Abstract: A method and apparatus for destroying residual lens epithelial cells. The apparatus includes a probe configured for insertion into the eye between the iris and the lens capsule. The probe is further configured to deliver energy therefrom to residual lens epithelial cells within the lens capsule in order to destroy them. The method includes the steps of inserting a probe constructed in accordance with the apparatus of present invention into the eye such that a distal end portion of the probe is disposed between the iris and the lens capsule, delivering energy to the probe such that residual lens epithelial cells within the lens capsule are destroyed, ceasing the delivery of energy to the probe, and removing the probe from the eye.

Abstract: A bone punch for altering the cross-section of a tunnel formed in a bone, the punch having a punch body with a distal region, a proximal region, and a plurality of planar guide faces extending between the distal and proximal regions to define a polygon in cross-section. The distal region terminates in a narrowed leading end to facilitate entry into the pre-drilled tunnel. A shaft is connected to the proximal region to transmit a force to drive the punch body into the bone tunnel to alter the cross-section shape of the bone tunnel to match the polygonal cross-section of the punch body.

Abstract: A screw and driver combination designed so that the screw is releasably axially couplable with the driver and so that the screw is positively rotatably engageable with the driver. The screw comprises an axial bore of circular cross section and a counterbore of polygonal cross section. The driver comprises a radially-compressible front portion sized to engage the axial bore of the screw with a minor spring interference fit and an intermediate portion sized to positively rotatably engage the counterbore of the screw.

Abstract: An assembly for preventing movement of a sharp lancet tip out of a lancet device of the type having a linearly movable and retractable lancet tip is disclosed. The lancet device has a patient contacting or distal end and an opposed proximal end. The lancet device has a lancet that is substantially encased in an elongated molded plastic lancet body. The lancet has a sharp tip that extends beyond the end of the lancet and is enclosed in a removable cap. The distal end of the lancet has a pair of retainer arms that extend away from the lancet body on opposite sides of the lancet body parallel to the axis of the lancet body. The distal end of the retainer arms extend slightly beyond the distal end of the lancet body and are curved toward the axis of the lancet body to contact the outer surface of the cap. Each retainer arm has a stop, located near the distal end of the retainer arms. The distal end of the lancet body fits in a chamber in the lancet device.

Abstract: A self packaged medical device, such as a syringe assembly, having a hollow body and an operative element therein for the controlled dispensing or entry of fluid into the body. An extension member operatively connected to the operative element and extending proximally beyond the proximal end of the body. The device further including a proximal barrier between the extension member and the body and a distal barrier to maintain the sterility of the interior of the device prior to use. The medical device is also disclosed in combination with a safety syringe wherein a needle protective shield is movably mounted about the body and is movable between retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: A handle attachment for use with a chest drainage unit (CDU) having a pair of hangers extending above the CDU to support the CDU on a bedrail or the like. The handle attachment being used to capture both CDU hangers to allow the CDU to be transported within a medical facility by the necessary medical personnel in an easy, one-handed manner.

Abstract: A catheter is disclosed which includes a mechanical connection between the strain relief thereof and the hub. The strain relief operates both to secure the catheter tube to the hub and to provide strain relief for the catheter tube. The strain relief connection is assisted in gripping the catheter tube by intentional overstressing of the catheter hub during manufacture thereof to expand the hub wall and generate residual hoop stresses therein which assist in securing the catheter tube within the hub.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of a fiberscopic catheter having a tightly fitted optical glass fiber bundle received within an internal lumen of the catheter. The lumen for receiving the optical glass fiber bundle is heated and expanded under internal fluid pressure. The catheter and lumen are then cooled with the lumen still under the internal fluid pressure. After cooling, the fluid pressure is released and the lumen retains its expanded condition. An optical glass fiber bundle is inserted into the expanded lumen to a predetermined position within the catheter. The catheter and lumen are reheated to contract the expanded diameter of the lumen about the optical glass fiber bundle to provide a fiberscopic catheter having a tightly fitted fiber optic bundle within the catheter.

Abstract: A battery compartment for a device having a housing is provided. The battery compartment pivots around an axis that is generally parallel with a wall of housing. The battery compartment is generally an elongated wedge or sector shape with an elongated pivoting axis extending along the apex of the wedge. One planar side of the wedge becomes a portion of the wall of the housing as the battery compartment is pivoted about the elongated axis into a closed position. This planar side becomes a door into the housing that is opened or closed as the battery compartment is pivoted around its pivoting axis. As the battery compartment is pivoted around its pivoting axis, the battery compartment rotates out and away from the plane that previously encompassed the wall of the device so that access to the batteries may be had. The battery compartment encloses the batteries and segregates them from the other components in the housing.

Abstract: A double lumen gastric tube including a valve to prevent gastric reflux or leakage through the vent lumen thereof. The gastric tube also includes an adaptor which allows fluid injection through the tube without removing the valve. The valve allows the passage of air into the vent lumen when atmospheric pressure exceeds stomach pressure. When stomach pressure exceeds atmospheric pressure the valve prevents flow of fluid through the tube. The adaptor allows fluid to be injected into the vent lumen through the valve.

Abstract: A ventilation cap for a flashback chamber is formed of a hollow elongate cylindrical body of polymeric material and includes a proximal opening which is blocked by a venting material such as a hydrophobic filter, and a distal opening which is sized to allow an extension of the flashback chamber to be inserted therein for airtight connection therewith. The elongate body of the ventilation cap has a tear strip formed therein by a pair of generally parallel score lines. The cap is affixed to the flashback chamber so as to allow air to pass from the flashback chamber through the vent as blood fills the flashback chamber, while preventing blood from passing through the vent. When it is desired to attach other apparatus to the extension of the flashback chamber, the tear strip, which may have a pull tab integrally formed therewith, is torn away from the elongate body to destroy the airtight seal between the flashback extension and the cap.

Abstract: A needle interface boot for use in an ultrasonic ophthalmic surgical instrument of the type incorporating coaxial irrigation and aspiration functions which comprises a conically-shaped hollow instrument. The boot is made from a compliant silicone or plastic-type material and is positioned within the irrigation channel surrounding the interface or connection between the vibratory transmissive member or resonator and the needle probe to prevent irrigation fluid from contacting the flat projecting surfaces of this interface and, thus, reduces objectionable cavitation and bubble formation within the irrigation fluid to be delivered to the operative site during use of such a surgical instrument.

Abstract: A suture coating comprising a copolymer having about 60 to 80 weight percent of .beta.-hydroxybutyrate linkages is disclosed. The remaining linkages can be at least .beta.-hydroxyvalerate. In one embodiment, the coating is the copolymer combined with a stearoyl lactylate having the formula: ##STR1## wherein X is at least two, and R is an alkaine-earth metal.

Abstract: A metallic product having a dark, nonreflective and nonflaking surface is disclosed. A method of manufacturing the dark, nonreflective and nonflaking surface is also disclosed.

Abstract: An intraocular lens of the type having a plurality of legs which enter the lens in the anterior or posterior chamber by tangential contact between eye tissue and a region on each leg, wherein the region is composed of a compressible material. Also disclosed are homogeneous lenses in which the legs are colored.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable tube device for the repair of nerve defects or gaps comprising a flexible, porous, knitted or woven mesh tube. The tube device is crimped along its exterior to provide a tube which can be bent without pinching or crimping the internal circumference of the tube. The internal tube surface is relatively smooth to provide an optimum environment for longitudinal nerve axon growth within the tube.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable coating for a surgical suture or ligature is disclosed. The coating is manufactured from a diblock or a triblock copolymer.

Abstract: A delivery device for depositing an exogenous fibrin clot into a wound site during an arthroscopic surgical operation. The delivery device having a tubular body and plunger. The body including a large internal diameter collection chamber and a small internal diameter ejection chamber with an internal frusto-conical transition chamber positioned therebetween. The plunger having a rear tamping knob on one end and an ejection tip on the other end. The rear knob having a matching frusto-conical portion used for tamping the fibrin clot material from the collection chamber into the ejection chamber. The tip of the plunger being insertable into the injection chamber to push the fibrin clot material out of the delivery device. The plunger also having a forward stop knob which limits the depth of insertion of the plunger into the body. The tip of the plunger when fully inserted extends axially beyond the end of the ejection chamber.

Abstract: An improved surgical instrument cartridge is described. The cartridge comprises a plurality of wound closure elements. Each element has a crown and two opposite side legs. The distal end of each leg of an element contacts the crown of the adjacent preceding element. Two opposite grooves (in the cartridge) contain at least each end of each crown and the proximal end of each leg. The cartridge is attached to a surgical instrument. To activate the plurality of closure elements, a spring acts only on the proximal element. The improvement comprises the distal ends of the legs of each element being in an essentially converging relationship. The plurality of elements are thus self-aligning in the grooves. The wound closure element can be a staple.

Abstract: A bone fixation device is disclosed. The device comprises an absorbable homopolymer of 1-lactide or d1-lactide, or a copolymer of 1-lactide, and a reinforcement material. The reinforcement material can be a particulate filler of hydroxyapatite or a plurality of alumina fibers.