Abstract: A device for attaching connective tissue to bone has a longitudinal axis and comprises an annular toggle member and a body member disposed distally of the toggle member, such that there is an axial space between the toggle member and the body member. The toggle member is movable between an undeployed position wherein the toggle member has a smaller profile in a direction transverse to the axis and a deployed position wherein the toggle member has a larger profile in the direction transverse to the axis. When installed in a desired procedural site, in suitable bone, suturing material extends axially through a center aperture in the annular toggle member, without being secured to or contacting the toggle member. This approach permits a suture attachment which lies entirely beneath the cortical bone surface, and which further permit the attachment of suture to the bone anchor without the necessity for tying knots, which is particularly arduous and technically demanding in the case of arthroscopic procedures.

Abstract: A single use lancet device having a housing, with an open interior and an access opening defined therein, a lancet, with a body and a piercing tip, and disposed in the open interior of the housing so as to move between a cocked orientation and a piercing orientation, a driving assembly structured to move the lancet into the piercing orientation, and a restrictor assembly having a shoulder element and a restrictor panel operatively associated with the lancet and the housing and structured to pass over the restrictor panel upon the lancet moving from its cocked orientation to its piercing orientation, and to abut the restrictor panel upon attempted movement of the lancet back into its cocked orientation after movement into the piercing orientation, thereby preventing the lancet from moving back into the cocked orientation and preventing re-use of a contaminated piercing tip.

Abstract: A needle array adapted to deliver sutures for the anastomosis of two separated tissues through the intermediary of suturing and sewing. More particularly, provided is needle array delivering sutures for the side-to-side anastomosis of two separated vessels, such as an artery or body lumen and a vessel graft or the like. A method of utilizing a needle array is shown, which will provide sutures for sewing separated tissues together, and especially facilitates the side-to-side anastomosis of body lumens or vessels.

Abstract: A method and device for endoscopic harvesting of blood vessels from a patient for use in subsequent procedures. The device having a two piece headpiece. A vessel to be removed is inserted into the headpiece and the top and bottom portions of the headpiece are alternatively extended in reciprocating fashion to dissect above and below the vessel. The headpiece having electrodes for ligation of any side branch vessels which are uncovered in the dissection process.

Abstract: An insertion kit for positioning a plurality of filaments into muscle includes at least one holder that is configured for being attached to an end portion of the muscle. The holder is coupled with a guide, such as on a frame. The guide conforms the muscle to a desired shape. An inserter, used in conjunction with a plurality of needles, inserts a plurality of filaments into the muscle.

Abstract: A mechanical system for bilaterally securing skin tissue preferably utilizes a tissue manipulator apparatus to approximate a portion of an interior surface of each of two pieces of living dermis tissue along a vertical interface below an exterior surface without overlapping either interior surface across the vertical interface. An applicator apparatus includes a driving head portion positioned in the vertical interface and at least partially below the exterior surface and a handle portion positioned at least partially above the exterior surface. The applicator apparatus bilaterally drives at least one portion of the fastener through each piece of the living dermis tissue behind the interior surface of that piece of tissue such that the fastener is positioned below the exterior surface and a portion of the fastener is positioned generally transverse to the vertical interface.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for closing a septal defect including a flap of tissue partially detached from a septum of a heart. A needle is advanced through a patient's vasculature within a delivery apparatus until the needle is disposed within a first chamber adjacent the septum. The needle is directed through the flap of tissue until the needle is disposed within a second chamber opposite the septum. A filament attached to an intermediate region of the needle is pulled, thereby causing the needle to pivot about the intermediate region such that the ends of the needle straddle the septal opening. A locking element is secured to the filament to secure the flap of tissue against the septum, and the filament is cut. Alternatively, the filament is biased to coil to engage the flap of tissue and secure the needle against the septum to close the opening.

Abstract: The inventive device consist of a unit (1) formed by an elongated part (5) made from a flexible pierced material, a suture (6) linked to a longitudinal extremity of said part (5) and a suture needle (7) joined to said suture (6). The part (5) is long enough to enable posterior suspension of the vagina (2) at the promontory (3), i.e. the front upper part of the sacrum. At the extremity which is joined to the suture, the part (5) comprises the following: (i) a distal portion (5c) being of a sufficient width that it can cover at least a large part of the posterior part of the wall of the vagina (2) and (ii) a cut-out (5d) which is rounded and fitted to the side edge of the distal extremity (5e), whereby said cut-out (5d) has dimensions that are such to enable the part (5) to engaged around the base of the wall of the vagina (2) on at least a large part of the lower half of said wall. The suture (6) is connected to the base in such a way that it is offset sidewise in relation to the cut (5d).

Abstract: A medical forceps is provided with two independently moveable jaw parts at the distal end. The forceps comprise a shaft with two rods extending axially therein, the rods being arranged adjacent to one another and being axially displaceable independently of one another. The first rod is joined to the first jaw part and the second rod to the second jaw part. The forceps further comprise a handle at the proximal end with two actuator elements, wherein the first actuator element is joined to the first rod and the second actuator element to the second rod. The first rod and the second rod each comprise a coupling element at their proximal ends.

Abstract: Devices for excluding aneurysms and treating atherosclerotic disease, for intra-aneurysmal occlusion, and devices for preventing distal emboli. The devices are generally pliable and collapsible thin film devices which can be delivered via a microcatheter into the desired location where they are deployed and undergo either a shape memory phase transformation or in situ polymerization to assume the stable configuration of a permanent endoluminal prosthesis. Prior to being caused to assume their final shape, the devices remain soft, collapsible and pliable to ensure atraumatic delivery through the vascular system. Upon reaching the endoluminal defect in the vessel, the device is extruded from the microcatheter. Devices are also provided for retrieving clots.

Abstract: A suture anchor for securing soft tissue to bone, including a body having opposing first and second ends, a longitudinal axis extending between the ends, an external threaded portion extending from the first end, and a bore extending from the second end towards the first end. The body also has a first pair of slots extending laterally outwardly from the bore and extending longitudinally to a predetermined first distance from the second end, and a second pair of slots extending laterally outwardly from the bore and extending longitudinally to a predetermined second distance from the second end. The anchor additionally includes an eyelet receivable within the first and the second pairs of slots of the body and having an opening for receiving a suture, and a spring biasing the eyelet into the bore.

Abstract: Devices for excluding aneurysms and treating atherosclerotic disease, for intra-aneurysmal occlusion, and devices for preventing distal emboli. The devices are generally pliable and collapsible thin film devices which can be delivered via a microcatheter into the desired location where they are deployed and undergo either a shape memory phase transformation or in situ polymerization to assume the stable configuration of a permanent endoluminal prosthesis. Prior to being caused to assume their final shape, the devices remain soft, collapsible and pliable to ensure atraumatic delivery through the vascular system. Upon reaching the endoluminal defect in the vessel, the device is extruded from the microcatheter. Devices are also provided for retrieving clots.

Abstract: An osteosynthesis implant includes at least one coupling in the form of a swivel joint. Each swivel joint includes at least one planar or annular swivel element and two connecting arms that define a pivot axis. The coupling permits rotation about each pivot axis. The implant and coupling may be formed of unitary construction, or a separate coupling may be connectable to the implant. The coupling may receive a bone fastener such as a bone screw, or may be used in applications that require the coupling to directly support portions of the body such as spinal features.

Abstract: An insertion tool for a rotor blade anchor. The anchor is pivotably coupled to a handle so that the anchor can assume a first position in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the handle. The tool is designed to be rotated about the longitudinal axis so that the anchor, when placed in a bore hole in biological tissue, can attain a second position substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The anchor itself includes a cutting surface thereon. A deploy spring is disposed on the handle and biases the anchor toward the second position. In use, when the rotor blade is inserted into an object such as a bone, the object moves the anchor toward alignment with the longitudinal axis. When the anchor is inserted far enough into the object, a user rotates the handle and the anchor. The deploy spring biases the cutting surface so that is engages with the sidewall of the borehole. The rotation of the handle causes the cutting surface to cut into the object.

Abstract: A suture anchoring and tensioning device is made from a resilient strip of polymeric or superelastic material adapted to be coiled into a tight spiral configuration that restricts movement of a suture entwined therein as the device coils about itself.

Abstract: A laparoscopic forceps comprising a handle; a tubular housing extending axially from the handle and carrying an actuator rod; a jaws mechanism disposed at the end of the tubular housing remote from the handle engaged to the actuation rod and arranged so that the jaws may be opened or closed by actuation of the handle; wherein the handle comprises left and right bow members pivotally connected to a mounting core in a scissors-like arrangement, and adapted to engage a user's finger and thumb in use; the forceps including a switchable ratchet mechanism moveable between locked and unlocked positions, adapted when locked to allow closure and prevent opening of the jaws, and when unlocked to allow free opening and closing of the jaws.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having an elongate body includes an operative section at its distal end and a operating section at its proximal end. A pair of scissorshandles form a handle assembly in the operating section and are operable in a normal plane of operation to control the operative section. A ratchet assembly including a ratchet pawl and a series of ratchet teeth is enclosed within the handle assembly to avoid contamination by debris. The ratchet assembly can be engaged and disengaged with forces limited to the natural plane of operation; no unnatural lateral forces are required. A portion of one of the handles is moveable in the plane of operation in a first direction to engage the ratchet assembly and is moveable in the plane of operation in a second direction to disengage the ratchet assembly.

Abstract: Distal anastomosis devices and associated methodology are described herein. Connector and connector components as well as tools associated therewith are disclosed. The connectors are preferably adapted to produce an end-to-side anastomosis at a graft/coronary artery junction. A fitting alone, or a fitting in combination with a collar may be used as a connector. Each fitting may be deployed by deflecting its shape to provide clearance for a rear segment that rotates about adjoining hinge section(s) so to fit the connector within an aperture formed in a host vessel. Upon return to a substantially relaxed position, a rear segment anchors the fitting it in place. The distal fitting may include additional side features for interfacing with the host vessel/coronary artery. The collar may include features complimentary to those of a fitting and provisions for strain relief and securing the graft vessel.

Abstract: A blood vessel grafting aid is disclosed for joining two blood vessels together, such grafting aid in one embodiment having a shaft with a centrally positioned plate thereon and a plurality of prongs extending from the shaft to engage into the vessels within the vessels' lumens with the ends of the vessels disposed against the centrally positioned plate which has apertures formed therein which plate, along with the prongs, aids in holding the blood vessels together. The grafting aid dissolves and is absorbed over time, leaving the blood vessels healed together.

Abstract: Devices for excluding aneurysms and treating atherosclerotic disease, for intra-aneurysmal occlusion; and devices for preventing distal emboli. The devices are generally pliable and collapsible thin film devices which can be delivered via a microcatheter into the desired location where they are deployed and undergo either a shape memory phase transformation or in situ polymerization to assume the stable configuration of a permanent endoluminal prosthesis. Prior to being caused to assume their final shape, the devices remain soft, collapsible and pliable to ensure atraumatic delivery through the vascular system. Upon reaching the endoluminal defect in the vessel, the device is extruded from the microcatheter. Devices are also provided for retrieving clots.