Abstract: Cartridges configured to hold anchors and associated locking sutures and a common suture used in an array of anchors. A suture anchor array is connected in series by a single working suture and each of the suture anchors allows tensioning of the working suture between itself and the prior anchor implanted in the serial string. Further, each anchor includes a suture lock having a free tail that can be pulled to lock the working suture in place subsequent to tensioning. This creates an independently tensioned suture bridge between each implanted suture anchor and the just previously implanted anchor. The cartridges are configured to securely hold an individual anchor and store the tail of the suture lock, while allowing flossing of anchors along the common suture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for transtendinous implantation of a toggle-type bone anchor. Measured from the top surface of the tendon, the entire bone anchor is inserted to a depth of greater than or equal to 20 mm. during a rotator cuff repair on the humeral head. The anchor is pushed by the same bone punch that formed the initial hole to assure proper depth of placement. Further, the apparatus includes a nub portion that, in use, protrudes into the bone hole formed by the bone punch and maintains registration with the bone hole when the bone punch is retracted. An angled distal end on the anchor initiates toggling during insertion into the bone and at least one proximal projecting fin prevents the anchor from backing out of the bone hole while facilitating further rotation of the anchor when a suture is pulled to complete toggling.

Abstract: A system of toggle type suture anchors is disclosed. The plurality of suture anchors is connected in series by a plurality of independently cinchable working suture loops with one working suture loop connecting each pair of anchors in series to form a chain. Each of the suture anchors as connected by working suture loops allows tensioning of the working suture between itself and the prior anchor implanted in the serial string. Further, each anchor includes a loop type locking mechanism to lock the cinchable working suture loop subsequent to tensioning so that the loop remains fixed in size during cyclic loading during joint use. This creates an independently tensioned suture stitch between each implanted suture anchor and the just previously implanted anchor. In total the system as implanted creates a high density, continuous array of anchor-to-anchor stitches for robust securement of soft tissue to bone.

Abstract: A toggle-type suture anchor that incorporates individual suture tensioning and locking without knot tying. The anchor includes several exemplary designs of toggle bodies having a working suture pre-threaded through one or more passages therethrough. A locking suture loop is pre-threaded relative to the working suture and includes a collapsible loop that encircles a portion of the length of suture running longitudinally adjacent the side of the anchor. With the loop open, the working suture can slide through the anchor, however, when the loop is closed the working suture is locked in position to retain tension on the working suture. Alternatively, the locking suture loop can be replaced with a mechanical locking member that moves from a first unlocked to a second locked position. The exemplary anchors can be utilized in a pre-strung connected array of anchors.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for creating a seam like array of suture stitches joined in series by sequential anchors in bone. The anchors are transtendon implants positioned through the tendon in the original tendon footprint and each array includes four or more anchors. The seam like array extends across at least a portion of the tendon. The stitches can extend generally perpendicular to the direction of the tendon orientation. In rotator cuff repair, the anchors are positioned in the original footprints of the infraspinatus and/or supraspinatus tendons and the seam like array extends in an anterior to posterior direction across the particular tendons torn and repaired. The entire array of anchors can be positioned in the medial half of the original footprints.

Abstract: A system of toggle type suture anchors is disclosed. The plurality of suture anchors is connected in series by a single working suture and each of the suture anchors allows tensioning of the working suture between itself and the prior anchor implanted in the serial string. Further, each anchor includes a loop type locking mechanism to lock the working suture in place subsequent to tensioning. This creates an independently tensioned suture stitch between each implanted suture anchor and the just previously implanted anchor. In total the system as implanted creates a continuous array of single anchor to anchor stitches which can be placed close together in high density to form a line or region of stitches for a more robust securement of soft tissue to bone.

Abstract: Cartridges configured to hold anchors and associated locking sutures and a common suture used in an array of anchors. A suture anchor array is connected in series by a single working suture and each of the suture anchors allows tensioning of the working suture between itself and the prior anchor implanted in the serial string. Further, each anchor includes a suture lock having a free tail that can be pulled to lock the working suture in place subsequent to tensioning. This creates an independently tensioned suture bridge between each implanted suture anchor and the just previously implanted anchor. The cartridges are configured to securely hold an individual anchor and store the tail of the suture lock, while allowing flossing of anchors along the common suture.

Abstract: A system of toggle type suture anchors is disclosed. The plurality of suture anchors is connected in series by a single working suture and each of the suture anchors allows tensioning of the working suture between itself and the prior anchor implanted in the serial string. Further, each anchor includes a loop type locking mechanism to lock the working suture in place subsequent to tensioning. This creates an independently tensioned suture stitch between each implanted suture anchor and the just previously implanted anchor. In total the system as implanted creates a continuous array of single anchor to anchor stitches which can be placed close together in high density to form a line or region of stitches for a more robust securement of soft tissue to bone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for transtendinous implantation of a toggle-type bone anchor. Measured from the top surface of the tendon, the entire bone anchor is inserted to a depth of greater than or equal to 20 mm. during a rotator cuff repair on the humeral head. The anchor is pushed by the same bone punch that formed the initial hole to assure proper depth of placement. Further, the apparatus includes a nub portion that, in use, protrudes into the bone hole formed by the bone punch and maintains registration with the bone hole when the bone punch is retracted. An angled distal end on the anchor initiates toggling during insertion into the bone and at least one proximal projecting fin prevents the anchor from backing out of the bone hole while facilitating further rotation of the anchor when a suture is pulled to complete toggling.

Abstract: Cartridges configured to hold anchors and associated locking sutures and a common suture used in an array of anchors. A suture anchor array is connected in series by a single working suture and each of the suture anchors allows tensioning of the working suture between itself and the prior anchor implanted in the serial string. Further, each anchor includes a suture lock having a free tail that can be pulled to lock the working suture in place subsequent to tensioning. This creates an independently tensioned suture bridge between each implanted suture anchor and the just previously implanted anchor. The cartridges are configured to securely hold an individual anchor and store the tail of the suture lock, while allowing flossing of anchors along the common suture.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that provide respiration entrainment cues to a user to encourage relaxation or a sleep state. The entrainment cues may be audible, visible, or tactile (or any combination). The entrainment cues include a rhythmic component associated with a target respiration rate and may include sub-components associated with a target breath architecture, such as an inhale-exhale cycle. The systems and methods detect the user's respiration to determine whether the user's respiration matches the entrainment cues or whether the user has fallen asleep.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that provide respiration entrainment cues to a user to encourage relaxation or a sleep state. The entrainment cues may be audible, visible, or tactile (or any combination). The entrainment cues include a rhythmic component associated with a target respiration rate and may include sub-components associated with a target breath architecture, such as an inhale-exhale cycle. The systems and methods detect the user's respiration to determine whether the user's respiration matches the entrainment cues or whether the user has fallen asleep.

Abstract: A system for stimulating tissue to relieve pain and repair and/or regenerate tissue comprising a garment that has an electrode, a programmable electrical stimulation device, a time varying electromagnetic field generator, and a source that provides an electrical current. Also provided is a method wherein the electrode provides the user with a stimulating current and the time varying electromagnetic field provides the user with a time varying electromagnetic field either simultaneously, alternating, and/or sequentially.