Abstract: An end effector for a surgical fastener applying instrument including a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The second jaw member includes first and second cartridges each containing a plurality of surgical fasteners, wherein each of the first and second cartridges is configured to move independently with respect to the first jaw member between a proximal position and a distal position.

Abstract: In order to improve a holding device for an implant, comprising a first connecting device for releasably connecting the holding device and the implant, such that very small implants, in particular, are easy to handle, it is suggested that the holding device have a second connecting device for releasably connecting the holding device and a storage unit.

Abstract: Hemostatic clip cartridge having a plurality of individual compartments for holding preformed hemostatic clips. Each individual compartment progressively increases in width from the centerline of the cartridge. Flexible retaining fingers extend into each individual compartment and secure the hemostatic clip to a pedestal. Harvesting the hemostatic clip from that particular individual compartment by a clip applicator moves at least one of the retaining fingers from a first position to a post-harvest position. Subsequent removal of the clip applicator with the harvested hemostatic clip from that particular individual compartment leaves at least one of the retaining fingers in the post-harvest position different from the first position so that the post-harvest position of the at least one of the retaining fingers indicates that the particular individual compartment has been accessed by the clip applicator.

Abstract: A surgical staple assembly is disclosed and can include a surgical staple. The surgical staple assembly can be moved between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the surgical staple can be in an original shape. Moreover, in the second configuration, the surgical staple can be in a deformed configuration.

Abstract: A surgical stapler is provided having a pair of jaws including a staple cartridge and an anvil. Buttress material is releasably secured to at least one of the staple cartridge and the anvil. The buttress material includes a means to releasably and frictionally engage the at least one of the staple cartridge and the anvil.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument can include a staple cartridge, wherein the staple cartridge includes a cartridge body, a plurality of staples, a cutting member stored therein, and means for covering, enclosing, encasing, and/or protecting the cutting member. In various embodiments, the staple cartridge body can include a housing which can extend around and/or over the cutting member when the cutting member is in an unfired position. In various circumstances, the housing can protect a clinician as they assemble the staple cartridge to the surgical stapling instrument.

Abstract: A sub-miniature surgical staple cartridge includes an elongated housing having longitudinally extending strips forming walls with a wall thickness preferably less than 0.015 inch. The walls define a plurality of longitudinally spaced pockets which receive a corresponding plurality of U-shaped surgical staples above generally flat corresponding drivers. The thin walls are formed of sheet metal or extruded plastics material or heat-formed sheet plastics material with the outer side walls having opposite end walls welded together or integrally connected. The outer side walls may be sheet metal enclosing sheet metal or plastic extruded internal walls, or the entire cartridge may be extruded of a plastics material or formed of sheet plastics material and have a plastic bottom wall.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a handle portion, a body portion, a movable handle, a tool assembly, a drive beam and a closure apparatus is disclosed. At least one of the closure apparatus and a contact surface of the tool assembly include a plastic surface. The body portion extends distally from the handle portion. The movable handle is located on the handle portion and is in mechanical cooperation with a drive member. The tool assembly includes an anvil, a cartridge assembly and a contact surface. The drive beam includes a proximal engagement portion and is configured to engage a portion of the drive member. The closure apparatus is configured to engage the contact surface of the tool assembly. At least a partial actuation of the movable handle moves the closure apparatus distally into engagement with the contact surface to approximate the anvil and the cartridge assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container (100) which has a carrier (1) for the storage and presentation of surgical auxiliary material (80), in particular screws, such as bone screws, in the holding or mounting position, and at least one removable cover (48) for preventing the loss of the auxiliary material, the surgical auxiliary material (80) being presentable in isolated form. According to the invention, it is envisaged that at least two containers (100) be separably connected to one another via the cover (48) and/or the carrier (1).

Abstract: A surgical screw container includes at least one recess which is adapted to receive therein a screw with a head and a threaded shank. The recess has an opening at one end to allow the screw to pass into or out of the recess. The recess is arranged so that the screw lies within the recess with the head of the screw facing the opening. The recess includes a detent device for retaining the screw within the container. The insertion of a screwdriver shaft into the recess releases the screw.

Abstract: Hemostatic clamps are used to tie or clamp blood vessels during surgical procedures. Special containers are used to store and advantageously provide hemostatic clamps. These containers completely and clearly hold clamps in each phase without tilting, and enable reliable removal by a surgeon using a surgical instrument. This is achieved with the container according to the invention, which avoids friction between the clamp and the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A package is used for the packaging of an anchor element together with a suture thread which is threaded on the latter. It is proposed to provide the package with an outer casing hermetically closed to the outside, the casing container holder which receives said anchor element and which has a seat for the suture thread already wound on the anchor element.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a suture retainer including a one-piece retaining structure having a passageway formed therein for receiving at least one suture, wherein the passageway includes a substantially open top portion, a substantially closed bottom portion, at least one radial turn and a plurality of rib members positioned along the radial turn of the passageway, wherein the rib members and the passageway are unitarily formed in a fixed position.

Abstract: Hemostatic clip cartridge having a plurality of individual compartments for holding preformed hemostatic clips. Each individual compartment progressively increases in width from the centerline of the cartridge. Flexible retaining fingers extend into each individual compartment and secure the hemostatic clip to a pedestal. Harvesting the hemostatic clip from that particular individual compartment by a clip applicator moves at least one of the retaining fingers from a first position to a post-harvest position. Subsequent removal of the clip applicator with the harvested hemostatic clip from that particular individual compartment leaves at least one of the retaining fingers in the post-harvest position different from the first position so that the post-harvest position of the at least one of the retaining fingers indicates that the particular individual compartment has been accessed by the clip applicator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and improved system and method for providing sutures using self adhesive pads with anchors. Each self adhesive pad has at least one anchor or hook fixed on top of the pad to hold a suture thread in place or could contain a Micro Velcro System. By applying the pads around an open wound and connecting them with a suture thread, the wound could be closed by tightening the suture thread. The wound could be kept closed by securing the position of both ends of the suture thread. In one embodiment, the end of a suture thread may be anchored on the anchor or hook on the self adhesive pad. The system and method provides improvements over the suture techniques using stitches by securing atraumatic closure of the wound in a non-invasive way.

Abstract: A package assembly for surgical mesh including a carrier assembly including a first substantially flat, flexible protective element having a periphery and positioned in a first plane, and a second substantially flat, flexible protective element having a periphery and positioned in second plane parallel and substantially adjacent to the first plane; and a substantially flat, flexible surgical mesh having first and second sides and positioned between the first and second protective elements. The first and second protective elements are further dimensioned to substantially cover the first and second sides of the surgical mesh respectively. The first and second protective elements are joined together along at least a portion of their respective peripheries, but along no more of the periphery than that which will allow the first and second protective elements to be separated from one another to allow removal of the mesh by a user without separating the joined portion of their peripheries.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container (100) which has a carrier (1) for the storage and presentation of surgical auxiliary material (80), in particular screws, such as bone screws, in the holding or mounting position, and at least one removable cover (48) for preventing the loss of the auxiliary material, the surgical auxiliary material (80) being presentable in isolated form. According to the invention, it is envisaged that at least two containers (100) be separably connected to one another via the cover (48) and/or the carrier (1).

Abstract: A system for holding surgical fasteners each having a first anchor, a second anchor and a connector extending therebetween upwardly from the first and second anchors, and a method for loading the same into an applicator. The system includes a shuttle having first and second channels dimensioned to slidably receive therein the first and second anchors, and having first and second grooves respectively forming openings into the channels along a portion of a length of the channels. When the first and second anchors are received within the first and second channels, the connector of the surgical fastener extends out of the shuttle through the first and second grooves. The system also includes a cartridge having at least a first channel dimensioned to slidably receive the shuttle therein, and having a first projection extending into the first channel.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to the area of medicine in the surgical field. Containers are used in surgery for application tools for applying objects. Containers especially suitable for holding special objects, in particular hemostatic clamps. Hemostatic clamps are used to tie or clamp blood vessels during surgical procedures. Special containers are used to store and advantageously provide hemostatic clamps. These containers completely and clearly hold clamps in each phase without tilting, and enable reliable removal by a surgeon using a surgical instrument. This is achieved with the container according to the invention, which avoids friction between the clamp and the surgical instrument.

Abstract: In order to improve a surgical screw container comprising a receiving part and a closure part mounted thereon so as to be movable, wherein the receiving part has at least two screw receptacles for accommodating at least two bone screws, wherein the closure part can be brought relative to the receiving part into at least one closure position, in which none of the screw receptacles is accessible for the introduction or removal of a bone screw, such that any loss of screws from the screw container can be practically ruled out it is suggested that the closure part can be brought from the at least one closure position into at least two removal positions, in each of which only a single screw receptacle is accessible for the introduction or removal of a single bone screw.

Abstract: Devices and methods for achieving hemostasis and leakage control in hollow body vessels such as the small and large intestines, arteries, and veins as well as ducts leading to the gall bladder and other organs. The devices and methods disclosed herein are especially useful in the emergency, trauma surgery or military setting, and most especially during damage control procedures. In such cases, the patient may have received trauma to the abdomen, extremities, neck or thoracic region. The devices utilize removable or permanently implanted, broad, soft, parallel jaw clips with minimal projections to maintain vessel contents without damage to the tissue comprising the vessel. These clips are applied using either standard instruments or custom devices that are subsequently removed leaving the clips implanted, on a temporary or permanent basis, to provide for hemostasis or leakage prevention, or both. These clips overcome the limitations of clips and sutures that are currently used for the same purposes.

Abstract: A keeping-ready device for bone screws and a keeping-ready system comprising this keeping-ready device are described. The keeping-ready device has a surface, in which a plurality of orifices for accommodating the bone screws is provided. The keeping-ready device allows the bone screws to be kept ready countersunk in relation to the surface.

Abstract: A surgical clip dispenser arranged to hold a plurality of surgical clips for retrieval by a clip applier is provided. The dispenser in one aspect includes a clip housing with a plurality of slots each adapted to hold a plurality of surgical clips and is biased for rotational movement. A regulator substantially encompassed by the clip housing in one position prevents rotational movement of the clip housing and in another position permits rotation of the clip housing.

Abstract: A storage for surgical fixation devices and an arrangement for the storage for surgical fixation devices. The storage for fixation devices comprises fixation device slots for at least one fixation device and a guide that is arranged to guide a counter element of an installation tool to a contact section of a fixation device located in the fixation device slot. The arrangement comprises a space for the fixation device storage, to which the storage for fixation devices can be arranged, and a guide for an installation tool, the guide being arranged to guide a counter element of the installation tool to a contact section of a fixation device located in the fixation device slot.

Abstract: A cartridge is provided for retaining surgical clips, and particularly clips used in surgical ligating procedures that have an asymmetrical profile. The cartridge comprises a base having a base longitudinal axis. A plurality of axially spaced walls extend from the base and are transversely disposed in relation to the base axis. The walls define a plurality of axially spaced compartments therebetween. Each wall has a central wall axis that is generally perpendicular to the base axis. The cartridge further comprises a plurality of clip support members. Each clip support member is disposed within a respective compartment and comprises an asymmetrically shaped cross-section in relation to the central wall axis.

Abstract: A labyrinth package for sutures. The package has a base member with a top and a bottom. A labyrinth wall member extends from the top of the base member upwardly to form a labyrinth channel. The channel has an open end and a closed end. There is a vacuum opening in the bottom of the channel adjacent to the closed end. A lid is placed on top of the package. The package is loaded with sutures by using a combination of a vacuum source applied to the vacuum opening and a venturi air stream feed.

Abstract: In order to reliably configure the positioning of the clip in the cartridge in any phase, even during removal, in the case of a cartridge for receiving U-shaped clips having a web and two arms projecting therefrom, with a support abutting the underside of the web and with clamping members, which abut the web laterally at least on one side and are elastically removable from this web transversely to the plane of the clip, it is proposed that additional clamping members are provided, which abut the arms laterally at least on one side and are elastically removable from these arms transversely to the plane of the clip, and which are pressed elastically against the arms independently of the clamping members abutting the web.

Abstract: A hemostatic clip cartridge for holding a dispensing a polymeric hemostatic clip having a pair of legs connected at proximal ends to a hinge and latching means at distal ends of the legs, and including laterally projecting engagement means adapted to be slidingly received by notched jaws of an applier instrument. The cartridge includes a base having a plurality of longitudinally spaced clip retaining compartments for retaining individual clips carried at the hinge on a saddle extending between adjacent upwardly extending walls. A retainer secured to the base has laterally spaced deflectable arms projecting inwardly toward the saddle in resilient engagement with the legs of the clips. The deflectable arms have a U-shaped medial notch at the distal end having a base wall engagable with the legs and defining laterally spaced terminal fingers registering with said engagement means.

Abstract: The surgical clip holder retains a plurality of surgical clips which are removed by clip carrying jaws of a clip appliance. The holder includes a pedestal base which defines clip retaining depressions between intervening lands. A superstructure with a plurality of flexible guide ribs is mounted on the pedestal base. In one embodiment, finger tabs from a rim of the superstructure retain lower clip leg segments. At least one of the tabs has an aperture for receiving a lower leg segment of the clip. The aperture helps ensure consistent placement of the clip within the depressions to facilitate alignment and registration of the clip with the jaws of the clip appliance.

Abstract: In order to reliably configure the positioning of the clip in the cartridge in any phase, even during removal, in the case of a cartridge for receiving U-shaped clips having a web and two arms projecting therefrom, with a support abutting the underside of the web and with clamping members, which abut the web laterally at least on one side and are elastically removable from this web transversely to the plane of the clip, it is proposed that additional clamping members are provided, which abut the arms laterally at least on one side and are elastically removable from these arms transversely to the plane of the clip, and which are pressed elastically against the arms independently of the clamping members abutting the web.

Abstract: A system for inserting a cannulated tissue anchor during endoscopic surgical procedures. The system incorporates an elongated generally cylindrical tissue anchor having a plurality of barbs outwardly extending from its body and a transverse head situated at its proximal end. The head is elongated along a major axis which is misaligned relative to the rows of barbs on the body of the tissue anchor in order to enhance retention of the anchor within selected tissue. The anchor may be inserted during an endoscopic surgical procedure by a single-handed operation utilizing an instrument having a longitudinally slidable needle for guiding the anchor into place and a longitudinally slidable push rod for pushing the anchor along the needle. The system incorporates a package/loading device to facilitate the assembly of a cannulated tissue anchor with the inserter, the package/loading device being provided with a means for guiding the inserter needle through the axial bore of the tissue anchor.

Abstract: In a needle inserter with a needle protector for surgical suturing instruments, including a needle insertion structure having a handle part at one end and a needle mounting part at the other end, a slot is disposed in a needle mounting part for engaging therein a suturing needle. Means are provided for placing the needle inserter onto a jaw of a suturing instrument such that the needle can be locked with the jaws of the suturing instrument, which then, upon compression of the handle part, can be removed. The protector, which is installed on the needle inserter by a manufacturer, holds the needle in its proper position in the needle inserter and covers the needle tip to prevent displacement of the needle and injuries to persons installing the needle in the suturing instrument.

Abstract: A cartridge for holding clips includes a base and a plurality of walls extending from the base and having wall faces, opposed wall faces of adjacent walls defining a space for receiving a clip, wherein at least one wall of the wall faces has a roughened surface positioned to contact a clip in the space whereby the clip is frictionally held in the space.

Abstract: Synthetic absorbable sutures are filled with a stabilizing agent, preferably a mixture of glycerol and calcium lactate, and inserted into a retainer having a narrow convoluted passageway. The retainer is inserted into an open foil pouch with a package stabilizing element such as a paper sheet filled with stabilizing agent. The package containing the suture, retainer and package stabilizing element is sterilized, aerated, equilibrated to a relatively high moisture level, and sealed. Long lengths of suture and doubled-over and tripled-over suture may be withdrawn from the retainer with low force without damaging the suture. Bends and kinks in the suture are prevented so as to provide a synthetic absorbable suture having highly desirable out of package hand and feel. The suture an removed from the package exhibits improved tissue drag characteristics.

Abstract: In a packaging (1) for surgical suture material (6), a thread duct which runs spiral-like is formed in a base (2) and opens at its first end to form a thread removal zone in the periphery area of the base (2). The base (2) is provided with a cover (4). An edge segment (3) of the base (2) can be folded down about a fold line provided in the region of the underside of the base (2) for access to the thread removal zone.

Abstract: The support (1) which is in the form of an elongate strip, possesses clip supporting and retaining means which co-operate solely with web portions (51-52) of a clip (5) leaving the lateral limbs (50) thereof free; the support means comprise at least one bearing face (200) against which the web portion (51-52) of a clip rests, while the retaining means comprise a thin flexible tongue forming a blocking tab of a length that is not less than the height of the clip, and normally bearing against the web portion (52), but capable of moving away therefrom along a path that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the clip in order to release it when an upwardly-directed traction force is exerted on the clip. The support is applicable to surgical equipment.

Abstract: In a device for inserting a surgical suture needle into an endoscopic suture apparatus wherein the device includes two legs which are movable relative to each other, one of the legs has a front end with means for receiving a jaw of an endoscopic suturing apparatus and the other leg has needle engagement means for holding a surgical needle in a predetermined position such that one needle tip enters a needle support of the surgical suturing apparatus jaw when the other leg holding the needle is moved toward the one leg while the one leg is disposed on the surgical suturing apparatus jaw.

Abstract: A dental implant delivery system comprising a vial housing an implant and driver mount with a removable flange.

Abstract: A packaging for surgical suture material has a base sheet from which a wall extends in a spiral manner, the wall defining a thread duct. The thread duct opens at its first end into a thread-removal area. A cover is located above the thread duct. The spiral wall is provided on its outward-facing side with thread-deflector protrusions spaced apart from one another in the course of the thread duct.

Abstract: A clip cartridge for supporting a plurality of clips is provided. The clip cartridge includes a body defining a plurality of clip chambers each configured and dimensioned to receive a clip therein. Interlocking structure is provided on each end of the cartridge to facilitate attachment of a multiplicity of clip cartridges together. Clip cartridges housing different size clips have substantially identical external dimensions and internal dimensions which accommodate for the different size clips. The uniformity of the external dimensions of the cartridges housing different size clips facilitates attachment of the cartridges housing different size clips.

Abstract: A catgut suture includes a cross linked gelatin coating which is substantially insoluble in tubing or storage solution. The gelatin coating is formed by immersing the gut suture in aqueous gelatin solution, fixing the gelatin in a solution of cross linking agent such as glutaraldehyde, buffering the coating, then drying the suture at a temperature of at least about 50.degree. C.

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: The present invention provides a cartridge that retains clips in their slots and also facilitates removal of the clips by a clip applier. The slots are provided with at least one and preferably two retaining members that protrude from and preferably run substantially parallel to the slot-defining walls. The retaining members interfere with the clip to an extent sufficient to retain the clip in the slot while permitting relative movement between the clip and the saddle. In a preferred embodiment, the legs of the clip are flared to further facilitate engagement between the clip legs and the grooves of the applier jaws.

Abstract: A multipurpose container, particularly for threaded wires for bone surgery operations, comprising: a substantially rectangular base (2), a central body (3), which is removably secured to the said base (2) by securing means (16), suitable for containing a plurality of threaded wire (6), which is shorter in height than the said wires, so that the ends (7) thereof project above in order that they may be selected by an operator, a lid (4) secured to the said body (3), capable of covering the projecting ends (7) of the wires when the lid (4) is placed in the closed position, in which the said body (3) is subdivided into a plurality of separate spaces (9), which are accessible from the upper part (3') of the said body (3), each of which is capable of containing a plurality of threaded wires (6) of the same size and having threaded parts (8) of identical length and diameter.

Abstract: A load assist device for facilitating the loading of a suture cartridge onto a cartridge carrier of a surgical instrument is disclosed. The device has a cartridge casing and a suture cartridge loaded into an interior storage space of the cartridge casing. The suture cartridge contains a suture filament for tying a surgical knot. When a cartridge carrier of a surgical instrument is inserted into an aperture for receiving the cartridge within the cartridge casing, the carrier passes through a carrier channel inside the casing until it reaches the cartridge storage space for loading the suture cartridge onto the cartridge carrier. The loaded cartridge carrier may then be withdrawn from the cartridge storage space for withdrawal from the cartridge casing.

Abstract: The invention features a suture pack including a suture having needles at its ends and a pledget between the ends. The suture can be removed from the pack by pulling on one of the needles without becoming tangled on itself or on other sutures that preferably also are included in the pack. The suture package includes a support having a first retainer holding one of the needles, a second retainer holding the other needle, and a third retainer holding the pledget separately from either of the needles. The first retainer is positioned above the second and third retainers and the third retainer is offset horizontally from the second retainer. The support may also include a fourth retainer, positioned below the second retainer for holding the suture. Preferably the first, second and fourth retainers are vertically aligned.

Abstract: A cartridge for holding a generally cylindrical surgical fastener in position for ease of handling, comprising a holder having a surface for grasping by a user, the holder having a cup-shaped surface for engagement with the surgical fastener and for fixing the fastener in position on the holder and a threading loop extending from the holder for extending through an aperture in the surgical fastener. A combination, preferably provided as a sterile packaged unit includes the cartridge and the surgical fastener and may also include the suture and a surgical fastener emplacement tool.

Abstract: A loading unit is provided for use with a surgical vascular suturing instrument. The loading unit is dimensioned and configured to securely retain a surgical needle and an associated length of suture in a position to be received by a jaw of the vascular suturing instrument. The loading unit generally includes one or more needle supply stations each of which include needle support structure and jaw receiving structure. The needle supporting structure releasably secures a surgical needle to the loading unit and the jaw receiving structure is dimensioned and configured to guide the jaw of a vascular suturing instrument about an end of the surgical needle. The needle supply station also includes a shield to protect the pointed end of the surgical needle during storage and transportation. The loading unit also includes suture retaining structure for holding the length of suture material attached to the surgical needle.

Abstract: A surgical pledget dispensing system wherein a pledget is affixed to at least one other object whereby the pledget is tearably releasable from the at least one other object. Preferably a multiplicity of pledgers are affixed to the at least one other object in a tearably releasable fashion. The at least one other object is preferably at least one runner, a portion of a suture package or at least one other pledget.