Abstract: The present invention describes aliphatic polyoxaesters containing amines and/or amido groups and blends thereof with other polymers that may be used to produce surgical devices such as sutures, sutures with attached needles, molded devices, and the like. The aliphatic polyoxaesters of the present invention have a first divalent repeating unit of formula I:[O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)-- ]Iand a second repeating unit of the formula:[--O--R.sub.12 --].sub.u, XVIand optionally a third repeating unit with a formula selected from the group consisting of:[--O--R.sub.4 --].sub.A, II[--O--R.sub.5 --C(O)--].sub.B, III([--O--R.sub.5 --C(O)].sub.P --O--).sub.L G XIand combinations thereof wherein R.sub.12 contains an internal amine or internal amide group.

Abstract: The present invention describes an aliphatic polyoxaamide polymer and blends thereof that may be used to produce surgical devices such as sutures, sutures with attached needles, molded devices, and the like. The aliphatic polyoxaamide of the present invention have a first divalent repeating unit of formula I:[X--C(O)--C(R.sub.1) (R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1) (R.sub.2)--C(O)--] Iand a second repeating unit selected from the group of formulas consisting of:[--Y--R.sub.17 --].sub.T, I[--O--R.sub.5 --C(O)--].sub.B, and III([--O--R.sub.9 --C(O)].sub.P --O--) XIand combinations thereof, wherein X and Y are selected from the group consisting of --O-- and --N(R)--, provided both X and Y are not both --O-- and may be blended with a second polymer that is preferably biocompatable.

Abstract: Absorbable, segmented copolymers of aliphatic polyesters based on lactone monomers glycolide, and p-dioxanone are described. The segmented copolymers exhibit a broad range of properties, especially high strength and stiffness, and fast absorption rates and breaking strength retention (BSR) profiles, useful in a variety of medical devices. Most importantly, for suture applications where Vicryl.RTM.-like polyglcolide-polylactide sutures with excellent tensile properties, but shorter BSR profiles than Vicryl.RTM. are needed. The copolymers of the present invention have such properties, making them useful in plastic surgery where faster absorption times would lead to less tissue scarring.

Abstract: The present invention describes aliphatic polyoxaesters containing amines and/or amido groups and blends thereof with other polymers that may be used to produce surgical devices such as sutures, sutures with attached needles, molded devices, and the like. The aliphatic polyoxaesters of the present invention have a first divalent repeating unit of formula I:[O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)-- ]Iand a second repeating unit of the formula:[--O--R.sub.12 --].sub.U, XVIand optionally a third repeating unit with a formula selected from the group consisting of:[--O--R.sub.4 --].sub.A, II[--O--R.sub.5 --C(O)--].sub.B, III([--O--R.sub.5 --C(O)].sub.P --O--).sub.L G XIand combinations thereof wherein R.sub.12 contains an internal amine or internal amide group.

Abstract: The present invention describes a new aliphatic polyoxaesters that is bioabsorbable and may be used to produce surgical devices such as sutures, sutures with attached needles, molded devices, and the like. The invention also contemplates a process for producing these polyesters. The aliphatic polyoxaesters of the present invention have a first divalent repeating unit of formula I:[O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)-- ]Iand a second repeating unit selected from the group of formulas consisting of:[--O--R.sub.4 --].sub.A, II[--O--R.sub.5 --C(O)--].sub.B, and III([--O--R.sub.5 --C(O)].sub.P --O--).sub.L G XIand combinations thereof.

Abstract: A suture anchor having an anchor member, a central shaft and outwardly extending wing members. A suture mounting hole is provided in the suture anchor for receiving a surgical suture. The suture anchor is inserted into a bore hole in a bone as part of an orthopedic surgical procedure wherein soft tissue such as a tendon is attached to the surface of the bone. Optionally, bone tissue may be attached to the surface of the bone. The wings may have cutting edges or piercing points. The suture anchors may have screw threads on their outer surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention describes a new aliphatic polyoxaesters and blends thereof that may be used to produce surgical devices such as sutures, sutures with attached needles, molded devices, and the like. The invention also contemplates a process for producing these polyesters. The aliphatic polyoxaesters of the present invention have a first divalent repeating unit of formula I:[O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1l)(R.sub.2)--C(O)- -] Iand a second repeating unit selected from the group of formulas consisting of:[--O--R.sub.4 --].sub.A, II[--O--R.sub.5 --C(O)--].sub.B, and III([--O--R.sub.5 --C(O)].sub.P --O--).sub.L G XIand combinations thereof. These aliphatic polyoxaesters may be blended with other polymers which are preferably biocompatable.

Abstract: The present invention describes an aliphatic polyoxaamide polymer and blends thereof that may be used to produce surgical devices such as sutures, sutures with attached needles, molded devices, and the like. The aliphatic polyoxaamide of the present invention have a first divalent repeating unit of formula I:[X--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)-- ]Iand a second repeating unit selected from the group of formulas consisting of:[--Y--R.sub.17 --].sub.T, I[--O--R.sub.5 --C(O)--].sub.B, and II([--O--R.sub.9 --C(O)].sub.P --O--).sub.L G XIand combinations thereof, wherein X and Y are selected from the group consisting of --O-- and --N(R)--, provided both X and Y are not both --O-- and may be blended with a second polymer that is preferably biocompatable.

Abstract: The present invention describes a new aliphatic polyoxaesters that is bioabsorbable and may be used to produce surgical devices such as sutures, sutures with attached needles, molded devices, and the like. The invention also contemplates a process for producing these polyesters. The aliphatic polyoxaesters of the present invention have a first divalent repeating unit of formula I:[O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1) (R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--] Iand a second repeating unit of the formula:[--O--R.sub.12 --].sub.U, XVIand optionally a third repeating unit with a formula selected from the group consisting of:[--O--R.sub.4 --].sub.A, II[--O--R.sub.5 --C(O)--].sub.B, III([--O--R.sub.5 --C(O)].sub.P,--O--).sub.L G XIand combinations thereof wherein R.sub.12 contains an internal amine or internal amide group.

Abstract: A suture anchor device having an anchor member with outwardly extending wing members and an actuating wedge member. The suture anchor device is inserted into a bore hole in a bone as part of an orthopedic surgical procedure wherein soft tissue such as a tendon or ligament is attached to the surface of the bone. The wing members are spread outwardly by the wedge member to lock the suture anchor device in the bone. The suture anchor has similar utility in soft tissue applications.

Abstract: A two-piece suture anchor is disclosed wherein a barrel-like main portion is provided with a pair of legs in a central opening. A ball-like actuating device is received within the central opening and drawn upward into the device in order to separate the legs and cause the device to expand into the soft cancellous bone of a previously prepared bone site.

Abstract: The present invention describes a new aliphatic polyoxaesters that is bioabsorbable and may be used to produce surgical devices such as sutures, sutures with attached needles, molded devices, and the like. The invention also contemplates a process for producing these polyesters. The aliphatic polyoxaesters of the present invention have a first divalent repeating unit of formula I:[O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)-- ]Iand a second repeating unit selected from the group of formulas consisting of: ##STR1## and combinations thereof.

Abstract: An improved process for preparing an aromatic polyanhydride is disclosed. The aromatic polyanhydride is prepared by reacting an aromatic dicarboxylic acid with an anhydride to form an anhydride prepolymer, isolating and purifying the prepolymer, and subjecting the prepolymer to melt polycondensation conditions. The improvement specifically relates to the purification of the acid so it is essentially free of impurities before it is reacted with the anhydride.The polymers prepared from the improved process have higher molecular weights than the molecular weights achieved from the prior art processes, and exhibit outstanding thermal stability and mechanical properties. This combination of properties allows the aromatic polyanhydrides to be melt processed to prepare numerous devices.

Abstract: An improved surgical clip of the type having first and second leg members joined at their proximal ends by a resilient hinge region and terminating at their distal ends in latch means. Each leg member has an outer surface and a clamping inner surface, and the outer surface of each leg member is configured to be accepted by the jaws of the clip applier. The improvement in the clip design specifically relates to a reduction in the mass of the clip in the hinge region. A reduced mass in the hinge region lessens the strain at the hinge region when the clip is in a clamped position, and therefore increases its strength retention.

Abstract: Crystalline copolymer comprising the reaction product of: a) a predominant amount of a high molecular weight prepolymer of .epsilon.-caprolactone and glycolide, and b) the balance glycolide. A surgical device such as a surgical filament, in particular a surgical suture, prepared by injection molding or melt spinning the crystalline copolymer.

Abstract: There is described a surgical fastener comprising a glycolide-rich blend of two or more polymers, one polymer being a high lactide content polymer and another being a high glycolide content polymer. The blend as a whole contains from about 65 to 85 weight percent polymerized glycolide, with the high glycolide content polymer constituting at least 50 weight percent of the blend.

Abstract: Block copolymers of glycolide and p-dioxanone are produced by reacting poly(p-dioxanone) that is substantially free of p-dioxanone monomer with glycolide.

Abstract: A surgical fastener is made from a glycolide-rich blend of polymers.

Abstract: Novel copolymers of .epsilon.-caprolactone and glycolide useful in making surgical articles and particularly surgical sutures having Young's modulus of less than 350,000 psi. New and improved polymerization methods for producing the novel .epsilon.-caprolactone and glycolide copolymers.

Abstract: Radiation sterilizable polymeric materials, particularly radiation sterilizable absorbable, surgical products made from such polymeric materials.