Abstract: An improved incontinence device that includes a preferably curved lumen which conforms the urethra to its original anatomical position to control urinary incontinence. The lumen is inserted substantially straight into the urethra via a relatively rigid obturator which causes the lumen to straighten along its entire length. Removal of the obturator causes the lumen to return to its pre formed curved shape allowing the urethra to also conform to the curved shape. The lumen may have a flange integral with its proximal end that acts as a stop and effectively prevents the lumen from migrating into the urethra. Removal of the lumen is accomplished by grasping the flange and pulling the lumen out of the urethra.

Abstract: A device for snaring cord-like objects is provided. The device comprises a hollow shaft having a pointed distal end, a rod having a pair of wires attached to its distal end, the wires being spring biased away from one another, and activation means. The rod and wires are located in the lumen of the shaft in reciprocally movable relationship therewith. The activation means is attached to the proximal ends of the shaft and the rod so as to allow the controlled movement of the rod and wires relative to the shaft. One of the wire-like elements defines a hook-shaped configuration at its distal end. The device allows the wire-like elements to be selectively located within the distal end of the shaft or in a configuration wherein the wire-like elements extend outwardly from the distal end of the shaft in flaring relationship to one another.

Abstract: A bone plug removal and emplacement tool includes a cylindrical cutting element having a proximal cutting edge and a cutting tooth. The outer surface of the cutting element can include an integral shoulder (e.g., in lieu of a replaceable outer sheath) that is spaced-apart from the proximal cutting edge and that engages the surface of the bone to define a depth stop for the cutting edge. An additional cylindrical element can be disposed within the cutting element. The proximal end of that additional element, which is referred to as a "harvester," is substantially aligned with the proximal end of the cutting element to receive a plug cut from the bone. The harvester can be slidably withdrawn from the cutting element to facilitate transplating the bone plug at another location. For this purpose, a stem or plunger can be slidably inserted and moved in the harvester to dislodge the plug.

Abstract: A bone fastener including an expandable member having an axial channel and an elongated element insertable into the axial channel is described. The expandable member is configured to be insertible into a bore drilled in bone. The distal end of the expandable member also may include a structure for axially releasing the expandable member from an emplacement device that places the expandable member into a bone opening. In one embodiment, the structure for axially releasing includes a frangible membrane capable of being severed from the expandable member during emplacement of the expandable member in a bone opening.A rivet for coupling an object to bone for use with an expandable member is also described. The distal end of the elongated element is shaped into a radially projecting portion adapted for engagement with a washer that contacts the object to be coupled. The washer, having upper and lower surfaces and a bore defined between the surfaces, is disposed around a portion of the shaft.

Abstract: A bone fastener including an expandable member having an axial channel and an elongated element insertable into the axial channel is described. The expandable member is configured to be insertible into a bore drilled in bone. The distal end of the expandable member also may include a structure for axially releasing the expandable member from an emplacement device that places the expandable member into a bone opening. In one embodiment, the structure for axially releasing includes a frangible membrane capable of being severed from the expandable member during emplacement of the expandable member in a bone opening.A rivet for coupling an object to bone for use with an expandable member is also described. The distal end of the elongated element is shaped into a radially projecting portion adapted for engagement with a washer that contacts the object to be coupled. The washer, having upper and lower surfaces and a bore defined between the surfaces, is disposed around a portion of the shaft.

Abstract: A connector delivery device and method include a rod frangibly affixed to an inner member and a support member slidable around the rod. The support member is adapted to support an outer member for movement relative to the inner member for forming a snap fit therebetween, the snap fit for trapping flexible material such as suture at a surgical site. In an alternate embodiment a pistol-type handle and trigger operate to move a push rod seated within an outer barrel against the outer member to push the outer member over the inner member to form the snap fit. A collet is attached to a collet barrel slidable within the outer barrel, the collet barrel positioned in surrounding relation to the push rod. The collet, which is spring biased into a closed position, supports the outer member prior to activation of the delivery device.

Abstract: A connector for joining sections of flexible material includes inner and outer members that snap fit together by passing the bore of the outer member over the inner member to capture and secure ends of flexible material such as sutures. The flexible material is fitted into a bore in the inner member and project out a side portal to pass between the shared or opposing inner and outer member surfaces. This serpentine pathway locks the flexible material in place. The invention further provides a delivery instrument to maintain the outer member in alignment with a receiving end of the inner member loaded with flexible material. The delivery instrument further includes cooperating elements for urging the outer member over the inner member to lock the flexible material in place.

Abstract: A surgical fastening system for attaching one piece of tissue to another piece of tissue. The system comprises a surgical fastener, an installation tool for deploying the surgical fastener in tissue, and a method for using the same.

Abstract: A surgical fastening system for attaching one piece of tissue to another piece of tissue. The system comprises a surgical fastener, an installation tool for deploying the surgical fastener in tissue, and a method for using the same.

Abstract: A bone plug removal tool is described. The tool includes a cylindrical cutting element having an external surface and having an internal surface defining an internal bore extending along a longitudinal axis of the cutting element from a proximal end to a distal end. A cutting tooth is located at the proximal end of the cutting element and extends into the internal bore. A replaceable outer cylindrical sheath is arranged concentrically around the external surface of the cylindrical cutting element.A bone plug emplacement tool to be used in conjunction the removal tool is also disclosed. The emplacement tool includes a cylindrical element having an internal surface defining an internal bore extending along a longitudinal axis of the element from a proximal end. The internal surface further defines an internal step adjacent a distal end of the element. A stem is disposed for co-axial movement within the element, the stem having a proximal end disposed within the internal bore.

Abstract: A bone fastener including an expandable member having an axial channel and an elongated element insertable into the axial channel is described. The expandable member is configured to be insertible into a bore drilled in bone. The distal end of the expandable member also may include a structure for axially releasing the expandable member from an emplacement device that places the expandable member into a bone opening. In one embodiment, the structure for axially releasing includes a frangible membrane capable of being severed from the expandable member during emplacement of the expandable member in a bone opening. A rivet for coupling an object to bone for use with an expandable member is also described. The distal end of the elongated element is shaped into a radially projecting portion adapted for engagement with a washer that contacts the object to be coupled. The washer, having upper and lower surfaces and a bore defined between the surfaces, is disposed around a portion of the shaft.

Abstract: A suture tensioning device is described that comprises first and second jaws in facing relationship and oriented in parallel to each other. The first and second jaws are disposed in relative slidable engagement so that one of the jaws is adapted for parallel movement towards and away from the other jaw to define a variable gap between them. A suture retainer is engaged with a surface of the second jaw to enable a suture to be tied so that the suture exerts a variable tension on the surface caused by the variable gap between the first and second parallel jaws. Preferably, the first jaw has defined therein a shape designed to engage with a surface from which a suture emanates. Methods for adjustably tensioning a suture and a kit for performing suspension of a tissue are described.

Abstract: A suture tensioning device is described that comprises first and second jaws in facing relationship and oriented in parallel to each other. The first and second jaws are disposed in relative slidable engagement so that one of the jaws is adapted for parallel movement towards and away from the other jaw to define a variable gap between them. A suture retainer is engaged with a surface of the second jaw to enable a suture to be tied so that the suture exerts a variable tension on the surface caused by the variable gap between the first and second parallel jaws. Preferably, the first jaw has defined therein a shape designed to engage with a surface from which a suture emanates. Methods for adjustably tensioning a suture and a kit for performing suspension of a tissue are described.

Abstract: A suture locking button is described. The device includes a base element with a first axial passage for receiving at least one, and preferably two, suture filaments that is attached via a frangible membrane to a locking dement. The locking dement is adapted for movement from a first position, where the locking element extends outwardly from the base dement, to a second position, where the locking element is disposed within the base element by disrupting the frangible membrane to trap the suture filament(s) within the first axial passage between the locking element and the base element. The locking element may have a flange integral with its proximal end that effectively prevents the base element from backing out of the tissue in a direction proximal to the tissue. The invention also pertains to the combination of a suture and a device for securing the suture to a tissue. A method for securing tissue by way of a suture is also included within the scope of the invention.

Abstract: An improved surgical tool of the type comprising handle means having a movable tool-operating handle member, a tool head having first and second tissue-engaging members movable between open and closed positions relative to one another, and means coupling the tool head to the handle means for causing opening and closing movement of the tissue-engaging members in response to manipulation of the movable tool-operating handle member. The improved tool is characterized by an inner shaft secured to a stationary part of the handle means, and a hollow outer shaft disposed in telescoping relation to the inner shaft, with the tool head being secured to the inner shaft and the outer shaft being movable axially relative to the inner shaft by manipulation of the movable tool-operating handle member, with the outer shaft causing opening and closing of the tissue-engaging members as it undergoes telescoping movement.

Abstract: A novel surgical scissor blade having a sharp shearing edge and comprising an injection molded powdered metal, and a method for making the same.

Abstract: A device for snaring cord-like objects and a methods for using same to pass portions of the cord-like objects through tissue are provided. The device includes a shaft containing a wire assembly having an object capturing device at its distal end. The wire assembly is reciprocally movable relative to the shaft between a first position wherein the capturing device is located within the distal portion of the shaft, and a second position wherein the capturing device extends distally outwardly from the distal end of the shaft. An activation device is attached to the proximal end of the shaft and the proximal end of the wire assembly so as to allow the controlled axial movement of the wire assembly relative to the shaft, and so as to allow the shaft and the wire assembly to be rotated as a unit about the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The methods include snaring and grasping a length of cord-like material and passing the cord-like material through one or more layers of tissue.

Abstract: A surgical tool including a handle having a movable tool-operating member engaged therewith, a tool head having first and second members, and a coupling attaching the tool head to the handle. The first and second members of the tool head each include a cutting blade having a portion of a suture throw rundown tool extending distally therefrom. The cutting blades abut one another so as to act as a scissors when the first and second members are moved between open and closed positions. Further, the suture throw rundown tool portions mate with one another when the first and second members are in their closed position. The handle member also is adapted to rotate the inner shaft about its longitudinal axis. A method of using the surgical tool in the course of tying off lengths of suture extending from a surgical site also is provided.

Abstract: An improved surgical cannula and trocar system for use in laparoscopic surgery. The system includes a novel surgical cannula including shield means for protecting operating room personnel from accidental contact with the trocar's sharp tip. The surgical cannula also includes improved sealing means for reliably preventing fluids from passing through the cannula both when an instrument extends through the cannula and no instrument extends through the cannula.

Abstract: An improved surgical tool of the type comprising a handle assembly having a movable tool-operating handle member, a tool head having first and second tissue-engaging members movable between open and closed positions relative to one another, and a mechanism coupling the tool head to the handle assembly for causing opening and closing movement of the tissue-engaging members in response to manipulation of the movable tool-operating handle member. The improved tool is characterized by an inner shaft secured to a stationary part of the handle assembly, and a hollow outer shaft disposed in telescoping relation to the inner shaft, with the tool head being secured to the inner shaft and the outer shaft being movable axially relative to the inner shaft by manipulation of the movable tool-operating handle member, with the outer shaft causing opening and closing of the tissue-engaging members as it undergoes telescoping movement.