Abstract: A method of repairing a patient's ventral hernia involves the steps of joining the patient's left and right rectus sheaths on opposite sides of the hernia, thereby closing the hernia, and cutting through the joined sheaths thereby forming one sheath interior containing the left and right rectus muscles. Next, a piece of surgical mesh is positioned in the joined rectus sheath interior and is sutured over the area of the closed hernia to further reinforce the closure. Additionally, sutures joining the left and right rectus sheaths are reinforced with reinforcing material.

Abstract: A suture assembly includes an elongated flexible body supporting a plurality of frusto-conically shaped tissue-engaging elements in a generally spaced arrangement thereon. A curved body having a sharp point is joined to one end of the flexible body while a straight pointed body is joined to the remaining end of the flexible body. In alternate embodiments, the tissue-engaging elements are elliptical or polygonal in cross-section. In a still further alternate embodiment, the tissue-engaging elements are divided into first and second oppositely facing sets to provide a bidirectional suture.

Abstract: Provided is a tourniquet having two opposing and pivotally movable plates. The plates comprise a clamp that pinches an elastomeric cord. The plates are pivotally biased together by a spring. The cord is attached to a back end of the clamp. A free end of the cord is squeezed by the plates such that a loop of cord is provided. The cord can be pulled from the clamp to reduce the size of the loop. The clamp comprises a safety lock that prevents movement of the plates and slipping of the cord. The safety lock can comprise a button disposed between the plates in the back end of the clamp, preventing the plates from moving together in the back portion, and therefore from moving apart in a front portion that grips the cord. Also, the tourniquet clamp can comprise a dual-sided press connector mechanism for fast release of tourniquet tension.