Abstract: A suture management system useful in endoscopic surgery, particularly in arthroscopic instability and rotator cuff procedures comprises a plurality of elongated tubes, sometimes referred to herein as suture organizers. The tubes can have a suture loop through them to ensnare matching suture ends of a given suture so that the tube can be slid down over the matching suture ends and into a cannula. The tube with the matched suture ends can be clamped over the suture strands to fixate the tube as another suture is manipulated through the tissue and then in turn has its matching suture ends pulled through another tube for subsequent tie-off. A rack is provided to hold the tubes with loops therein before use.

Abstract: A shock mounting system for a 3-chip video camera. The system comprises a pair of support plates for spanning the junctions between the various components (prisms, etc.) of a standard charge coupled device (CCD) color camera having 3 CCD's, and an elastomeric boot molded to fit between the CCD camera assembly and the housing within which it is situated. The support plates are made of a material having similar thermal characteristics to the CCD assembly and are suspended within the elastomeric boot.

Abstract: Devices for dispensing suture threads and/or suture threads with needles attached to them that are particularly useful for inserting surgical implants, such as suture anchors, that make use of sutures. The devices use a novel spool design to safely and neatly hold the suture thread and/or needles until the surgeon wishes to dispense them.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery pack for a surgical powered instrument. The battery pack is an assembly of individual cylindrical battery cells and has its electrical terminals in the form of sockets recessed within the body of the pack in the interstices between the cells. The terminal sockets are adapted to receive elongated plugs and enable the pack to be handled while minimizing the risk of shorting.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting a self expanding stent into a delivery device and delivering the stent into a body lumen. The apparatus comprises an outer tube; an inner tube; a capturing element slidably mounted on the inner tube and including a foldable sleeve, a blocking element fixed to the inner tube adapted to block a stent from being inserted into the sleeve proximally of the blocking element and to block the capturing element from becoming situated distally of a predetermined point relative to said inner tube, the capturing element carried on the inner tube so that the distal end of the sleeve can extend beyond the distal end of the outer tube in an unfolded condition and be drawn into the outer tube by the blocking element. A stent having an end inserted into the sleeve is drawn into the outer tube, thereby becoming captured within the outer tube.

Abstract: A guide bushing for a coring reamer having a tapered member with its largest diameter at its first end so that the guide bushing frictionally engages an internal surface of the reamer with a line contact. The guide bushing has a passage sized to slidably receive a guide pin. In use, the bushing advances in the proximal direction within the coring reamer along a guide pin while the excavated bone enters the passageway through the reamer. A storage package specifically designed for the reamer assembly is employed to remove the excavated bone from within the reamer. The package has a closed distal end and an open proximal end closeable with a cap. With the coring reamer received in cantilevered fashion through a central opening of the cap of the tube, and with an adapter that couples the coring reamer to a handpiece installed, a wrench is placed over the adapter and turned while the user grips peripheral surfaces of the cap to prevent rotation of the coring reamer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for charging rechargeable batteries for use in a sterile field with powered surgical instruments. The method comprises the steps of placing the batteries in a sterilization/charging container, discharging the batteries to a predetermined level and then sterilizing, charging and storing them without removing them from the container until they are needed. The charged batteries may be removed directly into the sterile field.

Abstract: In the present invention, a gel-spun UHMWPE is subjected to secondary processing to reduce the concentration of the spin solvent(s) to acceptable levels before or after the fiber is woven with other fibers to form a suture. In the case of the spin solvent Decalin, it is well known that concentrations, in the fiber, of greater than 100 parts per million (ppm) render UHMWPE materials non-compatible with human tissues. Thus, UHMWPE materials that are to remain within the human body must have a Decalin concentration below 100 ppm to render them biocompatible. If desired, the suture may be braided about a core. The number of filaments in a single suture can vary between 4 and 24. Additionally, where a core structure is employed, up to 6 separate core filaments may be employed. Other materials such as PTFE, FEP, PFA, PVFD, PP, polyester, nylon, or aramid may be employed for the core and/or cover so long as spin solvent level has been reduced to below 100 ppm before or after twisting or braiding.

Abstract: A high strength suture is made from a LCP/polyester composite of braided filaments having a high coefficient of friction. Knots tied in a suture made from such braided filaments have a tendency to stay in place better than the prior art UHMWPE/polyester composite knots. The inventive suture may include a multifilament cover of fibers of LCP and/or LCP composite fibers. Where a core is employed, the core may be made up of twisted fibers of LCP and liquid crystal composite fibers. If desired, the composite fibers can be a combination of LCP and other polymers such as polyester, nylon, fluoropolymers such as FEP or PTFE or olefins such as polypropylene, polyethylene or UHMWPE. A low friction coating, such as silicone, may be applied over the outside surfaces of the suture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the exposure of a video camera characterized in one embodiment by a desired effective exposure which is determined responsive to measurement of a brightness parameter, a gain to be applied to amplification of an image which is derived from the desired effective exposure and the integration time period applicable to capture of the image, and an integration time period to be applied to image capture of an image which is derived from the desired effective exposure and a nominal gain.

Abstract: A toggling suture anchor, insertion tool, and method for anchoring at least one suture thread to a bone are provided. The toggling suture anchor is anchored by operation of the insertion tool, the suture anchor including a shaft having a longitudinal axis, a distal end, a proximal end, at least one eyelet hole to receive the suture thread, and at least one suture groove to provide a location to guide the suture thread while inserting the suture anchor into the bone; and at least one locking wing extending radially from the shaft, the locking wing being provided on one side of a first plane, the first plane including the longitudinal axis of the suture anchor.

Abstract: A cannula fixation system that allows for easy insertion and removal. A flexible sleeve with corrugations and proximal flange is attached distally to the cannula. The flange serves as a splashguard and a finger retention device. The corrugations have a variable diameter depending upon the tension applied to the proximal flange. The flange is pulled proximally to reduce the diameter of the corrugations for insertion of the cannula. Upon release of the flange, the corrugations expand because of the inherent resiliency of the sleeve to seal against the portal in the patient. The cannula body can be shifted with the sleeve remaining in sealing contact with the portal.

Abstract: A temperature sensing device for attachment to a powered surgical instrument operating a workpiece such as a bur. The device is a thermochromic element which may be embodied as a paint or a thermal insulating device. The device embodiment is in the form of a thermoplastic, elastomeric material which changes color at a predetermined temperature and is formed in a shape adapted to enable the device to be affixed to the distal end of the instrument, adjacent the collet connecting the workpiece to the instrument. The device is attached in a contiguous manner so frictional heat generated by moving parts of the instrument may be conducted through contiguous surfaces of the instrument and the device. The thermochromic element provides a visual indication of the temperature of a portion of the instrument when the temperature exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: A method for delivering an anchor member into biological tissue comprising: accessing and preparing an insertion site for the anchor member; holding the anchor member at a distal end of an insertion tool; providing the anchor member to the site with the insertion tool; causing a rotational movement of the anchor member about a first axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the insertion tool whereby the anchor member engages the tissue at the site by moving about the first axis from a first position substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis to a second position at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis; and withdrawing the insertion tool from the site, leaving the anchor member secured at the site.

Abstract: An endoscope tip protection system for shielding the optical component at the distal end of an endoscope. The system comprises a tubular sheath which is optically transparent at least at its distal end, and adapted to fit onto and be retained on the scope tip. The scope/sheath assembly is then inserted into an open ended tubular fiberoptic illuminating cannula which is adapted to receive the scope/sheath assembly and prevent the tubular sheath from falling out.

Abstract: A method for delivering an anchor member into biological tissue comprising: accessing and preparing an insertion site for the anchor member; holding the anchor member at a distal end of an insertion tool; providing the anchor member to the site with the insertion tool; causing a rotational movement of the anchor member about a first axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the insertion tool whereby the anchor member engages the tissue at the site by moving about the first axis from a first position substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis to a second position at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis; and withdrawing the insertion tool from the site, leaving the anchor member secured at the site.

Abstract: An instrument and method for tying two suture ends into a knot. A tubular outer member is provided with a transverse slot for capturing a length of one of the suture ends therein. A slidable inner member has a pair of diametrically opposed, suture engaging fingers for pushing the captured suture from the tubular member and for rotating it to form a loop between the fingers. The other suture end is passed through the loop to create a knot. The instrument is then repositioned and used as a knot pusher so the knot may be tightened and properly positioned. Successive use of the instrument to create successive loops and knots ultimately results in a final knot securing the suture ends.

Abstract: A biodegradable implant for installation in living tissue having a first section made from a first bioabsorbable material and a second section made from a second bioabsorbable material, wherein the first and second sections are connected, the first section having a first rate of degradation in living tissue and a first rate of expansion in living tissue and the second section having a second rate of degradation in living tissue and a second rate of expansion in living tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to body tissue fixation systems, including body tissue fixation hardware comprising biocompatible, bioabsorbable plates, with an osteropromoting coating layer on at least one surface of said plates, and methods of using those system and hardware.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical fastener or device (implant) formed in the shape of an arrow comprising a shaft with a proximal (first) portion having protrusions and a blunt end and a distal (second) portion having protrusions and a pointed end, the protrusions of the proximal and distal portions configured to lock the implant in a position inside a soft and/or tough tissue according to the use of the implant. The implant may be manufactured of a polymer or a polymeric compound which is substantially (bio)absorbable in tissue conditions and contains oriented reinforcing structure or the like of a polymer or polymeric compound or ceramic bioglass compound. The surgical implant of the invention is particularly but not solely intended to be used in repair surgery of traumas of soft and/or tough tissues containing fibrous structures, such as knee meniscal tissues.