Abstract: A system for repairing a meniscus includes a suture that includes a first anchor, a second anchor, and a flexible portion connecting the first anchor and the second anchor. The flexible portion includes a self-locking slide knot between the first anchor and the second anchor. The system also includes a needle having a longitudinal extending bore and an open end. The bore is configured to receive the first anchor and the second anchor. The system further includes a body portion operatively connected to the needle at a distal end of the body portion. The body portion has a lumen. The system also includes a pusher configured to rotate and slide within the lumen of the body portion and the longitudinal extending bore of the needle. The pusher has first and second stop surfaces, each of which is constructed and arranged to engage a proximal end of the body portion.

Abstract: A system for repairing a meniscus includes a suture including a first anchor, a second anchor, and a flexible portion connecting the first anchor and the second anchor. The flexible portion includes a self-locking slide knot between the first anchor and the second anchor. The system also includes a needle having a longitudinal extending bore and an open end. The bore is configured to receive the first anchor and the second anchor. The system further includes a pusher configured to be movable within the bore of the needle. The pusher is configured to (1) discharge the first anchor and the second anchor, and (2) push the self-locking slide knot after the discharge of the second anchor.

Abstract: Disclosed is an implant delivery system, e.g., an implant delivery device which includes a detector having a probe positioned at the distal end of a cannula to detect the presence of body fluid flowing in the lumen, and thereby locate the implant member at the wall of the lumen. The implant member further includes a retaining member slidably positioned within the cannula to maintain the implant member at the wall of the lumen when the cannula is withdrawn over the implant member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a meniscal augmentation device of biocompatible and at least partially bioresorbable fibers for implantation into a segmental defect of a meniscus in a subject. Upon implantation, the composite of the device and the meniscus establishes a scaffold adapted for ingrowth of meniscal fibrochondrocytes. The invention further pertains to methods of fabricating and using the device.

Abstract: A driver assembly including a handle configured to receive a detachable cannula, a trigger arm connected to the handle, and an advancement mechanism mechanically coupled to the trigger arm. The advancement mechanism is constructed to receive and incrementally translate the surgical device through the cannula into body tissue to be repaired in response to a force applied to the trigger arm. The driver assembly of the present invention is useful whenever it is desired to incrementally advance a surgical device such as a long needle or obturator into tissue. The incremental advancement feature of the driver assembly enables an operator to control the precise placement of the surgical device. The driver assembly is particularly useful in applications where advancing the needle or obturator is difficult due to space restriction or when an easily operable surgical device is required.

Abstract: A hand augmentation device to be used to replace diseased tissue of a hand bone. The device includes a dry matrix, which contains at least 75% by weight biocompatible and bioresorbable biopolymeric fibers such as collagen fibers or polysaccharide fibers, and has a height of 2 mm to 4 cm, a width of 0.5 cm to 6 cm, a depth of 0.5 cm to 6 cm, a density of 0.1 g/cm.sup.3 to 0.5 g/cm.sup.3, and a pore size of 50 .mu.m to 300 .mu.m.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a meniscal augmentation device of biocompatible and at least partially bioresorbable fibers for implantation into a segmental defect of a meniscus in a subject. Upon implantation, the composite of the device and the meniscus establishes a scaffold adapted for ingrowth of meniscal fibrochondrocytes. The invention further pertains to methods of fabricating and using the device.

Abstract: A collagen-based delivery matrix including collagen particles, wherein each of the particles has a diameter between 5 .mu.m and 850 .mu.m and, when suspended in an aqueous solution at a pH of about 7.0, has a net charge density between -20 moles/mole collagen and -500 moles/mole collagen, or between +20 moles/mole collagen and +250 moles/mole collagen. Also disclosed are methods of preparing and using such a delivery matrix.

Abstract: A prosthetic, resorbable articular cartilage and methods of its fabrication and insertion are disclosed. The prosthetic articular cartilage, when implanted in a humanoid joint, acts as a resorbable scaffold for ingrowth of native articular chondrocytes and supports natural articulating joint forces. The prosthetic articular cartilage is a dry, porous, volume matrix of biocompatible and bioresorbable fibers. These fibers include a natural polymer or analogs thereof, at least a portion of which may be crosslinked. The matrix is adapted to have an in vivo outer surface contour substantially the same as that of natural articular cartilage in an articulating joint, and has a pore size in the approximate range of about 100 microns to about 400 microns.

Abstract: Disclosed is a prosthetic ligament comprising a Plurality of substantially aligned, elongated filaments. Each filament is a dry, porous, volume matrix of biocompatible and bioresorbable fibrils, at least some of which are crosslinked. The fibrils are short segments of longer fibers of polymeric connective tissue components, or analogs thereof. Each filament establishes a bioresorbable scaffold adapted for ingrowth of ligament fibroblasts, the scaffold and the ingrown fibroblasts supporting natural ligament tensile forces. Also disclosed are methods of fabricating the prosthetic ligament, and methods of regenerating ligamentous tissue in vivo.