Abstract: Various embodiments of a cartridge are disclosed, for loading a suture onto a suturing instrument and, in some embodiments, for loading a pre-tied knot formed from the suture onto the suturing instrument. The suturing instrument is typically of the type having a suture passing member defining a suture receiving passage therein. The cartridge may be operable to load the suture and/or the knot onto the suturing instrument at a point of use. In some embodiments, the cartridge defines a path for insertion thereto and withdrawal therefrom of the suturing instrument. The cartridge further comprises a seat for releasably holding a portion of a suture and a mechanism for transferring the suture from seat to the suturing instrument, various features of which are described herein.

Abstract: The instant disclosure is directed to methods and devices for passing suture bi-directionally using a hybrid approach. Embodiments of a method described herein include steps of advancing a suture at least partially through tissue; and retrieving the suture; wherein one of the steps of advancing and retrieving comprises manipulating the suture directly, and wherein the other step of advancing and retrieving comprises manipulating a suture trap to which the suture is coupled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for cutting a strand of suture. The apparatus comprises a solid outer member defining a lumen there-through. An inner member is received at least partially within the lumen, a portion of the inner member defining a curve. The inner member further defines a feature for retaining a strand of suture. At least one of the inner and outer members are moveable with respect to the other of the inner and outer members for cutting the strand of suture.

Abstract: Embodiments of a knot pusher and methods of use thereof are disclosed, that are usable for pushing a knot formed from a suture, two limbs of the suture extending from the knot. The knot pusher comprises a distal head defining top and bottom walls terminating in a distal knot pushing surface. The distal head includes at least two side grooves defined between the top and bottom walls that extend proximally from the knot pushing surface. Each of these side grooves is operable to receive one of the limbs of suture. The distal head additionally comprises at least one suture guide coupled to the top and bottom walls for guiding the one of the limbs of suture into one of the side grooves.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a cartridge for loading a suture onto a suturing instrument are disclosed. In some embodiments, the cartridge is operable for loading a pre-tied knot formed from the suture onto the suturing instrument. The suturing instrument is typically of the type having a suture passing member defining a suture receiving passage therein. In some embodiments, the cartridge comprises a housing defining a chamber, and a partially pre-tied knot mounted about the housing or the chamber. The cartridge additionally provides a base coupled to the housing, the base defining a seat for releasably holding a portion of a suture to be aligned with, and transferred to, the suturing instrument. The portion of the suture may be held independently, or it may be coupled to a component such as a ferrule or shuttle.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a cartridge are disclosed, for loading a suture onto a suturing instrument and, in some embodiments, for loading a pre-tied knot formed from the suture onto the suturing instrument. The suturing instrument is typically of the type having a suture passing member defining a suture receiving passage therein. The cartridge may be operable to load the suture and/or the knot onto the suturing instrument at a point of use. In some embodiments, the cartridge defines a path for insertion thereto and withdrawal therefrom of the suturing instrument. The cartridge further comprises a seat for releasably holding a portion of a suture and a mechanism for transferring the suture from seat to the suturing instrument, various features of which are described herein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for loading a closing device onto a delivery device at the point of use and for using the apparatus for treating the intervertebral disc. The apparatus includes a cartridge for loading a closing device onto a delivery device at the point of use, the cartridge comprising a tab holding feature for holding one or more tabs of the closing device and a tab loading feature for loading tabs onto the delivery device. A method of treating an intervertebral disc includes the steps of loading a closing device into a delivery device at the point of use, the closing device comprising at least two tabs coupled to a connecting element, and substantially approximating a defect in the intervertebral disc using the closing device delivered by the delivery device.

Abstract: Embodiments of a knot pusher and methods of use thereof are disclosed, that are usable for pushing various types of knots including sliding knots and overhand knots formed from a suture, two limbs of the suture extending from the knots, for example using a single device. The knot pusher comprises a distal head defining top and bottom walls terminating in a distal knot pushing surface. The distal head includes side grooves that are defined between the top and bottom walls. Each of these side grooves are operable to receive one of the two limbs of suture during advancement of the distal head to aid in pushing the overhand knot. The distal head additionally comprises a suture receiving element associated with the top wall for receiving one of the two suture limbs during advancement of the distal head to facilitate advancement of the sliding knot.

Abstract: The instant disclosure is directed to methods and devices for passing suture bi-directionally using a hybrid approach. Embodiments of a method described herein include steps of advancing a suture at least partially through tissue; and retrieving the suture; wherein one of the steps of advancing and retrieving comprises manipulating the suture directly, and wherein the other step of advancing and retrieving comprises manipulating a suture trap to which the suture is coupled.

Abstract: A medical device is described, the medical device comprising a moveable member, moveable between a first position and a second position; an actuating member coupled to the moveable member, directly or indirectly, for manipulating the moveable member, that is for causing the movement of the moveable member; and an indicator mechanism coupled, directly or indirectly, to the actuating member, said indicator mechanism comprising at least two components that interact to produce an indication; the indicator and actuating member being cooperatively operable such that the interaction between the at least two components of the indicator mechanism occurs automatically to automatically indicate advancement of the moveable member to the second position from the first position upon a predetermined actuation of the actuating member.

Abstract: Embodiments of a knot pusher and methods of use thereof are disclosed, that are usable for pushing various types of knots including sliding knots and overhand knots formed from a suture, two limbs of the suture extending from the knots, for example using a single device. The knot pusher comprises a distal head defining top and bottom walls terminating in a distal knot pushing surface. The distal head includes side grooves that are defined between the top and bottom walls. Each of these side grooves are operable to receive one of the two limbs of suture during advancement of the distal head to aid in pushing the overhand knot. The distal head additionally comprises a suture receiving element associated with the top wall for receiving one of the two suture limbs during advancement of the distal head to facilitate advancement of the sliding knot.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes embodiments for treating a defect in a tissue, the tissue having internal and external surfaces. A device includes a first portion for positioning at one of the internal and external surfaces for applying a treatment force to the defect. In addition, the device has a second portion for applying a counter-force, where the second portion is operable to be positioned so that the counter-force is applied on the other of the internal and external surfaces, away from the defect so as to substantially avoid application of force at the defect. Furthermore, the device includes a coupling member for connecting the inner and outer portions. Methods of using the device are described, for example in an intervertebral disc having a herniation.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for facilitating tissue puncture of a portion of biological tissue using a device, the device comprising a tissue supporting member that is adapted to be placed in a proximal position relative to a portion of the biological tissue and a tissue puncturing member that is adapted to be placed in a distal position relative to the portion of the biological tissue, so that the portion of biological tissue is between the tissue supporting member and tissue puncturing member, the method comprising: supporting the portion of biological tissue using the tissue supporting member; and advancing the tissue puncturing member in a distal direction such that the tissue puncturing member passes through the portion of the biological tissue, thereby puncturing the portion of biological tissue.