Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for attaching a surgical needle having a generally cylindrical end portin 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 generally arcuate surface portion having irregularities including concave portions such that when the cylindrical end portion of the suture is positioned within the aperture of the needle and the dies are positioned about the generally cylindrical end portion of the needle with the surface portions facing the outer surface thereof, the application of inward force to the dies causes the dies to impact the needle and produces inward crimping of the needle so as to attach the needle to the suture.

Abstract: A method for supporting a piece which is to undergo a treatment process including embedding the piece in a particulate support medium, enclosing the support medium in a container, and pressurizing the support medium by applying pressure to the outside of the container or by applying a vacuum to the interior of the container. Various treatment processes may be employed, such as annealing.

Abstract: A method for supporting a piece which is to undergo a treatment process including embedding the piece in a particulate support medium, enclosing the support medium in a container, and pressurizing the support medium by applying pressure to the outside of the container or by applying a vacuum to the interior of the container. Various treatment processes may be employed, such as annealing.

Abstract: The end-to-end anastomosis apparatus is provided with a mounting means which can receive a trocar for making holes in tissue and, subsequently, an anvil shaft for the mounting of an anvil assembly for stapling purposes. The anvil shaft is provided with splines which cooperate with splines on a shell liner within the housing of the apparatus to align the buckets on the anvil assembly with the staples in a cartridge secured in the apparatus. In addition, the anvil assembly is provided with a spring for locking of the anvil housing on the anvil shaft.

Abstract: A heat tipping method and apparatus for surgical sutures to facilitate inserting the sutures into the barrel ends of surgical needles. The method includes tensioning the suture, heating a portion of the suture to be heat tipped by blowing a current of hot air across the portion of the suture, and releasing the tension and cutting the portion of the suture to create heat tipped ends. The apparatus includes a cylindrical drum around which the suture is wound, a concave channel in the drum for delimiting a portion of the suture to be heated, and hot air blowers for heating the delimited portions of the suture to a heat tipping temperature.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for applying surgical fasteners to body tissue along an arcuate path. Each surgical fastener may be in the form of a two-part fastener having a pronged fastener portion for piercing body tissue, and an apertured retainer dimensioned and configured for engaged reception of the pronged fastener portion in interference fit therewith for gripping the body tissue therebetween. Alternatively, the fasteners may be in the form of deformable staples. The apparatus preferably includes arcuately shaped means for holding a plurality of the fastener portions in generally aligned relation, correspondingly arcuately shaped means spaced from the fastener portion holding means for gripping body tissue therebetween and for releasably holding a plurality of the retainers in generally aligned relation and positioned opposite the fasteners when the body tissue is positioned therebetween.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying at least one row of two-part surgical fasteners to body tissue, each surgical fastener having a pronged fastener portion for piercing body tissue, and an aperture retainer dimensioned and configured for engaged reception of the pronged fastener portion in interference fit therewith for gripping the body tissue therebetween. The apparatus includes means for holding a plurality of the fastener portions in generally aligned relation, means spaced from the fastener portion holding means for gripping body tissue therebetween and for releasably holding a plurality of the retainers in generally aligned relation and positioned opposite the fasteners when the body tissue is positioned therebetween.

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 bonding agent to attach the needle to the suture.

Abstract: A molded suture retainer is provided for retaining and storing long suture lengths. Both absorbable and nonabsorbable sutures fabricated from natural or synthetic materials can be advantageously retained and stored therein. The retainer is characterized by a wide spiraling oval passageway with minimal convolutions covered by a cover sheet. The length of the passageway is preferably proportional to 1/3 to 1/2 the overall length of the suture to be retained therein. In accordance with the method of the invention, sutures are doubled or tripled over and inserted into the retainer under vacuum. Sutures packaged in accordance with the invention exhibit fewer kinks and bends than prior packaged sutures.

Abstract: A semi-bioabsorbable connective tissue prosthesis, e.g., a replacement for the human anterior cruciate ligament, is provided whose stress-strain characteristics closely match those of the natural tissue.

Abstract: An endoscopic or laparoscopic instrumentation kit including at least one obturator and at least two sleeves forming a trocar assembly. The kit may also include a catheter, an endoscopic surgical instrument, tissue-gripping sleeve members and attachment devices for the trocar sleeves. The kit is packaged in a vacuum-formed enclosure having raised walls which correspond in size and shape to the instruments packaged therein for retaining and displaying the instruments.

Abstract: A process is provided for preparing bioabsorbable polymer particles employing rotary atomization.

Abstract: A suture is attached to a surgical needle possessing a shank of reduced diameter the butt end of which is rounded. Attachment is accomplished by means of a shrinkable tubing which is fitted about the shank of the needle and an end of the suture, application of heat to the tubing effecting its shrinkage with consequent secure attachment of the needle to the suture. Rounding of the butt end of the needle shank minimizes the possibility that during use, the needle will protrude or rip through the tubing or otherwise compromise the security of the attachment of the needle to the suture.

Abstract: A surgical needle is attached to a spiroid braided suture to provide a combined surgical needle-spiroid braided suture device. A shrinkable tubing is employed to secure the needle to the suture. The tubing shrinks in response to the application of energy, e.g., heat. Attachment parameters may be controlled to provide standard needle attachment or removable needle attachment.

Abstract: A reel-type surgical suture dispenser features an extension member on the suture reel receptacle, there being positioned upon the extension member an upwardly projecting suture-retaining slotted member which facilitates dispensing of the suture and retaining thereon the terminal section of a length of suture withdrawn from the reel.

Abstract: A pair of dies 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 first needle. Each die has a pair of extensions spaced apart from each other and defines a generally circular crimping surface portion corresponding in dimension and configuration to the generally cylindrical outer surface portion of the needle.

Abstract: A package is provided for a combined surgical suture-needle device featuring a peelable, or strippable, closure flap.

Abstract: A cannula assembly for use in conjunction with insufflatory surgical techniques includes a cannula, a housing mounted on one end of the cannula, and a flapper valve mounted in the housing. The flapper valve includes a valve seat which is situated at an opening formed in the housing, a valve plug which is adapted to engage the valve seat to form a substantially gas tight seal with the valve seat, and a support plate on which the valve plug is mounted and which is biased to pivot the plug into and out of engagement with the valve seat. The valve plug is movable on the support plate so as to be self-aligning with the valve seat when the plug and valve are in engagement. The valve plug is uniquely configured to include a recessed reservoir at the proximal side and surrounded by a circular ridge.

Abstract: A package for surgical sutures and suture-needle assemblies which includes a series of panels foldable about each other to enclose the sutures in an unfolded and elongated condition.

Abstract: An absorbable coating composition useful for coating sutures, said absorbable coating composition comprising a copolymer derived from (i) the copolymerization of a polyalkylene glycol, glycolide monomer and lactide monomer or (ii) the copolymerization of a polyalkylene glycol and a copolymer of lactide and glycolide and multifilament sutures coated with same.