Abstract: Surgical clips and surgical applicators used in performing rapid tissue closure in either minimally invasive surgeries or traditional open procedures are provided. In one example approach, a surgical clip comprises opposing sides extending from a top portion and terminating at tips positioned below the top portion. The resting position of the clip is its closed position, and in the closed position, the tips are set at a first distance apart. Each side has a cut-out (or hole or aperture) opposite one another. Each cut-out is fully surrounded by the side and does not extend to the top or tips. Each cut-out is configured to engage an inwardly turned hook at the end of a clip array or clip applicator such that the sides bend outwardly away from each other when pressure is applied on the top portion of the clip, thereby placing the clip in an open position.

Abstract: An alignment plate having a viewing window and three adjustable strut members enables a surgeon to better place external fixation pins and an external fixation ring system relative to a desired anatomical feature of the lower extremity.

Abstract: A method according to one embodiment for maintaining patency of an opening inside the human body comprises introducing a radially self-expanding hollow stent into the opening while the stent is retained in a radially compressed state, wherein the stent has enlarged ends and a reduced intermediate portion. The stent is introduced into the opening such that its intermediate portion extends through the opening and the enlarged ends are positioned outside of the opening. Once deployed, at least the end portions of the stent expand on opposing faces of the opening to resist dislodgement of the stent from the opening. The stent is preferably biodegradable, such that it is eliminated from the surgical site over a period of weeks to months, by which time the patency of the opening is more assured. The method can be used in combination with, for example, an endoscopic surgical method such as endoscopic third ventriculostomy for treating hydrocephalus of a brain.