Abstract: Multi-level spinal stabilization devices, systems and methods are provided that include at least one multi-level connector, one elongated member with an enlarged head, at least one pedicle screw, and at least one mechanism that supports three degrees of rotational freedom relative to both the elongated member and the pedicle screw each. The mechanism may include universal joint mechanisms or ball and socket mechanisms. In the case of the ball and socket mechanisms, the enlarged head of the elongated member cooperates with a first socket member of the multi-level connector to define a dynamic junction that allows the socket member to move relative to the enlarged head of the elongated member while remaining engaged therewith.

Abstract: An instrument kit for performing a repair procedure on a meniscal tear in a knee for use in combination with a mechanical repair device is disclosed. The instrument kit includes at least one template including an elongate body defining X, Y and Z axes. The elongate body adapted for insertion in a knee of the patient to approximate a path to a meniscal tear within the knee. The elongate body has a length defining the X-axis. The instrument kit including a first template having a linear elongate body, a second template having a distal end portion which is offset in a direction of the Y-axis, and a third template having a distal end portion which is offset in a direction of the Z-axis.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods relating to manipulation, e.g. pivoting, of a rod-shaped element using a rod positioning assembly are disclosed. A rod-shaped element is initially gripped axially (relative to and) by a rod positioning assembly and then pivoted into a transverse orientation without pivoting the rod positioning assembly and/or releasing the rod-shaped element. Rod positioning assemblies include a handle element and a pair of jaw elements in communication therewith. The jaw elements are positioned distally relative to the handle element and the handle element is adapted to effect relative motion between the first and second jaw elements. The abutment faces of the jaw elements define a pair of axially aligned notches at or near the distal ends of the first and second jaw elements, a pair of traversely aligned central wells that define a circular opening that extends transversely across the jaw elements, and a pair of grooves that open up to a single transverse side of the jaw elements.

Abstract: Multi-level spinal stabilization devices, systems and methods are provided that include at least one multi-level connector, one elongated member with an enlarged head, at least one pedicle screw, and at least one mechanism that supports three degrees of rotational freedom relative to both the elongated member and the pedicle screw each. The mechanism may include universal joint mechanisms or ball and socket mechanisms. In the case of the ball and socket mechanisms, the enlarged head of the elongated member cooperates with a first socket member of the multi-level connector to define a dynamic junction that allows the socket member to move relative to the enlarged head of the elongated member while remaining engaged therewith.

Abstract: A suture anchor installation system includes a body portion having a distal end and a proximal end, an elongated shaft extending distally from the distal end of the body portion, the shaft having a distal end with an annular region disposed at the distal end of the shaft. A suture anchor is attachable within the annular region and comprising a setting portion and an engagement portion, the suture anchor having at least one suture associated therewith. A suture retaining member is positioned on the body portion, the suture retaining member including tabs to grip the at least one suture extending from the suture anchor to maintain the setting portion within the engagement portion. A loading unit for use with a suturing apparatus is mountable on the body portion including a mounting member positioned on the body portion and configured to releasably hold at least one suture needle, the at least one suture needle being associated with the at least one suture extending from the suture anchor.

Abstract: There are provided surgical suturing apparatus or stitching devices particularly suited for use in suturing artificial heart valves to heart tissue during heart valve replacement surgery. The disclosed apparatus include a stationary jaw oriented at a predetermined angle relative to the apparatus to facilitate suturing through the artificial valve in a direction generally parallel to the axis of the valve. One embodiment of the stitching device utilizes a pair of surgical needles or incision members joined by a single length of suture material. There are also disclosed disposable loading units for providing suture - needle assemblies to the suturing apparatus. Also disclosed are methods of suturing an artificial heart valve to heart tissue using the disclosed apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating a surgical needle is disclosed, comprising a body portion, a first needle receiving jaw mounted for movement on a distal end of the body portion and having a first needle engaging member, a second needle receiving jaw mounted for movement on the distal end of the body portion and having a second needle engaging member, the second needle engaging member being operatively interconnected to the first needle engaging member for relative reciprocal movement therewith, wherein each of the first and second needle receiving jaws has a recess for receipt of a portion of a surgical needle therein. The first and second needle engaging members are mounted for alternate reciprocal movement into and out of locking engagement with the surgical needle.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a surgical apparatus for manipulating a surgical incision member and an associated loading mechanism for replacing the surgical incision member. The surgical apparatus comprises an elongated body portion, first and second jaw elements extending from the body portion, securing member for securing the surgical incision member, releasing member cooperating with the securing member for releasing the surgical incision member and locking member cooperating with the securing member for preventing at least one of the jaw elements from moving.

Abstract: A surgical needle is provided including a body portion defining first and second longitudinal ends, the body portion includes a central portion having a first cross-sectional area and end portions adjacent the central portion having a smaller second cross-sectional area. A tissue penetrating portion is provided adjacent at least one end portion. Transition portions are provided intermediate the central portion and the end portions and taper from the first cross-sectional area to the second cross-sectional area. Suture attachment structure is formed in the central portion and a suture is attached to the suture attachment structure. A method of suturing is also provided wherein the surgical needle may be passed through tough tissue while minimizing bending of the surgical needle.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating a surgical needle is disclosed, comprising a body portion, a first needle receiving jaw mounted for movement on a distal end of the body portion and having a first needle engaging member, a second needle receiving jaw mounted for movement on the distal end of the body portion and having a second needle engaging member, the second needle engaging member being operatively interconnected to the first needle engaging member for relative reciprocal movement therewith, wherein each of the first and second needle receiving jaws has a recess for receipt of a portion of a surgical needle therein. The first and second needle engaging members are mounted for alternate reciprocal movement into and out of locking engagement with the surgical needle.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a surgical apparatus for manipulating a surgical incision member and an associated loading mechanism for replacing the surgical incision member. The surgical apparatus comprises an elongated body portion, first and second jaw elements extending from the body portion, securing a needle for securing the surgical incision member, releasing jaw cooperating with the securing a needle for releasing the surgical incision member and locking jaw cooperating with the securing a needle for preventing at least one of the jaw elements from moving.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus is provided for manipulating a surgical needle and an associated loading mechanism is provided for replacing the surgical needle. The surgical apparatus comprises an elongated body portion, first and second jaw elements extending from the body portion, securing means for securing the surgical needle, releasing means cooperating with the securing means for releasing the surgical needle and locking means cooperating with the securing means for preventing at least one of the jaw elements from moving. A loading mechanism is also provided and includes structure for supporting a surgical needle and a storage member for retaining at least a portion of a length of suture material attached to the surgical needle.

Abstract: A loading unit is disclosed for supplying multiple surgical needles or surgical incision members and associated lengths of suture material for positioning the needle or surgical incision member within the jaws of a surgical suturing apparatus. The loading unit generally includes a body portion having apparatus receiving structure for receipt of the surgical suturing apparatus and a carousel rotatably affixed to the body portion and containing a plurality of supply stations thereon. The supply stations generally include a support member for supporting a central portion of a surgical needle and a storage member for temporarily securing a length of suture material associated with the surgical needle. The apparatus receiving structure includes structure for aligning and maintaining the surgical suturing apparatus in position on the loading unit until such time as a surgical incision member has been inserted into jaws associated with the surgical suturing apparatus.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus is provided for manipulating a surgical needle and an associated loading mechanism is provided for replacing the surgical needle. The surgical apparatus comprises an elongated body portion, first and second jaw elements extending from the body portion, securing means for securing the surgical needle, releasing means cooperating with the securing means for releasing the surgical needle and locking means cooperating with the securing means for preventing at least one of the jaw elements from moving. A loading mechanism is also provided and includes structure for supporting a surgical needle and a storage member for retaining at least a portion of a length of suture material attached to the surgical needle.

Abstract: An anvil for use in surgical fastener applying apparatus includes an indentation extending lengthwise along at least one of the side walls to provide increased resistance to bending and to permit the application of longer rows of fasteners. An added feature is the deflection preventing member which projects laterally from the side of the anvil and which engages and abuts a corresponding notch in the apparatus for preventing flexure of the anvil when the fastener is closed onto body tissue.