Abstract: A plug (1) for use in occluding a fallopian tube hysterescopically, said plug comprising: an elongate body (2) having an external thread (3), characterized in that: said body is fenestrated (6,17; 7,18; 8,19).

Abstract: A plug (1) for use in occluding a fallopian tube hysterescopically, said plug comprising: an elongate body (2) having an external thread (3), characterised in that: said body is fenestrated (6,17; 7,18; 8,19).

Abstract: An applicator for use in the fitting of an occlusive plug of the screw in kind to a fallopian tube, said applicator comprising: a body member; an eyepiece fitted to one end of the body member; an elongate probe carried by, and projecting from the other end of the body member; a fibre optic cable extending from the eye-piece along the interior of the probe to a terminal end of the probe distal from the body member; a nose piece movably mounted at said distal end of the probe and adapted to releasably receive a rear, drive end of an occlusive plug; a mechanical connection extending between the body member and the nose-piece whereby the practitioner may, within limits, vary the angle of the nose-piece with respect to its carrier tube; and a rotational drive means extending between the body member and the nose-piece to apply torque & hence rotational movement to an occlusive plug temporarily held by the nose-piece.

Abstract: A surgical clip comprises an upper jaw (12) and a lower jaw 14), a section lining, and includes a complex shape for the upper jaw (12) comprising a first generally straight section (120) and a second shallow curved section (122) thereby enabling the clip to be inserted down a narrow magazine tube and to be able to be operable into a wide capture opening to capture larger vessels and then closed into a latched position on application of force the relatively straight section (120) and then to the shallow curved section (122).

Abstract: A plug (1) for use in occluding a fallopian tube hysteroscopically comprising an elongate body (2) having an external thread (3) characterised in that the body and/or external thread has/have a roughened and/or pitted external surface (4), or in that the thread is fenestrated (5), or in that the leading end (6) of the elongate body (2) is provided with an extension nose (7) having a smooth external surface (8) and a rounded terminal end (9), or in that the leading end (6) of the elongate body (2) is provided with a conic helix (11) of the same hand as the external thread (3), generally forming a continuation of the external thread (3). The invention also includes a drive tool, for inserting a plug (1) incorporating an integral flexible hysteroscope, and comprising an outer sleeve housing a flexible drive rod adapted, at one end to engage, and apply torque to, the trailing end (12,13) of the elongate body (2) of the plug (1), with the other end of the drive rod being manually rotatable by the surgeon.

Abstract: A clip for sexual sterilization is provided. The clip includes resilient upper and a lower jaw members, and may be readily assembled by means of cooperating aperture and finger members on the upper and lower jaws.

Abstract: The clip which is suitable for sexual sterilization or other medical use is constructed from a single plastic moulding with a silicone rubber lining. The clip has a front latch which comprises a pivotable section of the lower jaw which ensures positive latching of the clip.

Abstract: An elongate length of suture is passed through holes in a first small plate (pledget) and holes in a second small plate (pledget), the suture being then tied to retain the two small plates relative to each other and to retain in use tissue between the two small plates (pledgets).