Abstract: A large area thermal ablation apparatus for use with an endoscope includes a housing and at least one electrode. The housing is removably attachable to a distal terminating end of the endoscope. The housing includes an outer surface and a cross-sectional area that is at least as large as a cross-sectional area of the distal terminating end of the endoscope. The electrode is supported by the outer surface of the housing. The electrode is capable of delivering energy to a tissue region inside a body to ablate the tissue region.

Abstract: An irrigation catheter includes a handle, a catheter sheath with at least one ablation electrode proximal the distal end of the catheter sheath and a stylet for deflecting the distal end of the catheter sheath. The ablation electrode includes at least one irrigation opening in it. The irrigation catheter further includes a fluid-carrying formation formed on the catheter sheath under the ablation electrode. The fluid-carrying formation is in fluid communication with the irrigation lumen of the catheter sheath so that fluid is conveyed from the irrigation lumen to the irrigation opening.

Abstract: A fixation clamp for use in an external fixation clamp has a clamping assembly having a reception to accommodate a fixation element. The clamp has a locking element extending through the clamping assembly for blocking the position in a defined angular position. A washer is arranged between the locking element and a central opening of the clamping assembly having a cutout extending radially from the through opening such that the washer is mountable and demountable in a radial direction to a locking element longitudinal axis. The cutout has a smaller distance between its sidewalls then the diameter of the through opening. The locking element has circular cross-section below its head portion adapted to fit through the through opening of the washer but larger than the opening of the cutout and has at least one pair of parallel beveled surfaces spaced closer than the distance between sidewalls of the washer cutout.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnesium alloy containing (in % by weight) more than 0.0 to 7.0% zinc, optionally more than 0.0 to 1.0% zirconium, optionally more than 0.0 to 1.0% calcium, optionally more than 0.0 to 1.0% manganese, optionally more than 0.0 to 0.5% silicon, optionally more than 0.0 to 1.0% silver, a max. up to 0.5% aluminum and at least one element selected from the group comprising more than 0.05 to 0.6% yttrium, more than 0.05 to 4.0% ytterbium, more than 0.05 to 4.0% gadolinium, with the residue being magnesium and impurities due to production. The invention also relates to a use of a magnesium alloy of this type and an implant therefrom and a method for producing a body of a magnesium alloy according to the invention.

Abstract: A method for repairing a fractured bone includes providing a bone fracture fixation assembly including a plate, an elongated shaft, and a rod. At least a portion of the shaft is threaded, and the shaft has a hole extending therethrough. The hole has an axis transverse to a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The method further includes positioning the plate adjacent the surface of the fractured bone, extending the shaft into the bone, cooperatively engaging the threaded portion of the shaft with a screw receiving aperture of the plate, extending the rod into the bone, and inserting the rod into the hole of the shaft.

Abstract: A safe and efficient cutting heads for removing a target tissue from a subject during a surgical procedure are provided, the cutting heads composing a part of systems that address several problems, including clogging of state-of-the-art systems during removal of such tissue, for example. The target tissue can include any tissue that is accessible through a small surgical opening, for example, a joint tissue such as a meniscus or an intervertebral tissue, such as a nucleus pulposus. The devices can be referred to as orthopedic tissue removal devices having cutting heads associated with vacuum systems, making the systems useful in several procedures, including X-LIF (lateral approach to an intervertebral fusions) procedures, T-LIF (transforaminal approach to intervertebral fusions) procedures, P-LIF (posterior approach to intervertebral fusions), and a percutaneous, transforaminal approach (Kambin triangle access).

Abstract: Methods and devices for performing knee arthroplasty including but not limited to bicruciate retaining knee arthroplasty are provided. Methods and devices for preparing a proximal tibia for a tibial implant are also provided. These methods and devices, in at least some embodiments and uses, facilitate decreasing the complexity of knee arthroplasty procedures such as bicruciate retaining procedures while maintaining, if not improving on, the safety, accuracy and/or effectiveness of such procedures.

Abstract: A tissue removal device and method of using the device to remove tissue from a patient is provided. The tissue removal device comprises a tissue removal probe and a sheath slideable relative to the probe. The probe has a tissue removal element, and the sheath has a portion that exposes the tissue removal element. The sheath distal end may be pre-shaped to bend when slid distal to the probe. The probe may have a window through which the tissue removal element is exposed.

Abstract: Single-unit cutting head systems for safe removal of nucleus pulposis tissue are provided. The cutting heads compose a part of the systems that are provided to address several problems, including clogging of state-of-the-art systems during removal of such tissue, for example. The target tissue can include any tissue that is accessible through a small surgical opening, for example, a joint tissue such as a meniscus or an intervertebral tissue, such as a nucleus pulposus. The devices can be referred to as orthopedic tissue removal devices having cutting heads associated with vacuum systems, making the systems useful in several procedures, including X-LIF (lateral approach to an intervertebral fusions) procedures, T-LIF (transforaminal approach to intervertebral fusions) procedures, P-LIF (posterior approach to intervertebral fusions), and a percutaneous, transforaminal approach (Kambin triangle access).

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a cutting instrument for shaping a bone as well as an impaction/extraction device for use with the cutting instrument is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices for performing knee arthroplasty including but not limited to bicruciate retaining knee arthroplasty are provided. Methods and devices for preparing a proximal tibia for a tibial implant are also provided. These methods and devices, in at least some embodiments and uses, facilitate decreasing the complexity of knee arthroplasty procedures such as bicruciate retaining procedures while maintaining, if not improving on, the safety, accuracy and/or effectiveness of such procedures.

Abstract: A balloon catheter is disclosed. The balloon catheter includes an outer tube, a solid rigid rod, a balloon, markers and a body unit. The rigid rod is inserted into the outer tube such that a gap is defined between the rigid rod and the inner surface of the outer tube. The front and rear ends of the rigid rod extend outwards from the outer tube. The front end of the balloon is fastened to the front end of the rigid rod. The rear end of the balloon is fastened to the front end of the outer tube. The markers are fastened to the rigid rod in the balloon at opposite positions spaced apart from each other. The body unit is fastened to the rear end of the outer tube and supports the rigid rod and prevents it from moving forwards.

Abstract: An anchorage in tissue is produced by holding a vibrating element and a counter element against each other such that their contact faces are in contact with each other, wherein at least one of the contact faces includes a thermoplastic material which is liquefiable by mechanical vibration. While holding and then moving the two elements against each other, the vibrating element is vibrated and due to the vibration the thermoplastic material is liquefied between the contact faces, and due to the relative movement is made to flow from between the contact faces and to penetrate tissue located adjacent to outer edges of the contact faces. For liquefaction of the thermoplastic material and for displacing it from between the contact faces, no force needs to act on the tissue surface which is to be penetrated by the liquefied material.

Abstract: An applicator and applicator kit for particulate bone replacement materials, autologous or heterologous cancellous bone, demineralised bone matrix. The applicator (1) contains a hollow tube (12) including on one end a bladed shutter. The applicator comprises first fastener (15) for engaging a second component. The second component contains a rod (2) with a handle (21) on one end and a plunger (22) on the opposite end. The rod is arranged in a guide sleeve which is moved along the rod (2) and comprises second fastening means (23) that can be connected to the fastener (15) of the applicator (1) in reversible manner. The applicator kit contains a mixing cup connected to the tube (12) instead of the rod such that the material to be applied is filled into the tube (12) easily prior to application.

Abstract: A shroud for protecting exterior portions of a prosthetic implant from adhesive and a method for utilizing the same. The shroud includes a hub, a rim, and at least one bridge connecting the hub and the rim. The rim of the shroud may be sized to cover substantially the same area as a guard of the implant. The method of utilizing the shroud involves securing the shroud to the prosthetic implant. A quantity of adhesive is provided, and the prosthetic implant is secured thereto. The shroud is removed from the implant, and then the guard is secured to the implant.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a first component (2) having a first face (76) and a second component (4) coupled to the first component (2) such that the first and second components (2, 4) can rotate relative to one another. The instrument further comprises a locking mechanism comprising a third component (32) having a second face (74) coupled to the second component (4). Movement of the third component (32) relative to the second component (4) is arranged to bring the second face (74) into or out of engagement with the first face (76) so as to selectively restrict or allow rotation between the first and second components (2, 4). One of said faces (7, 76) comprises a first array (78) of two or more grooves or teeth spaced apart at a first angular pitch about the centre of rotation between the first and second components (2, 4) and at least one further groove (82) or further tooth which does not correspond to the first angular pitch.

Abstract: A dual reconstructive wire system for use with an anatomy can include a first guide wire, a second guide wire, a first guide instrument, a first cannulated insertion instrument, and a second cannulated insertion instrument. The first guide wire can pass through the first cannulated insertion instrument such that a first end and a second end of the first guide wire extends beyond the first end and the second end, respectively of the first cannulated insertion instrument. The second guide wire can pass through the second cannulation insertion instrument such that a first end and a second end of the second guide wire extends beyond the first end and the second end, respectively of the second cannulated insertion instrument.

Abstract: A disposable circumcision anastomat comprises an internal ring (2) and an external ring (1) having an opening (10). The internal ring (2) substantially matches an external ring (1). The external ring (1) includes a sidewall (100). The sidewall (100) is provided with a retainer (7) for holding a gasket. The retainer (7) is an annular ring (71) extended inwardly from the sidewall (100) of the external ring. The annular ring (71) is equipped with an opening (710), corresponding to opening (10) on the external ring. The width (K1) of the annular ring is less than the width (K2) of the blade. The anastomat is safe, reliable, and able to reduce pain experienced by patients after surgery.

Abstract: The present application includes treatment systems having delivery-activated inflatable members, and associated systems and methods for treating the spinal cord and other tissues. A treatment system in accordance with one embodiment includes a lead body having an opening, an inner surface position around the opening, and an inflatable member carried by the lead body, with at least one of the inflatable member and the lead body including a frangible portion accessible from the opening. The inflatable member can have an expandable interior volume bounded at least in part by the frangible portion. The system can further include a delivery device received in the opening of the lead body and positioned to open a passage through the frangible portions between the interior volume of the inflatable member and the opening of the lead body when the delivery device is removed from the opening of the lead body.

Abstract: Surgical devices are disclosed herein that generally include an intracorporeal elbow joint to facilitate translational movement of an end effector while allowing a body portion of the surgical device and a trocar or working channel through which the device is inserted to be maintained in a fixed angular orientation relative to the patient. This allows a plurality of such devices to be used effectively with a single incision or access device. Such devices also generally provide end effector movement with six degrees of freedom, while maintaining a mechanical linkage between the user and the end effector and while mimicking and/or mirroring natural user movement. Various methods related to such devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a surgical robot system for realizing single-port surgery and multi-port surgery, the system comprising: an operating device; and a controlling device for electro-mechanically controlling the operating device, wherein the operating device includes an alignment section having a plurality of main robot arms, and a plurality of manipulating sections each having a plurality of auxiliary robot arms, and in the multi-port surgery mode, the plurality of main robot arms and at least a portion of the plurality of auxiliary robot arms are operated so that each surgical tool coupled to each of the plurality of manipulating sections can be placed in correspondence with each of a plurality of incisions, and in the single-port surgery mode, the plurality of main robot arms and at least a portion of the plurality of auxiliary robot arms are operated so that each surgical tool coupled to each of the plurality of manipulating sections can be aligned in correspondence with one incision.

Abstract: The current invention is intended to be a disinfectable blemish remover. Blemish means blackhead, whitehead, pimple or ingrown hair. Said invention is for use to remove blemishes without having a greater risk of infection. Disinfectable or disposable parts tool extracts blemishes with minimal trauma to the skin and decreased spread of bacteria. Remover is comprised of two handles having two shaped arms with disposable or fixed polymer clamping wedges in contact with each other, pivot means coupling the handles and the arms, characterized in that the part of each handle through which the pivot extends defines an integral extension extending from the pivot outward over part of the arm to support and apply pressure onto said polymer clamps during the pinching movement to remove said blemish.

Abstract: Devices and methods for applying tension to an area of skin are provided, for example, for follicular unit removal and implant in a hair transplantation procedure. The devices may include a frame with at least two skin contact members that hold to the skin. Also disclosed are various ways to apply a force displacing the skin contact members apart, thus creating tension in the skin. The devices and methods may incorporate suction, and/or barbs or microbarbs. The frame may surround the skin area with tensile forces applied outward in multiple directions or substantially uni-directionally. Adjusting members and indicators may be provided to control and display the tensile force applied to skin. The tensioning devices and methods may be incorporated into a robotic hair transplantation system.

Abstract: The invention comprises methods and apparatus for reattaching anatomical members, such as tendons, ligaments, or bone, during preparing and healing of the member using a surgical repair device that can be securely attached to the member and then safely guided through tortuous anatomy for reattachment and repair. The repair device further includes structural means to secure opposed ends of the member against separation during healing. Devices for aiding in the positioning of the surgical repair device also are provided, such as a crimp connector holder tool for holding the crimp connector during threading therethrough of two sutures attached to two tendon stumps for bringing the two stumps into abutment and crimping them in place.

Abstract: Described here are closure devices and methods for ligating tissue, such as the left atrial appendage, and tensioning devices and mechanism for actuating these devices. The tensioning mechanisms and devices may allow a user to apply one or more predetermined forces to a suture or other portion of the closure devices.

Abstract: An endoscope-like implanting instrument includes an endoscope cap having a holding and withdrawing means for a tissue clip adapted to be slipped onto an expanding sleeve of the endoscope cap. The endoscope cap has a front groove opening at the front edge of the sleeve. A withdrawing thread radially crosses the front groove at an axial front cap portion. The endoscope-like implanting instrument further includes a tissue grasping means being shiftably inserted into the working channel for manually grasping and drawing the tissue inside the endoscope cap. A clamping means is integrally arranged inside the endoscope cap in axial extension to the working channel, holding a capsule-like device and connected with the tissue clip via a thread, band or string such that the capsule-like device will be automatically detached by the grasping means when being manually actuated for tissue grasping.

Abstract: This application presents a bifurcated, optimally-angled surgical forceps. In one example, this surgical forceps may enable a more natural maneuver for initial clamping of the vas deferens through the scrotal skin. This may be more comfortable for users and easier to maintain, and may provide greater tactile surface contact between the thumb and vas deferens. This device also may provide the surgeon with an entire segment of vas deferens upon which the vasectomy may be performed, thus reducing the need for frequent repositioning of instruments. The device may also be applied to other surgical procedures that may benefit from the features of the device and where a section of a tubular anatomical structure may need clamping at two points along its length. Examples include blood and lymphatic vessels, ducts of the digestive system, and large nerves or nerve bundles.

Abstract: An apparatus for tissue repair, comprising first and second fixation members, a flexible coupling member coupling the first and second fixation members, the flexible coupling member having two terminal ends, one of the two terminal ends terminating adjacent one of the first and second fixation members, the flexible coupling member slidably coupled to at least one of the first and second fixation members such that when the other of the two terminal ends of the flexible coupling member is pulled, a length of the flexible coupling member between the first and second fixation members is shortened, and a Chinese trap formed in the flexible coupling member through which a portion of the flexible coupling member slides when the flexible coupling member is pulled.

Abstract: A laparoscopic suturing device includes a handle and a shaft mounted to the handle. A toggle knob is adapted to rotate the shaft about its longitudinal axis. A pair of opposed jaws, each having a hollow structure, open and close relative to one another. A needle carrier and a needle holder are respectively slideably disposed in a lumen of a first and a second jaw. A needle has first and second pointed ends and is adapted to be press fit into the lumen of the first jaw with the first pointed end exposed and alternatively into the lumen of the second jaw with the second pointed end exposed. A spring-loaded pusher advances and retracts the needle carrier when the toggle knob is in a first position and advances and retracts the needle holder when in a second position. The tool assists a surgeon in suturing tissue captured between the jaws.

Abstract: A vascular closure system includes a body portion, an anchor, a suture carrying portion, and a plurality of needles. The body portion has a distal end surface. The anchor is positionable through a vessel puncture in a vessel wall of a vessel. The anchor defines a vessel contact surface, wherein withdrawal of the anchor captures a portion of the vessel wall between the vessel contact surface and the distal end surface. The suture carrying portion is positionable through the vessel puncture and carries at least one suture member. The plurality of needles extend through the portion of the vessel wall adjacent to the vessel puncture and are configured to connect to the at least one suture member. Withdrawal of the plurality of needles through the portion of the vessel wall positions the at least one suture member through the portion of the vessel wall.

Abstract: A method of controlling a surgical system using position feedback control, includes selectively operating a cutter having a cutting mechanism, with the cutting mechanism having an inner cutting tube and an outer cutting tube. The outer cutting tube has a tissue-receiving port formed therein, and the inner cutting tube has a cutting edge axially displaceable relative the tissue receiving port to cut tissue therein. The method also includes sensing the displacement of the inner cutting tube relative to the outer cutting tube with a sensor and changing operational timing of a probe driver based on the displacement sensed by the sensor.

Abstract: A method and set of instruments are disclosed particularly useful for carpal tunnel surgeries that allow a precision cut in the transverse carpal ligament (TCL) without direct vision or exposure of the ligament, except for its most proximal edge, but with guidance and safety of the cutting knife, eliminating or, at least very much decreasing, the probability of cutting lines in the wrong direction and inadvertent (iatrogenic) lesions to the surrounding structures. In one preferred embodiment the instrument comprises: a uniquely shaped cannulated guide rod, through which passes a flexible metal guide needle (33) which serves as a guideline for a uniquely shaped cutting knife or fasciotome (25) having a cannulated finger-like prong in the inferior edge of the blade portion of the knife.

Abstract: The present patent application relates to an acupuncture needle. The needle comprises a body made of material able to be plastically flattened and at least one movable fixing means. Said fixing means is provided with a through aperture, and is installed on the body of the needle and capable of sliding. The fixing means securement in a given position is effectable by flattening plastic deformation of the body of the needle at the fixing means distal side so as the width of the flattened area exceeds the diameter of the said area exceeds the diameter of the said through aperture.

Abstract: Discectomy kits with obturator, guard cannulas are provided. The kits have a safe and efficient cutting heads for removing a target tissue from a subject during a surgical procedure are provided, the cutting heads composing a part of systems that address several problems, including clogging of state-of-the-art systems during removal of such tissue, for example. The target tissue can include any tissue that is accessible through a small surgical opening, for example, a joint tissue such as a meniscus or an intervertebral tissue, such as a nucleus pulposus. The devices can be referred to as orthopedic tissue removal devices having cutting heads associated with vacuum systems, making the systems useful in several procedures, including X-LIF (lateral approach to an intervertebral fusions) procedures, T-LIF (transforaminal approach to intervertebral fusions) procedures, P-LIF (posterior approach to intervertebral fusions), and a percutaneous, transforaminal approach (Kambin triangle access).

Abstract: Fluid is pressurized and supplied to a fluid chamber with a fluid pressurizing and supplying unit. The pressurized fluid within the fluid chamber is ejected through an injection nozzle by reduction of the volume of the fluid chamber caused by applying a driving voltage to a volume varying unit. In applying the driving voltage to the volume varying unit, the effect imposed on fluid injection by pressure fluctuations of the fluid pressurized and supplied to the fluid chamber is compensated by changing the voltage waveform of the driving voltage. When the pressure of the supply flow amount is decreased to a pressure lower than a predetermined pressure, the time intervals of the driving waveform are corrected. The maneuverability of a fluid injection device does not deteriorate even when the pressure of the fluid pressurized and supplied to the fluid chamber fluctuates.

Abstract: A number of gallbladder treatment devices and methods treating gallstone disease are included. A gallbladder treatment device has a structure secured within the gallbladder to maintain gallstones and gallstone fragments within the gallbladder interior and distal to the gallbladder neck. A gallbladder treatment device may be put into therapeutic use by first accessing the gallbladder interior and then advancing the gallbladder treatment device into the gallbladder interior. The gallbladder treatment device is then positioned within the gallbladder interior in an orientation to maintain gallstones and gallstone fragments on one side of the device and away from or distal to the gallbladder neck.

Abstract: Assemblies, kits, and methods for occluding a vascular vessel, such as a varicose vein, are disclosed. An assembly can include a removable inner member, a removable outer member, and an elongated expandable member positioned in a compressed form between portions of the inner and outer members. To facilitate their removal, one or both of the inner and outer members can include a handle coupled to a proximal end. The elongated expandable member can include a gelatin material or a collagen material that is configured, when wetted, to expand from a compressed first diametrical size to a second larger diametrical size within a time period of 5 minutes or less. At the second larger diametrical size, the gelatin or collagen material can occlude a vascular vessel for a period of at least 20 days without degrading.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for controlling local blood pressure. In an exemplary embodiment of a device for exposing a blood vessel to increased pressure of the present disclosure, the device comprises an anchor configured for placement into a blood vessel and to expand independently from a particle held from flowing away by the anchor, the particle configured to gradually expand due to exposure to blood flow.

Abstract: Described are magnets, dilating members comprising magnets, and nasal dilators for nasal dilatation that dynamically maintain fit and dilatation in a user's nostrils without manual intervention. Also described are kits comprising multiple pairs of magnets for assembling a nasal dilator to meet a user's requirements.

Abstract: A clot capture system for disengaging a clot from a vessel wall and removing the clot from the vessel, comprises a clot capture device for placement on a distal side of a clot. The clot capture device has a retracted delivery configuration and an expanded deployed configuration. The clot removal device has a proximal support frame, and a distal fibre net. The support frame has a retracted delivery configuration and an expanded deployed configuration. The proximal support frame in the expanded configuration defines a proximal inlet mouth for engaging a clot and a net for confining the clot. An elongate member facilitates capture and/or withdrawal of a clot from a vessel.

Abstract: A seamless, self-expanding implantable device having a low profile is disclosed along with methods of making and using the same. The implantable device includes a frame cut out of a single piece of material that is formed into a three-dimensional shape. The implantable device may comprise an embolic filter, stent, or other implantable structure. The present invention also allows complicated frame structures to be easily formed from planar sheets of starting material, such as through laser cutting, stamping, photo-etching, or other cutting techniques.

Abstract: A medical device may include an elongate shaft having a distal end portion and a balloon disposed at least partially within the distal end portion. The distal end portion may be configured to selectively expand from a collapsed delivery configuration to a distally-opening expanded filtering configuration. A method of deploying a medical device may include obtaining an elongate shaft having a distal end portion and a balloon disposed at least partially within the distal end portion, advancing the elongate shaft through a vessel to a treatment site, disposing at least a portion of the balloon within the treatment site with the distal end of the elongate shaft positioned adjacent the treatment site, at least partially inflating the balloon, thereby expanding the distal end portion, and deflating the balloon and subsequently performing a procedure with the distal end of the elongate shaft positioned within the vessel adjacent to the treatment site.

Abstract: A method of embolic protection during a medical procedure in a patient's body vessel includes inserting a medical device having an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member into the body vessel. A flexible filter portion has one end attached to the distal end of the inner tubular member and the other end attached to the distal end of the outer tubular member. The filter portion is deployed within the body vessel so that the filter portion extends distally from the outer tubular member and expands radially outward to engage the filter body with an enclosing body vessel wall. A medical instrument is inserted through the inner tubular member to perform the medical procedure. The filter portion allows the passage of blood cells to surrounding vessels and prevents emboli from entering surrounding vessels. After removing medical instrument, the medical device is also removed from the body vessel.

Abstract: A system for controlling blood flow through a zone of a patient limb, the zone being bounded by a proximal end and a distal end, comprises: a cuff configured for securing to the limb and for covering the zone, the cuff providing pressure to the zone for occluding the flow of blood flowing through the zone in the direction from the proximal to distal ends of the zone; an array of sensors fitting between the cuff and the limb and arranged for sensing and signaling the amount of penetration of blood flow into the zone; and a control instrument connected to the array and to the cuff for regulating the pressure in the cuff to occlude the blood flow in the zone depending upon the amount of blood flow penetration signaled by the array.

Abstract: The invention provides an introducer sheath (1, 21, 51), whose distal end is to be positioned inside a vessel (10, 32, 62), at a predetermined distance from the wall (9, 31, 61) of the vessel (10, 32, 62). The introducer sheath (1, 21, 51) comprises a distal portion (2, 22, 52) with a first diameter and a proximal portion (3, 23, 53) with a second diameter, the first diameter being smaller than the diameter of the puncture hole and the second diameter being larger than the diameter of the puncture hole.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for occluding intracardiac defects, for example, a patent foramen ovale (PFO). The devices according to the invention have various features that enhance the flexibility of the device and improve the device's ability to conform to the location of the intracardiac defect. In particular, intracardiac occluders with curved arms are disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to surgical stapling apparatus for enhancing one or more properties of body tissue that is or is to be repaired or joined. The apparatus includes a staple anvil, a staple cartridge, a driving member for driving the surgical staples from individual staple slots in the staple cartridge and against the staple anvil, and a wound closure material applicator assembly. The applicator assembly includes at least one conduit extending along at least a length of the driving member, anvil and/or cartridge and at least one reservoir in fluid communication with the at least one conduit, the reservoir containing a wound closure material therein. The staples can be coated with a wound closure material.

Abstract: A suture anchor system and method including a suture anchor and a suture anchor drive. The suture anchor is positionable on a rod of the suture anchor drive. The rod defines an awl for forming a hole in a bone. The suture anchor drive further has an impactor for moving the suture anchor along the rod between a retracted position and an advanced position so as to implant the suture anchor in the bone with the awl positioned in the bone.

Abstract: When ligaments or tendons detach from associated bone, or become damaged by way of being torn, surgical intervention can be used to assist repair and reattachment (restoration). An anchor in the cortical portion of the bone is provided which is used to secure a suture with respect to the bone wherein the suture is attached at one end to a tendon or other portion of the body and the free end is secured to the anchor without the use of a knot. An arthroscopic transosseous knotless suture anchoring arrangement for holding a suture includes, a hollow body for at least partial insertion into a cortical portion of a hone and a holding dement having an elongate body sized for fitment with and within the hollow of the body for holding a suture located in the hollow body with respect to the cortical portion of the bone.

Abstract: A method of connecting a suture to a bone including the steps of inserting at least one suture anchor into the bone, and disposing a suture loop about a crossbar of the suture anchor in such a way that when a proximally directed force is applied to the suture loop, a free end of the crossbar engages a transverse edge of the body of the suture anchor to limit proximal motion of the crossbar and capture the suture loop.