Abstract: An intraoral surgical prop is manufactured entirely from two different Shore A hardness variants of the same high performance biocompatible sterilisable thermoplastic elastomer. It comprises an outer anatomically shaped compressible surgical prop body component (1) and an inner integrally-moulded, permanently attached, flexible and extensible tether and tether grip component (2, 3) with a thumb grip indentation (4) moulded such that it retains a permanently curved profile.

Abstract: A method of making a surgical simulator comprises first and second mouldings which can be assembled together to form a simulation limb. The first moulding is in the form of a replaceable cartridge on which simulation surgical operations moulding can be performed. The second moulding is mounted on a supporting base and includes a cavity within which the first moulding can be located. A housing containing a pump assembly is mounted on the supporting base and the pump assembly is arranged to pump simulation blood through a simulation vein contained within said first moulding.

Abstract: A pin for attaching a surgical membrane barrier to tissue structure of a patient comprises a pin body 1 formed from a sequence of four truncated cones which define a serrated profile which enables the pin to engage the membrane barrier and to be pushed-fitted into the tissue structure. The head portion 2 of the pin serves to engage the membrane barrier and retain it in position on the underlying tissue structure.The pin is made from a resorbable polymer, such as PDS Polydioxanone and is of substantially solid construction throughout.In an alternative embodiment, a circularly cylindrical extension is provided between the largest truncated cone and the pin head. The arrangement serves to maintain a spacing between the membrane barrier and the underlying tissue.