Abstract: A surgical portal and introducer assembly includes an introducer defining a longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal passageway and a portal member positionable within the longitudinal passageway of the introducer. The portal member is adapted for positioning within a tissue tract and has at least one longitudinal port for passage of a surgical object. The portal member comprises a compressible material and is adapted to transition between a first expanded condition to facilitate securing of the portal member within the tissue tract and in substantial sealed relation with tissue surfaces defining the tissue tract and a second compressed condition to facilitate at least partial insertion of the portal member within the tissue tract. The assembly may include an expandable restraining member at least partially disposed within the longitudinal passageway of introducer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for the stabilization and fastening of two pieces of tissue. A single device may be used to both stabilize and fasten the two pieces of tissue, or a separate stabilizing device may be used in conjunction with a fastening device. The stabilizing device may comprise a probe with vacuum ports and/or mechanical clamps disposed at the distal end to approximate the two pieces of tissue. After the pieces of tissue are stabilized, they are fastened together using sutures or clips. One exemplary embodiment of a suture-based fastener comprises a toggle and suture arrangement deployed by a needle, wherein the needle enters the front side of the tissue and exits the blind side. In a second exemplary embodiment, the suture-based fastener comprises a needle connected to a suture. The needle enters the blind side of the tissue and exits the front side. The suture is then tied in a knot to secure the pieces of tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for the stabilization and fastening of two pieces of tissue. A single device may be used to both stabilize and fasten the two pieces of tissue, or a separate stabilizing device may be used in conjunction with a fastening device. The stabilizing device may comprise a probe with vacuum ports and/or mechanical clamps disposed at the distal end to approximate the two pieces of tissue. After the pieces of tissue are stabilized, they are fastened together using sutures or clips. One exemplary embodiment of a suture-based fastener comprises a toggle and suture arrangement deployed by a needle, wherein the needle enters the front side of the tissue and exits the blind side. In a second exemplary embodiment, the suture-based fastener comprises a needle connected to a suture. The needle enters the blind side of the tissue and exits the front side. The suture is then tied in a knot to secure the pieces of tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for the stabilization and fastening of two pieces of tissue. A single device may be used to both stabilize and fasten the two pieces of tissue, or a separate stabilizing device may be used in conjunction with a fastening device. The stabilizing device may comprise a probe with vacuum ports and/or mechanical clamps disposed at the distal end to approximate the two pieces of tissue. After the pieces of tissue are stabilized, they are fastened together using sutures or clips. One exemplary embodiment of a suture-based fastener comprises a toggle and suture arrangement deployed by a needle, wherein the needle enters the front side of the tissue and exits the blind side. In a second exemplary embodiment, the suture-based fastener comprises a needle connected to a suture. The needle enters the blind side of the tissue and exits the front side. The suture is then tied in a knot to secure the pieces of tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for the stabilization and fastening of two pieces of tissue. A single device may be used to both stabilize and fasten the two pieces of tissue, or a separate stabilizing device may be used in conjunction with a fastening device. The stabilizing device may comprise a probe with vacuum ports and/or mechanical clamps disposed at the distal end to approximate the two pieces of tissue. After the pieces of tissue are stabilized, they are fastened together using sutures or clips. One exemplary embodiment of a suture-based fastener comprises a toggle and suture arrangement deployed by a needle, wherein the needle enters the front side of the tissue and exits the blind side. In a second exemplary embodiment, the suture-based fastener comprises a needle connected to a suture. The needle enters the blind side of the tissue and exits the front side. The suture is then tied in a knot to secure the pieces of tissue.

Abstract: A surgical knot pushing device is described which has a knot pushing interface mounted on the distal portion of an elongated body and an actuation handle located on the proximal portion of the elongated body. The knot pushing interface has a suture receiving recess formed thereon, and a knot positioning member which traverses the suture receiving interface. At least one extendable knot retaining member is further positioned on the pushing interface, the at least one extendable retaining member capable of engaging suture material. The knot pushing interface also comprises at least one suture cutting member which is in communication with the actuation handle. The present invention is particularly well suited for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures. The present invention also teaches a method of forming a knot in suture material, retaining a knot with a knot pushing device, advancing and applying a knot to an area of interest, and cutting excess suture material.

Abstract: A reinforcing member or stent (7) is inserted into opposite end portions (1, 1′) of a lacerated tendon and fixed within the tendon so that tension applied to the tendon is transmitted across the laceration by way of the reinforcing member (7).

Abstract: A reinforcing member or stent (7) is inserted into opposite end portions (1, 1′) of a lacerated tendon and secured within the tendon by adhesive so that tension applied to the tendon is transmitted across the laceration by way of the reinforcing member (7).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for the stabilization and fastening of two pieces of tissue. A single device may be used to both stabilize and fasten the two pieces of tissue, or a separate stabilizing device may be used in conjunction with a fastening device. The stabilizing device may comprise a probe with vacuum ports and/or mechanical clamps disposed at the distal end to approximate the two pieces of tissue. After the pieces of tissue are stabilized, they are fastened together using sutures or clips. One exemplary embodiment of a suture-based fastener comprises a toggle and suture arrangement deployed by a needle, wherein the needle enters the front side of the tissue and exits the blind side. In a second exemplary embodiment, the suture-based fastener comprises a needle connected to a suture. The needle enters the blind side of the tissue and exits the front side. The suture is then tied in a knot to secure the pieces of tissue.

Abstract: A single catheter mitral valve repair device for stabilizing a tissue portion and selectively applying a tissue fastener thereto. The single catheter mitral valve repair device of the present invention includes an extendable engagement tip having at least one vacuum port formed thereon, at least one deployable fastener in communication with the engagement tip, and at least one actuator member in communication with the port. The deployable fastener is capable of controllably engaging and fastening a tissue segment located proximal to the engagement tip.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for providing sealable access to a viscus region or hollow organ and performing surgical procedures therein. The present invention is particularly useful in providing access to a patients heart without arresting the heart. The access system comprises a tissue stabilizer to provide a stable work area in a dynamic environment. A puncture device is inserted into the tissue stabilizer, which forms a puncture hole within the heart tissue. Thereafter, a sealing device, for example a sealing balloon, is inserted through the puncture hole and engages the interior tissue. A sealing cannula may then be advanced into and sealably engages the tissue.

Abstract: A medical fastener (18), preferably bioabsorbable, is used for repairing torn soft tissue, particularly meniscal tissue (16). The fastener (18) can have an enlarged head (22) at the proximate end to engage meniscal tissue (16) adjacent to a tear (14), and a pointed distal tip (21) at the other end to ease insertion of the fastener (18) into the meniscus (16). The shank (20) of the fastener (18) bridges across the tear (14). Opposite ends of the shank (20) are secured in the meniscal tissue (16) by a medical adhesive, preferably bioabsorbable, and preferably at locations remote from the tear (14) so as not to interfere with healing of the tear (14). The fastener (18) can have a blind bore (24) opening through the head (22) of the fastener (18) and extending through the shank (20) to a location close to the tip (21) and generally radial holes (26) communicating between the bore (24) and the exterior of the shank (20).

Abstract: A reinforcing member or stent (7) is inserted into opposite end portions (1, 1) of a lacerated tendon and secured within the tendon by adhesive so that tension applied to the tendon is transmitted across the laceration by way of the reinforcing member (7).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for providing sealable access to a viscus region or hollow organ and performing surgical procedures therein. The present invention is particularly useful in providing access to a patients heart without arresting the heart. The access system comprises a tissue stabilizer to provide a stable work area in a dynamic environment. A puncture device is inserted into the tissue stabilizer, which forms a puncture hole within the heart tissue. Thereafter, a sealing device, for example a sealing balloon, is inserted through the puncture hole and engages the interior tissue. A sealing cannula may then be advanced into and sealably engages the tissue.

Abstract: A surgical knot pushing device is described which has a knot pushing interface mounted on the distal portion of an elongated body and an actuation handle located on the proximal portion of the elongated body. The knot pushing interface has a suture receiving recess formed thereon, and a knot positioning member which traverses the suture receiving interface. At least one extendable knot retaining member is further positioned on the pushing interface, the at least one extendable retaining member capable of engaging suture material. The knot pushing interface also comprises at least one suture cutting member which is in communication with the actuation handle. The present invention is particularly well suited for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures. The present invention also teaches a method of forming a knot in suture material, retaining a knot with a knot pushing device, advancing and applying a knot to an area of interest, and cutting excess suture material.

Abstract: The present system is directed to a method and system to stabilize and repair tissue. At least two opposing devices may be used to stabilize and repair the tissue, with the two devices cooperatively engaging the tissue interposed therebetween. Stabilization may be accomplished by opposing force, vacuum force, or mechanical devices disposed at the distal portion of one or both devices. After the tissue has been stabilized, fasteners may be deployed into the tissue. Fasteners include sutures, clips, and staples. Also disclosed is a minimally invasive method of accessing tissue located within a body and conducting a repair of the area using the system disclosed herein.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying surgical fasteners to body tissue which includes a body having a proximal portion defining a central longitudinal axis and an articulating distal portion; a fastener cartridge containing at least one surgical fastener therein and positionable in the articulating distal portion; an anvil mounted adjacent the fastener cartridge and defining a fastener forming surface against which surgical fasteners are formed when ejected from the fastener cartridge; a fastener driving mechanism operatively associated with the fastener cartridge and actuatable from the handle to eject the at least one fastener from the fastener cartridge; a link member having a distal portion offset from the body central longitudinal axis and pivotably connected to the articulating distal portion at a point spaced from the body central longitudinal axis, the link member being movable between a proximal-most position to move the distal portion to an articulated condition away from the central longitudinal axis on a first

Abstract: There is provided a surgical coil fastener applier for use in applying helical coil fasteners in surgical procedures, such as hernia repair, to affix surgical mesh to tissue. The coil fastener applier includes a housing having a handle extending therefrom and a trigger pivotally mounted on the housing. An elongated tubular portion extends from the housing and includes a drive rod rotatably supported therein and slidably supporting a plurality of coil fasteners thereon. A drive assembly is provided within the housing to rotate the drive rod and coil fasteners. The drive assembly includes an anti-reverse mechanism to allow rotation of the drive rod in only one direction. An actuation assembly is provided within the housing to convert the motion of the trigger into rotary motion for supply to the drive assembly. The drive assembly includes structure to limit the amount of rotary motion supplied to the drive assembly.

Abstract: A needle assembly includes an elongate needle, a needle hub with an axial bore therethrough to receive and hold the needle projecting axially, the needle hub further is releasably mountable on a fluid handling device. The assembly has an elongate shield having an open proximal end, a distal end and a sidewall with an inside surface defining a cavity. There is an elongate aperture into the cavity from about the distal end to the proximal end. The assembly has a hinge that includes a mount for retaining the shield onto the hub, the mount has an opening therein that is sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the needle hub. The shield is movable about the hinge by an off-axis pivotal movement between an initial closed position, an open position and a latched position. The assembly has a removable cover that is disposed over the elongate aperture in the shield and engaging the shield to hold it in the initial closed position.

Abstract: A hand held exercise apparatus including a tubular attachment device, arm engagement device affixed thereto, a hand grip affixed thereto and a first weight supporting device carried by said tubular attachment device adapted for supporting a variety of exercise weights.