Abstract: A flexible endoscopic probe includes a fiber optic image guide, a lens adhered to the distal end of the fiber optic image guide, and one or more fiber optic illumination fibers surrounding the image guide and terminating at the distal end of the probe. During manufacture, a mask tube is placed at least partially over the lens so that a masking material can be injected and cured. A retaining tube is disposed around the illumination fibers and a temporary tube is slid over the retaining tube so that a potting material can be injected into the spaces between the fibers, the image guide, and the retaining tube. The temporary tube is then removed, the distal end is ground and polished, and the masking material is removed from the lens.

Abstract: A tool is disclosed, for taking a biopsy sample, having a needle attached to a syringe, with an opening in the side of the needle, which can be selectively covered by a cannula slidably mounted over the needle. The cannula can be locked into place on the needle, and the plunger of the syringe can be spring loaded to draw a sample into the syringe upon release of a latch. A method is also disclosed for taking a biopsy sample by sliding a cannula over a needle, inserting the cannula and needle into the tissue to be sampled, partially withdrawing the cannula from the needle to expose a lateral opening in the needle, maneuvering a sample of the tissue into the opening, cutting the sample from the tissue, and drawing the sample out through the needle.

Abstract: Forceps with two pin-connected branches are provided with gripping noses on one end for manipulating surgical implants. The branches are spring biased apart but include a cap at the end remote from the gripping nose which is adapted to tilt and releasably retain the ends of the branches together beneath the cap. One of the branches is fixed within the cap while the other is insertable beneath the cap and has rounded edges to facilitate its insertion and removal. The tilting motion of the cap allows for temporary access of the inserted branch when it is desired to lock the branches together during manipulation of a gripped implant or the like.

Abstract: A hand-held portable arthroscope has a housing and a disposable cap removably attached to the distal end of the housing. A probe which includes a fiber optic image guide and a plurality of optical illuminating fibers is mounted on the cap, and is insertable into a body for imaging the internal structure of the body. The illuminating fibers extend through the cap and are connected in light communication with a quartz halogen lamp for illuminating the internal body structure being imaged. To gather light from the illuminated internal structure of a body into which the probe has been inserted, a GRIN rod is attached to the distal end of the image guide. Focussing optics are mounted in the housing in light communication with the image guide. These focussing optics are axially movable within the housing for focussing the image from the image guide. Light which passes through the focussing optics enters a camera head which is also mounted in the housing.

Abstract: The implant comprises a part (2) for anchorage in the bone and a body (3) for fixing on a rod (4), the body comprising two lateral branches (5) defining a passageway (6) which is open on each side of the body for receiving the rod, and a screw-threaded plug (8) adapted to be screwed between the branches; a strip (14), interposed between the plug and the rod, is fixed to a ring (15) with which it constitutes a pellet (16). The strip (14) is curved and defines a concave surface (14a) adapted to be applied against the surface of the rod. The curvature of the strip (14) permits clamping the rod (4) in position with a relatively small clamping pressure in that the forces are distributed, which improves resistance to alternating bending of the rod in the body (3) and resistance to fatigue.

Abstract: This implant comprises a body (1) consisting of a smooth head (2) and of a cylindrical rod (3) threaded over the whole of its length, and whose end (13) is rounded, straight longitudinal grooves moreover being made starting from the rounded end (13) over part of the length of the threaded rod (3), and one or several diametral transverse holes (15) being formed at the halfway point or a lower point of the body (1) of the implant; these features permit a more intimate immobilization of the implant with the osseous elements in the bone socket (alveolus), and they contribute to limiting the compression of the bone and therefore oppose its becoming brittle through demineralization; the undestroyed osseous debris is collected in the grooves (14) and in the hole (15), which thus permits an ossification and a transvascularization the implant, the hole (15) moreover limiting the dehiscence of the bone from its smooth head (2).

Abstract: An implant comprises a part intended for osseous anchoring and a body for fixation on a rod. The body has a channel opening out at a rear part of the body, delimiting two lateral branches and open on each side of the body so as to be able to receive the rod. The implant also comprises a threaded plug adapted so as to be able to be screwed in tappings formed on the inside walls of the two lateral branches in order to lock the rod in translation and in rotation. The implant includes a small plate for connection between the plug and the rod, which small plate is provided with a mechanism for fixing it to the branches of the body.

Abstract: A sacral support saddle has an eye (36) for receiving a first screw (38) and a cylindrical hole (37) with an axis (X5) of inclination such that, when the saddle (29) is positioned on the sacrum, the screw (38) is inserted into the sacral plate and towards the upper axis of the latter. A U-shaped body (32) delimits a channel (34) for receiving a rod, and a stopper (7) locks the rod (8) in this body. A hole (33) for passage of a second screw (42) has an axis (Y5) divergent relative to the axis (X5) of the hole of the eye in such a way as to be oriented towards the iliac mass when the saddle is positioned on the sacrum. This saddle and its two screws (38, 42) provide for a reliable anchoring of the rod of the device to the sacrum by virtue of the penetration of the screws into solid regions of the latter. This, in practice, avoids any risk of pulling out and, consequently, a second surgical intervention.

Abstract: This implant has in combination a pair of clamps (2) provided with spikes (3) and with screws (5) for fixing to two corresponding vertebrae (V2, V4) and notches (23) to support the tips of the blades of a pair of distraction forceps, a rigid plate (6) for interconnecting the two clamps (2) and whose ends are pierced with orifices (17) in which may engage threaded pieces (12) of the camps (2) and whose length (L) corresponds to the distance between the posterior orifices (9) of the clamps (2) after distraction of the vertebrae, and lastly nuts (7) for rigidly connecting together the plate (6) and the clamps (2). This implant has, in particular, the advantage of permitting distraction by the forceps bearing against the clamps instead of against the vertebrae, which was not possible with the previously known plates; in addition, it is compact while at the same time being sufficiently solid, and thus prevents any risk of rubbing against the aorta.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for supporting the rachis comprising at least one pin and at least two anchoring members attached thereto. According to the invention, said device is characterized in that the pin is of constant cross-section throughout its length and presents a rough surface, and in that the anchoring members are provided with pressure means cooperating with said pin. The invention finds applications in the straightening and/or support of a rachis, especially in preparation for an arthrodesis.