Abstract: An anchoring system includes a simply-structured suture-like device which permits a fluid tube or similar medical article to be easily attached to the patient without the use of needles and without suturing anything to the patient. The anchoring device desirably includes two threads or filaments and two corresponding receptacles. The filaments include protuberances which cooperate with apertures of the receptacles to permit easy insertion of the distal ends of the filaments into the receptacles, but inhibit retraction of the filament distal ends from the receptacles. A health care provider simply wraps the filament around the fluid tube or threads the filament through a suture hole in the medical article, and then threads the distal end of the filament through the receptacle aperture until the filament holds the medical article tightly against an anchor pad of the anchoring system. The anchor pad in turn includes an adhesive bottom surface which can be attached to the patient's skin.

Abstract: Apparatus for suturing a wound in a body cannula having an axis extending between a proximal end and a distal end. A handle is disposed at the proximal end and a pair of needles disposed at the distal end, the needles being movable between a proximal position and a distal position. A suture manipulator carried by the cannula is insertable through the wound and operable to manipulate the suture into an engaging relationship with the needles on the far side of the body wall. In one embodiment of the invention, a finger ring is movable on the handle in a single distal direction through multiple stages. In a first stage the needles are deployed; in a second stage, the suture manipulator is activated to thread the needles; and in a third stage the suture is released from a tensioning mechanism. In another embodiment, the finger ring is movable in a distal direction to deploy and thread the needles, and movable in a proximal direction to tension the suture and withdraw the needles.

Abstract: A bore is provided in bone, the bore communicating with a slot provided in the bone's cortical layer and with a channel of larger size than the slot located in cancellous bone below the slot. The slot overlays the channel and is in communication therewith. A length of suture is knotted to a size greater than the width of the slot, and the knot is introduced to the channel via the bore. The remainder of the suture is passed through the slot whereby the length of suture is anchored in the bone. Instead of knotting the suture, it can be attached to a bead having a diameter greater than the width of the slot, the bead being received within the channel to again anchor the suture.

Abstract: The device is implantable in the living body for attachment and augmentation of tendons and/or reinforcement of bones. It comprises a substantially flat membrane having a rounded outer shape and at least two perforations. The membrane contains resorbable or degradable polymeric and/or polymeric-ceramic material, having a Young's modulus in the range of 1 to 50 GPa and a tensile strength in the range of 0.1 to 20.0 GPa. It allows a more secure fixation of transosseous sutures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling suture needles, and for suturing, is disclosed in which a sterile, needle pervious retaining material is provided. A suturing needle contaminated with biological material is thrust into the retaining material to permit the tying of a knot with a reduced risk of needle sticks. Structure for grasping the retaining material and for shielding portions of the apparatus from penetration by the needle can also be provided.

Abstract: A human growth factor (HGF), a human growth factor-containing composition or a medical or surgical device such as a wound dressing or suture filled with a human growth factor-containing composition is sterilized employing an ethylene oxide gaseous sterilizant.

Abstract: A buttressing pledget is manufactured from a synthetic elastomeric material. The elastomeric material can be nonporous, radiolucent, and/or a silicone rubber. The buttressing pledget can be made radiopaque by the addition of a suitable material, such as barium sulfate. The pledget can be combined with a surgical suture or ligature.

Abstract: A suture organizer 10 comprises a flat, platelike member 24 having a rank of fingerlike projections 28 extending from an upper surface 27 thereof. A layer of adhesive 32 is provided on a lower surface 30 of the platelike member 24 in order to adhere to a surgical drape 16 or sheet near the vicinity of a surgical incision 20. Sutures 18 are received in valleys 29 defined by the projections 28 thereby minimizing entanglement of the sutures after surgical attachment but prior to tying and cutting.