Abstract: A biocompatible middle ear prosthesis includes a polymer and a radiopaque marking material. The biocompatible middle ear prosthesis is implanted in the middle ear to replace all or part of the middle ear ossicles. A method for detecting the location of biocompatible middle ear prosthesis including implanting at least one biocompatible middle ear prosthesis that includes a polymer and a radiopaque marking material into the middle ear, exposing the at least one biocompatible middle ear prosthesis to a radiation source, creating an image from the exposure of the biocompatible middle ear prosthesis to a radiation source, and viewing the image created from the exposure of the biocompatible middle ear prosthesis to a radiation source to determine the location of the biocompatible middle ear prosthesis in the middle ear.

Abstract: A portable manually operated tool for applying multicontact connectors to flexible flat cable includes a pair of pivoted jaws which include respective connector body and cover holding members. The jaws are opened and closed by manually actuated handles including a locking toggle mechanism. The connector holding members include cooperating alignment guides and position stops. One of the connector holding members is mounted for limited movement on one of the jaws to provide for engagement of the alignment guides and to provide even distribution of the clamping force on the connector. The tool also includes a retractable cable cutter and positioning stop as well as a cable alignment and support tray.