Abstract: A retractor for use in invasive surgery. The retractor includes a superelastic or shape memory alloy shaft having proximal and distal ends. A handle is attached to the proximal end, while the distal end has a shape trained into it adapted to grasp animal tissue. The distal end is designed to release at an amount of force lower than that which would cause tissue damage. Thus, should excessive force inadvertently be applied, the retractor will safely release before tissue damage occurs. A further advantage of the retractor is its ability to safely maintain retraction from a more remote location.

Abstract: An elongated guide for use in medical procedures is provided, the guide having a flexible metal core and a forward portion comprising an elongated, helically wound wire coil providing a flexible tip. A flexible safety wire extends forwardly within the coil and terminates forwardly in an integral, enlarged diameter portion defining a plug carried adjacent the forward end of the coil, the plug having a diameter at least approximately equal to the inner diameter of the coil at its forward end and substantially filling the lumen of the coil. A bonding agent such as a polymeric resin, solder or the like is employed to adhere the plug to the coil.

Abstract: A guide useful for guiding a catheter within a blood vessel is formed of a single length of shape memory alloy. The guide has a central portion of uniform diameter and substantially identical tapered end portions each terminating in enlarged diameter portions defining smoothly rounded beads which function to reduce trauma to the lumen of a blood vessel.

Abstract: A medical guide wire for insertion into body channels for accessing specific inner body areas without major surgery. The guide wire comprises an elongated, flexible guide having a core of a shape memory alloy, the guide utilizing the two-way memory properties of the shape memory alloy to impart tip-deflecting and rotational movement to the guide wire in response to a controlled thermal stimulus.

Abstract: Arthroscopic instrumentation for use in arthroscopic surgery and similar procedures. The instrumentation includes a cannula having a curved lumen and an elongated, flexible normally straight shape memory alloy probe. The probe is insertable into the lumen of the cannula, which in turn can be directed to a hard to reach operative site. The cannula causes the probe to bend as it passes the curves of the cannula, but the shape memory character of the probe causes the probe to exit the distal end of the cannula in a substantially straight orientation.