Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing suture-needle assemblies in which the suture thread is connected to the needle shank through the provision of heat shrinkable tubing. The apparatus for securing the heat shrink tubing to the shank of the needle essentially comprises a needle holder, a heat source, a video camera and monitor device and means for insuring heating of the tubing only at the shank. An apparatus is also disclosed for securing the suture thread to the needle shank where the needle shank is already provided with the heat shrink tubing secured thereon. The apparatus for securing the suture thread to the needle shank includes a needle holder, a heat source, a heat cover to create a heating chamber, as well as video camera and monitor means to enlarge the image for an operator, as well as temperature regulating equipment.

Abstract: A braided suture exhibits one or more improved properties, e.g., reduced chatter, greater flexibility and/or better hand, than that of a braided suture of known, or standard, construction and of substantially equivalent size.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for endoscopic application of surgical staples adapted to attach surgical mesh to body tissue in laparoscopic hernia surgery. The apparatus includes a frame, and a generally elongated endoscopic section connected to the frame and extending distally therefrom. A staple storage magazine is provided for storing a plurality of surgical staples at the distal end portion of the endoscopic section with each staple being configured and adapted to attach the mesh to the body tissue. An elongated pusher system formed of several assembled components and extending from the frame to the endoscopic section is provided for individually advancing at least one staple at a time distally for positioning adjacent the surgical mesh and the body tissue. The pusher system also includes a trigger mecanism to actuate the pusher.

Abstract: A suture package is disclosed which is formed of a plurality of panels foldably connected to each other and arranged to fold upon each other to form a suture compartment between pairs of adjacent panels. A generally planar insert member includes portions cut out and lifted from the plane of the insert, respective pluralities of the cut portions being dimensioned and positioned to engage respective portions of a plurality of suture needles positioned thereon to retain the needles in respective fixed spaced positions within the package such that the needles are positioned in one needle compartment and individual flexible suture portions connected to the needles are respectively positioned in individual compartments formed by the remaining adjacent folded panels. In one embodiment portions of certain panels are cut away to reduce the girth of the folded package when loaded. Such portions may either be circular cut-outs or may be provided by dimensioning the length of certain panels less than the others.

Abstract: A method for making a multifilament suture yarn includes jet entangling the filaments of the suture yarn prior to other operations such as twisting and braiding. A multifilament braided suture is made of air entangled suture yarns, such as by braiding. The suture may include a core constructed of entangled yarns, preferably in the form of a cabled core constructed of multiple entangled yarns plied together, the plied yarns being air entangled and twisted in a first direction. Multiple entangled plied yarns twisted in the first direction are combined and twisted in a second opposite direction to form a cabled core.

Abstract: A device for repairing torn tissue or muscle such as the meniscus of the knee. The device consists of a pair of needles detachably secured to a pair of anchoring members having a plurality of barb-like projections extending outwardly therefrom. The anchoring members are joined by a suture which connects the ends of the anchoring members opposite the needles.

Abstract: A braided suture possesses a cable core which resists any tendency to protrude through the surrounding braid structure.

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

Abstract: A loop threaded needle-suture device is disclosed wherein a surgical needle is provided with a pointed end and a drilled aperture extending axially of the butt end, and a length of flexible suture material is doubled upon itself to form a loop, both free ends of which are attached to the needle in the butt end aperture. The blunt end of the needle is deformed to form the aperture into an elliptical cross-section and the length of the loop is substantially greater than the length of the needle to facilitate insertion of the needle and suture material into tissue to be sutured, and looping the needle through the suture material prior to tieing the suture material. Thus, the loop functions as a double suture. A method of forming the unique loop threaded needle-suture is disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions comprising polyesters having predetermined monomeric sequence are produced by stepwise addition of monomeric hydroxyacids to a growing polymeric chain. Included herein are various polyesters having predetermined monomeric sequence, methods of their production use as well as articles formed from said compositions.

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 package is provided for retaining at least one armed surgical suture including housing means having suture retention means formed therein and a needle securement area integrally formed in the housing means At least one porthole is defined in the needle securement area which is dimensioned and positioned for maintaining a surgical needle for ready removal.

Abstract: A package is provided for retaining at least one resilient surgical suture. The package includes a base member which is formed with an annular recessed portion and a circumjacent flexible flange portion. The package further includes an annular cover member which is mounted adjacent to the annular recessed portion of the base member to form a peripheral retaining channel into which a resilient surgical sutures may be loaded subsequent to the construction of the package. The package may also include needle park means.

Abstract: Compositions comprising amino acid terminated polyesters having predetermined monomeric sequence are produced by stepwise addition of monomeric hydroxyacids to an amine to form a growing polymeric chain. Included herein are various amino acid terminated polyesters having predetermined monomeric sequence, methods for their production and use as well as articles formed from said compositions.

Abstract: A molded suture retainer is provided for retaining and storing sutures. Both absorbable and nonabsobable 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. Recesses are provided for receiving package stabilizing agents and/or needle parks. Sutures packaged in accordance with the invention exhibit fewer kinks and bends than prior packaged sutures.

Abstract: A device for evaluating the surface contour of various body parts which may measure surface elevation or depth of depressions and cavities. The device includes a body portion having a plurality of legs extending downwardly to position the device on a body part such as the skull. A slidable member having a calibrated scale thereon is positioned in a slot in the body of the device. An indexer is provided to indicate the distance the slidable member moves so that surface elevations or depressions may be evaluated.

Abstract: Block copolymers have a first polymer block wherein glycolide is the predominant component and a second block having glycolide, lactide and trimethylene carbonate linkages. The copolymers are useful in forming surgical devices, including monofilament sutures.

Abstract: A needle shield for suture-needle assemblies constructed of a fibrous material and foldable about at least two score lines to provide a protective device against needle damage and accidental sticking of the user's fingers.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable fiber useful for the manufacture of medical devices is obtained from a polymer containing from about 15 to about 30 mole percent glycolide in a melt spinning operation carried out under low shear conditions. The fiber possesses excellent tensile strength and a high level of retention of its original strength on storage.