Abstract: An instrument is provided for applying a plurality of ligating clips seriatim and includes first and second handles mounted together for pivotal movement. Each handle extends beyond the pivot axis to form a clip closing jaw. The first handle includes a guideway for receiving a plurality of open clips. A pusher member is provided within the first handle to push the clips to the jaw region. An escapement member is mounted for pivotal movement within the first handle jaw and includes a forward protuberance and a rearward protuberance spaced from the forward protuberance. A rod is hingedly connected to the escapement member and extends rearwardly from the escapement member along the first handle. The rod is actuated by a cam on the second handle to pivot the escapement member to control the discharge of the clips from the jaws.

Abstract: An improved multi-panel suture retainer. The retainer provides separate compartments for the needle and the suture material. The suture material is disposed within the retainer inwardly from all edges of the retainer to better protect heat sensitive suture materials during subsequent sterilization and packaging.

Abstract: An instrument is provided for applying ligating clips from a magazine. The magazine has an open rear end and an open front end. A toothed pusher bar is urged forwardly by a spring into the magazine to push a row of clips forwardly so as to position one clip between a pair of jaws. The jaws are actuated to close the clip by a pair of scissors-type handles. As the scissors-type handles are closed, a toothed pawl carried on one of the handles engages the teeth on the pusher bar to disengage the pusher bar from the last clip in the magazine so as to eliminate the imposition of undesirable forces on the row of clips in the magazine during the application of the front clip.

Abstract: Plastic ligating clips of absorbable or nonabsorbable materials are formed by two legs joined with a resilient hinge. One leg terminates in a hook member which secures the other leg when the clip is closed. Each leg of the clip is provided with an indentation extending across its width near the distal end which secures the clip in the applier and allows the clip to rotate about its hinge during closure. The clip applier is a forceps-type instrument having channeled jaws especially adapted to receive and close the plastic clip.

Abstract: A means for removably securing a plurality of needles wherein a plurality of holding means are disposed from one surface of a member, the holding means having an elongated shape with adjacent longer sides being substantially parallel. The needle is gripped on its inside curved surved in at least two points and on its outside curved surface at one point.

Abstract: Non-metallic, bio-compatible hemostatic clips of absorbable or nonabsorbable materials are formed by two legs joined with a resilient hinge. One leg terminates in a hook member which secures the other leg when the clip is closed. The clip applier is a forceps-type instrument having channeled jaws especially adapted to receive and close the clip.

Abstract: A folder retainer for surgical sutures, particularly multi panel, folded paper retainers for pluralities of coiled sutures.

Abstract: A retainer for surgical sutures comprising three panels which provide for a separate needle compartment and a separate suture compartment. The panels are aligned so that once the needle has been placed in position, the winding of a suture maintains the needle in the desired position.

Abstract: A package for a plurality of sterile, dry, hydrolyzable, surgical ligating clips. The package comprises a disposable means for holding the ligating clips in a spaced apart relationship. The clips are disposed in the holding means to provide an area around each clip for access thereto. The clips themselves have a pair of legs which are connected at their proximal ends by a narrowed resilient hinge portion. The hinge portion of the clip is more sensitive to hydrolysis than the remainder of the clip. The package also includes means, for example, pre dried paper for permanently removing moisture from the area around the clips. The disposable holding means, the clips, and the moisture removing means are wrapped by impermeable wrappers whereby the final package maintains the resiliency of the hinge portion of the clips over an extended shelf life period.

Abstract: A folder retainer having plurality of surgical sutures, the retainer comprising three panels with surfaces of two of the panels covered with a foam member. A retainer includes a fourth panel which locks the retainer in its folded configuration.

Abstract: A dispenser for packages of sterile suture materials. The dispenser will dispense either single packages or a plurality of packages. The dispenser has means for determining the quantity of sutures remaining in the dispenser.

Abstract: A high compliance monofilament surgical suture having unique handling and knot tying characteristics, said suture comprising an oriented monofilament of poly[tetramethylene terephthalate-co-(2-alkenyl or alkyl) succinate].

Abstract: Cartridge containing a plurality of non-metallic, bio-compatible hemostatic clips.

Abstract: Drugs with active hydrogen containing groups are reacted with .alpha.-polyester homopolymers and copolymers to form compounds which slowly absorb and release the drug when implanted in animal tissue.

Abstract: A one-piece, self-locking, molded plastic staple useful as a tissue fixation device in surgical procedures. The staple has opposed, pointed, L-shaped legs secured to a horizontal bridging member. Each leg has an extension which is engaged by a locking bar extending between the extensions when the staple is closed by forcing the legs through a 90.degree. arc. The staples may be extruded or molded of absorbable or nonabsorbable polymeric materials.

Abstract: A cartridge for holding a plurality of plastic, snap-closure hemostatic clips in a manner which allows each clip to be individually loaded into a forceps-type clip applier. The cartridge consists of an elongated body having a stepped central rail on which open clips are positioned with the head of the clip resting on the step on one side of the rail, and the tail of the clip projecting into a space on the opposite side of the rail. Means are provided for retaining the clips in position on the rail until loaded into the clip applier.

Abstract: An injectable embolization and occlusion solution for the selective closure of organs, their duct systems, or blood vessels, comprises a solution of a prolamine such as zein in a physiologically compatible solvent such as ethanol. The solution is injected into the site to be treated where the prolamine quickly precipitates in the body fluids to occlude the site area.

Abstract: An improved package for a plurality of needled sutures comprising a folded suture retainer wherein a bundle of substantially aligned suture strands are coiled between two folded panels while the needles are retained between two adjacent folded panels. The needles are centered on one panel by an opening communicating with the interior of the package. A removable portion in the outer needle retaining panel provides access to the needles while the bulk of the suture remains coiled within the package.