Abstract: An implant being securely fixed in a bone by a layer of plastic cement is removed by supplying a pressurized fluid to the interface between the cement and the implant.

Abstract: A collet for attaching a blade to a surgical saw is biased toward a closed position in which the blade is securely clamped between a drive member and a clamping member. A rotational movement of a knob is converted into a translational movement of the clamp to open the collet. A mechanism is provided for maintaining the collet in the open position for simplified operation and cleaning.

Abstract: The surgical saw blade includes a main body portion and a cover portion joined to provide an enclosed manifold space. Irrigation channels extend from the manifold space to saw teeth provided on the saw blade. In one embodiment of the invention the saw teeth are provided at an end portion of the saw blade. In another embodiment of the invention the irrigation channels extend toward saw teeth provided along the longitudinal side edge of the saw blade. In either embodiment of the invention the irrigation channels commonly communicate with the fluid manifold and are uniformly distributed among the cutting teeth to provide a uniform distribution of fluid during a cutting action. Depending upon the positioning of the saw teeth on the blade and the movement provided to the blade, one embodiment of the saw blade can be used for oscillatory cutting action and another embodiment of the saw blade can be used for reciprocating cutting action.

Abstract: The arthroscopic surgery instrument includes an elongated outer sheath member having substantially fully open distal and proximal ends, and an inner hollow cylindrical cutting blade member rotatable within the sheath member. The cutting blade member has a distal end that is substantially fully open. The cutting blade member and the sheath member are each provided with a pair of spaced longitudinally extending, diametrically opposed tabs at their corresponding distal ends. The spaces between the tabs on the sheath member defines oppositely disposed cutting windows. Cutting edges are formed on each of the tabs on the cutting blade member and the sheath member and extend to the free ends of each member. The cutting edges on the cutting blade member are cooperable with the corresponding cutting edges on the sheath member. A rotary drive motor rotates the cutting blade member relative to the sheath member.

Abstract: An irrigation system for cooling a surgical cutting tool, cutting site and/or flushing debris from the cutting site during surgery includes a first conduit connected to a source of sterile irrigation fluid and a second conduit adapted to be supported on the cutting tool to deliver irrigation fluid to the cutting site. The irrigation system further includes a lightweight disposable pump assembly for pumping the sterile irrigation fluid from the fluid source through the first and second conduits to the cutting site. The disposable pump assembly includes a pump chamber that communicates with the first and second conduits and a flexible pump member rotatable in the pump chamber. The pump assembly and conduits are in a presterile condition to permit immediate use by a physician and are discarded after the surgical operation is completed.

Abstract: A coupling assembly includes a female coupling member that can be connected to a fluid supply source and a male coupling member that can be quickly coupled to the female coupling member and quickly separated from the female coupling member. A pair of spaced latching members provided on the female coupling member move transversely with respect to a longitudinal axis of the coupling assembly into and out of engagement with one or more latch engaging surfaces on the male coupling member. The latching members have openings that are out of alignment with each other. An actuating button on the female coupling member is arranged to move the latching members in predetermined fasion to permit the openings in each of the latching members to sequentially interfere with the latch engaging surface or surfaces on the male coupling member to establish sequential latching positions.

Abstract: The oral implant is in the shape of a cylinder with a flat proximal end and a rounded distal end. Projecting members are formed on the cylindrical surface that taper from the proximal end of the cylindrical body toward the distal end thereof. The projecting members are radially spaced, and in one embodiment have flutes formed on the tapered surface. A lateral through-hole is provided at the distal end of the cylindrical body. The proximal end includes a hexagonal-shaped recess for reception of a twisting tool. After the twisting tool is removed the hexagonal recess receives a dental prosthesis. Another embodiment of the oral implant includes radially spaced ridges that are longitudinally aligned with projecting members on quadrants of the cylindrical surface.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment can be incorporated into a powered instrument which rotates a tool. The preferred embodiment permits changing the direction of rotation of the tool without using the hand that does not grip the instrument housing to operate the tool, and without altering the grip on the instrument. The preferred embodiment includes an actuator which moves between two positions to selectively couple two rotating members to an output shaft. The output shaft is rotated in one direction when one rotating member is coupled to the shaft and is rotated in the remaining direction when the remaining rotating member is coupled to the shaft. Movement of the actuator between its two operative positions can be achieved by pushing on the instrument housing to push the tool against the workpiece, or by pulling the instrument housing away from the chuck if the tool is embedded within the workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus which can be incorporated into a powered instrument that rotates a tool at varying rotational speeds and torques. The invention includes at least two drive plates, each of which rotates at a different speed and which exerts a different magnitude of torque. A movable member within the instrument selectively engages one of the two drive plates to couple that drive plate to the output shaft of the instrument. The apparatus can include a torque limiter which couples the input shaft to the output shaft only when the resistance to rotation offered by a drive plate is less than a predetermined value.

Abstract: An improved tubing organizer for hospital use having Velcro.RTM. straps, a Teflon.RTM. loop and a stainless steel clip connected by stainless steel eyelets. The improved tubing organizer is able to withstand repeated exposure to temperatures up to two hundred eighty degrees Fahrenheit and can be permanently attached to a length of tubing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing sterile, charged batteries for use in a sterile field. The method includes the steps of placing at least one battery in a sterilization container, sterilizing the battery within the container, charging the battery while maintaining it in a sterile state within the container, and transferring the sterile, charged battery in a sterile state to the sterile field. The container is adapted to permit the entrance of a sterilant and to prevent the entrance of contaminants. The container may include an integral battery charger adapted to withstand exposure to the environment of a sterilization process. Alternatively, the container may include a connector for releasably electrically connecting the battery housed within the container to a distinct, external battery charger.