Abstract: This invention is an ossicular replacement prosthesis made of porous polymeric material with a metal core of the type that includes a head portion for fitting against the tympanic membrane and a shaft for bridging the middle ear to provide conduction of sound to the middle ear.

Abstract: A method for repairing in vivo torn cartilaginous or other bodily tissue, particularly torn meniscus tissue during arthroscopic surgery, employs a repair tack of biodegradable material chosen to have a degradation time in excess of the required healing time for the tissue. The repair tack has a shaft portion with a longitudinal bore and a grip portion adapted for releasable engagement by a hollow applicator. In one embodiment the grip portion of the tack is a cross bar, at the proximal end of the shaft, which fits into an open-sided slot at the forward end of the applicator. A needle passes through the hollow applicator and tack bore to project from the distal end of the tack shaft. With the tack supported in the slot and the needle passing through the stem, the needle and tack can be inserted into the joint cavity through a portal in the skin or through an insertion cannula.

Abstract: A suturing instrument for use in arthroscopic surgery includes a hollow needle for penetrating tissue to be sutured within the body while the tissue is clamped between relatively movable jaws, and a suture feed mechanism for feeding suture material through the hollow needle such that the jaws can be opened and the suturing instrument withdrawn from the body pulling the free end segment of the suture material with the instrument. A knot can be tied in the suture material externally of the body and the knot moved back into the body at a position adjacent the tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing in vivo torn cartilaginous or other bodily tissue, particularly torn meniscus tissue during arthroscopic surgery, employs a repair tack of biodegradable material chosen to have a degradation time in excess of the required healing time for the tissue. The repair tack has a shaft portion with a longitudinal bore and a grip portion adapted for releasable engagement by a hollow applicator. In one embodiment the grip portion of the tack is a cross bar, at the proximal end of the shaft, which fits into an open-sided slot at the forward end of the applicator. A needle passes through the hollow applicator and tack bore to project from the distal end of the tack shaft.

Abstract: This invention is an ossicular replacement prosthesis made of porous polymeric material with a metal core of the type that includes a head portion for fitting against the tympanic membrane and a shaft for bridging the middle ear to provide conduction of sound to the middle ear.

Abstract: A prosthetic device formed of a biodegradable material and useful as a ventilation tube for insertion between the middle ear and the outer ear. The device includes a shaft with an axial passage, an inner flange and an outer flange. At least a portion of the outer surface of the shaft is tapered, with the taper increasing from the inner to the outer flange. The larger diameter outer flange and any attached portion of the shaft are, therefore, forced outwardly when the tapered portion of the shaft is in contact with animal tissue biodegrades before other portions of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A vacuum sleeve is disclosed for removing severed tissue from a surgical site. The vacuum sleeve is used in conjunction with a surgical appliance having a cutting element and the vacuum sleeve is connected to a vacuum source. The vacuum sleeve includes an elongated body member having a distal and a proximal end. The body member defines an internal passageway which extends between the distal and proximal ends of the body member. The internal passageway removably receives therein the surgical appliance and the distal end of the body member defines a aperture such that when the surgical appliance is disposed within the internal passageway, the cutting element of the surfical appliance extends through the aperture thereby enabling the cutting element to sever tissue from the surgical site.