Abstract: A cutting and suctioning instrument is disclosed for use in surgery which is adapted for coupling to an external high pressure fluid source and an external vacuum source, which comprises an irrigation tube configured for coupling to the external high pressure fluid source. The distal end of the irrigation tube forms a nozzle to direct the high pressure fluid in the form of a high pressure fluid stream. A suction tube is provided for coupling to the external vacuum source. The distal end is positioned opposite the nozzle of the irrigation tube and is configured to receive and suction away waste fluid and separated tissue. A method for cutting tissue is also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for applying sutures including an elongated housing having a proximal end and a distal end, means associated with the distal end of the elongated housing for carrying at least one needle, the needle carrier means being movable between a retracted position and an extended position, at least one needle positioned on the needle carrier means, and means associated with the needle carrier means for moving the needle carrier means to the extended position to deploy the at least one needle such that upon movement of the needle carrier means by the moving means, the needle carrier moves from the retracted position to the extended position whereby the at least one needle is caused to travel through a tissue engaging path in one continuous motion.

Abstract: A bipolar surgical instrument is disclosed comprising a handle and a tool for applying electrical energy to body tissue. In a preferred embodiment, the tool is forceps having jaws movable between open and closed positions in response to movement of the handle. A pair of electrical connection receptacles in the handle respectively connect to a pair of electrically isolated conducting paths. Each path contacts a forceps jaw for transmitting electrical energy to body tissue. The instrument has particular application to endoscopic and laparoscopic surgical procedures.

Abstract: An endoscopic ligating and dividing instrument includes an endoscopic portion and a non-endoscopic portion. The endoscopic portion includes clip closing jaws for applying at least two surgical clips to body tissue, pusher rods for loading clips into the jaws, a movable hook to catch and position the body tissue, and a knife for dividing the body tissue between the surgical clips. The non-endoscopic portion includes actuators responsive to manual actuation by a user.

Abstract: A device compressing a flexible elongate member having proximal and distal extremities and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart elements having a characteristic disposed in the distal extremity. A control mechanism is secured to the proximal extremity of the flexible elongate member. The control mechanism has a housing adapted to be grasped by a human hand. A first control member is slidably mounted in the housing. A second control member is rotatably mounted in the housing. The first and second control members are accessible to the fingers of the human hand grasping the housing. Electrical circuitry couples the first and second control members to the elements whereby when the first and second control members are moved, the distal extremity of the flexible elongate member is moved in accordance with the positioning of the first and second control members.

Abstract: A multi-element occlusion device (10, 20, 30, 40) provides an improvement over existing systems by increasing the occupation of a vascular lumen. The device (10, 20, 30) comprises an anchoring element (12, 22, 32), a lead element (14, 24, 34) and at least one fiber (16, 26, 36) attaching said elements. The elements and fibers produce a cumulative occlusive effect greater than the sum of the individual elements. When placed in the blood stream, the anchoring element (12, 22, 32) lodges against the vessel wail and the lead dement (14, 24, 34) is carded to a position distal thereto. In another embodiment, an "umbrella" of support members extend from the lead element. A fabric web extends between these support members. The umbrella intravascular device expands upon its exit from the catheter. The fabric web produces complete occlusion of the vessel without the need for thrombosis to form between the elements.

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: A valvulotome for disrupting a valve in a vein includes an elongate control member and a cutting head disposed at the distal end of the control member. The cutting head includes an elongate section extending generally along the length of the cutting head and a return section extending beside the elongate section also along the length of the cutting head. A cutting section included in the cutting head extends between the elongate section and the return section at a particular angle to the length of the control member. Portions of this cutting section form a proximally facing cutting edge for disrupting the valve. The valvulotome can be used with an endoscope in a method wherein the cutting head is tied to the endoscope with a suture, or a method wherein the valvulotome is back-loaded into the working channel of the endoscope.

Abstract: An apparatus for interconnecting a pair of longitudinal members connectable with vertebrae of a spinal column comprises first and second connector members connectable with the longitudinal members. An elongate plate extends transverse to the longitudinal members and interconnects the first and second connector members. The first connector member includes a hook portion extendable around a portion of the longitudinal member. A set screw clamps the longitudinal member to the hook portion of the connector member. A nut threadably engages the set screw to clamp the elongate plate to the connector member. The elongate plate includes surfaces defining a recess for receiving the connector member. The surfaces defining the recess engage the connector member to prevent the elongate plate from pivoting relative to the connector member.

Abstract: A bone anchor for securing a suture to a bone comprising a head portion and a shaft. The head portion includes a flat head portion for impeding axial migration of the bone anchor into the bone and a dome portion having a tunnel for receiving a suture. The shaft secures the bone anchor to the bone. It extends from the head portion to a flat, distal end. The shaft includes a plurality of tine segments disposed in planes substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bone anchor and a plurality of grooves extending along the shaft that divide each of the plurality of tine segments into a plurality of tines. Each of the plurality of tines has an upper surface substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the anchor, a frustroconical portion, and an arcuate junction defined by the intersection of the upper surface and the frustroconical portion.

Abstract: An integrated catheter assembly for enabling diverse in situ therapies includes a catheter with an irrigation fluid lumen, a distal tip portion that acts as a hemostat and a needle for injection therapy that extends through the catheter lumen and a lumen in the distal tip portion. A needle hub structure carries the catheter and provides a sealing entrance for a needle that can be displaced between extended and retracted positions. The needle and electrodes are electrically isolated. The apparatus provides a physician the options of irrigating tissue, cauterizing tissue or injecting tissue without the need for removing the apparatus from the working channel of an endoscope.

Abstract: A blood vessel piercing instrument includes an outer tube assembly and an inner needle assembly. The outer tube assembly has an outer tube and an outer tube hub attached to the rear end portion of said outer tube. The outer tube has a metal tubular member made of a superelastic metal and a resin tubular member which covers the outside surface of the metal tubular member and has the front end portion extending beyond the front end of the metal tubular member. The inner needle assembly includes an inner needle which is extractably inserted in said outer tube assembly and has a piercing edged surface formed at the front end protruding from said outer tube and an inner needle hub which is attached to the rear end portion of said inner needle and engages with the rear end of said outer tube hub. An inside diameter of said front end portion of said resin tubular member is smaller than the inside diameter of said metal tubular member and substantially equal to an outside diameter of said inner needle.

Abstract: A method of treating vascular lesions is disclosed which includes using a focused beam from a high energy, carbon dioxide laser to irradiate a spot on the surface of the skin over the vessel to be treated. The carbon dioxide output wavelength is highly absorbed by the tissue. By using short, high energy pulses, a small volume of skin can be vaporized or ablated with each pulse with little thermal damage beyond the ablated region. Using multiple pulses, a small channel is drilled in the skin until the vessel is reached. The laser energy absorbed by the blood in the vessel will cause it to coagulate and collapse. This procedure is then repeated at multiple sites along the length of the vessel so that it will collapse and no longer carry any blood.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for performing procedures such as carpal tunnel release. The instrument consists of an elongated member having a spring or cam plate positioned therein. The spring or cam plate is movable from a retracted position within the elongated member to an extended position protruding through an aperture in the elongated member. Movement of the spring or cam plate to the extended position stretches a flexible membrane positioned over at least a portion of the elongated member to stretch the carpal tunnel ligament.

Abstract: A device for non-surgical sealing of the interstice in the wall of a vessel is provided. The device includes a tubular, resorbable collagen plug 4 having longitudinal cut 8 in the form of a V. The device can further include applicator 5. The opening of cut 8 of plug 4 is located on the peripheral portion of plug 4. The internal diameter of plug 4 corresponds to the external diameter of catheter 3 which is introduced into vessel 1. The external diameter of plug 4 corresponds to the external diameter of applicator 5. Plug 4 includes inner and outer layers of resorbable collagen which have differing swelling rates. Applicator 5 includes longitudinal cut 10 in the form of a V. The opening of cut 10 is located on the peripheral side of applicator 5 relative to vessel 1.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus for creating an endovascular occlusion by the formation of thrombi in arteries, veins, aneurysms, vascular malformations, and arteriovenous fistulas. In particular, the invention is an assembly for electrolytically severing a portion of the endovascular device such as a coil via the use of electrolysis. The vasoocclusive device is introduced through a catheter and is intended to remain at the desired thrombus formation site. The invention further includes a method for the introduction of the device and its electrolytic separation.

Abstract: A pacifier clamped to a cloth handle by two interconnected members, one on each side of the cloth.

Abstract: A scalpel with a blade set at about thirty degrees to the handle has a blade shield that pivots up from the handle and a shield lock that prevents accidental lifting of the shield. The shield lock includes a small movable shaft just below the sidewalls of the shield next to the handle. A small disc is at each end of the shaft close to the handle and prevents the shield from being pivoted up. A counterbore around the shaft on one side of the handle enables the adjacent disc to be pushed in, thus extending the opposite disc permitting the shield to be pivoted up to unshield the blade.

Abstract: A pacifier assembly including a distinct cover design having light emitting diodes located at the details of the cover design to provide entertainment to the viewer of the pacifier. One or more light emitting diodes are attached to the pacifier face plate and are activated by the use of the pacifier using a controller circuit and or a switch.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for harvesting a tendon graft beneath the overlying tissues through a remote incision which exposes only a portion of the donor tendon from which the graft will be harvested. The apparatus or tendon harvester 10 includes an elongated tubular shaft 20 connected to a cylindrical handle 30 and a length of flexible cutting wire or cable 12. A needle 16 is connected to one end of the cable 12 which extends from the distal end of the shaft 20. The needle end of the cable 12 is affixed to the distal end of the shaft 20 to form a cable loop for slitting the tendon 4.