Abstract: A graft attachment device having an elongated body with a leading end and a trailing end, each defining an element for carrying a filament such as a suture. The body further defines at least one element for attaching to the body either a graft or a graft connection element which is in turn connected to the graft. The element for attaching enables the body to rotate relative to the graft from an initial insertion position, along an axis substantially parallel to the graft, to a final fixation position transverse to the graft to secure the graft relative to a bone.

Abstract: A graft attachment device having an elongated body with a leading end and a trailing end, each defining an element for carrying a filament such as a suture. The body further defines at least one element for attaching to the body either a graft or a graft connection element which is in turn connected to the graft. The element for attaching enables the body to rotate relative to the graft from an initial insertion position, along an axis substantially parallel to the graft, to a final fixation position transverse to the graft to secure the graft relative to a bone. A method of attaching a graft to the bone using such a graft attachment device includes forming a socket in a bone such as a femur to accommodate an end of the graft, the socket having an opening at one end and a floor at its opposite end. A passage is formed from the floor of the socket to the opposite side of the bone, the passage having a width at least as large as the maximum width of the graft attachment device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for determining accurately the location of the tip (14) of a catheter (16) inside biological tissue is disclosed including a locator (34) having a coil (38) wound axially on a core (36) and a detector (12) in the form of a coil (28) wound on a core (24) removably positionable within catheter (16) adjacent the tip (14). A controller (20) generates AC current to coil (38) to produce an electromagnetic field and compares it with the output voltage developed in coil ( b 28) when the locator (34) comes within close physical proximity to detecetor (12). Locator (34) includes an amber LED indicator (42) which is energized when the locator (34) is behind the detector (12) and the monitored output voltage is in phase with the generated alternating current and includes a red LED indicator (44) which is energized when the locator (34) is beyond the detector (12) and the monitored output voltage is 180.degree. out of phase with the generated alternating current.

Abstract: A percutaneous venous catheter includes a first fluid-pervious segment for implantation in the body and a second extravascular segment composed of a flexible tube surrounded by a vapor-barrier sheath. A cuff marks the boundary between the two segments and a connector fitting is mounted to the free end of the extravascular segment, there being a continuous fluid path between the fitting and the tip. The vapor barrier present in the extravascular segment of the catheter prevents fluid transpiration through the catheter wall that tends to draw fluid along the catheter causing an occluding thrombus formation at the catheter tip.