Abstract: Embodiments of medical devices and methods are disclosed. The medical devices typically comprises a needle with a rigid proximal shaft, a flexible distal shaft and a distal tip. The distal tip includes an electrode for delivering energy to puncture a tissue. In some embodiments, the distal shaft comprises a superelastic material. In other embodiments, the distal shaft is comprised of both a superelastic material and a non-superelastic material.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for at least partial occlusion of the uterus blood vessels comprising two opposing jaws with scissor-type handles and a latching mechanism. Each jaw has a straight member 1 and a straight member 2 connected with an angle 30-45 degrees. Each said member 1 has a tubular cover. Each member 2 is integrated with the scissor-type handle. Each jaw has an inner side and an outer side. The jaws are made movable relative to each other in order to at least partially occlude the uterus blood vessels by the opposite sides of the covers on the inner sides of the members 1. The latching mechanism is made to retain the jaws in the working position over a needed period of time and release the jaws when the need for occlusion is over. Each cover has an inner cavity open from one end for receiving and retaining the member 1 of said jaw.

Abstract: A device for performing fetotomy on a dead fetus or repositioning of a live fetus has a primary attachment in the form of a looped brace that is provided around a fetal limb within the birth canal of the mother animal and engages the armpit or groin of the fetus. An extension bar connects the brace to a tensioning device. A secondary attachment such as a cable or chain is attached at the foot of the fetal limb and connected to the tensioning device. The tensioning device is operated to provide tension between the brace and the secondary attachment, thereby placing the fetal limb in traction. Sufficient traction causes removal of the entire limb without exposing sharp bone edges. Variations of the device may be used for a fetal repositioning procedure.

Abstract: A replaceable handle for side loading the proximal end of a medical device therein, which is typically inserted with the operating lumen of an endoscope. The replaceable handle can side-load the proximal end of the device into the handle for added manipulation of the distal end such as in removing a stone from the kidney or ureter leading therefrom. An inner housing is rotatable within an outer housing of the handle to secure the medical device in the housing passageway, and is spring biased to then move proximally with respect to the outer housing, moving the inner control rod of the medical device proximally to withdraw the stone basket mostly into the outer cannula and capture the stone for removal from the patient. A push button in the proximal end portion of the inner housing is depressible to permit insertion or withdrawal of the proximal end of the inner control rod of the stone retriever within the inner housing, and is releasable to secure the inner control rod in the handle.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of an infected area within a body. The method comprises applying a electrically conductive biocide composition to an infected area within a body that has been exposed during surgery. Then, an electric field is applied to the biocide composition. The electric field strength and duration of application may be sufficient to produce killing of microorganisms in the infected area.

Abstract: A replaceable handle (10) for side loading the proximal end of a medical device (41) therein, which is typically inserted with the operating lumen of an endoscope. The replaceable handle is easily removed from the proximal end of the medical device for removing an endoscope over the medical device. with the endoscope removed, the replaceable handle can side-load the proximal end of the device for added manipulation of the distal end such as in removing a stone from the kidney or ureter leading therefrom. the replaceable handle includes an outer elongated housing (11) with passage (13) extending longitudinally therein with external communication (14) therealong. The outer housing also includes a first attachment mechanism (15) disposed about the distal end for receipt of a first medical device member therein. The handle also includes an inner elongated member (17) positioned in the housing passage and extending proximally therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus for dividing embryos that are maintained in a flushing or saline solution is provided for removable insertion within a test tube-like container having an open container end and a sealed rounded end. The apparatus assembles within or without the container and includes a generally cylindrical partition cup having a rounded end that conforms to the rounded sealed end of the container and an elongated cylindrical central barrel having an elongated chamber, the central barrel having a portion thereof which is placed contiguous to the partition cup. The apparatus also includes an elongated, generally cylindrical embryo guide funnel having a funnel-shaped end further defined by an elongated member. The elongated member further defines a tubular passageway that allows the embryo to pass therethrough for division or bisection by a cutting edge attached to the partition cup and positioned adjacent the passageway.

Abstract: A vented needle with sideport comprising a main body housing having dual input ports at substantially right angles to each other. An integral needle structure having a central aperture therethrough being generally in the same axial alignment as one input port and transversely to the other port. A tubular sleeve around the projecting needle for providing a second fluid flow path externally thereof. The needle preferably has a longitudinal groove therein for increasing the fluid flow along the circumference of the needle. The device is designed so that the needle is longer than the tubular sleeve and, thus, air can be passed therethrough without danger of any air being inputted to the liquid flow of the shorter tubular sleeve liquid flow passageway. A hydrophobic air vent filter preferably is connected to the air input of the device.The method of assembly of this vented needle with side port is also part of this invention.