Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for suturing of body lumens allow the suturing of vascular puncture sites located at the distal end of a percutaneous tissue tract. An elongated articulated foot near a distal end of a shaft is inserted through the penetration and actuated so that the foot extends along the lumenal axis. The foot carries suturing attachment cuffs, and needles are advanced from the shaft through the vessel wall outside of the penetration and into engagement with the needle cuffs after the foot has been drawn proximally up against the endothelial surface of the blood vessel. The cross-section of the shaft within the tissue tract can be minimized by laterally deflecting the needles as they leave the shaft, while tapered depressions within the foot can guide the advancing needles into engagement with the cuffs. The cuffs lockingly engage the needles and can be withdrawn proximally along the needle paths and through the tissue tract so as to form a loop of suture across the puncture.

Abstract: An improved bone joint suture button including a body having a channel extending across at least a portion of the top surface of the body, a pair of suture passages extending from the channel inclined, inwardly to the bottom of the body, and a bridge portion recessed from the body top surface between the suture passages and having a curved upper surface for providing a smooth surface for bearing against the suture; and an improved bone joint suture grommet including a pair of grommets to be inserted into holes drilled in a bone, each grommet including a hollow shaft and a head portion having a top with a chamfered channel in communication with the interior of the hollow shaft, a pair of buttons each including a chamfered side wall, a top with a chamfered channel therein, and a pair of inwardly angled suture passages extending from the channel through the button and separated by a chamfered portion, and at least one suture strand looped through the pair of inwardly angled suture passages of one button over the

Abstract: A system for making braided barbed sutures includes a filament winding assembly, and a guide assembly including at least one barbed insert dispenser opening defining a passageway for orienting a barbed insert. The guide assembly is adapted to dispense at least one barbed insert from the dispenser opening into the filament winding assembly for winding a plurality of filaments around the at least one barbed insert for making a braided barbed suture. The passageway of the dispenser opening is adapted to allow longitudinal movement of the barbed insert relative to the passageway while simultaneously preventing twisting movement of the barbed insert relative to the passageway. As the barbed insert is being dispensed, the barbed insert dispenser opening is selectively rotatable for imparting rotation to the barbed insert as the filaments are wound about the barbed insert. The passageway may be an elongated slit having a greater width than height.

Abstract: A medical cord and surgical procedure for the connection of a first tissue site to a second tissue site. The cord comprises a main length having a width and end portions having respective widths being less than the width of the main length. This provides a medical cord that is easy to manipulate during surgical procedures in which the cord may be required to be threaded through apertures and tunnels. The cord is particularly suitable to attach soft tissue, including ligaments and tendons to bone anchorsites and provides a prosthetic scaffold to facilitate tissue ingrowth at the repair site.

Abstract: A suture including a knotted end effector is provided. The suture includes a body portion defining a longitudinal axis and an end effector integrally formed from the body portion, the end effector having first and second sections, each section including at least two throws, the at least two throws of the second section passing through the at least two throws of the first section. The number of throws in the first section may be the same or different from the number of throws in the second section.

Abstract: A surgical suture includes an elongated core having a first leg and a second leg, a first set of barbs projecting from the first leg of the core, and a second set of barbs projecting from the second leg of the core. The suture has a stop projecting from the core that is located between the first and second sets of barbs, and a braid surrounding the elongated core and the stop for strengthening the suture. The suture includes a pledget having first and second openings extending therethrough, with the first leg extending through the first pledget opening, the second leg extending through the second pledget opening, and the stop extending between the first and second pledget openings.

Abstract: A vessel-loop having an elastic tube and a needle attached to one end thereof for use in various surgical procedures, and a method for forming same. The method includes the steps of positioning a heat-sensitive element within a section of elastic tubing, applying tensile forces to the opposed ends of the tubing section, and heating the heat-sensitive element and the portion of the tubing adjacent the heat-sensitive element so that the heat-sensitive element adheres to the adjacent tubing portion. The heat-sensitive element and the adjacent tubing portion are allowed to cool until a conjoined reduced-diameter portion is formed. The reduced-diameter portion is cut to form two ends, each having a reduced-diameter end. The reduced-diameter ends are then each secured to a needle, forming two vessel loops.

Abstract: A method and device to elevate retainers on a suture thread to a desired angle such that the retainers can retain the desired elevation. The retainers can be elevated using an apparatus having at least one roller and at least one bending bar, wherein the bending bar contacts the retainers adjacent to the at least one roller to apply a force to the retainers. The retainers can also be elevated using a tube-shaped apparatus which allows the retainers on a suture thread to be bent by the inner surface of the tube-shaped apparatus. In various embodiments of the invention, a suture can be made up of an inner core and a coating that upon a stimuli increases the protrusion of the retainers away from the suture core thereby ensuring that the suture is held securely in place, preventing wound separation and dehiscence.

Abstract: Provided herein are sutures to be used in a procedure applied to tissue, and methods for forming such sutures. A suture can include an elongated suture body and a plurality of heat-contact mediated retainers extending from and along the elongated suture body. The heat-contact mediated retainers can be formed by temporarily contacting the elongated suture body with one or more heated element.

Abstract: Tissue connector assemblies having at least two piercing members, each releaseably coupled to a surgical fastener such as a surgical clip. A flexible member such as a suture may be used to couple one or both piercing members to respective ends of the fastener.

Abstract: A suture tape construct is made of braided high strength surgical suture material. A length of round braided suture extends along the entire length of the suture tape. A middle portion of the suture tape features a flat braid added to the round braided suture. The suture is incorporated centrally into the flat braid, providing a backbone to the construct. Transition sections at either end of the flat braid are tapered to allow the suture tape to pass easily through openings during surgical procedures. The suture tape is a braided construction of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene fiber blended with fibers of one or more long chain synthetic polymers, preferably polyester. The suture tape is indicated for high demand orthopedic repairs such as arthroscopic reconstruction for acromioclavicular joint separation, for example. The broad footprint of the suture tape is appropriate for repairs in degenerative cuff tissue where tissue pull-through may be a concern.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to tissue, incorporating anchoring devices constructed substantially from suture. The anchoring devices are constructed as longitudinally extended, preformed knot configurations that upon deployment are reconfigured to form anchoring knots having an increased cross-section relative to the preformed knot configuration, for secure lodging in tissue. The anchoring devices are suitable for single and multi-anchor surgical procedures in soft tissue or bone, and multiple anchors can be delivered using a single delivery device.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for sternum repair. A sternum repair device may include a central body, which may include a plurality of male and female components, such that a suture extends from a male component and is received by the female component. The suture may wrap around the sternum and the device may be tightened to keep the separate sternum pieces together.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for repairing a tear in a meniscus. A pair of fixation member each entailing a preformed knot configuration coupled together by a suture length. The fixation members are placed on the meniscal tissue with the suture length spanning the tear, the knot configurations are expanded to form anchoring knots and the suture length is shortened to close the tear.

Abstract: An active suture that can be used for the delivery of therapeutic fluids to the tissue surrounding a wound is disclosed. The active suture may include a connector designed to join a fluid source, such as a syringe, conventional IV delivery system, or infusion pump to an internal passageway that is embedded within a braided suture. The internal passageway may be comprised of a fine polymeric tube and is capable of conducting and emitting a fluid into at least a portion of the braided suture and surrounding tissue. The invention enables delivery of an efficacious volume of drug bearing solution on the order of milliliters per day, provides a high level of fluid delivery rate control enabling the physician to start or stop drug administration at his/her discretion, and offers a means of providing more than one type of medication that may be selected post-surgically in accord with unexpected patient symptoms that may arise.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a device for repairing torn tissue or muscle such as the meniscus of the knee. The device includes a pair of anchoring members having a plurality of barb-like projections extending outwardly therefrom. The anchoring members are joined by a flexible linking member which connects the ends of the anchoring members opposite one another. Such a device can be fabricated by insert molding of the appropriate members together.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides coatings for medical devices, methods for applying such coatings, and medical devices possessing such coatings.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods are provided for a minimally-invasive mastoplasty procedure. In the procedure, barbed sutures are used to accomplish a nipple-lift by deploying the sutures cranially from the nipple-areolar complex to stable anatomical features higher on the chest. Additional barbed sutures may be used to accomplish a breast-lift and/or breast contouring by deploying the sutures caudally from stable anatomical features into the breast tissue.

Abstract: A suture system has a plurality of double ended barbed sutures each with a first plurality of barbs located adjacent to a first end and a second plurality of barbs located adjacent to a second end, and a body connector that connects said plurality of double ended barbed sutures. The body connector is located between the first plurality of barbs and the second plurality of barbs on each of the sutures. The sutures can move relative to the body connector. The body connector can retain tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fusible suture for joining portions of tissue. The suture includes an elongate electrical conductor. The conductor extends between opposite ends of the suture and has sufficient flexibility to permit segments of the conductor to overlap, thereby forming a loop sized for joining portions of tissue. The overlapped segments of the conductor are heated upon application of an electrical current to the conductor. The suture further includes a coating that at least partially covers the conductor and extends over at least one of the segments of the conductor. The coating softens when its temperature is at and above a softening temperature so that the overlapping segments of the coating coalesce. The softening temperature is lower than a melting temperature of the conductor. The coating returns to a non-softened state when its temperature falls below a hardening temperature, thereby forming a bond between the overlapped segments of the conductor.

Abstract: A method is provided for performing a procedure to reposition a portion of a breast using a suture including a plurality of barbs. The barbs on a first portion of the suture adjacent a first end of the suture permit movement of the suture through tissue in a direction of movement of the first end and prevent movement of the suture through tissue in a direction opposite the direction of movement of the first end. The barbs on a second portion of the suture adjacent a second end of the suture permit movement of the suture through tissue in a direction of movement of the second end and prevent movement of the suture through tissue in a direction opposite the direction of movement of the second end.

Abstract: High strength bioresorbable polymers suitable for orthopaedic applications comprising sulphonyl diphenol, hydroxybenzoic acid and dicarboxylic acid.

Abstract: An anastomosis procedure utilizes a self-retaining suture to secure one vessel to another vessel. A single self-retaining suture is deployed in a continuous pattern around the interface between the vessels. The self-retaining suture has tissue-grasping surface features which allow passage of the suture in one direction through tissue, but not in the opposite direction. The self-retaining suture may be deployed using a needle attached to the end of the suture. The continuous anastomosis technique may be performed without using knots.

Abstract: A suture system has a plurality of barbed sutures each with a plurality of barbs and a body connector that connects said plurality of barbed sutures. The sutures can move relative to the body connector. The body connector can retain tissue.

Abstract: Subcutaneous sinusoidal wound-closure techniques use one-way sutures. The one-way sutures have tissue-grasping surface features which allow passage of the suture in one direction through tissue, but not in the opposite direction. In closing a wound, the one-way suture is deployed along a curvilinear path which passes alternately through subcutaneous tissue on opposed sides of the wound. The wound-closure techniques allow approximation of the sides of the wound without knots, avoid loop stitching and reduce scarring.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus with an insertion tool and fixation device for lifting or remodeling soft tissue as described. A combination of a fixation device and insertion tool allows for incremental release and engagement of the fixation device, which is supplied with prongs to grasp the soft tissue and hold on the other end to allow suture lifting of the soft tissue. The careful deployment of the fixation device and the manipulation and tension on the insertion tool allows a gradual, adjustable, and uniform lifting of the soft tissue that are to be remodeled.

Abstract: Various methods are provided for forming tissue holding devices having predetermined shapes suitable for use in surgical applications, and devices formed in accordance with such methods are also provided. These methods include press forming methods, and press forming methods in combination with profile punching. Tissue holding devices formed in accordance with such methods include various configurations for a core and a plurality of tissue holding elements extending outwardly from the core.

Abstract: A self-retaining suture includes a plurality of tissue retainers which allow deployment in a deployment direction, but prevent movement in the opposite direction. The self-retaining suture has a needle at the proximal end and a tissue anchor at the distal end. The tissue anchor includes a curved portion of the suture formed into a loop which anchors the suture in the tissue. Additionally, the suture can be passed through a tissue and then passed through the loop to secure the distal end of the suture to the tissue.

Abstract: A tissue connector has a first pointed end, an anchor end, a body with a periphery and a plurality of protrusions projecting from said periphery of said body. The plurality of protrusions are adapted to grasp tissue in a direction of movement of the first end of the connector through tissue and are not adapted to grasp tissue in an opposite direction of movement of the connector through tissue, which is in the direction of the anchor end. At axial locations of said body, three said protrusions are about equally located about the periphery of said body. At axial locations on a cylindrical periphery of the body protrusions are locate at about 120 degree spacings.

Abstract: A surgical suture includes a filamentary braid including filamentary elements (16; 20; 216; 220a-e; 34; 36; 44) projecting from the filamentary braid for anchoring in biological tissues.

Abstract: A barbed suture with a first end and a second end and a body with a plurality of barbs extending from the body. Each barb causes the suture to resist movement in an opposite direction from which the barb faces. Projections extend from said suture. The projections can also engage tissue. The barbs cover the projections when the first end of the suture is moved in tissue and exposes the projections in order to engage tissue when the suture is moved in the direction of the second end through tissue.

Abstract: A surgical suture material having a surface with anchoring elements made of a shape-memory polymer.

Abstract: A barbed suture with a first end and a second end and a body with a plurality of barbs extending from the body. Each barb causes the suture to resist movement in an opposite direction from which the barb faces. Projections extend from said suture. The projections can also engage tissue. The barbs cover the projections when the first end of the suture is moved in tissue and exposes the projections in order to engage tissue when the suture is moved in the direction of the second end through tissue.

Abstract: A suture combined intraoperatively with autogenous blood components. At least one strand of suture is placed into a sterile container. Blood obtained from a patient is separated, using a centrifuge, for example, to retrieve certain healing components such as autogenous growth factors, to obtain an autogenous blood suspension. The autogenous blood suspension is added to the sterile container containing the strand of suture. The suture wicks up biologic components of the autogenous blood suspension to produce an enhanced suture. Surgical repairs using the enhanced suture are conducted by suturing a tear to itself or to bone, for example. Post-operatively, the biologic components leach from the suture to accelerate healing of the repair.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a passageway in a surgical procedure includes a reference structure, and first and second guide members. The first and second guide members may be arranged in a first and second positions relative to the reference structure so that passages in the guide members are adjacent, e.g., the distal ends of the guide members may be adjacent each other. This arrangement may allow for the first and second guide members to be used in forming a passageway in a body part, such as a portion of bone, and/or may provide a passageway for passing a suture or suture-like material from the first guide member to the second guide member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing gel-spun ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibres having high tensile strengths and improved creep rates wherein the UHMWPE used in said process is characterized by a difference in the phase angle according to Formula (1) ??=?0.001??100 of at most 42°, wherein ?0.001 is the phase angle at an angular frequency of 0.001 rad/sec; and ?100 is the phase angle at an angular frequency of 100 rad/sec as measured with a frequency sweep dynamic rheological technique at 150° C. on a 10% solution of UHMWPE in paraffin oil, provided that ?100 is at most 18°. The invention further relates to gel-spun UHMWPE fibres produced thereof. The gel-spun UHMWPE fibres of the invention have a tensile strength of at least 4 GPa, and a creep rate of at most 5×10?7 sec?1 as measured at 70° C. under a load of 600 MPa.

Abstract: Described herein are polymeric compositions that comprise at least one polymer residue and at least one crosslinking moiety, wherein the polymer residue is crosslinked by the crosslinking moiety and wherein the crosslinking moiety is formed from a reaction between a boronic acid moiety and a hydroxamic acid moiety. Also, described are methods of making and using such polymeric compositions.

Abstract: The method for surface inclusions detection in wrought and finished Nitinol products by immersing them in aqueous solution of 1% to 12% preferably 6% sodium hypochlorite in room temperature of around 25° C. for specify period of time preferably 15 minutes and checking for black flocculent precipitate developing on the surface in case of presence of inclusion. The black flocculent precipitate indicates surface inclusion or inclusions and indicates lack of homogeneousness of material.

Abstract: An anchoring device having an elongate body at a proximal portion, a distal portion of the elongate body forming a loop at a distal portion of the anchoring device. The loop further includes a plurality of anchors disposed along a surface thereof and the loop also including an end effector. Methods for securing anchoring devices of the present disclosure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A positioning device for providing access to a ventricle of a heart. In one embodiment, the device includes a cup positionable over an apex of the heart and at least a first access valve in the cup for accessing an entry point to the ventricle of the heart.

Abstract: A colored suture includes an elongate woven braid of filaments including one or more ends made of an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The suture also includes second and third ends which can be colorable or dyeable before or after incorporation into the elongate woven braid. This invention provides surgeons with improved recognition of suture ends in surgery by construction of a bi-colored co-braid with at least two ends of different color schemes or patterns braided into a UHMWPE construction. One of the colored ends runs continuously from one end of the suture to the other end. The other colored end can be colored only on one half of the end. This provides a suture with two distinguishable ends, while still maintaining a continuous line of color along the length of the suture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gel-spinning process for producing a high tensile strength ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) multifilament yarn comprising ultra-low dtex filaments, the process being characterized in that the draw ratio DRfluid applied to fluid filaments obtained by spinning a solution of UHMWPE through a spinneret and into an air gap, is at least 450, wherein DRfluid=DRsp*DRag, the DRsp and DRag being the draw ratios in the spinholes and in the air gap, respectively; and provided that DRag is at least 30. The UHMWPE multifilament yarns produced thereof were characterized by a tensile strength of at least 3.5 GPa and contained filaments having a dtex of at most 0.5. The invention further relates to products comprising said yarns, e.g. fabrics, medical devices and composite and ballistic articles.

Abstract: A medical device having an elongate body at a proximal portion, a distal portion of the elongate body forming a loop at a distal portion of the anchoring device. The loop may further include a plurality of barbs disposed along a surface thereof and the loop also including an end effector. The elongate body, loop, and/or medical device may be formed from shape memory polymers. Methods for securing medical devices of the present disclosure are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and constructs including a fixation device and a suture for fixation of soft tissue to bone, or of soft tissue to soft tissue, which amplifies the body's healing response created by the introduction of the suture material and the material properties of the fixation device. Fixation of soft tissue to bone (or of soft tissue to soft tissue) is conducted using a suture (for example, a suture strand, braid, a suture tape, or a combination thereof) and a fixation device (for example, a bone anchor, implant or screw). The suture and fixation device are manufactured from materials that have properties to amplify the body's healing response. Materials such as synthetic bioresorbable polymers (for example, poly-lactic acid) are utilized in the fabrication of orthopedic fixation devices. Once these materials are introduced into the body and are exposed to in vivo conditions, the devices manufactured with these materials undergo hydrolysis and degrade while maintaining specific mechanical properties over time.

Abstract: A soft tissue defect repair system for approximating defects, such as defects in the annulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc, includes a cannulated rod through which is disposed a suture retrieval device. A strand of suture includes a locking or ratcheting knot pre-tied around the outside of the cannulated rod and a free end that is guided in and out of the soft tissue. A knot pusher fits around the cannulated rod, which is used to push the knot off of the cannulated rod after the stitching of the tissue is accomplished. The defect is approximated by tensioning the free end. Various suturing methods or patterns are disclosed for defect approximation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing gel-spun ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibres having high tensile strengths and improved creep rates wherein the UHMWPE used in said process comprises per thousand carbon atoms between 0.1 and 1.3 methyl side groups; and between 0.08 and 0.6 of methyl end groups; and wherein the overall draw ratio (DRoverall=DRfluid×DRgel×DRsolid) is at least 7000 provided that the fluid draw ratio DRfluid=DRsp×DRag is at least 100, wherein DRsp is the draw ratio in the spinholes and DRag is the draw ratio in the air gap. The invention further relates to gel-spun UHMWPE fibres produced thereof. The gel-spun UHMWPE fibres of the invention have a tensile strength of at least 4 GPa, and a creep rate as measured at 70° C. under a load of 600 MPa of at most 6×10?7 sec?1.

Abstract: A chain of loops of braided high strength suture for surgical applications. The suture chain is advantageous for use in knotless fixation of soft tissue to bone, and can be used for knotless side-to-side suturing of U-shaped defects, such as rotator cuff tears.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses described for hernia repair include a mesh patch with a retractable perimeter wire and dissolvable raised tabs for suturing the patch to a patient and a tool for insertion of the mesh patch into the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed therein are instruments necessary for a surgical operation performed to keep a length of lengthened tissues, for instance, a raised nose on the face, using an improved thread embedded in a living body. More particularly, the present invention provides instruments for a fiber reinforced anti-compressive adherent suture method used to lengthen or separate soft tissues in the living body, which includes a tissue-implantable thread inserted into the living body by an injector needle and having wedge-shaped protrusions of different directionalities formed in two sections thereof, an injector for inserting the injector needle into the living body and moving it forwardly and backwardly, an instrument for inserting the tissue-implantable thread into the injector, and an instrument for vertically splitting an end of the thread to make the thread act in the living body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a shaped part of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) comprising melt processing, wherein UHMW-PE a) is annealed at a temperature between 130° C. and 136° C., preferably at about 135° C. for at least one hour, b) is converted into a shaped part at a temperature above 142° C.; and c) is cooled down to a temperature below 135° C. The invention further relates to a part like a fiber made with the process and the use of the fiber in a bio medical application.