Abstract: An apparatus for removing a solid object from a body canal or vessel includes a coil of wire configured to slidably receive a guide wire and a sack having a mouth and a closed bottom opposite the sack. A resilient frame is connected between the coil of wire and the sack for biasing the mouth of the sack open around the coil of wire. The resilient frame is positionable between a collapsed state where the mouth of the sack is closed against the bias of the resilient frame and a deployed state where the mouth of the sack is biased open by the resilient frame.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a surgical instrument used in minimally invasive procedures performed under either direct, endoscopic, fluoroscopic, or other visualization. The surgical instrument includes a frame which can be retracted into and extended from a sheath to form a loop and a sack having a mouth that is attached to the loop. The sack is used to encircle and capture foreign objects in body canals, cavities or organs. The wire frame is formed of a shape-memory-effect alloy wire in a super elastic state and previously trained to form the loop, the loop forming when the said wire frame is extended beyond the sheath. An invertor is connected to a closed end of the sack for urging the closed end of the sack toward the mouth of the sack.

Abstract: A vascular filter for capturing and removing emboli includes a sack having a mouth and a closed bottom opposite the mouth. A guide wire is received through the mouth of the sack and projected through the closed bottom of the sack. The closed bottom of the sack is connected to the projection of the guide wire therethrough. A collapsible frame is connected between the guide wire and the mouth of the sack. The collapsible frame biases the mouth of the sack open around the guide wire. A tube slidably receives the guide wire coaxially therein. The collapsible frame is moveable via the guide wire between outside the tube where the mouth of the sack is biased open by the collapsible frame and inside the tube where the mouth of the sack is closed, and vice versa.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a surgical instrument used in minimally invasive procedures performed under either direct, endoscopic, fluoroscopic, or other visualization. The present invention is also directed to a method of removing foreign objects from the body with the instrument. The surgical instrument includes a wire linkage and wire frame which can be retracted and extended to form a loop. A mouth of a sack is attached to the loop, said sack being used to encircle and capture foreign objects in body canals, cavities and organs. The wire frame is formed of a shape-memory-effect alloy wire, the alloy in a super elastic state and previously trained to form the loop, the loop forming when the said wire frame is extended beyond the sheath.

Abstract: A binding device and method of use for providing a compressive force across tissue boundaries to promote healing. The binding device includes a strap adapted to form a loop about injured tissue and a tension member attached to the strap, wherein the tension member maintains a predetermined stress level in the loop which compresses the edges of the tissue together to foster healing. The tension member is preferably a shape memory effect alloy, such as nitinol, a nickel-titanium alloy. The binding device also includes a one-way locking mechanism which keeps the strap in a loop.

Abstract: A surgical cutter intended for use in endoscopic procedures utilizes at least one shape-memory-effect (SME) alloy actuator to move one or more blades or other surgical tips in a reciprocal, rotational, or scissors-type motion to incise or excise tissue. Such cutters have a cutter assembly, mounted in a shaft connected to a handle, with a blade or blades that are moved individually or in concert. The actuator is formed of one or more wire SME alloy loops and optional bias spring. Application of an appropriate voltage waveform in a specified time sequence causes each wire loop to contract and return to its original length. Each actuator is mechanically linked to the cutting blade or other surgical tip.