Abstract: A suture anchor, and a surgical filament assembly using same, capable of being fixated in a hole formed in a bone of a patient. The suture anchor preferably includes an anchor body with a passage extending from a proximal end toward a distal end, and at least one bone engaging feature on the exterior of the anchor. A knot patency element disposed within the passage holds a removable sliding knot formed, using the surgical filament. A tightening limb of the sliding knot enables the user to tighten the sliding knot against an object extending through a capture loop to secure the object to the anchor.

Abstract: A suturing apparatus comprises a pair of jaws. A bendable needle housed in one of the jaws is adapted to carry a suture. An optional suture receiver may be disposed adjacent to the opposite jaw. A transition block curves the needle and directs it in a direction generally unparallel to an axis of the carrying jaw. The needle may also be configured to retrieve a suture. A retaining mechanism holds a suture in place to be engaged by the needle. The jaw housing the needle may include a lateral opening through which the suture may be inserted. The needle may also include a lateral notch which may be aligned with lateral opening to receive the suture. An actuator coupled to the needle enables the user to move the needle proximally to align the notch with the lateral slot.

Abstract: The present invention provides a suture anchor that includes an elongate shank defining a longitudinal axis and having at least one engaging member for applying the suture anchor within the bone and securing the suture anchor in the bone once implanted formed thereon, and a drive head having a proximal end, a distal end and a radial cross-sectional geometry, where the drive head is mated to the elongate shank, includes at least one suture attachment element formed in a portion thereof and at least one anti-rotational member integral therewith, suture anchor kits utilizing the suture anchors and methods of attaching bone to gone.

Abstract: A suturing apparatus comprises a pair of jaws. A bendable needle housed in one of the jaws is adapted to carry a suture. An optional suture receiver may be disposed adjacent to the opposite jaw. A transition block curves the needle and directs it in a direction generally unparallel to an axis of the carrying jaw. The needle may also be configured to retrieve a suture. A retaining mechanism holds a suture in place to be engaged by the needle. The jaw housing the needle may include a lateral opening through which the suture may be inserted. The needle may also include a lateral notch which may be aligned with lateral opening to receive the suture. An actuator coupled to the needle enables the user to move the needle proximally to align the notch with the lateral slot.

Abstract: A buckle useful for cortical fixation has a graft retention loop slidably affixed thereto for movement from a first position adjacent a first end of the buckle to a second position at about the midpoint of the buckle. The buckle, with a graft over the loop, is drawn up lengthwise through a bone tunnel through a tibia and then flipped sideways to rest against the surface of the bone with the loop and graft depending back into the tunnel. The sliding attachment of the loop permits flipping of the buckle minimizes the flipping distance, which is the excess amount of the loop which must be pulled free of the tunnel to allow the buckle to be flipped sideways.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to bone. In one exemplary embodiment, a suture anchor is provided that includes a proximal component, a distal component, and an intermediate component positioned between the distal component and the proximal component. The proximal and distal components can each be configured to move independent of one another and to move relative to the intermediate component. In this way, the proximal, intermediate, and distal components of the suture anchor can be configured to cooperate with one another to prevent removal of the suture anchor from a bone hole in which the suture anchor is disposed and to lock a suture relative to the suture anchor and to the bone hole.

Abstract: Devices and methods for anchoring tissue to bone are provided herein. In various embodiments, the tissue anchor systems and methods can provide a length of suture having terminal ends coupled to one another via a sliding knot so as to define a suture loop having an adjustable length. After passing a portion of the suture loop through a damaged tissue and coupling the suture loop to bone, the sliding knot can be advanced to shorten the suture loop in order to secure the tissue to bone.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to bone. In one exemplary embodiment, a suture anchor is provided that includes one or more bone-engaging surfaces features and an external sidewall. The external sidewall can allow a suture coupled to the suture anchor and located between the anchor and bone to be movable relative to the suture anchor, even when the suture anchor is partially or fully disposed within a bone hole. Suture threaders and suture anchor drivers are also provided that can be used with the various methods and devices disclosed herein, or with other methods and devices known in the art.

Abstract: A system and method for attaching tissue to bone are provided. In one embodiment, a system for attaching tissue to bone includes a suture, suture anchor, inserter tool, drill, and drill guide having an outer guide and an inner guide. A method for attaching tissue to bone includes attaching a suture to tissue, nesting the suture in a notch on the distal end of the outer guide, passing the suture through a lumen formed in the outer guide, and inserting an inner guide in a lumen formed in the outer guide. The drill guide protects the suture from rotational movement of the drill and allows a user to maintain alignment between the drill guide and the drilled hole. As a result, a suture anchor can be more easily positioned within the drilled hole.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for securing a bone graft to a bone in a manner that ensures compression between the bone graft and bone. In one embodiment, a bone graft is positioned adjacent to a bone surface, a post is implanted in the bone, with the bone graft extending around a portion of the post, and a locking element is applied to the post to compress the bone graft into intimate contact with the bone.

Abstract: A biocompatible tissue implant. The tissue implant may be bioabsorbable, consists of a biocompatible polymeric foam. The tissue implant also includes a biocompatible reinforcement member. The polymeric foam and the reinforcement member are soluble in a lyophilizing solvent. The reinforcement may be annealed and/or coated.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for fixing a ligament graft in a bone tunnel. In general, the methods and devices involve affixing a ligament graft within a bone tunnel using an adhesive. A fixation device can be inserted through the ligament graft in a direction transverse to an axis of the tunnel to maintain the ligament graft in contact with the adhesive. The fixation device can be removed when the adhesive is cured such that the ligament graft is fixed in the tunnel.

Abstract: A radially expandable sheath is provided having a substantially closed distal end with at least two sidewalls extending proximally therefrom and defining a central lumen. Each sidewall can have a substantially concave outer surface adapted to seat a graft member, and each side wall is at least partially separated by a longitudinally oriented slot that extends from a proximal end along a substantial length of each sidewall. The slot preferably terminates at a position just proximal to the distal end. The device can also include a sheath expander that is adapted to be disposed in the central lumen of the radially expandable sheath and that is configured to flex the sidewalls to radially expand the sheath so as to fix a graft member within a bone tunnel.

Abstract: Methods and devices for fixation of soft tissue to bone are provided. In one embodiment, a suture anchor is provided having an elongate cylindrical body with proximal and distal ends and an inner lumen extending therethrough. The elongate body can be configured so that upon partial insertion into a bone hole, it is securely anchored within the bone hole and a suture extending through the inner lumen is freely slidable. It can also configured so that, upon further insertion into the bone hole, at least a portion of the elongate body compresses to lock the suture within the inner lumen such that the suture is prevented from sliding. In another embodiment, a suture anchor is provided having arms that have an open position for receiving a suture therebetween, and a closed position in which the suture is retained but allowed to slide freely.

Abstract: Methods and devices for fixation of soft tissue to bone are provided. In one embodiment, a suture anchor is provided having an elongate cylindrical body with proximal and distal ends and an inner lumen extending therethrough. The elongate body can be configured so that upon partial insertion into a bone hole, it is securely anchored within the bone hole and a suture extending through the inner lumen is freely slidable. It can also configured so that, upon further insertion into the bone hole, at least a portion of the elongate body compresses to lock the suture within the inner lumen such that the suture is prevented from sliding. In another embodiment, a suture anchor is provided having arms that have an open position for receiving a suture therebetween, and a closed position in which the suture is retained but allowed to slide freely.

Abstract: A high pressure fluid jet system is provided, which is useful for cutting hard material during a surgical procedure. The cutting of hard material is more efficient as the system delivers abrasive solid particles with the high pressure fluid. A method of effecting cutting during a surgical procedure is also provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a surgical tool that is effective to deliver a pressurized stream of fluid through a nozzle is provided, and the pressurized stream of fluid is delivered through the surgical tool and out of the nozzle to hard material within a patient to effect cutting of the hard material within the patient in a desired pattern. The fluid that cuts the hard material can include a delivery liquid having a plurality of abrasive solid particles that are formed from an organic material. The abrasive solid particles can be entrained in the pressurized fluid stream or the pressurized fluid stream can erode a solid or suspension form of the abrasive particles.

Abstract: A suture anchor comprises a distal anchor body which can be placed into bone and has a suture leading therefrom to adjacent soft tissue and a proximal anchor body. After placement of the distal anchor body the suture is tensioned and the proximal anchor body is then driven into the bone behind the distal anchor body to lock the suture in a knotless technique.

Abstract: A fluid management cassette system comprises a first and second opposed platen with first and second opposed films compressed between the platens. One or more channels formed one or both of the platens form pathways with the films through which fluids can be directed. Valves and other flow control mechanisms can be incorporated.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for tissue constructs that promote wound healing. The composition comprises a dimensionally stable fibrin construct for local administration to a wound site or region. In one embodiment, the fibrin construct is a wound healing composition, including components that promote wound healing, such as platelets, growth factors, white blood cells and fibrin clots. In another embodiment, the tissue treatment composition includes (i) aggregated fibrin, (ii) blood cells, and (iii) optionally, growth factors and/or other proteins.

Abstract: An instrument for placing a graft into a bone tunnel comprises an elongated shaft having a forked distal end comprising a pair of tines. A suture spans a space defined between the tines whereby the graft may be positioned between the tines and against the suture so as to be manipulated into the bone tunnel. The tendon folds about the suture, the suture having a releasable tension such that the instrument can be removed from the bone, leaving the tendon behind without the tendon hanging up on the suture.