Abstract: A staple and thread assembly to be driven into the bone by a power-driven stapler while the thread is attached thereto, the stapler having a head section at its forward end formed with a pointed tip for penetrating the bone when driven into it, and a shank section rearwardly of the head. The longitudinal axis of the shank section is offset from the axis of the head section and is formed with a pair of transverse holes through which the thread is secured such that the thread exits from the holes. The head section forms a protective shroud shielding the thread when driven with the staple into the bone. The thread is secured to the shank section of the staple at a point closer to the staple tip than the rear end of the staple. The staple is constructed from a metal possessing shape memory characteristics, and deforms from a straight configuration at room temperature, to a curved configuration upon being subject to body heat upon implantation into the body.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes a flexible tubular body having a distensible portion inflatable by a balloon. The tubular body is formed with a longitudinally-extending split at the distensible portion, and the balloon is disposed around the distensible portion with the opposite ends of the balloon secured to the two longitudinal edges of the tubular body along the split. The arrangement is such that inflating the balloon dilates the tubular body at the distensible portion, and also applies a tension force to the longitudinal edges of the tubular body at the split, opening the tubular body at the split to produce a flowpath of large cross-sectional area for the fluid through the distensible portion.