Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument comprises a handle portion and an elongate shaft. The shaft has a distal end and a proximal end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween, and a cutting element is mounted at the distal end. The instrument further comprises a safety sleeve which includes a substantially cylindrical channel through which the elongate shaft extends. The safety sleeve is moveable axially along the shaft between the proximal end and the distal end of the shaft. The instrument further comprises locking means for preventing further axial movement of the safety sleeve with respect to the elongate shaft when the safety sleeve is in the extended position. The locking means comprises first and second cooperating elements each located on a respective one of the distal end of the shaft and the safety sleeve. A method for using the cutting instrument is also provided.

Abstract: A self-releasing tourniquet apparatus comprises an elongate strap and a housing. The strap has a first end and a second end and a plurality of holes arranged at substantially regular intervals along its length. The first end of the strap is connectable to the housing. The housing includes a projecting element sized to be received in one of the plurality of holes on the strap. The housing includes means for moving the projecting element from a first position to a second position after a predetermined period of time, and also includes timer means for measuring the predetermined period of time. In use, the strap is tensioned around a patient's limb when the projecting element is in the first position, and tension is released when the projecting element is in the second position.

Abstract: Improved methods, designs and/or systems for incorporating markings and/or other visual and/or tactilely identifiable indicia on woven, knitted, nonwoven, braided and/or felted textiles used for medical textile implants and prostheses, including medical graft prostheses that would not affect the overall mechanical performance of the textile.

Abstract: A self-releasing tourniquet apparatus comprises an elongate strap and a housing. The strap has a first end and a second end and a plurality of holes arranged at substantially regular intervals along its length. The first end of the strap is connectable to the housing. The housing includes a projecting element sized to be received in one of the plurality of holes on the strap. The housing includes means for moving the projecting element from a first position to a second position after a predetermined period of time, and also includes timer means for measuring the predetermined period of time. In use, the strap is tensioned around a patient's limb when the projecting element is in the first position, and tension is released when the projecting element is in the second position.

Abstract: A continuous loop of material for use in mammals, particularly humans. One embodiment may have an air entanglement section therein and method of making the same. Another embodiment includes a hollow braided length having a first inner section and a second inner section, the sections formed by radially inserting the ends into the hollow braid and passing it along a portion of the hollow interior. These embodiments may also include a bone engagement member incorporated therein. A further embodiment is a loop assembly having a length of fiber, the length of fiber having two ends, and a bone engagement member having an end receiving member to securely receive the two respective ends therein.

Abstract: A continuous loop of material for use in mammals, particularly humans. One embodiment may have an air entanglement section therein and method of making the same. Another embodiment includes a hollow braided length having a first inner section and a second inner section, the sections formed by radially inserting the ends into the hollow braid and passing it along a portion of the hollow interior. These embodiments may also include a bone engagement member incorporated therein. A further embodiment is a loop assembly having a length of fiber, the length of fiber having two ends, and a bone engagement member having an end receiving member to securely receive the two respective ends therein.

Abstract: A system, method and fabric having a dimensionally stabilized pore. The system has a mesh fabric having a pore, such pore having a first pore perimeter. The system has a support having a support outer perimeter. The support is received into the pore so that the pore perimeter is in contact with the outer support perimeter. When the fabric is thermoset, the pore permanently assumes the shape of the outer support perimeter.

Abstract: A continuous loop of material for use in mammals, particularly humans. One embodiment may have an air entanglement section therein and method of making the same. Another embodiment includes a hollow braided length having a first inner section and a second inner section, the sections formed by radially inserting the ends into the hollow braid and passing it along a portion of the hollow interior. These embodiments may also include a bone engagement member incorporated therein. A further embodiment is a loop assembly having a length of fiber, the length of fiber having two ends, and a bone engagement member having an end receiving member to securely receive the two respective ends therein.

Abstract: A continuous loop of material for use in mammals, particularly humans. One embodiment may have an air entanglement section therein and method of making the same. Another embodiment includes a hollow braided length having a first inner section and a second inner section, the sections formed by radially inserting the ends into the hollow braid and passing it along a portion of the hollow interior. These embodiments may also include a bone engagement member incorporated therein. A further embodiment is a loop assembly having a length of fiber, the length of fiber having two ends, and a bone engagement member having an end receiving member to securely receive the two respective ends therein.

Abstract: A system, method and fabric having a dimensionally stabilized pore. The system has a mesh fabric having a pore, such pore having a first pore perimeter. The system has a support having a support outer perimeter. The support is received into the pore so that the pore perimeter is in contact with the outer support perimeter. When the fabric is thermoset, the pore permanently assumes the shape of the outer support perimeter.

Abstract: A continuous loop of material for use in mammals, particularly humans. One embodiment may have an air entanglement section therein and method of making the same. Another embodiment includes a hollow braided length having a first inner section and a second inner section, the sections formed by radially inserting the ends into the hollow braid and passing it along a portion of the hollow interior. These embodiments may also include a bone engagement member incorporated therein. A further embodiment is a loop assembly having a length of fiber, the length of fiber having two ends, and a bone engagement member having an end receiving member to securely receive the two respective ends therein.