Abstract: To stimulate the formation of new tissue in tissue defects, in addition to a constant distraction force, a periodically changing tractive force superimposed thereon is applied to the tissue regions adjacent to the tissue defect. To this end, a traction cable (12) holds the distraction means (10) arranged at the wound and is kept under traction at the other end. The traction cable (12) is deflected transversely by an eccentric (18) to generate the periodic tractive force.

Abstract: A forceps according to the invention can securely grasp a tissue or a part located in a deep and remote position and extending in parallel with the swinging direction of the handles. Additionally, it can be used without giving the user a strange feeling if he or she is accustomed to use known forcepses and is free from hygienic problems. It comprises a handle section having a first handle and a second handle coupled to each other to form a unitary member with a variable included angle, a fixed blade section fitted to the front end of the first handle and inclined toward the second handle, a swingable blade section arranged to pivot on a spot close to the root of the fixed blade section and a swing-link section for swingably linking a spot close to the front end of said second handle to the swingable blade section, the swingable blade section being moved to come closer to the fixed blade section by reducing the included angle between the first and second handles.

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 retaining members (70, 71) configured as a flange connecting two legs (20) and forming a U-shaped profile. Each of the legs may include either a sharp book (23) or a blunt skin insertion element at the end of the leg adapted for percing the skin and engaging one of the long interdermal needles. Alternatively, the retaining members may include topical engagement elements for engaging portions of the interdermal needles which are located above the skin surface. A contracting mechanism such as a screw (82) may connect the retaining members and approximate the interdermal needles, while bringing the skin margins together until final closure of the skin defect results.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for closing cutaneous wounds without sutures, which comprises a pair of three-dimensionally flexible strips adopted to be positioned on each side of a wound and formed of a plurality of laterally spaced apart elongated anchoring members extending side-by-side in succession and transversely of the wound and being interconnected in a three-dimensionally flexible manner to follow the lips of an open wound.

Abstract: An apparatus for occluding the upper and lower eyelids of a patient at risk of developing corneal keratopathy. A magnet is attached to or placed within a polymer base that conforms to the normal curvature of the external skin surface of the human eyelid. The conforming base is then attached to the upper eyelid using a removable adhesive such as double-sided tape. A similar conforming base and magnet is attached to the lower eyelid. The magnetic attraction from the opposing magnets pulls the upper and lower eyelids together so as to close the eye, but can be broken by gently spreading apart the conforming bases for examination of the eye or application of medicaments when necessary. Variations of the device can be made where one of the magnets is replaced by a metal plate or other magnetic, or where a pair of electromagnets are used with a control for switching polarity to the electromagnets for reversal between magnetic attractive and repulsive forces and hence opening and closing the eyelids.

Abstract: A suturing device comprises a rod with a spring needle attached to an insertion end thereof. The spring needle is housed inside of an outer guide tube for insertion into an opening in biological tissue to be sutured. After the spring needle is deployed from the outer guide tube, the rod and hence the coiled spring are then rotated to thread the spring needle up through the biological tissue to the surface. The suturing device is then removed leaving a suture in place. The method of using the device comprises introducing the compressed spring needle with a suture attached thereto into the opening in the biological tissue. An operator then rotates the spring needle to thread the spring needle to the surface of the biological tissue. After removing the spring needle the suture is tied.

Abstract: A skin pinching device has two jaws (10) that may be moved against each other by threaded spindle (36). Hooks (18) that may be stuck into the skin are arranged on the jaws (10, 12). The hooks (18) are cast into plastic parts (14) mounted on the jaws (10, 12) in an exchangeable manner. The threaded spindle (36) may be motor-driven in a controlled manner depending on the characteristics of the tissues as determined by a sensor.

Abstract: A vascular hemostasis device comprises a shaft coaxially received within a hollow tube, and having a distal end formed with an opposed pair of resilient grasping prongs. The tube has an open distal end that may be situated percutaneously adjacent a vascular puncture site. The shaft and the tube are axially movable with respect to one another, so that the distal end of the shaft may be selectively extended from and partially retracted into the distal end of the tube by means of an actuation member attached to the shaft. When the distal shaft end is in its extended position, the prongs are exposed from the distal end of the tube, and they resiliently expand to an open position. When the distal shaft end is moved to its retracted position, the prongs are partially retracted into the distal end of the tube, radially contracting them to a closed position. In contracting, the prongs grasp and gather tissue adjacent the puncture site to obstruct bleeding therefrom.

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: 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: 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: An apparatus for inserting a staple into torn tissue such as the meniscus of the knee. The apparatus includes a pair of shafts individually movable in a longitudinal direction which are actuable from a handle mechanism. The shafts are movable sequentially so that the shafts disjunctively advance the prongs of the staple which is releasably held adjacent distal end portions of the shafts. A further embodiment of the device consists of a pair of needles detachably secured to a pair of anchoring members having a plurality of barb-like projections extending outwardly therefrom. The anchoring members are joined by a suture which connects adjacent the trailing ends of the anchoring members opposite the penetration end of the needles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hemostatic plug having its own vessel wall locating system. The hemostatic plug allows accurate positioning of itself within an access incision, e.g., to a blood vessel, so that it is adjacent to, but does not extend beyond the vessel wall into the vessel lumen.

Abstract: A biodegradable, subcuticular surgical clip having a pair of interconnected arms each having piercing prongs directed toward the other arm is provided. The fastener does not have interlockable members.

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. This element is curved, thus defining a plane which is oriented perpendicular to the path of the slider.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for energy welding or otherwise joining two segments of living tissue, usually tubular in structure, comprising, means for clamping the first tissue section, means for clamping the second tissue section, means for moving one of said clamping means toward said other clamping means to bring the first and second sections into abutting relationship to form a seam. Means for transmitting energy to the seam may be provided to weld together the first and second sections. The means for clamping the first section comprises a first pair of opposed arms and the means for clamping the second section comprises a second pair of opposed arms, wherein at least one of said arms of each said pair of arms is pivotably connected to said opposing arm. The energy transmitting means comprises first and second housing sections adapted to be placed over opposing sides of the clamping means wherein each of the housing sections has a plurality of energy transmissive elements extending therethrough.

Abstract: A gastric band for placement around the stomach is described which is useful for the treatment and control of morbid obesity. The gastric band has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface has an inflatable member disposed thereon which substantially completely covers the inner surface of the band. A remote fill port is in fluid communication with the interior of the inflatable member. The gastric band is invasively placed in an encircling position around the stomach by the facile closure of a single fastening means. After the band is fastened around the stomach, a fluid is injected into the inflatable member thereby constricting the stoma of the stomach. Preferably, measuring means situated within the stomach provides a measure of the stoma opening. The inflatable member is adjusted so that the stoma opening is at the desired diameter.

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 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 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 method and apparatus for elevating, approximating and/or restraining internal organs or structures, and more particularly for treating female urinary stress incontinence are provided. The apparatus include an anchoring device having an elongated suture with an anchor at each end thereof and a cinching member therebetween for adjusting the operative length of the suture, an articulating apparatus for applying the anchoring device during an endoscopic or laparoscopic procedure, and an apparatus for drawing the suture relative to the cinching member after it has been emplaced.

Abstract: Utilizing the techniques of tissue expansion, hair-bearing scalp is created and/or wound closure is effected. Elongated anchor plates are implanted in the scalp at spaced apart locations. Each plate has projecting studs which are extended through incisions in the scalp. A readily attachable and removable skin tensioning means is attachable to the studs and set to the required tension for tissue expansion. Guide means control the force vector applied by the tensioning means to the anchor plates. The tensioning and guide means are attachable for use when the patient is in the privacy of his home. The tensioning means may comprise a pair of straps with a hook and look fastener, buckles or the like for the application of requisite tension at a controlled rate.

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 surgical fastener is comprised of a center span with two locking arms extending therefrom, each locking arm containing an indentation adapted to receive a locking point and an indentation adapted to receive a locking nub. An inner bendable member extends from the center span terminating in a staple point member, the staple point member terminating in a tissue piercing point. An outer bendable member extends from the staple point member parallel to the inner bendable member, terminating in a locking point and locking nub. In the closed position the locking point of the outer bendable member locks into the indentation in the locking arm, to lock the staple in the closed position. In the open position the locking nub of the outer bendable member locks into the locking nub indentation in the locking arm to hold the staple in the open position.

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: The invention is a skin closure clip, for closing surrounding skin around a wound, comprising an elongated body. The body has two handle ends, and a lower surface and an upper surface between the handle ends. The upper surface has a downward curve and a middle. A pair of jaws extend downward from the lower surface. The body is flexed to bring the jaws apart. The jaws are brought into contact with the surrounding skin around the wound. The body is unflexed to bring the jaws together, closing the wound.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are described for attaching tendons, ligaments, or other tissue to bone, which includes the use of adjustable head members positioned along filament members. Also disclosed are methods and apparatuses for mending breaks in tissue such as skin or meniscal layers tissue such as skin or meniscal layers skin by use of similar elements.

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: An applicator for suturing openings such as puncture sites in anatomical tissue applies a suture tie device having at least two outwardly turned hooks to penetrate the tissue proximate the opening. A stem, and a plurality of legs extending distally and radially outward from the stem, support the hooks and together with a collar movable along the stem and legs allow the hooks to be gathered radially inward after penetrating the tissue. The suture tie device can be disposed within a tubular housing dimensioned to fit within an endoscopic portal or cannula or for insertion directly through the opening in the anatomical cavity. A rod is disposed within the housing and connected to a proximal end of the stem of the suture tie device. An elongate tubular member is disposed between an inner circumference of the tubular housing and the rod proximally of the collar to move the collar along the stem and to gather the plurality of legs radially inward.

Abstract: When a discontinuity in body tissue is to be closed, a suture is inserted through openings in a plurality of anchors. A thin elongated member, such as a needle or K-wire, is also inserted through the openings in the anchors. The thin elongated member is then inserted through the body tissue at a first location along one side of the discontinuity in the body tissue. A first anchor is then pushed through the body tissue from the inner side of the body tissue to the outer side of the body tissue with the suture extending through the opening in the anchor. The thin elongated member is then withdrawn from the body tissue and subsequently inserted through the body tissue at a second location disposed along the second or opposite side of the discontinuity. The next succeeding anchor in the array of anchors on the suture and thin elongated member is then pushed through the body tissue at the second location. Pulling on the suture presses the anchors against the body tissue and presses the body tissue together.

Abstract: A strap assembly to be looped about split portions of tissue includes a flexible elongated strap and a buckle member attached to one end portion of the elongated strap. The strap includes a plurality of ratchet teeth along a portion thereof. The buckle member includes a base member defining a generally transverse channel dimensioned for reception of the elongated strap and a pawl member pivotally connected to the base member. The pawl member includes pawl teeth complementary in dimension and configuration to the ratchet teeth of the elongated strap. The pawl teeth interlockingly engage the ratchet teeth to secure the elongated strap in a looped tensioned condition about the tissue. The strap and buckle are preferably integrally formed of a bioabsorbable material. The assembly has particular application in sternum repair.

Abstract: Utilizing the techniques of tissue expansion, hair-bearing scalp is created and/or wound closure is effected. Elongated anchor plates are implanted in the scalp at spaced apart locations. Each plate has projecting studs which are extended through incisions in the scalp. A readily attachable and removable skin tensioning means is attachable to the studs and set to the required tension for tissue expansion. Guide means control the force vector applied by the tensioning means to the anchor plates. The tensioning and guide means are attachable for use when the patient is in the privacy of his home. The tensioning means may comprise a pair of straps with a Velcro.RTM. fastener, buckles or the like for the application of requisite tension at a controlled rate.

Abstract: A surgical clip which comprises a staple having a central portion and first and second legs extending from said central portion. A retainer is provided having an opening dimensioned for passage of an end portion of each of said legs when the legs are bent from an open position to a closed position. A ratchet mechanism is provided in the form of a plurality of teeth disposed on the legs adapted to be engaged by a pawl of said retainer.

Abstract: A closure for an elongated skin wound having a pair of edges has a pair of parallel tapes each formed by a U-shaped one-piece textile outer strip having a longitudinally extending outside flap and, parallel thereto, an inside flap joined at a longitudinal fold, and a filler strip extending longitudinally between and spacing the flaps apart. Each tape has an inner edge turned toward the other tape and carrying one of a pair of longitudinal rows of interleavable teeth on the outside flaps. Stitches or the like engaged through the flaps and filler strip of each tape hold them together. A skin-compatible adhesive adhered to inside faces of the inside flaps allows the inside flaps to be adhered to skin to each side of the wound. A slider displaceable longitudinally along the rows of teeth can interleave and couple them together so that, when the tapes are adhered to skin to each side of the wound, coupling the rows of teeth with the slider pulls the edges of the wound together.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are described for attaching tendons, ligaments, or other tissue to bone, which includes the use of adjustable head members positioned along filament members. Also disclosed are methods and apparatuses for mending breaks in tissue such as skin or meniscal layers tissue such as skin or meniscal layers skin by use of similar elements.

Abstract: Provided is a method for attaching tissue to a bone, which includes the use of a filament member and a head member which engages the filament member and holds a tissue in place. Also provided is a device and method for repairing a break in tissue, which indicates the use of a filament member and at least one member which engages the filament member.

Abstract: A skin closure system includes an elongated bandage provided with a fabric layer formed of relatively thick, pliable material and a support layer formed of relatively thin, stiff material. An intermediate adhesive layer is provided between the support layer and the fabric layer for securing them together, and an exposed adhesive layer is provided on the fabric layer opposite the support layer. An elongated strip of backing material is retained on the exposed adhesive layer of the bandage and is removable from the exposed adhesive layer to allow application of the bandage to the skin.

Abstract: An intravascular prostheses is delivered transarterially or transvenously to occlude cardiac defects. The defects, which may include the patent ductus arteriosus, the ventricular septal defect and the atrial septal defect. The prostheses is a device having a distal occluder attached to a string and a proximal occluder connected to the string. The occluders are delivered to the heart by known methods. With the distal occluder on the distal side of the defect and the proximal occluder on the proximal side of the defect the occluders are adjusted according to the thickness of the heart structure at the defect. In one embodiment the adjustment is by moving the distal occluder over a series of knots or buttons in the string. In another embodiment the proximal occluder is connected to the distal occluder by an elastic string so that the elastic tension of the strings bring the occluders into position. A radiopaque button is placed upon the string to aid positioning the occluders.

Abstract: An improved surgical stapling method and apparatus therefor is disclosed in which parallel rows of staples are inserted prior to forming an incision. When the incision is to be closed, the corresponding staples of the two rows are brought together by suitable locking pins or other techniques.

Abstract: A surgical dressing 10 for surgical closing a wound includes a pair of locating members 12, 14, the locating members 12, 14, in use, being placed on opposed sides of the wound. A manipulating means 22 interconnects the locating members 12, 14, the manipulating means 22 and the locating members 12, 14 being a one piece article and the manipulating means 22 being operable to draw the locating members 12, 14 towards each other to close the wound.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing wide skin defects may include two long pins for insertion underneath the skin close to the margins of the defect. Two U-shaped members may also be provided. Each U-shaped member may include a sharp hook at the end of each leg adapted to pierce the skin and to engage one pin each in two places. A contracting screw may connect the two members and approximate the pins and the skin margins until final closure of the defect. A parallel alignment mechanism may also be provided to maintain the U-shaped members in parallel alignment.

Abstract: In a method for repairing a liver laceration, a plurality of bolts of biocompatible material are provided, each of the bolts being formed with anchoring means for preventing removal of the respective bolt from the liver upon insertion of the bolt therein. At least two of the bolts are driven into the liver on opposite sides of the laceration so that head portions of the two bolts remain protruding from the liver. A suture is tied around the protruding head portions of the two bolts, thereby closing the laceration and stemming a flow of blood from the laceration. The bolts may be provided with molley type sheaths which are pushed into the liver prior to insertion of the two bolts and which are expanded at least in part by the bolts to anchor the sheaths and the bolts in the liver. The sheaths, like the bolts, are made of a biocompatible, even bioabsorbable or hemostatic, material.

Abstract: A surgical fastener is comprised of a center span with two locking arms extending therefrom, each locking arm containing an indentation adapted to receive a locking point and an indentation adapted to receive a locking nub. An inner bendable member extends from the center span terminating in a staple point member, the staple point member terminating in a tissue piercing point. An outer bendable member extends from the staple point member parallel to the inner bendable member, terminating in a locking point and locking nub. In the closed position the locking point of the outer bendable member locks into the indentation in the locking arm, to lock the staple in the closed position. In the open position the locking nub of the outer bendable member locks into the locking nub indentation in the locking arm to hold the staple in the open position.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for accelerating the stretching of skin and the closing of open skin wounds which includes the steps of attaching a plurality of anchors, which have fasteners attached to one side of the anchors, to the surface of the skin adjacent to the wound with an adhesive whereby the anchors are spaced around the wound in a manner to allow at least one strap with a plurality of fastener receivers to be positioned across the wound and the fastener receivers to be coupled to the fasteners. At least one strap with the fastener receivers is positioned across the wound. The fasteners are coupled to a plurality of the fastener receivers which are attached to at least one strap. The tension of at least one strap is adjusted to maintain sufficient tension to stretch the skin proximate to the fasteners thereby significantly accelerating wound closure.

Abstract: An improved surgical stapling method is disclosed in which parallel rows of staples are inserted prior to forming an incision. When the incision is to be closed, the corresponding staples of the two rows are brought together by suitable locking pins or other techniques.

Abstract: A sutureless closure for a skin wound or incision in which a plurality of filaments are secured between the ends of opposing adhesive tapes. A second substantially identical pair of adhesive tapes has filaments disposed therebetween with the filaments on the first and second pairs of tapes being alternately interwoven. Each of the lower tapes is adhered to skin adjacent either side of a wound. The upper tapes are adhered to the exposed surface of the lower tapes thereby stretching the filaments across the wound and drawing the wound together. In another embodiment, a pair of tapes having opposed hooks are taped onto skin adjacent opposite sides of a wound. A filament is wound between the hooks on the tapes to draw the wound together. Notches in the hooks secure the filament at each hook and permit selecting different tensions in each filament run from hook-to-hook.

Abstract: A metal clip for the simultaneous suture of the cutaneous tissue and subcutaneous tissue, consisting of two arch-shaped arms of larger radius with two points at their ends, and two arch-shaped arms of smaller radius with two points at their ends. The arms are joined together by a common segment to form a rigid system.

Abstract: A method for repairing tears in fibrocartilage and soft tissue. The clip has a pair of opposed legs formed of rigid biodegradable material. Each leg has at least one barb for easily penetrating the cartilage and soft tissue, and for opposing withdrawal from it. The legs are interconnected by a flexible section that is also biodegradable. The instrument for applying these clips has a pair of opposed jaws, each with at least one notch for holding the barbs of the clip. The jaws are biased apart in a normally open position and are interconnected to an actuating handle. The instrument further includes a device which closes the jaws when the handles are moved a first way relative to one another and opens them when the handles are moved the other way.

Abstract: A device for closing an opening (12) performed in the sternum during heart surgery and for fixing the breast bone halves (13, 14) in relation to each other is described, said device consisting of (a) a plate (1) comprising two flat, longitudinal, parallel anchoring members (2, 3), which are spaced a distance from each other and provided with through-holes (11), and spaced apart, transverse, flat connection pieces (4, 5, 6) which are connected to the anchoring members to form a rigid unit therewith, and (b) a plurality of attachment wires (15) to be inserted into the breast bone halves from below and into said holes (11), the pairs of end portions of said attachment wires being twisted together to the plate.

Abstract: The structure of either elongated strips or annuli for linear or tubular surgical joiner are male and female members that lock at their distal ends; have abutting planar faces at their intermediate sections for stabilizing purposes; are configured to form a void at their proximal portions for accommodating inflammation and swelling of the surgically joined parts; and have suturing pins that are each annularly slotted at their distal ends and project from a proximal edge face of one of the members, extend through partially everted parts to be surgically joined and through securing panel means formed in the opposed proximal part of the second of the members; the panel edges releasably locking into a selected annular slot for controlling clamp pressure.