Abstract: A package for a tip, such as a replaceable tip for a bipolar electrosurgical device, is used for insertion of the tip onto and removal of the tip from the end of a device handle, without requiring any direct contact between the user's hand and the tip. The package includes a housing having a tip cavity shaped to receive the tip and an opening through which the end of the handle is insertable for removable attachment to the tip. A releasable locking mechanism, which is releasable in response to the end of the handle being disposed in the opening for removable attachment to the tip, retains the tip in the tip cavity. The package may be made from a single piece of molded material, such as a clear plastic. The package may also be used with monopolar, diathermized and non-bipolar tips, as well as other sharp tips such as cannulae, pics and blades, that are attachable to the end of a handle.

Abstract: The disposable endoscope sheath includes a low-profile sleeve member that cooperates with the endoscope shaft to establish a relatively narrow irrigation space between the sleeve member and the endoscope shaft. The sleeve member is intentionally shorter than the endoscope shaft to accommodate a variety of different endoscope lengths that are longer than the sleeve. In various embodiments of the invention the sleeve member can be positioned to establish a predetermined distal gap between the terminal end of the sleeve member and the viewing end of the endoscope shaft, to establish a flush alignment between the respective ends, or to have the endoscope shaft project slightly beyond the terminal end of the sleeve member. Irrigation fluid can thus flow across the viewing end of the endoscope flushing away surgical debris from the viewing end. The sleeve member can be a rigid or flexible structure.

Abstract: A non-percutaneous prosthesis, reconstructive sheeting and composite material which exhibit excellent tissue adhesion, outstanding biocompatibility, moldability, trimability and flexibility are disclosed. The non-percutaneous prosthesis, reconstructive sheeting and composite material can be easily molded into various shapes, trimmed with a scalpel and deformed during prosthetic positioning. The non-percutaneous prothesis comprises a biocompatible composite material which is made of an elastomeric material and bio-active ceramic or glass particles and has a predetermined shape. The bio-active ceramic or glass particles are dispersed throughout a matrix of the elastomeric material having a predetermined shape, or the elastomeric material is formed to the predetermined shape and the bio-active ceramic or glass particles are coated on a surface of the elastomeric material.

Abstract: A middle ear prosthesis 10 is provided having a first portion 12 including a head 16 for engaging the tympanic membrane and a cannulated shaft 20 extending from head 16. The first portion of 12 is operable alone as a partial ossicular prosthesis. A second portion 14 is provided including a shaft having a distal portion 26 insertable in the cannulated shaft 20 of first portion 12. Second portion 14 when in combination with first portion 12 provides a total ossicular prosthesis.

Abstract: A vocal cord medialization prosthesis includes a preformed and presized vocal cord engagement member. The engagement member has a base surface and an engagement surface that is inclined a predetermined amount with respect to the base surface. Measurement indicia is provided on the engagement member to indicate elevation of the engagement surface at predetermined points along the prosthesis. A vocal cord medialization tool is used to measure displacement of a vocal cord to an optimum phonation and breathing position before insertion of the prosthesis. The medialization tool provides measurements that correspond to sizing indicia on the prosthesis. The prosthesis can thus be trimmed to eliminate elevations that are unnecessary for obtaining optimum positioning of a vocal cord. One embodiment of the medialization tool also includes provision for measuring the thickness of a thyroid cartilage.

Abstract: A non-percutaneous prosthesis, reconstructive sheeting and composite material which exhibit excellent tissue adhesion, outstanding biocompatibility, moldability, trimability and flexibility are disclosed. The non-percutaneous prosthesis, reconstructive sheeting and composite material can be easily molded into various shapes, trimmed with a scalpel and deformed during prosthetic positioning. The non-percutaneous prothesis comprises a biocompatible composite material which is made of an elastomeric material and bio-active ceramic or glass particles and has a predetermined shape. The bio-active ceramic or glass particles are dispersed throughout a matrix of the elastomeric material having a predetermined shape, or the elastomeric material is formed to the predetermined shape and the bio-active ceramic or glass particles are coated on a surface of the elastomeric material.

Abstract: An implantable electromagnetic middle-ear bone-conduction hearing aid device is provided which is characterized by being carried entirely in the skull of the user, the absence of electrodes entering the middle-ear, and variability to meet a variety of pathological entities of the hearing impaired user. The device utilizes a sound processing component adapted to be positioned in the skull of the user and to extend from close proximity to the outside of the skull toward and within close proximity to the middle-ear of the user for receiving and converting sound into an electromagnetic signal and for transmitting the electromagnetic signal into the middle-ear of the user.

Abstract: An implantable electromagnetic middle-ear bone-conduction hearing aid device is provided which is characterized by being carried entirely in the skull of the user, the absense of electrodes entering the middle-ear, and variability to meet a variety of pathological entities of the hearing impaired user. The device utilizes a sound processing component adapted to be positioned in the skull of the user and to extend from close proximity to the outside of the skull toward and within close proximity to the middle-ear of the user for receiving and converting sound into an electromagnetic signal and for transmitting the electromagnetic signal into the middle-ear of the user.

Abstract: A bone conduction hearing device in the form of a magnetic disk is implanted and fastened to the temporal bone by a screw thread connection. Apparatus includes instruments for accurately drilling and tapping a hole in the temporal bone, and a wrench for tightening the magnetic disk hearing device against the bone.

Abstract: A direct bone conduction hearing aid device is disclosed and includes a sound processor for receiving sound and generating an amplified electromagnetic signal in response thereto. This signal is transmitted to a subcutaneously implanted vibration generating means which is secured to a skull bone of the user and which includes magnetic means. An analog signal causes the magnet to vibrate and these vibrations are transmitted to the skull bone and thence to the cochlea to create the perception of sound.

Abstract: An implantable electromagnetic middle-ear bone conduction hearing aid device is disclosed which provides variability to meet a variety of pathological entities of the hearing impaired user. The device utilizes a sound processing component for converting sound into an analog electromagnetic signal and has an output transmitter adapted to be placed supercutaneously on the skull of the user for transmitting the electromagnetic signal transcutaneously. A signal receiving and transmitting component is adapted to be implanted subcutaneously in the bone of the user outside of the middle ear for receiving the transcutaneous electromagnetic signal from the sound processing component and for transmitting the electromagnetic signal subcutaneously into the middle-ear of the user.

Abstract: An intra-oral artificial larynx is provided including a signal generator and a speaker mounted on a prosthesis for mounting the larynx within the intra-oral cavity. A horn is provided having an input opening coupled to the speaker for acoustically amplifying the output of the speaker, the horn also having an output opening. A saliva barrier is removably mounted to the output opening of the horn for precluding penetration of saliva into the horn, the barrier having a first end which is telescopically received within the output opening of the horn and the second end having a mouth formed on a bias to the longitudinal axis of the mounting and a microporous membrane sealing the mouth. The mouth of the mounting has an elliptical shape which has been found tends to increase speaker volume. Moreover, the telescopic mating of the mounting and the horn provides a saliva barrier which is easily replaceable by the user.

Abstract: An intra-oral artificial larynx is provided including a signal generator and a speaker mounted on a prosthesis for mounting the larynx within the intra-oral cavity. A horn is provided having an input opening coupled to the speaker for acoustically amplifying the output of the speaker, the horn also having an output opening. A saliva barrier is removably mounted to the output opening of the horn for precluding penetration of saliva into the horn, the barrier having a first end which is telescopically received within the output opening of the horn and the second end having a mouth formed on a bias to the longitudinal axis of the mounting and a microporous membrane sealing the mouth. The mouth of the mounting has an elliptical shape which has been found to increase speaker volume. Moreover, the telescopic mating of the mounting and the horn provides a saliva barrier which is easily replaceable by the user.

Abstract: A microscope drape fabricated from a thin soft, relatively inexpensive, plastic film which will melt at temperatures considerably lower than the temperatures which are developed by the illuminating lamp of an operating microscope, is provided with a heat barrier loosely secured to and carried by the inner surface of that portion of the film which, but for the presence of the barrier would be adversely affected by the temperatures induced within the drape adjacent the illuminating lamp of the drape-enshrouded microscope.

Abstract: A tightly coiled, substantially cylindrical wick of compressed, dehydrated, sponge-like material having sufficient rigidity to be inserted endwise into an ear canal will, when hydrated, uncoil and expand radially whereby to substantially engage the inner surface of the ear canal for applying medicament to said inner surface while securing it against accidental or unintentional dislodgment therefrom. When hydrated, a central opening is provided through the uncoiled member through which opening sound waves may freely pass en route to the ear drum.

Abstract: A microscope drape fabricated from a very thin, transparent, heat-resistant plastic film which is adapted to completely house an operating microscope including its support arms, is provided with an improved tubular ocular housing extension, the free outer end of which terminates in a pull tab which serves not only to facilitate positioning of said tubular portion over an ocular, but also to facilitate removal of said pull tabs whereby to accurately and effectively position the free outer end of the ocular housing extension remaining after removal of the tab portion closely adjacent to the outer ends of the eyepieces of the oculars.

Abstract: A hollow-cylindrical tube of dehydrated, regenerated cellulose sponge material is tightly compressed to provide an elongate member of minimal diameter having sufficient rigidity to be inserted endwise into a body opening where it will, when moistened, expand radially whereby to substantially engage the inner peripheral walls of the opening for securing it against accidental or unintentional dislodgement therefrom. When used in association with an ear canal an axial opening through the expanded member permits sound waves to reach the ear drum. The device can be used to apply medicament by expanding the compressed tube with a liquid medicament.