Abstract: A method of suturing a tissue opening can comprise placing a tissue-facing surface of a first pad, a second pad and a third pad over respective tissue areas adjacent to the tissue opening. The second pad can be positioned on a first side of the first pad and the third pad can be positioned on a second side of the first pad. The first and second pads can be coupled to a suture, the suture forming a stitch over the upper surface of each of the respective pads. The suture can be stitched through an area of tissue between the first pad and the second pad, between the second pad and the third pad, and between the third pad and the first pad. A first distal portion and a second distal portion of the suture can be coupled to the third pad for forming the purse-string suture.

Abstract: A device for deploying a suture clip onto a suture can include a proximal handle portion that includes an actuation mechanism. The device can also include an outer shaft defining an inner lumen. A crimping assembly can be at least partially disposed within a distal end of the outer shaft. The crimping assembly can include a plurality of crimping members configured to receive and radially compress a suture clip. The actuating mechanism can be configured to move the plurality of crimping members radially inwardly from a first position, where the crimping members are configured to receive a suture clip, to a second position where the plurality of crimping members are configured to radially compress the suture clip, causing the suture clip to plastically deform and become secured around one or more sutures.

Abstract: A delivery system for delivering an anchor member to a bone of a patient may include a bone punch including an elongate shaft, a head at a proximal end of the elongate shaft, and a piercing tip at a distal end of the elongate shaft. The piercing tip may be configured to be driven into the bone. An anchor member may be disposed over at least a portion of the piercing tip with the piercing tip extending distal of the anchor member. The anchor member may be configured to penetrate the bone of the patient in cooperation with the piercing tip.

Abstract: A clip applier may be configured to apply a surgical clip to tissue. The clip applier may include a first jaw member, a second jaw member, and a stabilizing member, each configured to engage the surgical clip. The stabilizing member may be configured to move longitudinally with respect to the clip applier from a first position at least partially between the first and second jaw members to a second position at least partially between the first and second jaw members. The longitudinal movement of the stabilizing member may be constrained to longitudinal movement between the first and second positions. The stabilizing member may include first and second sidewalls on a distal portion, where the first and second sidewalls are configured to stabilize the surgical clip in a lateral direction. The clip applier may include a hinge pin received in a longitudinal channel of the stabilizing member.

Abstract: Wound closure devices and methods of using the wound closure devices are disclosed. The wound closure device comprises two clips. Each clip comprises a wedge-shaped body, a tab extending from a tip of the wedge-shaped body, an anchor extending from a base of the wedge-shaped body, and a locking mechanism positioned within the wedge-shaped body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical textile (1) comprising an arrangement of biocompatible yarns defining a first face (2) and a second face (3) of the textile, the second face opposite the first face, the textile being provided at least on an area of a surface of one of its faces with a plurality of barbs (4) showing substantially a first length L1, measured perpendicularly to that surface, characterised in that said area of said surface is further provided with a plurality of loops (5), said loops showing substantially a second length L2, measured perpendicularly to that surface, where L2 is greater than L1. The invention further relates to a process for manufacturing such a textile.

Abstract: Devices and methods for reconnecting or supporting torn, damaged or weak tissue are disclosed. The disclosed embodiments can be used on long slender tissue such as ligaments, tendons, nerves, vessels, intestines, muscles, bones, appendages and any other elongate tissue within the body, of both humans and other animals. The devices can wrap around elongate tissue and is capable of supporting the tissue or keeping two severed ends in close proximity to one another. The devices can be used in addition to or in lieu of sutures. The devices can function similar to a Chinese Finger Trap and are capable of decreasing in diameter upon extension, thus constricting upon the tissue. The multiple coils of the devices can make sufficient surface contact on the ligament or tendon, using friction to keep the device in place, while also allowing access for diffusion of oxygen and nutrients.

Abstract: A device for the non-invasive sensing of the length of an implantable medical device includes animplantable medical device having first and second portions moveable relative to one another and a layer of resistive material disposed on one of the first and second portions. A contact is disposed on the other of the first and second portions, the contact being in sliding contact with the layer of resistive material upon relative movement between the first and second portions. A circuit is configured to measure the electrical resistance along a path including a variable length region of the layer of resistive material and the contact. The electrical resistance can then be converted into a length.

Abstract: A medical sheath includes an elongate member having a proximal portion defining a proximal end and a distal portion defining a distal end. A first lumen extends through the elongate member and is open at the proximal and the distal end for passage of a medical device through the lumen. The medical sheath further includes an anchoring mechanism that is deployable from the elongate member. The anchoring mechanism includes an anchor that is removably securable to an anatomical feature to secure the elongate member to the anatomical feature, and a connector securing the anchor to the elongate member.

Abstract: Described herein are breast implant fixation devices for use in breast reconstruction and breast augmentation. Novel wraps are designed to avert lateral displacement and bottoming out of breast implants, reduce capsular contraction and implant extrusion, eliminate skin indentations and ripples caused by breast implants, and reduce or eliminate palpability. The wraps are adapted to securely fold around the breast implants, limiting relative movement between the wrap and breast implant and reducing wrinkles. Tissue in-growth into the wraps limits movement of the wrap-breast implant assembly and thereby limits movement of the breast implant.

Abstract: A system, device, and method for clamping off a cystic artery or cystic duct during a cholecystectomy includes using a trio of surgical clips which are released from a clip applicator in a simultaneous fashion so that the cystic artery and cystic duct are clamped off using only a single trigger firing operation from the clip applicator.

Abstract: A barbed mesh device is provided for tissue closure and tissue support when the tissue is closed by other means. The device includes a macroporous mesh with a plurality of intersections or apertures and a plurality of barbs extending from the plurality of intersections or apertures on at least one side of the mesh. The plurality of barbs each include a barb body and a plurality of projections extending at an angle from the barb body.

Abstract: A surgical clamp for aligning the margins of incised or wounded tissue has jaws with parallel clamping faces, and a handle for manipulating the clamp to align the margins of the tissue. The jaws are in a normally closed position, however they can be opened by compressing the handle to open the jaws. Prongs project from the inferior surface of the jaws. The clamp is positioned in a desired position over the margins of a wound to be closed, the prongs engage the margins of the wound to be aligned, and the jaws are closed by releasing compressive force on the handle. As the jaws close the prongs help move the tissue into alignment. Suture guide slots through the jaws assist in the placement of precisely placed sutures across the incision. The disclosed surgical clamp is particularly suited for selectively closing and reopening surgical incisions, such as a sclerotomy incision in the eye. Methods are disclosed for using the clamp during intraocular and other surgical or minimally invasive procedures.

Abstract: A fastener applicator includes a body portion including a handle assembly, a cartridge assembly supported within the body portion, the cartridge assembly including implantable fasteners, a drive assembly supported within the body portion and operatively coupled to the cartridge assembly to engage the implantable fasteners, and an actuation assembly supported within the handle assembly and operatively coupled to the drive assembly to fire a distal-most implantable fastener upon actuation of the actuation assembly. At least one of the implantable fasteners includes a body including a tissue facing surface, a tissue penetrating portion extending from the body, and a capsule affixed to the tissue facing surface of the body, the capsule including radioactive material.

Abstract: A device for fastening tissue includes (a) a shaft extending longitudinally from a distal end insertable into a body to a proximal end attached to a controller which remains outside of the body, the shaft including a lumen extending therethrough and an opening extending through a wall of a distal portion thereof to open the lumen to an exterior of the shaft; (b) a first roller housed within the lumen adjacent to a first longitudinal edge of the opening such that a rotation of the first roller grasps and draws tissue from the body into the lumen in combination; and (c) a fastening element housed within the lumen adjacent to the opening and movable from a tissue receiving configuration to a tissue gripping configuration.

Abstract: Systems and methods treat a heart valve using a magnetically adjustable annuloplasty ring attached to or near a cardiac valve annulus. A changing magnetic field may be used to selectively increase or decrease a circumference of, or otherwise modify the shape of, the implanted annuloplasty ring. The adjustable annuloplasty ring includes a tubular body member, one or more adjustable members, and an internal magnet within the tubular body member. The tubular body member and the one or more adjustable members form a ring shape. The internal magnet is configured to rotate in response to a rotating external magnetic field. The internal magnet is coupled to the one or more adjustable members to change a dimension of the ring shape as the internal magnet rotates. A system for treating a heart valve may include an external adjustment device having one or more external magnets to generate the rotating external magnetic field.

Abstract: Disclosed in an orthopedic implant that comprises a spacer portion having a superior portion and an inferior portion, and a staple portion. The staple portion is integral with the spacer portion and comprises a crown portion and first and second leg portions, the first and second leg portions having distal end that converge front the crown portion and that are composed of a material that has superelastic properties at body temperatures, whereby the first and second leg portions are configured to impart a compressive biasing force when the implant is installed with the legs under tension.

Abstract: The fusion device for fusing a synovial joint of a human or animal patient, in particular a human facet joint, finger joint or toe joint, includes two pin-shaped anchorage portions and arranged therebetween a stabilization portion. The anchorage portions include a thermoplastic material which is liquefiable by mechanical vibration. The stabilization portion preferably has a surface which is equipped for enhancing osseointegration. The anchorage portions have a greater thickness and a greater depth than the stabilization portion. Then the fusion device is pushed between the articular surfaces and mechanical vibration, in particular ultrasonic vibration, is applied to the proximal face of the fusion device. Thereby the liquefiable material is liquefied where in contact with the bone tissue and penetrates into the bone tissue, where after re-solidification it constitutes a positive fit connection between the fusion device and the bone tissue.

Abstract: Described is a new bone healing method and class of bone fixation implants that change shape once implanted so as to minimize non-healing and speed the bone healing process. The bone fixation method involves shape changing implants that continuously hold the bones in apposition so that a gap does not form. Gaps in time allow non-bony tissue to infiltrate and stop healing. Furthermore, the implants actively compress bone to increase bone mass and strength. Bone cell pressure due to compression and electrical current flow due to bone deformation act to stimulate healing. The new implant designs also provide a scaffolding to conduct bone through the implant and across the healing bone interface. The methods and designs are applicable to but not limited to use for bone screws, plates, staples, rods, cylinders and external fixation devices.

Abstract: A device for connecting together two opposing leaflets of a valve in a patient's heart, comprising: a first clip having a generally U-shape, comprising a first prong and a second prong, and a first bridge connecting the first prong to the second prong; a second clip having a generally U-shape, comprising a third prong and a fourth prong, and a second bridge connecting the third prong to the fourth prong; a third clip having a generally U-shape, comprising a fifth prong and a sixth prong, and a third bridge connecting the fifth prong to the sixth prong, wherein the third prong has a first elongate axis and the fifth prong has a second elongate axis and the third prong and the fifth prong are positioned to extend adjacent to and parallel with the first prong, and are configured to rotate about the first elongate axis and the fifth elongate axis respectively.

Abstract: The disclosure describes implantable medical products, that include dry or partially hydrated biocompatible biostaples suitable for ligament repairs or replacements comprising collagen fibers that may be configured to expand in situ after implantation to frictionally engage a bone tunnel wall or bone sleeve to thereby affix the construct in the bone tunnel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for lifting, suspending and stiffening a patient's tissue are disclosed. In an embodiment, a surgical implant includes a body having a distal end and a proximal end, a needle attachment member located at the distal end of the body, a plurality of first barbs located on the body proximal to the distal end, the plurality of first barbs pointed towards the proximal end of the body, and a plurality of second barbs located on the body between the plurality of first barbs and the proximal end, the plurality of second barbs pointed towards the distal end of the body.

Abstract: A surgical stapler is provided. The stapler includes a tubular body portion. A cartridge assembly is disposed at a distal end of the body portion for expelling an annular array of staples. Each of the staples of the annular array of staples has a generally bent backspan. An anvil member disposed at the distal end of the tubular body portion is positioned opposite the cartridge assembly to clinch the staples in tissue upon expulsion of the staples from the cartridge assembly. The anvil member has a corresponding annular array of staple forming buckets. Each of the buckets is configured to accommodate the generally bent configuration of the staples to facilitate formation thereof.

Abstract: A surgical implant (20) comprises a flexible basic structure (22) having a face and a plurality of resorbable film pieces (26) attached to the face of the basic structure (22). Each film piece (26) comprises a plurality of solid protrusions (28) emerging from the respective film piece (26) in a direction away from the basic structure (22).

Abstract: The fusion device for fusing a synovial joint of a human or animal patient, in particular a human facet joint, finger joint or toe joint, includes two pin-shaped anchorage portions and arranged therebetween a stabilization portion. The anchorage portions include a thermoplastic material which is liquefiable by mechanical vibration. The stabilization portion preferably has a surface which is equipped for enhancing osseointegration. The anchorage portions have a greater thickness and a greater depth than the stabilization portion. Then the fusion device is pushed between the articular surfaces and mechanical vibration, in particular ultrasonic vibration, is applied to the proximal face of the fusion device. Thereby the liquefiable material is liquefied where in contact with the bone tissue and penetrates into the bone tissue, where after re-solidification it constitutes a positive fit connection between the fusion device and the bone tissue.

Abstract: There are provided a medical staple realizing smooth feeding when loaded in a magazine and a magazine which can realize stable feeding by using the medical staple. Where the medical staple includes a body portion; and a pair of legs formed at both ends of the body portion, wherein the legs are tilted at an angle in which the legs become closer to each other and either one leg is twisted with respect to a plane including the body portion and the other leg in the out-of-plane direction. The magazine includes a body guiding portion which has a size substantially equal to or slightly smaller than the length of the body portions of the staples and carries and guides the body portions thereon; wherein the plurality of staples are loaded in a state where the legs are tilted to the downstream side in the discharge direction and the body portions to the upstream side in the discharge direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus ad methods for correcting nasal valve collapse comprising a device configured for suspending a nasal valve, the device comprising a body portion comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of barbs, wherein the body portion is configured to be inserted through or underneath the upper lateral cartilage of a patient and wherein the plurality of barbs are configured to engage a soft tissue overlying a bony tissue proximal to the upper lateral cartilage, and a head portion coupled to the proximal end of the body portion wherein the head portion is configured to engage the upper lateral cartilage of the patient when the plurality of barbs are engaged with the soft tissue overlying the bony tissue proximal to the upper lateral cartilage.

Abstract: A closure system and methods of use are provided for use in sealing an opening in a body tissue, such as a vascular puncture site. A method of closing the opening in the body tissue can be performed with the closure system having a closure clip. The method can include positioning the closure clip in a first closure clip position adjacent to the opening in the body tissue such that a plurality of spikes of the closure clip are inserted into the tissue at a location outward from a central axis of the opening. Subsequently, the closure clip can be positioned in a second closure clip position such that the plurality of spikes are pulled inward toward the central axis of the opening so as to pull the tissue between the opening and each of the spikes together and close the opening.

Abstract: A surgical stapler including a hollow shaft and a tube slidable axially within the shaft between a forward position, where one end of the tube projects beyond a free end of the shaft to enter a puncture site in a blood vessel and a rearward position, where the end of the locator tube is retracted within the shaft. A surgical staple straddles the tube and is slidable thereon forwardly towards an anvil against which the staple may be deformed to staple together the opposite edges of the puncture site. A cam mechanism drives the staple forwardly along the tube into deforming engagement with the anvil and at the same time retracts the tube into the shaft in time to allow the legs of the staple to close onto the puncture site.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a surgical device for closing an opening in conjunctival tissue, an instrument for applying the surgical device to close an opening in conjunctival tissue, a system for closing an opening in conjunctival tissue including the surgical device and the instrument, and a method of operating the instrument and the surgical device to close an opening in conjunctival tissue.

Abstract: A surgical stapler comprises a hollow shaft 10 and a tube 92 slidable axially within the shaft between a forward position wherein one end 96 of the tube projects beyond a free end of the shaft to enter a puncture site in a blood vessel and a rearward position wherein the end of the locator tube is retracted within the shaft. A surgical staple 40 straddles the tube 92 and is slidable thereon forwardly towards an anvil 24 against which the staple may be deformed to staple together the opposite edges of the puncture site. A cam mechanism drives the staple forwardly along the tube 92 into deforming engagement with the anvil and at the same time retracts the tube into the shaft in time to allow the legs of the staple to close onto the puncture site.

Abstract: A closure device includes a protruding member that is detachably provided at a distal end of a longitudinal member; a pair of grasping members that are turnable with respect to the protruding member; first and second linear members that are connected to the pair of grasping members; and a holding portion that has an action portion for applying a force in a direction in which the pair of grasping members approach the protruding member and is detachably provided at a distal end of the longitudinal member.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed herein for a closure device. A closure device includes a body movable from a pre-deployed configuration towards a deployed configuration, a plurality of tissue-engaging portions extending from the body. At least two of the tissue-engaging portions are separated by a first distance in the deployed configuration and a second distance in the pre-deployed configuration in which the first distance is smaller than the second distance. The closure device also includes a plurality of device capture features secured to the body. The device capture features are configured to move the tissue-engaging portions to a separation greater than the first distance.

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

Abstract: Fastening devices are provided that are designed to effectively close tissue as well as instruments for applying the inventive fastening devices. The devices are useful for closing tissue such as mucosa in the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, laryngeal surfaces, oronasopharynx, or other mucosal tissues. In particular, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), uvulopalatal flap (UPF) technique, and tonsillectomy can be assisted using the inventive system. Embodiments also provide methods of using the fastening devices and/or instruments, and kits including the fastening devices.

Abstract: A surgical fastener comprising a clip movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and a biasing member contacting the clip and biasing the dip to its open configuration when the biasing member is actuated. The biasing member and clip both tend to assume the closed configuration when no external forces are applied to them. A needle may be releasably attached to the clip. Methods for making the fasteners are also disclosed, in which both the clip and the biasing member are set in the closed position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a clipping device having a coil sheath inserted into an insertion tube in a back/forth movable way to allow it to be inserted into a body cavity, an operation wire inserted into the coil sheath in a back/forth movable way, and a clip directly connected to a distal end of the operation wire to allow it to clip a living tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a closure element can include a splittable carrier tube and a splitter to split the tube. The carrier tube can have an outer surface retaining a closure element in a tubular configuration and can be split into radially-expandable flaps. A closure element has can have shape-memory body having a relaxed configuration with a planar-annular body defining a lumen with tines directed inwardly from the body. The clip can be held in a retaining configuration having a substantially asymmetrically-elongated tubular shape with a trapezoidal longitudinal cross-sectional profile and a proximal end having the tines being longitudinally directed with a first tine being more distally oriented compared to a substantially opposite second tine being more proximal, and retracting to a deploying configuration having a tubular shape with a rectangular longitudinal cross-sectional profile with the first tine being even with the second tine when being delivered.

Abstract: The present invention provides a clipping device having a coil sheath inserted into an insertion tube in a back/forth movable way to allow it to be inserted into a body cavity, an operation wire inserted into the coil sheath in a back/forth movable way, and a clip directly connected to a distal end of the operation wire to allow it to clip a living tissue.

Abstract: Surgical coils are disclosed for marking, anchoring, stapling and suturing. Such surgical coils may be implanted in the body by deforming them to a small cross section profile, sliding it them through a low profile delivery device then deploying them from an embodiment of a delivery device at a targeted site. Embodiments of surgical coils when deployed revert back to a coiled configuration and circle tissue at the target site. Such surgical coils may be deployed about attachment members, such as suture lines, marker lines and the like for anchoring same.

Abstract: A medical closure screen device for a separation of first and second tissue portions is provided, which includes a mesh screen comprising tubular vertical risers, vertical strands with barbed filaments, and horizontal spacers connecting the risers and strands in a grid-like configuration. An optional perimeter member partly surrounds the screen and can comprise a perimeter tube fluidically coupled with the vertical risers to form a tubing assembly. Various input/output devices can optionally be connected to the perimeter tube ends for irrigating and/or draining the separation according to methodologies of the present invention. Separation closure, irrigation and drainage methodologies are disclosed utilizing various combinations of closure screens, tubing, sutures, fluid transfer elements and gradient force sources. The use of mechanical forces associated with barbed strands for repositionably securing separated tissues together is disclosed.

Abstract: A medical closure screen device for a separation of first and second tissue portions is provided, which includes a mesh screen comprising tubular vertical risers, vertical strands with barbed filaments, and horizontal spacers connecting the risers and strands in a grid-like configuration. An optional perimeter member partly surrounds the screen and can comprise a perimeter tube fluidically coupled with the vertical risers to form a tubing assembly. Various input/output devices can optionally be connected to the perimeter tube ends for irrigating and/or draining the separation according to methodologies of the present invention. Separation closure, irrigation and drainage methodologies are disclosed utilizing various combinations of closure screens, tubing, sutures, fluid transfer elements and gradient force sources. The use of mechanical forces associated with barbed strands for repositionably securing separated tissues together is disclosed.

Abstract: An internal and external medical closure system for a separation of first and second tissue portions is provided, which includes a mesh screen comprising tubular vertical risers, vertical strands with barbed filaments, and horizontal spacers connecting the risers and strands in a grid-like configuration. An optional perimeter member partly surrounds the screen and can comprise a perimeter tube fluidically coupled with the vertical risers to form a tubing assembly. Various input/output devices can optionally be connected to the perimeter tube ends for irrigating and/or draining the separation according to methodologies of the present invention. Separation closure, irrigation and drainage methodologies are disclosed utilizing various combinations of closure screens, tubing, sutures, fluid transfer elements and gradient force sources. The use of mechanical forces associated with barbed strands for repositionably securing separated tissues together is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the endoscopic application of self-closing medical clips (3), in particular, for arresting internal bleeding. The distal end of a catheter tube (1) is introduced into the body of a living being to be treated. Several clips (3), arranged successively in the catheter tube (1), are pushed forward in the direction of the tube distal end by a user device located at the proximal end of the catheter tube (1). The foremost clip (3) to be applied is pushed out of the distal end and opened by an actuation device. The actuation device includes an actuation element (21) which can be actuated by the user device, moved longitudinally into the catheter tube (1), and acts on the first front clip (3), as well as a control part (25) which converts the actuation force of the actuation element into an opening movement of the legs (5) of the clip (3).

Abstract: The methods, devices, and systems are provided for performing endovascular repair of atrioventricular and other cardiac valves in the heart. Regurgitation of an atrioventricular valve, particularly a mitral valve, can be repaired by modifying a tissue structure selected from the valve leaflets, the valve annulus, the valve chordae, and the papillary muscles. These structures may be modified by suturing, stapling, snaring, or shortening, using interventional tools which are introduced to a heart chamber. Preferably, the tissue structures will be temporarily modified prior to permanent modification. For example, opposed valve leaflets may be temporarily grasped and held into position prior to permanent attachment.

Abstract: A medical system may include a medical device, such as a medical connector. The medical connector may be used to close an opening formed in (and/or interconnect portions of) one or more bodily structures. The medical connector may be sized and configured to resiliently move to a fastening position. The medical connector may be sized and configured to penetrate a portion of a wall of a lumen, such as a blood vessel. For example, medical connector may be sized and configured to initially penetrate a portion of the wall disposed between the wall's inner and outer surfaces.

Abstract: Apparatus for attaching a prosthetic tether between a leaflet of a patient's heart valve and another portion of the patient's heart to help prevent prolapse of the leaflet and/or to otherwise improve leaflet function. The apparatus can be used with relatively low invasiveness of the patient's body. The apparatus releasably clamps the leaflet during attachment of the tether to the leaflet. The apparatus may include an integrated display for indicating how extensively the leaflet is being clamped. The apparatus may include structure for stabilizing the leaflet for better clamping. The apparatus may enter the heart through an aperture in the wall of the heart, and may include structure for helping to reduce blood leakage from that aperture. The apparatus may be able to enter the heart by following a guide wire. The apparatus may include various means for attaching the tether to the leaflet.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in sealing a vascular puncture site. The invention comprises an integrated vascular device having a sheath with a closure component and puncture sealant. The closure component is disposed on and advanceable over the exterior of the sheath and may comprise any of a variety of apparatus suited for closing a vascular puncture. Once the closure component has been actuated to close the puncture, sealant is introduced to seal the puncture. The sheath and closure component are then removed from the patient.

Abstract: Extending from a point, namely the point of rotation (2), of a surgical hook (1), there are at least two curved arms (4, 5) whose free ends (A, B) each have a tip (6, 7) and which are curved in the same direction of rotation. The arms (4, 5) can be introduced into a patient's tissue by turning the hook (1) about the point of rotation (2). The hook (1) preferably comprises absorbable material, and the arms (4, 5) are preferably provided with barbs (8) which point away from the free ends (A, B) of the arms (4, 5). The hook (1) is suitable for wound closure, including in a vertical direction, and also for fixing of implants.

Abstract: Described is a new bone healing method and class of bone fixation implants that change shape once implanted so as to minimize non-healing and speed the bone healing process. The bone fixation method involves shape changing implants that continuously hold the bones in apposition so that a gap does not form. Gaps in time allow non-bony tissue to infiltrate and stop healing. Furthermore, the implants actively compress bone to increase bone mass and strength. Bone cell pressure due to compression and electrical current flow due to bone deformation act to stimulate healing. The new implant designs also provide a scaffolding to conduct bone through the implant and across the healing bone interface. The methods and designs are applicable to but not limited to use for bone screws, plates, staples, rods, cylinders and external fixation devices.