position. The surgical instrument includes a housing and a needle extending outwardly from one end of the housing. A plurality of fasteners are located within the housing such that when the operating member is actuated, the fasteners are forced out through the needle by the force of the operating member.

Abstract: Thermally formed annealed surgical devices made from unoriented polymers of p-dioxanone and methods for manufacturing the same. The preferred device is a ligating clip having good in vivo performance characteristics. The method includes initially drying the thermally formed device followed by heating the device without restraint at specific temperatures for specific time periods.

Abstract: An adapter assembly is provided for a medical instrument designed to apply a first ligating clip which has a first exterior configuration. The adapter assembly is provided with an adapter member associated with each jaw of the instrument to accommodate a second ligating clip having a second exterior configuration different than that of the first clip. Each adapter member has structure for engaging a portion of one of the jaws and structure is provided for attaching the adapter assembly to at least one of the jaws in a fixed orientation with each adapter member extending beyond the tip of the jaws. Each adapter member includes a clip applying portion having a configuration adapted to cooperate with the other adapter member to receive, hold, and apply the second clip.

Abstract: An improved retainer for surgical sutures having a suture winding panel, suture holding panels, suture enclosing panel and retainer, interlocking panels. The panels of the retainer are folded to totally enclose the suture.