Abstract: Surgical adhesion barriers and methods of using such surgical adhesion barriers are provided. Surgical adhesion barriers according to the present invention have at least one layer of a bioabsorbable material comprising copolymers and/or block copolymers derived from trimethylene carbonate. Alternatively, a multilayer surgical structure having one or more bioabsorbable layers superimposed on a non-absorbable layer is useful for minimizing or preventing formation of fibrous adhesions between a healing trauma site and adjacent surrounding tissue. Alternatively, a bioabsorbable non-woven fabric in adherent contact with at least one bioabsorbable layer of foam, film, mesh, web or woven fabric is also provided. One or more medicinal agents may be interposed between or disposed within any of the aforementioned layers.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying surgical fasteners to body tissue includes an alignment pin assembly having an alignment pin and a corresponding retainer. In a preferred embodiment the alignment pin has a flange with a tissue abutment surface and a circumferential detent. The retainer is preferably a ring shaped member having a tissue abutment surface and which engages with the alignment. The pin and retainer are releasably held in proximity to the distal end of the apparatus within one or the other of the cartridge or anvil member of the apparatus and are simultaneously engaged with each other and applied to body tissue upon firing of the apparatus. Visual inspection of the body tissue after the operation provides an indication as to whether the apparatus was properly aligned during firing.

Abstract: A valve assembly adapted for introduction of surgical instruments into a patient's body includes a valve body formed of a flexibly resilient material which defines an aperture for reception of the instrument. The aperture is configured and dimensioned such that insertion of the instrument into the aperture will cause the resilient material of the valve body to resiliently engage the outer surface of the instrument in a substantially gas tight manner. The valve assembly includes a biasing member for closing the valve body to form a gas tight seal prior to inserting the instrument therethrough.

Abstract: A knife for use with surgical fastening instrument for applying fasteners to tissue, the knife including a nonlinear cutting edge having a first portion, a second portion, and an intermediate between said first and said second portion, said first portion being positioned at least as distal as said intermediate portion. The cutting edge is configured to completely sever selected tissue while minimizing the potential for "wisping" of uncut or partially cut tissue away from the cutting edge.

Abstract: A valve assembly adapted for introduction of surgical instruments into a patient's body includes a valve body formed of a flexibly resilient material which defines an aperture for reception of the instrument. The aperture is configured and dimensioned such that insertion of the instrument into the aperture will cause the resilient material of the valve body to resiliently engage the outer surface of the instrument in a substantially gas tight manner. The valve assembly includes a biasing member for closing the valve body to form a gas tight seal prior to inserting the instrument therethrough.

Abstract: A hemostatic clip is provided for application to body tissue which includes a clip body defining first and second opposed leg portions and a connecting bail portion. The leg portions each have an elongated tissue contacting surface defined thereon. The tissue contacting surface on the first leg portion has a longitudinally extending tongue formed thereon. The tissue contacting surface on the second leg portion has a longitudinally extending groove formed therein. The tongue and groove are asymmetrically disposed with respect to one another such that, upon approximation of the first and second leg portions, the tongue and groove cooperate in such a manner as to securely clamp body tissue therebetween.

Abstract: A surgical device for clamping body tissue between two movable members, for example a surgical stapling apparatus, includes a sheet of curved resilient material attached to one or both of the members for biasing the body tissue when the members are closed onto the tissue.

Abstract: A valve assembly adapted for introduction of surgical instruments into a patient's body includes a valve body formed of a flexibly resilient material which defines an aperture for reception of the instrument. The aperture is configured and dimensioned such that insertion of the instrument into the aperture will cause the resilient material of the valve body to resiliently engage the outer surface of the instrument in a substantially gas tight manner. The valve assembly includes a biasing member for closing the valve body to form a gas tight seal prior to inserting the instrument therethrough.

Abstract: A method for supporting a piece which is to undergo a treatment process including embedding the piece in a particulate support medium, enclosing the support medium in a container, and pressurizing the support medium by applying pressure to the outside of the container or by applying a vacuum to the interior of the container. Various treatment processes may be employed, such as annealing.

Abstract: A method for supporting a piece which is to undergo a treatment process including embedding the piece in a particulate support medium, enclosing the support medium in a container, and pressurizing the support medium by applying pressure to the outside of the container or by applying a vacuum to the interior of the container. Various treatment processes may be employed, such as annealing.

Abstract: An instrument, method and two-piece plastic-like fastener for surgically fastening tissue by:(A) placing the tissue between: (1) a retainer of an absorbable material, that is located distally of the tissue and that has a hole which extends longitudinally through it; (2) an elongated rigid piercing member that is located proximally of the tissue, that extends longitudinally, and that has means on its distal end for piercing the tissue; and (3) a fastener of an absorbable material, that is also located proximally of the tissue and that has a distally extending prong which, during distal movement of the fastener, can (a) move distally through an opening pierced in the tissue by the piercing member and (b) then move distally into the retainer hole to hold the retainer and fastener together;(B) then moving the piercing member distally so that its distal end pierces the tissue; and(C) then moving the fastener distally so that its prong moves through the opening pierced in the tissue and into the retainer hole to ho

Abstract: An improved, self-centering surgical staple is disclosed. Engaging members are located on the base portion of the staple. During forming (bending) of the staple on the anvil, the engaging members engage the forming mechanisms (i.e., the shoulders of the anvil or the twin heads of the pusher) to center the staple on the anvil so that the legs will be embedded in the tissue at the same depth.

Abstract: An indicator for a surgical stapler viewable through a window adjacent the handle when the stapler magazine is within a spaced relation range to the stapler anvil; whereby, the staples are properly deformed and the stapled tissue is not inordinately crushed.