Abstract: In an embodiment, an article includes a primary surface, and a pattern of spaced dissimilar materials, on the primary surface. The pattern is to spontaneously produce electrical surface currents when brought into contact with an electrically conducting solution.

Abstract: Single, continuous PTFE layers having lateral zones of varied characteristics are described. Some of the lateral zone embodiments may include PTFE material having little or no nodal and fibril microstructure. Methods of manufacturing PTFE layers allow for controllable permeability and porosity of the layers, in addition to other characteristics. The characteristics may vary from one lateral zone of a PTFE layer to a second lateral zone of a PTFE layer. In some embodiments, the PTFE layers may act as a barrier layer in an endovascular graft or other medical device.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an article includes a primary surface, and a pattern of spaced dissimilar materials, on the primary surface. The pattern is to spontaneously produce electrical surface currents when brought into contact with an electrically conducting solution.

Abstract: An elastic suspension device is disclosed. The elastic suspension device includes an element including an elastic connector and at least one anchor at an end portion of the connector, the at least one anchor is designed for anchoring the elastic connector to a tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides new and useful devices and techniques for use in suturing. These devices and techniques are particularly useful in laparoscopic, arthroscopic, and/or open surgical procedures. A method according to the present invention is characterized by releasably coupling a suture to a suture device, causing the tip of the suture device and a portion of the suture to penetrate a tissue, and releasing the suture from the suture device, so the suture may be drawn through the tissue for completion of a suturing procedure. One type of suturing device according to the invention is characterized by a handle with an elongated shaft with a sharpened tip configured to hold a suture at a selected point on the suture. Another type of device according to the principles of the invention is characterized by new and useful structures and techniques for loading the suture into the device.

Abstract: Devices and techniques for suturing are particularly useful in laparoscopic, arthroscopic, and/or open surgical procedures. A method of delivering a suture includes providing a suture device, releasably coupling a suture to a distal end of a suture device by threading the suture through a first region of a bounded opening of the suture device and moving the suture to a second region of the bounded opening having a dimension smaller than a diameter of the suture to trap the suture in the second region, penetrating a substrate with the distal end of the suture device such that the a portion of the suture passes through the substrate, and releasing the suture from the distal end of the suture device.

Abstract: A method of deploying a fixation mechanism includes providing an insertion instrument and a fixation mechanism, creating an insertion tunnel within tissue of a patient, and positioning the insertion instrument with the fixation mechanism in the insertion tunnel. The insertion instrument includes a main member connected to an instrument handle and a secondary member connected to a pushing handle and positioned within the main member. The main member and the secondary member extend along a longitudinal axis. The fixation mechanism includes a first portion coupled to the main member and a second portion coupled to the secondary member. The method includes translating the pushing handle along the longitudinal axis relative to the instrument handle such that translating causes the secondary member to move the second portion relative to the first portion.

Abstract: A coated/impregnated anchoring device and/or suture to prevent infection, deliver site specific drugs, and deliver human growth factors to the surgical site. The coatings can include anti-microbial agents to prevent or fight infection en route to and at the surgical site. The coatings can also include site specific drugs and/or human growth factors to fight infection, anesthetize tissue and/or bone en route and at the site, promote tissue regeneration, promote bone regeneration, and/or other desired medical processes.

Abstract: A surgical knot manipulator device is presented for facilitating the tying and untying of surgical knots through an access portal such as an arthroscopic cannula or an endoscopic trocar. The surgical knot manipulator device includes an elongated, cylindrical body member having a handle at its proximal end and a circular loop located at its distal end where the circular loop may contain a slot to facilitate the engagement of a suture.

Abstract: A surgical knot manipulator device is presented for facilitating the tying and untying of surgical knots through an access portal such as an arthroscopic cannula or an endoscopic trocar. The surgical knot manipulator device includes an elongated, cylindrical body member having a handle at its proximal end and a circular loop located at its distal end where the circular loop may contain a slot to facilitate the engagement of a suture.

Abstract: A system of instrumentation and implants for surgically securing an allograft or prosthetic ligament into a patient's bone is part of a procedure to replace cruciate ligaments. A fixation device for attaching soft tissue to bone includes a fixation mechanism, a shaft, and a securing mechanism. Alternatively, the fixation mechanism may include an expansion leg, the shaft may include a one-way track. In another implementation, the fixation mechanism may include an inner core that expands as a result of insertion of a device that causes radial displacement.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering medicine to one or more eyes is provided. The apparatus includes a mask worn around the eyes. The mask has a substantially transparent mask face and one or more fog outlets proximate to the eyes. An atomizer nebulizes medicine into a medicine-carrying fog such that the fog discharges from the fog outlets to deliver medicine carried by the fog to one or more eyes. The momentum of the liquid fog droplets is low so that the eyes do not adversely react to the droplet impact, yet the droplet density is sufficient to deliver an effective amount of medication. Additionally, the apparatus may include a power supply, a propellant source and one or more conduits. Methods of delivering medication to the eyes are also provided.

Abstract: An elastic suspension device is disclosed. The elastic suspension device includes an element including an elastic connector and at least one anchor at an end portion of the connector, the at least one anchor is designed for anchoring the elastic connector to a tissue.

Abstract: A surgical knot manipulator device is presented for facilitating the tying and untying of surgical knots through an access portal such as an arthroscopic cannula or an endoscopic trocar. The surgical knot manipulator device includes an elongated, cylindrical body member having a handle at its proximal end and a circular loop located at its distal end where the circular loop may contain a slot to facilitate the engagement of a suture.

Abstract: A bone screw having a head with a socket for receiving a screw driving device and a shaft extending from the head. The shaft includes respective alternating first and second helical threads running substantially parallel with each other along the shaft. Additionally, the second series of helical threads exhibits a diameter substantially different than the first series of helical threads. In accordance with this aspect of the invention, the thread pattern of the bone screw exhibits a hi-low thread configuration. In addition, the bone screw may comprise a plurality of series of helical threads, each exhibiting different diameters from the others.

Abstract: A medullary suture anchor including an elongated body having flat, angled end portions. A central bore extends through the body transverse to and centered on the longitudinal axis of the anchor. The anchor further includes channels extending along the sides of the body, such that a suture journaled through the center bore may be received within the longitudinal grooves during insertion of the anchor into a medullary canal.

Abstract: A joint implant is presented having an elongated cylindrical member with an annular spacer which accommodates the diameter of the cylindrical member by fitting loosely over the cylindrical member. The ends of the elongated cylindrical member are designed for insertion into the intramedullary canals of adjacent bones while the annular spacer is designed to cushion the joint and maintain proper spacing between the bones.

Abstract: A medullary suture anchor including an elongated body having flat, angled end portions. A central bore extends through the body transverse to and centered on the longitudinal axis of the anchor. The anchor further includes channels extending along the sides of the body, such that a suture journaled through the central bore may be received within the longitudinal grooves during insertion of the anchor into a medullary canal.