Abstract: Systems and methods for performing transcatheter coronary artery bypass grafting procedures are provided. The methods generally involve passing the graft from the aorta to the coronary artery through the pericardial space. The systems include poke-out wires, a coring device, and devices for forming anastomoses at the proximal and distal ends of a vascular graft.

Abstract: An anchoring device including a finger-mountable work channel defining assembly defining a finger mounting axis and a work channel axis angled with respect to the finger mounting axis, the finger-mountable work channel defining assembly defining an aperture lying generally in an aperture plane angled with respect to the finger mounting axis and with respect to the work channel axis, an anchor insertion assembly arranged for limited axial displacement along the work channel axis with respect to the aperture so as to intersect the aperture plane and an anchor assembly including at least an anchoring portion and a flexible elongate portion attached thereto, the anchoring portion having a pre-anchoring operative orientation and an anchoring operative orientation.

Abstract: A multicomponent suture comprising first and second substantially elongate suture portions with respective first and second cross-sectional profiles, and further including respective first and second materials, one of said materials being bioabsorbable and a second of said materials being non-bioabsorbable.

Abstract: A needle and suture assembly is provided for use with an endoscopic suturing device with a needle holder arm. The needle assembly includes a needle tip and a needle body. The needle tip has a sharp end, a capture groove, a tab groove and a plug portion positioned between the capture groove and the tab groove. The needle body has first and second ends, tip tabs, retainers for removably retaining the needle body relative to the needle holder arm, and a suture opening. The needle tip is fixed relative to the needle body by plastic deformation of the tip tabs into the tab groove. A suture extends into the suture opening of the needle body and is fixed therein.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for assisting in communicably coupling a first organ body with a second organ body by employing a plurality of arc-shaped tissue connector devices comprising a tissue connector body with a proximal and distal end, and a method for manufacturing such a device. The device comprises a curved frame having a principle axis and configured to embrace, at least partially, the first organ body, the curved frame configured to receive a plurality of tissue connector devices which extend from a proximal end thereof coupled to the curved frame and terminate in a free distal end. The disclosure further relates to a tissue connector device, a holder for tissue connector devices and a tissue-collar manipulating device, and a method of coupling a first and a second organ body using such device.

Abstract: A medical device includes a surgical needle attached to an elongated mesh suture. The suture is constructed of macroporous flat wall that facilitates and allows tissue integration into the suture core subsequent to introduction to the body, thereby preventing suture pull-through and improving biocompatibility.

Abstract: Provided herewith is a needle for delivering dermal filler thread to a wrinkle in a patient. The needle can also be used to deliver the thread to a patient for the purposes of facial contouring. The needle comprises a coupler for attaching the thread to the needle and also a trocar to ease delivery through the skin.

Abstract: A delivery device for tissue anchor delivery is provided. The delivery device includes a first flexible tube having a rigid distal portion attachable to a tissue anchor, a second flexible tube coaxially disposed around the first tube and a tubular sheath covering the second flexible tube. Also provided is a system which includes an imaging device coupler reversibly attached to the delivery device through guides.

Abstract: A suture device is configured to guide a suture thread. The device includes a sleeve that defines an opening, and a plunger to which a suture thread can be attached. The plunger can be inserted into the opening of the sleeve, and movable between a retracted position and an advanced position. When the plunger is in the retracted position, a distal portion of the suture thread is located proximal with respect to the distal end of the suture device. When the plunger is in the advanced position, the distal portion of the suture thread is driven out the distal end of the suture device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for anatomical tissue repair, such as ligament repair and reconstruction with suture and/or graft passage, employing a pin with a suture passing mechanism. The suture passing mechanism may include a loop (for example, a wire loop or suture loop) securely attached to a pin (for example, a drill pin). The loop may be crimped onto the pin, or welded on the end of the drill pin (in place of the eyelet formed within the pin), to alleviate the difficulty in threading the eyelet and to lower the manufacturing cost of the pin. The suture passing mechanism may alternatively include a slotted suture eyelet (i.e., a longitudinal slot) provided at a proximal end of a pin, to allow suture loading from the side of the instrument.

Abstract: A surgical filament snare assembly including an anchor capable of being fixated in bone and having a filament engagement feature. A first filament has a noose with first and second noose limbs connected, preferably slidably, to the filament engagement feature. The first and second noose limbs emerge from the anchor as first and second free filament limbs that are capable of being passed through tissue to be repaired and then passable through the noose. The noose is capable of receiving the free filament limbs and strangulating them when tension is applied to at least one of the free filament limbs and the noose to enable incremental tensioning of the tissue after anchor fixation. Preferably, the snare assembly further includes a flexible sleeve joining at least some portion of the first and second free filament limbs to facilitate passing of the free filament limbs as a single unit.

Abstract: A surgical filament snare assembly including an anchor capable of being fixated in bone and having a filament engagement feature. A first filament has a noose with first and second noose limbs connected, preferably slidably, to the filament engagement feature. The first and second noose limbs emerge from the anchor as first and second free filament limbs that are capable of being passed through tissue to be repaired and then passable through the noose. The noose is capable of receiving the free filament limbs and strangulating them when tension is applied to at least one of the free filament limbs and the noose to enable incremental tensioning of the tissue after anchor fixation. Preferably, the snare assembly further includes a flexible sleeve joining at least some portion of the first and second free filament limbs to facilitate passing of the free filament limbs as a single unit.

Abstract: A surgical filament snare assembly including an anchor capable of being fixated in bone and having a filament engagement feature. A first filament has a noose on a first portion of at least a first limb and has a second portion connected to the filament engagement feature of the anchor. Preferably, at least one free filament limb, which in some embodiments is a length of the first filament and in other embodiments is a second filament, is capable of being passed through tissue to be repaired and has at least one end passable through the noose to enable incremental tensioning of the tissue after the anchor is fixated in bone. The noose strangulates the free filament limb when tension is applied to at least one of the free filament limb and the noose.

Abstract: Knotless suture anchors are disclosed for surgical use, which contain one or more types of ratcheting mechanisms that will allow a surgeon to pull a suture strand through an anchor device in one direction, without allowing the suture strand to travel or creep backward, in the other direction. This will allow a surgeon to emplace a number of such anchors in hard bone(s) or soft tissue(s), during installation of an implant device, while the various suture strands remain loose and do not interfere with proper positioning of the implant. When the implant device is roughly in position, the surgeon can gently “snug” all of the suture strands (which preferably should be braided, to provide a non-smooth surface that will enable a stronger and more secure grip by the ratcheting mechanism), so that they will all reach a moderate plateau of gentle yet firm tension.

Abstract: A suture thread is used to perform suturing without tying part of or the whole of knots that are supposed to be tied during suturing. A suture thread support body prevents an end of the suture thread from being pulled into a suturing site. A needle accommodation body has a shape of a tube having a through-hole through both ends. The suture thread has the suture thread support body and the needle accommodation body.

Abstract: A suture construction and method for forming a suture construction is disclosed. The construction utilizes a suture having an enlarged central body portion defining a longitudinal passage. First and second ends of the suture are passed through first and second apertures associated with the longitudinal passage to form a pair of loops. Portions of the suture lay parallel to each other within the suture. Application of tension onto the suture construction causes constriction of the longitudinal passage, thus preventing relative motions of the captured portions of the suture.

Abstract: There is provided an endoscopic system. The system comprises a flexible endoscope insertable into a first tubular organ from a natural opening of a human body. The system further comprises an opening member which forms on a wall part of the first tubular organ an opening used to insert the endoscope into an abdominal cavity from the first tubular organ in the body, an anastomosing member which is able to anastomoses the first tubular organ with a second tubular organ in the abdominal cavity, and a cutting member with which the second tubular organ is able to be cut.

Abstract: A needle delivery device is described and includes generally, a needle made of a shape memory alloy pre-formed in an unconstrained configuration, such as, for example, an arc or a curved needle. The needle delivery device also includes a needle delivery guide, a suturing guide and a positioning member. The needle has an eye at its leading tip for holding suture material. The needle delivery guide has a needle channel for passage of the needle therethrough. The needle channel is configured to hold the needle in a constrained configuration, for example, in substantial alignment with the longitudinal axis of the needle channel. The suturing guide is pivotally connected to the delivery guide.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a medical device or article that reduces the ability of the Keith needle to unintentionally fall out of the barrel, improves the ability of the Keith needle to track on axis, or both. In one aspect, the disclosure is directed toward a medical device suitable for use in implant surgery. The medical device includes a Furlow insertion tool with a barrel having a bore. The Furlow tool further includes an obturator adapted for slidable insertion into the bore. The medical device further includes a Keith needle adapted for slidable insertion into the bore. The Keith needle is adapted to yieldably fit against at least one of the barrel and the obturator when the Keith needle is disposed within the bore. In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed toward a Keith needle adapted for use with a Furlow insertion tool. The Furlow insertion tool including a barrel and an obturator.

Abstract: Described is a surgical instrument and method for treating female urinary stress incontinence. The instrument includes a first curved needle-like element defining in part a curved shaft having a distal end and a proximal, a mesh for implanting into the lower abdomen of a female to provide support to the urethra; a second curved needle element having a proximal end and a distal end, and a coupler for simultaneous attachment to the distal end of the first needle and the distal end of the second needle.

Abstract: Medical devices and related methods enable physicians and/or other medical personnel to access percutaneously the interior of a patient. One particular device includes a housing which defines a cavity, a first opening into the cavity, and a second opening into the cavity. The housing is implantable in a patient. The cavity is placed subcutaneously within the patient. The first opening is substantially flush with the surface of the skin of the patient and creates a percutaneous passageway from the exterior of the skin of the patient into the cavity, and the second opening creates a passageway from the cavity into the interior of the patient. A connector is coupled to the second opening and disposed substantially within the cavity to enable a connection between a first device and a second device disposed within the interior of the patient.

Abstract: A guiding tool for controllable and reversible folding or deformation of a wound closure element before insertion into a percutaneous incision or puncture in the wall of e.g. a blood vessel, said incision or puncture being smaller than said wound closure element in an unfolded or undeformed state. It comprises a tubular member having a lumen. The lumen has inner walls provided with wound closure element guiding surfaces, adapted to reversibly reduce the spatial extension of a wound closure element during its passage through the guiding tool. A system for the introduction and securing of a wound closure element into a percutaneous incision or puncture in the wall of a vessel comprises such a guiding tool.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for sealing a graft in a vessel for preventing blood from flowing around the graft and for reducing the pressure within an aneurysm sac. The system generally includes an apparatus and method for safely and easily causing blood to thrombos between a graft and an aneurysm wall or other arteriovenous site.

Abstract: Disclosed is a closure catheter, for patching a tissue opening such as an atrial septal defect, patent foreman ovale, or the left atrial appendage of the heart. The closure catheter carries a deployable patch and a plurality of tissue anchors, which may be deployed to secure the patch to surrounding tissue. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a closure catheter, for closing a tissue opening such as an atrial septal defect, patent foreman ovale, or the left atrial appendage of the heart. The closure catheter carries a plurality of tissue anchors, which may be deployed into tissue surrounding the opening, and used to draw the opening closed. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a surgical cutting device. The surgical cutting device may include a housing, an assembly for securing the cutting device upon an object to be cut, and a cutting assembly for cutting the object. The cutting device permits the close cutting of control lines, sutures or other surgical components during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A partially tied surgical knot is disclosed. It has a proximal loop, first loop, plurality of knot loops, and a core loop received in a common loop core formed by the knot loops. The partially tied knot can be readily converted into a non-slip knot to provide enhanced suture knot security. The technique for deployment ensures the user that the conversion will be performed consistently each time, therefore providing a consistent knot security for multiple applications. Also disclosed is an assembly which features the partially tied knot in combination with a core tube to facilitate the conversion of the partially tied knot into the fully tied knot.

Abstract: A method for attaching a multifilament suture having a sheath and core structure to a surgical incision member includes removing a length of core material from an end portion of the suture, and inserting the coreless sheath into the surgical incision member aperture. The coreless sheath of the end portion may optionally be tipped prior to insertion into the surgical incision member.

Abstract: A surgical incision member is provided including a body portion defining first and second longitudinal ends, tissue penetrating portion adjacent each longitudinal end of the body portion, suture attachment structure intermediate the tissue penetrating portions, and a suture attached to the suture attachment structure. A method is also provided wherein the suture is attached to the surgical incision member by adhesives or by crimping.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having a surgeon operable control handle for advancing a needle to pierce tissue and to carry a ligature through the pierced tissue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tipping surgical sutures which includes winding the suture around a drum while continuously monitoring the suture diameter in x and y directions and adjusting the tension on the suture to control the suture diameter as it is being wound. The drum is then placed in an apparatus which passes selected portions of the suture through a mist of cyanoacrylate tipping agent generated by ultrasonic atomization. The tipping agent quickly cures and the tipped portion of the suture may be cut to create a tipped end for insertion into a surgical needle to form a needle suture device.

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 needle suture combination and attachment method is disclosed wherein a surgical suture is attached to a surgical needle by inserting the suture tip into a tapered axial hole formed in the barrel section through the needle blunt end face and swaging the needle barrell section. The swage commences at a point away from the end of the needle end face. The needle suture attachment of the invention does not require closely corresponding suture and needle hole diameters, and advantageously achieves reliable needle-suture attachment with reduced needle inventory. Process and equipment maintenance are also reduced.

Abstract: Blunt tip surgical needles which significantly reduce the probability of skin penetration of the gloved hand of an operator are disclosed. In one embodiment, the blunt tip needle includes a tip portion which terminates in a bulbous blunt tip. In another embodiment, the needle tip portion includes a ball socket and a ball rotatably disposed therein.

Abstract: The middle ear prosthesis includes an elongated link member having an eyelet portion at one end for connection to one of the auditory ossicles and an opposite posting end connectable to part of another auditory ossicle. A hitching member joined to the link member provides a vehicle for attaching the stapedial tendon to the link member to restore the beneficial effects of the stapedial reflex. Movement of the prosthesis and other remaining portions of the auditory ossicles is thus influenced by the stapedial tendon. The hitching member can be formed of a flexible filament or a relatively inflexible material.

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: A retraction method and apparatus therefor are useful in laparoscopic surgery in a body cavity, for moving an internal organ or vessel which interferes with the surgery to an out-of-the-way displaced position and maintaining it there apart from a laparoscopic port. In this method, a sling having attached suture material is inserted into the body cavity through a laparoscopic port and manipulated about the organ/vessel to be moved, by a retractor and/or forceps. A small needle hole is then punctured into the cavity, a narrow retrieval instrument is inserted through the needle hole to retrieve the ends of several suture leads attached to the sling, and to retract them from the body cavity to move the interfering organ or vessel to a non-interfering position. The suture leads may be clamped or tied off outside the body. Tools useful with the method include a sling, a retrieval instrument and a J-hook passer-retractor.

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: 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: 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 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 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 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: An intravenous catheter includes a tubular member made from a shrinkable material that has a built-in cutting tip located at its distal end. The cutting tip is adapted to cut through tissue and create an opening in a blood vessel of a patient that is the same diameter as the outer diameter of the tubular member. The tubular member is shrinkably affixed to at least a portion of the cutting tip to prevent removal of the cutting tip during usage or insertion. Another embodiment of the intravenous catheter includes a cutting tip disposed near the distal end of a tubular member tube and having a middle portion formed from a shrinkable material surrounding both the cutting tip and tubular member. The middle portion keeps the cutting tip and tubular member together and creates an integrated unit having a smooth outer surface and a continuous outer diameter throughout.

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: 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: A needle-suture combination with reduced diameter portion of the suture being attached to the blunt end of the needle. The maximum diameter of the suture being almost the same but no larger than the diameter of the blunt end of the needle and the reduced diameter portion of the suture having a tensile strength greater than the remainder of the suture.