Abstract: A method for fabricating a device for repairing torn tissue or muscle such as the meniscus of the knee. The device includes a pair of anchoring members having a plurality of barb-like projections extending outwardly therefrom. The anchoring members are joined by a flexible linking member which connects the ends of the anchoring members opposite one another. Such a device can be fabricated by insert molding of the appropriate members together.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a device for repairing torn tissue or muscle such as the meniscus of the knee. The device includes a pair of anchoring members having a plurality of barb-like projections extending outwardly therefrom. The anchoring members are joined by a flexible linking member which connects the ends of the anchoring members opposite one another. Such a device can be fabricated by insert molding of the appropriate members together.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a device for repairing torn tissue or muscle such as the meniscus of the knee. The device includes a pair of anchoring members having a plurality of barb-like projections extending outwardly therefrom. The anchoring members are joined by a flexible linking member which connects the ends of the anchoring members opposite one another. Such a device can be fabricated by insert molding of the appropriate members together.

Abstract: A mold for fabricating a device for repairing torn tissue or muscle such as the meniscus of the knee is provided. The mold includes a mold cavity adapted to receive molten material. The mold cavity has an inlet channel, a first portion, a second portion, and a first channel extending between the first and second portions. The inlet channel communicates with the first and second portions and is spaced from the first channel such that the molten material must flow from the inlet channel through the first portion or second portion before communicating with the first channel. The first channel is dimensioned to receive a first component such that the flow of molten material from the first and/or second portions into the first channel is substantially prevented when the first component is received in the first channel.

Abstract: A surgical fastener application apparatus for applying surgical fasteners of general U-shape to body tissue is provided which includes a housing having a handle portion and a trigger mechanism, an elongated body portion extending from the housing, the elongated body portion having generally annular cross-sectional area substantially along the length thereof and defining a longitudinal pathway therein, and a firing mechanism operatively connected to the housing and including a pair of substantially parallel push rods positioned within the longitudinal pathway of the elongated body portion, the firing mechanism being capable of driving a surgical fastener inserted in a distal end portion of elongated body portion to the body tissue in response to operation of the trigger mechanism.

Abstract: A surgical fastener application apparatus for applying surgical fasteners of general U-shape to body tissue is provided which includes a housing having a handle portion and a trigger mechanism, an elongated body portion extending from the housing, the elongated body portion having generally annular cross-sectional area substantially along the length thereof and defining a longitudinal pathway therein, and a firing mechanism operatively connected to the housing and including a pair of substantially parallel push rods positioned within the longitudinal pathway of the elongated body portion, the firing mechanism being capable of driving a surgical fastener inserted in a distal end portion of elongated body portion to the body tissue in response to operation of the trigger mechanism.

Abstract: A suture anchor installation system includes a suture anchor, a loading unit, and a suture anchor installation tool. The suture anchor includes an elongated setting pin at least partially mounted within a longitudinal bore of a socket and slidably movable between a distal first position wherein at least a portion of the setting pin is distal to the socket and a proximal second position, the socket having at least two proximally pointing legs which are radially expandable in response to movement of the setting pin to the proximal second position. The loading unit includes a housing and a collet movably mounted within an axial bore in the housing, the collet having arms for releasably gripping the suture anchor. The suture anchor inserter has a first tubular member for engaging the collet, and a second tubular member for releasably engaging the socket of the suture anchor.

Abstract: A system for suture anchor placement includes an apparatus having a handle portion and an operating portion. The handle portion includes a spring, a needle park, and a member for releasably holding a length of the suture. The operating portion includes a sheath tube and a plunger rod slidably disposed within the bore of the sheath tube. The plunger rod is fixedly mounted at its proximal end to the handle. The suture anchor is releasably engaged to the distal end portion of the plunger rod. The sheath tube is mounted to the handle and movable with respect to the handle between a distal position and a proximal position, the sheath tube being resiliently biased to the distal position by the spring and movable to the proximal position in response to proximally directed force of sufficient magnitude applied to the distal end of the sheath tube.

Abstract: Soft tissue is secured to bone with a surgical fastener having expandable legs. The surgical fastener is implanted into a predrilled hole in the bone and the legs are expanded by pulling a slidable pin with a flared distal end. The pin includes a breakaway notch and fins. The fastener may be fabricated from resorbable material and may be implanted arthroscopically.

Abstract: Soft tissue is secured to bone with a surgical fastener having expandable legs. The surgical fastener is implanted into a predrilled hole in the bone and the legs are expanded by pulling a slidable pin with a flared distal end. The pin includes a breakaway notch. The fastener may be fabricated from resorbable material and may be implanted arthroscopically.

Abstract: An instrument for applying an orthopedic fastener activated by a setting pin includes a member for abutting the fastener, a member for grasping the setting pin, and means for moving said members relative to each other. The instrument may be used endoscopically in conjunction with a cannula. An endoscopic drilling member is provided for deployment through the cannula to create a hole for emplacement of the fastener into bone or hard tissue.

Abstract: An instrument for applying an orthopedic fastener activated by a setting pin includes a member for abutting the fastener, a member for grasping the setting pin, and means for moving said members relative to each other. The instrument may be used endoscopically in conjunction with a cannula. An endoscopic drilling member is provided for deployment through the cannula to create a hole for emplacement of the fastener into bone or hard tissue.

Abstract: Infection resistant surgical devices are prepared by impregnating a substrate with a composition containing glycerine and an antimicrobial agent, preferably a silver salt.

Abstract: A suture anchor includes a rivet for insertion into a predrilled bore hole in bone, and a setting pin which extends through an axial aperture in the rivet. Preferably the setting pin has barbed legs which are radially expandable to frictionally engage the walls of the bore hole to secure the anchor therein. The setting pin includes a suture accommodating aperture, surface, and/or slot. In one embodiment, a snap-fitting detent and notch are engageable with each other to form an escapement mechanism to position the setting pin at discrete positions within the axial aperture of the rivet.

Abstract: The suture anchor installation system comprises a suture anchor assembly engaged with a suture anchor insertion tool. The suture anchor assembly features a two-piece suture anchor for insertion into a pre-drilled hole in a bone and at least one suture having at least one surgical needle affixed thereto. The two-piece suture anchor comprises a setting pin slidably engaged within an engagement member having barbed legs expandable in response to proximal movement of the setting pin. The suture anchor insertion tool includes a body portion and a distally extending shaft portion. An annular region of the distal end of the shaft portion engages the legs of the suture anchor engagement member. A channel in the shaft portion aligns with a channel in the body portion to accomodate the suture. Needle-retaining assemblies located on the body portion of the suture anchor insertion tool engage the surgical needle or needles attached to the suture.

Abstract: A nerve repair device includes a resilient, elongated implant, and transverse pins for retaining the implant fixedly within the ends of the severed nerve. A sharp tip extends longitudinally from at least one end of the elongated implant, and aids in the insertion of the implant longitudinally through the ends of the severed nerve between the fascicle bundles. The severed ends are retained in close approximation for reconnection.