Abstract: A system and method of moving and stretching plastic tissue using dynamic force. A preferably non-reactive force applying component is adjustably attachable to one or more tissue attachment structures for securing the force applying component to the plastic tissue, providing a self adjusting system that is capable of exerting relatively constant tension over a certain distance.

Abstract: A method of using a knotless suture anchor includes boring a nest in a bone, driving the suture anchor into the nest, tensioning an unknotted suture; and securing the unknotted suture in an anchor body by contacting the unknotted suture with an inner bottom surface of the well and a bottom face of an anchor plug, where the suture anchor includes the anchor body including a well, a top surface, a bottom surface distal to the top surface, a transverse bore proximal to the inner bottom surface of the well, and he unknotted suture threaded through the transverse bore; where the well includes an outer surface; an inner surface; and the inner bottom surface; and where the anchor plug includes a post; and the bottom face.

Abstract: Tissue fasteners carried on a tissue piercing deployment wire fasten tissue layers of a mammalian body together. The fasteners include a first member, a second member, and a connecting member extending between the first and second members. The first and second members are substantially parallel to each other. The fasteners may be deployed in limited spaces and in various applications including the restoration of a gastroesophageal flap valve.

Abstract: A device for closing an opening in a wall of a body lumen includes a closure element with a first flange and a second flange. Both the first flange and the second flange may have a delivery cross-sectional dimension and a deployed cross-sectional dimension. The device for closing an opening further includes a first coupler element disposed on the first flange and a second coupler element disposed on the second flange, the first and second coupler elements cooperating to couple the first flange to the second flange.

Abstract: Described, in certain inventive embodiments, are unique devices and methods for introducing implants into soft tissue of a patient. One of these devices includes a tissue-penetrating member that is configured to pass in its entirety through a volume of patient tissue. The tissue-penetrating member has a leading end and a trailing end, and provides a receiving space for receipt of an implant body portion for carrying the implant body portion into the volume of patient tissue. The device also includes an implant that has an implant body portion removably received in the receiving space of the tissue-penetrating member. The implant body portion is configured for deployment from the receiving space in the volume of patient tissue so as to remain deployed there along a passageway traversed by the tissue-penetrating member.

Abstract: A delivery mechanism for deploying a closure device includes several slidable members, a plunger, and attachments to tension members of the closure device. Deployment of the closure device includes controlling placement and expansion of the device within tissue using the tension members, the plunger, and the slidable members.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the formation of an arteriovenous fistula in the limb of the patient. Embodiments include a device for the creation, modification and maintenance of a fistula that includes an integral fistula creation assembly near its distal end that passes through the skin of the patient, through a first vessel such as an artery, and into a second vessel such as a vein. The fistula creation assembly preferably includes an anastomotic implant that is placed within the fistula to maintain long-term blood flow therethrough. The devices, systems and methods can be used to treat patients with one or more numerous ailments including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, hypotension, respiratory failure, pulmonary arterial hypertension, lung fibrosis and adult respiratory distress syndrome.

Abstract: A clamp assembly comprising: (a) a clamping device biased toward a closed position; (b) a first retainer bar removably coupled to the clamping device; (c) a second retainer bar removably coupled to the clamping device, where the first retainer bar and the second retainer bar are oriented in parallel to one another.

Abstract: A system includes a generator with a grinder subgenerator and an ultrasonic subgenerator, a grinder handpiece, and an ultrasonic handpiece. The grinder handpiece is connected in electrical communication with the grinder subgenerator. The grinder handpiece includes a motor and a grinding tool connected mechanically to the motor. The rotational speed of the grinding tool is associated with electrical energy provided by the grinder subgenerator to the motor. The ultrasonic handpiece is connected in electrical communication with the ultrasonic subgenerator. The ultrasonic handpiece includes a transducer and a ball tip connected mechanically to the transducer. The amplitude of the vibrations at the ball tip is associated with electrical energy provide by the ultrasonic subgenerator to the transducer.

Abstract: An assembly for joining two vessel segments of a patient includes a coupler formed of adjoining coupler halves. Each coupler half includes an aperture for receiving an end of one of the vessel segments. One of the coupler halves includes a connector element configured for connection to the other coupler half. The vessel segments are alignable in the respective coupler halves such that a path for fluid flow is formed therebetween upon connection of the coupler halves. A probe is aligned in engagement with a coupler half for generating a signal corresponding to fluid flow through the path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for closing a vascular wound includes an apparatus that can be threaded over a guidewire into place at or adjacent the wound. The apparatus includes a chamber that encloses a hemostatic material therein. When the apparatus is positioned adjacent the wound as desired, the hemostatic material is deployed from the chamber. A blocking member distal of the hemostatic material functions as a barrier to prevent the hemostatic material from entering the wound. Blood contacts the hemostatic material, and blood clotting preferably is facilitated by a hemostatic agent within the material. Thus, the vascular puncture wound is sealed by blood clot formation.

Abstract: A tissue fixation system is provided for dynamic and rigid fixation of tissue. A fastener connected with an elongate fastening member, such as a cable, wire, suture, rod, or tube, is moved through a passage between opposite sides of tissue. A medical device is used to secure the fastener to the elongate fastening member. The medical device includes a tensioning mechanism for tensioning the elongate fastening member. As crimping mechanism is used to secure the fastener to the elongated member, where a cutting mechanism cut the excess portion of the elongated member.

Abstract: A method for coupling soft tissue to bone including: positioning a first anchor in a first bone bore, the first anchor having a first self-locking adjustable suture construct including a first adjustable loop, a second adjustable loop, and a pair of first ends; positioning a second anchor in a second bone bore, the second anchor having a second self-locking adjustable suture construct including a third adjustable loop, a fourth adjustable loop, and a second end; positioning the first adjustable loop relative to the soft tissue; positioning the second adjustable loop about the third adjustable loop; and tensioning the pair of first ends and the second end to pull the first adjustable loop against the soft tissue, couple the second adjustable loop to the third adjustable loop, pull the second adjustable loop against the soft tissue, and pull the third adjustable loop against the soft tissue.

Abstract: A suturing needle, comprising needle tip portion (1) having needle tip (1a), tapered portion (2) continuing to needle tip portion (1), trunk portion (3) continuing to tapered portion (2), and thread attaching portion (4) continuing to trunk portion (3); needle tip portion (1) has circular section continuing to sharp needle tip (1a), angular section continuing to sharp needle tip (1a), circular section continuing to blunt needle tip (1a) or angular section continuing to blunt needle tip (1a): wherein trunk portion (3) has the relations R1?R2?R3, when peak (5) or joint portion between the two flat faces has diameter R1, crest of ridges has a roundness of R2, and a valley (7) has roundness R3; and valley (7) is formed to correspond partially to peak (5), and the thickness becomes continuously larger from tapered portion (2) to trunk portion (3).

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to bone. In one exemplary embodiment, a cannulated suture anchor is provided and it includes a suture-engaging member formed therein and configured to receive a suture therearound such that trailing ends of the suture can extend through the suture anchor. The present invention also provides exemplary sutures and drivers that can be used with the various methods and devices disclosed herein, or with other methods and devices known in the art.

Abstract: A device for occluding a blood vessel, comprises a blunt dissection needle and a first occlusion clip releasably mounted to a distal end of the blunt dissection needle, the first occlusion clip being biased to assume a clamped configuration in combination with a retaining element which, in a first configuration, retains the first occlusion clip in an insertion position against an outer surface of the blunt dissection needle and, in a second configuration, releases the first occlusion clip to assume the clamped configuration.

Abstract: Devices and methods for forming a restriction in a patient are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a restriction system is provided including an implantable restriction device, an implantable port in fluid communication with the implantable restriction device, and an implantable pump in fluid communication with the restriction device. In general, the implantable restriction device is adjustable and configured to form a restriction in a patient, and the implantable port is configured to receive fluid from a fluid source external to the patient. The implantable pump has a plurality of actuators configured to change shape upon the application of energy thereto such that sequential activation of the plurality of actuators is effective to create pumping action to move fluid through the pump.

Abstract: A suturing device includes a housing, a rod, a ferrule assembly, and a needle. The housing defines a guide lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. The rod is engaged with the housing and extends distally therefrom. The ferrule assembly is disposed at a distal end of the rod and is configured to releasably retain a ferrule therein. The ferrule is adapted to retain of a portion of a suture therein. The needle is configured for translation through the guide lumen defined within the housing. A distal end of the needle is configured to engage the ferrule within the ferrule assembly for removal of the ferrule from the ferrule assembly.

Abstract: A surgical suture cutter that has a “wishbone” configuration and is provided with a locking mechanism having a mid-point lock that allows two operating handles to be locked in a predetermined position at which point the cutting jaw is held flush with the shaft but suture between the jaws of the cutter is allowed to slide without being cut. The locking mechanism is formed of first and second members provided with a first engagement element (for example, a hook) and a second engagement element (for example, a notch), to allow secure engagement of the first engagement element when the suture cutter instrument is in the mid-point locked position.

Abstract: A device for deploying a mechanical closure device for closing a passageway in a body, for example a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in a heart. The deployment device has a first tubular structure having proximal and distal ends. A second tubular structure is substantially coaxial to and slideably engaged within the first tubular structure. The second tubular structure has a first substantially linear shape when constrained within the first tubular structure, and a second curvilinear shape when telescopically extended from the distal end of the first tubular structure. A third tubular structure is substantially coaxial to and slideably engaged within the second tubular structure. The third tubular structure is configured to provide sufficient rigidity to push the mechanical closure device from the distal end of the second tubular structure, and provide sufficient flexibility to assume a curvilinear shape when deflected by the second tubular structure.