Abstract: A blood clot filter which is collapsible toward a central longitudinal axis into a collapsed configuration for insertion into a blood vessel and which is radially expandable outwardly from the longitudinal axis to an expanded configuration for contact with the inner wall of the blood vessel at two longitudinal spaced locations. A first plurality of spaced, elongate arms, in the expanded configuration of the filter, curve outwardly away from the longitudinal axis toward the leading end of the filter to form a first filter basket and to center a hub at the trailing end of the filter within the vessel. A second plurality of spaced elongate legs angle outwardly away from the longitudinal axis toward the leading edge of the filter in the expanded configuration thereof to form a second filter basket opening toward the leading end.

Abstract: An endoscopic ligating apparatus is provided that can be used percutaneuously to dispense multiple ligating bands or rings about several lesions. In one embodiment, a barrel supporting a plurality of bands stretched around its circumference is removably engaged to the insertion end of an endoscope. A trip wire extends through a working channel of the endoscope and includes a plurality of strands extending from the distal end of the barrel and wrapped around the end of the barrel. The ligating bands are situated over the strands, while the strands are provided with beads disposed adjacent the bands. As tension is applied to the trip wire by way of an activating mechanism, the strands retract within the barrel so that the beads draw the ligating bands successively to the end of the barrel. In one embodiment, the activating mechanism includes a mounting component that stably mounts the mechanism to a variety of endoscopes.

Abstract: A device which facilitates the closure of puncture wounds in the vasculature of a patient is used in conjunction with a guidewire, and helps locate and isolate the site of the puncture wound in the patient. The retractor moves the surrounding tissue laterally when positioned in the patient, and acts as a guide for the physician in locating the exact site of the wound. A double-sleeved balloon can be used in conjunction with the retractor to move the tissues laterally and form a tunnel from the surface of the patient's body to the puncture site. The retractor is preferably used in combination with a surgical clip applicator which delivers clips to the site of the wound, but can also be used with other methods of wound closure such as suturing and stapling.

Abstract: An instrument for suturing anatomical tissue with a suture needle includes a barrel having two needle holding apparatus therein which can be manipulated from a proximal end of the barrel. Jaws of each needle holding apparatus are offset from a rotatable shaft by a transverse arm. In an insertion position, the jaws are confined within the diametrical dimension of the barrel at a distal end thereof. After insertion, the jaws can be manipulated to extend beyond the diametrical dimension of the barrel to provide a large working span in which tissue can be sutured.

Abstract: A meniscal fastener applying device for repairing tears in the meniscus of the knee. The device includes a handle assembly and an elongated body portion attached thereto. The handle assembly is operatively attached to a firing mechanism to remotely actuate a firing bar. The firing bar is movably positioned within the elongated body portion to engage and eject a fastener from within the elongated body portion. The elongated body portion includes a support casing which is preferably constructed from stainless steel. The support casing has a cylindrical proximal cross-section that tapers into a distal cross-section having planar top and bottom surfaces. The distal end of the elongated body portion further includes a pair of locator barbs and a tapered distal face.

Abstract: A biodegradable device for repairing torn meniscal cartilage comprising a shaft and tissue gripping means at both ends. One end is adapted to pierce the tissue and the opposite end is adapted to fit a driver. The central portion of the device is essentially smooth along its length. The device has been subjected to a drawing operation after fabrication leaving the molecules in the shaft in a higher state of residual stress. When the device is exposed to an aqueous environment, the water absorbed by the polymer lowers the glass transition temperature of the polymer. Lowering glass transition temperature allows increased molecular mobility causing the device to contract. The contraction pulls the torn tissues into close apposition during healing. As the tissue heals, the tension is released by the polymer resorbing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting a large volume of blood from an umbilical cord in a sterile environment are shown and described. A housing having an inner region adapted to retain an umbilical cord in a desired location is provided, the housing having an opening through which the cord extends from the inner region of the housing to a region external to the housing. The cord is cut by a blade coupled to the housing, either by the motion of the blade from a first position to a second position, or by the movement of two portions of the housing from a first extended position to a second collapsed position. The newly cut end of the umbilical cord falls and hangs freely in the inner region of the housing, blood flowing from the placenta and umbilical cord via gravity into a blood collection region of the housing. The blood collection region may be flexible, and may be coupled to a conventional blood collection bag.

Abstract: A surgical clip for connecting at least two bio-organic tissue members together, the clip comprising a body having two spaced legs and formed into a U-shape, each leg having a distal end which can be inserted into an opening in bone and each having a proximal end, the proximal ends of said at least two legs being connected to corresponding ends of a deformable bridge comprising two spaced apart bridge sections with a gap disposed between the bridge sections, the bridge sections being deformable by a force, the gap being changed by the force to cause the two spaced legs to move into engagement with side walls of the openings in the bone to which the clip is connected, the body comprising the at least two spaced legs and the two bridge sections comprising a single piece of material.

Abstract: Method for the effective transplantation of chondrocytes/cartilage to an articular joint surface defect is taught, as well as a description of certain instruments and kit for practicing the invention.

Abstract: An improved suture anchor is formed from body tissue. The body tissue is shaped to a desired configuration for the anchor and defines a passage through the anchor. A suture is inserted into the passage in the body tissue of the anchor. The anchor is then positioned in a patient's body with a suture extending into the passage in the anchor. The anchor may be formed of osseous body tissue, hard compact bone, dense connective body tissue, or other body tissue. The body tissue may be dried so that it absorbs fluid and expands upon being inserted into a patient's body.

Abstract: A surgical milling and guide system for use with hip prosthesis trial components includes a mounting member and a guide member which are spaced apart in adjustable increments. The guide member include a milling assembly which is rotatably and slidably translatable with respect to the mounting member. The system further includes a mounting rod for attachment to a femoral proximal sleeve. Various adjustment options are possible for the device to conform to different size prosthetic components such as the proximal sleeve.

Abstract: A ligation clip module of unitary construction adapted for use with a ligation clip applicator for housing and applying a ligation clip around a vessel. The ligation clip module comprises a module housing, ligation clip and pusher. The module housing forms a cavity having a first and second channels therein that house the ligation clip and pusher therein. The ligation clip includes a Y-shaped clip track having two extended arms and a U-shaped clip body with an extended slot for slidably engaging the clip track and closing the arms of the clip track about the vessel during application by the applicator. The module housing includes a frustoconical section with opposing tapered beveled portions that enhance visibility along the longitudinal axis of the module housing and a reduced diameter section that is adapted for attachment to the applicator.

Abstract: An improved elastic band for ligating tissue within a living body comprises a central opening defining an axis. A first curved edge is formed between a first surface extending substantially parallel to the axis and a second surface extending substantially perpendicular to the axis. A method of ligating tissue within a living body using such a ligating band comprises the steps of positioning the elastic band, which has been stretched to increase the size of a central opening extending therethrough, adjacent to a portion of tissue to be ligated. The tissue to be ligated is then drawn through the central opening of the elastic band and the elastic band is released so that the size of the central opening decreases to grip the tissue received therein.

Abstract: A banding assembly has a needle at one end, a long thin band, and a buckle at the other end. The buckle is provided with upstanding elements on either side of a channel which receives the band. The elements have openings adapted to be engaged by a towel clamp to retain the buckle as the band is drawn through the channel and locks into position. Once locked into place, the band is trimmed, leaving a tail extending from the buckle which is bent and "snap fits" between the elements which are then crimped over the tail. In order to withstand the high force applied on the buckle by the towel clamp as the band is positioned, the buckle is secured to the end of the band by spaced elements which extend through openings in the band and are crimped toward each other. Extending from the end of the band are spaced tabs which are bent around the rear edge of the buckle. The recess between the tabs preferrably forms one of the element receiving openings.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blood filter that is to be positioned within a blood vessel to trap blood clots. The filter includes a head to which there are attached and from which there extend several legs comprising at least one elongated element having two opposite ends. The legs are radially movable and the elongated element of at least some of these legs has a shape folded back upon itself, substantially in the form of a loop. According to the invention, one of the ends of at least some of these elongated elements is disposed at a distance from the inside of the head of the filter.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus having tissue bolstering material disposed thereon for application of the material and staples to body tissue. Two tissue bolstering members are preferably provided, each member being generally planar in configuration, wherein a first member corresponds to the dimensions of the tissue contacting surface of a staple cartridge and a second member corresponds to the dimensions of the tissue contacting surface of an anvil. In use, tissue is disposed between the anvil and the staple cartridge and the instrument is fired, thereby securing the tissue bolstering material to the tissue.

Abstract: A surgical suturing tool comprising a suture needle holder and suture needle is disclosed. The needle includes a groove in its sidewall which leads to a blind hole to receive one end of a suture which is secured therein by swedging.

Abstract: A helical fastener having a high retentive surface area is provided and has a first end for enhancing penetration into tissue and a second end comprising a coil sectioning a diameter of the fastener for receiving longitudinal and rotational forces. The helical fasteners are attached to body tissue by a fastener applicator having a proximal portion comprising a handle and an actuator and an elongate distal portion for housing a plurality of fasteners. A transferring action of the actuator provides longitudinal and rotational movement of the fasteners out of the distal portion and into body tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in arthroscopically attaching a suture to bone comprises a cannula and drill guide for use in drilling parallel holes in the bone and a scissors-like component for carrying a suture down one hole and pushing the suture through soft bone into the other hole where it can be retrieved.

Abstract: A surgical instrument, guide, and method capable of being used for closure of peritoneum fascia, occlusion of bleeding vessels such as inferior epigastric, and for all uses related to accurately passing suture material through a guide into tissue. A tip of a surgical instrument in a standard suture-/needle-driving position with a sharp tip that opens and closes with the surgeon grasping suture material with the sharp tip is provided. Insertion of the tip/suture through tissue until the tip is seen through the peritoneum by direct vision begins the wound-closing procedure. The suture is released by opening and withdrawing the tip from the guide. The suture is recovered by using the guide to redirect the tip and puncturing the tissue opposite the first point of insertion. The tip grasps the suture and pulls the suture through the guide. The suture is pulled outside the wound, providing for rapid closure of the surgical incision.