Suturing Instruments in Minnesota

Scanlan International, Inc. is a family-owned manufacturer of precision handcrafted surgical instruments established in 1921 and based in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Operating in their fourth generation, the company specializes in cardiovascular, microsurgical, minimally invasive, and temporary occlusion surgical instruments. Scanlan manufactures reusable and single-use surgical instruments including forceps, needle holders, scissors, clamps, retractors, suction instruments, and specialized tools for VATS/MIS procedures. The company is renowned for its proprietary products such as VASCU-STATT® bulldog clamps, Reliance Bulldog clamps, and the SCANTURIAN® minimally invasive surgical instrument line. All instruments are handcrafted using premium medical-grade stainless steel and titanium with advanced coatings for enhanced durability and performance. Scanlan offers comprehensive support services including instrument restoration, modification, cleaning and sterilization guidance, warranty coverage, and custom modifications. The company collaborates closely with surgeons across specialties to design and refine instruments for evolving procedural needs, serving hospital operating rooms and surgical teams globally.

Winter Innovations is a medical device company specializing in advanced suturing solutions for orthopedic and sports medicine surgery. The company designs and manufactures patented surgical instruments focused on improving surgical efficiency and reducing tissue trauma. Their primary product, EasyWhip®, is a two-part needle system that enables multiple stitching techniques including standard whip stitch, the proprietary WhipLock™ stitch, and hybrid patterns. The WhipLock™ technique reduces needle passes by 50% versus traditional locking stitches while maintaining construct security and strength. Applications include distal biceps repair, peroneal tendon repair, Achilles tendon repair, and ACL graft preparation. The company also manufactures StitchStand™, a versatile graft preparation stand featuring integrated clamps for tissue stabilization during surgical procedures. Winter Innovations has published peer-reviewed research in the American Journal of Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy demonstrating biomechanical advantages of their WhipLock™ technique. The company has received recognition as a finalist for the 2025 MedTech Innovator Value Award and was awarded a $200K NSF TECP grant. Their technology is targeted at orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine specialists, and foot and ankle surgeons.