Abstract: A device for repairing torn tissue or muscle such as the meniscus of the knee. 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 the ends of the anchoring members opposite the needles.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting the ends of a suture stitch includes a piston and cylinder combination with one end of the suture secured to the cylinder. The other end of the suture initially includes a needle for penetrating two tissues to be approximated and then passing the needle and its attached suture through aligned openings in the cylinder sidewalls. The portion of the suture passing through the cylinder is trapped therein by the depression of the piston to engage the bottom inside surface of the cylinder which locks that end of the suture in place.

Abstract: A needle-suture combination employing a heat shrunk sleeve to attach a needle to a suture. One or more heat shrunk sleeves might also be incorporated into the combination to provide a controlled release suture or to provide a linked tandem suture.

Abstract: Blunt tip cutting edge needles which are suitable for use in suturing cutaneous tissues of the body while at the same time significantly reducing the probability of skin penetration of the gloved hand of an operator are disclosed. The needle includes a blunt tip and an integral cutting section having at least one cutting edge. The blunt tip blends smoothly with an outer surface of a distal end of the cutting portion such that the blunt tip has no sharp edges or discontinuities.

Abstract: A suture for use in MIS surgery and tying internally in a body cavity using graspers extending through trocars in the body wall, the suture comprising a length of suture material suitable for fastening body tissue within the body cavity, the length having opposite end portions, and gripping means attached to at least one of the end portions. The gripping means, which may be formed and shaped to facilitate engagement and movement by graspers, may be a soft, sponge-like body attached to the length end or an elongated body in the shape of a paddle attached to the length end for use by a grasper in the movement of a body organ.

Abstract: A combined surgical needle-suture device is provided by attaching the reduced shank of a needle and the tip region of a suture to each other through a heat shrinkable tubing fitted around both, the axial length of the tubing bearing a defined relationship to the effective axial length of the needle shank. In the preferred detachable needle-suture device, a removal interface having a predetermined axial length and/or contact area is defined between a shrinkable tubing having a predetermined axial length and a suture tip region.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a shrinkable tubing to a surgical needle and a heat labile suture is provided. The apparatus includes a mechanism for desensitizing the tip of the heat labile suture along with a mechanism for situating a shank portion of the needle and the tip of the suture within the heat shrinkable tubing. The apparatus also includes a device for applying energy to the shrinkable tubing to effect attachment of the needle and the suture.

Abstract: A device for repairing torn tissue or muscle such as the meniscus of the knee. 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 the ends of the anchoring members opposite the needles.

Abstract: A loop threaded needle-suture device is disclosed wherein a surgical needle is provided with a pointed end and a drilled aperture extending axially of the butt end, and a length of flexible suture material is doubled upon itself to form a loop, both free ends of which are attached to the needle in the butt end aperture. The blunt end of the needle is deformed to form the aperture into an elliptical cross-section and the length of the loop is substantially greater than the length of the needle to facilitate insertion of the needle and suture material into tissue to be sutured, and looping the needle through the suture material prior to tieing the suture material. Thus, the loop functions as a double suture. A method of forming the unique loop threaded needle-suture is disclosed.

Abstract: A combined surgical needle-suture device of controlled suture release characteristics and a method for manufacturing the device employ a shrinkable tubing to connect the needle to a suture possessing a lubricated tip.

Abstract: A siliconized surgical needle is provided which requires significantly less force to effect tissue penetration than a standard siliconized needle.

Abstract: A surgical suturing assembly and method of suturing are provided. The suturing assembly comprises a surgical needle having a pin within a casing or sheath having an aperture, wherein the pin of the needle is within the casing aperture. A suture is attached to the needle, casing or both. In use, a surgeon slides the pin of the needle, forcing the sharpened distal point of the needle to project through the distal opening of the casing. Once the distal portion of the needle/casing assembly penetrates the tissue, the sliding force is released or retracted which causes the needle to return to its original position, leaving an unsharpened point for further manipulation. The chance of needle-stick is thus greatly reduced.

Abstract: A single-strike die mechanism includes a rotatable cam drive ring driven to impart through a cam mechanism linear motion to at least three crimping dies. The crimping dies are symmetrically arranged within a die guide and simultaneously actuated to move in a radial direction toward a centerline of a surgical needle. A surgical suture is axially inserted within a hollow barrel end of the needle, and the barrel end is crimped by the crimping dies to secure the suture therein. A method for operating the single-strike die mechanizes the procedure for securing the suture within the barrel end of the needle.

Abstract: A surgical needle is attached to a braided suture of particular construction to provide a combined surgical needle-braided suture device. A shrinkable tubing is employed to secure the needle to the suture. The tubing shrinks in response to the application of energy, e.g., heat. Attachment parameters may be controlled to provide standard needle attachment or removable needle attachment.

Abstract: An improved surgical needle is disclosed. The needle has a butt. The butt has a proximal and a distal end. A blind hole is in the butt. The hole originates at the proximal and terminates at the distal end of the butt. A crimp is adjacent to the butt. The improvement to the crimp comprises a first and a second side that are essentially parallel. A third side is essentially perpendicular to the first and second sides. A fourth side is curvilinear. The curvilinear fourth side can be a semicircle. A machine and a method of attaching a surgical suture to the improved needle is also disclosed.

Abstract: Suture devices, particularly useful in endoscopic surgery, include a suture device made of bioabsorbable material having an elongate body member with a sharp distal end for penetrating tissue and means for locking the suture device in tissue to prevent forward and rearward movement and a suture device made of bioabsorbable material having a hinge-like joint for folding a distal portion at a precise location to be juxtaposed with a proximal portion for adjustable locking. Methods of using the suture devices for joining tissue sections, such as in tuboplasty, for closing anatomical lumens and for subcuticular suturing.

Abstract: An improved surgical needle is disclosed. The needle has a butt. The butt has a proximal and a distal end. A blind hole is in the butt. The hole originates at the proximal and terminates at the distal end of the butt. A crimp is adjacent to the butt. The improvement to the crimp comprises a first and a second side that are essentially parallel. A third side is essentially perpendicular to the first and second sides. A fourth side is curvilinear. The curvilinear fourth side can be a semicircle. A machine and a method of attaching a surgical suture to the improved needle is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved surgical needle is disclosed. The needle has a butt. The butt has a proximal and a distal end. A blind hole is in the butt. The hole originates at the proximal and terminates at the distal end of the butt. A crimp is adjacent to the butt. The improvement to the crimp comprises a first and a second side that are essentially parallel. A third side is essentially perpendicular to the first and second sides. A fourth side is curvilinear. The curvilinear fourth side can be a semicircle. A machine and a method of attaching a surgical suture to the improved needle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical suturing assembly and method of suturing are provided. The suturing assembly comprises a surgical needle having a hump or arch within a casing or sheath having an aperture, wherein the hump or arch of the needle protrudes through the casing aperture. A suture is attached to the needle, casing or both. In use, a surgeon deforms the hump of the needle, forcing the sharpened distal point of the needle to project through the distal opening of the casing. Once the distal portion of the needle/casing assembly penetrates the tissue, the deforming force is released which causes the needle to return to its original position, leaving an unsharpened point for further manipulation. The chance of needle-stick is thus greatly reduced.

Abstract: A suture-needle combination is disclosed in which the suture has a plurality of adjacent loops, and a slip knot securing the first loop onto the free end of the suture. This suture configuration facilitates tying secure and stable knots endoscopically.

Abstract: A combined surgical needle-suture device of controlled suture release characteristics and a method for manufacturing the device employ a shrinkable tubing and a bonding agent to attach the needle to the suture.

Abstract: A suture is attached to a surgical needle possessing a shank of reduced diameter the butt end of which is rounded. Attachment is accomplished by means of a shrinkable tubing which is fitted about the shank of the needle and an end of the suture, application of heat to the tubing effecting its shrinkage with consequent secure attachment of the needle to the suture. Rounding of the butt end of the needle shank minimizes the possibility that during use, the needle will protrude or rip through the tubing or otherwise compromise the security of the attachment of the needle to the suture.

Abstract: A surgical needle is attached to a spiroid braided suture to provide a combined surgical needle-spiroid braided suture device. A shrinkable tubing is employed to secure the needle to the suture. The tubing shrinks in response to the application of energy, e.g., heat. Attachment parameters may be controlled to provide standard needle attachment or removable needle attachment.

Abstract: A sewing needle has a main body 10 and a closed loop 18 of a resilient filament material rigidly secured to the rear end of the main body and lying a single common plane with the lengthwise axis of the main body. In unstressed condition, the filament has an open diamond configuration allowing a sewing thread to be easily passed through it. As the needle is pulled through the fabric, the loop collapses under the forces imposes on its sides by the fabric and thereafter expands to reassume its unstressed configuration. The rigid securement of the loop to the main body of the needle ensures that the loop remains in a single common plane with the needle axis as it collapses upon passage through the fabric and as it expands to its unstressed configuration following such passage.

Abstract: A suture device comprises a loop member formed on one side with an aperture and an access channel extending from the aperture to an opening defined by the loop. A thread connected to loop is provided along a portion of its length with a series of tapered projections. Protuberances are provided on the loop member along the access channel between the opening and the aperture for preventing a return of the thread through the channel upon a passing of the thread through the loop and subsequently through the channel into the aperture.

Abstract: A needle-suture combination is provided. A shrinkable tubing is employed to secure the needle to the suture. The tubing shrinks in response to heat. Suture materials which are heat labile are desensitized prior to tubing attachment to preserve the integrity of the suture material. Attachment parameters may be controlled to provide standard needle attachment or removable needle attachment.

Abstract: Attachment of a surgical needle to a suture to provide a combined surgical needle-suture device employs a shrinkable tubing possessing a controlled suture separation feature.

Abstract: A method for needle-suture attachment and needle-suture combinations are provided. A shrinkable tubing is employed to secure the needle to the suture. The tubing shrinks in response to heat. Suture materials which are heat labile are desensitized prior to tubing attachment to preserve the integrity of the suture material. Attachment parameters may be controlled to provide standard needle attachment or removable needle attachment.

Abstract: A suture comprising a needle including a substantially straight section terminating at one end in a point and a curved section joined to the other end of the straight section. The straight section and the curved section lie in substantially the same plane. The curved section terminates in a proximal end portion, and a suture is coupled to the proximal end portion of the curved section. This needle can be used in a method for closing an incision in the sclera or cornea with only a single stitch.

Abstract: A surgical suture needle of the taper point type includes a proximal end portion defining a gut-mounting portion having a hole to which a gut is to be attached, an intermediate portion defining a main body portion having a generally uniform cross-sectional area throughout an entire length thereof, and a distal end portion defining a tapered portion whose cross-sectional area decreases progressively toward a distal end of the suture needle which is pointed. In order to enhance the ability of the suture needle to pierce into an artificial blood vessel, the length of the tapered portion is not less than 9D where D represents a diameter of an imaginary circle having the same cross-sectional area as that of the main body portion. Also, in view of the bending strength of the suture needle, the length of the tapered portion is less than 2/3L where L represents the overall length of the suture needle.

Abstract: A suture includes an essentially rigid needle connected to a monofilament which is essentially plastically deformable in flexion, wherein the needle (1) and the monofilament (2) are joined by means of a filiform intermediate element (3) which is essentially elastically deformable in flexion. The intermediate element is very advantageously a twisted multi-strand cord and is preferably attached to the needle and/or the monofilament by autogenous welding.

Abstract: A combined surgical needle-suture device and a method for manufacturing the device employ a shrinkable tubing to connect the needle to a suture possessing a weakened segment. Separation of the needle from the suture is achieved by providing a weakened suture segment and applying a rupturing force to the suture within a predetermined range.

Abstract: Attachment of a surgical needle to a capped suture to provide a combined surgical needle-suture device employs a shrinkable tubing a suture cutting edge. The cap on the suture possesses a suture cutting edge such that separation of the needle from the suture can be achieved when desired by bringing the suture to bear under tension against the cutting edge of the cap thereby severing the suture.

Abstract: Suture devices, primarily for use in endoscopic surgery, include a suture needle having a length of suture material attached thereto with a contractible loop or passage at the proximal end of the suture material to allow the suture needle to be passed therethrough, the loop or passage contracting to clamp or grip the suture material to function similar to a conventional tied suture knot.

Abstract: A combined surgical needle-suture device of controlled suture release characteristics and a method for manufacturing the device employ a shrinkable tubing and a bonding agent to attach the needle to the suture.

Abstract: A combined surgical needle-suture device of controlled suture release characteristics and a method for manufacturing the device employ a shrinkable tubing to connect the needle to the suture. The tip of the suture which is connected to the needle possesses a reduced cross section relative to the remainder of the suture, such reduced cross section being capable of rupture by applying an amount of force therto, e.g., a sharp tug, within a predetermined range thus effecting needle separation.

Abstract: Surgical needles having a "U" or "V" shaped body useful for suturing small, deep wounds typical of surgical procedures such as arthroscopy and laparoscopy are disclosed. Additionally, a method for suturing a deep incision using the "U" or "V" shaped body surgical needle is disclosed.

Abstract: A combined surgical needle-suture device of controlled suture release characteristics and a method for manufacturing the device employ a shrinkable tubing to connect the needle to the suture. A tensioning force is applied to the device to bring the average force required for the release of the needle from its attached suture to within a predetermined range of average pull-out force.

Abstract: Attachment of a surgical needle to a suture to provide a combined surgical needle-suture device employs a shrinkable tubing possessing a suture cutting edge. Separation of the needle from the suture can be achieved when desired by bringing the suture to bear under tension against the cutting edge of the tubing thereby severing the suture.

Abstract: A sewing implement is provided comprising a metallic needle fixedly attached to a short length of fibrous thread wherein the needle and thread are attached by a film of plastic coating which extends over the entire length of the needle and a portion of the adjacently disposed end of said thread.

Abstract: Suture devices, primarily for use in endoscopic surgery, include a suture needle made of bioabsorbable material for pulling a length of suture material through bodily tissue allowing the suture needle to be inadvertently or intentionally left in the tissue, and a suture needle having a length of suture material attached thereto with a contractible loop or passage at the proximal end of the suture material to allow the suture needle to be passed therethrough, the loop or passage contracting to clamp or grip the suture material to function similar to a conventional tied suture knot.

Abstract: A method and kit for tendon repair and two variations thereof using double loop locking sutures in disclosed. A pair of loop locking sutures are formed in each tendon end. The needle of each loop locking suture extends through the tendon fiber out of the tendon end for securement to the corresponding loop locking sutures formed in the other tendon end. The loop locking sutures transfer tensile loading along the axis of the tendons into transverse compression loads through the loop locking sutures. In one variation, the double loop locking sutures connect tendons of different diameter together. In a second variation, the tendon is attached to bone.

Abstract: A suture device comprises a body member formed with an aperture and an access channel extending from the aperture to an opening defined by a loop attached to one side of the body member. A thread connected to a side of the body member opposite the loop is provided along a portion of its length with a series of tapered projections. Protuberances are provided on the body member along the access channel for preventing a return of the thread through the channel upon a passing of the thread through the loop and subsequently through the channel into the aperture. The loop and the thread are cut at the body member upon the tightening of the thread about a blood vessel, other tubular duct or a cut in a body tissue or organ.

Abstract: Suture devices, primarily for use in endoscopic surgery, include a suture needle made of bioabsorbable material for pulling a length of suture material through bodily tissue allowing the suture needle to be inadvertently or intentionally left in the tissue, and a suture needle having a length of suture material attached thereto with a contractible loop or passage at the proximal end of the suture material to allow the suture needle to be passed therethrough, the loop or passage contracting to clamp or grip the suture material to function similar to a conventional tied suture knot.

Abstract: A combined surgical needle-suture device is disclosed in which the suture is received into a socket, or recess, formed within the blunt end of the needle, the entrance to the socket being defined by a circumferential sloping surface which terminates at its outer end in a circumferential cutting edge which provides quick and convenient suture cut-off capability when severing of the suture from the needle is desired.

Abstract: Arthroscopic instrumentation for use in arthroscopic surgery and similar procedures. The instrumentation includes a cannula having a curved lumen and an elongated, flexible normally straight shape memory alloy probe. The probe is insertable into the lumen of the cannula, which in turn can be directed to a hard to reach operative site. The cannula causes the probe to bend as it passes the curves of the cannula, but the shape memory character of the probe causes the probe to exit the distal end of the cannula in a substantially straight orientation.

Abstract: A suturing needle with suture used in a surgical operation. The suturing needle is formed of a single or two or more doubled hollow tubes and a core material inserted thereinto, which is fixed to the tip and root of the suturing needle, whereby, when the suturing needle is broken during the operation, broken pieces are not scattered and extraction of each broken piece from a body tissue during operation is facilitated.

Abstract: A surgical suturing device for cardio-thoracic surgery and the like has a wire suture and a biasing mechanism operatively connected to one end of the suture. The biasing mechanism has suture receiving structure operatively associated with it and adapted and arranged (1) to cause the suturing device to cinch tightly when the suture is received in the suture receiving structure and (2) to allow limited movement of the bodily tissue sutured thereby.