Abstract: A link, and assembly and instrument using same, for transmitting actuating forces from an actuating member to a work member. The link includes a link body having a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end of the link body is movably interconnected with the work member by a distal interconnection element such as an arcuate groove-and-flange assembly, and is interconnected at its proximal end to an actuating member by a proximal pivotal interconnection element. The proximal element transmits a first actuating force from the actuating member to the work member. A shoulder, disposed on the link body preferably between the distal and proximal elements for interconnecting, engages the actuating member when a second, greater actuating force is applied to the actuating member in a direction opposite to that of the first actuating force. The greater force is thereby transmitted fully to the work member. The link assembly preferably includes a spacer member to assist positioning of the actuating member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument an outer hollow member having a passageway extending therethrough. A handle is disposed near its proximal end to enable manipulation of the outer member. An inner movable assembly reciprocates through the passageway. A distal end of the inner assembly is drivable distally through the passageway from a retracted position to an extended position protruding distally beyond the distal end of the outer member. The distal end of the inner assembly terminates in at least first and second grasper members for traveling past and on either side of a portion of a surgical filament in the extended position and for encircling the filament portion in the retracted position to manipulate the filament within the patient.

Abstract: A graft attachment device having an elongated body with a leading end and a trailing end, each defining an element for carrying a filament such as a suture. The body further defines at least one element for attaching to the body either a graft or a graft connection element which is in turn connected to the graft. The element for attaching enables the body to rotate relative to the graft from an initial insertion position, along an axis substantially parallel to the graft, to a final fixation position transverse to the graft to secure the graft relative to a bone.

Abstract: A link, and assembly and instrument using same, for transmitting actuating forces from an actuating member to a work member. The link includes a link body having a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end of the link body is movably interconnected with the work member by a distal interconnection element such as an arcuate groove-and-flange assembly, and is interconnected at its proximal end to an actuating member by a proximal pivotal interconnection element. The proximal element transmits a first actuating force from the actuating member to the work member. A shoulder, disposed on the link body preferably between the distal and proximal elements for interconnecting, engages the actuating member when a second, greater actuating force is applied to the actuating member in a direction opposite to that of the first actuating force. The greater force is thereby transmitted fully to the work member. The link assembly preferably includes a spacer member to assist positioning of the actuating member.

Abstract: A suture anchor (10) for securing a suture (20) to body tissue (38) in an athroscopic surgical procedure. The suture anchor is an elongatyed tubular member (12) having first and second ends (14,16). The distal or terminal end (24) of the suture is secured to the first or leading end (14) of the suture anchor (10) with the suture (20) extending through the suture anchor (10). A slot (18) is formed on the suture anchor (10) which extends from the second or trailing end (16) of the suture anchor (10) toward the leading end (14) of the suture anchor (10). The suture anchor (10) is inserted in a first position with the suture (20) extending through the suture anchor (10) from the leading end (14) of the suture anchor (10) to the trailing end (16).

Abstract: A bone anchor (10) for securing a suture to a bone (38). The bone anchor (10) has a tip (16) at its distal end (18) and at least one resilient wall (27) extending to a trailing end (20) of the body (12) of the anchor. The wall (27) has a ridge (14), or barb, formed on an outer surface. The ridge (14) defines an edge (34) that digs into a hole (36) in the bone (38) in which it is positioned. A strand of suturing thread (22) extends through a suture receiving opening (24) in the tip (16) of the anchor. When tension is applied to the suturing thread (22), it causes the ridge (14) to dig into the walls of the hole (36) in the bone (38). Two resilient walls (27,28) are preferably provided which include an annular ridge-shaped barb (14). The two resilient walls 27, 28 scissor outwardly upon application of tension to the suturing thread. The tip (16) is generally frustoconical with a rounded leading end.

Abstract: A surgical tool of the type comprising a first stationary jaw member and a second movable jaw member adapted for pivotal movement towards and away from the first stationary jaw member, wherein the second movable jaw member is attached to the first stationary jaw member by a first arcuate lug and groove arrangement, and the second movable jaw member is also attached to a coupling member by a second lug and groove arrangement, in order that when the coupling member is moved in a first direction relative to the first stationary jaw member, the second movable jaw member will open away from the first stationary jaw member, and when the coupling member is moved in a second opposite direction relative to the first stationary jaw member, the second movable jaw member will close towards the first stationary jaw member. The invention may take the form of surgical punches or surgical forceps. A novel locking means is provided for the surgical forceps.

Abstract: An improved surgical fastener having at least one head portion and a filament portion arranged in a T configuration, wherein at least one end of the said at least one head portion is sharply pointed, so that when that head portion is implanted in body tissue, the head portion will attach itself securely to the tissue and will remain there despite the application of a substantial pulling force on the filament portion.

Abstract: A surgical cannula having a first seal member having a substantially conical shape and an opening at the tip thereof, and a second seal member having a substantially conical shape and a slit at the tip thereof, whereby (a) when an instrument is inserted into the cannula, the instrument can pass through the first and second seal members into proximity with a surgical site located beneath the cannula, and fluid entering the cannula from the site will force the first seal member to close around the instrument and form a tight seal therewith so as to prohibit fluid from passing out of the cannula and (b) when no instrument is inserted into the cannula, fluid entering the cannula from the site will force the conical second seal member to close tightly on its slit and thereby form a tight seal so as to prohibit fluid from passing out of the cannula.

Abstract: A microsurgical scissors uses a rotary cutting action and biased blades that intersect in a travelling point of contact. One blade is situated on the end of a tubular shaft and a second blade is on a rod that is rotatable within the shaft. The blades are angled so their cutting edges intersect each other. To assure a precise shearing relationship, the rod is biased rearward in order to bear the cutting edge of the rod blade against the cutting edge of the shaft blade. An actuating mechanism in the handle translates linear finger motion into rotary motion of the rod. The blades cut cleanly and surely without imparting undue tissue trauma.