Abstract: A surgical rivet device for the repair of torn menisci and other intra-articular bodily tissues is disclosed in which the device comprises a shaft, projecting fins and a penetration head at one end and a wide rear portion. The device is inserted by a driving mechanism through both sides of the torn meniscus, compressing the tear in the meniscus between the fins near the head and the wide rear portion, holding the tear together. After insertion, the driving mechanism is separated from the rivet, leaving the rivet device in the patient. The rivet device is entirely biodegradable and absorabable by the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nail and fastener assembly for use in providing a stable construct for optimal fixation of the hindfoot and to methods for implanting the nail and fastener assembly. One embodiment of the nail and fastener assembly provides additional fixation, for example, in the form of one or more threaded bores, to hold the fasteners in a fixed position. Another embodiment provides angled bores to allow multi-planar and multi-axial implantation of the fasteners. In some instances, the fasteners may cross one or more articulating surfaces of the foot. For example, the fastener may traverse one or more of the calcaneo-cuboid and the talo-calcaneal articulating surfaces to aid in more secure stabilization of the hindfoot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nail and fastener assembly for use in providing a stable construct for optimal fixation of the hindfoot and to methods for implanting the nail and fastener assembly. One embodiment of the nail and fastener assembly provides additional fixation, for example, in the form of one or more threaded bores, to hold the fasteners in a fixed position. Another embodiment provides angled bores to allow multi-planar and multi-axial implantation of the fasteners. In some instances, the fasteners may cross one or more articulating surfaces of the foot. For example, the fastener may traverse one or more of the calcaneo-cuboid and the talo-calcaneal articulating surfaces to aid in more secure stabilization of the hindfoot.

Abstract: An improved bulkhead and partition system in which at least two panels are independently attached to mounting members such that each panel can be moved independently. In a preferred embodiment, two bulkheads or panels are slidably attached to separate pairs of ceiling-mounted rails in a refrigerated trailer such that each bulkhead or panel can be independently slid toward the front of a trailer or toward the rear of a trailer to define, in cooperation with a removable center partition wall, a plurality of different cargo areas to be maintained at different temperatures. Alternatively, two bulkheads or panels may advantageously operate without a partition wall such that the panels may be placed side-by-side and fastened together to make a full-width bulkhead.

Abstract: Methods for (a) preventing hypoxic damage to a potentially transplantable organ or tissue prior to explanation of that organ or tissue from the body of a mammalian transplant donor and (b) preventing rejection of a transplanted organ or tissue in a human or veterinary transplant recipient. The methods comprise placing a heat exchange apparatus in the vasculature of the donor or recipient and using that heat exchange apparatus to cool at least a portion of the body of the donor or recipient to a temperature below normothermia (e.g. below normothermia and sometimes between about 30° C. and about 36° C.).