Abstract: A wound closure system and a method of reducing the size of an open wound are disclosed. A suture line is sutured through body tissue adjacent an open wound, the suture line sutured so as to pass into the body tissue at an entry point and exit at an exit point, the suture line including a plurality of barbs extending outwardly at an acute angle with respect to a surface of the suture line. A biasing member applies a continuous pulling force on the suture line for stretching the body tissue toward the open wound, wherein the biasing member is configured to take up any slack of the suture line during stretching of the body tissue and keep the suture line taut.

Abstract: A wound cover device can include a backing, a micro-structure device, and one or more of a wound dressing and a skin replacement layer. The backing can be stretchable. The micro-structure device can include a plurality of fasteners, such as micro-staples, micro-pins, micro-barbs and the like, that can be used to attach the wound cover device to tissue such as skin. The micro-structure device can be stretchable to stretch with the backing. The micro-structure device can be configured such that the fasteners are positioned in a two-dimensional pattern or fill-in an interior portion of the wound dressing or skin replacement layer. The fasteners of the micro-structure device can extend through the wound dressing or skin replacement layer. The micro-structure device can additionally be placed around a perimeter or edge region of the backing.

Abstract: An apparatus for affixing a first tissue to a second tissue and methods of manufacturing and using the same. The apparatus comprises an elongated needle; a handle disposed at a proximal end of the elongated needle; a superelastic anchor disposed within the elongated needle, the anchor comprises: at least one normally-expanded elongated hook that is biased to a contracted state to fit within the elongated needle; a securing element; and an advancement mechanism triggerable by the handle and being configured to: eject the anchor out of a distal end of said elongated needle to allow the elongated hook to extend distally outward from the longitudinal axis of the elongated needle, into or beyond a tissue, and following the ejection of the anchor, eject the securing element from the apparatus to prevent movement of the anchor in at least one direction.

Abstract: A suture bridge includes an elongated rigid insert including a first material, and a deformable shell including a second material, the second material being different than the first material, the shell at least partially surrounding the rigid insert, the insert and the shell collectively forming a bridge body having a first leg including a first patient contacting surface configured to contact a patient's skin, a second leg spaced from the first leg and including a second patient contacting surface configured to contact the patient's skin, a first support connected to the first leg, a second support connected to the second leg, and a traversing member extending between the first support and the second support, the traversing member being connected to the first support distal the first leg and connected to the second support distal the second leg.

Abstract: Implantable fixation devices for rejoining opposed portions of a separated bone. The devices include plates that may be affixed to a rib and realign separated portions of the rib or other body part. The devices may also include various locking mechanisms that receive a cable that may be used to realign and bring together separated portions of a bone or other body part. The devices may further include plates that may be affixed to a sternum and realign separated portions of the sternum or other body part.

Abstract: A spring suture for primary closure of surgical incisions includes a 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 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: Medical devices disclosed herein include pre-defined structures for dispensing forces onto a tissue plane in a living organism and are utilized to adjust spatial relationships, orientations, and mechanical forces in a patient treatment area. The treatment area may be a wound, an incision, or a surgically accessed area within a patient that includes oppositely disposed sections that heal more efficiently and with less scarring when force vectors of a particular magnitude and direction are applied to the treatment area. The medical device provides a structure that may be pre-stressed through planned deformation that develops desirable spatial and mechanical relationships along the tissue plane for alignment, compression, advancement, eversion, inversion, distraction, rotation, angulation, and the control or modulation of tension across the treatment area.

Abstract: A mechanical tissue coupling system that includes a first side tissue grasping assembly, a second side tissue grasping assembly and a joining assembly. The joining assembly is structurally configured to join the first side tissue grasping assembly to the second side tissue grasping assembly. An applicator is likewise disclosed as is a method of using the system and the applicator.

Abstract: The present application is directed to an endoscopic closure device. The endoscopic closure device adapted to be delivered by an endoscope having an axis. The endoscopic closure device includes a pair of grasping members coupled by a support member that extends between the grasping members along the direction of the axis. The endoscopic closure device is configured to align and deploy along the axis of the endoscope accessory channel.

Abstract: A medical device for at least partially covering and applying force on tissue includes a body having a spanning structure and struts respectively connected to lateral portions of the spanning structure. Inner ends of the struts extend into an area over which the medial portion of the spanning structure extends. The medical device is reconfigurable between extended and retracted configurations. The inner ends of the struts are closer to one another in the retracted configuration than in the extended configuration. The inner ends of the struts are closer to the medial portion of the spanning structure in the retracted configuration than in the extended configuration. Each strut includes an engagement zone configured to engage and apply force on the tissue, at least while the medical device is in the retracted configuration. A web can be connected to the struts and span between the inner ends of the struts.

Abstract: According to an aspect, pelvic implants optionally including the ability to engage a spreader tool for spreading the implant within the patient, also optionally including a frame, exemplary implants being capable of being used to treat pelvic floor disorders, for example by supporting of levator tissue, and methods of surgically placing pelvic implants.

Abstract: Force modulating tissue bridges, and associated applicators, kits and methods are provided. A force modulating tissue bridge can be a medical article for at least partially covering a wound and/or scar tissue. The medical article can include an elastic arch extending over an area, and a medial strut connected to the arch and extending into the area over which the central section extends.

Abstract: Incision and closure surgical device containing a guide for cutting instruments and a sutureless wound closure mechanism. A stick-to-skin tape has a central slit whose edges are reinforced by two strips that delimit a central incision groove. A removable central partition maintains a constant separation between the elastomeric strips before making the incision. A series of transverse conduits pass through the elastomeric strips and serve for drainage of the wound and for coupling the closing mechanism of the device. At the conclusion of the surgery, a removable pressure or magnetic closure comprises two bilateral flexible strips that are hooked together to approximate the elastomeric strips while facing the edges of the underlying wound. A complementary removable adapter element for laparoscopic surgery serves as a support for a trocar and as a gas containment valve. Another complementary removable adapter element serves as an ogive-shaped cutting guide for cutaneous excisional surgery.

Abstract: Tissue compression devices with a combination of fixation and tension straps and methods of using the same are described herein. The tissue compression devices include a combination of fixation and tension straps that are used together to fix or attach the tissue compression device over selected tissue at a selected location on a patient and to apply pressure to the selected tissue. In one or more embodiments, the fixation straps are sued to fix or attach the tissue compression device and the tension straps are used to provide tension that is converted to pressure on the selected tissue.

Abstract: A wound closure system and a method of reducing the size of an open wound are disclosed. A suture line is sutured through body tissue adjacent an open wound, the suture line sutured so as to pass into the body tissue at an entry point and exit at an exit point, the suture line including a plurality of barbs extending outwardly at an acute angle with respect to a surface of the suture line. A biasing member applies a continuous pulling force on the suture line for stretching the body tissue toward the open wound, wherein the biasing member is configured to take up any slack of the suture line during stretching of the body tissue and keep the suture line taut.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present disclosure, a tissue retraction system may include a first anchor, a second anchor, and an elongate coupling member extending between the first anchor and the second anchor. The system also may include a holder for receiving the first anchor, the second anchor, and the elongate coupling element. The holder may include a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion may have a smaller width than the proximal portion such that the distal portion exerts a force on a proximal end of the first anchor during deployment of the first anchor from the holder. The force may move the first anchor into an open configuration for receiving tissue.

Abstract: A system including a bone punch tool and a needle guide. The bone punch tool can include a support arm having a support arm proximal portion and a support arm distal portion, a pivot arm having a pivot arm proximal portion and a pivot arm distal portion, and an arcuate punch configured to punch through bone. The pivot arm distal portion can be pivotably coupled to the support arm distal portion, such that the pivot arm proximal portion is configured to be moved away from the support arm proximal portion to extend the arcuate punch into a punch position to punch an arcuate hole through bone. The needle guide can be configured to guide a needle through the arcuate hole.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods related to wound closure devices comprising one or more microstructures are described herein. In some embodiments, the wound closure devices include a backing and a microstructure array. The microstructure array may include a first portion, a second portion, and a bridge portion. The first portion and the second portion each include one or more microstructures configured to penetrate tissue. Additionally, the first portion and the second portion each include one or more expandable portions such that the wound closure device is configured to expand in length. The wound closure device is configured to grip tissue surrounding a wound to either close the wound or secure the tissue in place.

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, a biasing member that provides tension on the line to draw all of the skin anchors toward the wound and a negative pressure wound dressing apparatus adapted to be used in conjunction with the wound closure system. 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, providing tension to the line to draw the skin anchors toward the wound, and applying a negative pressure to the wound.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a reduced-pressure abdominal treatment system for treating an open abdominal cavity is provided. In some embodiments, the reduced-pressure abdominal treatment system has an open-cavity treatment device for providing reduced-pressure treatment to an abdominal cavity; a deep-tissue closure device for applying a closing force on a deep-tissue wound; and a surface-wound closure subsystem for providing a closing force on a surface wound. The method of manufacturing may also include providing a reduced-pressure supply subsystem. A method of treatment using a reduced-pressure abdominal treatment system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A control device receives a first request signal for requesting to write first data in a first logical address area of a logical volume set stores the first data in a physical volume in accordance with the first request signal, erases, after receiving the first request signal, the first data in the first logical address area of the logical volume without erasing the first data in the physical volume, and when executing a first erasure processing for erasing the first data in the physical volume, holds the first data in the physical volume, in a case where history information for indicating that a second erasure processing has been executed prior to the first erasure processing is held, and erases the first data in the physical volume, in a case where the history information is not held.

Abstract: Devices, kits and methods are used for wound healing, including but not limited to the treatment, amelioration, or prevention of scars and/or keloids, and include packaging, manipulation elements, applicator and/or tensioning device that are used to apply and/or maintain a strain in an elastic dressing.

Abstract: Dressings, systems, and methods for treating a tissue site on a patient involve allowing liquids from the tissue site or a priming fluid to evaporate and exit the dressing through a liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable membrane. The dressing is able to process more liquids than would otherwise be possible without evaporation and potentially to create reduced pressure. Other dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical retractor and configured to minimize tearing of the gloves without compromising the ability to grip tissue. The surgical retractor has a handle, a blade, and a plurality of retraction elements. The retraction elements may be fixed to the blade but arranged in a specific configuration that minimizes tearing of the gloves without compromising the ability to grip tissue. The retraction elements may also be made deployable by having a deployed configuration in which the retraction elements are exposed, and a stowed configuration in which the retraction elements are hidden.

Abstract: Any of a number of implantable or partially implantable approximators, including, but not limited to, manual and ratchet approximators using a tensioning component that can be at least partially provided within a wound for closing the fascia of a wound (such as around the approximatoor) using continuously tensioned sutures. Also provided are approximators with automatic tensioning features, including electrically driven devices.

Abstract: Apparatuses for minimizing scar spread and reducing risk of wound dehiscence and related methods. Some of the apparatuses include a flexible first strip and a flexible second strip, the first and second strips configured to be coupled to a patient's back on opposing sides of a wound and a substantially inelastic and flexible layer of material configured to be directly coupled to the first and second strips with the layer in tension to resist separation of the first and second strips, where the layer is configured to be removably coupled to at least one of the first and second strips. In some of the apparatuses, the layer is configured to be removably coupled to each of the first and second strips. In some of the apparatuses, the layer is non-removably coupled to and/or is unitary with at least one of the first and second strips.

Abstract: A deployment device and an associated surgical fastener as well as their methods of use are disclosed. In one embodiment, the deployment device includes a restraining mechanism constructed and arranged to temporarily limiting movement of a surgical fastener back span. The surgical fastener includes two legs extending in a distal direction from opposing ends of the back span. The legs are in a first closed position with a first shape. The deployment device also includes a spreader configured and arranged to engage the legs of the surgical fastener in the first closed position. When the spreader is moved in a distal direction relative to the back span, the spreader spreads the legs of the surgical fastener from the first closed position to a second open position as the back span is limited from distally moving by the restraining mechanism.

Abstract: A device for management of an open abdomen includes a belt having first and second end portions. The belt is positionable to extend partially around a patient's torso in a taut configuration with the end portions positioned on opposed sides of an incision in the patient's abdomen. A first connector is at the first end portion and a second connector is at the second end portion. The connectors are positionable adjacent each other on the opposed sides of the incision. At least one cinching device is connected to and extends between the connectors. The cinching device is positionable to extend over the incision when the connectors are positioned adjacent each other on opposed sides of the incision. The cinching device is adjustable to cinch the end portions towards each other to hold the incision in an at least partially closed position.

Abstract: A handle assembly for use with a surgical instrument having an operative distal end portion is disclosed. The handle assembly comprises a handle housing, a drive element, an actuator and a clamp release assembly. The drive element is disposed at least partially within the handle housing and is longitudinally translatable with respect to the handle assembly. The actuator is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the handle housing. At least a partial actuation of the actuator longitudinally translates the drive element. The clamp release assembly is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the drive element. The clamp release assembly includes a clamp pawl configured to releasable lock the longitudinal position of the drive element.

Abstract: A soft tissue repair device. The device includes an inserter having a distal portion, a first anchor carried externally onto the distal portion, a second anchor carried externally onto the distal portion, and a flexible strand coupling the first and second anchors and forming an adjustable knotless loop.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vascular closure device adapted for use in closing a puncture in a blood vessel after e.g. a percutaneous interventional procedure. The disclosure also relates to a method for vascular closure using such a vascular closure device.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for treating an incisional wound having incisional walls is disclosed. The apparatus includes a conduit having a first end for receiving reduced pressure and a second end. The apparatus further includes a scaffold. The scaffold has opposing surfaces for positioning adjacent the incisional walls and is fluidly coupled to the second end of the conduit for receiving the reduced pressure. The scaffold is generally elongated in shape and has a thickness between the opposing surfaces that is sufficiently thin for positioning within the incisional wound. The apparatus further includes an internal manifold that has a primary flow channel extending generally longitudinally within the scaffold and between the opposing surfaces of the scaffold. The internal manifold is fluidly coupled to the second end of the conduit. The application of the reduced pressure through the scaffold and the internal manifold induces tissue apposition between the incisional walls.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical restriction device for hollow organs of a body, having a longitudinal flexible element having a first and a second end, a closure device locking the longitudinal element annularly in a predetermined diameter position, and a tip as an insertion aid at the first end of the longitudinal element for placing the restriction device on the hollow organ, wherein the tip comprises a reinforcing core made of rigid material, wherein an opening is provided at the second end of the longitudinal element as part of the closure device, the tip can be inserted with the first end of the longitudinal element into the opening at the second end of the longitudinal element for locking the closure device, and the tip is fixedly connected to the first end; and can be cut off after locking the longitudinal element by the closure device.

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 device for closing a tissue opening includes a body extending from a first end to a second end and a first anchoring element connected to the first end of the body and a second anchoring element connected to the second end of the body. At least one of the first anchoring element and the second anchoring element is movable between an insertion configuration, in which the at least one of the first and second anchoring elements is insertable through a target tissue such that the body extends across a tissue opening to be treated, and an anchoring configuration, in which the first and second anchoring elements engage target tissue on a first side and a second side, respectively, of the tissue opening.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for anchoring a catheter to a patient's skin using a catheter anchoring device are described. The catheter anchoring device includes one or more pairs of sharps with a sharpened end configured to pierce the surface of the skin. A locking mechanism for the sharps is used as a failsafe mechanism. The catheter anchoring device further includes a catheter clamp for securing a catheter to the catheter anchoring device. Releasing the clamp allows an operator to reposition and secure the catheter at the new position without moving the catheter anchoring device.

Abstract: A surgical retractor and configured to minimize tearing of the gloves without compromising the ability to grip tissue. The surgical retractor has a handle, a blade, and a plurality of retraction elements. The retraction elements may be fixed to the blade but arranged in a specific configuration that minimizes tearing of the gloves without compromising the ability to grip tissue. The retraction elements may also be made deployable by having a deployed configuration in which the retraction elements are exposed, and a stowed configuration it which the retraction elements are hidden.

Abstract: A reinforcement device comprises a sheet of biocompatible material equipped with a plurality of hooks or apertures for reinforcing the closure of a surgical incision, including elongated abdominal incisions. The reinforcement device, when implanted through surgery, reduces the likelihood of and/or prevents incisional hernias. The reinforcement device may be included in a surgical kit.

Abstract: The invention concerns an implant for adjusting the position of at least one tissue holder (6) for soft tissue, whereby this implant can be fixed to bone tissue at a distance from said tissue holder (6) and has a guide (3) for an elongate pulling member (4), whereby this pulling member (4) is connected to said tissue holder (6), and whereby the implant includes a fixing element (10) which can be moved between a fixing position in which the pulling member (4) is clamped by the fixing element (10) and a free position in which said pulling member (4) can freely move through said guide (3), characterized in that said fixing element (10) cooperates with a control element (14) which makes it possible to move this fixing element (10) between said fixing position and said free position when the implant is attached to said bone tissue and when the implant is covered with soft tissue such as muscle tissue or skin tissue.

Abstract: A system for wound closure has at least two closure elements. One closure element is detachably tethered to another closure element. Each closure element includes: a base member with an integral strap hingably connected to the base member, and a lock member slidably disposed on the strap and being lockable on the strap. Alternatively, the base member defines a plane and the strap being affixed to the base member at an angle to the plane. The system may further include a wound covering disposed between the straps and the wound. The wound covering may be a laminate having at least two layers; a first layer is a moisture impervious layer adapted to contain body heat, and a second hydrophilic layer is adapted to retain moisture.

Abstract: A wound closure system and a method of closing a wound are disclosed. The disclosure is directed to a wound closure system comprising a skin anchor mechanically attached to external skin tissue on a first side of a generally linear wound, an anchorable tensioning apparatus mechanically attached to external skin tissue on an opposite side of the wound, and a line extending between the skin anchor and the tensioning apparatus to movably connect the anchor to the tensioning apparatus. The line is fixedly engaged with an anchor on one side of the wound while the tensioning apparatus provides tension on the line to draw the skin anchor and the tensioning apparatus toward each other and toward the wound.

Abstract: A posterior vertebral plating system comprising a plate and a plurality of attachment members. The plate has a plurality of holes extending through the plate from an upper surface to a lower surface, and the plate is configured to extend along the posterior side of at least two vertebrae adjacent at least one boney structure of each of the vertebrae. The holes are spaced in such a way that a first plurality of holes is positionable over a boney structure of a first vertebra to define a plurality of fixation points to the first vertebra and a second plurality of holes is positionable over boney structure of a second vertebra to define a plurality of fixation points to the second vertebra. The attachment members are insertable through the holes of the plate and into the boney structure of a corresponding vertebra to fix the plate to the vertebra.

Abstract: A system for in-vivo and ex-vivo tissue regeneration and cellular control, manipulation and management includes a source of cell manipulating factors, which are administered to a therapy zone via active pressure-differential components including a pump and a controller, or pulse-waves generated passively. A plate comprising tissue or an inert, bio-compatible material is provided in the therapy zone in proximity to a fluid flow manifold and tissue scaffolding. A tissue regeneration and cellular control method includes the steps of providing a cell manipulation factor source, providing one or more factors to a therapy zone and forming a pressure wave with a mechanical component or an in-vivo pressure wave source, such as the circulatory or lymphatic system.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for treating an incisional wound having incisional walls is disclosed. The apparatus includes a conduit having a first end for receiving reduced pressure and a second end. The apparatus further includes a scaffold. The scaffold has opposing surfaces for positioning adjacent the incisional walls and is fluidly coupled to the second end of the conduit for receiving the reduced pressure. The scaffold is generally elongated in shape and has a thickness between the opposing surfaces that is sufficiently thin for positioning within the incisional wound. The apparatus further includes an internal manifold that has a primary flow channel extending generally longitudinally within the scaffold and between the opposing surfaces of the scaffold. The internal manifold is fluidly coupled to the second end of the conduit. The application of the reduced pressure through the scaffold and the internal manifold induces tissue apposition between the incisional walls.

Abstract: An apparatus for approximating planes of a body tissue during a medical procedure may include an internal portion and an external portion. The internal portion may be implantable within a body of a patient and may include a first flexible sheet member, a first magnetic member, and a first working window through the first flexible sheet member. The external portion may include a second flexible sheet member, a second magnetic member, and a second working window through the second flexible sheet member. The first magnetic member and the second magnetic member may be attracted to one another to magnetically couple the internal and external portions and capture the body tissue between the internal and external portions. The first working window may be substantially aligned with the second working window to enable access to the internal and external surfaces of the body tissue through the respective first and second working windows.

Abstract: An anchor unit, an instrument for deploying the anchor unit, and methods of treating or preventing vaginal vault prolapse and/or uterine prolapse in conditions of utero-vaginal prolapse are disclosed. The anchor unit can include an anchor housing and an anchor blade assembly. The anchor housing can include a first peripheral wall and a second peripheral wall which can be arranged in the shape of a knife blade. The anchor blade assembly can include a plurality of blades for securing the anchor unit to body tissue. The anchor blade assembly can be configured to be rotatable with respect to the anchor housing to allow the deployment of the plurality of blades into body tissue in a deployed state of the anchor unit.

Abstract: Devices for treating wounds and methods of treating wounds are described. In use, the devices allow both mechanical force and negative pressure therapy.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing a surgical incision comprises left and right base panels, a plurality of closure components, and a plurality of left and right axial supports coupled to the respective base panels. The closure components couple the left and right base panels to each other laterally and have left and right ends coupled to the respective base panels. The closure components are positioned laterally across the left and right panels, the left axial supports are disposed between pairs of left closure component ends, the right axial supports are disposed between pairs of right closure component ends, and the left and right axial supports are offset from one another such that a serpentine arrangement of consecutive closure components and axial supports is formed. The apparatus can be made of antimicrobial materials or materials impregnated with antimicrobial agents. A flexible adhesive cover can be provided over the apparatus when in use.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to implantable sealing devices, delivery apparatuses, and methods of their use, for closing surgical openings or defects in a sidewall of a vessel in a subject. In several embodiments, the disclosed implantable sealing devices, delivery apparatuses, and methods can be used to close a surgical opening in a sidewall of the heart.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to tissue closure devices for closing a tissue opening, including one or more closure components, each closure component having a first member and a second member, each of the first and second members having a first surface that adheres to a tissue surface proximate to the tissue opening, each of the first and second members having a second surface substantially orthogonal to the first surface, and each of the first and second members having a transitional region between the first surface and the second surface which is contoured to evert an edge of the tissue opening upon the drawing together of the first and second members. The present invention is also directed to systems and kits, dressing systems, and methods for tissue repair and closure.