Abstract: A method of using a biopsy apparatus includes moving a stylet cannula relative to a vacuum cannula between a first extended position and a first retracted position; and receiving a protrusion member within a flared portion of the vacuum cannula when the stylet cannula is in the first retracted position.

Abstract: Provided is a smart safety regulation system of Ringer solution, which includes: a regulator body having a body frame; a lower roller rotatably disposed inside the body frame; a flow regulating roller rotatably disposed inside the body frame and apart from an upper surface of the lower roller wherein a portion of an outer periphery of the flow regulating roller protrudes through an open upper side of the body frame; and a safety cover which accommodates the regulator body detachably. The system has an effect that a flow of the Ringer solution will not change even if a patient misoperates or does not operate skillfully in order to prevent medical accidents.

Abstract: A device for moving contents of a tube by acting on the exterior of the tube is provided. The device includes a housing having a tube passageway extending along a length thereof for holding a tube therein. A first roller and a second roller are moveable between a first position and a second position and configured to compress the tube in the second position. A first roller chassis is coupled to the housing for mounting the first roller therein and a second roller chassis is coupled to the housing for mounting the second roller therein. The first and second roller chasses are moveable between a first position in which the tube is disengaged and a second position in which the tube is engaged. A lever operably coupled to the housing causes the first or second roller to pivot and engage the tube positioned within the passageway.

Abstract: Tissue fixation members 18 interact with a housing 12 to hold tissue relative to the housing and allow the orientation and position of the grasped tissue to be manipulated with improved efficacy. The tissue fixation members can be easily and quickly moved between deployed and retracted positions to reversibly grasp and release tissue.

Abstract: A forceps includes first and second shafts, each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. At least one jaw member is moveable from an open to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. At least one jaw member is configured for reciprocation of a blade therethrough. A trigger assembly includes a trigger and at least one linkage coupled to the trigger and to the blade such that rotation of the trigger translates the blade between the retracted and the extended position. An interference member moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position is also provided. The interference member is configured to engage the linkage(s) when in the locked position to inhibit translation of the blade from the retracted to the extended position.

Abstract: Provided is a manipulator including a first forceps piece and a second forceps piece, which are connected by a pivotal axle and have a gripping part opened or closed on a leading end side thereof. The manipulator includes a manipulation member that is connected to a base end side of the pair of forceps pieces, and moves forward or backward in an axial direction to open or close the gripping part, a first buffer part that has a first spring constant, and undergoes elastic deformation to change a grasping force generated at the gripping part on the basis of the first spring constant and a pulling amount of the manipulation member, and a stopper that regulates the elastic deformation of the first buffer part.

Abstract: A medical instrument with a shank consisting of pivotable jaw parts and a handle, the two jaw parts of the tool are pivotable relative to each other independently via the handle and each of the pivotable jaw parts is actuated via a separate drive. One drive is designed as a grip part mounted pivotably on the handle and is connected to one jaw part via a first push/pull element mounted in an axially displaceable manner in the shank, and the other drive is an adjusting wheel rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the shank and is connected to the other jaw part of the tool via a second push/pull element mounted in an axially displaceable manner in the shank. The push/pull element is designed as a push/pull rod, and the push/pull element which is coupled to the adjusting wheel is designed as a push/pull tube coaxially surrounding the push/pull rod.

Abstract: Surgical tools for use during scarless or near scarless surgical procedures. At least some of the surgical tools can include a handle portion and a working end removably connected to the handle portion.

Abstract: A medical tubular shaft instrument having a tube and a force transmission element extending lengthwise through the tube. The tube includes a jaw member arrangement on a distal end, which is coupled with the force transmission element and actuated by sliding the force transmission element along the tube. The tube includes a handpiece on a proximal end. The force transmission element, over part of its length, has a smaller outer diameter than the inner diameter of the tube to configure a ring-shaped flushing canal, and, one section along its length, it is centered in the tube in this section. The force transmission element includes precisely one section in which it is centered in the tube, and the section is in the vicinity of the distal end of the force transmission element and is perpendicular to its longitudinal axis by reshaping the force transmission element.

Abstract: A drain tube stripper containing two handles pivotally joined at one end. The second end of each handle contains a roller. The rollers meet when the handles are pressed together. The handles are of unequal length. A drain tube, e.g., surgical drain, can be stripped of fluid and material buildup by placing the open rollers over the tube and pressing the handles together. The rollers thereby pinch the drain tube and the rollers allow the device to be moved along the drain tube pushing fluid and material ahead of the rollers. The drain tube stripper allows the tube to enter between the rollers from the side and exit from the side of the opposing handle. The tube drain stripper may also contain a guide component to minimize entanglement of the drain and the device is rolled along the drain tubing.

Abstract: A multi-ringed tubular organ separator includes a first arm having a handle at a rear end and a second arm having a handle at a rear end and combined with the first arm for rotation about a pivot into an opened position and a closed position. The first arm and the second arm are provided at their front ends with main clamps cooperating to define a main clamping zone in which a tubular organ and surrounding tissues of a mammal can be enclosed. The first arm and the second arm are further provided with sub clamps formed adjacent to the main clamps and cooperating to define a sub clamping zone in which the tubular organ and the surrounding tissues can be enclosed in isolation from the main clamping zone, the main clamping zone remaining in communication with the sub clamping zone through a throat.

Abstract: A medical instrument insertable through a cannula, the instrument comprising an elongate shaft; and an operative tip having a first jaw and a second jaw movable with respect to the first jaw. The operative tip disposed at a distal end of said elongate shaft and being disposed on said shaft for rotation relative to at least a distal end portion of said shaft about a longitudinal axis of said distal end portion.

Abstract: A shape memory material with integrated actuation using embedded particles. One embodiment provides a shape memory material apparatus comprising a shape memory material body and magnetic pieces in the shape memory material body. Another embodiment provides a method of actuating a device to perform an activity on a subject comprising the steps of positioning a shape memory material body in a desired position with regard to the subject, the shape memory material body capable of being formed in a specific primary shape, reformed into a secondary stable shape, and controllably actuated to recover the specific primary shape; including pieces in the shape memory material body; and actuating the shape memory material body using the pieces causing the shape memory material body to be controllably actuated to recover the specific primary shape and perform the activity on the subject.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing an object from a tubular vessel are disclosed. The apparatus includes an expandable catheter and a plurality of wires configured to snare an object within a tubular vessel. A distal end of the expandable catheter may be manipulable between a first configuration wherein an opening thereon has a first diameter, and a second configuration wherein the opening has a second diameter which is larger than the first diameter. The apparatus may further include an inner catheter within its lumen, the inner catheter being extendable from the expandable catheter's lumen. The apparatus may additionally or alternatively include an outer catheter having a lumen from which the expandable catheter may be expanded.

Abstract: A multifunctional surgical operation device comprises clips serving as a plurality of surgical operation tools, a plurality of manipulating wires interlocked with the plurality of clips, the manipulating wires being capable of independently manipulating the plurality of clips respectively, a manipulating section capable of manipulating the plurality of manipulating wires, and a switch lever capable of being selectively engaged with the plurality of manipulating wires. In this device, the manipulating section is manipulated, thereby making it possible to manipulate only the clip interlocked with the manipulating wire engaged with the switch lever.

Abstract: Micro-electromechanical tools for minimally invasive techniques including microsurgery. These tools utilize composite shape memory alloy (SMA), shape memory polymer (SMP) and combinations of SMA and SMP to produce catheter distal tips, actuators, etc., which are bistable. Applications for these structures include: 1) a method for reversible fine positioning of a catheter tip, 2) a method for reversible fine positioning of tools or therapeutic catheters by a guide catheter, 3) a method for bending articulation through the body's vasculature, 4) methods for controlled stent delivery, deployment, and repositioning, and 5) catheters with variable modulus, with vibration mode, with inchworm capability, and with articulated tips. These actuators and catheter tips are bistable and are opportune for in vivo usage because the materials are biocompatible and convenient for intravascular use as well as other minimal by invasive techniques.

Abstract: Flexible tube contents removers that are particular suitable for a variety of medical procedures include spaced arms supporting a pair of parallel spaced tapered rollers having spacing that is adjustable through finger pressure. One embodiment has the flexible tube extending through a hole in one support arm that directs the tube between the rollers. Another embodiment includes the rollers at an angle to a line normal to the longitudinal axis of the support arm so the tube extends along one side of the support arms and between the rollers. Stop surfaces restrict movement of the arms beyond a selected acute inside angle. A cam surface and resilient cut-out section on the arms serves as a bias to return the arms to a position of maximum spacing for the rollers when the finger pressure is removed.

Abstract: A milking device having a flexible, unitary body for securing and compressing patient tubing is disclosed comprising first and second portions which are tapered from one another and define a conduit that communicates with a channel formed on one side of the device and an opposing slot formed on the other side thereof. First and second portions further define first and second receptacles, respectively, each adapted to receive a roller disposed rotatably therein for engaging patient tubing. A pair of guides are provided at the entrance of the device in order to facilitate the axial advancement of patient tubing through the conduit of the body. Distal and proximal openings are formed at either end of the conduit to receive a portion of patient tubing inserted through the channel. The device may then be advanced longitudinally along the tubing as a user presses the two rollers together and engages the tubing while progressively evacuating the contents thereof into an appropriate collection site.

Abstract: A milking device having a flexible, unitary body for securing and compressing patient tubing is disclosed comprising first and second portions which are tapered from one another and define a conduit that communicates with a channel formed on one side of the device and an opposing slot formed on the other side thereof. First and second portions further define first and second receptacles, respectively, each adapted to receive a roller disposed rotatably therein for engaging patient tubing. A pair of guides are provided at the entrance of the device in order to facilitate the axial advancement of patient tubing through the conduit of the body. Distal and proximal openings are formed at either end of the conduit to receive a portion of patient tubing inserted through the channel. The device may then be advanced longitudinally along the tubing as a user presses the two rollers together and engages the tubing while progressively evacuating the contents thereof into an appropriate collection site.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for loading deposit material, such as an embolic coil, into a shape memory polymer (SMP) gripping/release mechanism. The apparatus enables the application of uniform pressure to secure a grip by the SMP mechanism on the deposit material via differential pressure between, for example, vacuum within the SMP mechanism and hydrostatic water pressure on the exterior of the SMP mechanism. The SMP tubing material of the mechanism is heated to above the glass transformation temperature (Tg) while reshaping, and subsequently cooled to below Tg to freeze the shape. The heating and/or cooling may, for example, be provided by the same water applied for pressurization or the heating can be applied by optical fibers packaged to the SMP mechanism for directing a laser beam, for example, thereunto. At a point of use, the deposit material is released from the SMP mechanism by reheating the SMP material to above the temperature Tg whereby it returns to its initial shape.

Abstract: Medical devices or components for medical devices formed from bioabsorbable elastomers comprising a segmented copolymer are disclosed. The segmented copolymer is a copolymer of from about 30 to about 40 mole percent of lactide and the balance being substantially p-dioxanone. The segmented copolymers surprisingly exhibit elastomeric properties, and the copolymers are bioabsorbable. The combination of physical and biological properties of these elastomeric copolymers are particularly well suited for numerous medical and surgical applications.

Abstract: Microfabricated therapeutic actuators are fabricated using a shape memory polymer (SMP), a polyurethane-based material that undergoes a phase transformation at a specified temperature (Tg). At a temperature above temperature Tg material is soft and can be easily reshaped into another configuration. As the temperature is lowered below temperature Tg the new shape is fixed and locked in as long as the material stays below temperature Tg. Upon reheating the material to a temperature above Tg, the material will return to its original shape. By the use of such SMP material, SMP microtubing can be used as a release actuator for the delivery of embolic coils through catheters into aneurysms, for example. The microtubing can be manufactured in various sizes and the phase change temperature Tg is determinate for an intended temperature target and intended use.

Abstract: Microfabricated therapeutic actuators are fabricated using a shape memory polymer (SMP), a polyurethane-based material that undergoes a phase transformation at a specified temperature (Tg). At a temperature above temperature Tg material is soft and can be easily reshaped into another configuration. As the temperature is lowered below temperature Tg the new shape is fixed and locked in as long as the material stays below temperature Tg. Upon reheating the material to a temperature above Tg, the material will return to its original shape. By the use of such SMP material, SMP microtubing can be used as a retaining/release actuator for the delivery of material, such as embolic coils, for example, through catheters into aneurysms, for example. The microtubing can be manufactured in various sizes and the phase change temperature Tg is determinate for an intended temperature target and intended use. The SMP microtubing can be positioned around or within an end of a deposit material.

Abstract: Microfabricated therapeutic actuators are fabricated using a shape memory polymer (SMP), a polyurethane-based material that undergoes a phase transformation at a specified temperature (Tg). At a temperature above temperature Tg material is soft and can be easily reshaped into another configuration. As the temperature is lowered below temperature Tg the new shape is fixed and locked in as long as the material stays below temperature Tg. Upon reheating the material to a temperature above Tg, the material will return to its original shape. By the use of such SMP material, SMP microtubing can be used as a release actuator for the delivery of embolic coils through catheters into aneurysms, for example. The microtubing can be manufactured in various sizes and the phase change temperature Tg is determinate for an intended temperature target and intended use.

Abstract: An instrument for use with resilient tubing such as wound drainage tubing, catheters, chest tubing, common duct T tubing, I.V.

Abstract: A miniature plastic gripper actuated by inflation of a miniature balloon and method of fabricating same. The gripper is constructed of either heat-shrinkable or heat-expandable plastic tubing and is formed around a mandrel, then cut to form gripper prongs or jaws and the mandrel removed. The gripper is connected at one end with a catheter or tube having an actuating balloon at its tip, whereby the gripper is opened or closed by inflation or deflation of the balloon. The gripper is designed to removably retain a member to which is connected a quantity or medicine, plugs, or micro-components. The miniature plastic gripper is inexpensive to fabricate and can be used for various applications, such as gripping, sorting, or placing of micron-scale particles for analysis.

Abstract: An instrument for obtaining tissue samples from a site deep within the body. The instrument has an elongated proximal portion that is constructed to follow a long, torturous path to the site and a distal end constructed to remove a tissue sample from the body, including tissue specimens, polyps or the like. The instrument is constructed to take multiple biopsy samples without being withdrawn from the body by including a storage space along the axis of the device suitable for storage of multiple, successively taken samples. The instrument includes a side-facing sampling element constructed such that it can be actuated in a first, rotational motion about the device axis to separate a tissue sample from the body and a second, axial motion for disposing the sample axially to facilitate positioning the sample in the storage space.

Abstract: A tool for expanding elastic tubes which may then be placed around wires or cables. The tool includes three arms terminating in three parallel, elongated tips. Two of the arms are pivotally attached, while the third is retractably coupled to the first two. An elastic tube is positioned over all three tips when they are in close contact. When the handles of the tool are squeezed, all three tips separate, thereby expanding the tube. The tool may be used to apply insulating covers to cable splices, or for marking terminal connections with color-coded tubes.