Abstract: A method of improving the fatigue life of a superelastic medical device includes applying a compressive stress to a fatigue critical location of a medical device comprising a superelastic nickel-titanium alloy, where the compressive stress induces a compressive strain of greater than 9% in the fatigue critical location. After inducing the compressive strain, the compressive stress is released. A tensile stress is applied to the fatigue critical location of the medical device, where the tensile stress induces a tensile strain of greater than 9% in the fatigue critical location. After inducing the tensile strain, the tensile stress is released. After application and release of each of the compressive stress and the tensile stress, the fatigue critical location includes a non-zero amount of residual strain, and the medical device may exhibit improved fatigue properties.

Abstract: A method of improving the fatigue life of a superelastic medical device includes applying a compressive stress to a fatigue critical location of a medical device comprising a superelastic nickel-titanium alloy, where the compressive stress induces a compressive strain of greater than 9% in the fatigue critical location. After inducing the compressive strain, the compressive stress is released. A tensile stress is applied to the fatigue critical location of the medical device, where the tensile stress induces a tensile strain of greater than 9% in the fatigue critical location. After inducing the tensile strain, the tensile stress is released. After application and release of each of the compressive stress and the tensile stress, the fatigue critical location includes a non-zero amount of residual strain, and the medical device may exhibit improved fatigue properties.

Abstract: Tissue fixation systems and tissue manipulators are described herein. In addition, methods of using a tissue fixation system and a tissue manipulator, methods of manufacturing a tissue manipulator, and kits that include a tissue fixation system and a tissue manipulator are described herein. An example embodiment of a tissue fixation system includes a mounting plate, a mounting jaw releasably attached to the mounting plate, a mounting clamp releasably attached to the mounting plate, and a plurality of fasteners.

Abstract: Tissue fixation systems, delivery tools, kits that include a tissue fixation system, and methods of treatment that use a tissue fixation system are described herein. An example embodiment of a tissue fixation system includes an anchor, a set screw, and a tissue manipulator. The anchor has a shaft and a head attached to the shaft. The set screw is partially disposed within a passageway defined by the anchor and is moveable between a first position and a second position. The tissue manipulator is partially disposed within the passageway defined by the anchor and is removable from the anchor when the set screw is in the first position and is releasably attached to the anchor when the set screw is in the second position.