Abstract: A medical device includes a handle, a sheath, and an object-engaging unit. The distal end portion of the sheath is strong enough to resist being deformed by the object-engaging unit, yet another portion of the sheath is flexible enough to bend sufficiently.

Abstract: An air passageway obstruction device includes a frame structure and a flexible membrane overlying the frame structure. The frame structure is collapsible upon advancement of the device into the air passageway, expandable into a rigid structure upon deploying in the air passageway and re-collapsible upon removal from the air passageway. The flexible membrane obstructs inhaled air flow into a lung portion communicating with the air passageway. The device may be removed after deployment in an air passageway by re-collapsing the device and pulling the device proximally through a catheter.

Abstract: A method of destroying formation in a body has the steps of introducing a tubular member into a body to an area of a formation with gripping means provided at a front end of the tubular member and having a plurality of gripping elements which are movable between an open position in which the gripping elements are spaced from one another around an axis of the tubular member and a closed position in which the gripping elements are located close to one without gaps therebetween to enclose a substantially closed space, moving a tube inside the tubular member axially in a first axial direction so that the griping elements connected to the tubular member and to the tube are displaced to their open position to surround a formation, and then moving the tube in an opposite axial direction so that the gripping elements are moved to their closed position and form a substantially closed space to confine the formation inside the closed space, destroying the formation by a formation destroying element which is introduced t

Abstract: A device for destroying formations in a body has a tubular element introducible into a body to an area of a formation, a gripping element extended through the tubular element and having a front end provided with gripping means for grasping a formation, and a formation destroying element also extending through the tubular element and having a front end provided with a working part, the formation destroying element being rotatable so that during rotation of the formation destroying element with the working part the part in contact with the formation destroys the formation.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to embodiments of devices for capturing obstructions within passageways. The devices disclosed herein may include a flexible tubular body forming multiple flexible members arranged in a helical pattern. These flexible members may be expandable to form one or more cages when the tubular body is expanded to an increased diameter state. The cages may be generally centered around the longitudinal axis of the tubular body between the two ends of the body. Also disclosed herein are methods for capturing obstructions within passageways, methods for obtaining tissue samples from body passages, and methods for making devices for capturing obstructions within passageways.

Abstract: A device for destroying formations in a body has a tubular element introducible into a body to an area of a formation, a gripping element extended through the tubular element and having a front end provided with gripping means for grasping a formation, and a formation destroying element also extending through the tubular element and having a front end provided with a working part, the formation destroying element being rotatable so that during rotation of the formation destroying element with the working part the part in contact with the formation destroys the formation.

Abstract: An apparatus developed for the safe, non-surgical removal of coin-like obstructing foreign objects from the esophagus is provided. The technique employs radiologic guidance. The apparatus has a pair of gripping jaws which are inserted through a mouth block and into a patient's esophagus. The apparatus provides a protective sheath surrounding the inserted jaws. A handle, remote from the jaws, is used to extend the jaws from the sheath which then grasp the end-on edge of the obstructing object. The apparatus and obstructing object may then be removed through the bite block as a unit. The technique requires no sedation or general anesthesia and minimizes the risk of collateral injury to the esophageal region.

Abstract: This invention relates to a surgical device and methods for accessing and retrieving a tissue mass from a body cavity through a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure. The device consists of a handle comprising an inner rod, which is rotatably engaged within a tubular member, and a loop adapted to hold a surgical bag. The loop comprises first and second bowed leaf elements, wherein the first bowed leaf element is attached to the inner rod and the second bowed leaf element is attached to the tubular member. The device further has a rotatable articulation, such as a hinge, joining the first and second bowed leaf elements, wherein rotation of the inner rod causes the first bowed leaf element to rotate about the articulation, such that the surgical bag may be opened and closed by rotation of the inner rod.

Abstract: A medical device includes a handle, a sheath, and an object-engaging unit. The distal end portion of the sheath is strong enough to resist being deformed by the object-engaging unit, yet another portion of the sheath is flexible enough to bend sufficiently.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting foreign objects from the nasal passageway of a patient. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a flexible, elongate body having an inflatable balloon segment disposed at a distal end thereof. A method of practicing the invention involves introducing the distal end of the elongate body into the patient's nasal passageway to an extent that the balloon segment is advanced beyond the location in the nasal passageway at which the foreign body has become lodged. The balloon is then inflated. When the apparatus is withdrawn from the nasal passageway, the balloon draws the foreign object along and out of the nasal passageway. In one embodiment, the extraction apparatus is manufactured using methods and materials of a character that it is practical and cost-effective to render the apparatus disposable.

Abstract: An apparatus developed for the safe, non-surgical removal of coin-like obstructing foreign objects from the esophagus is provided. The technique employs radiologic guidance. The apparatus has a pair of gripping jaws which are inserted through a mouth block and into a patient's esophagus. The apparatus provides a protective sheath surrounding the inserted jaws. A handle, remote from the jaws, is used to extend the jaws from the sheath which then grasp the end-on edge of the obstructing object. The apparatus and obstructing object may then be removed through the bite block as a unit. The technique requires no sedation or general anesthesia and minimizes the risk of collateral injury to the esophageal region.

Abstract: An apparatus for minimizing the risk of air embolism includes an instrument delivery member 2 having a gas outlet 38 for delivering gas into a patient's thoracic cavity. The gas is directed across an opening 48 in the instrument delivery member 2 to help retain the gas in the patient's thoracic cavity. The gas is preferably carbon dioxide which is more soluble in blood than air which will thereby decrease the likelihood of the patient receiving an embolism due to trapped air in the patient's heart and great vessels after surgery.

Abstract: A medical device includes a handle, a sheath, and an object-engaging unit. The distal end portion of the sheath is strong enough to resist being deformed by the object-engaging unit, yet another portion of the sheath is flexible enough to bend sufficiently.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for maintaining open air passageways in a human are disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one central support member and may include side support members. The support members include a chin contacting surface and body contacting surfaces. Placement of the apparatus under the chin of the human in a supine position maintains air passageways of the human substantially open. The apparatus and method are particularly useful in maintaining open air passageways in humans undergoing surgical procedures requiring anesthesia.

Abstract: A folding device for holding and folding an IOL and adapted to allow a surgeon to select between loading the IOL into a removably attached IOL injector and between holding the IOL in a folded state for removal with a separate instrument. The folding device includes a pair of opposing sides, each having an upper surface. A plurality of retaining brackets extend upwardly from the upper surfaces of each side. The brackets are adapted for receiving and removably retaining the IOL injector. A hinge couples the sides together along a fold axis and allows the sides to retain the IOL therebetween. The hinge allows the sides to fold together from a planer position about a first fold direction when using the separate instrument and towards each other about a second fold direction when using the IOL injector.

Abstract: A safe roll-scraping ear pick includes a stick, a seat as well as a screw spring set including an exterior screw spring and an interior screw spring is disclosed. The stick is provided on one end thereof with the seat; the screw spring set is slipped over the seat. Thereby, rings on the exterior screw spring of the screw spring set all have chances to contact a wall of an ear. By rolling to and fro of the stick, the multiple rings can scrape and remove ear wax. This can increase efficiency of cleaning with the safety of non-damage to the tissue of ears.

Abstract: A lens injector cartridge having an asymmetric bore. The asymmetric bore initiates the folding of the lens on one side only, thereby reducing the amount of energy imparted to the lens and the potential for damage to the lens. The gentle folding of the lens also assists in positioning the travel of the haptics down the bore, thereby reducing the potential for damage to the haptics.

Abstract: A surgical extractor, and related method, for removing material (such as calculi and stones) from the body has the ability to capture and release material. The extractor has a sheath, a basket comprised of a plurality of legs that are unattached at a distal end of the basket and joined at a proximal base of the basket, and a plunger at the distal end of the sheath. The legs are movable relative to the sheath to achieve a collapsed position within the sheath and an extended position outside of the sheath in the form of an open basket. The plunger can be moved back and forth between a withdrawn position against the distal end of the sheath with the basket legs in the open position and an extended position away from the distal end of the sheath with the basket legs in a closed position. The distal ends of the legs are farther apart from each other when in the open position than when in the closed position.

Abstract: A prosthetic system is provided for secure mounting of a prosthetic component to a bone, and particularly to a bone that may be diseased, damaged or deteriorated. The prosthetic system includes a plurality of screws that are mounted to healthy bone stock. Each screw includes a threaded portion extending from one end and a non-threaded portion extending from the opposed end. The non-threaded portion includes a discontinuous surface configuration thereon. Ends of the screws are positioned to support the prosthetic component. The bone cement is then disposed between the prosthetic component and the bone and in surrounding relationship to portions of the screws that project from the bone. The cement surrounds and attaches to the protrusions on the screws so that the screws and the cement reinforce one another in response to loads imposed thereon during use of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A throat and esophagus clearing device includes an elongated object receiving chamber with a trigger housing attached thereto. The trigger housing includes a trigger operably responsive to a compression spring and in operable communication with a diaphragm or piston wherein the operation of the diaphragm or piston creates a negative pressure in the elongated object receiving chamber thereby producing a pressure differential, when in use, across an object lodged in a victim's air passageway.

Abstract: A medical instrument has an elastic tubular portion formed as a weaving portion, and an actuating element arranged so that by its displacement it acts on the tubular portion so that the tubular portion assumes one position in which it is expanded radially to assume a globe shape, and another position in which it is reduced radially to assume a substantially cylindrical shape with a diameter substantially smaller than a diameter of the globe shape.

Abstract: A medical vacuum device including a vacuum. A hose is received within the vacuum and into communication with a suction pump of the vacuum. The device includes a suction tube having a conical configuration. The suction tube couples with the hose. The tube can be extended into the throat of a choking victim in order to suck out the item of food lodged in the victims throat.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube cleaning device to be used in an endotracheal tube of the type that has a flow through passage with an interior wall surface that defines an interior diameter thereof. The endotracheal tube cleaning device includes an elongate tubular member with a length at least as long as the endotracheal tube and a diameter smaller than a corresponding diameter of the endotracheal tube. Defined within the elongate tubular member, and extending from generally a first end to a second end thereof, is a channel. The channel terminates in an outlet port connected in fluid flow communication with a resilient material bladder that is structure to inflate to a diameter sufficient to engage the interior wall surface of the endotracheal tube.

Abstract: Medical devices have a snare loop for removing patient-internal material, for example, a fibrin sheath which may form at the distal end of a venous catheter, and may be inserted intraluminally through the catheter during a medical procedure. The snare loop is capable of retroflexing in a proximal direction when extended beyond the distal end of the catheter so that the snare loop encircles the catheter's distal region. Such retroflexing may be accomplished by incorporating at least one pair of bend regions in the guide wire which are axially spaced-apart from one another. These bend regions will cause the shape-memory guide wire to flex upon advancement of the device beyond the distal end of the venous catheter so that the snare loop is capable of retroflexing around the catheter's distal end. Alternatively, a number of proximally directed struts having one end attached to the distal end of the guide wire.

Abstract: A reversible snare (10) for grasping and retrieving an article (15) such as a cardiac lead from within a human or veterinary patient (20) includes a sheath member (25) adapted for introduction into the patient (20), and a retractable closed loop (30) carried by the sheath member (25). The closed loop (30) is composed of a shape memory material and defines a hook (35) adapted to partly encircle the article (15). The snare further includes a threader (45) also carried by the sheath member (25), the threader (45) being reversibly extendable through the closed loop (30) (like a thread through a needle's eye) so that the hook (35) and threader (45) can fully encircle the article (15). Retraction of the closed loop (30) causes the hook (35) and threader (45) to close around the article (15) and permit its withdrawal into the sheath member (25). Independent retraction of the threader (45) allows the hook (35) to disengage from the article (15).

Abstract: A body passage foreign body extracting device includes an elongated flexible tubular rod having a compressible bulb attached to its proximal end. The bulb is in fluid communication with the rod in order to pump air through the rod. In addition, an inflatable balloon is attached to a distal end of the tubular rod and is in fluid communication with the rod. The balloon is positioned and connected with the rod so as to receive the air from the bulb and, as a result, become inflated. The extractor also includes a hand grip which is used for holding the extractor, compressing the bulb and maintaining compression with one hand.

Abstract: An otoscopic ear speculum is improved to enable removal of substances or objects from the ear canal. Alternate embodiments can perform like functions in other body orifices. The ear speculum incorporates one or more protrusions that move independently of the body of the speculum.In one embodiment, protrusions can be bent back towards the distal end of the speculum. Bending is accomplished by pulling a filament attached to the end of the protrusion. The filament may be pulled manually or with the aid of a trigger or a rotating knob.When placed inside of, or extended from a tube, protrusion mechanisms may serve as a surgical tool. The surgical tool may be adapted to fit a variety of body orifices.

Abstract: A magnetic retrieval catheter for retrieving a magnetically attractable object such as a disk-shaped battery from the stomach of a patient. The catheter includes an elongated member tube with a neodymium-based rare-earth magnet positioned in the passageway of the tube about the distal end thereof. The elongated member tube comprises a pliable, flexible material such as polyvinylchloride. A compatible polyvinylchloride dispersion coating material surrounds the distal end of the tube and the distal portion of the magnet extending from the passageway of the tube for securing the magnet in the passageway of the tube and for minimizing oxidation of the rare-earth magnet. A handle is attached about the proximal end of the tube for the manipulation of the tube by the physician. A guide is also provided for insertion through the handle and in the tube passageway about the distal end for controlling and advancing the tube.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an endoscopic extraction device which retains its operative usefulness for longer periods of time, and therefore need to be replaced less frequently. This extended instrument life is accomplished through the use of a composite wire construction, which includes, an inner monofilament wire of nitinol material surrounded by six stranded stainless steel wires. A wire construction in which a nitinol wire is surrounded by five stranded stainless steel wires is also disclosed. After constructing a wire basket in the normal manner using this material, heat is applied to the formed basket in its pre-formed shape to set the memory characteristics of the inner nitinol core.

Abstract: A scopic probe adapted to dissect various tissue includes a shaft and a wire tip. The wire tip includes an arcuate portion that is at a 90.degree. angle relative to the shaft. The arcuate or loop portion then extends to a linear tip that is parallel to the shaft. The tip is used to separate tissue which in turn is hooked by the loop allowing the surgeon to visualize depth and divide the hooked tissue. This permits a surgeon to perform tasks generally requiring several instruments with only one instrument.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical instrument. Since, in the case of instruments operated by gripping disks, a conventional spring preloading has not been adequate for an effective closing movement, an improvement is proposed here. This consists of so articulating a front gripping disk to an instrument member that, through a manually applied axially rearward movement of the gripping disk, the instrument members are closed.

Abstract: A retrieval catheter (10) for removing deleterious materials (S) from body lumens has an elongate catheter body (12) having a slack net (26) at its distal end (16). The slack net may be collapsed to facilitate introduction into the body lumen and opened in situ to permit capture and retrieval of the deleterious materials. A method for removing ureteral stones from the ureter is described.

Abstract: A device for removing foreign objects from anatomic organs such as the ear canal or throat having a housing shaped like a flashlight, an electrical power source such as a battery or AC power from a wall socket, and a tip extending from the housing, the tip having at least one wire loop made from a shape-memory-effect alloy such as Nitinol switchably connected to the electrical power source such that when electric current flows through the wire loop the wire loop heats up and returns to a previously programmed shape such as a curet or tweezers so as to facilitate removal of the foreign object.

Abstract: For the purpose of retrieving intraluminal and intracavitary objects under fluoroscopic or endoscopic guidance, a catheter assembly comprising a catheter and a transcatheter mandrel-wire combination of first grasping and then tightly snaring the object.