Abstract: A method for forming a tunnel in a bone. The method includes forming a first tunnel in the bone, the tunnel having a longitudinal axis, inserting a first drill guide into the first tunnel, supporting a first tunnel-forming device along an axis defining a first offset relative the longitudinal axis of the first tunnel with the first drill guide, and forming a second tunnel alongside the first tunnel with the first tunnel-forming device, the second tunnel communicating with the first tunnel and defining a single elongated opening.

Abstract: A suture fixation apparatus having a first body portion having a bone engaging feature to fixedly engage a bony tissue and a second body portion defining an eyelet for receipt of a suture. The second body portion is rotatable with respect to the first body portion. Rotating the second body portion causes the suture to form a twist to frictionally secure the suture.

Abstract: A suture construction and method for forming a suture construction is disclosed. The construction utilizes a suture having an enlarged central body portion defining a longitudinal passage. First and second ends of the suture are passed through first and second apertures associated with the longitudinal passage to form a pair of loops. Portions of the suture lay parallel to each other within the suture. Application of tension onto the suture construction causes constriction of the longitudinal passage, thus preventing relative motions of the captured portions of the suture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling a soft tissue implant into a locking cavity formed within a bone is disclosed. The apparatus includes a member to pull the soft tissue implant into a femoral tunnel. The member includes a suture having first and second ends which are passed through first and second openings associated with the longitudinal passage to form a pair of loops. Portions of the suture lay parallel to each other within the suture. Application of tension onto the suture construction causes retraction of the soft tissue implant into the femoral tunnel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for fixation of a soft tissue graft. The apparatus may include a member having a first surface and a second surface. Each of the surfaces extend a distance relative to one another. A member is operable to resist movement of the apparatus relative to an anatomical portion. An interference member may be provided to fixedly associate the apparatus with the anatomical structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drilling a bone for receipt of a first and second bundle includes drilling a first tunnel in the bone. A locating member extending along a first axis from the tool may be positioned into the first tunnel. A cutting guide may be moved relative to the locating member to define a lateral offset between the locating member and the cutting guide. The cutting guide may then be located at a desired offset. The second tunnel may then be formed in the bone with a cutting member associated with the cutting guide, the cutting member having a second axis in a defined orientation relative to the first axis.

Abstract: A soft tissue repair assembly. The assembly includes a flexible member having first and second ends, and a strand passing through the flexible member. The strand has first and second strand ends extending through the flexible member, such that pulling at least one of the first and second strand ends changes the flexible member from a first shape suitable for insertion through soft tissue to a second shape suitable for securely lodging the soft tissue repair assembly relative to soft tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus for passing a suture into a portion of the anatomy. The apparatus can include a handle and a suture advancement mechanism. The suture advancement mechanism can be disposed in the handle and adapted to advance a suture. The apparatus can also include a member coupled to the handle and in communication with the suture advancement mechanism to receive the suture. A cannula can be coupled to the member for receipt of the suture. The cannula can be operable to engage the anatomy. The suture advancement mechanism can contact the suture along a substantial distance of the suture to advance the suture into the member.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing a separation in body tissue includes an elongated repair member having an intermediate portion extending between a first end and a second end. A first retaining portion is defined at the first end. A second retaining portion is defined at the second end. The elongated repair member is porous and adapted to allow vascularization through the body tissue while urging opposing portions of the separation together in an implanted position.

Abstract: A positioning member may be released to move an anchor member to a holding position. The positioning member being operable to be held in a selected orientation until the anchor member is in a selected position.

Abstract: A method for suturing soft tissue in arthroscopic or endoscopic procedures. The method includes inserting a bendable steerable arm in a straightened configuration through an incision, curving the steerable arm, piercing the tissue, deploying a suture holder from a bore of the steerable arm, moving the suture holder relative to the bendable steerable arm, and suturing the tissue.

Abstract: A multilayer microperforated implant comprising a plurality of microperforated substrate layers is provided. Methods of forming a microperforated implant comprise providing at least one substrate layer; perforating at least a region of the substrate layer; and dehydrating the substrate layer. Methods of augmenting a site in need of repair with the microperforated implant are also provided.

Abstract: A method of conducting biological materials to soft tissue. The method includes loading a conduit device onto a delivery shaft of an inserter, inserting at least a portion of the delivery shaft into soft tissue, expelling the conduit device from the delivery shaft into the tissue, and delivering biological material through an access port of the inserter into at least one outer longitudinal channel of the conduit device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reattaching soft tissue to a boney structure using an expanding suture anchor. The method can include providing a suture anchor and forming a cavity in the boney structure for receipt of the suture anchor. The method can also include coupling the soft tissue to a suture and coupling the suture to the suture anchor. The method can further include deploying the suture anchor to fix the suture to the suture anchor and the suture anchor to the cavity.

Abstract: A tissue repair assembly for repairing tissue. The tissue repair assembly includes a rotatable anchor for insertion through a tissue tear on a surface of the tissue, a threaded fastener for insertion into the tissue, the threaded fastener having a longitudinal bore and a plurality of apertures communicating with the bore, and a flexible member coupled to the rotatable anchor and passing through the bore such that tensioning the flexible member compresses the tear.

Abstract: A soft tissue conduit device. The device includes an elongated body having an outer surface, the elongated body defining a plurality of longitudinal external channels, each longitudinal channel defining a conduit open to the outer surface of the elongated body, each conduit operable to conduct a biological material in soft tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for performing a surgery, such as an orthopedic surgery. The apparatus can include a guide portion and an alignment portion. The guide portion can assist in positioning the alignment portion to assist in aligning an implant. The implant can be aligned and positioned to hold a graft relative to a bone portion.

Abstract: A fixation device for securing tissue to a bone. The fixation device includes an anchor having a hollow body defining a longitudinal passage, and a plug configured to be received in at least a portion of the passage. The body comprises a cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion. The cylindrical portion comprises a plurality of thin-walled window covers such that after implantation the window covers are resorbed first relative to other portions of the cylindrical portion for defining a plurality of apertures on the cylindrical portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing a surgery, especially an Anterior Cruciate Ligament replacement surgery, where a flexible strand insertion rod cooperates with a U-Guide apparatus to insert a flexible strand into a tunnel formed in a bone portion and to guide a drill point to form a tunnel transversely to the tunnel of the insertion rod. The drill point is guided through the insertion rod and the flexible strand is held over the drill point as the transverse tunnel is formed. The insertion rod is then removed from the tunnels formed in the bone and the flexible strand is held looped over the drill point. Subsequently, a soft tissue replacement is affixed to one end of the flexible strand and pulled over the drill point with the other end of the flexible strand. The drill point is then used to pull a cross pin through the transverse tunnel to hold the looped end of the soft tissue replacement in place.

Abstract: A method for forming a patch using a laminated material and a process for forming the laminated material. Also a plurality of patches using the laminated material for various implantation purposes into an anatomy. In addition, an implant method for implanting one or a plurality of the selected patches for various reasons.