Abstract: A device for making a seamless, anatomically contoured, prosthetic device for supporting or maintaining the position of mammalian tissue, organ or structure or a replacement thereof, such as a breast implant, includes a support plate, an ironing plate or a clamping plate and a core plate, each of which is made from a thermally conductive material. The support plate and the ironing or clamping plates have openings formed through the thickness thereof. The core plate has a core extending outwardly from a lower surface thereof which is received through the openings in the ironing or clamping plate and the support plate.

Abstract: A device for making a seamless, anatomically contoured, prosthetic device for supporting or maintaining the position of mammalian tissue, organ or structure or a replacement thereof, such as a breast implant, includes a support plate, an ironing plate or a clamping plate and a core plate, each of which is made from a thermally conductive material. The support plate and the ironing or clamping plates have openings formed through the thickness thereof. The core plate has a core extending outwardly from a lower surface thereof which is received through the openings in the ironing or clamping plate and the support plate.

Abstract: A deployment device for anchoring a suture to a suture anchoring device, which is made from a helically coiled member, includes a winding tube for winding a suture around the coiled member in a helical path such that the suture is attached to at least one turn of the coiled member. A support mechanism is also provided for supporting the suture anchoring device during the winding of the suture around the coiled member. The deployment device can be used for anchoring a string and the like to any helically coiled member.

Abstract: A device and method for joining a severed sternum is disclosed. The device includes first and second bearing members, a sternum joining member having an axis and first and second ends, the first end connected to the first bearing member, the second bearing member adapted to engage the sternum joining member, and the sternum joining member is adapted to traverse the exposed cancellous surfaces of the sternal portions. The method includes moving the second bearing member along the axis of the sternum joining member toward the first bearing member, with the sternum joining member traversing the cancellous surfaces of both sternal portions, and securing the second bearing member on the axis of the sternum joining member so that the severed sternum is securely closed. A kit including sternal closure devices and other tools for closing a sternotomy is also disclosed.

Abstract: A suture anchoring device is made from a coiled member having a helical configuration with a multiplicity of turns. When used in connection with a surgical procedure, the device is positioned adjacent to a wound site and a suture is attached to at least two of the turns so as to anchor the suture to the coiled member.

Abstract: A suture anchoring and tensioning device is made from a resilient strip of polymeric or superelastic material adapted to be coiled into a tight spiral configuration that restricts movement of a suture entwined therein as the device coils about itself.

Abstract: A suture anchoring device is made from a coiled member having a helical configuration with a multiplicity of turns. When used in connection with a surgical procedure, the device is positioned adjacent to a wound site and a suture is attached to at least two of the turns so as to anchor the suture to the coiled member.

Abstract: A suture anchoring and tensioning device is made from a resilient strip of polymeric or superelastic material adapted to be coiled into a tight spiral configuration that restricts movement of a suture entwined therein as the device coils about itself.