Abstract: A punctum plug includes a proximal head, a shaft, and a distal body, and an axial bore. The head is defined by a flexible circular flange with a convex upper portion and a concave lower portion. The body defines a frustoconically tapered distal tip and a two wings that extend in an arc and taper in thickness. The wings can extend further radially than the flange of the head. A recessed groove is defined around the shaft extending between the wings and a wall structure connecting the winged portions of the body. The above structure permits one plug or fewer plugs to accommodate a broad patient population.

Abstract: A punctum dilating and plug inserting system includes an inserter and a protective cover defining a dilator. The inserter includes a longitudinal body, and a handle. The handle has a rounded stationary member and a trigger rotatably connected to the handle by a living hinge. A mounting wire extends through the body and is connected to the trigger. When the trigger is activated, the wire is retracted and a plug mounted on a distal end of the wire is released. A packaging is provided for receiving, protecting, and handling at least a portion of the entire inserter until ready for use. An end of the packaging includes a dilator dip for dilating the punctum in advance of receiving the punctum plug.

Abstract: A suction activated instrumentation system for use in implanting an ossicular prosthesis into the middle ear includes a suction handpiece and a vacuum source. A removable suction tip is coupled to the handpiece for engaging an ossicular prosthesis. The suction tip includes a distal portion with an elongate slot opening at an end face, and two arms defined at the end face. When suction is applied through the suction tip, the prosthesis is drawn against the end face and retained between the arms. In the event the prosthesis is inadvertently contacted during implantation, the suction tip provides for self-correction, causing a prosthesis to re-orient into the prior intended configuration.

Abstract: A punctum dilating and plug inserting system includes an inserter and a protective cover defining a dilator. The inserter includes a longitudinal body, and a handle. The handle has a rounded stationary member and a trigger rotatably connected to the handle by a living hinge. A mounting wire extends through the body and is connected to the trigger. When the trigger is activated, the wire is retracted and a plug mounted on a distal end of the wire is released. A packaging is provided for receiving, protecting, and handling at least a portion of the entire inserter until ready for use. An end of the packaging includes a dilator dip for dilating the punctum in advance of receiving the punctum plug.

Abstract: A system is provided for stabilized total ossicular replacement in a middle ear having an intact stapes with a capitulum and a footplate. The system includes an ossicular replacement prosthesis including with elongate shaft and a head coupled to the shaft, and a stabilizer that couples the prosthesis to the stapes. The stabilizer has a first portion with a first opening and a second portion with a second opening, said first opening sized to stably engage the shaft of the prosthesis, and said second opening sized to stably engage the capitulum. When the shaft and capitulum are engaged they are retained in an side-by side configuration. The stabilizer may be constructed of an elastic polymer, an elastic metal alloy, a plastic material or a shape memory material.

Abstract: An ossicular prosthesis includes a proximal end provided with an open conically helical coil for engaging a first ossicular structure, and a distal bell head, piston, or shoe for engaging a second ossicular structure. A connecting element extends therebetween the two to hold the helical coil structure which engages the second ossicular engagement structure in a preferably fixed relationship. The helical coil defines a plurality of spaced apart adjacent windings, with open spaces between the windings. Each adjacent winding decreases in diameter from the proximal to distal end. The windings of the coil may be adjusted relative to each other in length or angle to fit the anatomy. In accord with a one method of use, the helical coil and optionally other portions of the prosthesis function as an armature or endoskeleton. A cement may be provided over the prosthesis to reconstruct the eroded or missing ossicles.

Abstract: A medical instrument for use on a patient. The medical instrument includes a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, an electric motor mounted to the housing having a drive shaft rotatable about a drive axis, a drive magnet fixed to the drive shaft of said motor which rotates with the drive shaft about the drive axis, and a tool assembly coupled to the housing via a tool mount. The tool mount orients the tool assembly relative to the housing whereby guided rotational, translational, and/or oscillary motion of a tool within the tool assembly is achieved via the structure of the tool mount in conjunction with a magnetic coupling between magnets attached to both the motor and the tool.

Abstract: A method of altering a medical implant having a shape memory portion includes the use of a probe having a tip provided with an induction coil. The induction coil is electrically coupled to an induction power supply. The induction coil is inserted into the mammalian body. The power supply is activated at a suitable frequency to cause the induction coil to generate a magnetic field, wherein such magnetic field induces eddy currents in the shape memory portion of the implant which are sufficient to heat the shape memory portion of the implant to a phase transformation temperature to effect shape change of the implant.

Abstract: An ossicular replacement prosthesis includes first and second engagement structures for engaging middle ear structures, a spring that biases the first and second engagement structures longitudinally apart when under compression, and a rod that axially stabilizes longitudinal movement of the first and second engagement structures and conducts sound waves between the first and second engagement structures. Relative axial pressure on the first and second engagement structures causes compression or expansion of the spring which results in movement of the rod to adjust the length of the prosthesis to accommodate changes in anatomical distance as occurs under changes in pressure or abnormal middle ear conditions.

Abstract: An ossicular prosthesis includes a proximal end provided with an open conically helical coil for engaging a first ossicular structure, and a distal bell head, piston, or shoe for engaging a second ossicular structure. A connecting element extends therebetween the two to hold the helical coil structure which engages the second ossicular engagement structure in a preferably fixed relationship. The helical coil defines a plurality of spaced apart adjacent windings, with open spaces between the windings. Each adjacent winding decreases in diameter from the proximal to distal end. The windings of the coil may be adjusted relative to each other in length or angle to fit the anatomy. Embodiments of the prosthesis are provided for use as a PORP and a TORP. In accord with a one method of use, the helical coil and optionally other portions of the prosthesis function as an armature or endoskeleton. A cement is provided over the prosthesis to reconstruct the eroded or missing ossicles.