Abstract: A surgical staple line reinforcement device for use with a variety of surgical staplers having a pivoted connection between stapler arms or jaws, such as endoscopic stapler devices. The device comprises a pair of tubes of bio-implantable material connected together at a hinge. The device can be quickly and easily applied to a surgical stapler by a surgical team to provide tissue reinforcement. The hinged connection of the device provides both for secure attachment of the device to the surgical stapler, and for a barrier to protect the pivot connection from contamination by migrating tissue during operation. Preferably, tear lines are provided on each of the tubes to assist in removing excess material following attachment of staples. The device allows for fast and safe staple reinforcement and rapid stapler separation and removal following installation.

Abstract: A surgical staple line reinforcement device for use with a variety of surgical staplers to protect against tissue damage from surgical staples. The device comprises a tube of bio-implantable material that can be quickly and readily applied by a surgical team to provide tissue reinforcement. The device preferably comprises a stretched or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) with pre-established tear lines therein. The device allows for fast and safe staple reinforcement and rapid stapler separation and removal following installation.

Abstract: Apparatus, a method for extruding and expanding tubular products of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and the products produced thereby are provided. In the apparatus, at least one helical groove is placed in the wall of the extruder tip or die. Preferably, at least one groove is machined in the tip having a pitch angle of 45 degrees and at least one groove is machined in the die having a pitch opposite that (135 degrees) of the tip groove. In the expanded products produced according to the invention, at least one radial position within the wall of a tube substantially all of the longitudinal axes of the nodes are oriented at an angle between about 85 degrees and about 15 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tube.

Abstract: Apparatus, a method for extruding and expanding tubular products of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and the products produced thereby are provided. In the apparatus, at least one helical groove is placed in the wall of the extruder tip or die. Preferably, at least one groove is machined in the tip having a pitch angle of 45 degrees and at least one groove is machined in the die having a pitch opposite that (135 degrees) of the tip groove. In the expanded products produced according to the invention, at at least one radial position within the wall of a tube substantially all of the longitudinal axes of the nodes are oriented at an angle between about 85 degrees and about 15 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tube.