Abstract: A tissue microfracture apparatus including a housing having a proximal end and a distal end that includes an aperture. The apparatus also includes an elongated member having proximal and distal ends with at least one tissue microfracture spike protruding from the distal end. The member operates cooperatively with the housing to expose a portion of the spike through the aperture. The apparatus also includes a disposing facility between the elongated member and the housing to dispose the spike in a home position within the housing. The disposing facility may be a spring element positioned at either the proximal or distal end of the housing. The elongated member may include a force receiving surface on the proximal end for receiving a force that facilitates exposing the portion of the spike. An exposure limiting facility limits the exposed portion of the spike.

Abstract: An amniotomy device includes a shaft having a rupture crown disposed along a distal end portion of the shaft. The rupture crown includes a distal end defined by at least two leading bite wings and a recess formed in the distal end of the rupture crown between the leading bite wings. The leading bite wings are configured to engage amniotic membrane when the shaft is rotated and rupture the amniotic membrane.

Abstract: An amniotomy assembly includes an amniotomy device including a shaft having a rupture crown and a tubular sleeve disposed over at least a portion of the shaft and selectively lockable to the shaft. The rupture crown is disposed on a distal end portion of the shaft and includes a first set of leading bite wings formed on a distal end of the rupture crown and a second set of trailing bite wings formed on a side of the rupture crown adjacent to a side of the shaft. The tubular sleeve is movable relative to the rupture crown between a first position in which the rupture crown resides within the tubular sleeve and a second position in which the rupture crown extends from the tubular sleeve.

Abstract: An amniotomy device includes a shaft having a rupture crown disposed along a distal end portion of the shaft. The rupture crown includes a distal end defined by at least two leading bite wings and a recess formed in the distal end of the rupture crown between the leading bite wings. The leading bite wings are configured to engage amniotic membrane when the shaft is rotated and rupture the amniotic membrane.

Abstract: In order to rotate and move an arm of a slave which supports a needle-holder, the rotation and movement of a pen-shaped operating section (31) caused by the fingers of the operator's hand are directly transmitted as the rotation and movement of the needle-holder, as sensors for detecting the rotation and movement of the operating section, an X-axis torque sensor, Y-axis torque sensor, Z-axis torque sensor, and a rotation detecting potentiometer (33) are installed thereon. As a result, the rotation and movement of the pen-shaped operating section (31) caused by the fingers of the operator's hand are transmitted as the rotation and movement of the needle-holder in optimum proportions through a computing section. Therefore, when the needle-holder is to be finely moved, a subtle motion of the fingers of the hand can be satisfactorily transmitted. Thereby, it is possible to provide a surgical operation device capable of doing minute surgical operations with ease.

Abstract: A monitoring device (1) for internal vaginal examinations during labour to assess descent of the fetal head through the maternal pelvis. The device (1) comprises first (2) and second (3) sections mounted together so as to be co-axially extendable and retractable relative to each other to vary the distance between opposite free ends (2a) and (3b) of the device (1) and being adapted to be releasably restrained together at a plurality of selectable co-axial positions. The second section (3) has a reference mark (7) for use in setting the device for a patient to be examined so that the distance between the free end (2a) of the first section (2) and the reference mark (7) corresponds to the distance in the patient between the posterior fourchette and the plane containing the ischial spines.

Abstract: An amniotomy assembly includes an amniotomy device including a shaft having a rupture crown and a tubular sleeve disposed over at least a portion of the shaft and selectively lockable to the shaft. The rupture crown is disposed on a distal end portion of the shaft and includes a first set of leading bite wings formed on a distal end of the rupture crown and a second set of trailing bite wings formed on a side of the rupture crown adjacent to a side of the shaft. The tubular sleeve is movable relative to the rupture crown between a first position in which the rupture crown resides within the tubular sleeve and a second position in which the rupture crown extends from the tubular sleeve.

Abstract: Amniotic sac-rupturing devices are disclosed in various configurations that are mounted on the hand of a physician to present a shielded hook, positioned on the physician's fingertip, supported by a flexible but firm substrate that extends from the fingertip to the palm and yet conforms to the corresponding contours of the finger during use, while still exposing critical portions of the fingertip for digitally examining an expectant mother's cervix prior to rupturing the amniotic sac. The sac-rupturing devices include a split ring mid-length, and a widened base handle that fits in the palm, to also help secure the hook on the physician's finger and ensure that the hook is readily withdrawn from the birth canal after rupturing the amniotic sac. Alternative hook arrangements are also disclosed, as well as methods of using the same.

Abstract: A one piece surgical device for perforating an amniotic membrane, the device including a elongate body defining a tip portion and an opposite handle potion, with the tip portion including a blunt end surface and a rearwardly projecting hook portion which is adjacent an upper edge of the body and the handle portion includes one or more raised surfaces located on the sides of the body closely adjacent the upper edge, wherein a user grasping the device may feel the raised surfaces to determine the orientation of the hook portion.

Abstract: An amniotomy glove incorporating a puncturing hook in the shape of a falcon's beak mounted on a structural base which is bonded to the inner surface of a latex physician's glove at a location spaced slightly from the tip of middle finger stall of said glove. The hook extends through wall of the middle finger stall and is bonded to the latex wall of said middle finger stall.

Abstract: An ordinary latex glove, or surgeon's glove, incorporating a hook in the structure thereof. The hook is mounted on a structural base, forming a hook component which is mounted on the inner surface of the middle finger stall of the glove, with the hook extending through the wall of the stall to the exterior.

Abstract: A digital amniotome with a directional indicator, having an elastomeric finger sheath configured to fit over a user's finger, and a membrane rupturing unit having a sharp-tipped element extending from a base. The sharp-tipped element is directionally oriented, such that it has a cutting edge for rupturing an amniotic membrane and a smooth edge. In one embodiment, the base is secured to the interior surface of the distal end of the finger sheath such that the sharp-tipped element passes through the opening in the distal end of said finger sheath. The base and/or the opening of the finger sheath are shaped to facilitate visual identification of the directional orientation of the sharp-tipped element. The finger sheath is color contrasted with the base to further facilitate visual identification of directional orientation of the sharp-tipped element.

Abstract: An amniotic membrane perforator comprising an elongated shaft portion having an arcuate bend at the proximal end of the shaft and a hook at the distal end of the shaft. A flag portion extends perpendicularly to the shaft substantially adjacent the distal end of the shaft, opposite the hook. The cross-section of an extended length of the shaft inward the distal end is substanially oval. During use, the physician's index finger is placed along the flat portion, and the thumb and second finger adjacent the oval cross-section portion.

Abstract: An amniotic membrane perforator tool having a tip portion, a shaft portion, a flexing portion, and a handle portion. The shaft portion is adjacent the tip portion and is preferably of a generally T-shaped cross-section having a vertical component and a horizontal component. The shaft portion is intermediate the tip portion and the flexing portion. The flexing portion is intermediate the shaft portion and the handle portion, and includes at least one crest and at least one valley. The shaft portion is pivotable at the flexing portion relative to the handle portion. The handle portion is dimensioned such that the handle portion is wider than high. Furthermore, the handle portion preferably includes a plurality of ribs.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a barb or hook attached on a side of the forward end of the outer guide tube of an otherwise standard electrode introducer sleeve. The hook enables the physician to perforate the membrane within the same single vaginal exam wherein the electrode is attached. A costly, time-consuming, and uncomfortable two-stage, two-tool medical procedure is reduced to one stage and one tool.

Abstract: A needle assembly which comprises a hollow needle, a stylet, and a spacer mechanism to control the position of the stylet within the needle.

Abstract: An amniotic membrane perforator includes an elongated shaft having a pair of spaced apart lobes at the distal end thereof relative to the user. A pair of tines are positioned between the lobes. Upon insertion of the perforator into the vaginal canal the lobes depress the amniotic sac so as to present a portion of the sac tissue to the tines for subsequent puncture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device which is utilized to identify an assailant. The device comprises a member simulating an artificial nail or an artificial nail having at least one sharp prong associated therewith for penetrating or scratching the skin of the assailant when sufficient pressure is applied thereto by the finger. A substance in dry, liquid or dehydrated form that is capable of identifying the assailant or providing an itching or burning sensation is carried by the prong. When pressure is applied to the device by the finger on which the device is mounted and is sufficient to pierce or scratch any exposed skin area of the assailant, the substance is then introduced into the blood stream of the assailant, thereby effectively thwarting the action of the assailant.