Abstract: An osteotomy cutting guide is disclosed. The cutting guide utilities an angle cutting block which is removably and adjustably attached to a stabilizing base. Also utilized is a distal hole drill block which is removably and adjustably attached to the stabilizing base. The stabilizing base has at least one projecting element which can be inserted into an existing cut. The osteotomy cutting guide allows angled cuts and implant insertions to be performed with accuracy.

Abstract: The coated stent comprises a cylindrical wall formed by meshed wires and a covering layer of elastic material extending on a portion of its length, with an outer surface, and totally embracing the wire mesh.Method of coating the stent using a lifting medium and then an elastomeric composition dissolved in solvent are disclosed.

Abstract: A prosthetic nucleus for a vertebral disc is made of a hydrogel material. The hydrogel prosthetic nucleus has a shape generally conforming to the natural nucleus pulposus, and it exhibits diminished lateral bulging under high compressive loads. The hydrogel has a water content of from 30% to 90% and has a compressive strength of 4 MNm.sup.-2 or greater. When the hydrogel material is dehydrated, it has a dimension of less than half of that of the hydrated hydrogel nucleus. The prosthetic nucleus may be formed of two or more pieces of hydrogel material which pieces, when combined, have a shape generally conforming to the natural nucleus. The prosthetic nucleus may have a stiff posterior periphery and/or a thickened anterior wall.

Abstract: A method of implanting an acetabular cup includes preparing an acetabular socket to receive said cup, placing cement in said socket before or after locating a loading tube in line with the socket and inserting the acetabular cup through the tube into said socket. This is done by pushing it down the tube with an inserter to a predetermined position therein defined by a stop element acting on the inserter or an attachment thereto.

Abstract: A guidewire for placement within a blood vessel for penetrating an occlusion therein. The guidewire comprises a length of flexible wire having a lumen extending therethrough. The distal end of the guidewire is generally arcuate and has a diameter greater than that of the wire immediately proximal thereto. A flexible stylet substantially the same length as the flexible wire may be disposed within the lumen of the wire. In operation, the arcuate distal end of the guidewire is positioned in the blood vessel against an occlusion, and a dottering action is thereafter provided whereby the arcuate distal end of the guidewire repeatedly impinges on the occlusion until penetration of the occlusion occurs.

Abstract: The invention is an elongated plate made of deformable, body-compatible material, which is to be anteriorly attached to at least a pair of adjacent vertebrae. The plate has specially placed holes to receive bone screws to be screwed into the vertebrae.

Abstract: An orthopaedic implant comprising a cast metal base member having an outer surface and an ingrowth surface comprising a plurality of attachment spacer elements of unequal lengths integrally cast with said base member and a metal attachment element integrally cast with said spacer elements, said attachment element having connecting elements extending between said spacer elements to allow attachment of the bone to occur between an underside of said connecting elements and the outer surface of said base member. The invention also consists of a method for preparing such an implant, wherein the spacer elements are of equal or unequal length, which comprises inserting a preformed ceramic pattern for the ingrowth surface into a die for the implant, injecting a meltable material in its molten state into the die at a temperature below the melting temperature of the ceramic to fill the holes and grooves of the pattern.

Abstract: Novel prosthetic nuclear implants for insertion into vertebral discs are prepared by dehydrating hydrated bulky hydrogel discs under specific conditions so as to reduce the water content as low as possible (down to about 10% by weight) but without distortion of the implants, without the formation of concavities and sharp edges, and without changing the shape of the hydrated implant.

Abstract: An implantable artificial sphincter system for reversibly occluding a body passageway, preferably the urethra, enables the body passageway to be opened and closed in sequence due to the action of a lifting and lowering device which is adapted to be in integral contact with or disposed about the body passageway. An actuating device is operably connected to the lifting and lowering device, and a pump capable of being volitionally operated is in fluid communication with the actuating device to provide a pressurized flow of fluid into the actuating device.

Abstract: An automatic circuit measures electrosurgical generator output and controls in accord with impedance between activated movable bipolar electrodes able to contact tissue. Voltage monitor in parallel and current monitor in series with the electrodes measure instantaneous variations and generate proportional signals. First and second calculators receive the signals and find respectively, by dividing the voltage by current, short circuit impedances and impedances other than short circuit impedances between the electrodes. First and second comparators receive the respective outputs from the first and second calculators and assess them against respective first and second references providing signs of short conditions and assessments of changes in impedance between the electrodes. A logic analyzer receives the signs and assessments and evaluates them to permit the instantaneous starting, operating or stopping of the electrosurgical generator.

Abstract: Catheters for drug delivery or for both dilatation and drug delivery are provided with a guide wire lumen terminating within the catheter shaft and having an opening through the catheter shaft to enable a guide wire to exit the catheter shaft substantially distal to the proximal end of the catheter. In one embodiment, drug delivery ports are provided between occlusion balloons. In another embodiment, a dilatation balloon is also provided between the occlusion balloons. In another embodiment, a double layered balloon is provided to simultaneously dilatate the stenosis and deliver medication to the site. Alternatively, a balloon can be provided which only delivers medication.

Abstract: A stabilized bio-inert sensor for the determination of an analyte, especially pO.sub.2, pCO.sub.2 and pH, in a medium which comprises a chemical indicator sensitive to the analyte in association with a stabilizing substrate formed from a polymer which is inert to the medium and analyte and does not affect the sensitivity of the indicator, which polymer is a cross-linked, solid silicone rubber formed from a silicone carbinol having a molecular structure compatible with said indicator.

Abstract: A dual action syringe which comprises a hollow body defining a rear chamber and a front chamber, wherein the rear chamber has a greater internal cross-sectional area than the front chamber, a double action plunger mechanism comprising a primary plunger with a cross-section which matches the internal cross-section of the rear chamber and a secondary plunger telescopically mounted within the primary plunger and having a cross-section which matches the internal cross-section of the front chamber, the proximal end of the secondary plunger extending beyond the proximal end of the primary plunger and terminating in a handle which enables the plunger mechanism to be slidably moved relative to the hollow body.

Abstract: A laser and electrosurgical system has a handpiece with a proximal and distal end from which laser radiation and/or electrosurgical energy is selectively or concurrently directed. The ends are along an axis; an electrode extends distally along the axis. Sources of laser and electrosurgical energy are available and controlled. An initiation circuit for the laser selectively delivers it before electrosurgery. Prior delivery targets tissue. The laser creates an ionized conductive pathway for electrosurgery. The combined concurrent application of laser and electrosurgery has a mechanism to selectively distribute energy about the axis. A laser deflecting surface or a beam deflector vibrate relative to the axis. A power switch has levels for laser cut and ionization and/or a delay therebetween for electrosurgical coagulation. A wave guide or an array thereof deliver radiation along the axis.

Abstract: This invention relates to an angioplasty device that is formed from a hollow metallic tube, a balloon affixed adjacent the distal end of the tube and being in fluid communication with the lumen of the tube, a flexible distal segment connected to the distal end of the tube and a removable hub connected adjacent to the proximal end of the tube. The tube is preferably formed from a superelastic material such as nickel-titanium alloy. This invention also relates to various methods of using this angioplasty device.

Abstract: A surgical saw has a sector-shaped saw blade mounted on a shaft. The shaft is surrounded by a coaxial second shaft to which an eccentric member is mounted close to a saw blade and parallel therewith. Both shafts and thus the eccentric member and the cutting blade can be rotated with respect to each other and can be fixed in their rotational position. Depending on the rotational position, the saw blade is either covered by the eccentric member in a rest position to be inserted in a hollow bone, or is indexed in a position to be freely and gradually exposed to make a sawing operation possible.

Abstract: A device for dilating at least an obstructed portion of a urethra includes a hollow core member with opposed open ends permitting urination therethrough from the bladder, a confining covering disposed on the hollow member having a length of at least that of the obstructed portion and having hydrophilic means integrally associated therewith. The hydrophilic means is capable of absorbing water and gradually expanding for at least 30 minutes whereby the outer surface of the confining covering expands radially and outwardly, after insertion into the urethra, until dilation of the obstructed portion occurs to a desired diameter and configuration. Methods for dilating an obstructed portion of the urethra and for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia are also provided.

Abstract: An implant comprising a specially adapted bone screw having a threaded shank portion and a sleeve which mates with and operates in cooperation with the threaded shank portion is provided. Also provided is a driver specially adapted for inserting and removing the implant of the invention. A method of compressing a fracture in a bone is also provided. The implant generates bone compression by itself and can be used either alone or with plates and washers. It is easily inserted into a fracture and also is easily removed from the fracture. The driver which is specially adapted to be used in combination with the implant of the invention aids in the ease of insertion and removal of the implant.

Abstract: A control responds to impedance and temperature between active and return electrodes of the electrosurgical generator during tissue desiccation. Tissue contacts separately and independently provide high frequency power to effect tissue electrosurgically. An instantaneous impedance monitor between each contact and the return electrode signals. A regulator receives the signals and separately and independently controls tissue impedance at each contact in accord with signals to change independently the power to the return electrode. A temperature sensor for each contact transmits its temperature to the generator to regulate power to each contact. A first multiplexer provides high frequency electrosurgical power separately and independently to each contact from the generator. A second multiplexer relays temperature amounts of each contact to the generator.