Abstract: In one aspect, a drug delivery device is provided for delivering drug from a plurality of drug cartridges. The drug delivery device includes: a cylindrical cassette configured to accommodate the plurality of drug cartridges; a reversibly advanceable plunger; and, an indexer for incrementally rotating the cassette to align the plurality of drug cartridges individually with the plunger. The indexer includes first and second shafts with cooperating elements which cause incremental rotation of the first shaft, relative to the second shaft, upon the second shaft engaging the first shaft.

Abstract: Various embodiments are disclosed herein related to fluidic connections for modules useable in combinatorial drug delivery devices. The fluidic connections allow for variable flow paths to be defined for serially-connected, and base-tray mounted, modules.

Abstract: A valving arrangement is provided herein for regulating fluidics of modules usable in a combinatorial drug delivery device. The valving includes a slidable piston valve, adjustable to selectively seal an outlet path from a drug vial and a sealing port, in parallel to a vent, for selectively sealing an inlet path to the drug vial. Advantageously, the subject invention allows for applied negative pressure to adjust the valving to allow flow between serially-connected modules forming a drug delivery device.

Abstract: A combinatorial drug delivery device is provided for delivering a predetermined selection of drug components, each of the drug components being contained in a drug vial. The device includes a plurality of modules, wherein each of the modules includes: a body having an interior volume formed to accommodate a drug vial; a cannula protruding into the interior volume, the cannula terminating at a free end, first and second openings being formed in the free end with first and second lumens extending therefrom and through the cannula; a socket located on an exterior portion of the body; a first passageway extending between, and in communication with, the socket and the first lumen; a boss protruding from an exterior portion of the body; and, a second passageway extending from, and in communication with the second lumen, the second passageway extending through the boss to terminate at an exit opening formed therein.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a device for repairing torn tissue or muscle such as the meniscus of the knee. The device includes a pair of anchoring members having a plurality of barb-like projections extending outwardly therefrom. The anchoring members are joined by a flexible linking member which connects the ends of the anchoring members opposite one another. Such a device can be fabricated by insert molding of the appropriate members together.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a device for repairing torn tissue or muscle such as the meniscus of the knee. The device includes a pair of anchoring members having a plurality of barb-like projections extending outwardly therefrom. The anchoring members are joined by a flexible linking member which connects the ends of the anchoring members opposite one another. Such a device can be fabricated by insert molding of the appropriate members together.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a device for repairing torn tissue or muscle such as the meniscus of the knee. The device includes a pair of anchoring members having a plurality of barb-like projections extending outwardly therefrom. The anchoring members are joined by a flexible linking member which connects the ends of the anchoring members opposite one another. Such a device can be fabricated by insert molding of the appropriate members together.

Abstract: A mold for fabricating a device for repairing torn tissue or muscle such as the meniscus of the knee is provided. The mold includes a mold cavity adapted to receive molten material. The mold cavity has an inlet channel, a first portion, a second portion, and a first channel extending between the first and second portions. The inlet channel communicates with the first and second portions and is spaced from the first channel such that the molten material must flow from the inlet channel through the first portion or second portion before communicating with the first channel. The first channel is dimensioned to receive a first component such that the flow of molten material from the first and/or second portions into the first channel is substantially prevented when the first component is received in the first channel.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a device for repairing torn tissue or muscle such as the meniscus of the knee. The device includes a pair of anchoring members having a plurality of barb-like projections extending outwardly therefrom. The anchoring members are joined by a flexible linking member which connects the ends of the anchoring members opposite one another. Such a device can be fabricated by insert molding of the appropriate members together.

Abstract: A device for securing a suture loop about bodily tissue includes a bead member having a longitudinal bore and an anchor member adapted to be slidably inserted within the bore of the bead member. The anchor member includes at least two axial compressible sections which define a passageway to receive two end portions of a suture loop. The axial sections collapse radially inwardly upon insertion of the anchor member within the bore of the bead member to securely wedge the suture end portions received within the passageway. The device has application in conventional and endoscopic surgical procedures including laparoscopic procedures.

Abstract: A surgical fastener comprising a fastener member and a retainer member is disclosed. The fastener member comprises a base and a pair of substantially parallel prongs extending substantially perpendicularly from the base in substantially the same direction, each prong being spaced inward from its respective end of the base, and having a prong tip configuration that allows for improved tissue penetration and thereby minimizes splaying of the prongs. Preferably, the base is the same length as the retainer member. Preferably, the prongs are substantially equidistant from the transverse centerline of the base. Also in accordance with this invention is a surgical fastener having a prong tip which maintains its improved ability to penetrate tissue after annealing of the surgical fastener.