Abstract: A surgical staple comprising a first deformable leg member having at least a first portion of a staple backspan extending therefrom and a second deformable leg member having at least a second portion of the staple backspan extending therefrom. At least one of the first and second portions of the staple backspan are movable with respect to the other portion to vary the length of the staple backspan.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clip-like implant for osteosynthesis of at least two repositioned bone fragments, with at least two retainer web sections and with one connection web section connecting the retainer web sections, wherein the free ends of the at least two retainer web sections can be at least partially fixed in a respective one of the two repositioned bone fragments. Advantageously the clip-like implant has a C-shaped cross section, in which the first and second retainer web sections each enclose with the connection web section an angle (w, w?) between 75° and 90°, and the free ends of the at least two retainer web sections are designed as inwardly directed points.

Abstract: A spinal correction system for the correction or arrest of scoliosis or spinal deformity in immature spines includes a bridge member, a pair of spaced apart barbed legs extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom, and a fastener retaining portion extending substantially longitudinally from each end of the bridge member. The fastener retaining portions are adapted to lie in adjoining relationship when two or more spinal correction systems are arranged in end-to-end abutting relationship. The spinal correction system is intended to correct or arrest scoliosis in a growing spine by spanning the endplate growth centers of adjacent vertebrae, on the convex side of the malformed spine, to retard growth of that side of the spine while permitting unrestrained growth of the concave side of the spine.

Abstract: A bone attachment apparatus and implantation system. The attachment device provides a screw with channels formed therein for implantation within a bone aperture. The channels are used as a torque transfer surface during implantation, and cooperate with a thread forming tap to enable screw implantation simultaneously with thread formation within the aperture. The tap can be used to form channels within the bone. A staple is coupled to the screw and the bone, utilizing the respective channels formed therein, to prevent rotation therebetween. The screw can also cooperate with the staple to secure a soft tissue graft.

Abstract: A bone staple (10) for securing a first bone region (12A) to a second bone region (12B) includes a staple body (16) having a first leg section (18), a second leg section (20), and a connector section (22). The first leg section (18) is insertable into the first bone region (12A). The second leg section (20) is insertable into the second bone region (12B). The connector section (22) connects the first leg section (18) to the second leg section (20). The connector section (22) includes a deformable region (22A) that is movable from a first configuration (14A) in which the leg sections (18) (20) are spaced apart a first distance (24) and a second configuration (14B) in which the leg sections (18) (20) are spaced apart a second distance (26) that is less than the first distance (24). In one embodiment, compression of the deformable region (22A) causes the deformable region (22A) to move from the first configuration (14A) to the second configuration (14B).

Abstract: An implantable fixation assembly (30) for removably securing a (medical) device in a human body is disclosed. The assembly includes: an anchor portion (1) securable to bone; a pair of spaced apart legs (15), at least one leg (15) being resiliently flexible, the ends (15a) of the legs (15) attached to the anchor portion (1); a clamp portion (2) attached towards or at the ends (15a) of the legs (15); a screw and nut combination having an axis of rotation longitudinal to the legs, the combination operably engaging at least one of the legs (15) so as to pull them together or push them apart thereby actuating the clamp portion (2) to secure the device, wherein the actuating is reversible for selectively gripping and releasing the device.

Abstract: A stapler of the invention has: an enclosing unit for enclosing a plurality of staples; a clinch unit for bending a pair of inserting portions; a projecting unit for projecting the staples from the enclosing unit, allowing the inserting portions to insert a binding object, bending the inserting portions in cooperation with the clinch unit, and binding the binding object; and a feeding unit for feeding the staple to a position where the staple is projected by the projecting unit while being come into contact with a pressing portion and the pair of inserting portions of the staple.

Abstract: A bone augmentation device for anchoring an orthopaedic implant to bone tissue. An annular proximal section is rotatably joined to a distal section formed of a plurality of arcuate lower segments by flexures (integral embodiments) or a hinge (discrete embodiments). The interior of the annular proximal section is coaxial with the plurality of lower segments in the closed configuration of the distal section. When a surgical implant penetrates the device the lower segments, whose free ends are barbed, are rotated outwardly to either contact the endosteal side of the cortical bone or to present a pull-out resistive configuration within the cancellous bone. The device thereby provides a stable point of attachment for the implant in otherwise-unstable osteoporotic bone.

Abstract: Systems, including apparatus and methods, for repairing injured connective tissue. These systems may include, among others, a surgical stapler and staples for repairing partially or completely severed tendons and/or ligaments.

Abstract: A staple constructed from shape memory material provides the ability to move from a first shape to any point up to and including a second shape. The staple includes a bridge having a first member and a second member, and allows the second member of the bridge to change elevation with respect to the first member, thereby creating compressive forces, offset forces, or distraction forces. Upon the application of energy, the second member moves upward or downward to deliver forces, dependent upon a desired effect. The staple further includes first and second legs for attaching to first and second bones. The offsetting forces may be utilized to offset the second bone relative to the first bone, or to align offset bones. The bridge may include a transition member or plurality of transition members in communication with the first and second members, whereby the transition member moves about the first member.

Abstract: A medical staple is provided with a crown portion 1 and needle leg portions 3 bent to a lower side by way of curved portions 2 on both ends thereof. An open wound is narrowed by striking the needle leg portion 3 into the skin by bending intervals between the center portion of the crown portion 1 and the curved portion 2 by a stapler. First notches 6 are formed at a lower face portion of curved portions on both sides bent by the stapler, and second notches 7 are formed at an upper face portion thereof between the first notches 6 of the crown portion 1 and remote from the two first notches 6, 6 uniformly by predetermined distances.

Abstract: A device is formed by the process into a bone screw or fastener, wherein the head has a degree of polymer alignment and strength, and wherein the shank has a higher degree of polymer alignment and strength. In practice of the present invention, the polymer slug is pressed into the die cavity by the actuation of ram press, causing the slug to conform to the die cavity. Through this process, the polymer molecular orientation is aligned to different degrees, in different zones of the device.

Abstract: A bone peg which provides stable, accurate, and repeatable fixation with a bone fixation device to provide a system of fixation between a patient's anatomy, for example, a bone, and the bone fixation device.

Abstract: An anterior buttress staple and screw system is provided that can be used to hold an implant such as a disc prosthesis in place and thereby prevent its migration out of the spinal column. The buttress staple comprises a screw locking plate having a screw locking design that prevents the screw from backing up and away from the plate. The screw is configured to provide an interference fit with the screw locking plate, and can be used as a staple removal tool during revision surgery when the screw locking plate needs to be lifted from the bone surface on which it is attached.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides composite staples which include legs made of a bioabsorbable shape memory material capable of gripping tissue upon application in vivo and holding the staple in place.

Abstract: An external proximal femoral prosthesis for total hip arthroplasty (THA) is described, which fundamentally comprises a shell configured a hollow, thin-wall, asymmetric bell shape and a plurality of tension anchor means. An inner transverse cross contour of the shell forms a cavity, which could be affixable to a profile of outer surface of the area of neck, trochantic bed and calcar of the proximal femur. A neck portion of the shell is compatible with acetabular components (ball and cup). The prosthesis is mechanically fastened by tension anchor means during the operation and further biologically secured by in-growing bone through the side holes on the shell wall and into its interior coating surface of implant wall thereafter. The loading force on the femoral head would be well transferred and distributed on the shell and then directly conducted into the cortical bone of the femoral shaft therearound.

Abstract: The device comprises a hemostatic staple or bar comprising a bridge and pair of pins. It is designed to be engaged with the pins straddling the edges of the inferior vena cava (“IVC”), and subsequently seated under manual pressure into the underlying bone of the vertebral column. It is intended that one bar each be applied at sites above and below the injured segment of IVC. With the devices properly engaged, the pressure held between the bar and the vertebral column mechanically approximates and fixes the anterior wall of the IVC against the posterior wall, obliterating the lumen, thereby ensuring hemostasis at the isolated (injured) segment of vein. The bars are engaged with a “pusher” or delivery rod positioned perpendicular to the IVC. The delivery rod is preferably engaged to the hemostatic bar by a clip or screw mechanism to allow rapid preparation and deployment, as well as single-handed seating of the device by the surgeon.

Abstract: Controlling the transformation of the microstructure of shape memory material implants. A surgeon can use the inventive energy delivery device to control the rate of implant shape change, the extent of implant shape change, as well as the force exerted on the surrounding tissue. The invention allows for the fine control of force when fixating osteoporotic bone and rate of bone transport. This system models or measures the heating profile of the implant and provides the surgeon a method to control the extent of microstructure phase transformation so that the rate, force or extent of tissue movement can be controlled individually or together.

Abstract: A graft fixation device combination. The device is useful for affixing a tissue graft to a bone or other body surface. The fixation device has two implantation members connected by a graft retention member. The retention member optionally has at least one lateral wing member extending therefrom. The implantation members have longitudinal passageways therethrough. The graft fixation device also has an insertion member extending from the distal end of each implantation member, the insertion member having a longitudinal passage having a distal blind wall. The passages of the implantation members and the insertion members are in communication with each other, and may be mounted onto insertion members.

Abstract: An instrument assembly for inserting a lateral fastener into a lateral bore of a stem body implanted into a bone. The instrument assembly includes an outrigger having an alignment tube extending laterally from the stem body, wherein the outrigger can be coupled with the stem body such that the alignment tube extends coaxially with the lateral bore.

Abstract: A fastener including at least an element to be anchored in an anatomical support, at least a stop element relative to a planar prosthetic component to be fixed, and a linking rod is characterised in that the linking rod is rectilinear and the junction zones of the anchoring element and the stop element with the linking rod enable the fastener to adopt: a non-stressed stripping configuration; a maximum stress configuration, doubled up on itself, for example in a tubular configuration by complete insertion of the fastener into a tube, and a minimum stress configuration, wherein the respective directions of the stop element and the anchoring element form between them, for example in the same plane, an angle not greater than 90°.

Abstract: The invention concerns a set for fixing a soft tissue, such as a ligament or tendon on a bone, comprising two nails (10) and a member for positioning and setting (30) the nails in the superimposed soft tissue and bone. The two nails comprise a first cylindrical upper portion and a second lower portion formed by a stepped coaxial superposition of inverted cones. The cylindrical portion is provided with a hole for passing through a suture (40) designed to constitute a way for maintaining the soft tissue in position on the bone during healing. The positioning and setting member (3) comprises a handle (31) wherein is nested a cylindrical rod (32) including an end (33). The U-shaped end comprises two branches (35) provided with a blind cylindrical bore designed to receive the cylindrical part of the nails (10). When the nails are secured to the member (30), the suture (40) is maintained by the stop elements (34) of the handle (31).

Abstract: A fastener for insertion into pierced openings of a tissue wound has a body formed of a generally bioabsorbable polymer defining an initial capture area internal to the body. The body includes a pair of arms, each with an inwardly projecting cleat operably joined at an elbow portion defining an internal elbow angle. The arms are operably joined to a backspan at a shoulder portion defining an internal shoulder angle. A durable tissue retention zone is defined between the cleat and the arm. The elbow portion and the internal elbow angle define an insertion width greater than a width of the pierced openings resulting in the pierced openings stretching over the cleat and being elastically retained within the durable tissue retention zone. The fastener initially captures wound tissue in the initial capture area and then dynamically reforms in response to lateral stresses applied by the wound tissue without a fracture failure of the fastener until a minimum degradation period.

Abstract: This invention provides novel nanofibers and nanofiber structures which posses adherent properties, as well as the use of such nanofibers and nanofiber comprising structures in the coupling and/or joining together of articles or materials.

Abstract: A method for applying a surgical fastener including the steps of providing a fastener applier having an elongated shaft with at least one fastener located within the elongated shaft. The fastener has a pair of bosses extending laterally therefrom. The fastener has an open and closed position. The method further includes the step of inserting the distal end of the shaft into a target location within a body of a patient. Thereafter, the method includes applying at least one fastener within a body of a patient. This step involves the steps of advancing the at least one fastener within the shaft so it is adjacent the distal end, placing the fastener in contact with tissue, and closing the fastener by moving the bosses away from each other as the fastener is advanced distally.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a tissue-anchoring system, including a tissue-anchoring device and tissue anchors. The tissue-anchoring device includes a housing and a tissue anchor positioned on the tissue-anchoring device that will be inserted into a tissue or secured onto a tissue. The device may optionally have a plunger assembly slidably positioned in the housing to assist advancing anchor into a tissue. The tissue anchor has a barb end and a shaft. The barb end is adapted to resist removal from a tissue after the anchor has been inserted. The tissue anchor shaft and the barb end may be hollow. The anchor shaft has an attachment member distal from the barb end for direct attachment to a tissue or for attachment of sutures or slings. The tissue anchors may include an adjustment mechanism for intra- or post-operative adjustments.

Abstract: A screw, driving device, and method are provided for repairing a tissue injury of a patient, such as a meniscal tear in a knee or osteochondritis dissecans. The screw has a root, a distal section having a narrowing cross section toward the distal end, and a thread along at least a portion of the root between the proximal end and the distal end. Along a leading section extending from the distal end, the helical pitch is substantially constant; along a trailing section between the leading section and the root's proximal end, the helical pitch decreases. The substantially constant pitch along the leading section assists in preventing a stripping of the helical section. At the proximal end is a head having a diameter greater than a major root diameter of the central section. The head is for improving the tissue retention characteristics of the screw.

Abstract: A surgical fastener for use in surgical procedures comprises a first member, a second member, and an anchor. Surgical materials may be secured within the surgical fastener. Methods of securing the surgical fastener to an anatomical structure are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A clamp designed for use in the heart-surgery field for osteosynthesis following on sternotomy has a roughly C-shaped configuration with a core (11) terminating at opposite ends with hooks (12) set opposite to one another. In the centre, the said core (11) extends vertically according to a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the one on which the end hooks (12) lie, with a loop (13) which is elastically compliant. The said clamp is made of a so-called “shape-memory” metallic alloy, i.e., an alloy which is malleable at a low temperature and which re-acquires its original form at body temperature, exerting a semi-rigid compression on the ends or edges of the bones requiring synthesis.

Abstract: A bone staple for repairing bones and/or correcting bone deficiencies by controlling the growth of the epiphyseal plate, the staple comprising a body comprising a cross bar and at least two legs extending from the cross bar, the legs being designed for introducing into the bone. The body is made of a shape memory alloy and the legs normally diverge from each other defining spring legs tending to move apart from each other under a compression force, whereby a lengthening of the epiphyseal plate is induced. Preferably, the cross bar extends beyond the connection to the legs and forms stop means for abutting the bone and keep the cross bar spaced apart from the epiphyseal plate. Additionally, each leg includes an helical thread designed for anchoring into the bone, for firmly retaining the staple into the bone and for unscrewing the legs once the stable should be removed.

Abstract: A distal assembly of an endoscopic surgical device, and a related method, having a first arm and a second arm pivotal relative to the first arm. Each arm is configured to hold a part of a two-part fastener at a distal end of the arm. A closing mechanism is positioned proximate a proximal end of each of the first and second arms opposite the distal end of each of the first and second arms. The closing mechanism is configured to move in relation to the first and second arms so as to close over at least one of the first and second arms to cause the distal ends of the arms to come together. An actuation member is also attached to the closing mechanism actuable to cause the closing mechanism to move in relation to the first and second arms.

Abstract: A skull pin including a removable tip is disclosed where the tip of the pin is manufactured from a ceramic material. Alternatively, the tip can be manufactured from other insulating, non-conducting materials. The tip may either be inserted into a bore in the center of the pin, or may be a cap placed over the pin.

Abstract: A staple for stabilizing the attachment of a vertebral screw and a longitudinal member to the spine. The staple has a plate with first and second apertures. All the staple's legs, prongs, or spikes attached to the underside of the staple are located closer to one particular aperture than the other. Preferably, the plate is also “bow-tie” shaped with a groove that separates the wings of the bow-tie. This bow-tie or hour glass shape combined with the groove help the surgeon to more easily conform the plate to the patient's vertebra.

Abstract: A tissue fixation device is provided that is preferably used to secure a ligament or graft within a prepared bone tunnel, for example in ACL replacement. The tissue fixation device generally includes an elongate member having a shaft portion that is adapted to be at least partially disposed within a bone tunnel, and a guide member that forms a portion of the proximal end of the elongate member. The guide member has a graft-seating surface that is effective to seat a graft and to position the graft toward one side of a bone tunnel when the device is disposed within the bone tunnel. The device also includes a graft-retaining member formed on at least a portion of the graft-seating surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bone fixation device of the type useful for connecting soft tissue or tendon to bone or for connecting two or more bones or bone fragments together. The device comprises an elongate body having a distal anchor thereon. A proximal anchor is axially movably disposed with respect to the distal anchor, to accommodate different bone dimensions and permit appropriate tensioning of the fixation device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for interosseous bone fixation uses a compression staple, generally U-shaped, having a pair of legs with sharp front ends and proximal ends interconnect by a bridge portion that is resilient and bowed, the staple having an initial configuration and capable of a tensioned configuration by spreading apart the legs by a certain amount causing the curvature of the bowed bridge to lessen and the legs urged towards each other with certain compressive spring force. A staple applicator supports and guides the staple and positions the tensioned staple with its pointed ends forward, adjacent an ejection port at the front of the applicator. A powered strike member is mounted for longitudinal movement and has a front end that will strike the rear of the tensioned staple with percussive force and eject it in tensioned configuration from the applicator.

Abstract: A fusionless method of correcting spinal deformities in growing adolescents is disclosed utilizing a shape memory alloy staple. Various embodiments of the shape memory alloy staple include features such as barbs on the inner and outer surfaces of the prongs in the shape memory alloy staple as well as the use of notches on the crossbar or cross plate connecting the prongs to the shape memory alloy staple. In some embodiments, the shape memory alloy staple has an aperture defined through the cross plate for receiving a bone screw or other bone anchor which in turn allows the interconnection of a longitudinal member.

Abstract: A suture anchor for approximating tissue to bone comprises an anchor member for securing the suture anchor to the bone and a plurality of sutures mounted to the anchor member so that the sutures extend outwardly from the anchor member. Each suture has a sharp pointed end for penetrating the tissue and a plurality of barbs which permit movement of the sutures through the tissue in one direction of movement of the pointed end and prevent movement of the sutures relative to the tissue in the opposite direction. The ends of the sutures are inserted and pushed through the tissue along a curvilinear path in a direction away from the bone. The sutures are drawn from exit points longitudinally spaced from the points of insertion and reinserted and advanced along a curvilinear path in the direction away from the bone. The sutures are drawn through the tissue while approximating the tissue adjacent the bone along the suture and leaving a length of the sutures in the tissue.

Abstract: An anterior buttress staple and screw system is provided that can be used to hold an implant such as a disc prosthesis in place and thereby prevent its migration out of the spinal column. The buttress staple comprises a screw locking plate having a screw locking design that prevents the screw from backing up and away from the plate. The screw is configured to provide an interference fit with the screw locking plate, and can be used as a staple removal tool during revision surgery when the screw locking plate needs to be lifted from the bone surface on which it is attached.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to implantable, resorbable copolymers containing L-lactide and glycolide repeat units, and in particular to terpolymers containing L-lactide, glycolide, and one other type of repeat unit selected from the group consisting of D-lactide, D,L-lactide, and &egr;-caprolactone. Medical devices for in vivo implantation applications containing such implantable, resorbable copolymers are also described, as well as methods for making such copolymers and devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is an anastomosis catheter, for achieving a tissue to tissue or synthetic graft to tissue attachment. The catheter includes a plurality of deployable tissue anchors, which may be laterally deployed into surrounding tissue. The anchors may be used to achieve end to end or end to side anastomoses. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical tack for bone fixation having a body portion with barbs on the outside of the body portion to fixedly engage a bone structure, and a head portion to assist in implantation of the surgical tack. The tack also includes fins on the body portion to reduce implantation forces while not reducing the holding power of the surgical tack. The barbs extend from the fins to engage a bone structure and increase the holding force of the surgical tack. Additionally, a break-away portion is affixed to the head portion to engage an implantation device to assist an implantation of the surgical tack.

Abstract: An inexpensive ligament fixing system capable of providing an efficient fixing force and accurately driving a staple with less invasion, comprising a flat-shaped plate having a plurality of drilled holes and curved bottom and upper surfaces and formed by casting and a cross bar used to allow a parallelism, to be checked, wherein the plate is fixed to a ligament and the folded-up ligament is further fixed with the staple, the tips of the leg parts of the staple are moved from the centerline to the inside, a cut-in is provided on the insides of the leg parts, the cross sections of the leg parts are formed in a polyhedron, the plate is pressed and driven by a driving device having a driving structure by a thrust bar is used.

Abstract: An encapsulation device for repair of articular cartilage defects includes a body for disposition adjacent a bone in an area of the cartilage defect, and elongated leg structure extending from the body and for disposition in the bone in the area of the cartilage defect. The leg structure is provided with a length which is a plurality of magnitudes greater than a thickness of the body, and is of a generally conical configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical fastener or device (implant) formed in the shape of an arrow comprising a shaft with a proximal (first) portion having protrusions and a blunt end and a distal (second) portion having protrusions and a pointed end, the protrusions of the proximal and distal portions configured to lock the implant in a position inside a soft and/or tough tissue according to the use of the implant. The implant may be manufactured of a polymer or a polymeric compound which is substantially (bio)absorbable in tissue conditions and contains oriented reinforcing structure or the like of a polymer or polymeric compound or ceramic bioglass compound. The surgical implant of the invention is particularly but not solely intended to be used in repair surgery of traumas of soft and/or tough tissues containing fibrous structures, such as knee meniscal tissues.

Abstract: The implant for fixing two bone fragments to each other comprises a clasp with two arms which are connected to each other at one of their ends and in this area form an eyelet with an opening for passage of a screw which can be screwed into one of the two bone fragments, and it is characterized in that it has a guide bushing for the screw, which guide bushing is inserted into the clasp eyelet and is secured thereon.

Abstract: Apparatus for increasing the span length of a bone staple, which includes two prongs connected by a system which provides a mechanical advantage to facilitate bringing the prongs closer together or further apart. One prong includes a staple receptor. The other prong includes a cam-like head such that when the prongs are brought together the staple span length of a staple in the receptor increases. Alternatively, the two prongs are disposed for mounting a staple. When the prongs are pushed apart the staple span length increases. The present invention also relates to a bone staple formed of a shape-memory alloy and an apparatus associated with the staple. The apparatus deforms the staple by increasing its span length and facilitating its insertion into bone tissue. The deformation range of the staple allows the staple to revert to its original shape when the temperature is changed.

Abstract: The treatment and correction of spinal deformities, such as scoliosis, is accomplished without the need for fusion of the intervertebral disc space. A surgical technique is provided in which opening and closing osteotomies are created in the affected vertebrae. Correction devices are provided which hold the osteotomies in either their closed or open orientations. The correction devices include bone-piercing anchors, some in the form of staples, holding the vertebral body on opposite sides of the body to retain the osteotomies in their desired orientation. In the opening osteotomies, the correction devices include a wedge member that is disposed within the opened wedge osteotomy and in contact with the vertebral body. The correction devices also include connection members which can be used to engage the devices to an elongated member spanning the spine, such as a spinal rod or a metal or non-metal cable or tether.

Abstract: A surgical staple is provided having a base portion and a respective leg extending from each end of the base portion and terminating at a free end. The base portion is deformable to bring the free ends of the legs together to penetrate a liquid-carrying vessel at the site of a puncture and hold the opposite edges of the puncture together. The base portion and legs lie in substantially a common plane except for a center portion (40C) of the base portion which is deformed in a loop in a direction perpendicular to the common plane. The center portion of the staple allows the staple to straddle a blood locator tube projecting from the end of a stapler, so that the staple can be closed at the center of a puncture wound in which the tube is located. A method for stapling is also provided.

Abstract: A multi-anchor suture is provided which comprises at least two anchors and at least one suture attached to each anchor. The multiple anchors are inserted into a patient's bone and the suture connecting the anchors facilitates reattachment of soft tissue to the bone. Also provided is a method of attaching soft tissue to bone using the inventive multi-anchor suture.