Abstract: Embodiments are directed to transferring and opening reagent containers for use in a clinical analyzer in an in vitro diagnostics (IVD) environment. Contents of a reagent container may be automatically recorded, and the container is positioned and opened, making available its contents to a transfer probe. A set of mechanical fingers open and close relative to one another, to release and grip the reagent container on opposite sides thereof for transferring the container. Once the container is positioned, the mechanical fingers raise and are positioned above a seal concealing the contents of the reagent container. The fingers are configured to close together and travel in a downward trajectory to pierce the seal. The reagent container is originally presented as an un-opened package to prevent spillage and to control reagent life expectancy. According to an embodiment, a method of performing a cycle unload, transfer, and load, without operator intervention, is provided.

Abstract: The bending of the catheter is controlled from the handle by a variable tension exerted to a steering cable housed in an offset longitudinal notch of the catheter. The handle comprises: a body adapted to be held in hand by an operator; a piston, axially mobile in rotation and in translation inside the handle body; a first mechanism with a pulley for the winding of the steering cable and a lever for modifying in a controlled manner the tension of the cable and hence controlling the steering of the catheter; and a second mechanism comprising a member for holding a security wire and a member for adjusting the axial position of this wire with respect to the internal tube of the catheter, so as to keep the security wire in tight condition whatever the bend provided to the catheter by operation of the first mechanism.

Abstract: The disclosure provides systems and related methods for delivering a prosthesis to a target location. The system includes a tether delivery catheter and a prosthesis delivery catheter, and also can include a lock delivery catheter or knot pusher, as desired. Various embodiments of useful valve prostheses are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical bone sheath staple device, anchor, and/or scaffold enables low impact installation of distal end members in bones to secure soft tissue and the like via a deployment system. The bone sheath staples, anchors, and scaffolds secure soft tissue to bone to ensure tailored fixation of soft tissue to bone. The bone staples, anchors, and scaffolds integrate sheath and suture tightening members to secure soft tissue to bone and tailor compression of soft tissue to bone to encourage healing. The bone staples, anchors, and scaffolds integrate sheaths and suture to define attachment mechanisms and other features that secure the staples, anchors, and/or scaffolds to bone.

Abstract: This invention is an intrasacular aneurysm occlusion device with a proximal stent which is expanded to a globular shape within an aneurysm sac and then compressed into a bowl shape which covers the aneurysm neck. The device further comprises embolic members and/or embolic material which is inserted into a distal portion of the aneurysm sac. The proximal stent component covers the aneurysm neck so as to reduce blood flow into the aneurysm sac and the accumulated embolic members and/or embolic material in the distal portion of the aneurysm sac keeps the proximal stent in place.

Abstract: A method of anchoring a connector in a heterogeneous first object that includes a first building layer and, distally of the first building layer, an interlining layer. The method includes providing the first object and the connector, which includes thermoplastic material in a solid state; contacting the connector with the first building layer; applying a first mechanical pressing force to the connector until the first building layer is pierced by the connector and a distal portion of the connector reaches into the interlining layer; applying a second mechanical pressing force and mechanical vibration to the connector until a flow portion of the thermoplastic material is flowable and penetrates structures of the first object, and a distally facing abutment face of the head portion abuts against the metal profile in a region next to the opening; and letting the thermoplastic material resolidify to yield a positive-fit connection.

Abstract: A degradable occluder, which comprises a first disc-shaped mesh, a tubular mesh, and a second disc-shaped mesh, which are sequentially connected, wherein both ends of the tubular mesh are respectively connected to the first disc-shaped mesh and the second disc-shaped mesh, wherein the first disc-shaped mesh, the tubular mesh, and the second disc-shaped mesh are integrally formed. The second disc-shaped mesh is provided with a connector used for closing the mesh surface wherein the connector is formed by heat-melting the mesh body of the second disc-shaped mesh, wherein the materials of the first disc-shaped mesh, the tubular mesh, the second disc-shaped mesh and the connector are all degradable materials. The closing structure of the occluder by closing line increases the support and resilience of the occluder, wherein it reduces manufacturing difficulty and cost.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an innovative biological prostheses, equipped with a drainage system, designed for all surgical applications where there is any risk of hematomas or seromas, which not only allows to minimize adverse events arising from its application, but allows also to improve the effectiveness of the functional reconstruction. The prosthesis of the present invention is a surgical prosthesis made of animal derived collagen having a peripheral outline and a drainage portion comprising a plurality of drainage holes which are located in one or more independent groups each of which has a regular body-centered polygon layout.

Abstract: The presently disclosed stapling device includes a stomal sleeve secured to an anvil assembly of a tool assembly of the stapling device. The stomal sleeve has a tubular configuration having a first end portion secured to a tissue contact surface of the anvil assembly and a second end portion secured to a distal face of an anvil head of the anvil assembly. In use, the stapling device is fired to secure the first end portion of the stomal sleeve to dermal and intestinal tissue within a stoma and to separate the first end portion of the stomal sleeve from the anvil assembly. When the stapling device is withdrawn from the stoma, the second end portion of the stomal sleeve is withdrawn from the stoma and subsequently disengaged from the anvil head of the anvil assembly such that the second end portion of the stomal sleeve is positioned externally of the stoma.

Abstract: A surgical clip of branch-crossed design has two Z-shaped clip branches connected to each other at a proximal end of each of the clip branches by a spring-elastic connection piece. Each of the clip branches has a jaw part at a distal section with a gripping surface. In an assembled position of the clip, the clip branches cross and the gripping surfaces are opposite each other and are held in contact on one another by a closing force of the spring-elastic connection piece. At least one first clip branch has a groove in which the second clip branch is held and/or guided, at least in sections, such that a displacement of the clip branches in a transverse direction of the clip branches is prevented.

Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise fastener cavities arranged in longitudinal rows. A first fastener having a first configuration and a second fastener having a second configuration can be stored within a longitudinal row. First fasteners having a first configuration can be stored within a first longitudinal row and second fasteners having a second configuration can be stored within a second longitudinal row. Each first fastener can have a proximal leg, or leg portion, extending at a first proximal angle and a distal leg, or leg portion, extending at a first distal angle and each second fastener can have a proximal leg, or leg portion, extending at a second proximal angle and a distal leg, or leg portion, extending at a second distal angle. The first proximal angle can be different than the second proximal angle and/or the first distal angle can be different than the second distal angle.

Abstract: A clip includes a first side portion and a second side portion fastenable together and configured to attach to a broad suture. The first side portion has a first aperture sized to permit passage of the broad suture therethrough. The second side portion has a second aperture sized to permit passage of the broad suture therethrough, and at least one prong in the second aperture configured to penetrate the broad suture. A stopper surface is provided on the first side portion, wherein the prong contacts the stopper surface when the first side portion and the second side portion are fastened together so as to maintain the prong in the broad suture to thereby attach the clip to the broad suture.

Abstract: A suture grasper for retrieving a suture from an internal surgical site includes an inner shaft defining a tissue-penetrating tip, an intermediate shaft disposed about the inner shaft, and an outer shaft disposed about the intermediate shaft. The intermediate shaft defines a plurality of spring fingers movable between a spread position, wherein the spring fingers extend radially outwardly from the inner shaft, and a compressed position, wherein the spring fingers are approximated about the inner shaft. The outer shaft is selectively translatable relative to the inner shaft and the intermediate shaft for moving the spring fingers between the spread position and the compressed position.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed towards an endovascular clip comprising a proximal anchoring member and a distal self-expanding member. The proximal anchoring member and distal self-expanding member are configured to extend across opposite sides of a neck of an aneurysm.

Abstract: A stent graft includes a luminal graft component defining at least one fenestration. At least one ligature traverses the fenestration and at least partially defines an opening within the fenestration that secures a branch prosthesis. The stent graft is implanted in a patient to thereby treat an arterial aneurysm, such as an aortic aneurysm in a region of the aorta that includes at least one arterial branch, including juxtarenal and short-neck aortic aneurysms.

Abstract: A suture securing instrument can include a cylindrical body that has an inner circumferential surface, and a securing portion configured to secure a suture. The securing portion can include an outer circumferential surface supported by the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body by moving along a longitudinal axis relative to the cylindrical body, and a holding portion configured to hold the suture between the cylindrical body and the securing portion. The holding portion can also include a groove for the suture.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, an end effector and an elongated shaft extending therebetween. The end effector is movable between open and closed configurations. The elongated shaft includes a distal portion that is movable between aligned and articulated configurations. The surgical instrument further includes a driving assembly that induces motion in the end effector between open and closed configuration and maintains a closure pressure in the range of about 3 kg/cm2 to about 16 kg/cm2 between aligned and articulated configurations of the elongated shaft.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a method for producing a porous substrate containing a bioabsorbable polymer and heparin in a simple manner without use of a surfactant, a porous substrate containing a bioabsorbable polymer and heparin, and an artificial blood vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prosthetic knit based on at least a first yarn of biocompatible polymer material defining first and second opposite and openwork faces, and on at least a second biocompatible and heat-fusible monofilament yarn, forming barbs that protrude outwards from at least said first face and are obtained by melting loops generated by said second yarn, the chart followed for the knitting of said first and second yarns on a warp knitting machine having three guide bars B1, B2, B3 being the following, according to the ISO 11676 standard: —Bar B1: 1.0/0.1//—Bar B2: 1.0/7.7/6.6/7.7//—Bar B3: 2.1/5.5/3.4/0.0// said second yarn following the chart of bar B3. The present invention also relates to a process for manufacturing such a knit.

Abstract: An implant delivery device may include an implant holding portion proximate the distal end, the implant holding portion being configured to retain a sheet-like implant during implantation of the implant. In addition, the implant holding portion may be configured to receive the implant with a fixed implant supporting flange member configured to support the implant on one side, and a movable implant supporting flange member. The movable implant supporting flange member may be configured to be slidable between a distal position and a proximal position, wherein, in the distal position, the movable implant supporting flange member and secures the implant against the fixed implant supporting flange member, and in the proximal position, the movable implant supporting flange member is withdrawn from the distal end of the implant delivery device, thus enabling release of the implant.

Abstract: An assistance system that can be used for prosthetic heart valve manufacturing or suturing procedures includes an automated fixture that can comprise an articulation arm and a target device holder. The target device holder can be positioned and oriented to reduce operator strain during a manufacturing or inspection process. The assistance system includes a user input device enabling the operator to move between positions to assist in such processes. The assistance system can also be trained by capturing sequences of position data corresponding to a manufacturing or inspection process.

Abstract: A device for treating tissue includes a capsule extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including a channel extending therethrough, the capsule releasably coupled to a proximal portion of the device and clip jaws, proximal ends of which are slidably received within the channel of the capsule so that the clip jaws are movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. Clip jaws are configured so that a distance between the distal ends of the clip jaws in an open configuration is between 15 and 18 millimeters. Clip jaws further include barbs extending from a distal portion thereof.

Abstract: A left atrial appendage closure implant may include a support frame including a first bend extending from a proximal collar to a second bend, a first segment extending from the second bend to a third bend, a second segment extending from the third bend to a fourth bend, and a third segment extending from the fourth bend to a distal collar, wherein the support frame is actuatable from a first constrained position to a second flowering position to a third mid-deployment position to a fourth unconstrained position. An implant may include a self-expanding support frame having a circumference and a central longitudinal axis, a membrane disposed over at least a portion of the support frame, and a plurality of anchors arranged into a first row and a second row such that the first row and the second row form a staggered pattern about the circumference of the support frame.

Abstract: A reconfigurable suture needle includes an elongated body having a curved proximal section and a curved distal section. A joint interconnects a distal end of the curved proximal section and a proximal end of the curved distal section. The joint enables the curved proximal section and the curved distal section to rotate relative to one another between a first configuration having a higher profile and a second configuration having a lower profile. Each of the curved proximal and distal sections of the elongated body defines about one-quarter of a circle. The elongated body has a semi-circular shape when in the first configuration and a wave shape when in the second configuration. The elongated body is rotated into the smaller profile for passing through a cannula and, after passing through the cannula, rotated back into the higher profile for use as a suturing needle.

Abstract: An exemplary valve repair device for repairing a native valve of a patient includes: a coaption element; a pair of paddles connected to the coaption element; a first cover extending from a distal end of the device and covering at least a portion of the paddles; and a second cover extending from a proximal end of the device and covering at least a portion of the coaption element. The paddles are movable between an open position and a closed position and are configured to attach to the native valve of the patient.

Abstract: Surgical instruments and their methods of use are disclosed. In some embodiments, the surgical instrument may include a handle and an elongated shaft assembly extending distally from the handle. The surgical instrument may also include a fastener deployment system for deploying fasteners from the elongated shaft assembly including a reciprocating driveshaft disposed within the elongated shaft assembly. The driveshaft may include an internal channel and at least one guide surface shaped and arranged to maintain an orientation of at least one fastener in the channel of the driveshaft. In other embodiments, the fastener deployment system may include a follower disposed within the elongated shaft assembly for displacing one or more fasteners within the elongated shaft assembly towards a distal fastener deployment position.

Abstract: Methods for delivering a sheet-like implant to a target site including a means of deploying and orienting the sheet-like implant within the body.

Abstract: A surgical clamping device is disclosed, having a first clamp jaw and a second clamp jaw, each having one or more channels configured for receiving suture for reliably securing the clamp jaws to maintain a clamping pressure during a surgical procedure, as well as to reliably and releasably secure the clamp jaws onto the introducer shaft of the clamping device. Also described are clamp jaws having one or more actuator interfaces and alignment guides configured for reversible and slidable engagement with an actuator at the end of an articulating introducer shaft. Also described are various features of clamp jaws for use with a surgical clamping device. Also disclosed is a surgical clamping device having detachable, pivotable first and second clamp jaws releasably held on pivotable fingers at a proximal end of an articulating introducer shaft. Related methods of surgical clamping procedures are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical implant (20) comprises a flexible, areal basic structure (22) having a first face and a second face and being provided with pores (26) extending from the first face to the second face. A barrier layer (24) having a first face and a second face is placed, with its second face, at the first face of the basic structure (2) and attached to the basic structure (22). The barrier layer (24) is deformed into at least part of the pores (26) where it forms, in a respective pore (10), a barrier region (28).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are gender-specific implantable mesh for inguinal hernia repair in a patient, comprising: a fabric layer comprising a side defining a surface area wherein the fabric layer is configured to enable tissue adhesion to said mesh; an anti-adhesive barrier comprising a shape configured to prevent direct contact between the fabric layer and both a spermatic cord and a genital nerve upon implantation, wherein the shape covers a part of the surface area on the side of the fabric layer, the part being less than 25%, and wherein the shape is oblique to a horizontally-oriented centerline and a vertically-oriented centerline; and a keyhole configured to fit the genital nerve and the spermatic cord of the patient therethrough without constriction, wherein the keyhole is oblique and inferior to a horizontally-oriented centerline and medial to a vertically-oriented centerline.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are annular prosthetic devices, such as annuloplasty rings, that include suture clips integrated into or mounted within an annular frame. The clips can quickly secure to sutures to obviate the need to tied knots in the sutures during implantation. Embodiments comprise an annular frame having an open central region and a plurality of suture clips spaced angularly apart around the frame. Each of the suture clips can comprise two opposing tabs that extend toward each other such that the suture clip forms a gripping region between ends of the tabs and the gripping region is configured to grip a suture inserted through the suture clip between the two tabs. The annular frame and the plurality of suture clips can be formed from a single piece of flat material with the suture clip tabs being formed by laser cutting the piece of flat material, or the suture clips can be movable along a track formed in the annular frame.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for use in surgical vascular anastomotic procedures. Apparatus includes a blood vessel inner wall (BVIW) sealing and hole forming device, and a hole forming actuator. BVIW sealing and hole forming device includes a hole sealing device, and an anastomotic hole generating device. Hole sealing device includes a sheath that fully encloses and holds a self-expanding hole sealing assembly, a manual hole sealing controller assembly, and a flexible control wire enclosed within a flexible tube. Anastomotic hole generating device includes outer and inner assemblies, with a conically shaped anastomotic hole generating member. Hole forming actuator includes outer and inner assemblies. Also disclosed are procedures for performing surgical vascular anastomosis using the disclosed apparatuses and methods. Particularly applicable for use in clampless types of (end-to-side) surgical vascular anastomotic procedures, for performing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Abstract: An elevating device comprises a base, a support on the base, an elastic telescopic module on the support, and an adapter connected with the elastic telescopic module. The elastic telescopic module comprises a first frame body with a first accommodating space therein for positioning a first constant-force spring, and a second frame body with a second accommodating space therein for positioning a second constant-force spring. The second frame body has an top end located beneath the first frame body's bottom end, the first constant-force spring has one end passing out of the first accommodating space and fixed onto the bottom end of the second frame body, while the second constant-force spring has one end passing out of the second accommodating space and fixed onto the top end of the first frame body, so that the first and second frame body are moved in a reverse direction.

Abstract: A device for inserting a medical apparatus into a living body includes a handle and an elongated sheath extending from the handle to a distal end configured for insertion to a target location in the living body in combination with a clasp positioned within a distal portion of the elongated sheath and configured to temporarily attach to an endoscopic device and a spring retention mechanism movable from a first resting configuration maintaining a first closed position of the clasp to a second compressed configuration moving the clasp to an open position. A withdrawal mechanism is movable from a first resting configuration in which the distal end of the elongated sheath extends distally over a distal end of the endoscopic device to a second retracted configuration in which the distal end of the elongated sheath is moved proximally of the distal end of the endoscopic device.

Abstract: Techniques for mesh augmentation and prevention of incisional hernia, including systems and methods for affixing mesh to a fascial incision. A mesh strip can be integrated with one or more uni-directional fasteners. Each fastener can include an anchoring mechanism adapted for affixation to anterior abdominal wall fascia and a mating interface. An applicator can include tension arms adapted to interface with the mating interfaces of the fasteners to maintain a vertical tension of the mesh strip and a handle coupled with the tension arms adapted to spread the tension arms and thereby control a horizontal tension of the mesh strip. The mesh strip can be configured to be aligned over a fascial incision using the applicator and affixed under tension to anterior abdominal wall fascia by tissue penetration of the anchoring mechanisms of the one or more fasteners.

Abstract: An accessory for a VasoStat™ hemostasis device that locks the plunger within the cylinder through which the plunger travels by restricting disengagement of ratcheted wings affixed to the plunger. The accessory may be repositioned or removed so that the ratcheted wings may be disengaged and the plunger may be retracted within the cylinder. When integrated into the plunger, the accessory may be configured to move between a first unlocked position and a second locked position. As a separate component, the accessory is configured to be positioned over and locked into position on the hemostasis device, such as the central stem of the plunger.

Abstract: A stapling apparatus includes a body portion, a staple cartridge disposed within the body portion, and a buttress removably attached to the staple cartridge. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of staple receiving slots defined in a tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge, with each staple receiving slot of the plurality of staple receiving slots including a staple disposed therein. The buttress includes a plurality of tabs at an outer edge of the buttress. The buttress is releasably retained on the staple cartridge by at least one tab of the plurality of tabs extending into a staple receiving slot of the plurality of staple receiving slots defined in the staple cartridge.

Abstract: A system for treating tissue includes a clip assembly including a pair of clip arms. Proximal ends of the clip arms are slidably received within a channel of a capsule to be moved between a tissue receiving configuration and a tissue clipping configuration. The system also includes a catheter assembly including a control member extending therethrough. The control member includes a distal end connected to the clip arms to move the clip assembly between the receiving and clipping configurations. The system further includes a coupler releasably coupled to a proximal end of the capsule and configured to be coupled to the distal end of the catheter assembly. The coupler fractures when a proximal force exerted on the coupler via the control member exceeds a first predetermined threshold value to disengage the capsule and deploy the clip assembly.

Abstract: An assembly used in osteosynthesis comprising a delivery instrument in combination with an implant wherein the delivery instrument releasably holds the implant in a first configuration prior to attachment of the implant to bone. The delivery instrument allows the implant to be affixed to bone before the implant is released from the instrument. And the instrument may comprise guide means for drills, depth gauges, screws, pins, pegs, blades and or drivers which are used or implanted when the implant is releasably attached to the instrument. After the implant is affixed to bone and released from the delivery instrument, the implant assumes at least a second configuration which provides compression and or distraction and or control of spatial orientation.

Abstract: Absorbable barrier composites are designed for modulated gas and water permeability depending on clinical use and are formed of at least two physicochemically distinct components, one of which is a film adjoined to a knitted mesh and/or electrostatically spun, non-woven fabric. Depending on the physicochemical properties of the barrier composite, it can be used in neurological and urinogenital surgical procedures as well as tissue engineering and/or as physical barriers to prevent adhesion formation following several types of surgical procedures.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods of bone stabilization. The bone stabilization system includes a mesh body. The mesh body includes a plurality of rings, with each of the rings defining a screw hole. Bridge portions extend between and interconnect the rings. The bridge portions have a reduced thickness compared to the rings. An elongate body may also extend from the mesh body. The elongate body defines at least one screw hole.

Abstract: A method of making a self-sealing patch for a tissue expander implant includes providing a first sheet having a first sheet outer perimeter and a first sheet inner edge defining a first central opening, providing a second sheet having a second sheet outer perimeter and a second sheet inner edge defining a second central opening, aligning the first and second sheet outer perimeters and the first and second sheet inner edges, capturing an outer washer between the first and second sheet outer perimeters for attaching the first and second sheets together, and capturing an inner washer between the first and second sheet inner edges for attaching the first and second sheets together. The method includes spacing an inner perimeter of the outer washer from an outer perimeter of the inner washer to form a sealed annular space between the attached first and second sheets, and disposing a hydrophobic material within the sealed annular space.

Abstract: A manufacturing process includes spinning at least one continuous poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS)/alginate fiber from a polymeric solution comprising PGS and alginate in water, drafting the at least one continuous PGS/alginate fiber in at least one coagulation bath, and drawing the at least one continuous PGS/alginate fiber from the at least one coagulation bath. A yarn includes at least one continuous PGS fiber. A continuous poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS)/alginate fiber forming system includes a feeding tank holding a polymeric solution of alginate and PGS, a pump, a spinneret, a first coagulation bath, a first winder, a second coagulation bath, a second winder, and a bobbin winder, the system forming at least one continuous PGS/alginate fiber from the polymeric solution of alginate and PGS.

Abstract: A method of surgical stapling that uses a surgical instrument operable to compress, staple, and cut tissue. The instrument includes a body, a shaft, and an end effector with a pair of jaws. A placement tip extends distally from one of the jaws of the end effector. The method includes positioning the end effector at a desired site for surgical stapling. The method also includes controlling one or more of the jaws of the end effector to place the end effector in an open position. The method also includes positioning the end effector such that tissue is located between the jaws. The method also includes clamping the tissue between the jaws by moving at least one of the jaws toward the other jaw. The method also includes advancing a firing beam of the apparatus from a proximal position to a distal position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a tissue repair device. The device includes a handle, a knob coupled to the handle, and a needle coupled to the handle. The needle includes a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end including a slot, wherein a first anchor is housed within the distal end and a second anchor is housed within the slot and located proximal to the first anchor. An actuator disposed within the needle and operatively coupled to the knob, wherein advancement of the knob allows for engagement of the actuator with the first anchor and subsequent advancement of the first anchor via the actuator. A method of tissue repair is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying clips to tissue, comprises a plurality of clips, each of the clips including a proximal end having a pair of opposed jaws and a distal end including a linking feature, where the clips are linked to one another to form a clip chain with a linking feature of a distal-most one of the clips being gripped between the jaws of an immediately proximal one of the clips and a control linkage coupled to a proximal-most one of the clips for applying tension and compression to the clip chain in combination with a magazine containing the clip chain, the magazine including an abutment surface sized to prevent passage distally therebeyond of a clip having received between its jaws a linking feature of an immediately distal clip and an opening location within which the jaws of a clip are permitted to open to release a linking feature therefrom.

Abstract: A hemostatic vessel band is provided. The hemostatic vessel band has a membrane. A plurality of cells extend transversely from a membrane second surface. Each of the cells has a cell chamber that is defined by the membrane second surface and a plurality of cell walls. When the hemostatic vessel band is selectively fastened circumferentially about a vessel to at least partially cover the target site. The hemostatic vessel band applies radially inward pressure to at least a portion of the vessel and at least a portion of the target site. Each cell chamber that is positioned transversely adjacent to at least a portion of the target site forms one isolation zone of a plurality of isolation zones. Each isolation zone is at least partially isolated from each of the other isolation zones and from any vessel surface adjacent to the isolation zone.

Abstract: In one aspect, compositions and wound dressings are described herein. In some embodiments, a composition or wound dressing described herein comprises a mesh formed from a plurality of biodegradable polymer fibers; a first active agent dispersed in the biodegradable polymer fibers; a plurality of biodegradable polymer particles disposed in the mesh; and a second active agent dispersed in the biodegradable polymer particles. The particles can be disposed within the interiors of the fibers of the mesh or between the fibers of the mesh. In another aspect, a composition or wound dressing described herein comprises a first perforated mesh formed from a first plurality of biodegradable polymer fibers; and a second perforated mesh formed from a second plurality of biodegradable polymer fibers, wherein the second perforated mesh is disposed on the first perforated mesh in a stacked configuration and the first and second perforated meshes have different degrees of perforation.

Abstract: A medical or surgical instrument, preferably of the pincers, scissors and/or forceps design, includes at least two legs pivoted relative to each other in a pivoting plane and lockable in at least one pivoting direction and in at least one pivoting position. The legs include locking portions adapted to be brought into locking engagement with each other, with the locking portions offset against each other normal to the pivoting plane by such offset that, when the legs are pivoted in the pivoting plane, the locking portions laterally pass each other in the pivoting plane without getting into locking engagement with each other. The medical or surgical instrument is configured in such way that the locking engagement of the locking portions is implemented only by applying a transverse force normal to the pivoting plane to at least one of the legs while cancelling the lateral offset.

Abstract: A method is used to reduce a volume of a stomach of a patient. The method includes inverting a portion of a stomach wall to thereby create an inverted portion. An expandable member is positioned adjacent to the outer surface of the inverted portion. The expandable member is expanded to thereby expand the inverted portion. The expanded expandable member has a first outer diameter. A base region of the inverted portion is cinched to thereby capture the expanded expandable member in the expanded inverted portion. The expanded expandable member has a first outer diameter. Expanding and cinching provide a cinch diameter to first outer diameter ratio from approximately 0.5:1 to approximately 0.9:1.