Abstract: A method of positioning an arcuate tool against inner annular walls of the disc that particularly facilitates reaching posterior and postero-lateral portions of the inner annulus of the disc by arthroscopy. An elongated, arcuate and shape memory tool such as a catheter is positioned against the inner annular wall of the disc, and particularly on the posterior and postero-lateral portions of the inner annulus of the disc, which are portions of the disc to be treated. The deformable and arcuate tool retains its predetermined arcuate shape when no pressure or force is applied to the tool.

Abstract: A method of positioning an S-shaped tool against inner annular walls of the disc that particularly facilitates reaching posterior and postero-lateral portions of the inner annulus of the disc by arthroscopy. An elongated, arcuate and S-shaped tool such as a catheter is positioned against the inner annular wall of the disc, and particularly on the posterior and postero-lateral portions of the inner annulus of the disc, which are portions of the disc to be treated. The deformable, arcuate and S-shaped tool retains its predetermined arcuate, S-shape when no pressure or force is applied to the tool.

Abstract: A method of positioning an S-shaped tool against inner annular walls of the disc that particularly facilitates reaching posterior and postero-lateral portions of the inner annulus of the disc by arthroscopy. An elongated, arcuate and S-shaped tool such as a catheter is positioned against the inner annular wall of the disc, and particularly on the posterior and postero-lateral portions of the inner annulus of the disc, which are portions of the disc to be treated. The deformable, arcuate and S-shaped tool retains its predetermined arcuate, S-shape when no pressure or force is applied to the tool.

Abstract: A method of positioning an S-shaped tool against inner annular walls of the disc that particularly facilitates reaching posterior and postero-lateral portions of the inner annulus of the disc by arthroscopy. An elongated, arcuate and S-shaped tool such as a catheter is positioned against the inner annular wall of the disc, and particularly on the posterior and postero-lateral portions of the inner annulus of the disc, which are portions of the disc to be treated. The deformable, arcuate and S-shaped tool retains its predetermined arcuate, S-shape when no pressure or force is applied to the tool.

Abstract: A method of positioning an S-shaped elongated tool in an intervertebral disc or a vertebral body. The S-shaped elongated tool has shape memory properties and retains its predetermined arcuate shape when no pressure or force is applied to it.

Abstract: A method of positioning an S-shaped tool against inner annular walls of the disc that particularly facilitates reaching posterior and postero-lateral portions of the inner annulus of the disc by arthroscopy. An elongated, arcuate and S-shaped tool such as a catheter is positioned against the inner annular wall of the disc, and particularly on the posterior and postero-lateral portions of the inner annulus of the disc, which are portions of the disc to be treated. The deformable, arcuate and S-shaped tool retains its predetermined arcuate, S-shape when no pressure or force is applied to the tool.

Abstract: A method of positioning an arcuate device against the inner walls of the disc, and particularly on the posterior and postero-lateral portions of the inner annulus of the disc. The arcuate device retains its predetermined arcuate shape when no pressure or force is applied to the catheter. In an embodiment, an arcuate cutter is used to remove tissue from the inner annulus of the disc. In another embodiment an arcuate device is used to progressively remove material from the interior of the mammalian intervertebral disc. In yet another embodiment, an arcuate device is used to remove the entire intervertebral disc and place supports to maintain a disc space.

Abstract: A device and method for removing tissue, and if required, other undesired materials from an intervertebral disc or vertebral body. An elongated arcuate, and preferably S-shaped tool is used to progressively remove material from the interior of the mammalian intervertebral disc or vertebral body. A sheath introduces the elongated tool by a posterior, postero-lateral or lateral approach. The shape of the elongated tool is formed within a guide or lumen of the sheath for transportation through the sheath. The elongated tool assumes its predetermined arcuate shape when no pressure or force is applied to the tool by the sheath as the elongated tool exits the sheath. The device and method allow positioning of new material in the intervertebral disc and/or vertebral body. The new material may be tissue, therapeutic agents, mechanical devices such as spacers, or agents that will fuse vertebral bodies.

Abstract: A device and method of positioning materials in a spine using an arcuate tool and introducer. Materials may be positioned as desired, such as against an inner annular wall of an intervertebral disc or vertebral body. The arcuate tool retains its predetermined arcuate shape when no pressure or force is applied to the tool, and is positioned by manipulating the tool relative to an introducer and the spine, with the introducer manipulated relative to the spine.

Abstract: A method of positioning an S-shaped elongated tool in an intervertebral disc or a vertebral body. The S-shaped elongated tool has shape memory properties and retains its predetermined arcuate shape when no pressure or force is applied to it.

Abstract: A method of positioning an arcuate device against the inner walls of the disc, and particularly on the posterior and postero-lateral portions of the inner annulus of the disc. The arcuate device retains its predetermined arcuate shape when no pressure or force is applied to the catheter. In an embodiment, an arcuate cutter is used to remove tissue from the inner annulus of the disc. In another embodiment an arcuate device is used to progressively remove material from the interior of the mammalian intervertebral disc. In yet another embodiment, an arcuate device is used to remove the entire intervertebral disc and place supports to maintain a disc space.

Abstract: A device and method for removing tissue, and if required, other undesired materials from an intervertebral disc or vertebral body. An elongated arcuate, and preferably S-shaped tool is used to progressively remove material from the interior of the mammalian intervertebral disc or vertebral body. A sheath introduces the elongated tool by a posterior, postero-lateral or lateral approach. The shape of the elongated tool is formed within a guide or lumen of the sheath for transportation through the sheath. The elongated tool assumes its predetermined arcuate shape when no pressure or force is applied to the tool by the sheath as the elongated tool exits the sheath. The device and method allow positioning of new material in the intervertebral disc and/or vertebral body. The new material may be tissue, therapeutic agents, mechanical devices such as spacers, or agents that will fuse vertebral bodies.

Abstract: A device and method of positioning materials in a spine using an arcuate tool and introducer. Materials may be positioned as desired, such as against an inner annular wall of an intervertebral disc or vertebral body. The arcuate tool retains its predetermined arcuate shape when no pressure or force is applied to the tool, and is positioned by manipulating the tool relative to an introducer and the spine, with the introducer manipulated relative to the spine.

Abstract: A method of positioning an arcuate catheter against an inner annular wall of the disc, and particularly on the posterior and postero-lateral portions of the inner annulus of the disc, by arthroscopy is presented. The arcuate catheter retains its predetermined arcuate shape when no pressure or force is applied to the catheter. This present device and method require no forward tip pressure on the inner annular wall of a mammalian intervertebral disc. An arcuate sheath having a cutter is used to remove tissue from the inner annulus of the disc. In another embodiment an arcuate sheath is used to progressively remove material from the interior of the mammalian intervertebral disc. In yet another embodiment, an arcuate sheath and catheter are used to remove the entire intervertebral disc and place supports to maintain a disc space.

Abstract: A method of positioning an arcuate catheter against an inner annular wall of the disc, and particularly on the posterior and postero-lateral portions of the inner annulus of the disc, by arthroscopy is presented. The arcuate catheter retains its predetermined arcuate shape when no pressure or force is applied to the catheter. This present device and method require no forward tip pressure on the inner annular wall of a mammalian intervertebral disc. An arcuate sheath having a cutter is used to remove tissue from the inner annulus of the disc. In another embodiment an arcuate sheath is used to progressively remove material from the interior of the mammalian intervertebral disc. In yet another embodiment, an arcuate sheath and catheter are used to remove the entire intervertebral disc and place supports to maintain a disc space.

Abstract: A cleaning swab has an elongated handle defining a longitudinal axis and having a diameter. The handle has a cleaning head end. A cleaning head is formed from a sheet of non-linting material having a predetermined thickness so as to form a predetermined cleaning head diameter. The material forms a seal-less tip and a pair of longitudinal side seals extending along longitudinal sides of the cleaning head. Excess material forms a cleaning surface suitable for standard polish and angle physical connector polished end faces. A sleeve has a central opening for receiving the handle such that the cleaning head extends beyond an open end of the sleeve. Use of a first predetermined thickness of material forms a first swab having a cleaning head having a first diameter cleaning head and use of a second different predetermined thickness of material forms a second swab having a second different diameter. The sleeve is configured to interchangeably receive the first swab and the second swab.

Abstract: A fiber optic component cleaning tool includes a container defining a body having an outer wall, a sealed bottom wall and an open end, the open end defines a periphery. A compliant, large work surface is disposed on at least a portion of the outer wall. A plurality of cleaning wipes are disposed inside the container. The wipes are pre-moistened with a solvent. A seal extends over the container opening and is sealed to the container at the periphery. The seal has a frangible portion therein to define an opening. A lid is fitted to the container over the open end. The lid has an opening for cooperating with the frangible portion of the seal. Cleaning wipes are fed from the inside of the container through the opening in the seal and the opening in the lid, and are placed on the work surface for cleaning the fiber optic component. The wipes are formed from a non-woven material such as a blend of a natural and a synthetic material.

Abstract: A fiber optic component cleaning tool includes a container defining a body having an outer wall, a sealed bottom wall and an open end, the open end defines a periphery. A compliant, large work surface is disposed on at least a portion of the outer wall. A plurality of cleaning wipes are disposed inside the container. The wipes are pre-moistened with a solvent. A seal extends over the container opening and is sealed to the container at the periphery. The seal has a frangible portion therein to define an opening. A lid is fitted to the container over the open end. The lid has an opening for cooperating with the frangible portion of the seal. Cleaning wipes are fed from the inside of the container through the opening in the seal and the opening in the lid, and are placed on the work surface for cleaning the fiber optic component.

Abstract: A cleaning device is configured for cleaning a male portion of an aligning-type fiber optic connector. The device includes a container having an opening in a face formed in a side of the container. A plurality of discrete soft, large work surfaces are disposed on a face formed in a side of the container. The surfaces are disposed in side-by-side relation to one another having open regions between the surfaces. The open regions are at an elevation lower than an elevation of the plurality of work surfaces. A plurality of cleaning wipes are located inside the container. The wipes are fed from the inside of the container through the opening and placed on the work surface for cleaning the connector.

Abstract: A method of removing matrix from a fiber optic cable includes the steps of providing a foil layer, placing a sheet of wiping material atop the foil layer, positioning a portion of fiber optic cable coated with a matrix on the sheet of wiping material, folding the foil layer and sheet of wiping material together, spraying solvent into the folded wiping material, and confining the fiber optic cable inside the folded sheet of wiping material within the folded foil layer until the matrix dissolves. A durable folder may be used with the method to provide a portable work station and secure both the sheets of wiping material and the foil layer. A portable containing materials necessary for practicing the method of the present invention also is disclosed.