Abstract: A surgical instrument for suturing soft tissue is disclosed. The surgical instrument is capable of probing tissue, and preferably provides tactile feedback concerning the condition of the tissue. The instrument can then be used to pass and retrieve a suture without the need for an additional suture retrieval tool.

Abstract: A portable external device for a mechanical circulation support system includes first and second power sources, e.g. batteries and control electronics for redundant uninterrupted operation of an implantable blood pump. The control and power source module may be configured to accommodate a variety of wearable configurations for patient convenience and comfort.

Abstract: A sharps container for safe storage of used pen needles comprises a housing within which is rotatably mounted a used pen needle receiving and ejecting means. Used pen needles are inserted into the receiving means. The receiving and ejecting means is rotated; during the rotation, cam follower means connected to the ejecting means engages cam means within the housing to cause the ejection of the used pen needle into the housing.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical instrument for placing an implantable article about a tubular tissue structure is disclosed. The surgical instrument is particularly useful for treating urological disorders such as incontinence. Surgical methods using the novel instrument are also described.

Abstract: A sharps container for safe storage of used pen needles comprises a housing within which is rotatably mounted a used pen needle receiving and ejecting means. Used pen needles are inserted into the receiving means. The receiving and ejecting means is rotated; during the rotation, cam follower means connected to the ejecting means engages cam means within the housing to cause the ejection of the used pen needle into the housing.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical instrument for placing an implantable article about a tubular tissue structure is disclosed. The surgical instrument is particularly useful for treating urological disorders such as incontinence. Surgical methods using the novel instrument are also described.

Abstract: A device for estimating a stream of urine entering a toilet or urinal includes a measuring unit configured to estimate an amount of the stream of urine, and an indicator to provide an indication to an individual of the amount of the stream of urine.

Abstract: An assembly includes a plate holder having a body. The assembly further includes a stop structure movable in relation to the body between a first location and a second location. In addition, the assembly includes a bone plate assembly including (i) a bone plate having a plurality of fastener openings defined therein, the bone plate being attached to the body, and (ii) a fastener guide. One of the bone plate and the fastener guide includes a channel, and the other of the bone plate and the fastener guide includes a projection configured to be received in the channel.

Abstract: A sharps container for safe storage of used pen needles comprises a housing within which is rotatably mounted a used pen needle receiving and ejecting means. Used pen needles are inserted into the receiving means. The receiving and ejecting means is rotated; during the rotation, cam follower means connected to the ejecting means engages cam means within the housing to cause the ejection of the used pen needle into the housing.

Abstract: A sharps container for safe storage of used pen needles comprises a housing within which is rotatably mounted a used pen needle receiving and ejecting means. Used pen needles are inserted into the receiving means. The receiving and ejecting means is rotated; during the rotation, cam follower means connected to the ejecting means engages cam means within the housing to cause the ejection of the used pen needle into the housing.

Abstract: A sharps container for only one medical pen needle is configured with an elongated, hollow shield having an axially extending recess at a first end thereof. The recess is sized to receive the outer diameter of a pen needle hub. A cover member, sized for closing off the first end of the shield, is connected to the shield by means facilitating movement of the cover member between (i) a first position adjacent to a side of the shield and (ii) a second position abutting the first end of the shield. Locking means may be used for locking the cover member in the second position. The container has dual utilizations, first as a container for only one used medical pen needle and alternatively as a container for only one unused medical pen needle.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for suturing soft tissue is disclosed. The surgical instrument is capable of probing tissue, and preferably provides tactile feedback concerning the condition of the tissue. The instrument can then be used to pass and retrieve a suture without the need for an additional suture retrieval tool.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for suturing soft tissue is disclosed. The surgical instrument is capable of probing tissue, and preferably provides tactile feedback concerning the condition of the tissue. The instrument can then be used to pass and retrieve a suture without the need for an additional suture retrieval tool.

Abstract: A sharps container for (i) safe transportation and dispensing of a large number of unused pen needle assemblies, and (ii) safe storage of used pen needle assemblies. The unused pen needle assemblies may be connected to a flexible tape and are removed from a storage receptacle via an exit opening in the receptacle.

Abstract: A snow sled comprising a seating portion that includes a lightweight space frame having a suspension-type seat stretched among the space frame. The sled further includes a steering portion and articulated steering mechanism that links the steering portion to the seating portion. The articulated steering mechanism allows the steering portion to be pivoted laterally relative to the seating portion so as to make the sled readily steerable. A pair of rear skis are removably attachable to the seating portion. The steering portion includes a ski support and a pair of front skis pivotably attached to the ski support. Chatter and movement of the front skis are dampened by a pair of boots that engage the ski support and the respective front skis.

Abstract: A sharps container for (i) safe transportation and dispensing of a large number of unused pen needle assemblies, and (ii) safe storage of used pen needle assemblies. The unused pen needle assemblies may be connected to a flexible tape and are removed from a storage receptacle via an exit opening in the receptacle.

Abstract: A sharps container for pen needle assemblies includes an open top-type receptacle, a cover and a manually movable means. The manually movable means is rotatably positioned on the cover and has portions collectively forming a cup-like means for receiving a used pen needle assembly when the manually movable means is in an open position. When the manually movable means is in a closed position, the used pen needle assembly is transferred by gravity to the bottom of the receptacle.

Abstract: An assembly includes a plate holder having a body. The assembly further includes a guide component having a plurality of guide holes defined therein, the guide component being movably secured to the body of plate holder so that the guide component is movable in relation to the body between a first position and a second position. Also, the assembly includes a bone plate having a plurality of fastener openings defined therein, the bone plate being attached to the body. When the guide component is positioned at the first position, the plurality of guide holes are respectively aligned with the plurality of fastener openings. When the guide component is positioned at the second position, the plurality of guide holes are respectively misaligned with the plurality of fastener openings.