Abstract: A meniscal tissue repair device includes an elongate body having a pointed distal tip. A plurality of lateral grooves is disposed along the body. Grooves disposed near the distal tip of the device are angled to open proximally and grooves disposed near the proximal end are angled to open distally. A torn meniscus can be repaired using the meniscal repair device by loading the meniscal repair device into an applicator, and inserting the barrel of the applicator through an incision in the knee at a location proximal and perpendicular to the tear in the meniscus. The applicator is actuated to drive the repair device distally into the meniscus across the tear. The distal travel of the repair device is limited by the distally-opening grooves of the repair device.

Abstract: A surgical clip for connecting at least two bio-organic tissue members together, the clip comprising a body having two spaced legs and formed into a U-shape, each leg having a distal end which can be inserted into an opening in bone and each having a proximal end, the proximal ends of said at least two legs being connected to corresponding ends of a deformable bridge comprising two spaced apart bridge sections with a gap disposed between the bridge sections, the bridge sections being deformable by a force, the gap being changed by the force to cause the two spaced legs to move into engagement with side walls of the openings in the bone to which the clip is connected, the body comprising the at least two spaced legs and the two bridge sections comprising a single piece of material.

Abstract: A fastener for fastening a muscle tendon and muscle to a bone. The fastener has a shank designed to be inserted through a tendon and into a channel bored through a bone. A fastening head terminates the shank and is designed to come into abutment against the muscle and muscle tendon to hold the muscle and uscle tendon against the bone. A locking member is designed to cooperate with the shank at the distal end of the shank that emerges from a tunnel in bone in order to lock the shank end fastening head relative to the bone and to the muscletendon and muscle.

Abstract: A transmyocardial revascularization system including a plurality of inserts formed of a material to elicit a healing response in tissue of the myocardium and deployment instruments and associated components for deploying the inserts into the wall of the myocardium. The inserts are arranged to be disposed within respective lumens or channels in the wall of the myocardium. The inserts can take various forms, e.g., be solid members, tubular members, or porous members, and may be resorbable, partially resorbable or nonresorbable. In some embodiments the inserts are arranged to be left in place within the channels in the wall of the myocardium to result in plural lumens which enable blood to flow therethrough and into contiguous capillaries. The deployment instruments are arranged to pierce the tissue of the myocardium from either the endocardium or the epicardium to insert the inserts into the myocardium, depending on the particular deployment instrument used.

Abstract: A novel medical stapler and screw inserter device is disclosed herein wherein the medical instrument is formed in a non-linear or "C" or "V" shaped conformation. The non-linear shape allows the physician to accomplish a per vaginal anchor or screw insertion into a patient's pubic bone, while locating the triggering hand outside of the vagina of the patient and employing a pulling force on the inserter/stapler, against the pubic bone of the patient. In addition, the weight of a patient's body may be used to counterweight the recoil effect to minimize stapler recoil during ejection of a staple from the stapler into a patient. Novel bone anchor screws and a related bone screw driver and a method of inserting it into the pubic bone through the vagina are also described for per vaginal bladder neck suspension procedures.

Abstract: A staple for effecting e.g. an anastomosis between two vascular structures is combined with a delivery system for the staple, the delivery system comprising a suture having a needle connected thereto at one end. The needle is constructed for passage through an edge of each vascular structure, and further is constructed to pull the suture through the vascular structures. The staple according to one embodiment is connected to an end of the suture opposite the needle. After being drawn into place by the suture, the staple is hooked into a desired position with respect to the vascular structures such that the staple is engaged on both sides of the anastomosis. The staple then is crimped to form substantially a loop around the edge of the anastomosis to hold the vascular structures together, both internally and externally. The suture is constructed for ready separation from the staple once the staple is crimped. Once separated, e.g. by cutting, the delivery system is removed from the staple.

Abstract: A meniscus repair anchor. The anchor includes an anchor body and a retaining head intercoupled by a flexible member. The anchor is lodged within a hollow needle. The needle is advanced into the meniscus and across the tear in an inner-to-outer direction, thereby preventing contact between the anchor body and meniscal tissue during deployment. Once the needle tip has penetrated the outer edge of the meniscus and protrudes therefrom, a stylus is used to deploy the flexibly tethered retaining head against the outer edge. The hollow needle is then retracted, causing the barbs along the anchor body to deploy internally within the meniscus. Excess length of the anchor body is cut off at the inner edge entry point of the meniscus.

Abstract: A surgical clip for connecting at least two bio-organic tissue members together, the clip comprising a body having two spaced legs and formed into a U-shape, each leg having a distal end which can be inserted into an opening in bone and each having a proximal end, the proximal ends of said at least two legs being connected to corresponding ends of a deformable bridge comprising two spaced apart bridge sections with a gap disposed between the bridge sections, the bridge sections being deformable by a force, the gap being changed by the force to cause the two spaced legs to move into engagement with side walls of the openings in the bone to which the clip is connected, the body comprising the at least two spaced legs and the two bridge sections comprising a single piece of material.

Abstract: An implantable marker for implantation in tissue of a surgical patient is disclosed. The marker has a base and an elevated bridge. A pair of legs descend from first and second transitions of the bridge. Each leg has a distal tip, a generally straight leg arm adjacent the tip, and a camming marker surface between the transitions of the base and the straight leg arm. The camming marker surfaces extend outwardly from the straight leg arms of the legs. In its open configuration, the first and second straight leg arms of the legs of the marker are generally parallel to each other. In its closed configuration, the first and second straight leg arms converge towards each other, and a marker apex is formed at the distal tips of the legs. The marker is particularly adapted for fixation in tissue to mark the site of a lesion or other abnormal tissue which may be removed during a biopsy procedure, for example a breast biopsy procedure.

Abstract: A fastener for binding a layer of mammalian soft tissue to a mammalian bone includes a body portion for disposition in a bore in the bone, the body portion having means thereon for resisting movement of the body portion from the bore. The fastener further includes gripper portions extending from the body portion and extendible through the layer of tissue toward the bone to bind the tissue to the bone. The invention further contemplates a method for making the fastener, a method for binding layers of material together using the fastener, a tool for setting the fastener, and tools and fasteners in combination.

Abstract: Absorbable, segmented copolymers of aliphatic polyesters based on lactone monomers lactide, and p-dioxanone are described. The segmented copolymers exhibit a broad range of properties, especially high strength and long elongations. This unique elastomeric behavior makes the copolymers of the present invention useful in a varity of medical device applications, especially adhesion prevention barriers and hemostatic devices.

Abstract: A multiple surgical suturing apparatus (10) is provided having a fastener member (11) and a retainer member (12). The fastener member has a series of prongs (14) removably mounted to the tubular head by a locking pin (15). Each prong has a recess 29 upon which is mounted suturing tie L joined to each other by an elongated suture S. The prongs and ties are passed through tissue to be stitched and tied off to form a series of stitches.

Abstract: A surgical fastening system for attaching one piece of tissue to another piece of tissue. The system comprises a surgical fastener, an installation tool for deploying the surgical fastener in tissue, and a method for using the same.

Abstract: A surgical staple line reinforcement device for use with a variety of surgical staplers having a pivoted connection between stapler arms or jaws, such as endoscopic stapler devices. The device comprises a pair of tubes of bio-implantable material connected together at a hinge. The device can be quickly and easily applied to a surgical stapler by a surgical team to provide tissue reinforcement. The hinged connection of the device provides both for secure attachment of the device to the surgical stapler, and for a barrier to protect the pivot connection from contamination by migrating tissue during operation. Preferably, tear lines are provided on each of the tubes to assist in removing excess material following attachment of staples. The device allows for fast and safe staple reinforcement and rapid stapler separation and removal following installation.

Abstract: Surgical devices such as implants or suture fastenings are assembled from a plurality of discrete components, one of which components includes a heat bondable plastic material for bonding the components together. At least two components are bonded to each other by the applying heat to the heat bondable plastic material of one component. The heat bondable plastic material is preferably a polymeric or composite material suitable for surgical applications and implantation in humans, and may be a biodegradable material. A laser may be used as the heat source. The present invention is advantageously embodied in heat bonded fastenings for sutures or K-wires, in which a variety of different suture anchors are usable, including expandable distal suture anchors.

Abstract: A device for microanastomosis of blood vessels has a housing (1) provided with a gripper (3) for grasping and crimping staples (4, 5), housing (1) enclosing a mechanism for crimping staples (4, 5) by actuating the gripper (3). This mechanism has a control member (16) which is accessible from outside the housing (1), a staple magazine (33) and a mechanism for transferring a staple (4, 5) from the magazine to a position between the jaws of the gripper (3) which is likewise controlled by a member (9) accessible from outside the housing (1).

Abstract: A surgical staple line reinforcement device for use with a variety of surgical staplers to protect against tissue damage from surgical staples. The device comprises a tube of bio-implantable material that can be quickly and readily applied by a surgical team to provide tissue reinforcement. The device preferably comprises a stretched or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) with pre-established tear lines therein. The device allows for fast and safe staple reinforcement and rapid stapler separation and removal following installation.

Abstract: A method for repairing a torn meniscus includes inserting at least two anchoring members into the meniscus. Each anchoring member includes a dart and at least one suture. The darts are embedded in the meniscal tissue distal to the plane of the meniscal tear, the anchoring member being inserted transversely through and across the plane of the tear. The sutures of the two anchoring members extend from the anchoring members through and across the plane of the tear and out of the meniscus. The sutures are tied together and the knot formed is drawn into contact with the surface of the meniscus with sufficient tension to approximate the tear.

Abstract: An improved surgical staple is disclosed wherein predetermined regions of the staple legs are weakened to cause bending and deformation of said legs in a controlled manner. The staple provides a uniform compression of a tissue into which it is inserted.

Abstract: Surgical devices such as implants or suture fastenings are assembled from a plurality of discrete components, one of which components includes a heat bondable plastic material for bonding the components together. At least two components are bonded to each other by the applying heat to the heat bondable plastic material of one component. The heat bondable plastic material is preferably a polymeric or composite material suitable for surgical applications and implantation in humans, and may be a biodegradable material. A laser may be used as the heat source. The present invention is advantageously embodied in heat bonded fastenings for sutures or K-wires, in which a variety of different suture anchors are usable, including expandable distal suture anchors.

Abstract: An endoscopic, suture element delivery device is provided including an elongated arm assembly having proximal and distal ends. A series of successive suture elements and a series of successive receptacle elements are carried by the arm assembly. A suture delivery structure is mounted with respect to the housing assembly for movement between a retracted position disposed within the housing assembly and an extended position extending from the housing assembly. The suture delivery structure is constructed and arranged to engage a forwardmost suture element. A receptacle delivery structure is mounted to a distal end of the housing assembly and is movable between receptacle loading and unloading positions. The receptacle delivery structure is constructed and arranged to engage a forwardmost receptacle element.

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 knife for use with surgical fastening instrument for applying fasteners to tissue, the knife including a nonlinear cutting edge having a first portion, a second portion, and an intermediate between said first and said second portion, said first portion being positioned at least as distal as said intermediate portion. The cutting edge is configured to completely sever selected tissue while minimizing the potential for "wisping" of uncut or partially cut tissue away from the cutting edge.

Abstract: To reinforce a line of surgical staples in host tissue, a strip of xenogeneic or autogenic tissue, such as cross-linked pericardium or dura mater harvested from horses, cows, pigs, sheep and humans, is appropriately adhered to the apposed surfaces of a staple cartridge supporting jaw and an anvil jaw of a surgical staple gun so that when tissue to be excised is positioned between the jaws and the staple gun is fired, the staples will penetrate the two layers of animal tissue and the intervening host tissue. Actuation of the cutting blade on the stapler or the use of a separate cutting instrument severs the tissue and the two layers of animal tissue along the staple line. When used in performing a lung reduction procedure, the animal tissue reinforcing strips create an air-tight seal about the staples preventing air leaks.

Abstract: A surgical staple means for the induction of wound sutures which consists of a base and a top layer connected to the suture base via stems, the tissue layers being pressed together between the base and the top layer, is designed in one part. The strip-shaped base comprises a plurality of prong-shaped staple elements which are arranged perpendicular to the plane of the base at a defined distance one behind the other in a row or in several parallel rows. Each staple element comprises a stem which is rigid relative to the base and a piercer pivotally connected to the stem, the piercers being equidirectionally foldable for the formation of the top layer of the staple means after the penetration of the tissue layers, the piercers also comprising locking elements which provide a form-locking connection of neighboring piercers. A device for the induction of the staple means is also described.

Abstract: A soft tissue repair system and method are provided. The soft tissue repair system includes a barbed suture anchoring member attached to at least one suture member. A suture retaining member engages the suture member such that the length and tension of the suture may be selectively adjusted before the suture is permanently engaged in the retaining member. In use, the barbed suture anchoring member and suture member are inserted into the soft tissue repair site and across a tear. The suture member extends back through the original entry side of the tear. A retaining member is applied to the suture member followed by tensioning of the suture member to draw the sides of the tear into apposition. Following tensioning, the retaining member is permanently affixed to the suture member to maintain the selected tension and length of the suture member.

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: 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: An apparatus for applying 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. The apparatus comprises staple forming means in the form of a pair of pivotable members movable from an open position to a closed position when slid into engagement with a camming surface. Staple pusher means engage the central portion of the staple and slides the staple distally into contact with an anvil and with the pivotable members to bend the staple legs to their closed position.

Abstract: A two-part fastener for use in septoplasty procedures includes a fastener portion having a base with shaft extending perpendicularly therefrom and a retainer having an aperture for engagement with the shaft. The fastener may include indexing means for positioning the retainer in engagement with the fastener portion at discrete spaced apart locations along the shaft. In another embodiment the shaft is slightly larger in diameter than the aperture in the retainer to effect a frictional engagement. Applicator instruments are also provided. In one embodiment the applicator includes two elongated members pivotally connected in the middle. In another embodiment the applicator includes an elongated body which holds a plurality of septoplasty fasteners. A pivotally connected lower jaw holds a supply of retainers. A pusher member drives the fastener through a curved firing chamber, through body tissue, and into engagement with the retainer.

Abstract: In a method for closing a ressection in muscular tissues, distal ends of two surgical instruments are juxtaposed to a muscular organ on opposite sides thereof. The organ is compressed between the distal ends of the instruments by moving those distal ends towards one another. Subsequently, a tack is ejected from one instrument through the ressected region of the organ towards the other instrument so that an end of the tack projects beyond the organ. Then, a locking element is positioned on or attached to the projecting end of the tack. The entire operation can be performed laparoscopically, when the ressected organ is the uterus.

Abstract: A method of tissue compression is disclosed herein where the device to cause such compression is composed of a fastener bar and receiver. The device has the capability to self-adjust to tissues of varying thicknesses to cause hemostasis. This tissue gap variability allows for compression of regions of tissue where thick and thin tissue are both present. This variability also enables the same device to be used on a wide variety of tissues of different thicknesses. The tissue fastener bar of this invention contains a series of cut-out portions which distribute the compressive forces along the device in an alternating, staggered manner. The receiver is of a generally U-shaped configuration with the fastener bar being contained at least partially within the U-shape. Compression occurs between the side walls of the receiver and the fastener bar and variability in gap is accomplished by flexure of the side walls of the receiver.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying at least one row of two-part surgical fasteners to body tissue, each surgical fastener having a pronged fastener portion for piercing body tissue, and an aperture retainer dimensioned and configured for engaged reception of the pronged fastener portion in interference fit therewith for gripping the body tissue therebetween. The apparatus includes means for holding a plurality of the fastener portions in generally aligned relation, means spaced from the fastener portion holding means for gripping body tissue therebetween and for releasably holding a plurality of the retainers in generally aligned relation and positioned opposite the fasteners when the body tissue is positioned therebetween.

Abstract: An arbor press staple and washer of the invention is for use in a practice of a surgical procedure for securing a ligament, that is either natural or prosthetic, onto a bone cortex surface and includes a staple having spaced equal parallel legs with a flat web arranged between the top ends of the staple legs. The staple is for driving into a bone cortex surface and includes barb ridges around three of its four sides for resisting staple withdrawal. The staple flat web includes at least one hole, that is preferably tapped, formed therethrough that is for receiving a threaded section of a threaded pin turned therethrough, and includes a pair of guide posts that extend, at right angles, from the web undersurface. An arbor plate type washer, that is a flat plate that has concave notches formed in opposite ends, is for arrangement between the staple legs, the concave notches sliding along the staple legs prohibiting washer rotation.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for performing laparoscopic gastroplasty for the treatment of morbid obesity. The method utilizes a stapling device and a nasogastric tube for positioning the stapling device. A non-absorbable staple support strip is to form and support a passage between a proximal pouch and a distal region in the stomach formed by stapling.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable surgical fastener comprising a fastener member and an interlocking retainer member. The surgical fastener has a total mass of less than 4 mg/transverse mm, thereby reducing the amount of foreign matter present at the wound site and facilitating faster resorption, while effecting hemostasis. The retainer member preferably has longitudinally extending slots on the lateral sides of the retainer for allowing transverse expansion of the columnar members into which the prongs of the fastener member are locked. Fins on both the lateral and transverse sides of the prongs provide extra strength, and stability during implantation. Stopping surfaces prevent the fastener's barbed tip from exiting the opposite side of the retainer.

Abstract: A surgical fastener comprising a fastener member and a retainer member is disclosed. The fastener member comprises a base and a pair of substantially parallel prongs extending substantially perpendicularly from the base in substantially the same direction, each prong being spaced inward from its respective end of the base, and having a prong tip configuration that allows for improved tissue penetration and thereby minimizes splaying of the prongs. Preferably, the base is the same length as the retainer member. Preferably, the prongs are substantially equidistant from the transverse centerline of the base. Also in accordance with this invention is a surgical fastener having a prong tip which maintains its improved ability to penetrate tissue after annealing of the surgical fastener.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical incision or wound closure implant device possessing an interior hollow core region while maintaining the mechanical beam characteristics of the overall structure. In the case of cored biodegradable implant devices the thickness of the cored region can be varied to regulate the speed at which the device is biodegraded. The core region may optionally be filled with a medicinal agent or a stabilizing material.

Abstract: A locking mechanism having a locking element carried by one or more strands of suture material. One end of the suture is attachable to an anchor having a slot extending from a trailing end of the anchor toward a leading end. A portion of the suture is at least partially disposable in the slot. A separate locking member engages the locking element to secure tissue relative to the anchor.

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 corneal rivet for passing internally through the cornea and for providing closure of an incision in the cornea with a mechanically and optically configured rivet body including a first rivet head secured at one end thereto and a second member for securing to the other end of the rivet. The securing can either be through frictional engagement of the second member to the rivet body, through a knotting, a crimping, staking, threading, pinning, heat forming a ball or mushroom member, or a ratcheting engagement. The corneal rivet body can be utilized to suture other tissues besides the cornea, such as sclera, iris, other ocular tissues, skin, flesh, or the like.

Abstract: A two-part surgical fastener comprises a staple and a receiver which are adapted to secure body tissue together. The staple is generally U-shaped and includes at least two prongs with barbed distal ends which penetrate the tissue and are latched by the receiver. Each prong of the staple is configured as an elongated prism of hexagonal cross-section and includes a barbed tip with an enlarged hexagonal cross-section at its free end. Each aperture of the receiver is hexagonal in configuration and includes a pair of opposed ledges for engaging the barbed tip. The tip of each prong has a pointed distal end formed by a first pair of sloped surfaces which form the sharp angle and a second pair of sloped surfaces which form a blunt angle. The staple includes longitudinal ridges or grooves on the prongs which are engaged and guided by longitudinal channels or ribs provided in a staple cartridge. The staple and receiver consist of bioabsorbable material.

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

Abstract: A surgical staple for securing a purse string suture to human tissue comprises a staple body of deformable material formed into a loop through which the purse string suture is threaded. The staple body includes a pair of legs which are deformable into an overlapping configuration upon insertion into the tissue to secure the staple body and the purse string suture to the tissue. Alternatively, the staple body includes two or more legs including barbed ends for anchoring the legs to the tissue. To secure the purse string suture, a plurality of staples is positioned about the periphery of the tubular section of tissue, the purse string suture is threaded through the loops in the staples, and the staples are driven into the tissue to secure the purse string suture thereto. In addition, a surgical instrument is provided for applying the staples and the purse string suture to the tissue.

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

Abstract: A system for attaching an object to a workpiece including an anchor and an installation tool is provided. The anchor includes a body having a transverse cross-section slightly smaller than the transverse cross-section of a hole in a surface of the workpiece in which it is to be deployed, and at least two barbs. The body has a distal portion having an inner end, a proximal portion having an inner end, and a middle portion connecting the inner ends of the distal and proximal portions respectively. The barbs extend from the first end of the distal portion axially and radially outwardly to outer ends located radially outwardly of an axial projection of the maximum transverse cross-section of the distal portion. The barbs are located in channels having bases which extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body in the middle section and thereafter slant outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis of the body as they extend to the outer end of the proximal portion.

Abstract: A fixation device for securing a prosthetic ligament to a bone and which comprises a bone staple having a head portion by means of which the staple can be driven into the bone, and a pair of legs extending from the head and having ends engageable into the bone, characterized by a stirrup for guiding the driving movement of the staple and arranged also to cooperate with the staple in order to enable the prosthetic ligament to engage the staple and the stirrup and to be securable to the bone upon completion of driving of the staple into the bone, the stirrup comprising two generally parallel side portions which define guides to receive the legs of the staple and to guide the driving movement of the legs, and also defining an aperture through which the ligament can be taken prior to securement of the ligament to the bone.

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: An anvil member for use in a surgical stapler is annealed by localized heating, preferably induction heating. A shaped shielding means is used to cradle the anvil so as to expose the staple crimping portion of the anvil. The heating is performed so as to anneal only the delimited staple crimping portion of the anvil. All other portions of the anvil are either shielded by the cradle or are out of the heating range.

Abstract: A circumcision instrument includes a pair of body members displaceable toward each other to simultaneously cut the foreskin along a longitudinal or circumferential line of cut while simultaneously stapling together the skin and mucous layers of the foreskin along at least one stapling line generally parallel with the cut, thereby to reduce bleeding from a cut. In a first embodiment, a generally straight cutting blade is carried by a body member at one end of a pair of scissors-type arms for longitudinally cutting the foreskin, cooperating male and female staple members being removably mounted on opposed body members for simultaneously producing stapling lines on both sides of the cut. In a second embodiment, a pair of annular body members arranged concentrically about a penis are displaced together on opposite sides of the foreskin when folded concentrically back around one of the annular members, a circular stapling line being defined concentrically between a circular cut and the penis.