Abstract: An instrument for the unipolar ablation of heart tissue comprises: an electrically conductive shaft tube (20) that is electrically insulated on the outer lateral surface; an electrical connection, which is placed at the proximal end of the shaft tube (20) and which is connected to the shaft tube (20) in a conductive manner; a flushing connection, which is situated at the proximal end of the shaft tube (20) and which communicates with the bore of the shaft tube (20), and; an electrode (14), which is inserted into the distal end of the shaft tube (20), is connected to the shaft tube (20) in an electrically conductive manner, and which has at least one discharge opening (34) that communicates with the bore of the shaft tube (20). The electrode (14) is detachably connected to the distal end of the shaft tube (20).

Abstract: The implantable inter-vertebral prosthesis is comprised of a cranial endplate (10) and a caudal endplate (12), between which spring structure are provided. The spring structure are comprised of a memory metal alloy, which at body temperature exhibits super elastic characteristics. The spring structure are planar structures (14) parallel to the surface of the endplates (10, 12) and are comprised of wires of memory metal alloy tensioned running in the plane of the planar structure (14).

Abstract: An anal retractor includes four retractor valves (48), which are offset 90° relative to each other and can be moved radially apart from each other. For this the four retractor valves (48) are guided by sleds (30) in radial guide slots (14) of a base plate (10). For movement of the sleds (30) guide bolts (36) extend through the radial guide slots (14) of the base plate (10) and spiral shaped actuating slots (24) of a rotor plate (20), which is rotatable relative to the base plate (10).