Abstract: A surgical instrument includes first and second members configured to receive tissue therebetween. The first member is adapted to receive suture, the second member is coupled to the first member, and a grasper coupled to the second member engages the suture received by the first member. A method of passing suture includes loading suture into a first member of a suture passing surgical instrument, stabilizing tissue between the first member and a second member of the surgical instrument, passing suture through tissue via the first member of the surgical instrument, holding the passed suture via suture grasper of the surgical instrument, and removing the first member from the tissue. Advantageously, a novel bendable or deflectable needle may be utilized, e.g., in conjunction with the surgical instrument. The bendable or deflectable needle may have one or more unique configuration with respect to a suture slot defined in a distal portion thereof.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes first and second members configured to receive tissue therebetween. The first member is adapted to receive suture, the second member is coupled to the first member, and a grasper coupled to the second member engages the suture received by the first member. A method of passing suture includes loading suture into a first member of a suture passing surgical instrument, stabilizing tissue between the first member and a second member of the surgical instrument, passing suture through tissue via the first member of the surgical instrument, holding the passed suture via a suture grasper of the surgical instrument, and removing the first member from the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides new and useful devices and techniques for use in suturing. These devices and techniques are particularly useful in laparoscopic, arthroscopic, and/or open surgical procedures. A method according to the present invention is characterized by releasably coupling a suture to a suture device, causing the tip of the suture device and a portion of the suture to penetrate a tissue, and releasing the suture from the suture device, so the suture may be drawn through the tissue for completion of a suturing procedure. One type of suturing device according to the invention is characterized by a handle with an elongated shaft with a sharpened tip configured to hold a suture at a selected point on the suture. Another type of device according to the principles of the invention is characterized by new and useful structures and techniques for loading the suture into the device.

Abstract: A medical screw includes a shaft having a threaded portion and a distal guiding tip for introducing the screw into a pre-drilled implantation site. The threaded portion of the medical screw has a first series of helical threads having a first diameter and a second series of helical threads interleaved with the first series of helical thread and having a second diameter, where the first diameter is different than the second diameter. In addition, the medical screw may have a counter-rotation channel configured to receive bone growth.

Abstract: A medical screw includes a shaft having a threaded portion and a distal guiding tip for introducing the screw into a pre-drilled implantation site. The threaded portion of the medical screw has a first series of helical threads having a first diameter and a second series of helical threads interleaved with the first series of helical thread and having a second diameter, where the first diameter is different than the second diameter. In addition, the medical screw may have a counter-rotation channel configured to receive bone growth.

Abstract: Devices and techniques for suturing are particularly useful in laparoscopic, arthroscopic, and/or open surgical procedures. A method of delivering a suture includes providing a suture device, releasably coupling a suture to a distal end of a suture device by threading the suture through a first region of a bounded opening of the suture device and moving the suture to a second region of the bounded opening having a dimension smaller than a diameter of the suture to trap the suture in the second region, penetrating a substrate with the distal end of the suture device such that the a portion of the suture passes through the substrate, and releasing the suture from the distal end of the suture device.

Abstract: A coated/impregnated anchoring device and/or suture to prevent infection, deliver site specific drugs, and deliver human growth factors to the surgical site. The coatings can include anti-microbial agents to prevent or fight infection en route to and at the surgical site. The coatings can also include site specific drugs and/or human growth factors to fight infection, anesthetize tissue and/or bone en route and at the site, promote tissue regeneration, promote bone regeneration, and/or other desired medical processes.

Abstract: A surgical knot manipulator device is presented for facilitating the tying and untying of surgical knots through an access portal such as an arthroscopic cannula or an endoscopic trocar. The surgical knot manipulator device includes an elongated, cylindrical body member having a handle at its proximal end and a circular loop located at its distal end where the circular loop may contain a slot to facilitate the engagement of a suture.

Abstract: A surgical knot manipulator device is presented for facilitating the tying and untying of surgical knots through an access portal such as an arthroscopic cannula or an endoscopic trocar. The surgical knot manipulator device includes an elongated, cylindrical body member having a handle at its proximal end and a circular loop located at its distal end where the circular loop may contain a slot to facilitate the engagement of a suture.

Abstract: A system of instrumentation and implants for surgically securing an allograft or prosthetic ligament into a patient's bone is part of a procedure to replace cruciate ligaments. A fixation device for attaching soft tissue to bone includes a fixation mechanism, a shaft, and a securing mechanism. Alternatively, the fixation mechanism may include an expansion leg, the shaft may include a one-way track. In another implementation, the fixation mechanism may include an inner core that expands as a result of insertion of a device that causes radial displacement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering or installing a surgical suture or suture-like implant into soft tissue, such as the meniscus of the knee, for example, for reattachment or repair of that tissue. The apparatus and method facilitate ease of placement of the suture or implant by the surgeon, protect surrounding tissue and nerves from damage during use, and permit suturing to occur through a single body portal. An injury to soft tissue, such as a tear in the meniscus of the knee joint or detachment of soft tissue from bone, is repaired through a single body portal by installing a surgical suture across the injury, tear, or detachment and passing that suture back through the body portal so that the suture can be joined and the injury, tear, or detachment can be reapproximated by the surgeon while working through the single body portal.

Abstract: A surgical knot manipulator device is presented for facilitating the tying and untying of surgical knots through an access portal such as an arthroscopic cannula or an endoscopic trocar. The surgical knot manipulator device includes an elongated, cylindrical body member having a handle at its proximal end and a circular loop located at its distal end where the circular loop may contain a slot to facilitate the engagement of a suture.

Abstract: A medullary suture anchor including an elongated body having flat, angled end portions. A central bore extends through the body transverse to and centered on the longitudinal axis of the anchor. The anchor further includes channels extending along the sides of the body, such that a suture journaled through the central bore may be received within the longitudinal grooves during insertion of the anchor into a medullary canal.

Abstract: A surgical bone screw having a head which has asymmetrical radii relative to the central axis of the screw. The cross-section of the head is configured as a lobular shape having a constant radii along one hemisphere of the head, and smaller radii along the opposing hemisphere of the head, with the smallest radius existing approximately perpendicular to the midline of the head member. The asymmetry of the head minimizes surface area of the screw protruding above the bone surface.