Abstract: A method of attaching a surgical suture to a needle and testing the attachment includes dispensing a length of suture from a spool by using a first suture gripper, and using a surgical needle gripper for holding a surgical needle stationary. A leading end of the suture is inserted into and attached to a receiving end of the surgical needle. A second suture gripper is located between the first suture gripper and the spool. After the second suture gripper is closed for gripping the suture, the second suture gripper is advanced downstream toward the surgical needle to reduce the tension on the suture. The tension on the suture is reduced by moving the second suture gripper a pre-determined distance. The first suture gripper is opened for releasing the suture and the first suture gripper is moved toward the suture spool for re-grasping the suture at a location between the second gripper and the suture spool.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprised of Oxidized Cellulose (OC), such as oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC), and an antibiotic comprised of minocycline, methods of preparation thereof and uses thereof.

Abstract: Novel recessed surgical fastening devices are disclosed. The fastening devices have a compressible member and a fastening element disposed at least partially within the compressible member. The fastening element has at least one tissue engagement member that is extensible through the compressible member to engage tissue when a force is applied to the fastening device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical instruments and methods for enhancing properties of tissue repaired or joined by surgical staples and, more particularly to surgical instruments and methods designed to enhance the properties of repaired or adjoined tissue at a target surgical site, especially when sealing an anastomosis between adjacent intestinal sections so as to improve tissue viability, prevent tissue infection, and to prevent leakage. The present invention further relates to an expandable compression device for application to anastomotically joined tubular tissues, comprising: an upper ring-shaped or disk-shaped flange at a distal end of said device connected to a lower ring-shaped inflatable flange at a proximal end of said device via a hollow cylindrical tubular body, with an opening forming an axial passage through said upper flange, lower flange, and tubular body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical instruments and methods for enhancing properties of tissue repaired or joined by surgical staples and, more particularly to surgical instruments and methods designed to enhance the properties of repaired or adjoined tissue at a target surgical site. The present invention further relates to hypothermic linear stapling instruments configured to pre-cool the tissues being joined by staples.

Abstract: Novel mesh implant positioning systems for use in laparoscopic body wall defect repairs, such as hernia defects, are disclosed. The systems utilize one or more bar members combined with surgical sutures and needles to position a mesh implant adjacent to a body wall defect without the need for stay sutures. Also disclosed are assemblies of the positioning systems with surgical mesh repair implants, and methods of repairing body wall defects such as hernias with the assemblies.

Abstract: A device for application onto incisions or wounds with a liquid rapidly polymerizable adhesive for forming skin closure systems, having a flat porous mesh elongated along a longitudinal axis and having an upper side and an opposing lower or wound facing side and a central portion in immediate vicinity of the axis; further having a plurality of pores and windows in said mesh, said windows substantially larger than said pores and arranged along said longitudinal axis in said central portion; a crosslinking or polymerization accelerator or initiator disposed in or on the mesh; and a pressure sensitive adhesive disposed on at least a portion of the lower surface of the mesh.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved hemostatic compositions comprising cellulose-based fibers supplemented with compounds, preparation and use thereof.

Abstract: A dispensing device and cartridge for simultaneous delivery and mixing of multiple co-reactive materials, the cartridge having proximal and distal ends, and having an elongated holder body with substantially parallel longitudinal voids. Multiple syringe bodies are disposed parallel within the voids and multiple co-reactive materials are separately disposed in the syringe bodies. The dispensing device also includes a longitudinal housing which is structured and arranged to receive the cartridge.

Abstract: A swaging system for attaching surgical needles to sutures and testing the attachment strength includes a frame, a bottom swaging die mounted on the frame, and a top swaging die mounted on the frame and being moveable up and down along a swaging axis that is aligned with the bottom swaging die. The bottom swaging die includes a hinge mechanism with a bottom plate mounted to the frame and a top plate overlying the bottom plate. The top and bottom plates are pivotally connected for enabling the top plate to pivot relative to the bottom plate. The bottom swaging die includes a swaging tool that extends toward the top swaging die along the swaging axis, and a load cell disposed between the top and bottom plates for monitoring load. The system includes a control system having one or more pull test programs stored therein for conducting pull tests on armed surgical needles to determine if the armed surgical needles are acceptable or unacceptable.

Abstract: Provided is a method of enhancing toxicity of a glycolytic dependent compound towards a cell, tissue and/or organ e.g. a diseased cell, tissue and/or organ, the method comprises contacting Oxidized Regenerated Cellulose (ORC) and/or Oxidized Cellulose (OC); and a glycolytic dependent compound with the cell, tissue and/or organ. The ORC and/or OC; and the glycolytic dependent compound are contacted with the cell, tissue and/or organ in a non-blended form.

Abstract: A laser-machining system and method is disclosed for forming retainers on a suture thread. The laser system is preferably a femtosecond laser system which is capable of creating submicron features on the suture thread while preserving strength of the suture thread. The laser-machining system enables creation of retainers and self-retaining suture systems in configurations which are difficult and/or impossible to achieve using mechanical cutting technology. The laser-machining system includes a stabilization device configured to provide contactless stabilization of the suture thread during a machining operation on the suture thread.

Abstract: The present is directed to systems for ex vivo testing performance of a hemostatic or sealing product attached to an animal organ and fully covering a cored channel in said organ, comprising: a pressure sensor positioned proximate to said hemostatic or sealing product in said cored channel; a monitoring or recording device configured to receive pressure readings from said pressure sensor; and a pressurized fluid source connected to said cored channel and configured to supply said pressurized fluid into said cored channel under constant or variable pressure. The present invention is also directed to methods of use for such systems.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing subcutaneous fragile tissue includes obtaining an absorbable surgical mesh having top and bottom major surfaces, the absorbable surgical mesh including a stitching zone and first and second reinforcing zones that bound opposite sides of the stitching zone. The method includes making an incision in a patient's skin for exposing subcutaneous fragile tissue, using one or more absorbable adhesives for adhering the bottom major surface of the absorbable surgical mesh to the subcutaneous fragile tissue, creating an incision through the stitching zone of the absorbable surgical mesh and into the subcutaneous fragile tissue, performing a surgical procedure through the incision, and passing an absorbable suture through the stitching zone of the absorbable surgical mesh and the fragile tissue for closing the incision.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to multi-liquid loading and delivery kits comprising a first storage vessel for a first active component, a second storage vessel for a second active component, at least two transfer syringes, at least two vial adaptors, at least two cannulas with a through lumen and a multi-liquid delivery device. The delivery device has dual hollow cartridges, each with at least one throughbore at one end and plunger access at the opposing end, a kick stand, a removable dual feed funnel, a spray or drip manifold and at least one spray or drip tip assembly.

Abstract: An applicator instrument for dispensing surgical fasteners includes an elongated shaft, a housing connected with the elongated shaft, a trigger, a gear train, and a firing system disposed in the housing. The trigger is squeezed for commencing a firing cycle. The firing system includes a storage reel, a spool connected to the storage reel, a drive wheel located distal to the storage reel and the spool, a constant torque spring having a proximal end connected to the spool and a distal end connected to the drive wheel, and a flexible member in contact with the drive wheel. The flexible member has a proximal end connected to the storage reel and a length configured to be driven by the drive wheel toward the distal end of the elongated shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical instruments and methods for enhancing properties of tissue repaired or joined by surgical staples and, more particularly to surgical instruments and methods designed to enhance the properties of repaired or adjoined tissue at a target surgical site, especially when sealing an anastomosis between adjacent intestinal sections so as to improve tissue viability, prevent tissue infection, and to prevent leakage.

Abstract: A method of evaluating the integrity of a substrate used in medical device packaging include providing a flexible, porous substrate having a first major surface, and a second major surface, applying a UV absorbent layer over at least one of the first and second major surfaces of the substrate, and placing the substrate over a UV reflective surface. The method includes directing UV light toward the substrate and the UV reflective surface, whereby the UV absorbent layer absorbs light in a spectrum that matches the wavelength of the UV light, and detecting with a UV sensitive camera any UV light that is reflected from the first and second surfaces of the substrate. The substrate is rejected if the reflected UV light that is detected by the UV sensitive camera indicates that the substrate has at least one opening having a size that is greater than or equal to 10 microns.