Abstract: A surgical sponge device comprising a porous cellular absorbent sponge which is cut into rigid segments. The segments are slidably mounted on a strand with a stop to keep the segments from falling off of said strand. The strung segments may be covered by a fluid impervious sleeve which, when removed, allows the rigid segments to wick up fluid to expand from a compressed condition to a predetermined larger size.

Abstract: A surgical device constructed of a polyvinyl acetal having a body constructed with an average pore diameter ranging from about 0.02 to about 1.2 mm and a fused surface layer of about 0.25 min. The fused surface layer is substantially closed and has a pore diameter ranging from about 0.01 to about 0.45 mm allowing absorption of fluid into the body of the device.

Abstract: A surgical device constructed of a polyvinyl acetal sponge body constructed with an average pore diameter ranging from about 0.02 to about 1.2 mm and opposite sides laminated with a surface film layer of about 0.0015 inches thick. The laminate surface film layer is perforated with a plurality of holes allowing access to the body of the surgical device having a diameter ranging from about 0.1 to about 0.7 mm allowing absorbtion of fluid through the laminate layer into the sponge body of the device.

Abstract: A tissue/organ retraction or displacement sponge comprising a rigid dry absorbent shaped sponge body constructed of laminated layers of sponge material with differing pore size density causing differing swelling rates and expansion. The sponge when hydrated substantially expands protecting an organ or moving the same to be a different area.

Abstract: A medical sponge comprising a sterile rigid absorbent linearly shaped sponge body, one end of the body being rounded. A plurality of parallel flex lines are formed in said linear body running substantially along its length with one section of the body having flex lines formed therein which run perpendicular to and intersect the parallel flex lines. An end of the body is provided with angular flex lines formed therein which run angularly to and intersect the parallel flex lines.

Abstract: Elastomeric monofilament surgical sutures are characterized by the following combination of mechanical properties:Yield elongation- from about 2 to 9 percentVisco-elastic elongation- from about 10 to 30 percentYoung's modulus- from about 30,000 to 200,000 psiTensile strength- at least about 40,000 psiKnot strength- at least about 30,000 psiThe sutures are soft and flexible with superior knot typing and knot security properties. The sutures may be prepared from selected elastomeric copolyether/ester polymers which may be melt extruded and drawn to obtain the desired fiber properties.

Abstract: Elastomeric monofilament surgical sutures are characterized by the following combination of mechanical properties:______________________________________ Yield elongation from about 2 to 9 percent Visco-elastic from about 10 to 30 percent elongation Young's modulus from about 30,000 to 200,000 psi Tensile strength at least about 40,000 psi Knot strength at least about 30,000 psi ______________________________________The sutures are soft and flexible with superior knot tying and knot security properties. The sutures may be prepared from selected elastomeric copolyether/ester polymers which may be melt extruded and drawn to obtain the desired fiber properties.

Abstract: A hemostatic clip for surgical use is disclosed having grooves on the inner surfaces of the legs which form an asterisk type pattern upon closure, knee bends in each leg which are opposed by notches or grooves that enhance the ability of the legs to fully straighten upon closure, and distal flat surfaces on the ends of the clip legs to prevent scissoring and ensure hemostasis when the clip is closed.

Abstract: A hemostatic clip for surgical use is disclosed having grooves on the inner surfaces of the legs which form an asterisk type pattern upon closure, knee bends in each leg which are opposed by notches or grooves that enhance the ability of the legs to fully straighten upon closure, and distal flat surfaces on the ends of the clip legs to prevent scissoring and ensure hemostasis when the clip is closed.

Abstract: Thermally formed annealed surgical devices made from unoriented polymers of p-dioxanone and methods for manufacturing the same. The preferred device is a ligating clip having good in vivo performance characteristics. The method includes initially drying the thermally formed device followed by heating the device without restraint at specific temperatures for specific time periods.

Abstract: Thermally formed annealed surgical devices made from unoriented polymers of p-dioxanone and methods for manufacturing the same. The preferred device is a ligating clip having good in vivo performance characteristics. The method includes initially drying the thermally formed device followed by heating the device without restraint at specific temperatures for specific time periods.

Abstract: A breathable, moisture vapor permeable pressure sensitive adhesive tape comprising a patterned, fibrillated polymeric film having 10 to 70 percent open area, coated on one side with a non-irritating pressure sensitive surgical adhesive. The polymeric film is composed of a plurality of substantially parallel monofilament strands interconnected by a plurality of fibrils. The physical structure of the tape combines good straight tensile strength with ease of tearability in two directions. The tape is permeable to both air and water vapor, and is substantially unaffected by contact with liquid water or body fluids. The tape is particularly useful for wound closure in certain surgical procedures.

Abstract: A needle-suture combination is provided in which the suture has a radiation-weakened segment adjacent to its attachment to the needle. The radiation-weakened segment permits a surgeon to separate the needle from the suture by a sharp tug.