Abstract: A surgical tool includes a shaft for receiving implants. The shaft defines a non-linear track. The tool includes a deployment member movable along the track to deploy the implants. An implant includes a body, and a plurality of alternating threads and flutes helically arranged about the body such that the body rotates under a linear applied force. Alternatively, an implant includes a body having a distal end for pound-in advancement into tissue. The body includes a plurality of cone-shaped, stacked barbs. A surgical tool includes two implants. The first implant has forward threads and the second implant has reverse threads. The first implant has threads for rotary advancement into tissue and the second implant is configured for pound-in advancement into tissue. The first and second implants are configured for pound-in advancement into tissue.

Abstract: Implantable devices that deliver a drug to a target location are disclosed. In general, the devices include a portion that engages tissue near the target location and a section with an internal cavity that houses the drug. The drug can be incorporated into a controlled release agent, such as drug-polymer microspheres, which steadily or intermittently release the drug. Alternatively, instead of defining an internal cavity, the section can be formed from a material that includes the controlled release agent. The devices can be used, e.g., to deliver down-regulatory cytokines to a site of inflammation.

Abstract: A surgical assembly includes a fastener, a retainer, and a flexible member. The fastener is configured to be secured within bone tissue. The flexible member connects the fastener to the retainer and is movably attached to the retainer such that pulling on a free end of the flexible member shortens a length of the flexible member between the fastener and the retainer. A method includes positioning a fastener within bone tissue, positioning a retainer against soft tissue to be attached to the bone tissue, and pulling a free end of a flexible member. The fastener and the retainer are connected by the flexible member, the flexible member is movably attached to the retainer, and pulling on the free end of the flexible member shortens a length of the flexible member between the fastener and the retainer.

Abstract: An anchor includes an anchor body configured to be retained within base tissue. The anchor body includes a unidirectional mechanism to selectively restrict passage of a flexible member through the anchor. The flexible member includes a loop to enable attachment of candidate tissue to base tissue without the use of knots.

Abstract: A method of closing a tissue wound includes providing a wound closure device having a first anchor, a second anchor, and a flexible member movably attached to the second anchor, positioning the first anchor against tissue, passing the flexible member across the wound, positioning the second anchor against tissue, and pulling on a free end of the flexible member to shorten a length of the flexible member between the first and second anchors, thereby closing the wound. A wound closure device includes a first anchor, a second anchor; and a flexible member connecting the first anchor to the second anchor, the flexible member being movably attached to the second anchor, such that pulling on a free end of the flexible member shortens a length of the flexible member between the first and second anchors.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses tools and a tool-holding retractor assembly. The retractor assembly spreads an incision and holds the incision open. At least one extension device, having a tool holder on one end, attaches to the assembly. The holder includes a selectively locking multi-axis adjustable mounting element adapted to grip a tool shaft. The mounting element acts as a universal mounting providing rotational and sliding movement of the tool shaft. The extension device adjusts to position the tool holder peripherally of the surgical field. Once the retractor is placed, the extension device provides full access to regions below the incision. The extension device allows the surgeon to chose the insertion point and insertion angle of the tool shaft.

Abstract: A surgical instrument (e.g., suture-passing forceps) has a first jaw with a mount which supports a needled suture and a second jaw having a passage, which when aligned with the mount, is positioned to receive the needled suture. The second jaw is positioned relative to the mount in a manner which allows delivery of the instrument to a surgical site in a low profile, delivery position (e.g., with the jaws spaced relatively closely). The surgical instrument includes an elongated shaft having a distal region for supporting the jaws. The second jaw is pivotable, with respect to the mount, between the delivery position in which the second jaw is spaced relatively closely to the mount with the passage misaligned with the mount and an open, misaligned position, the second jaw being axially translatable relative to the mount to an open, aligned position in which the passage is aligned with the mount.