Abstract: A new and improved endoscopic surgical instrument. The business head of the instrument is rotatable about its longitudinal axis and is also articulatable in and out of longitudinal alignment with the longitudinal axis of the instrument.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument for the application of ligature binders and a ligature are described. A base body and an actuation part of a handle part are longitudinally displaceable relative to each other against an elastic force within a fixed range. Connected to the actuation part is an actuation rod at whose distal end a first ratchet heat is secured. A shaft, firmly connected to the base body, carries a second ratchet head at its distal end. With the help of the ratchet heads, which are matched to the toothed end zone of a ligature binder, a ligature can be drawn together. A ligature whose end zone has already been inserted into the endoscopic instrument prior to the operation can be brought into a closed shape with the help of a constricted zone in its binding part and of a longitudinal slot in its headpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for positioning surgical implants adjacent to body tissue. The apparatus includes a delivery device having a support member positioned at the distal end of an elongated rod, and a surgical implant releasably secured to the support member. The invention also provides a method for positioning surgical implants adjacent to body tissue using the apparatus of the present invention.

Abstract: A method and device for approximating tissue, particularly the tissue separated by means of an endosurgical trocar being inserted into a body cavity. The invention provides for the introduction and placement of the device into the body cavity, with the distal end having deployable needle guides, extending the needle guides to the periphery of the wound, engaging the wound with the needle guides, driving the needles and suture material through the tissue to be approximated into a catch mechanism, retracting the needle guides and withdrawing the device, leaving a loop of suture material in the margin of tissue. The suture is then tied to approximate the wound and excess suture material cut off.

Abstract: A kit for coupling two bone segments has a first longitudinally extending intercalary element with a first end for insertion into the medullary canal of one of the bone segments and a second end in the form of a male conically tapered section, The kit also has a second longitudinally extending intercalary element having a first end for insertion into the medullary canal of the other bone segment which element has a second end in the form of a female conically tapered section for mating with the male section of the first intercalary element, Both intercalary elements have engagement elements formed thereon intermediate the first and second ends thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus which is designed to capture, and manipulate the movement of, surgical needles as they pass through the tissue wall of a patient. The apparatus of the present invention has, among other things, a removable gripping body component which is designed to rest against the tissue wall of a patient. This gripping body component has sufficient resistance to be penetrated by, and grip, the needle's point. The apparatus also has a component which is designed to manipulate the movement of the gripping body component. This manipulating component has a ledge surface or opening defined thereon or therein. The apparatus also has a fastening component. At least one end of the fastening component is secured to the gripping component. The fastening component is designed to secure the removable gripping component to the manipulating component.

Abstract: An implant for use in reattaching a bone section following bone surgery which includes a plate-like member for fitting over at least a portion of the outer surface of the bone section to be reattached. The plate has an inner surface for engaging the bone section and an outer surface facing away from the bone section and side walls extending between the inner and outer surface. The outer surface includes at least one cable holding portion for holding a cable in place. A rectangular body receives the ends of a cable and allows for gripping and holding the cable under tension. The rectangular body has opposing concave sides and a pair of openings parallel to the concave sides for receiving the end of the cable. The rectangular body is collapsible by a crimping tool which pinches the cable in the openings. A recess extends across the outer surface of the plate-like member for receiving the rectangular body with the recess intersecting the cable holding portions.

Abstract: Textile surgical articles are disclosed which are constructed in whole or in part from high tenacity low elongation fibers such as ultra-high molecular weight extended chain polyethylene high tenacity fibers. The products may be braided, woven or knitted, such as braided tapes, hollow braids and spiroid braids. The high tenacity low elongation fibers provide structures having greatly increased strength and decreased elongation, a combination of properties which is uniquely applicable and superior for repairing body tissue. The products may be plasma treated to reduce slip.

Abstract: A spinal fixation apparatus and method wherein various elements are mounted to the vertebra and the sacrum of a spine and are selectively interconnected to achieve a predetermined fixation and/or correction of a particular spinal condition. The apparatus includes pedicle screws, bone screws, sacral rods, sublaminar hooks, spinous process hooks, longitudinal rods, lateral rods, universal interlinks, rod clamps, and pedicle screw anchors, all of which can be readily interconnected into a predetermined construct as a spinal fixation apparatus. A burr guide apparatus is provided to prepare the access site for a pedicle screw and a sacral screw guide is used to accurately align the pilot holes for the sacral screws.

Abstract: A two-part surgical ligation clip includes a track having two substantially symmetrical arms and a clip for slidably receiving the track. The symmetrical arms are connected together at a proximal end to form an apex and have spaced-apart tips at a distal end with first complementary surface. The track also includes a connector connected to the apex and having a second complementary surface. The clip has an extended slot for slidably engaging the track and distal end tips for receiving the connector. A distal end of the clip has a first contour surface for engaging the first complementary surface on the track and locking it in a closed position and a second contour surface for engaging the second complementary surface on the track and locking it in an open position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to achieve hemostasis along a staple line by utilizing a pledget material positioned adjacent at least one surface of tissue. A line of staples extends through the tissue and the pledget material. The pledget material substantially uniformly distributes pressure along the staple line and thereby causes substantial hemostasis along the tissue cut. The pledget material may also absorb blood that may escape from a partially open blood vessel.