Abstract: The bioabsorbable polymers and compositions of the present invention may be formed into medical devices such as stents that can be crimped onto a catheter system for delivery into a blood vessel. The properties of the bioabsorbable polymers allow for both crimping and expansion of the stent. The crystal properties of the bioabsorbable polymers may change during crimping and/or expansion allowing for improved mechanical properties such as tensile strength and slower degradation kinetics. Typically, bioabsorbable polymers comprise aliphatic polyesters based on lactide backbone such as poly L-lactide, poly D-lactide, poly D,L-lactide, mesolactide, glycolides, lactones, as homopolymers or copolymers, as well as formed in copolymer moieties with co-monomers such as, trimethylene carbonate (TMC) or ?-caprolactone (ECL).

Abstract: A biodegradable and biocompatible nontoxic polymeric composition is provided which includes a base material such as a crystallizable polymer, copolymer, or terpolymer, and a copolymer or terpolymer additive. Medical devices manufactured from the composition are also provided.

Abstract: A biodegradable and biocompatible nontoxic polymeric composition is provided which includes a base material such as a crystallizable polymer, copolymer, or terpolymer, and a copolymer or terpolymer additive. Medical devices manufactured from the composition are also provided.

Abstract: A medical fastener (18), preferably bioabsorbable, is used for repairing torn soft tissue, particularly meniscal tissue (16). The fastener (18) can have an enlarged head (22) at the proximate end to engage meniscal tissue (16) adjacent to a tear (14), and a pointed distal tip (21) at the other end to ease insertion of the fastener (18) into the meniscus (16). The shank (20) of the fastener (18) bridges across the tear (14). Opposite ends of the shank (20) are secured in the meniscal tissue (16) by a medical adhesive, preferably bioabsorbable, and preferably at locations remote from the tear (14) so as not to interfere with healing of the tear (14). The fastener (18) can have a blind bore (24) opening through the head (22) of the fastener (18) and extending through the shank (20) to a location close to the tip (21) and generally radial holes (26) communicating between the bore (24) and the exterior of the shank (20).

Abstract: A biodegradable and biocompatible nontoxic polymeric composition is provided which includes a base material such as a crystallizable polymer, copolymer, or terpolymer, and a copolymer or terpolymer additive. Medical devices manufactured from the composition are also provided.

Abstract: A biodegradable and biocompatible nontoxic polymeric composition is provided which includes a base material such as a crystallizable polymer, copolymer, or terpolymer, and a copolymer or terpolymer additive. Medical devices manufactured from the composition are also provided.

Abstract: A biodegradable and biocompatible nontoxic polymeric composition is provided which includes a base material such as a crystallizable polymer, copolymer, or terpolymer, and a copolymer or terpolymer additive. Medical devices manufactured from the composition are also provided.

Abstract: The bioabsorbable polymers and compositions of the present invention may be formed into medical devices such as stents that can be crimped onto a catheter system for delivery into a blood vessel. The properties of the bioabsorbable polymers allow for both crimping and expansion of the stent. The crystal properties of the bioabsorbable polymers may change during crimping and/or expansion allowing for improved mechanical properties such as tensile strength and slower degradation kinetics. Typically, bioabsorbable polymers comprise aliphatic polyesters based on lactide backbone such as poly L-lactide, poly D-lactide, poly D,L-lactide, mesolactide, glycolides, lactones, as homopolymers or copolymers, as well as formed in copolymer moieties with co-monomers such as, trimethylene carbonate (TMC) or ?-caprolactone (ECL).

Abstract: A biodegradable and biocompatible nontoxic polymeric composition is provided which includes a base material such as a crystallizable polymer, copolymer, or terpolymer, and a copolymer or terpolymer additive. Medical devices manufactured from the composition are also provided.

Abstract: A biodegradable and biocompatible nontoxic polymeric composition is provided which includes a base material such as a crystallizable polymer, copolymer, or terpolymer, and a copolymer or terpolymer additive. Medical devices manufactured from the composition are also provided.

Abstract: A biodegradable and biocompatible nontoxic polymeric composition is provided which includes a base material such as a crystallizable polymer, copolymer, or terpolymer, and a copolymer or terpolymer additive. Medical devices manufactured from the composition are also provided.

Abstract: A reinforcing member or stent (7) is inserted into opposite end portions (1, 1′) of a lacerated tendon and fixed within the tendon so that tension applied to the tendon is transmitted across the laceration by way of the reinforcing member (7).

Abstract: A reinforcing member or stent (7) is inserted into opposite end portions (1, 1′) of a lacerated tendon and secured within the tendon by adhesive so that tension applied to the tendon is transmitted across the laceration by way of the reinforcing member (7).

Abstract: A medical fastener (18), preferably bioabsorbable, is used for repairing torn soft tissue, particularly meniscal tissue (16). The fastener (18) can have an enlarged head (22) at the proximate end to engage meniscal tissue (16) adjacent to a tear (14), and a pointed distal tip (21) at the other end to ease insertion of the fastener (18) into the meniscus (16). The shank (20) of the fastener (18) bridges across the tear (14). Opposite ends of the shank (20) are secured in the meniscal tissue (16) by a medical adhesive, preferably bioabsorbable, and preferably at locations remote from the tear (14) so as not to interfere with healing of the tear (14). The fastener (18) can have a blind bore (24) opening through the head (22) of the fastener (18) and extending through the shank (20) to a location close to the tip (21) and generally radial holes (26) communicating between the bore (24) and the exterior of the shank (20).

Abstract: A reinforcing member or stent (7) is inserted into opposite end portions (1, 1) of a lacerated tendon and secured within the tendon by adhesive so that tension applied to the tendon is transmitted across the laceration by way of the reinforcing member (7).

Abstract: A clamp and installation tool combination wherein the clamp portion comprises an elongated pin having a hook at both ends and containing multiple circumferential notches along its shaft. A clamp button with a central through-hole is mounted on the shaft of the pin and engages the notches so as to produce a ratchet-type mechanism that permits the motion of the button only in the direction of the distal end of the pin. The installation tool consists of a syringe-type applicator having an outer barrel containing a pin retention clip designed to engage the hook at the proximal end of the pin, so that the pin cannot move in relation to the barrel of the tool.

Abstract: A dental probe is disclosed for use in detecting periodontal disease and gingivitis. The probe includes an elongage member having a distal end with the double-tapered flexible plastic tip thereon; the distal end has a first portion indicating a non-diseased condition and a second portion indicating a diseased condition, the first portion being disposed between the tip of the distal end and the second portion, the second portion being disposed adjacent to the first portion. The invention also includes a method using the dental probe for diagnosing periodontal disease and gingivitis.