Abstract: A surgical fixation device for mounting a stereotactic reference frame to a patient. The device includes a mounting bracket assembly, a cannulated post, a base, an anchor tube, a plurality of percutaneous pins, and a driving device. The mounting bracket assembly is connected to a top portion of the post, whereas the base is slidably coupled to a bottom portion of the post, and defines a plurality of legs. The anchor tube extends distally from the post. The percutaneous pins extend distally from the legs, respectively. Finally, the driving device is connected to the post and is adapted to selectively contact the base. Upon final assembly, the base is longitudinally moveable relative to the anchor tube. The base can be moved to a retracted position such that the anchor tube is readily securable to a bony structure of the patient's anatomy. Once secured, the base can be moved distally such that the percutaneous pins engage the bony structure as well, thereby promoting overall stability of the device.

Abstract: A surgical headframe for maintaining a stereotactic system reference frame relative to a patient's head. The headframe includes a frame body, first and second arms, a plurality of contact pads, and a strap. The first and second arms extend from opposing sides of the frame body, respectively. The plurality of contact pads are coupled to the frame body and are each adapted to engage a patient's head. The strap is selectively connectible to the first and second arms. In this regard, the strap is adapted for wrapping about a back of a patient's head. The surgical headframe is capable of precisely positioning and fixating the reference frame to the patient's head daring these stereotactic procedures.

Abstract: The invention is a single piece, self seating and locking dynamic intervertebral spacer. The dynamic spacer is load-supporting but also able to undergo flexure in either or both the lateral and sagittal planes.

Abstract: A method of performing a LASIK procedure. The method includes providing LASIK instrumentation, preferably including an automated microkeratome instrument and an excimer laser. The microkeratome device includes both a microkeratome as well as a suction ring. A high-pressure range tonometer instrument is also provided. The tonometer includes a probe for sensing a parameter of the eye indicative of intraocular pressure, and is capable of providing intraocular pressure measurements in excess of 80 mm Hg; more preferably in excess of 100 mm Hg; most preferably up to or in excess of 120 mm Hg. The suction ring is positioned over the patient's eye, and a vacuum applied. The high-pressure range tonometer probe is positioned relative to the eye so as to sense a parameter indicative of intraocular pressure. The measured intraocular pressure is then provided to the surgeon.

Abstract: A system of advertising information on one or more mobile vehicles as a function of the vehicle's location. The system comprises mobile units and a central system for controlling the displays on the mobile units. The mobile units include displays visible from the outside of the vehicle, a controller, and a wireless communication system for repeatedly transmitting a locator signal to and receiving display-selection messages from the central system. The central system includes a wireless communication system for receiving locator signals from the mobile units, a memory and a processor. The central system determines a zone in which the mobile unit is located, selects a display to be shown by the mobile unit based on the zone that the mobile unit is located, and transmits a display-selection message to the mobile unit identifying a selected display message to be shown on the mobile unit's display.

Abstract: Stenosis in a blood access circuit (graft, fistula) or in an extracorporeal circuit are detected by monitoring pressure pulses in the extracorporeal circuit created either by the heart or by the peristaltic blood pump of the extracorporeal circuit. By monitoring pressure pulses created by the. peristaltic blood pump loss of occlusion of the blood pump can be detected. Measurement of the pressure pulses is done either with sensors already built into the blood treatment equipment or, according to the invention, with sensors mechanically coupled to the wall of the blood tubing. The deviation of a pressure pulse amplitude proportional signal from a predetermined value indicates stenosis or loss of occlusion, respectively.