Abstract: A mechanism which is capable of anastomosis of two lumens by an absorbable fastener. The fastener is made from two washer-like plates. One such plate has holes to receive latching prongs protruding from the other plate. Fastening is done through a single linear motion that causes the prongs to pierce the tissue, latches the prongs into a receiver and causes a knife blade to cut through excess fastener material and tissue. The ease of removal, by pulling the mechanism thorugh the formed anastomosis, is greatly enhanced. The system can be used such that the plates can be placed in any configuration to properly anastomose tissue.

Abstract: A method of using a bioabsorbable tube device for the repair of nerve defects or gaps comprising the steps of selecting a flexible, porous, bioabsorbable tube device and, then, suturing the nerve ends within the tube device such that a predetermined gap is left between the proximal and distal nerve ends to allow for nerve axon growth across the nerve gap from the proximal nerve end to the distal nerve end.

Abstract: A dissolvable anastomosis stent comprises a first member for receiving a first vessel stump, a second member for receiving a second vessel stump, and engaging means for engaging the first and second members where the engaging means and members are constructed of a biocompatible, non-toxic material which substantially completely dissolves mammalian bodily fluids. In addition, methods for preparing the dissolvable anastomosis stent and methods for surgical mammalian anastomoses using the dissolvable anastomosis stent are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is a composite material of two or more biocompatible polymers, at least one of which is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and one of which is a bioabsorbable polymer. The nonabsorbable PTFE is used in the composite as a reinforcing binder. The reinforcing binder is a network of unsintered, interconnected micro-fibers which are formed, for example, by blending with a thermoplastic polymer vehicle, such as polymethylmethacrylate which is subsequently extracted. The bioabsorbable component is contained within the structure of the PTFE microfibrils. This composite is useful in the repair of mammalian tissue where tissue ingrowth and permenant support is required.

Abstract: A radiopaque device for use in hollow organ surgical sutures comprising a heterologous collagen tube with frusto-conical ends and provided with an annular rim in an intermediate portion, and a strip of collagen which is adapted to be wrapped around the sutured hollow organ in the manner of a band.

Abstract: An anastomotic device of a pair of telescopically and frictionally locked annuli which each have a plurality of spaced retaining pins that each project from an inner wall of the annuli and are adapted to pierce a lumen wall to be joined, extend axially withiun said lumen wall and into the body of the opposed lumen wall.

Abstract: A biodegradable, biocompatible, resorbable infusion stent comprising a terpolymer of:(a) L(-)lactide,(b) glycolide, and(c) epsilon-caprolactone.This invention includes a method for treating ureteral obstructions or impairments by utilizing a biodegradable, biocompatible, resorbable infusion stent, and a method for controlling the speed of resorption of the stent.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a support for anastomosing or connecting living organs in a living body which comprises a material selected from the group consisting of monosaccharide, oligosaccharide, polysaccharide, a mixture thereof, and polyvinyl pyrrolidone.The support provided according to the present invention has high safety and adaptability to the living body and is quickly dissolved away in body fluid in the living body, so that it can serve as an excellent support for a living tissue or organ in an anastomosing or connecting operation in a living body. This support assures secure anastomosis or connection and facilitates the surgical operations therefore.

Abstract: An absorbable stent for placement at the locus of a stenotic lesion which is flexible and compliance for safe and effective delivery to the cite of a coronary obstruction, for example, and so as to avoid arterial rupture or aneurysm formation while under continuous stress of a beating heart. The stent is expandable from a reduced diameter configuration, which facilitates delivery to the cite of a targeted arterial obstruction, to an expanded configuration when disposed within the targeted area. The stent can be carried to the cite to be treated and expanded to its supporting diameter on any suitable expandable catheter such as a mechanically expandable catheter or a catheter having an inflatable balloon. The stent is formed so as to have a wall with pores and/or holes to facilitate tissue ingrowth and encapsulation of the stent. The stent will subsequently be bioabsorbed to minimize the likelihood of embolization of the dissolved material.

Abstract: Bioabsorbable copolymers comprising .rho.-dioxanone and AA-BB type polyalkylene carbonates are provided. The copolymers are useful in the fabrication of sterile surgical articles and bioabsorbable coatings for sutures and are produced from organic carbonates by way of prepolymeric synthetic intermediates.

Abstract: A material for connecting members for soft tissues and inner organs which consists of a copolymer of N-vinylpyrrolidone and alkyl esters of acrylic and/or methacrylic acid containing in the alkyl group 2 to 8 carbon atoms at the following proportions of the components, molar percent:______________________________________ N-vinylpyrrolidone 40-90 alkyl esters of acrylic and/or methacrylic acid 10-60.

Abstract: A compression device for the anastomosis of hollow organs comprising three members having a hollow cylinder shape suitable to compress the edges of the hollow organs that are to be anastomosized. Each one of these members is formed by sectors that remain solidly connected to one another until the edges of the hollow organs are present, and separate into fragments when the edges break off from the seat of anastomosis, as they, necrotizing, lose their consistency.

Abstract: A ligament fixation device and system for its use that includes a channel ligament clamp (10) fabricated for human implantation and consisting of a channel section having a web (13) between parallel sides wherefrom sections have been removed leaving spaced apart pointed spikes (11) that extend outwardly from walls (12), the channel web including a group of pointed pins (15) that extend therefrom parallel and alongside the spikes (11), and at least one screw-type fastener hole (14) formed therethrough. The system of the invention includes tooling for locating a ligament on a bone surface and scoring that surface for drilling. After drilling, a right angle post (22) of a drilling guide (21) is fitted into that drilled hole (20) and the drill guide longitudinal axis is aligned with the ligament location on the bone surface, which drilling guide has an array of spike and pin holes formed therethrough for receiving a drill turned individually therethrough into the bone surface.

Abstract: A method for producing a biodegradable polymer having a preferentially oriented pore structure and a method for using the polymer to regenerate damaged nerve tissue is disclosed. The preferentially oriented pores are produced by an axial freezing process and serve to promote proper vascularation and regeneration of the damaged nerve. Preferably, the biodegradable polymer comprises uncrosslinked collagen-glycosaminoglycan.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel copolymers containing carbonate repeat units and ester repeat units.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for installing a plurality of interlocking coupling members forming a compression anastomosis assembly, particularly suitable for use in achieving anastomosis of a resected tubular organ, with the instrument having a cutting portion designed and configured for rotational movement as the cutter advances to perform its intended functions of severing tissue and at least a portion of one of the members of the assembly. Also disclosed is a dual locking feature for alternately locking a driving component and an aligning component against movement where, in a first mode, the aligning component is operative when the driving component is locked and, in a second mode, the driving component is operative when the aligning component is locked. Additionally disclosed is a unique aligning component for aligning and exerting a compressive force on members of an associated coupling assembly.