Abstract: An inline injection port assembly having a rigid tubular port body with a cap structure mounted thereto and a barbed tubing connector extending from the opposite end thereof. The cap structure has to a self-sealing elastomeric injection structure which extends into the port body and which is held in a compressed state therein. The cap structure and the barbed tubing connector are axially aligned to thereby provide a low profile inline injection port assembly.

Abstract: A form stable expandable stent and tissue expander assembly having a scaled outer shell body forming an internal chamber. A form stability member may be provided within the internal chamber of the shell body. Drainage/irrigation tubing extend through the chamber of the shell body and a fill tube is provided in communication with the internal chamber of the outer shell and extends outwardly therefrom. Manipulation structures with handles and other cooperating fastening and removing elements may be provided for use with the expandable stent and tissue expander assemblies of the invention.

Abstract: An anchor bolt fixation system for catheter probes and electrodes having different diameters. A removable reducing tube is provided for insertion into the lumen of an anchor bolt and an anchor bolt cap is provided for securing the reducing tube to the anchor bolt. A second anchor bolt cap is provided having a bore with a diameter generally equal the diameter of the lumen of the reducing tube.

Abstract: An anchor bolt driver device for fixing and removing anchor bolts utilized in neurosurgery. The anchor bolt driver device has a handle portion and a shaft extending therefrom. A socket of a predetermined configuration is formed at the terminal end of the shaft and a pin structure having a predetermined configuration extends outward and axially through the socket. The socket and pin structure are constructed and arranged to receive an anchor bolt for the threading engagement with the skull of a patient.

Abstract: A compact pressing body with a pressing surface smaller in area than a welding range welds together sheet-like members over the whole area of the welding range by pressing the sheet-like members being reliably moved in a direction substantially orthogonal to a pressing direction of the pressing body.

Abstract: An injection port assembly for a tissue expander and/or mammary prosthesis comprising a composite silicone matrix having embedded fiber layers. The composite matrix materials may cover or extend from the outside perimeter of the injection port assembly and provide self sealing polymeric materials if punctured by a needle. The tissue expander and injection port assemblies and structures may be formed of MR scannable materials. The injection port structures may have palpation lumps for locating the injection port structure subsequent implantation. The injection port structure may be remotely located from the tissue expander and connected thereto via tubing.

Abstract: An inline connector assembly having a bottom body structure and a top body structure hingedly connected thereto. The bottom body structure has a plurality of resilient conductive members to receive the conductive portions of the inline tail which is received in a longitudinal bore in the top body structure. A latch structure is provided to maintain the inline connector assembly in a closed position. An electrode tail guide and stop member are provided in the inline connector assembly for ease of electrode insertion and tail contact alignment.

Abstract: MR conditional needle and surface electrode assemblies. The surface electrode utilizes a disc or cone-shaped structure with a bore with a concave bottom surface for receiving a conductive gel and an insulated wire with a connector for an EEG. The needle electrode assembly utilizes a cylindrical-shaped structure and is constructed of an MR conditional material having a needle and an insulated lead wire structure with a connector for an EEG.

Abstract: Cortical electrode assemblies having a first flexible electrode body and a second flexible electrode body. The first electrode body may have an array of macro electrode contacts and the second electrode body may have a micro-wire electrode array or a depth electrode structure. The first electrode body has at least one aperture and the second electrode body may have a grommet-like body structure which may be positioned in predetermined thru holes of the first electrode body with respect to the electrode grid.

Abstract: MR conditional needle and surface electrode assemblies. The surface electrode utilizes a disc or cone-shaped structure with a bore with a concave bottom surface for receiving a conductive gel and an insulated wire with a connector for an EEG. The needle electrode assembly utilizes a cylindrical-shaped structure and is constructed of an MR conditional material having a needle and an insulated lead wire structure with a connector for an EEG.

Abstract: Improved electrode assemblies for recording and stimulation. Cortical and depth electrode structures are provided as well as inline interconnection systems. Methods of manufacture are further taught to provide enhanced surfaces for cortical electrodes. The inline interconnection systems include connector assembly embodiments for electrode leads which have structure providing ease of EEG recording as well as stimulation.

Abstract: Provided is a technique which can prevent abnormal vibrations from occurring on a resonator and apply, to a putting edge, vibrations with the magnitude of amplitude thereof adjusted in the direction of width of the edge, thereby cutting an object of interest with high accuracy. The resonator (21) with a grip portion grasped with clamp means (28) is supported by a support means (24), thereby preventing abnormal vibrations from occurring on the resonator (21). The resonator (21) has at least one elongated hole (26b) defined through a side thereof, thus allowing for adjusting the amplitude magnitude of vibrations in the direction of width of the cutting edge (23) on one end of the resonator (21). This enables vibrations with the amplitude of an adjusted magnitude in the direction of width to be applied to the cutting edge (23). Accordingly, the cutting edge (23) which is adequately vibrated can be used to cut the object of interest with high accuracy.

Abstract: Improved electrode assemblies for recording and stimulation. Cortical and depth electrode structures are provided as well as inline interconnection systems. Methods of manufacture are further taught to provide enhanced surfaces for cortical electrodes. The inline interconnection systems include connector assembly embodiments for electrode leads which have structure providing ease of EEG recording as well as stimulation.

Abstract: A surgical headlight assembly having a headset structure constructed of lightweight components. The headset structure has adjustable head strap members comprising a generally circular lateral band and a top band. A removable liner is attached to the inside surface of the adjustable headset structure. A lighting assembly which is adjustable with respect to the headset and which uses an adjustable LED is also provided connected to the lateral band. A battery pack is utilized to power the LED.

Abstract: A method and device for treating human intervertebral disc herniations using an endoscopic procedure. An access port is opened into and through the annulus of a disc to remove nucleus pulposus. Subsequent treatment, a balloon device having a valve structure is positioned via an endoscopic procedure into the disc space. The balloon device is filled with a physiological fluid to occupy the disc interspace or to maintain some degree of distraction of the created disc space. Post surgery, after fibrocollagenous tissue has grown into the disc space, a second endoscopic procedure is performed to remove the balloon device. Fluid is removed to collapse the balloon structure and then removed via the guide tube. The ingrowth of fibrocollagenous tissue will continue to fill the void formerly occupied by the balloon device. The balloon device has a rigid valve body and a flexible balloon member. The valve body has an end plug, a valve chamber holding a valve member and a cooperating biasing structure.

Abstract: A cervical collar assembly to immobilize the neck and head of a user. The assembly includes an adjustable and conformable shell member having a pad member secured on its interior to engage the skin of the user. The shell member is comprised of a front member, a back member and means to adjustably join the front and back members. A chin support member is adjustably secured to the front member and an occipital support member is secured to the back member. The front and back members are provided with a plurality of elongated slits which permit the shell member to conform to the neck and head areas of the user. Further, the front member is provided with opposing upwardly extending tab members to engage the mandibula of a user's jaw to aid in the immobilization of the neck and head of the user. Cervical collar device size identifiers are further provided.

Abstract: A tissue dissecting board assembly for use in tissue restoration and reconstruction surgeries. The assembly is constructed of an optically clear polymeric dissecting board having a plurality of cooperating cavities for holding chemical solutions and compositions required for tissue restoration and reconstruction surgeries. An illumination source is further incorporated in the dissecting board structure to provide an illuminated working area.

Abstract: A method and device for treating human intervertebral disc herniations using an endoscopic procedure. An access port is opened into and through the annulus of a disc to remove nucleus pulposus. Laser light fibers may then be passed through an endoscopic guide tube to anneal the inner surface of the disc annulus. Next, a balloon assembly with a valve is placed via the guide tube into the created disc space. The balloon is filled with a fluid to occupy the disc interspace or to maintain some degree of distraction of the created disc space. Post surgery, after fibrocollagenous tissue has grown into the disc space, a second endoscopic procedure is performed to remove the balloon assembly. Fluid is removed to collapse the balloon structure and then removed via the guide tube. The ingrowth of fibrocollagenous tissue will continue to fill the void formerly occupied by the balloon structure. The minimally invasive procedure of the invention allows for short term recovery and early return to normal activity.

Abstract: A sensing probe assembly and method for locating a magnetic field emitted by an implanted medical device. The assembly has a housing containing a magnetic field sensor circuit having an indicator light and a magnetic switch. The assembly further has a structure for marking the location of the magnetic field. The method utilizes a marking system whereby at least four points forming at least two perpendicularly intersecting line segments are located and marked above the magnetic field. The intersection is then used as a reference point for performing a medical procedure on the implanted medical device.

Abstract: A magnetic injection port assembly for a tissue expander system or similar inflatable medical device. The injection port assembly includes an injection port body having a cavity, a needle guard assembly, and a magnetic material therein. The needle guard assembly is positioned to prevent a hypodermic needle from passing through the medical device or interfering with the magnetic material. The magnetic material is affixed to the injection port body outside the cavity and the needle guard assembly. The magnetic material is spatially aligned with the region of the body into which the needle should be inserted so that this region may be located by locating the magnet with an external, non-invasive magnetic detection device.