Abstract: A medical suturing material which is loaded into an automatic suturing device having a staple line when used. The medical suturing material has a main suturing material on which a shape maintaining support member made of a film or a sheet having rigidity is superposed, wherein the main suturing material and the shape maintaining support member are joined together by sewing by using a single thread into a bag shape and the leading end of the bag structure is closed so as to be loaded into the automatic suturing device having the staple line. The main suturing material is unwoven fabric such as felt, woven fabric or a knit cloth having some flexibility and stretchability. In particular, bioabsorbable polymer, such as polyglycolic acid or a portion of a tissue of an organism is employed.

Abstract: The device for hemostatic treatment of a puncture opening following catheterization comprises an elongate tubular penetration member having a longitudinal axis, an internal end, an external end and a passageway therein including at least one longitudinal channel which extends at least a major portion of the distance between the internal and external ends. A pressure gauge is connected by connecting structure to the external end of the penetration member and to the longitudinal channel. A reservoir for hemostatic pharmacon is provided and is connected to the external end of the penetration member. The penetration member is provided with an opening, close to the internal end of the penetration member, for communicating the pressure gauge to the puncture opening.

Abstract: A medical apparatus includes a trocar assembly including a cannula and a trocar. The medical apparatus further includes a sleeve having a number of sealing members extending therefrom, and a passageway extending therethrough, with the trocar assembly being positioned within the passageway of the sleeve. The sleeve is positionable within an opening defined in a wall of a body cavity. Moreover, the sealing members are movable between (1) a first orientation in which the sealing members are positioned to facilitate advancement of the sleeve into the opening, and (2) a second orientation in which the sealing members are positioned to prevent fluid communication between an area inside of the body cavity and an area outside of the body cavity through a space defined between the opening of the body cavity and the sleeve. A medical procedure which uses the medical apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: One or more devices for stretching skin to close a wide skin defect may be used with two long interdermal needles which are inserted underneath the skin along margins of the wound. The skin stretching device may include a pair of needle shafts each having a hook or needle at a distal end for engaging one of the interdermal needles, and a contracting mechanism provided for drawing the opposing needle hooks toward one another, thereby approximating the opposing margins of the wound.The skin stretching device may also include a control knob for limiting the amount of force applied by the device, and a tension indicator for indicating the amount of force applied by the device. Each elongated shafts may also exhibit a retaining member about which a swivel platform rotates, and to which two or more needles are attached. The skin stretching device may further include elongated shafts which, at their distal ends, angle away from the body of the shafts, each exhibiting a single needle.

Abstract: An automatic intraosseous anchoring device has a conical member with a bottom and a tip. The conical member has an inner frusto-conical cutout extending from the bottom of the conical member toward the tip such that a conical wall is formed, wherein the cutout has a bottom surface. The conical member has a cylindrical part connected to the bottom surface of the cutout and extending toward the bottom of the conical member. The conical wall being slotted from the bottom of the conical member in a direction of the bottom surface of the cutout so as to form flexible blades. The cylindrical part has a transverse bore. A positioning rod with a first and a second end is provided. The first end has an element for detachably engaging the cylindrical part. A chamber for storing at least one suture filament is provided. The positioning rod extends through the chamber and is displaceable therein. The at least one suture filament is guided from the chamber to the cylindrical part and threaded through the transverse bore.

Abstract: A method of assembling an improved bio-absorbable cartilage repair system includes the step of directly inserting the insert into a cavity in the delivery unit so as to leave a top of the insert exposed. A flexible, porous fabric piece, consisting substantially of bio-absorbable material, is then applied over the exposed top of the inserted insert and through a plurality of the windows of the delivery unit sidewall. The fabric piece includes a central body portion configured and dimensioned to substantially cover the exposed top of the inserted insert, and a plurality of leg portions extending outwardly from the body portion, the leg portions being configured and dimensioned to fit through the windows. Substantially all of each leg portion is next pulled through a respective window to cause the body portion to deform the inserted insert into assuming the shape of the cavity therebelow. Finally, the leg portions projecting from the windows are trimmed.

Abstract: A membrane for temporarily covering a recess in the endogenic bone tissue filled with an osteogenic material, such as hydroxyapatite granules, as is needed following reconstruction of bones in plastic surgery or operations on the jaw, is composed of resorbable membrane material.

Abstract: The star occluder includes a frame formed from a first plurality of arms extending radially in a first plane and a second plurality of arms extending radially in a second plane which is spaced from and substantially parallel to the first plane. Loop joinder legs extend between the base ends of the first and second arms, and a first membrane sheet is supported by and extends over the first plurality of arms while a second membrane sheet is supported by and extends over the second group of arms. The frame is somewhat flexible when expanded so that the loop joinder legs expand into contact with the periphery of a septal defect and determine the size to which the frame will expand.

Abstract: In order to stimulate the formation of new tissues in extensive and deep wounds, the tissues are eased by exerting a traction force on the tissue with a vertical force component in relation to the plane of the wound. If the wound is vacuum sealed by a plastic foil (F), traction may be exerted through the foil (F). If a distractor that acts in the plane of the wound is set at the wound edges, the vertical traction component may be exerted on the edges of the wound by this distractor. The vertical traction component is generated through turnbuckles (70).

Abstract: Supporting grid for the mechanical support of a cover membrane, which membrane covers a bone void filled with a bone replacement material such as hydroxyl apatite granules, particularly a recess in the proper bone tissue of the body, characterized in that the supporting grid is bendable around at least one axis predetermined by the fashioning of the supporting grid.

Abstract: A device is proposed for inserting hemostatic material through a tissue channel and against the outside wall of a blood vessel of a patient, wherein the blood vessel wall has a puncture therein adjacent the tissue channel. The device includes a charge of hemostatic material and a hollow sheath adapted to pass through the tissue channel, the sheath having a cross sectional profile larger than the puncture. The device places the hemostatic material in the hollow sheath and advances the hemostatic material through the sheath to the outside of the vessel wall around the puncture.

Abstract: A method for extending skin tissue involving an apparatus that it surgically implanted within the human body, and in particular, beneath the scalp area to extend hair producing tissue for reducing baldness. The apparatus is implantable through a temporary opening, and extends the living tissue over a period of time, wherein the apparatus is later removed.

Abstract: A self-centering umbrella-type septal closure device which includes a proximal and distal occluder each having a plurality of arms supporting the occlusion shells. Each of the proximal and distal support arms have at least three coils any one or more of which is secured by a centering mechanism so as to control the positioning of the closure device so that it is centered about a defect.

Abstract: A system, a closure, and method of use for sealing a percutaneous puncture in a blood vessel. The puncture includes an opening in the vessel wall and a tract leading to the opening. The system includes an introducer sheath and associated positioning device, a hemostatic puncture closure, and a deployment instrument. The positioning device enables the introducer sheath to be positioned at a desired position within the vessel. The deployment instrument includes a tubular carrier holding the closure. The closure comprises a rigid, e.g., radio-opaque, anchor, a compressed collagen plug, and a thin filament connecting the two in a-pulley-like arrangement. The instrument and introducer are used to introduce the closure into the puncture, with the anchor located within the artery and with the collagen plug within the puncture tract. A locking member is provided to hold the closure in place at its operative position, whereupon hemostasis occurs rapidly, thereby sealing the puncture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closure device (10) for closing an anatomical anomaly in the form of a vascular opening (80), such as patent ductus arteriosus, atrial septal defect, foramen ovale or ventricular septal defect, including a closure body (14) that extends at least within the vascular opening and wirelike, elastic locking members (30, 32, 34). In order to improve a fixation of the closure device and to preclude injuries, it is proposed that the locking members (30, 32, 34), on their free ends, be embodied spherically or in lentiform fashion or be provided with spherical or lentiform elements (40).

Abstract: An elastic, biodegradable plug has a proximal retainer and a distal retainer coupled by a waist. The plug may be positioned to straddle a wound in a blood vessel wall of a patient and therefore close the wound to stop bleeding through the wound. To position the plug in the wound, an operator may insert the plug into a sleeve extending through the vessel wall into the vessel and move the plug through the sleeve with a positioning tool. In the sleeve, the distal and proximal retainers of the plug are compressed. As the distal retainer of the plug exits the distal end of the sleeve into the vessel, the distal retainer expands in the vessel such that a surface of the distal retainer faces an inner side of the vessel wall. The positioning tool and the sleeve are then removed to position the waist in the wound of the vessel wall and allow the proximal retainer to expand such that a surface of the proximal retainer faces an outer side of the vessel wall.

Abstract: A method for joining or restructuring tissue consists essentially of providing a preformed film or sheet of a solid filler material which fuses to tissue upon the application of energy. The material comprises collagen, gelatin, mixtures thereof, optionally combined with a plasticizer, and the film may be cut prior to placing over the tissue. Radiofrequency energy is then applied at between about 20 and 120 Watts to the filler material and the tissue after the filler material has been placed over the tissue for about 1 to 60 seconds so that about 20 to 1800 joules are delivered to the filler material and tissue.

Abstract: A dressing strap for securing a dressing to a patient's skin comprises a pad of plastic topped gelatin-like hydrocolloid with an overlay flap which covers a surgical dressing and which supports a plurality of resilient plastic hooks that may be quickly laced with either string of elastic bands. The overlay flap is attached to the hydrocolloid plastic cover near its centerline, thus eliminating stress at the wound.

Abstract: The technical field of the invention is that of making surgical materials implantable in the human body. The extender device (2) comprises at least two independent resilient members (8) each having at least one end fixed to at least one of two fastening members (7), enabling the device (2) to be fixed in a living tissue along the edges (13) of an area of the tissue that is to be treated. The edges are opposite each other in the direction in which they are moved towards each other at least by the resilient members and the device further includes a common support (9) to which the opposite ends of said resilient ends (8) are connected. The members (8) deform and move relative to the common support (9) so as to entrain the fastening members (7) over the support, urging them towards each other.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for accelerating the stretching of skin and the closing of open skin wounds. The method includes attaching a plurality of anchors to skin to allow a cable to be attached across the open skin wound. The cable is attached between the plurality of anchors across the wound, whereby when the skin stretches proximate to the wound sufficient tension is applied to the cable by an adjustable tightening mechanism member. Sufficient tension is applied to the cable by tightening mechanism member, whereby the skin proximate to said open skin would is stretched. The tension applied to the cable is detected and adjusted, as needed, to maintain the sufficient tension, thereby accelerating wound closure.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for hand-assisted minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery which allows for palpation and biophysical feedback within a sterile environment. A sleeve provides a sealed chamber communicating with a wound accessible to an surgeon's hand through entry and exit openings. The entry opening is sealed around the surgeon's wrist or forearm by a cuff.

Abstract: A device for closing off a septal defect including a polymeric self-hardening material in a specific conformation which is delivered by a catheter device to the area of defect either directly on the cardiac tissue or into a balloon which spans both surfaces of the defect, and hardened in-situ by change in pH or ionic concentration, organic solvents, by permeation of a secondary material capable of precipitation, or by exposure to heat, light or laser energy. In blood, the device may be hardened through photopolymerization or a cooperative effect of coagulation, precipitation or ionization. The device can be made of biodegradable material impregnated with growth factors, mitogenic factors or other determinants which can improve tissue growth such that tissue ingrowth can occur over a period of time. The catheter itself may be an ultrasonic imaging catheter.

Abstract: A method of surgically implanting into a site with cancellous bone a bio-absorbable cartilage repair system including an assembly. The method includes the steps of partially preparing the site to receive the assembly by removing at least a portion of the damaged or destroyed articular cartilage, and then removably fixing the forward tip of a guide wire in the cancellous bone under the removed articular cartilage. The guide wire is then utilized to further prepare the site to receive the assembly by drilling and countersinking the subchondral cancellous bone and to seat the assembly into the drilled and countersunk subchondral cancellous bone until the assembly is flush with the surrounding articular surface. The guide wire is then removed.

Abstract: A percutaneously insertable system for sealing punctures in blood vessels includes an element that is percutaneously insertable into and deplorable within a blood vessel, a thread-like member attached to the element that passes through the wall of the blood vessel and arresting element moveable on the thread and into engagement with the other surface of the blood vessel thereby to seal the opening.

Abstract: A device and method of closing an incision or puncture in a patient by inserting a vessel plug into the incision or puncture until the distal end of the vessel plug is adjacent to the outer lumen of the blood vessel or target organ so that the vessel plug does not obstruct the flow of fluid through the blood vessel or target organ. The precise positioning of the vessel plug in the incision or puncture is accomplished through the use of a balloon catheter or a cylindrical insertion assembly having a proximal plunger member associated therewith.

Abstract: Occlusion assembly for sealing openings in blood vessels, consisting of an occlusion element and fixing element to be fitted through the openings in the blood vessel. The fixing element is firmly connected to a retaining element. A locking element engages on the retaining element. This locking element is fitted horizontally against the outside of the blood vessel.

Abstract: A method and a device for holding together a pair of tissue edges defining a wound in a skin layer of a patient, the skin layer having an epidermic top layer and an underlying dermic layer. The device includes a first locking element, a second locking element, a locking structure positioned on either one of the first or second locking element for locking the first locking element to the second locking element. A first grasping structure is positioned on the first locking element for grasping on a portion of the dermic layer positioned adjacent the first locking element. A second grasping structure is positioned on the second locking element for grasping on a portion of the dermic layer positioned adjacent the second locking element. The first and second locking elements are adapted to be inserted by a puncturing action, on each side of the wound, through the epidermic layer and into the dermic layer, so that the first and second locking elements are completely embedded into the dermic layer of the skin.

Abstract: A device is proposed for inserting hemostatic material through a tissue channel and against the outside wall of a blood vessel of a patient, wherein the blood vessel wall has a puncture therein adjacent the tissue channel. The device includes a charge of hemostatic material and a hollow sheath adapted to pass through the tissue channel, the sheath having a cross sectional profile larger than the puncture. The device places the hemostatic material in the hollow sheath and advances the hemostatic material through the sheath to the outside of the vessel wall around the puncture.

Abstract: A device and method of closing an incision or puncture in a patient by inserting a vessel plug into the incision or puncture until the distal end of the vessel plug is adjacent to the outer lumen of the blood vessel or target organ so that the vessel plug does not obstruct the flow of fluid through the blood vessel or target organ. The precise positioning of the vessel plug in the incision or puncture is accomplished through the use of a balloon catheter or a cylindrical insertion assembly having a proximal plunger member associated therewith.

Abstract: A surgical staple (10) is provided having a fastener member (11) and a retainer member (12). The retainer member has an internal channel (31) having ridges (33) with serrated teeth (35). The fastener member has a tubular head (13), and a series of prongs (14) removably mounted to the tubular head by a locking pin (15). The prongs have two flexible arms (23) with serrated teeth (24) adapted to mate with the serrated teeth of the retainer member to lock the fastener member to the retainer member.

Abstract: A suture assembly made of bioabsorbable material is disclosed having a central body member with a plurality of elongated lateral members in a plane extending perpendicularly on each side therefrom and interconnected to the central body member by elastic connectors, each lateral member having a plurality of barb members extending at an acute angle therefrom, for the lateral members to be inserted laterally into two sides of a cut in body tissue, stretching the elastic connectors so that after insertion the two sides of the cut are joined at the incision junction around or above the central body member and are retained securely and non-withdrawably in the body tissue by the barb members on such lateral members, with such lateral members and attached body tissue being pulled toward the central body member by the contracting action of the elastic connectors. Also disclosed is a method for utilizing the suture assembly of this invention.

Abstract: A method for opening and closing an incision in which a plurality of opposed sets of aligned closure components are adhesively adhered to a patient's skin, prior to making the incision, along opposite sides of the intended incision and spaced a first distance from one another transversely of the incision line. After the surgeon has made the incision and closed the wound in conventional fashion except for final closing of the epidermis, a bridge having a length shorter than the first distance anchored between the opposed closure components and spanning the incision draws the closure components toward each other so as to bring the skin at the edges of the wound into alignment and everting contact under a slight, but precise amount of tension which is maintained while the wound heals. The closure components and the bridge are all perforated and thus breathable, and the bridge material is transparent so as to permit healing of the incision to be monitored.

Abstract: A securing device for medical and surgical use has two parts which may be separate or integrally connected, one part including an eye (3) with a latching pawl (4) and the other part including a flexible strip (1) with ratchet teeth (2) so that the strip can be advanced through the eye to adjust the effective length of the flexible strip, but is locked against reverse movement. In one embodiment the parts are integral and a needle (7) is attached to the free end of the flexible strip, the device being a surgical suture. In another embodiment the parts are separate and are adapted to engage respective body parts of a patient which are to be held together by the device.

Abstract: A sutureless closure for a skin wound or incision, which includes first and second strips of adhesive tape adapted to adhere to skin adjacent either side of the wound. A third strip of adhesive tape is provided to adhere to the upper exposed surface of the first strip of tape. A plurality of filaments are secured between the ends of the first and third strips of tape, with the filaments being slidably received over structure defined on the second strip. Also provided are means for frictionally engaging the skin closely adjacent the opposing ends of the first and second tapes so that tension in the filament draws tissue the engaging means into a slight mound. A protective strip covers the adhesive on the first and third strips with the protective strip including a pair of transfer creases to permit each of the adhesive strips of tape which the protective strip covers to be covered by the same side of the strip.

Abstract: A system and method for sealing a percutaneous puncture extending into internally located tissue, e.g., the peritoneum, of a living being. The system includes a reinforcing device and a deployment instrument. The device comprises a substantially rigid anchor, a resorbable holding member, a collagen plug, and a resorbable thin filament connecting the anchor, holding member, and plug in a pulley-like arrangement. The anchor or the plug or both may be formed of a resorbable material having a non-resorbable mesh reinforcement embedded therein. The deployment instrument includes a tubular carrier in which the closure and a tamping member are located. The tamping member is operated to expel the closure so that the anchor is in the interior of the peritoneum and the plug and the holding member are in the puncture tract, with both ends of the filament extending out of the puncture and with the holding member fixedly secured to a portion of the filament adjacent one end.

Abstract: A spring-loaded reciprocable stylet holder assembly includes a cap; a hollow body element partially nested within and reciprocable a major part of its length into the cap; a spring urging the body element outwardly of the cap; and a stylet supported at one end by the cap and extending through and beyond the body element. The remote end of the body element has a small borehole through which the stylet extends. The remote end is also provided with attachment means for a hypodermic needle with slotted tip for T-fastener emplacement, the needle telescopically surrounding the full length of the stylet. In a useful modification of the device an insufflation adapter having a side port for attachment of a hypodermic syringe is placed in line between the body element and the hypodermic needle. The stylet holder assembly with a slotted hypodermic needle attached thereto may be used for emplacing a T-fastener in a hollow organ of a person, such as the stomach.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extending living tissue. The apparatus being surgically implanted in the human body, and in particular beneath the scalp to extend hair producing tissue for reducing baldness. The apparatus includes at least one resilient means with at least two fastening means secured thereto. The fastening means are engageable with the living tissue and extend the tissue under the action of the resilient means. The apparatus is implantable, through a temporary opening, below the surface of the tissue to be extended, and extends the living tissue over a period of time, wherein the apparatus is later removed.

Abstract: A spring-loaded reciprocable stylet holder assembly includes a cap; a hollow body element partially nested within and reciprocable a major part of its length into the cap; a spring urging the body element outwardly of the cap; and a stylet supported at one end by the cap and extending through and beyond the body element. The remote end of the body element has a small borehole through which the stylet extends. The remote end is also provided with attachment means for a hypodermic needle with slotted tip for T-fastener emplacement, the needle telescopically surrounding the full length of the stylet. In a useful modification of the device an insufflation adapter having a side port for attachment of a hypodermic syringe is placed in line between the body element and the hypodermic needle. The stylet holder assembly with a slotted hypodermic needle attached thereto may be used for emplacing a T-fastener in a hollow organ of a person, such as the stomach.

Abstract: A device applies continuous tension to skin adjacent an ulcerative area, to expand and approximate this skin until it covers the ulcerative area. The new device includes a frame which defines a path in which sliders move under the force of a constant tension spring. Each slider includes a hook-like element that engages and pulls the skin until the skin on opposite sides of the ulcerative area comes together.

Abstract: A prosthetic device to occlude an opening present in a defective atrial septum, the device having at least two clips for firmly gripping peripheral portions around the opening. The material further has a flat occluder to close the opening, and at least two fastening means for securing the clips to the flat occluder. The prosthetic device can be applied to the defective atrial septum permanently and easily in an percutaneous-transvascular manner.

Abstract: An eardrum perforation patch and an eardrum undersurface scraper for application of the patch. The eardrum perforation patch comprises double plates connected together with a coupler and these elements are made of artificial material. The plates comprise a supporting piece and a closure piece. After being inserted into the tympanic perforation the closure piece pinches the perforation margin and it stays steadily in place until it changes to a new part of the tympanic membrane. The eardrum undersurface scraper comprises a shaft, a neck and a head with a blade edge. The neck is curved at an angle of more than 90 degrees, twisted and rotated, so that the blade edge gains access to target points behind the tympanic membrane and scrapes and entirely rakes out the mucosal barrier on the undersurface grafting bed of the tympanic membrane through the tympanic perforation. The combination of the eardrum perforation patch and the eardrum undersurface scraper is useful in repairing the tympanic perforation.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing wide skin defects may be used with two long interdermal needles configured for insertion underneath skin close to margins of a skin defect. The skin closing apparatus may include two U-shaped retaining members configured as a flange connecting two legs and forming a U-shaped profile. Each of the legs may include a sharp hook at the end of the leg adapted for piercing the skin and engaging one of the long interdermal needles. Each retaining member may include a pivoting platform that pivots up to 20.degree. from an initial position indicated by a detent mechanism. A contracting mechanism such as a screw may connect the retaining members and approximate the interdermal needles, while bringing the skin margins together until final closure of the skin defect results. The skin closing apparatus may also include a clutch mechanism configured to disengage the screw from a knob or handle, when a predetermined force is met or exceeded.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for quickly and effectively sealing an arteriotomy site in a patient. In particular, the invention provides an apparatus and a method for sealing an arteriotomy site which can be performed by a single operator. The arteriotomy can be sealed by delivery of a patient specific autologous fibrin glue to a debrided, synthesized area adjacent to the extravascular opening of the arteriotomy.

Abstract: A medical device for forming an external extension of the pneumoperitoneum, thus allowing the surgeon more flexibility in a surgical procedure. The device includes an enclosure and an elastically deformable flange or ring at an open end of the enclosure. The flange/ring is deformed and inserted into a trocar puncture site, upon which it deploys against the inner surface of the abdominal wall. By maintaining a gentle lifting force on the external portion of the device (this being essentially a balloon shape) the neck of the device forms a seal between the opening in the abdominal wall and the `balloon`, allowing the insufflation gas to inflate the external `balloon` or `bubble` portion of the device. Once inflated, the internal pressure maintains the device in a stable shape. The device includes one or more valved openings which allow access to the interior of the balloon, and hence the abdominal cavity.

Abstract: A device and method of closing an incision or puncture in a patient by inserting a vessel plug into the incision or puncture until the distal end of the vessel plug is adjacent to the outer lumen of the blood vessel or target organ so that the vessel plug does not obstruct the flow of fluid through the blood vessel or target organ. The precise positioning of the vessel plug in the incision or puncture is accomplished through the use of a balloon catheter or a cylindrical insertion assembly having a proximal plunger member associated therewith.

Abstract: A surgical suture having an elastic component that contracts under the application of laser energy to affect tightening of the suture. In one preferred embodiment the elastic component is a dome portion of a rivet. A first rivet has a concave dome portion and is attached to one end of a suture and a second rivet has a convex dome portion and is attached to the opposite end of the suture. Application of appropriate laser energy to either the concave or convex dome cause the dome to flatten thereby either loosening or tightening the suture. In another embodiment, the suture is formed of concentric fibers having a relatively non-elastic outer clad and a relatively elastic inner core. Application of laser energy to the clad causes the suture to elongate and loosen. Application of appropriate laser energy to the elastic core causes the inner core to contract and tighten the suture. In another embodiment, the suture has alternating segments of elastic and non-elastic material.

Abstract: A system for obturating an orifice in a perforated organ or vessel such as a vessel having undergone an operation. In the system a deformable obturator element capable of being introduced in a deformed state inside a member through the orifice is used. In a position of use the obturator element has a substantially flat face that is applied in a tight manner on an inner face of the organ or vessel. The obturator element has a first portion of wire unwindable by pulling from its center. The system also uses an extractor element that consists of a second portion of wire extending from substantially the center of the obturator element. The extractor element is used to bring the flat face into contact with the inner face of the organ. After the orifice has been obturated the extractor element is used to remove the obturator element from the orifice.

Abstract: A wound closure device employs a porous bonding member which receives a flowable adhesive capable of providing long term wound support. The bonding member is positioned by a carrier member that is used to achieve initial apposition of the wound and which may later be removed. An intermediate barrier may be provided between the bonding pad and the wound site. Alternatively, a rigid applicator may be utilized for positioning the bonding pad at the wound site. The closure device can include a supply of flowable adhesive for adhering the bonding member to the skin of the patient. Suitable flowable adhesives are cyanoacrylates. A form of packaging supports the wound closure member for preapplication of the adhesive and can serve as a part of a sterile barrier package. In one embodiment, strips are placed on opposite margins of a wound which have porous portions.

Abstract: An appliance for temporarily covering a bone surgery site, such as a recess in a bone filled with bone-building material, such as hydroxylapatite granules, for promoting post-surgery healing includes a flexible sleeve adapted to wrapped around the bone, which carries a covering membrane on one side thereof facing the bone and which carries a reinforcing ply on a side facing away from the bone. The sleeve has two free closure edges, which can be firmly attached to each other with connecting elements which engage into the reinforcing ply, so as to hold the appliance wrapped around the bone.

Abstract: This is an intravascular prosthesis deliverable transvenously for the occlusion of large heart defects. The defects are predominantly large atrial septal defects and ventricular septal defects. The device has an occluder connected with a centering counter-occluder. The device is delivered to the heart by known methods. The occluder is released on the distal side of the defect and the proximal centering counter-occluder is stretched, pulling the device over the center of the defect. Subsequently, the centering counter-occluder is buttoned against the occluder and is opposing the right atrial side of the septum. The radiopaque button is placed upon a string to verify buttoning.