Abstract: Systems and methods for knotless tissue repair employ a first suture construct routed through a tissue in a first inverted mattress stitch, including a loop portion and two free limbs. The loop portion of the first suture construct so routed is positioned adjacent to a superior surface of the tissue and the free limbs of the first suture construct so routed extend through an inferior surface of the tissue. A second suture construct, separate from the first suture construct, is inserted within the loop portion of the first suture construct such that two free limbs of the second suture construct extend from the loop portion of the first suture construct. The second suture construct comprises a plurality of braided filaments and possesses a substantially rectangular cross-sectional profile, and does not include a suture core surrounded by the braided filaments.

Abstract: Upholstery tufting apparatus comprises an insertion needle (5) with an aperture (4) to receive a tuft for insertion into an article to be upholstered. The tuft is presented to the needle aperture (4) along a tuft feed axis (3). The apparatus has a plurality of tuft strings (2a, 2b, 2c), a first string (2a) with tufts of a first length and a second string (2b) with tufts of different second length. The apparatus has one or more tuft feed units, and an actuator operatively connected to said tuft feed unit(s). The first and second tuft strings (2a, 2b) are associated with the tuft feed unit(s). A selected one of the tuft feed unit(s) is actuatable by the actuator to align one of the first and second strings (2a, 2b) with the tuft feed axis (3) according to the length of tuft required to be inserted into an article to be upholstered. A method for tufting an upholstered article employing said apparatus is also described.

Abstract: An elastic suture needle for passing through a smaller cannula used in minimally invasive surgery includes an elongated body having a proximal end, a distal end, a length extending from the proximal end to the distal end, a top surface extending along the length of the elongated body, and a bottom surface extending along the length of the elongated body. The elongated body has dimensions that are calculated using the equation T/LN<(4*?)/(?E), where T is the thickness of the elongated body, LN is the length of the neutral axis of the elongated body, ? is the yield strength of the elongated body, and E is the Young's modulus of the elongated body. The elongated body is made of stainless steels such as martensitic stainless steels, austenitic stainless steels, martensitic-aged (mar-aged) stainless steels, and stainless steels sold under the registered trademark ETHALLOY® Needle Alloy.

Abstract: A sewing system for attaching or re-attaching buttons is provided. Embodiments of the sewing system have a single- or multi-strand thread of one to ten woven threads, the threads having a length of at least one inch with one needle pre-attached, terminating in free strands, an opposing end securement, or two needles attached to opposing ends of the thread. The appearance of a professionally sewn button is provided while eliminating the need to make multiple passes through the button holes and fabric.

Abstract: A method for securing a suture to bone can include loading the suture in a distal opening of an inserter of an assembly. The suture can be coupled to soft tissue. The assembly can include the inserter, an anchor carried by the inserter, a distal tip and a driver each coupled to the inserter. A hole can be formed in the bone with the distal tip, and the distal opening and a portion of the suture can be positioned in the hole. The driver can be actuated to allow movement relative to the inserter and can be advanced in a first direction to drive the anchor about the inserter into the hole to secure the distal tip, anchor and suture to the bone with an absence of a knot. The driver can be moved in a second direction to remove the inserter from the distal tip, anchor and suture.

Abstract: An assembly and method for the protection of medical personnel from accidental suture needle sticks is described. The assembly includes a case containing a needle which can be retracted when not in use. The needle is extended and retracted through the engagement of a needle driver which compresses a compressible member. The compressible member exerts a force on the needle which in turn extends the needle's point beyond the casing so that the user can suture tissue. Disengaging the needle driver retracts the needle point which protects the user from accidentally receiving a needle prick from a contaminated needle between punctures.

Abstract: A ferrule is disclosed for use with a surgical suturing device. The ferrule has a suture interface and a needle receptacle. The ferrule also has one or more indentations protruding into the needle receptacle. The ferrule further has one or more slits adjacent the one or more indentations. Another ferrule is disclosed for use with a surgical suturing device. The ferrule has a suture interface and a needle receptacle. The ferrule also has three indentations protruding into the needle receptacle. The ferrule further has three slits, each of the slits substantially centered between a different pair of indentations from the three indentations, and wherein each of the slits is longer and thinner than any one of the three indentations.

Abstract: A needle disclosed herein may include an elongate body extending between a proximal end and a distal end with a central longitudinal axis defined by the body, where the distal end includes a single sharp point along the central longitudinal axis and defining a distal end terminus three longitudinal fluted surfaces converging at the distal end terminus; and three longitudinal beveled cutting edges defining borders between the fluted surfaces and converging at the distal end terminus. Needle embodiments may include one or more ports open into and/or proximal of the fluted surfaces and communicating with one or more longitudinal needle lumens.

Abstract: An endodontic file includes a handle and a bore formed entirely through the handle, and a fluted shank extending from the handle along an axis. A notch is formed in communication with the bore, and the notch is configured to open only in a direction along the axis to define an entrance to the bore only in a direction transverse to the axis.

Abstract: A method for bunion repair using a suture passing K-wire configured to easily pass through bone tunnels with suture trailing. The suture passing K-wire includes a tapered guide pin with a multi-diameter shaft (i.e., comprising at least two regions or sections that have different diameters) and a loop which is securely attached to an end of the guide pin (i.e., to the smaller diameter section of the guide pin). The reconstruction system may be formed of a pair of buttons connected by a flexible strand. The procedure offers indirect placement of buttons and a minimally invasive approach.

Abstract: The present innovation of the Two Way Plastic Needle identifies with another technique for crocheting, weaving and sewing the hair. The Two Way Plastic Needle is in an oblong flexible adaptable shape at the highest point of the needle, for crocheting in dreadlock hair augmentations, Interlock hair expansions, hair meshes, hair turn, utilizing characteristic sew hair or engineered hair. The Two Way Plastic Needle identifies with the pointed end of the little opening of the needle, to thread the needle and go underneath the braid twist to add-on and sew in the weft of the hair augmentation to the braid twist of the hair for furnishing a client with presence of having longer, fuller thicker hair.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to hand sewing needles that have periodic markings to facilitate the creation of stitches of equal length and spacing. Because regular stitching can be difficult to produce by hand but is nevertheless necessary for a garment or other sewing product to be considered of quality, presentable, and professionally made, embodiments of the invention aid those with little sewing experience in producing regular stitching. Embodiments of the present invention also relate to methods for producing and using the disclosed hand sewing needle.

Abstract: A handgrip for the handle of a cleaning tool, and particularly a push broom, has a frustum shaped front section with side walls tapering downwardly from an outwardly extending upper lip portion to an opening at the terminus of the front section. The opening is shaped to retain the cleaning tool handle. A stock shaped rear section extends downwardly from the front section. The rear section has a curved top wall which merges smoothly downward into curved sidewalls and merges upwards to the lip portion. A curved notch is formed between the lip portion and the top wall. This configuration allows the user to maintain a comfortable grasp of the handgrip, eliminating the strain and risk of injury, while ensuring that the user's hand does not slip off the handle.

Abstract: Devices and methods for minimally invasive suturing are disclosed. One suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes a proximal section a distal end, and an intermediate region therebetween. The device includes a suture head assembly having a suturing needle with a pointed end and a second end. The suturing needle is capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to deployment of guides that are adapted and configured to guide the needle around a circular path when advanced by a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a surgical instrument having a cylindrical tube affixed thereto. The axis of the cylindrical tube is aligned with a central axis of the surgical instrument so it can be advanced along a guidewire.

Abstract: Cutting eye needle comprising an elongated portion, a tip portion, and an eye portion comprising a frictionally engaged cutting edge, with adjacent surfaces (14) and (15) intersecting at edge (17) at an angle that creates a frictionally engaged cutting edge, which threads and sews like a conventional hand sewing needle, which is suitable for cutting one or more threads, in professions including the medical field and surgery, and in needlecraft operations particularly suited to quilting, where ends of thread are cut while located inside the cavities of a quilting project, while simultaneously reducing the probability of skin contact of an operator are disclosed.

Abstract: A loom knitting apparatus that enables the user to complete the action of creating a purl or knit stitch on a loom in one fluid step, thereby speeding up the knitting process is provided. The knitting apparatus may include a handle coupled to an arm extending therefrom along a longitudinal axis. The distal end of the arm provides a first hook portion and a second hook portion, wherein the hook portions diverge away from each other along a shared plane, forming supplementary angles relative to the longitudinal axis. The angle of each hook portion is less than or greater than a right angle relative to the longitudinal axis by a predetermined range so as to enable the manipulation of knitting stitches and working stands in the one-step formation of the purl or knit stitches on the loom.

Abstract: An implant manipulator may have a distal end that retains an implant, a proximal end, and an intermediate portion between the ends. The intermediate portion may have a cross-sectional shape that extends along a nonlinear pathway. The intermediate portion may have a selectively bendable portion in which the cross-sectional shape varies to facilitate bending when desired. The implant manipulator may be a needle for a suture passer, with a suture capture feature at the distal end. The suture capture feature may have first and second members that flex apart to permit entry of the suture into a suture capture hole wherein the suture is retained until released. A suture passer may receive the needle in a bore shaped to change the cross-sectional shape to facilitate or restrict bending of the needle, as needed.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention discloses a suturing device including an elongate member having a head portion, a tail portion and a needle receiving portion provided on the head portion. The needle receiving portion has a recess that is configured to receive a suture and hold it within the recess. The needle receiving portion is fixed with respect to an opening defined at the head portion. The suturing device further includes a needle having a retracted state and a deployed state. The needle includes a needle notch at a distal portion of the needle. The needle is configured to enter the recess of the needle receiving portion and receive the suture within the needle notch.

Abstract: A transobturator technique was developed for treating male urinary incontinence. This approach helped to design specific instruments to pass around the ischio-pubic branches of the male pelvis from inside to outside (i.e from the suburethral space to the thigh fold). The inside-out transobturator sling technique uses specific instruments and a polypropylene mesh with two arms that are passed inside to outside through the obturator foramens, pulled for compressing the bulbar urethra upward, and tied to each other across the midline. The mesh passes around the ischio-pubic branch before being tied under the bulbar urethra where it brings tension and support.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a needle for attaching a fixator to a soft tissue graft. The needle includes a pointed distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end including a suture coupler, the suture coupler including a hook and a pocket formed by the hook, wherein the needle is curved along an entire length of the needle. A fixator for use with the needle and method of fixating a soft tissue graft to a bone is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pre-threaded and knotted needle with a length of thread knotted though the eye of the needle and a connection securing the ends of the thread and a sleeve securing a bundle of the thread so that the thread is not tangled until it is released and ready for use The thread is bundle is formed by wrapping it into a bundle and securing a sleeve around the bundle of the thread so that the thread is not tangled until it is released and ready for use. The bundle is released for use by pulling on the needle and the end of the thread to release the bundle of thread.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a threader for use with various modular tactical vest systems. The particular modular vest systems have a weaving interface with attachable storage modules. A strap on a module is attached to the threader and the threader is woven through the support web on the vest. As the threader is pulled through the support web, the module is secured to the vest. Two embodiments for attaching the strap to the threader are disclosed.

Abstract: An open eye needle including an elongated portion, a tip portion and an open eye portion. The tip portion is attached to the elongated portion. The open eye portion is attached to the elongated portion. The open eye portion includes a tongue portion, an eye region and a channel. The eye region is defined by the tongue portion. The channel extends around the tongue portion and intersects the eye portion. The channel includes a first channel portion and a second channel portion that extends from the first channel portion. The first channel portion is oriented at an acute angle with respect to the second channel portion. The second channel portion is in communication with the eye region.

Abstract: A needle preferably intended to penetrate fabric, includes a blunt nose portion (1) and a grip portion (5). The needle is distinguished in that the nose portion (1) is of oval cross-section, the ends of the nose portion (1) are defined by radii of curvature (R1 and R2 respectively) of different magnitudes, the radii of curvature (R1 and R2 respectively) are each situated in their respective longitudinal central plane (LP1 and LP2 respectively) of the needle (1), the intersection of the central planes (LP1 and LP2 respectively) coincides with the needle's longitudinal centreline (C-C) and the central planes (LP1 and LP2 respectively) intersect one another at right angles.

Abstract: A moor or anchor (10) for pins (12), needles, or other sewing implements, comprising a moor or anchor having a first end and a second end, the first (14) and the second end (16) are connected by a central portion (30) which may be curved (18), whereby the moor or anchor (10) can be positioned on a surface (20) and receive a pin (12), needle, or other sewing implement to anchor apiece of fabric (19) to the surface. The surface (20) may be fabric, cloth, vinyl, plastic, or any other flexible material. The moor or anchor (10) may be configured in various shapes and include curved portions (18) and planar surfaces (26). A method for using the moor to secure and position pins and other sewing implements to surfaces such as fabric or other flexible material is also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a threader for use with various modular tactical vest systems. The particular modular vest systems have a weaving interface with attachable storage modules. A strap on a module is attached to the threader and the threader is woven through the support web on the vest. As the threader is pulled through the support web, the module is secured to the vest. Two embodiments for attaching the strap to the threader are disclosed.

Abstract: In an eyeless sewing needle, a periphery of an axial hole at the base end is heated to make a fibrous structure be a granular structure without directionality, and at least a part of a heat-affected zone made between the fibrous structure and the granular structure due to the heating is within a range that is three times the diameter of the sewing needle and that extends from an effective base of the axial hole towards the needlepoint. This allows provision of a flexible sewing needle so that the hole periphery can be processed while keeping a hard state at the position of the needlepoint slightly away from the axial hole.

Abstract: A wedge-shaped receptacle (9) is provided for packaging felting needles (8). The wedge shape is configured in such a manner that the felting needles lie in the receptacle in a mutual lateral engagement, that is, they are held approximately parallel to one another and they firmly clamp one another without their tips abutting against the receptacle body. This, on the one hand, results in a particular protection of the felting needles (8) during transportation and, on the other hand, results in a simple handling with the lowest danger of injuries.

Abstract: In an eyeless sewing needle, a periphery of an axial hole at the base end is heated to make a fibrous structure be a granular structure without directionality, and at least a part of a heat-affected zone made between the fibrous structure and the granular structure due to the heating is within a range that is three times the diameter of the sewing needle and that extends from an effective base of the axial hole towards the needlepoint. This allows provision of a flexible sewing needle so that the hole periphery can be processed while keeping a hard state at the position of the needlepoint slightly away from the axial hole.

Abstract: The present invention was invented in order to ease the process of threading a needle. It also gives people, who do not have the coordination to thread a needle, the ability to sew and knit. The present invention allows a wider range of people to use needles, and improves the ease of which sewing is done. The design is simple and easy to produce keeping the needles price at a low amount.

Abstract: A quilting needle for achieving substantially uniform stitches in a multi-layer fabric/batten quilting substrate. The needle is formed as an elongated straight slender needle body having an eyelet at one end thereof sized for receiving a quilting thread therethrough and a sharp quilting fabric piercing point at another end of the needle body. A viewable stitch size guide is permanently disposed on the needle body so as not to disrupt the smooth needle body surface and is positioned from the point a distance equal to a desired stitch size. Successive stitches formed into the substrate of uniform size or length when the needle body is consistently pierced through the substrate to a depth defined when said stitch size guide just touches or meets and aligns with an obverse surface of the substrate before piercing the point into a reverse surface of the substrate to complete each stitch.

Abstract: An improved needle (1) to attach a filter bag (2) containing a product for infusion to a pick-up tag (3) using a thread (4) knotted at least at one of its end sections (5; 6) comprises two eyes (7, 8) located at different distances from the point (9) of the needle (1). The first eye (7) is designed to hook the thread (4), stretched and retained at the end sections (5, 6) and to make a loop (10) in the thread when the needle (1) is pulled in the direction of its axis (1a). The second eye (8), on the other hand, is located closer to the point (9) and is oriented at right angles to the first eye (7) so that it can be surrounded by the loop (10) and can guide an end section (5; 6) of the thread (4) across the loop (10) to make a knot. The needle (1) also comprises two lengthways grooves (11) that connect the first eye (7) to the second eye (8) and that are especially shaped to accommodate the loop (10) and to keep it in position while the knot is being formed.

Abstract: A hand sewing needle for eliminating the requirement of turning the hand sewing needle after each pass through a piece of fabric. The inventive device includes an elongate body having a first end and a second end. An eyelet is positioned within the elongate body for receiving a length of thread, wherein the eyelet separates the elongate body into a first portion and a second portion. The first end and the second end of the elongate body may be comprised of any well-known structure such as pointed or blunt. The elongate body is preferably positioned at a center point of the elongate body.

Abstract: A threading needle threads the eye of the needle with relative ease and has the threader as an integral part of the device. The threading needle has a relatively rigid needle post and a relatively flexible eye that is attached to the needle post proximate the post's pointed end. The eye is bent sidewardly to form a gap between the needle post and the eye in order to allow a thread to be positioned therebetween. The eye is then bent to the other side causing the needle post to push the thread through the eye. The eye is returned to its normal position and the device is ready for use.

Abstract: A sewing needle having an eye portion with ends pinched together for retaining a plurality of threads of different sizes. The thread is placed through the eye of the needle and tugged toward the pinched end of the eye to secure the thread while sewing. This particular feature mechanically binds the thread from being removed accidently while sewing. A plurality of threads may be similarly secured for sewing requiring multi-colors or varying stitch widths or patterns.

Abstract: A surgical needle is provided including a body portion defining first and second longitudinal ends, the body portion includes a central portion having a first cross-sectional area and end portions adjacent the central portion having a smaller second cross-sectional area. A tissue penetrating portion is provided adjacent at least one end portion. Transition portions are provided intermediate the central portion and the end portions and taper from the first cross-sectional area to the second cross-sectional area. Suture attachment structure is formed in the central portion and a suture is attached to the suture attachment structure. A method of suturing is also provided wherein the surgical needle may be passed through tough tissue while minimizing bending of the surgical needle.

Abstract: A taper point surgical needle having improved needle point strength is disclosed. In one embodiment of the needle, a tip portion includes first and second integral tapered regions having first and second cross-sectional areas respectively which decrease progressively toward the tip of the needle in accordance with first and second angles of inclination respectively, with the first angle being greater than the second angle. In another embodiment of the needle of the present invention, the tip portion includes a third tapered region integral with the second tapered region and having a cross-sectional area which decreases progressively toward the needle tip in accordance with a third angle of inclination which is smaller than the second angle.

Abstract: A laparo-suture needle and method for use thereof. A medical suturing instrument employs an outer, hollow shaft having a laterally-disposed, elongate handle at a proximal end and an elongate, inner shaft disposed within the outer shaft. The inner shaft has a cutting edge at the distal end and extends out of the outer shaft at the proximal end, terminating in a spring-loaded push button. A lateral notch is formed in the inner shaft proximal of the cutting edge. The spring forces the inner shaft rearwardly so as to pull the notch within the outer shaft. By gripping the handle and placing pressure on the push button, the inner shaft is moved forward so as to expose the notch. A suture may then be placed in the notch so that the instrument grips the suture between the outer shaft and the inner shaft when the push button is released.

Abstract: A wound closure device which maintains pneumoperitoneum while allowing a surgeon to capture an mount of tissue which is substantially wider than the diameter of a trocar cannula through which the device is inserted. The wound closure device includes, an elongated guide member, a hook shaped needle and a retracting mechanism for moving the needle from an open position to a closed position. In the closed position, the tip of the needle is positioned within the guide member so that the needle can be easily inserted into a body. In the open position, the needle tip is positioned outside of the guide member at a distance from the guide member which is greater than the diameter of the guide member.

Abstract: A surgical suturing apparatus for closing an incision penetrating a plurality of layers of tissue includes a tubular body in which a "J"-shaped suture needle resides. In this position the tubular body may be inserted into the incision without damaging tissue. Once the tubular body has been inserted into the incision, the pointed end and suture gate of the suture needle are deployable out of a slot through the side of the tubular body to permit deep suturing of tissue layers without also suturing surface tissue layers. Several embodiments are presented for deploying the needle, including one in which the straight section of the suture needle having the pointed tip is biased to flare away from the other straight section of the suture needle, and the deploying is accomplished by moving the pointed tip section adjacent the tubular body slot and permitting the bias to cause that section to flare out of the slot.

Abstract: A surgical tool for endoscopic suture placement which permits a surgeon to place controlled and precise internal ligatures. The tool utilizes a drive rod including an articulating or deflecting portion. When forced to an extended position, the deflecting or articulating portion forms a hook or J-shaped needle, the tip of which can be used to accurately position the suture.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for the surgical suturing of narrow incisions that penetrate through a plurality of tissue layers. An elongated, "J"-shaped needle, through which suture material is threaded, is inserted into the wound, bringing the tip through one or more layers of tissue on one side of the wound and pulling suture material up through the wound. After repeating these steps on the other side of the wound, the suture material is knotted. A slidable locking member serves the dual purpose of covering the tip of the suture needle when not in use and also of maintaining pneumoperitoneum.

Abstract: A suture device including a hook needle, a body portion which fits within a wound site and a handle portion pivotally attached to the body portion. The needle is J-shaped with a long straight part and short curved part terminating in a pointed end. The long part of the needle slides in a channel in the handle portion and the pointed end moves axially toward and away from the handle with the curved part of the needle facing internal organs during closure of a wound site in an abdominal cavity.

Abstract: A suture driver for clamping a suture in the hollow passage and a recessed channel thereof and manipulating the suture to and from a surgical site. The driver includes an outer member tube having a closed and pointed distal end for percutaneous introduction into the body of a patient. The outer tube also includes a recessed channel positioned proximal the closed distal end of the hollow passage extending longitudinally therein and for receiving the suture therein. An inner rod is positioned in the passage of the outer tube and has a clamping surface at the distal end thereof for engaging a suture positioned in the recessed channel. The inner rod is slid through the recessed channel to clamp the suture in the hollow passage of the outer tube against another clamping surface at the distal end of the tube.

Abstract: A single-strike die mechanism includes a rotatable cam drive ring driven to impart through a cam mechanism linear motion to at least three crimping dies. The crimping dies are symmetrically arranged within a die guide and simultaneously actuated to move in a radial direction toward a centerline of a surgical needle. A surgical suture is axially inserted within a hollow barrel end of the needle, and the barrel end is crimped by the crimping dies to secure the suture therein. A method for operating the single-strike die mechanizes the procedure for securing the suture within the barrel end of the needle.

Abstract: In the production of a suture needle, a distal end portion of an elongated material is ground into a generally quadrangular pyramid shape. Then, the distal end portion of the elongated material is further ground into a generally triangular-pyramid shape, so that the distal or foremost end of the elongated material is positively pointed. The suture needle has four main surfaces and an auxiliary surface. The above triangular-pyramid shape is defined by two of the main surfaces and the auxiliary surface.

Abstract: A sewing needle has a main body 10 and a closed loop 18 of a resilient filament material rigidly secured to the rear end of the main body and lying a single common plane with the lengthwise axis of the main body. In unstressed condition, the filament has an open diamond configuration allowing a sewing thread to be easily passed through it. As the needle is pulled through the fabric, the loop collapses under the forces imposes on its sides by the fabric and thereafter expands to reassume its unstressed configuration. The rigid securement of the loop to the main body of the needle ensures that the loop remains in a single common plane with the needle axis as it collapses upon passage through the fabric and as it expands to its unstressed configuration following such passage.

Abstract: Surgical needles having a "U" or "V" shaped body useful for suturing small, deep wounds typical of surgical procedures such as arthroscopy and laparoscopy are disclosed. Additionally, a method for suturing a deep incision using the "U" or "V" shaped body surgical needle is disclosed.

Abstract: A curved surgical needle which may be helical or planar and in which the curvature may be constant or varied with the pointed end offset from the principal longitudinal axis.