Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical thread including at least a first portion extending longitudinally and comprising a central thread covered with a sheath. The sheath includes fastening means each including at least one conical barb. The present invention also relates to a medical device including such a surgical thread and a surgical needle.

Abstract: A composition comprising thermoset polymer, shape memory polymer to facilitate macro scale damage closure, and methods for molecular scale healing are provided. The composition can resolve structural defects by a bio-mimetic close-then heal process. In use, the shape memory polymer can provide molecular scale healing in a structural defect. The methods for molecular scale healing can include heating a composition including a thermoplastic such as fibers, particles or spheres to a level at or above the thermoplastic's melting point, then cooling of the composition below the melting temperature of the thermoplastic. The compositions have the ability to close macroscopic defects repeatedly even if another wound/damage occurs in a previously healed/repaired area.

Abstract: Methods and kits are provided to treat scapho-lunate ligament tears, which involve stabilization of the scaphoid and lunate both dorsally and volarly. The treatments can be performed through open, mini-open or arthroscopic procedures, as an intra-capsular or extra-capsular repair and stabilization procedure. The treatment procedures involve the use of sutures or wires to fix the relative orientations of the scaphoid and lunate, and the optional use of bone anchors or other bone attachment devices to create a capsulodesis between the lunate and scaphoid, or other bones, to lift the scaphoid into the desired position. Localization of the entry point of the sutures or wires into the bones are used to improve positioning of the bone anchors, sutures and wires.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus for securing a first object to a second object, including a deformable anchor body, a working suture connected to the anchor body, the working suture including a pre-formed knot, and a repair suture connected to the first object, wherein, with the anchor body connected to the second object and at least one of the anchor body and the working suture connected to the repair suture, the anchor body is adapted to secure within the second object and the working suture and repair suture are adapted to secure to the anchor body to secure the first object to the second object.

Abstract: A bone graft retention plate for implantation into a human glenoid and provides stabilization and compression of bony graft material is disclosed. The plate includes channels or apertures for suture or polymer retention cerclage that exhibit curved, smooth surfaces within the plate to allow the retention cerclage to pass through the plate while limiting friction and thus protecting the integrity of the retention means. The plate also includes surface features, such as spikes and posts, to provide further stabilization and implantation positioning. The plate features result in the distribution of forces across the surface area of a bone graft and achieve satisfactory compression of the bone graft against the glenoid without using fixation screws. An associated implantation technique uses a cerclage of suture or tape to bind the implant within the glenoid and may be employed in both open and arthroscopic surgical procedures.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical thread insertion instrument including: a medical thread having an outer surface thereof on which barbs are formed; a needle part having a cavity therein so that the medical thread is able to be inserted, the needle part including a needle having a predetermined length (L1); and a tube part having a cavity therein so that the needle is able to be inserted, the tube part being inserted into an inner side of the skin and including a tube having a length (L2) shorter than the length (L1) of the needle.

Abstract: An adjustable construct for fixation of a tendon or ligament graft in a tunnel. The construct comprises a flexible, adjustable loop connected to tissue (for example, graft, ligament or tendon). The adjustable loop may be integrated with an additional tissue supporting device (for example, a wedge or a plug). The tissue is secured within a bone socket/tunnel by adjusting the length of the flexible adjustable loop.

Abstract: An all-suture anchor for attaching soft tissue to bone while creating an interference fit within a bone hole, and a deployment device for the all-suture anchor. The all-suture anchor includes an anchor body having first and second ends. The second end is folded toward the first end, creating a looped distal end of the anchor body, while the first and second ends of the anchor body form a proximal end. The anchor body is composed of a first material having a first density. A passing filament, of a second (different) density, is woven through the anchor body at passing locations such that a pair of free ends of the passing filament extends from the proximal end of the anchor body. The all-suture anchor additionally includes a binding filament bound axially at the proximal end of the anchor body around the first end and the second end of the anchor body.

Abstract: A suture implant can include one or more suture cords having: a splice; a first free end extending from a first end of the at least one splice; an adjustable first loop extending from a second end of the at least one splice; a second free end extending from a first end of the at least one splice; a needled second loop having a cord portion extending from the first end of the at least one splice; a needle on the needled second loop; and an adjustable third loop extending from a second end of the at least one splice that has the second free end extending from the first end, wherein the second free end is connected to the adjustable third loop, wherein the adjustable first loop and adjustable third loop are interconnected and looped around each other.

Abstract: A wound closure device can be provided as described herein. In an example, the wound closure device includes a first suture segment having a first suture configuration and a second suture segment having a second suture configuration. The first and second suture configurations can be different from each other. For example, the first suture configuration can includes a first set of characteristics such as barbed or non-barbed, barb sizes, filament sizes, colors, materials, and/or the like and the second suture configuration can include a second set of characteristics such as barbed or non-barbed, barb sizes, filament sizes, colors, materials and/or the like that can be different from the first set of characteristics. The wound closure device can further include connecting section configured to provide a transition from the first suture segment to the second suture segment.

Abstract: Implantable materials for use with end effectors like surgical stapling devices, and methods for using the same, are generally provided. In some embodiments, adjunct materials for use with surgical staplers are provided. For example, a kit for stapling tissue is provided that can include a surgical stapler having an end effector. The end effector can have first and second jaws. The kit can include an adjunct material having hydrophobic surface regions and hydrophilic surface regions and the adjunct material can be configured to mate to at least one of the jaws of the end effector. Other implants, devices, and methods for surgical stapling are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward composite materials comprising high aspect ratio habits of drug crystals which can be partially or fully extending into a substrate, and additionally, can be projecting from a substrate at an angle of about 20° to about 90°. The present disclosure is directed toward medical devices, such as medical balloons, comprising said composite and methods of using and making the same. The described composite can be used for the local treatment of vascular disease. The present disclosure is also directed toward paclitaxel crystals with a hollow acicular habit.

Abstract: Suture constructs and methods for soft tissue to bone repairs. The suture construct is a soft, suture-based anchor which is self-cinching and has a specific, accordion-type configuration (i.e., with the ability to fold from a first, extended position to a second, folded or compressed position). The suture-based anchor may be formed essentially of a flexible material such as a high strength surgical suture, suture chain, or suture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a suture which is firmly maintained and fixed to an operation site to stably sustain suturing or lifting effects for a long time. More specifically, the present invention provides a suture having a conic or pyramidal shape with a cut top, wherein a suture supporter comprising a communication hole penetrating the both ends is provided at one end. The suture support can have one or more portions which are cut vertically from a lower end at a lower end portion having a larger diameter between the both ends, or a part of the lower end can be removed so as to form one or more gaps formed from the end at a wall of the end portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods and devices for coupling to a suture with a suture anchor. The suture anchor may include a cavity in which a length of suture may be drawn prior to insertion and from which that length of suture may be drawn out as the suture anchor is implanted. Therefore, in some embodiments, suture may be drawn out of the cavity from the length of suture rather than from working portions of the suture that extend outwardly from the tissue in which the suture anchor is being implanted.

Abstract: A suture anchor assembly, adapted to be attached to a bone, that includes an anchor, which has an undeployed state in which it is soft and flexible, and which can be deployed into a deployed state which is compacted and hard, relative to the undeployed state, and defining a hold region, where the anchor is optimally held as the anchor is deployed. Also, one or more deployment strands are engaged into the anchor and extend out of the anchor, and wherein, when the anchor is in the undeployed state, holding the anchor at the hold region and pulling on the deployment strands compacts the anchor into the deployed state. Accordingly, the anchor can be introduced into a hole in bone and held in place at the hold region, as it is transformed into the deployed state by pulling on the deployment strands, thereby anchoring the anchor in the hole.

Abstract: Systems and methods of placing one or more suture loops into tissue, such as the base of the tongue, are described. A system can include a variable-thickness suspension line for suspending tissue, including a suture having a first thickness dimension; an elastomer surrounding a portion of the suture and defining a central segment of the suspension line having a second thickness dimension greater than the first thickness dimension, and at least one transition zone extending from the central segment of the suspension line to a lateral end of the suspension line, the transition zones having a thickness dimension that tapers from the second thickness dimension to the first thickness dimension.

Abstract: Novel surgical sutures and novel medical devices made from novel semi-crystalline, glycolide-rich A-B-A triblock copolymers of glycolide and lactide, wherein said B-segment is a fully amorphous random copolymer of glycolide and lactide, for long term medical applications are disclosed. The novel polymer compositions are useful for long term absorbable surgical sutures, meshes and other medical devices, especially for patients with compromised healing. The novel sutures have improved properties and improved breaking strength retention, while still substantially absorbing within about a 120-day period post-implantation.

Abstract: Cauls and methods of using the same are provided. The caul includes a reinforcement material having one or more elastic fibers and a polymer having one or more shape memory polymers. The caul is operable to transition from a rigid state to an elastomeric state and from an elastomeric state to a rigid state in response to stimuli. Methods of using cauls to produce composite articles involve positioning one or more fiber layers between a caul and a cure mold surface when the caul is in a rigid state. The fiber layers, caul, and cure mold surface may be covered with a sealed barrier and a pressure gradient may be applied. Before, after, or before and after performing the vacuum the fiber layers may be impregnated with resin. The fiber layers may be cured, which may provide a stimulus to transition the caul from a rigid to an elastomeric state.

Abstract: A graft suspension device for suspending a ligament in a bone hole having a first loop and a second loop suspending from an 8-hole anchor, and a cradle at the opposite end of the loops to the anchor. The loose ends of the suture are routed through holes in the anchor separate from the loops and are joined together to form a single tail. A finger loop allows a surgeon to adjust the distance of the cradle from the anchor with the cradle staying centered with respect to the anchor as the distance is adjusted.

Abstract: A tissue marking device enables the deployment of a hook to mark a location within a breast. The deployment is performed by inserting a needle in tissue until it arrives at a target location and pressing on the end of a rod that embeds the hook in the tissue. A thread is attached to the hook and is left exposed to facilitate locating the hook.

Abstract: A link (1) for connecting two loops of a flexible tension-carrying construct (2, 2a). It solves the problem of providing effective means to connect two anchor points (7, 7a), typically on bones articulating at a joint by the flexible tension-carrying construct.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes tissue gripping devices, systems, and methods for gripping mitral valve tissue during treatment of a mitral valve and while a tissue fixation device is implanted in the mitral valve. The tissue gripping device includes a flexible member and one or more tissue gripping members coupled to one or more arms of the flexible member. The flexible member is formed from a shape-memory material, such as nitinol, and the tissue gripping member(s) are formed from a material that is more rigid than the shape-memory material. The tissue gripping member(s) are attached to the flexible member by threading or looping suture lines around and/or through the tissue gripping member(s) and the flexible member and/or by applying a cover material to the tissue gripping device to hold the tissue gripping member(s) against the flexible member.

Abstract: A suture assembly including a first suture having a generally O-shaped configuration having a first arm, a second arm, a first bridge connecting the first arm to the second arm, and a second bridge connecting the first arm to the second arm. The first bridge opposes the second bridge so that the first suture includes a closed loop. A second suture having a first arm, a second arm and a bridge connecting the first arm to the second arm. The first arm of the second suture is wrapped around the first arm of the first suture in a first direction, and the second arm of the second suture is wrapped around the second arm of the first suture in a second, opposite direction. The suture assembly is capable of assuming (i) a longitudinally-extended, radially-contracted first configuration, and (ii) a longitudinally-contracted, radially-expanded second configuration.

Abstract: An anchoring system can use an implant delivery device to deploy an implant into a pre-drilled bore, to secure one or more sutures between a threaded outer surface of an implant body and a wall of the bore. The implant delivery device can controllably rotate the implant about its longitudinal axis. The implant can further include a distal member positioned distal to the implant body and freely rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The implant delivery device can include a finger extending distally from a distal end of an inner shaft. The implant delivery device can controllably translate a wire between a distally extended position, at which the wire can form a closed loop with the finger and a distal end of the inner shaft, and a proximally retracted position, at which the wire can be at least partially retracted into the distal end of the inner shaft.

Abstract: A barbed suture is provided. The barbed suture includes an elongate body and at least one barb extending from the elongate body. The elongate body defines a recess adjacent the at least one barb. Also provided is a method of making a barbed suture. The method includes the steps of providing a suture nest and a punch apparatus configured for operable engagement with the suture nest, loading a suture through the suture nest, engaging the punch apparatus with the suture nest, and disengaging the punch apparatus with the suture nest.

Abstract: A device for ligament reconstruction includes an elongated body and a hook or loop at each end for receiving a ligament reconstruction member such as an allograft or autograft tendon. The ligament reconstruction member is positioned within a hole that is drilled into a bone, or which is provided within a prosthetic joint. A central portion of a ligament reconstruction member is passed through each end of the device. The ends of the ligament reconstruction members are then fastened to the opposing bone forming the joint.

Abstract: Surgical devices and methods of surgical repairs using the devices are disclosed. The device and methods aid in surgical repairs by allowing for quick and reproducible repairs to be made. A tensionable knotless fixation device is provided with a tensioning construct (formed of a tensioning strand, a tensionable, adjustable, knotless, self-cinching loop, and a splice adjacent the loop) pre-loaded onto a fixation device. A flexible material (for example, suture or suture tape) may be attached to a fixation device. A flexible material may be threaded through an eyelet of a fixation device.

Abstract: A low-profile stent graft has a Type-III endoleak suppression effect, avoiding the problem with a stent graft which uses an extra-thin graft incurring enlarged needle holes or needle hole parts in a suture part. The stent graft has a proximate end, a distal end, and a lumen which is positioned between the proximate end and the distal end. The stent graft is formed by coupling a cylindrical graft to a stent with a suture. The cylindrical graft is formed from a fabric having a thickness of 10-90 ?m. The elastic modulus of the suture is 40 cN/dtex or less.

Abstract: A tissue fixation device including a self-locking construct having a first loop, a second loop, and a first free end. A first tail is coupled to, and extends from, the first loop. A second tail is coupled to, and extends from, the second loop. An anchor is coupled to one of the self-locking construct or the first tail such that one of the self-locking construct or the first tail extend through the anchor.

Abstract: A barbed suture including a body with barbs on the periphery, a pointed end, and an anchor at one end to resist movement of the suture in the direction of the pointed end is provided. One or more limbs on the anchor may be provided, which may be arcuate, of varying lengths, and of varying distribution about the periphery of the suture body. Other anchor designs are provided. Methods of placing single-directional and bi-directional barbed sutures to approximate the tissue on each side of a wound and to position and support tissue in the absence of a wound, as in cosmetic surgery, are provided, and may include terminal J-stitches or S-stitches. Methods of placement may be made with sharp, pointed ends, which may be needles, or insertion devices. Sinusoidal patterns of sutures that have amplitudes generally perpendicular to the resultant holding force of the suture are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a suturing device to minimize interference and obstructions during intricate surgeries. The curled suture device is significantly shorter than traditional suturing kits by featuring a needle attached to a specially manufactured thread incorporating a stopping mechanism preceding an angular, semi-rigid portion of thread followed by a curled portion of thread arranged in a corkscrew configuration. The stopping mechanism halts the movement of the thread as the needle and thread intermediate the needle and stopping mechanism is pulled through the suture point, securing the remainder of the thread for access. The semi-rigid portion of thread is thereby utilized in conjunction with its curled portion of thread, allowing for the user's unabated access to the corkscrew configuration to form a ready-made knot, minimizing interference and obstruction during surgery. The thread may be manufactured to form an additional semi-rigid and curled portions of thread upon creation of a knot.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for the correction of chest deformities is provided and includes a rib implant (26) for mounting to a rib, a sternal implant (22) for mounting to a sternum, and a first elongate member (24). The rib implant includes a first aperture (44) having a first axis (45). The sternal implant includes a second aperture (140) having a second axis (143). The first elongate member has a first end (152) adjustably received in the first aperture and a second end (150) adjustably received in the second aperture.

Abstract: A delivery system for delivering a plurality of helical tissue anchors to repair a wall defect. Coaxially contained within the outer sheath are inner tubular members. The first inner tubular member designed to deploy a first helical tissue anchor, a second inner tubular member designed to deploy a second helical tissue anchor, and a centered inner tubular member contains a cinching mechanism. The two helical tissue anchors are connected to a suture or strap that pull the two helical tissue anchors together to close a tissue defect. A cinching mechanism holds the anchors and tissue defect together and cut the suture or strap.

Abstract: A device for treating a tissue defect including a grasper including a pair of arms movable between a tissue receiving configuration and a tissue gripping configuration, a needle extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including a first lumen extending longitudinally therethrough, the needle slidably received between the arms so that the needle is movable between a non-extended configuration, in which the distal end of the needle is proximal the distal ends of the arms, and an extended configuration, in which the distal end of the needle is distal of the distal end of the arms, and a first suture element slidably housed within the first channel and deployable therefrom to be anchored in a first target tissue into which it is inserted, the first suture element including a first cross member attached to a distal end of a first suture.

Abstract: An intravascular device delivery system includes a distal end cap to connect an elongated member of the intravascular device delivery system to an intravascular device. The distal end cap includes at least one connection member radially movable relative to the distal end cap that is configured to engage with a complimentary recess in the intravascular device.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a flexible fixation member having a body with a longitudinal extent and a width, the body defining a plurality of openings through the body, each of the plurality of openings formed substantially cross wise through the width of the body, and a suture having two terminal ends, the suture being interwoven through each of the plurality of openings in the body of the fixation member such that multiple portions of the fixation member are slidably coupled to the suture and configurable to form a cluster within a surgical site.

Abstract: Finger traps for collapsible suture loops are provided. In general, a suture coupled to an implant can be tensioned to facilitate desirable positioning of the implant relative to tissue in a patient's body. The suture can include a finger trap and a knot. In general, the finger trap is a hollow area of the suture through which the suture passes through itself and is configured to slide in a single direction when under tension. In an exemplary embodiment, the knot is located along a length of the suture that is closer than the finger trap to a tail of the suture that is being pulled to tension the suture.

Abstract: A suture member includes: a suture needle of which a distal end is sharp; a suture thread which includes a first end portion and a second end portion, of which the first end portion is connected to the suture needle, and which sutures the tissue; a first loop portion which has a ring shape, through which the suture needle is capable of passing, and which is connected to the second end portion; and a second loop portion which has a ring shape, through which the suture needle is capable of passing, which is connected to the second end portion, and which is provided to separate from the first loop.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a flexible fixation member having a body with a longitudinal extent and a width, the body defining a plurality of openings through the body, each of the plurality of openings formed substantially cross wise through the width of the body, and a suture having two terminal ends, the suture being interwoven through each of the plurality of openings in the body of the fixation member such that multiple portions of the fixation member are slidably coupled to the suture and configurable to form a cluster within a surgical site.

Abstract: A surgical suture is caught in a needle tip that is pierced through a body tissue; and when the needle is withdrawn, the surgical suture is pulled out along a path through which the needle was pierced into the tissue, and the surgical suture is tied outside a patient's body. The surgical suture for the laparoscopic port site closure device, wherein the laparoscopic port site closure device is in a tube shape for being introduced into a port site, includes: a tubular body provided with needle guides that face each other and guide insertion of a needle; wings mounted to a lower portion of the tubular body such that the wings are opened and closed through a cam method; and an operating stick penetrating through the tubular body to operate the wings to be opened and to be closed.

Abstract: A suture made of a woven braid of fibers is provided. The suture includes: at least one first end; at least one second end comprising a colorable material wherein the second end has been colored a single color along an entire length of the second end; and at least one third end comprising a colorable material wherein only a portion of the third end is colored a continuous color. In another embodiment, a method of manufacture of a suture is provided. The method includes: braiding an elongate suture from a first end, a second end comprising a colorable material, and a third end comprising a colorable material; coloring the second end a single first color along an entire length of the second end; coloring only a first portion of the third end a second color.

Abstract: An active anvil assembly for use in forming a looped suture is provided. The active anvil assembly includes an anvil member, a first sensor operably connected to the anvil member, and a control assembly. The first sensor is configured for measuring at least one of force, torque, and distance feedback. Also provided are systems and methods for forming a looped suture including an active anvil assembly.

Abstract: An arthroscopic anchor insertion tool and method for inserting consecutive, longitudinally aligned anchors from a common deployment channel of a cannulated needle by employing positive stops to prevent travel of an actuator from simultaneously advancing multiple anchors into a surgical site.

Abstract: Systems and methods for soft tissue to bone repairs, without knot tying. The soft tissue repair systems include self-cinching constructs with a fixation device, a flexible construct having a flexible strand abutting a suture tape, and a shuttle/pull device attached to the flexible strand and provided within the body of the fixation device. A splice is formed by pulling on the shuttle/pull device subsequent to the fixation device being secured into the bone, to allow the wide tape to be positioned over the tissue (for best compression and minimum tissue cut-thru) and suture for the implanted portion (for most efficient and least bone removal).

Abstract: Devices and methods for securing a graft with respect to bone are provided. One exemplary embodiment of a surgical implant includes a flexible filament body and a suture filament or repair construct that extends through the filament body at multiple locations. The repair construct is formed into one or more coils, which can receive a graft. The flexible filament body can be configured to be actuated between unstressed and anchoring configurations, the latter of which sets a location of the suture filament, and associated graft, in a bone tunnel. More particularly, the flexible filament body can ball up, or become denser, to a size that cannot pass into the bone tunnel in which the suture filament holding the graft is disposed. The present disclosure also provides for feedback units to assist a surgeon in knowing a location of the implant. Further, other exemplary devices and methods are provided.

Abstract: A suture passer comprising: a handle; a first needle mounted to the handle; a retrieving loop selectively extendable out of, and selectively retractable into, the first needle; a second needle mounted to the handle, the second needle being configured to pass suture therethrough; a housing having first and second lumens extending therethrough for receiving the first and second needles therein, respectively; wherein the suture passer is configured so that the first and second needles have (i) a first distance therebetween at the location at which the first and second needles pass through the housing, and (ii) a second distance therebetween at a location remote from the housing, and further wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.

Abstract: Sutures with pre-tied knots for use in percutaneous surgical procedures and devices for easily and quickly tying complex suture knots are disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for securing sutures that obviate the need for tying knots. A device can be applied to adjacent suture portions that heats the suture portions and causes the suture portions to fuse together, effectively securing the suture portions together without a knot. The device can include a handle, an outer shaft coupled to the handle, an inner shaft movable proximally and distally within the outer shaft; a suture holder at the distal end portion of the outer shaft, and an electrical heating element positioned within the outer shaft. Actuation of the device causes the inner shaft and the heating element to move distally relative to the outer shaft and the suture holder, such that the heating element moves into the proximity of the suture holder to fuse together sutures held by the suture holder.

Abstract: An insertion tool for a paddle lead includes an insertion tool body having a receiving end portion; a stylet channel extending along the insertion tool body; a stylet disposed in the stylet channel; and an actuator assembly disposed along the handling end portion of the insertion tool body and coupled to the stylet. The actuator assembly controls transitioning of the stylet between a first position and a second position. In some instances, the stylet can be a wire stylet that is inserted into a lumen in the paddle body of the paddle lead. In some instances, the stylet of the insertion tool pushes lead bodies of the paddle lead out of the insertion tool to release the paddle lead. In some instances, the insertion tool includes a paddle envelope to hold the paddle lead.