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: An apparatus for holding a surgical instrument relative to a base is provided having a mounting portion configured and dimensioned to engage a portion of a base, a jaw assembly including first and second jaw members which define a retaining area therebetween configured and dimensioned to retain the shaft of a surgical instrument therein and thereby fix the length of the instrument shaft relative to the base and an operative site, and an instrument position adjustment mechanism which includes an adjustment member rotatably disposed in relative to the mounting portion to facilitate selective position adjustment of the jaw assembly with respect to the mounting portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a surgical instrument relative to a base is provided having a mounting portion configured and dimensioned to engage a portion of a base, a jaw assembly including first and second jaw members which define a retaining area therebetween configured and dimensioned to retain the shaft of a surgical instrument therein and thereby fix the length of the instrument shaft relative to the base and an operative site, and an instrument position adjustment mechanism which includes an adjustment member rotatably disposed in relative to the mounting portion to facilitate selective position adjustment of the jaw assembly with respect to the mounting portion.

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: An apparatus for holding a surgical instrument relative to a base is provided having a mounting portion configured and dimensioned to engage a portion of a base, a jaw assembly including first and second jaw members which define a retaining area therebetween configured and dimensioned to retain the shaft of a surgical instrument therein and thereby fix the length of the instrument shaft relative to the base and an operative site, and an instrument position adjustment mechanism which includes an adjustment member rotatably disposed in relative to the mounting portion to facilitate selective position adjustment of the jaw assembly with respect to the mounting portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a surgical instrument relative to a base is provided having a mounting portion configured and dimensioned to engage a portion of a base, a jaw assembly including first and second jaw members which define a retaining area therebetween configured and dimensioned to retain the shaft of a surgical instrument therein and thereby fix the length of the instrument shaft relative to the base and an operative site, and an instrument position adjustment mechanism which includes an adjustment member rotatably disposed in relative to the mounting portion to facilitate selective position adjustment of the jaw assembly with respect to the mounting portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a surgical instrument relative to a base is provided having a mounting portion configured and dimensioned to engage a portion of a base, a jaw assembly including first and second jaw members which define a retaining area therebetween configured and dimensioned to retain the shaft of a surgical instrument therein and thereby fix the length of the instrument shaft relative to the base and an operative site, and an instrument position adjustment mechanism which includes an adjustment member rotatably disposed in relative to the mounting portion to facilitate selective position adjustment of the jaw assembly with respect to the mounting portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a surgical instrument relative to a base is provided having a mounting portion configured and dimensioned to engage a portion of a base, a jaw assembly including first and second jaw members which define a retaining area therebetween configured and dimensioned to retain the shaft of a surgical instrument therein and thereby fix the length of the instrument shaft relative to the base and an operative site, and an instrument position adjustment mechanism which includes an adjustment member rotatably disposed in relative to the mounting portion to facilitate selective position adjustment of the jaw assembly with respect to the mounting portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a surgical instrument relative to a base is provided having a mounting portion configured and dimensioned to engage a portion of a base, a jaw assembly including first and second jaw members which define a retaining area therebetween configured and dimensioned to retain the shaft of a surgical instrument therein and thereby fix the length of the instrument shaft relative to the base and an operative site, and an instrument position adjustment mechanism which includes an adjustment member rotatably disposed in relative to the mounting portion to facilitate selective position adjustment of the jaw assembly with respect to the mounting portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a surgical instrument relative to a base is provided having a mounting portion configured and dimensioned to engage a portion of a base, a jaw assembly including first and second jaw members which define a retaining area therebetween configured and dimensioned to retain the shaft of a surgical instrument therein and thereby fix the length of the instrument shaft relative to the base and an operative site, and an instrument position adjustment mechanism which includes an adjustment member rotatably disposed in relative to the mounting portion to facilitate selective position adjustment of the jaw assembly with respect to the mounting portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a staple into torn tissue such as the meniscus of the knee. The apparatus includes a pair of shafts individually movable in a longitudinal directing which are actuable from a handle mechanism. The shafts are movable sequentially so that the shafts disjunctively advance the prongs of the staple which is releasably held adjacent distal end portions of the shafts. A further embodiment of the device consists of a pair of needles detachably secured to a pair of anchoring members having a plurality of barb-like projections extending outwardly therefrom. The anchoring members are joined by a suture which connects adjacent the trailing ends of the anchoring members opposite the penetration end of the needles.

Abstract: A meniscal fastener applying device for repairing tears in the meniscus of the knee. The device includes a handle assembly and an elongated body portion attached thereto. The handle assembly is operatively attached to a firing mechanism to remotely actuate a firing bar. The firing bar is movably positioned within the elongated body portion to engage and eject a fastener from within the elongated body portion. The elongated body portion includes a support casing which is preferably constructed from stainless steel. The support casing has a cylindrical proximal cross-section that tapers into a distal cross-section having planar top and bottom surfaces. The distal end of the elongated body portion further includes a pair of locator barbs and a tapered distal face.

Abstract: An improved catheter having a closed distal end and a valve adjacent the distal end which communicates the lumen of the catheter with the exterior of the catheter to permit the infusion or aspiration of fluids between the catheter and the vessel in which the catheter is positioned. The valve is preferably in a plane which is oriented at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the catheter, and is preferably in an area of reduced wall thickness to facilitate opening and closing.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a staple into torn tissue such as the meniscus of the knee. The apparatus includes a pair of shafts individually movable in a longitudinal direction which are actuable from a handle mechanism. The shafts are movable sequentially so that the shafts disjunctively advance the prongs of the staple which is releasably held adjacent distal end portions of the shafts. A further embodiment of the device consists of a pair of needles detachably secured to a pair of anchoring members having a plurality of barb-like projections extending outwardly therefrom. The anchoring members are joined by a suture which connects adjacent the trailing ends of the anchoring members opposite the penetration end of the needles.

Abstract: A fastener for securing adjacent layers of body tissue to each other and being configured and composed of a material so as to emerge from the body tissue after a limited period of time. The fastener includes a backspan and at least two prongs extending from the backspan. Each prong has a tapered tip culminating in a sharp point. The prongs each include a shaft having a cylindrical portion of uniform diameter. In one embodiment, the prong includes a serrated portion having a plurality of notches spaced apart so as to define ridge portions there between. In another embodiment, the prong includes a pair of tapered projecting surfaces extending around a portion thereof.

Abstract: An improved surgical stapler for applying a suture to a tissue is provided. The surgical stapler includes handles and a stapling assembly for emplacing a suture and staples into tissue as a purse string suture. Retainer structure, for example, a plurality of guides are provided for releasably retaining a portion of the suture substantially adjacent to the handles. The suture may also be releasably retained substantially adjacent to the handles by passing the suture through a tubular member releasably mounted on one of the handles. A clamp may be used to clamp and secure the suture within the tubular member either before or after removal of the tubular member from the handles.

Abstract: An anvilless surgical apparatus is provided for applying surgical fasteners to secure grafting material to a desired layer of tissue. The apparatus includes a housing having a nose portion at a distal end and a handle at its proximal end. A surgical fastener cartridge is mounted in the nose portion and is adapted to receive a plurality of surgical fasteners in longitudinal alignment therein. The cartridge is generally oriented substantially perpendicular to the handle. A drive shaft is provided within the housing for driving the surgical fasteners through the grafting material and at least partially into the layer of underlying tissue. The drive shaft is actuable by the handle and general has a pusher rod movable between a distal fired position and a retracted proximal loaded position.