Abstract: A c-spring suture for primary closure of surgical incisions comprises a “C” shaped, lenticular center spring hingedly connected at each end with surgical tape. In one embodiment, the tape is connected to the center spring through a tape clamp and pin hinge. In another embodiment, the tape is connected to the center spring through welding flanges attached to membrane hinges. In operation, when the c-spring suture is in place on a wound or incision line, the distal ends of the surgical tape relative to the center spring, in conjunction with the center spring, are adapted to produce closure forces along the incision line that are remote from the incision, enabling such forces to act through the thickness of the skin through shear force transfer and provide closure force at the dermal level of the skin that is initially applied at the epidermal level, thus overcoming the problem of skin inversion at incision line common to skin tapes of the prior art.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for occluding an anatomical aperture, such as a septal defect or patent foramen ovale (PFO). The occluder includes two sides connected by an intermediate joint. Each of the sides includes at least one elongate element, which is arranged to form non-overlapping loops. Each loop has at least one radially-extending segment that is adjacent to a radially-extending segment of another loop. In at least some embodiments, at least one pair of adjacent radially-extending segments is connected. The loops of the device may be of various shapes, sizes, and configurations, and, in at least some embodiments, the loops have rounded peripheries. In some embodiments, at least one of the sides includes a tissue scaffold.

Abstract: The present invention relates a closure device implant for sealing an opening formed through biological tissue including a plug, a rigid wire including a plastically deformable portion configurable between an unrestrained position and a restrained position relative to the plug, wherein a distal end of the wire is substantially spherically shaped, and a footplate attached to the wire, wherein the footplate comprises an elongated plate portion including a wire channel. The present invention also relates to a closure device deployment device including an elongated housing, a sheath assembly connected to the housing, and at least two sliding members slidably connected to the housing.

Abstract: The invention is generally directed to devices and methods for sealing a puncture or an opening through a wall of a blood vessel or a body cavity. The device includes a structural member and a sealing material associated with the structural member. The structural member includes a rod, a first obstructing body and a second obstructing body. The first obstructing body is affixed against an inner surface of the wall of the blood vessel or body cavity and the second obstructing body is affixed against an outer surface of the wall of the blood vessel or body cavity once placed at the puncture or the opening. The sealing material includes a reconstituted or naturally-derived collagenous material, which can expand at the puncture or the opening to restore hemostasis and enhance sealing.

Abstract: A device having a plurality of anchors configured to be driven into a tissue, and a closure element extending between the anchors and configured to urge the anchors toward each other, closing a wound and complying with motion of the tissue.

Abstract: An emergency medical device and method is provided for treatment of open wounds by enhancing clotting and arresting hemorrhaging, particularly in the area of the neck, abdomen, chest or groin. The devices includes an elongated delivery tube for insertion into a wound cavity and subsequent delivery of a space filling, sponge-like mass containing a polymerizable liquid sealant that polymerizes upon contact with body fluids after which the delivery tube is removed.

Abstract: A tissue fastening tool which fastens a first biological tissue and a second biological tissue adjacent to the first biological tissue, includes a first tissue fixing section which is hooked onto the first biological tissue and the second tissue fixing section which is hooked onto a second biological tissue adjacent to the first biological tissue.

Abstract: Methods and devices for approximating tissue are disclosed. The methods and devices utilize a device for applying an implantable tissue fastener and a variety of implantable tissue fasteners. The tissue-fastening device can be delivered endoscopically and can be adapted to function along side or in conjunction with a flexible endoscope. In general, the device can include a flexible shaft having an implantable tissue fastener applier disposed at a distal end of the shaft and a handle for operating the implantable tissue fastener applier disposed at a proximal end of the shaft. A variety of self-deploying implantable tissue fasteners can be used with the tissue fastener applier device.

Abstract: Vasculature closure devices, and systems and methods for their use, are provided. In one embodiment, the vasculature closure device includes an expandable support frame deployable within a vessel and a sealing membrane at least partially supported by the expandable support frame. Upon expanding the support frame, the vasculature closure device is configured to intraluminally position the sealing membrane against a puncture site existing in a vessel wall.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods that treat damaged spinal cord tissue, such as spinal tissue damaged by disease, infection, or trauma, which may lead to the presence of swelling, compression, and compromised blood flow secondary to interstitial edema.

Abstract: Implantable tissue structure modification devices are provided. Aspects of the tissue structure modification devices include first and second tissue securers separated by a contraction region, wherein the device is configured to be implanted at a cardiac location and assume a first constrained length that is longer than a second relaxed length. Also provided are methods of using the devices for tissue structure modification, as well as delivery systems and kits that find use in the methods. The devices and methods of the invention find use in a variety of different applications, including valve (e.g., mitral valve) structure modification.

Abstract: This present invention generally relates to devices and methods for repairing an aperture in a biological tissue. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a system for closing an aperture in a biological tissue including a handle, an elongate shaft connected to the handle, and a deployment scaffold connected to the shaft, in which the scaffold is configured to releasably retain a surgical implant and the scaffold is configured to deploy and attach the surgical implant to the biological tissue.

Abstract: A wound closure assembly using magnets aids in healing by drawing skin together without using stitches. The assembly has a flexible sheet with two magnet coupling ends. Each magnet coupling end is correspondingly shaped to a channel within each of two channeled magnets. The channeled magnets are coupled to the opposite ends of the flexible sheet, and also have an adhesive layer that adheres the magnets to the patients skin. The practitioner, such as a doctor, places the two magnets on opposite sides of a wound, and uses the flexible sheet to guide and hold the position of each magnet on the patient's skin. The practitioner slidably disengages the flexible sheet from the magnets in the lengthwise direction of the magnet channels, thereby leaving only the magnets around the patient's wound. The magnets on each side of the wound attract each other, thereby reapproximating the wound's edges.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for occluding an anatomical aperture, such as a septal defect or patent foramen ovale (PFO). The occluder includes two sides connected by an intermediate joint. Each of the sides includes at least one elongate element, which is arranged to form non-overlapping loops. Each loop has at least one radially-extending segment that is adjacent to a radially-extending segment of another loop. In at least some embodiments, at least one pair of adjacent radially-extending segments is connected. In some embodiments, at least one of the sides includes a tissue scaffold. When the occluder is deployed in vivo, the two sides are disposed on opposite sides of the septal tissue surrounding the aperture, thereby exerting a compressive force on the septal tissue that is distributed along both the outer periphery of the occluder and the radially-extending segments.

Abstract: Subcutaneous sinusoidal wound-closure techniques use one-way sutures. The one-way sutures have tissue-grasping surface features which allow passage of the suture in one direction through tissue, but not in the opposite direction. In closing a wound, the one-way suture is deployed along a curvilinear path which passes alternately through subcutaneous tissue on opposed sides of the wound. The wound-closure techniques allow approximation of the sides of the wound without knots, avoid loop stitching and reduce scarring.

Abstract: Provided is an anastomosis device including a first head holding a first anastomosis ring, a second head holding a second anastomosis ring, a first guide bar connected to the first head and switching a release position and a standby position to each other, wherein the first guide bar includes a first rotation groove, a second guide bar connected to the second head and switching the release position and the standby position to each other, wherein the second guide bar includes a second rotation groove, and a rotation driver moving approximately in a parallel direction to the first and second guide bars and including a first guide protrusion and a second guide protrusion, which move along the first and second rotation grooves, respectively.

Abstract: Endoscopic methods utilize self-retaining sutures to approximate tissue in a cavity of a subject. An endoscopic instrument is provided containing the self-retaining suture. The endoscopic instrument may be provided in combination with an endoscope and/or an endoscopic manipulator. The endoscopic instrument is passed through a cavity wall into a cavity of a patient. The self-retaining suture is deployed, using the endoscopic instrument, into a first tissue portion and a second tissue portion within the cavity. The self-retaining suture may be deployed endoscopically in patterns which include, purse string stitch, alpha stitch, linear stitching, curvilinear stitching, continuous helical stitch, and continuous sinusoidal stitch.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a device and method for treating tissues of the central nervous system and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a device and method for treating the brain tissue.

Abstract: A biodegradable suture clip for joining bodily soft tissue is described. The suture clip has a pair of identical flexible compression strips which are identical and adapted to interlock with one another. Each strip has at least two piercing teeth having pointed free ends and opposed latch formations and also has at least two tooth latching guide openings for captive engagement with the piercing teeth. The openings are provided with latching guide ramps provided with arresting gripping formations wherein opposed latch formations of the teeth engage with associated ones of the gripping formations.

Abstract: An elongated flexible base strip is constructed with a bottom surface coated with an adhesive material. The base strip is constructed with bridging links which are spaced along the inner edge of the base strip and extend outward therefrom. The base strip, is cut to a first length and aligned with the wound with the bridging links extending over the wound. A matching portion of base strip is cut to a second length and aligned with the wound with the bridging links opposing. The opposing links are drawn together to close the wound. Adhesive on the links holds the links to the opposite base strip.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for sternum repair. A sternum repair device may include a central body, which may include a plurality of male and female components, such that a suture extends from a male component and is received by the female component. The suture may wrap around the sternum and the device may be tightened to keep the separate sternum pieces together.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices for closing septal defects, such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO). The closure devices include a proximal anchor member, a distal anchor member, and at least one flexible center joint connecting the two anchor members. According to some embodiments, the proximal and/or distal anchor members may include a generally cylindrical member split along the central portion of its length to form an elongate oval. The proximal and/or distal anchor members may further include a tissue scaffold. At least some of the closure devices according to the present invention are repositionable and retrievable.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to methods and devices for closing and/or sealing an opening in a vessel wall and/or an adjacent tissue tract. In one illustrative embodiment, a device is provided for delivering and deploying an anchor, plug, suture, and/or locking element adjacent to the opening in the vessel wall and/or tissue tract.

Abstract: Continuous wound-closure techniques use one-way suture. The one-way suture has tissue-grasping surface features which allow passage of the suture in one direction through tissue, but not in the opposite direction. In closing a wound, the one-way suture is passed alternately through tissue on opposed sides of the wound. The wound-closure techniques allow approximation of the sides of the wound without knots, avoid loop stitching and reduce scarring.

Abstract: A device for closure of an opening in a medical patient's blood vessel wall is disclosed. It discloses a plug shaft which is: porous; blood absorbing; insertable in an opening in a blood vessel wall; and, at least partially comprises an ECM material. A first cap which is integral with the plug shaft at a proximal end thereof is disclosed. A second cap is integral with the plug shaft. An insertion tube, a pusher, surgical methods of use, and kits, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for pinching an opening in a vessel wall, comprising an introducer sheath, a lumen having a distal opening and a bleed hole; an anchoring having a cylindrical shape in a first constrained state and a flared shape in a second unconstrained state; a pincher member slidably disposed between the anchoring member and the introducer sheath comprising at its distal end a plurality of elongate pincher arms, each of the plurality of elongate pincher arms having a free distal end such that when the pincher member distal end is unconstrained, the free distal ends of the elongate pincher arms are biased to expand radially; and an interior support member slidably disposed in the anchoring member comprising a plurality of elongate support legs, each having a free distal end such that when the distal end of the interior support member is unconstrained, the free distal ends curve outwardly.

Abstract: A device for occluding septal defects or other bodily passageways including PFOs, includes an occluding body formed from a plurality of flexible outwardly radiating occluding wires connected to one or more biocompatible sheet materials. The occluding wires are joined together at proximal wire ends. Linking members connectively link the occluding body to a flexible, substantially linear anchor formed from at least one tube, coil, or bar. The anchor is configured for placement on one side of bodily passageway, whereby the longitudinal axis of at least one anchor extends across a transverse cross-section of the bodily passageway, anchoring the occluding body in place against the other side of a bodily passageway to close, occlude, or fill at least a lumenal portion of a bodily passageway. The anchor may include one or more grasping member(s) integrally formed or connected to the tube, coil, or bar for releasable attachment to an anchor engaging member, such as a biopsy forceps.

Abstract: A collapsible medical device for occluding an aperture in a body, e.g., a patent foramen ovale (PFO), is disclosed. The device includes a distal end and a distal portion for contacting the distal side of tissue, a proximal end and a proximal portion for contacting the proximal side tissue, a center joint for extending through the aperture and being hollow in the center. The center joint engages the distal and proximal portions and has a variable length to accommodate tissues of different thickness. The device also includes a catch system for holding the collapsible medical device in an expanded configuration. The catch system includes a distal threaded catch portion engaging the distal end and a proximal threaded catch portion engaging the proximate end. The threaded portions rotate relative to one another and cooperate through the center joint to vary a distance between the distal and proximal ends.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems are provided for occluding an opening within the tissue of a body, such as a left atrial appendage. In one embodiment, a system for use in occluding an opening in the tissue of a body includes a handle, a catheter coupled with the handle and a medical device disposed within a lumen of the catheter. The medical device includes an anchor system having a plurality of anchor segments coupled with an anchor hub. The medical device further includes an occluder system having a plurality of occluder segments coupled with an occluder hub. A first actuator is configured to displace the occluder hub independent of, and relative to, the anchor hub to deploy the occluder system from a refracted state to an expanded state while the anchor system remains in a retracted state.

Abstract: A method of improving the mechanical properties of a tissue patch is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a tissue patch and placing at least one barbed suture along at least a portion of the tissue patch. The method may further include the step of placing one or more additional barbed sutures in a laterally spaced relation to the barbed suture. The barbed suture may be biodegradable or non-biodegradable.

Abstract: A closure device for sealing a percutaneous puncture in a wall of a body passageway of a living being. In an exemplary embodiment, the closure device includes an anchor configured to be brought into engagement with an interior of the body passageway, a plug including a proximal portion and a distal portion, a filament coupled to the anchor and the plug. The filament may include a first extending section. The closure device further includes a lock attached to the first extending section, wherein the collar is positioned between the lock and the anchor, wherein the lock frictionally engages the first extending section of the filament so that the lock is movable along the filament only in response to application of a force on the lock that overcomes the frictional engagement.

Abstract: A wound closure system and a method of closing a wound are disclosed. The wound closure system includes a plurality of skin anchors mechanically attached to external skin tissue around a periphery of a wound, a line extending between the skin anchors, the line slidably engaged with each skin anchor, and a biasing member that provides tension on the line to draw all of the skin anchors toward the wound. The method of closing a wound includes the steps of attaching a plurality of skin anchors to external skin around a periphery of a wound, extending a line between the skin anchors around substantially the entire periphery of the wound, and providing tension to the line to draw the skin anchors toward the wound.

Abstract: A biodegradable device for maintaining the alignment of the edges of a trocar defect, consisting of two bases joined by a connector, a first base to be positioned below the defect and a second base above. The first base has a threaded hole from its upper surface but not through the lower surface. The connector attached to the bases such that there is a hole aligned with the threaded hole in the first base allowing a device to mate with the threads in the first base. The second base has a hole aligned with the hole in the connector and wide enough to allow a device to mate with the threads in the first base. The device is arranged so the distance between the lower surface of the second base and upper surface of the first base holds but does not compress the fascia around the trocar defect.

Abstract: Devices, kits and methods described herein may be for wound healing, including the treatment, amelioration, or prevention of scars and/or keloids by applying and/or maintaining a pre-determined strain in an elastic skin treatment device that is then affixed to the skin surface using skin adhesives to transfer a generally planar force from the bandage to the skin surface. Applicators are used to apply and/or maintain the strains, and some of the applicators are further configured to provide at least some mechanical advantage to the user when exerting loads onto the skin treatment device.

Abstract: A biopsy incision closure device includes a base having a frame incorporated therein. Together, the base and frame define an opening for performing a biopsy incision when the device is placed over a tissue surface. The base is typically composed of an elastomeric material and the frame comprises resilient inelastic members which can be used to close the opening in a highly uniform manner with minimum distortion and stress introduced into the tissue edges being drawn together.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for closing a vascular wound includes an apparatus that can be threaded over a guidewire into place at or adjacent the wound. The apparatus includes a chamber that encloses a hemostatic material therein. When the apparatus is positioned adjacent the wound as desired, the hemostatic material is deployed from the chamber. A blocking member distal of the hemostatic material functions as a barrier to prevent the hemostatic material from entering the wound. Blood contacts the hemostatic material, and blood clotting preferably is facilitated by a hemostatic agent within the material. Thus, the vascular puncture wound is sealed by blood clot formation.

Abstract: A device that, when implanted in the heart, closes the wound and complies with wall motion (i.e., expands and contracts with the myocardium).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a tissue closure device and in particular to a tissue closure device having a plurality of configurations providing for delivery and use in minimally invasive procedures. A tissue closure device (100) is provided from shape memory or super-elastic materials for closing a tissue site opening (50), the device comprising a plurality of tissue anchors (130) extending from a closed loop surface (110) wherein the plane of said tissue anchors is provided at an angle essentially perpendicular with respect to the plane of said closed loop surface; a. wherein said plurality of tissue anchors (130) comprise a proximal end (130p) and a distal end (130d); said distal end provided for anchoring said device onto tissue (50); and wherein said proximal end (130p) is fluid with and extends from said closed loop surface (110); and b.

Abstract: Disclosed is a two-component device for closing a laceration or incision. The device includes a first component comprising a first adhesive-backed anchoring member and one or more first connecting members extending from one edge thereof in a first direction. Also included is a second component comprising a second adhesive-backed anchoring member and one or more second connecting members extending from one edge thereof in a second direction generally opposite to the first direction. Means for attaching the one or more first connecting members to the second anchoring member and means for attaching the one or more second connecting members to the first anchoring member is also provided. The attachment of the connecting members to the anchoring members forms attached and bridging portions of the one or more connecting members, the attached portions being attached to an anchoring member, and the bridging portions spanning the over-laceration area between the first and second anchoring members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to closing an opening within a subcutaneous bodily vessel by using a spiral closure device to engage tissue around the opening. The spiral closure device is adapted to be threaded into the vessel wall surrounding the opening in the bodily vessel. A deployment mechanism may be used to rotate the spiral closure device. As the deployment mechanism is rotated the spiral closure device is rotated such that a tip of the spiral closure device engages the vessel wall around the opening in the bodily vessel. Continued rotation of the spiral closure device threads the closure device through the tissue around the opening. The closure device may have a tapered configuration in which the distal end is larger than the proximal end. As the distal end is threaded through the vessel wall, the narrowing closure device pulls the vessel wall tissue together, thereby effectively closing the opening.

Abstract: An adhesion inhibiting surgical barrier. The surgical barrier includes a wound-facing polymeric coating comprising an enteric polymer; and at least one flexible substrate, the at least one flexible substrate having at least one exterior surface, wherein the polymeric coating is applied to the at least one flexible substrate to substantially cover the at least one exterior surface thereof. A method of inhibiting the formation of adhesions in a patient who has undergone a surgical procedure and a method of repairing a gastric or duodenal perforation are also described herein.

Abstract: A closure device for closing a bodily passageway is provided. The device includes first and second frames and first and second crossbars. A sheet of biocompatible material is attached to one or more of the frames. The first crossbar extends across the first frame and has terminal crossbar ends connectively linked to separate sites on the first frame; the second crossbar is similarly linked to the second frame. The crossbars are attached to each other at a connection point, and they are each configured to bend away from the connection point when the closure device is deployed to close a bodily passageway. A method of making the closure device is provided, as well as a method for closing a bodily passageway using such a device. Further, a closure device assembly is provided, including a closure device, a delivery catheter housing, and a delivery release member.

Abstract: A wound closure device including a flexible base strip having its bottom surface coated with an adhesive material suitable for adherence to skin and constructed with bridging links spaced along the inner edge of the base strip and extending outwardly therefrom. The inner edge of the base strip is intended to be aligned adjacent to a lip of the wound being treated. Each of the bridging links has an adhesive coated section displaced from the inner edge. In the packaged or stored position, prior to engagement, the bridging links are folded over the upper surface of the adhesive strip about a hinge that is at the joint of the bridging link to the base strip. The hinge includes a partially flexible material to enable stabilizing the bridging link in an angular position. In addition, a method is provided for use of the wound closure device.

Abstract: Two spaced bodily tissues are approximated with a surgical tensioning device comprising a resilient member and a pressure locking device. The method comprises a step of routing one end of a length of suture through both spaced bodily tissues and inserting the suture end into and through the pressure locking device. The suture is then tensioned by pulling on the suture end passing through the pressure locking device. Responsive to tension changes in the suture, the pressure locking device is actuated by moving at least one surface in the pressure locking device to clamp the suture in position.

Abstract: A wound closure device includes a first applicator including a handle portion and a substrate engaging portion and a second applicator including a handle portion and a substrate engaging portion. A first substrate is releasably couplable to the substrate engaging portion of the first applicator and includes a tissue reactive surface and a self-reactive surface. A second substrate is releasably couplable to the substrate engaging portion of the second applicator and includes a tissue reactive surface and a self-reactive surface. The self-reactive surfaces of the first and second substrates each possess reactive groups known to have complementary functionality for bonding the first and second substrates together.

Abstract: A tissue repair system is disclosed. The tissue repair system can include a prosthesis with a first end portion, a second end portion and an intermediate portion disposed therebetween. The first end portion can engage the second end portion when installed to retain tissue in a desired configuration. The tissue repair system can also include a delivery device configured to implant and fasten the prosthesis to repair imperfections in tissue or retain tissue in a desired configuration. The delivery device may be configured to fasten the first end portion and second end portion of the prosthesis on a distal portion of the tissue.

Abstract: Devices for attaching a first mass and a second mass and methods of making and using the same are disclosed. The devices can be made from an resilient, elastic or deformable materials. The devices can be used to attach a heart valve ring to a biological annulus. The devices can also be used for wound closure or a variety of other procedures such as anchoring a prosthesis to surrounding tissue or another prosthesis, tissue repair, such as in the closure of congenital defects such as septal heart defects, tissue or vessel anastomosis, fixation of tissue with or without a reinforcing mesh for hernia repair, orthopedic anchoring such as in bone fusing or tendon or muscle repair, ophthalmic indications, laparoscopic or endoscopic tissue repair or placement of prostheses, or use by robotic devices for procedures such as those above performed remotely.

Abstract: A PFO closing device for bringing the septum primum and the septum secundum into contact with each other and joining them together includes a clamping mechanism and energy supplying device. The clamping mechanism includes a needle part for puncturing the septum primum, and a clamping member for cooperating with the needle part in clamping therebetween tissue of the septum primum and the septum secundum. The energy supplying device supplies energy for joining the tissues clamped by the needle part and the clamping member. The clamping mechanism is mounted in a catheter so as to be protrudable from and retractable into the catheter.

Abstract: A device for stretching regions of tissue has at least one first plate-like body and at least one second plate-like body. At least one pulling thread joins the plate-like bodies. One tensioning device is arranged on at least one of the plate-like bodies and is connected to the pulling thread for applying a tensile force to the pulling thread. A guidance serves for guiding the at least one pulling thread during a movement of the at least two plate-like bodies towards one to another.

Abstract: The present invention describes an implantable tissue lifting and fixation device. More particularly, the present invention describes a temporal brow lifting device comprised of a bio-absorbable supportive backing. The device has a shape of a curvilinear end and a tail end region. The curvilinear end region comprises a plurality of attachment points protruding from the supportive backing, and the tail region comprises of a plurality of cavities in order to secure the device at the desired elevated position in the deep temporal fascia. The plurality of attachment points distributes tension in a multi-vector direction over the contact area between the device and the tissue. The attachment points can be manufactured separately and attached, however, preferably, the attachment points are made integral with the temporal brow lifting device.