Abstract: A surgical device having a surgical element removably connected to a drive element so that drive torque is transmitted to the surgical element as the drive element rotates, while allowing the surgical element at least one degree of freedom of motion relative to the drive element; a retaining element maintains the drive and surgical elements in torque-transmitting relation during operation of the device.

Abstract: An all-digital control system for a brushless, three-phase, DC motor includes a main signal processor in direct digital communication with a drive controller. The controller generates a pulse width modulated signal having a duty cycle established by the command signal. A three-phase bridge generates a two-state control signal in response to the pulse width modulated signal. The control signal has an on-state which lasts for the duty cycle. A digital tachometer signal indicative of motor speed or position is thereupon processed and reported back to the main processor.

Abstract: A method for percutaneous fixation of a pair of vertebrae of a patient, which comprises posterolaterally entering the back of a patient percutaneously with a plurality of pedicle screws, screwing each pedicle screw into the medullary canal of the pedicles of adjacent thoracic and/or lumbar vertebrae or the pedicles of the L5 and S1 vertebrae, to a position where the proximal end thereof lies adjacent the fascia of the patient; inserting pedicle screw linkages under the skin of the back of the patient and detachably securing the linkage means to the proximal ends of the screws on the same side of the spinous processes of the vertebrae to restrict relative movement between the vertebrae. A kit is provided for percutaneous fixation of vertebrae of a patient, comprising a plurality of pedicle screws of different sizes, yet of a size to enable the distal end of each screw to be screwed into the medullary canal of a pedicle of a vertebra with the proximal end thereof lying adjacent the fascia of a patient.

Abstract: A surgical device including a handpiece adapted to receive a surgical tool, a motor driven drive shaft for rotating the tool about an axis, a static seal element sealed to the motor assembly, and a dynamic seal element sealed to the drive shaft, the seal elements having mating sealing portions defining a face seal in a surface transverse to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A lens surrounded by a protective chamber is focused by utilizing a magnetic field to adjust the position of the lens within the chamber. By using a magnetic field to adjust the lens position, it is not necessary to pass a mechanical device through the surface of the chamber, thereby allowing the chamber to be completely sealed to prevent contaminants from contacting the lens.

Abstract: A needle guide is provided which includes a hub and a needle connected to the hub. A stylet may also be provided for insertion into the hollow interior of the needle to aid in the insertion of the needle through tissue. The needle has a transverse breaking section, preferably a groove, adjacent to the hub. The breaking section is configured so that the needle will break cleanly in two at the breaking section when the hub is bent back and forth relative to the portion of the needle distal to the breaking section. An alternative embodiment of the needle guide provides a handle which extends from the hub over the needle. A hinge is provided in alignment with the needle breaking section to permit the handle to be flexed relative to the hub when the hub is moved back and forth in the manner described.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a disposable, sterile cable connector and camera head for use in endoscopic surgery. A novel camera head design is disclosed in combination with the requisite connector cable, and such camera head/cable is adapted for initial sterility and sterile packaging for subsequent singular use and disposal after surgery. The camera head consists of a charge-coupled device type of image sensor assembled in a compact camera head of a type that can be completely sterilized, sealed and packaged for prolonged shelf storage and eventual disposable usage.

Abstract: An arthroscopic surgical instrument consists of an outer stationary member having a distal aperture, the wall of the outer member defining a first cutting edge at the aperture; an internal movable member disposed within the outer member, adapted to be power driven and having a second cutting edge arranged to move toward and closely past the first cutting edge in rapid, repetitive fashion to sever tissue. The instrument further includes a table extension provided at the aperture, projecting outwardly from the general contour of the body of the outer stationary member. The table extension is constructed and arranged to engage tissue against which the operator urges the instrument, in a manner to improve the repetitive cutting action.

Abstract: The present invention provides a videoarthroscope which is longitudinally compact so tht it can be held and controlled with one hand. the videoarthroscope of the present invention includes a needle assembly and a focusing assembly rotatable relative to each other to permit rotation of the needle tip. The focusing assembly includes a rotatable focusing ring. All confronting rotating surfaces are sealed by a multilobed seal and provided with a lubricant to promote both ease of movement and sealing of movable joints. The videoarthroscope includes in its optical assembly a movable focusing group comprised of two lenses and an optional fixed telescope lens.

Abstract: An improved system for projecting uniform illumination for observation, combining a flexible fiber light guide with a clad cane element which mixes light rays from the fiber bundle to provide uniform brightness across the output face of the clad cane element in a system which lends itself to compactness in design. The fiber light guide comprises a flexible bundle or small, discrete clad fibers, and the bundle receives light from a primary light source at one end. The clad fibers are joined together at the other end to define, along with the spaces therebetween, an output face which forms a source of light of non-uniform brightness. This non-uniform light is received by the clad can element, which has a transparent, homogeneous core with a high refractive index and a thin clad having a low refractive index surrounding the core.

Abstract: A single-motor surgical system for operating a set of different surgical devices having different operational limits, consisting of a handpiece containing the motor and adapted to alternately receive a proximal portion of each of the surgical devices, each device having an indicator on its proximal portion that denotes its operational limit, the handpiece including an automatic sensor for sensing the indicator, and controls responsive to the sensor to automatically establish the operational limit of the motor in accordance with the respective surgical device received by the handpiece.