Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, implantable or insertable medical devices are provided, which contain one or more biodegradable polymeric regions. These biodegradable polymeric regions, in turn, contain one or more polymers, at least one of which is a biodegradable copolymer that includes: (a) one or more amorphous polymer blocks that display a glass transition temperature below 37° C. and (b) one or more amorphous polymer blocks displaying a glass transition temperature above 37° C.

Abstract: A delivery system for a self-expandable prosthesis includes a catheter having a distal end and a proximal end, a balloon positioned on the distal end of the catheter, a self-expandable prosthesis positioned on the balloon, and a sheath at least partially surrounding the self-expandable prosthesis. Upon inflation of the balloon, the sheath opens in a controllable manner, allowing the self-expandable prosthesis to be released. The sheath is either removed from the vessel or allowed to remain in the vessel.

Abstract: A suture buttress comprises a hollow tube having an outer surface and opposed ends. The suture buttress may further include an external securing element, such as a securing tab suitable to retain the suture buttress within a bone tunnel. The suture buttress may also include a resilient flange disposed on one end of the suture buttress.

Abstract: A suture buttress includes a hollow tube having an outer surface and opposed ends. The suture buttress may further include an external securing element, such as a securing tab suitable to retain the suture buttress within a bone tunnel. The suture buttress may also include a resilient flange disposed on one end of the suture buttress.

Abstract: A suture buttress comprises a hollow tube having an outer surface and opposed ends. The suture buttress may further include an external securing element, such as a securing tab suitable to retain the suture buttress within a bone tunnel. The suture buttress may also include a resilient flange disposed on one end of the suture buttress.

Abstract: A suture buttress comprises a hollow tube having an outer wall, a central channel, a center line extending through the channel, leading end for insertion into a bone tunnel and a trailing end. The hollow tube is bendable into a curved tube having an outer radius and an outer radial surface, the outer radial surface defining a plurality of slits formed in the outer wall. The suture buttress further includes at least one projecting member integral with and extending outward from the outer wall. The at least one projecting member is sufficiently strong to form a friction fit within a bone tunnel. A method for using the suture buttress to attach soft tissue to bone by inserting the suture buttress into a tunnel formed in bone, passing a suture through the tunnel and suture buttress and using the suture to attach soft tissue to the bone.

Abstract: A needle assembly for passing suture within the body includes a rigid needle having a proximal end and a pointed distal end, and an opening in the distal end extending through the needle for retaining a suture therein; a stop element positioned on the needle proximate to, and spaced from, the proximal end of the needle; a sheath having a lengthwise bore therethrough for slidably retaining the needle; and a lock member engageable with the needle stop element to prevent distal movement of the needle in the sheath bore. The needle distal end is movable to an exposed position for passing the assembly through tissue, and is movable to a shielded position within the sheath for passing the assembly safely past the tissue which is not to be penetrated. There is further contemplated a method for passing suture within the body, using the needle assembly.

Abstract: Heterogeneous braided multifilament of first and second set of yarns mechanically blended by braiding, in which first and second set of yarns are composed of different fiber-forming materials.Heterogeneous braids are useful for preparation of surgical sutures and ligatures.