Abstract: This invention relates in general to a bioabsorbable surgical tissue fixation implant (nail) and, more particularly to an implant for the fixation of soft tissue to bone. In one embodiment of the invention, the fixation implant generally includes at least one shaft configured to securely fit into a hole formed in bone. The shaft is of sufficient length relative to the interior diameter of the hole and, in some preferred embodiments, has locking protuberances, like threads, ridges, or barbs, that resist removal of the shaft from the hole in the bone when different types of forces, such as tensile or bending forces, are applied to the implant. The shaft is generally cylindrical in shape, however, in various embodiments of the invention, different cross-sections could be used. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the implant has a flattened and bent end portion emerging from only one side of the shaft.

Abstract: An at least partially bioabsorbable surgical fastener or device formed in the shape of a screw and washer system and the methods for manufacturing and using the same. The surgical fastener is particularly but not solely intended to be used to attach rotator cuff tendons to bone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biodegradable implant or the like manufactured of polymer-based material and intended to be installed in tissue conditions. In the macroscopic structure of the implant two or several zones are created in a manner that the biodegradable polymer-based material has in different zones a different detaching time from the macroscopic structure under tissue conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to body tissue fixation systems, including body tissue fixation hardware comprising biocompatible, bioabsorbable (resorbable) thermoplastic plates, and methods of using those systems and hardware.

Abstract: A tool kit for use in the inducement of the reconstitution and healing of the sternum after an operation on a patient in the chest region in which during the operation the sternum is cut into two hemisterna. The kit serves for the post-operational approximation and fixation of the hemisterna in a position which enables their spontaneous growing together. The kit includes an approximation tool for the application of a selected force to the hemisterna to brig them into reconstituted configuration, and a set of clamping apparatus for firmly locking the hemisterna in the reconstituted configuration. The clamping apparatus is made of a non-immunogenic polymeric material that is readily degraded in the patient's body to yield degradation products readily absorbed by the patient's body.

Abstract: A tool for installing a suture anchor which supports first and second suture segments having free ends, the tool including an installation end adapted to accommodate the suture anchor and to transmit mechanical power for driving the suture anchor, and a guiding arrangement adapted to guide and support the first and second suture segments in a non-parallel configuration at the installation end. The guiding arrangement may include at least one suture guide adapted to support the first and second suture segments, respectively, at least at a first and a second support points, which are spaced laterally with respect to a direction of installation of the suture anchor.

Abstract: A cylindrical, fibrous, porous joint spacer is provided, having excellent properties, flexibility of formation, and operability, which is intended to be implanted as a prosthesis between bones to be joined together. The joint spacer of the present invention can be formed from a strip of fabric, which is comprised of bioabsorbable fibers and made by a knitting, weaving, non-woven or other technique. The fabric is typically relatively narrow (e.g. 1 to 10 mm wide) and thin (e.g. 0.1 to 1.0 mm thick), depending on the intended application of the prosthetic device to be formed from the fabric. The joint spacer of the present invention is made by wrapping said fabric to yield a cylindrical body; and fixing the free end of the fabric to the surface of the cylindrical body so formed. The joint spacer of the present invention can be implanted in conjunction with one or more fixation parts, to hold the joint spacer in place between the bones to be joined.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable surgical implant for use in supporting soft tissue in a superior position in the body is described. The surgical implant includes a shaft that connects the implant to a bone or hard tissue and a head secured to the shaft. The head of the implant has a concave lower surface so that a suture (or sutures) can easily be wound around the shaft below the head and locked to this position by tightening the head against bone or hard tissue and by pushing or turning the shaft into the bone or hard tissue. The connected shaft and head are formed from a resorbable polymer, copolymer, polymer alloy or composite, which maintains a specified strength for a period of time at least equal to a healing period for the patient. Thereafter, the surgical implant is substantially resorbed by the body over a period of time needed for healing.

Abstract: The device of the present invention is designed for repairing a tear in soft and/or tough tissue of a patient, such as a tear in the meniscus of the knee.The device has a conduit, such as a cannula, that may be easily inserted into the patient and through which the fastener is delivered to the patient. This conduit is aligned with a seat for holding a fastener and a means for pushing a fastener, such as a piston, so that the pushing means is capable of pushing a fastener from its seat, through the conduit and into the patient. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the shape of the conduit exactly matches the shape of the cross-section of the fastener so that the surgeon may more accurately direct the angle and location at which the fastener enters the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a joint prosthesis intended to be mounted between two bones to be joined together. The joint prosthesis comprises a spacer part, intended to be placed between the joint surfaces of the bones to be joined. The spacer part is manufactured of biodegradable polymer, co-polymer, polymer mixture and/or composite. The spacer part is, at least under tissue conditions, porous and elastic. The joint prosthesis further comprises fixation parts which are arranged to fix the spacer part to the bones to be joined, and which are manufactured of biodegradable material.

Abstract: In the present invention, a bioabsorbable implant is described, which implant is manufactured of bioabsorbable polymer, copolymer, polymer alloy or fiber reinforced and/or particle filled composite, which implant is pushed into a hole or drill canal made in a bone, for fixing a bone graft into the drillhole, wherein the implant comprises: (1) at least one elongated body, (2) at least one gripping element to lock the implant into the drillhole, and (3) a platform surface for location of a bone block between the implant and the wall of the drillhole. The implant also may be equipped with (4) an additional arresting means, which effectively prevents the slipping of the bone block out of the drillhole.

Abstract: The invention relates to pliable surgical implants manufactured of bioabsorbable (or biodegradable) polymer, copolymer, polymer alloy or composite and used for fixation of a bone block (graft) into a drillhole in a bone.

Abstract: A tool for installing a suture anchor which supports first and second suture segments having free ends, the tool including an installation end adapted to accommodate the suture anchor and to transmit mechanical power for driving the suture anchor, and a guiding arrangement adapted to guide and support the first and second suture segments in a non-parallel configuration at the installation end. The guiding arrangement may include at least one suture guide adapted to support the first and second suture segments, respectively, at least at a first and a second support points, which are spaced laterally with respect to a direction of installation of the suture anchor.

Abstract: A method of producing a surgical implant, device, or part thereof, made of biodegradable material for performing at least one function selected from the group consisting of supporting, joining and separating tissue and keeping open a tissue cavity. One biodegradable rod which is wound around a winding center into a helical configuration in a manner that between successive winds there is provided a space free of material of the biodegradable rod, and which is reinforced with biodegradable reinforcement element in a biodegradable matrix the reinforcement elements being oriented substantially in a longitudinal direction of the biodegradable rod.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for installing an implant in a living tissue. The instrument includes a frame including an installation channel that is adapted for receiving the implant and is adapted to be placed in connection with the tissue. The implant is inserted in the tissue when it exits the installation channel. The frame includes an installation end. Apparatus produces a reciprocating movement that is transmitted to the implant to produce a periodic movement in the implant. An installation member conveys an external installation force to the implant for installing the implant. The installation member is insertable in the installation channel.

Abstract: Biocomposite material that is especially suitable for bone surgical applications, containing:at least one bioceramic piece (1) (bioceramic component) andat least one material component (2).The material component (2) comprises at least reinforcement elements which have been manufactured of essentially resorbable material like polymer, copolymer, polymer mixture and/or ceramic material.

Abstract: Surgical material of resorbable polymer, copolymer, or polymer mixture containing at least partially fibrillated structural units, and use thereof.

Abstract: Supporting structure (1) for preventing the movements of powder material (2) which will be applied as bone graft (bone graft powder) which supporting structue (1) will be located to contact with bone tissue and which supporting structure (1) is manufactured of at least partially resorbable polymer, copolymer or polymer mixture and is of its form chutelike, box-like, a flat tube or bag and contains such open porosity, which allows the surrounding tissues to grow through the supporting structure (1) but which prevents the migration of the bone graft powder (2) through the pores outside the supporting structure (1). The part of the supporting (1) which will be located against bone surface contains at least one orifice, whose size is bigger than the size of pores of the supporting (1) and bigger than the size of the bone graft powder (2) particles, which orifice makes possible the growth of the bone tissue into the inside of the supporting structure (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of novel isocyanurate modified polyurethane foams, which process is characterized in that an organic polyisocyanate is reacted with a polyol in the presence of a catalyst system and a blowing agent, eventually in the presence of a filler material and/or an emulsifying agent, wherein said polyol contains 5 to 100% by weight of an oil, resin or a mixture of resins originating from soft wood and/or a chemically modified resin or oil, and wherein said polyol contains in its molecular structures hydroxl groups capable of reacting with isocyanate groups, and the catalyst system contains 5 to 95% by weight of trimerization catalyst of the polyisocyanate, which catalyst causes cross-linked polyisocyanurate structures containing isocyanurate rings to be formed from the polyisocyanate in the polymer structure, and to novel isocyanurate modified polyurethane foams prepared by the process.

Abstract: Surgical osteosynthesis composite material, which is self-reinforced i.e. it is formed about the absorbable polymer or copolymer matrix which is reinforced with the absorbable reinforcement units which have the same chemical element percentage composition as the matrix has.