Abstract: Methods for determining suitability of an implantable silk scaffold for use in human soft tissue repair by implanting a silk scaffold in a quadruped. The silk scaffold is completely or essentially completely bioresorbed by twelve months after implantation, the silk scaffold (to the extent remaining) with ingrown tissue shows at least about a 60% strength increase by 12 months after implantation, and the thickness of the silk scaffold (to the extent remaining) with ingrown tissue increases by more than 100% by 12 months after implantation.

Abstract: An antimicrobial containment cap is provided for use in a bone anchored prosthesis mounting system of the type having an externally protruding fixator pin carried by implanted bone anchored mounting post, wherein the fixator pin accommodates removable attachment to an exoskeletal prosthesis such as a prosthetic limb or the like for an amputee. The containment cap, when mounted onto the fixator pin, is interposed between the prosthesis and soft tissue covering the end or stump of an amputated residual limb or the like. The containment cap carries and supports a selected antimicrobial or antibacterial agent in substantial contact with the soft stump tissue in a position closely overlying and substantially circumscribing the tissue interface with the externally protruding fixator pin to safeguard against infection. The containment cap is adapted for quick and easy periodic removal for cleaning and/or replenishment of the antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: Methods for determining suitability of an implantable silk scaffold for use in human soft tissue repair by implanting a silk scaffold in a quadruped. The silk scaffold is completely or essentially completely bioresorbed by twelve months after implantation, the silk scaffold (to the extent remaining) with ingrown tissue shows at least about a 60% strength increase by 12 months after implantation, and the thickness of the silk scaffold (to the extent remaining) with ingrown tissue increases by more than 100% by 12 months after implantation.

Abstract: An antimicrobial containment cap is provided for use in a bone anchored prosthesis mounting system of the type having an externally protruding fixator pin carried by all implanted bone anchored mounting post, wherein the fixator pin accommodates removable attachment to an exoskeletal prosthesis such as a prosthetic limb or the like for an amputee. The containment cap, when mounted onto the fixator pin, is interposed between the prosthesis and soft tissue covering the end or stump of an amputated residual limb or the like. The containment cap carries and supports a selected antimicrobial or antibacterial agent in substantial contact with the soft stump tissue in a position closely overlying and substantially circumscribing the tissue interface with the externally protruding fixator pin to safeguard against infection. The containment cap is adapted for quick and easy periodic removal for cleaning and/or replenishment of the antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: Methods for determining suitability of an implantable silk scaffold for use in human soft tissue repair by implanting a silk scaffold in a quadruped. The silk scaffold can maintain at least 90% of its time zero strength at one month in vivo after implantation. The silk scaffold can maintain at least 90% of its time zero strength over a multi-month period in vivo after implantation.

Abstract: Methods for determining suitability of an implantable silk scaffold for use in human soft tissue repair by implanting a silk scaffold in a quadruped. The silk scaffold is completely or essentially completely bioresorbed by twelve months after implantation, the silk scaffold (to the extent remaining) with ingrown tissue shows at least about a 60% strength increase by 12 months after implantation, and the thickness of the silk scaffold (to the extent remaining) with ingrown tissue increases by more than 100% by 12 months after implantation.

Abstract: A surgical method and implant for directing and securing a replacement ligament into the femur or tibia of the knee. A transverse tunnel may be formed in the femur approximately perpendicular to a femoral tunnel. A flexible strand passing through the transverse tunnel may be used to draw the replacement ligament into the femoral tunnel. The implant may then be placed into the transverse tunnel and through the replacement ligament to secure the replacement ligament in place. The implant may include an eyelet to receive the flexible strand and a tapered portion forming a shoulder to prevent the implant from being inserted too far into the transverse tunnel. The implant may also have a multi-angular configured portion to secure the implant within the transverse tunnel through an interference fit.

Abstract: The present invention has multiple aspects relating to assembled self fixing bone-tendon-bone (BTB) grafts and BTB implants. A preferred application in which self fixing assembled bone-tendon-bone (BTB) grafts and implants of the present technology can be used is for ACL repairs in a human patient. In one embodiment, a self fixing BTB graft is characterized by the presence of threads along at least a portion of the exterior surface of one or both bone blocks. In another embodiment, a self fixing assembled bone-tendon-bone implant comprises a removable tendon tensioner which imparts a predetermined tension on the tendon of the BTB graft.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for infusion or aspiration of an internal body site includes a catheter comprised of a tubular sidewall extending between a proximal end and an opposing distal end, the sidewall bounding a lumen. At least one port is formed on the catheter so as to communicate with the lumen. At least one filament extends outwardly from the first catheter. The filament is configured to form a fluid pathway within a body of a patient for fluid entering or exiting the at least one port of the catheter when the catheter is implanted within the body of the patient.

Abstract: A surgical method and implant for directing and securing a replacement ligament into the femur or tibia of the knee. A transverse tunnel may be formed in the femur approximately perpendicular to a femoral tunnel. A flexible strand passing through the transverse tunnel may be used to draw the replacement ligament into the femoral tunnel. The implant may then be placed into the transverse tunnel and through the replacement ligament to secure the replacement ligament in place. The implant may include an eyelet to receive the flexible strand and a tapered portion forming a shoulder to prevent the implant from being inserted too far into the transverse tunnel. The implant may also have a multi-angular configured portion to secure the implant within the transverse tunnel through an interference fit.

Abstract: An antimicrobial containment cap is provided for use in a bone anchored prosthesis mounting system of the type having an externally protruding fixator pin carried by all implanted bone anchored mounting post, wherein the fixator pin accommodates removable attachment to an exoskeletal prosthesis such as a prosthetic limb or the like for an amputee. The containment cap, when mounted onto the fixator pin, is interposed between the prosthesis and soft tissue covering the end or stump of an amputated residual limb or the like. The containment cap carries and supports a selected antimicrobial or antibacterial agent in substantial contact with the soft stump tissue in a position closely overlying and substantially circumscribing the tissue interface with the externally protruding fixator pin to safeguard against infection. The containment cap is adapted for quick and easy periodic removal for cleaning and/or replenishment of the antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for infusion or aspiration of an internal body site includes a catheter comprised of a tubular sidewall extending between a proximal end and an opposing distal end, the sidewall bounding a lumen. At least one port is formed on the catheter so as to communicate with the lumen. At least one filament extends outwardly from the first catheter. The filament is configured to form a fluid pathway within a body of a patient for fluid entering or exiting the at least one port of the catheter when the catheter is implanted within the body of the patient.

Abstract: A surgical method and implant for directing and securing a replacement ligament into the femur or tibia of the knee. A transverse tunnel may be formed in the femur approximately perpendicular to a femoral tunnel. A flexible strand passing through the transverse tunnel may be used to draw the replacement ligament into the femoral tunnel. The implant may then be placed into the transverse tunnel and through the replacement ligament to secure the replacement ligament in place. The implant may include an eyelet to receive the flexible strand and a tapered portion forming a shoulder to prevent the implant from being inserted too far into the transverse tunnel. The implant may also have a multi-angular configured portion to secure the implant within the transverse tunnel through an interference fit.

Abstract: A pin (20) is provided for securing a replacement ligament (24) inside a tunnel (10) of a receptor bone (36). A threaded section (30) of the pin (20) engages and anchors the pin (20) in the receptor bone (36). A first taper (26) opposite the threaded section (30) is configured to enter a drilled hole (14) which is transverse to the tunnel (10), capture a looped replacement ligament (24), and extend into the medial side (25) of the receptor bone (36). A second taper (28) urges the replacement ligament (24) against the wall (15) of the tunnel (10) and provides resistance when the second taper (28) contacts the medial side (25) of the bone (36), thus signaling that the pin (20) has been inserted to the proper depth. The body (21) of the pin (20) secures the looped replacement ligament (24) in the tunnel (10) and holds the replacement ligament (24) in contact with the wall (15) of the tunnel (10) to insure ingrowth.

Abstract: A system for endosteal tibial ligament fixation with adjustable tensioning is disclosed. A grasping hook located on a shaft is used to draw a ligament graft into a contoured drill hole formed in a bone. A series of slanted ridges on the shaft can pass in only one direction through a securing push nut residing in the contoured drill hole, resulting in an interference fit that secures the attachment system, while allowing the tension of the ligament graft to be adjusted.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for infusion or aspiration of an internal body site includes a catheter comprised of a tubular sidewall extending between a proximal end and an opposing distal end, the sidewall bounding a lumen. At least one port is formed on the catheter so as to communicate with the lumen. At least one filament extends outwardly from the first catheter. The filament is configured to form a fluid pathway within a body of a patient for fluid entering or exiting the at least one port of the catheter when the catheter is implanted within the body of the patient.

Abstract: A system for endosteal tibial ligament fixation with adjustable tensioning is disclosed. A grasping hook located on a shaft is used to draw a ligament graft into a contoured drill hole formed in a bone. A series of slanted ridges on the shaft can pass in only one direction through a securing push nut residing in the contoured drill hole, resulting in an interference fit that secures the attachment system, while allowing the tension of the ligament graft to be adjusted.

Abstract: A surgical method and implant for directing and securing a replacement ligament into the femur or tibia of the knee. A transverse tunnel may be formed in the femur approximately perpendicular to a femoral tunnel. A flexible strand passing through the transverse tunnel may be used to draw the replacement ligament into the femoral tunnel. The implant may then be placed into the transverse tunnel and through the replacement ligament to secure the replacement ligament in place. The implant may include an eyelet to receive the flexible strand and a tapered portion forming a shoulder to prevent the implant from being inserted too far into the transverse tunnel. The implant may also have a multi-angular configured portion to secure the implant within the transverse tunnel through an interference fit.

Abstract: A system for endosteal tibial ligament fixation with adjustable tensioning is disclosed. A grasping hook located on a shaft is used to draw a ligament graft into a contoured drill hole formed in a bone. A series of slanted ridges on the shaft can pass in only one direction through a securing push nut residing in the contoured drill hole, resulting in an interference fit that secures the attachment system, while allowing the tension of the ligament graft to be adjusted.

Abstract: A pin (20) is provided for securing a replacement ligament (24) inside a tunnel (10) of a receptor bone (36). A threaded section (30) of the pin (20) engages and anchors the pin (20) in the receptor bone (36). A first taper (26) opposite the threaded section (30) is configured to enter a drilled hole (14) which is transverse to the tunnel (10), capture a looped replacement ligament (24), and extend into the medial side (25) of the receptor bone (36). A second taper (28) urges the replacement ligament (24) against the wall (15) of the tunnel (10) and provides resistance when the second taper (28) contacts the medial side (25) of the bone (36), thus signaling that the pin (20) has been inserted to the proper depth. The body (21) of the pin (20) secures the looped replacement ligament (24) in the tunnel (10) and holds the replacement ligament (24) in contact with the wall (15) of the tunnel (10) to insure ingrowth.