Abstract: An endoscope includes an insertion portion including a bending portion, an operation portion including an operation lever, a grasping portion including an actuator, and a tube body, in a continuous manner. When the operation lever is tilted, the actuator pulls a wire, whereby the bending portion is bent in a vertical direction and a lateral direction. The actuator is arranged such that a center of gravity of a portion including the insertion portion, the operation portion, the grasping portion, and the tube body is within a range in which at least one of the fourth finger or the fifth finger of the hand grasping the grasping portion is positioned, in a longitudinal direction of the grasping portion.

Abstract: An endoscope locking device comprises: a pedestal, a lock buckle and an elastic element, the pedestal is provided with a slot for mounting the lock buckle, the lock buckle is provided with an oblong hole in the center, and the lock buckle is mounted within the slot of the pedestal, and the lock buckle may reciprocate within the slot; and the lock buckle and the pedestal are elastically connected by the elastic element. The endoscope is fixed by using the elasticity of the elastic rubber ring to the endoscope locking device formed by the lock buckle and the pedestal.

Abstract: A processing and user interface system supports Internet application and web page navigation for sequential task oriented processes, workflow management and user specific, customizable, interactive and other organizable processes. A network (Internet, Intranet or other network) compatible user interface system supports a process including a sequence of subtasks. The system initiates display of a composite window representing a plurality of overlaid tabbed web page (or application) windows each including a visible tab incorporating an identifier identifying a function provided by a web page or application window associated with a particular subtask of the sequence of subtasks. The visible tabs and corresponding overlaid tabbed windows are sequentially ordered in accordance with the sequence of subtasks.

Abstract: The software synthesis method and system of the present invention provides a problem solving environment for Monte Carlo simulations (or other concise mathematical description), common in engineering, finance, and science, which automatically transforms a problem description into executable software code. The method and system uses a specification language to support a user's natural description of the geometry and mathematics of the problem and solution strategies. The natural description is concisely expressed using general coordinates and dimensionless parameters, using domain specific keywords as appropriate. The user's problem description is compared with the system's knowledge base to refine the problem—i.e., identifying constraints, applying heuristics and defaults, and applying elaboration rules.

Abstract: An expandable endovascular stent comprises a flexible, tubular body (1) with a longitudinal axis, the wall of which is formed by interconnected, closed frame cells (2) arranged with at least two cells adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. Filament-shaped frame material capable of transmitting compressive forces in the axial direction of the filament extends continuously from one frame cell directly into the frame cell following in the longitudinal direction. The stent can be expanded from a radially compressed state into a state having a larger diameter. In the expanded state of the stent, the pressure transmitting frame material in several of the frame cells (2) forms a heart-like or arrowhead-like shape with two interconnected shorter cell sides (5) positioned opposite to and interconnected with two mutually converging longer cell sides (3).

Abstract: The present invention is an occlusion device adapted for implantation into a fluid flow-supporting body lumen. The occlusion device comprises a flexible support structure and a flexible fluid flow-occluding membrane that is positioned concentric with the flexible support structure. The support structure is formed from a plurality of interwoven filaments that form an axially flexible and radially compressible structure that, in its expanded state, engages the lumen. The membrane generally includes a constricted region and constriction means, such as a mechanical seal, for closing the membrane at one end. The membrane is formed from a plurality of filaments, and in one embodiment, the membrane filaments are tightly interbraided with the structure filaments to form the occlusion device. Alternatively, the membrane is separately fabricated of interwoven filaments, and is positioned either within the support structure or without the structure so as to surround the support structure.

Abstract: The tibia platform (1) contains a joint support (5) and an anchoring part (4) with passage openings (12) for fastening elements (14) for fastening the anchoring part (4) to the tibia bone (3). The passage openings (12) are each executed with a femur-side, upper countersink (25). At least one passage opening (12) not used for the fastening is provided with a closure plug (15) which can be inserted from above, which is executed with a supporting surface (16a) running around this sealing surface (16a) and can be braced in the countersink (25). The closure plug (15) contains a number of spring tongues (18) which can be introduced into the relevant passage opening (12) and which form a snap connection with the wall of the passage opening (12), and a central cylindrical protusion (17) which is provided with a blind bore (17a) open upwards for receiving a setting tool (20).

Abstract: An implant is provided which has an upper member which pivots and is locked to a lower member and engages adjacent vertebrae and have surfaces which are ceramic and will allow bone growth into such surfaces and thus bonding with the adjacent vertebra. The opposing and bearing surfaces of the upper and lower member are coated with ceramic zirconium for long wear. Since the upper and lower members are captured, the implant device herein cannot be forced out of place by spinal tension. Particularly for the lower spinal vertebrae, the option of securing the upper and lower members with screws is facilitated. A vertebral replacement system using components in common with the implant is used to make a spaced connection between two pivoting points and is used to replace badly damaged vertebrae where the load bearing portion of the vertebra will be insufficient to allow normal support.

Abstract: An improved keratoprosthesis, to be utilized to enhance a patient's vision, which includes an optical support segment structured to be disposed on an eyeball of the patient and containing an optical aperture, structured to be disposed in aligned, overlying relation to a corneal region of the eyeball of the patient, defined therein. Further, the optical support segment includes a disc like configuration and is constructed of hydroxyapatite which is structured and disposed to promote cell growth, increased vascularization and/or bone formation therein so as to substantially increase the optical support segment's long term assimilation with the eyeball of the patient, as well as its ability to combat infection and heal quickly. Disposed in the optical aperture of the optical support segment and effectively suspended in a vision enhancing position is an optical cylinder. The optical cylinder is preferably removable and provides for the transmittal of light into the eyeball.

Abstract: The artificial blood vessel A comprises a front end wire ring 10.sub.1, a rear end wire ring 10.sub.2 arranged facing to the front end wire ring 10.sub.1, a tubular cover 7 which connects the end wire rings 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, and a plurality of intermediate wire rings 12 arranged spaced apart from each other between the front end wire ring 10.sub.1 and the rear end wire ring 10.sub.2. Each of the front end wire ring 10.sub.1, the rear end wire ring 10.sub.2 and the intermediate wire rings 12 are given flexibly foldable elasticity. The circumference of the front end wire ring 10.sub.1 is equally divided into four by dividing points 41.sub.1, 42.sub.1, 43.sub.1, 44.sub.1. Hooking devices 13 are formed for a front pull string to be passed through at the dividing points 41.sub.1, 43.sub.1. The circumference of the intermediate wire ring 12 is fixed to the tubular cover 7 by suturing or with adhesive at the positions 51.sub.3, 52.sub.3, 53.sub.3, 54.sub.3 which correspond to the midpoint 51.sub.

Abstract: A composite intraluminal device is deployable within a body vessel. The composite device includes an elongate radially expandable tubular stent having an interior luminal surface and an opposed exterior surface extending along a longitudinal stent axis. A stent cover is formed of unsintered ePTFE which is expandable. The stent cover is positioned about the stent so as to permit expansion of the cover upon the radial expansion of the stent.

Abstract: An acetabular cup assembly for use with a femoral implant. The cup assembly includes an outer shell, a bearing liner configured to fit into a cavity in the shell, a generally annular retaining ring and a locking ring configured to hold the retaining ring in the shell adjacent the bearing liner. The locking ring is slidable between locked and free configurations, with at least part of the locking ring being formed as a closed loop to prevent radial contraction of the locking ring inner surface as the locking ring is slid between the free and locked configurations. At least one small circumferential rib is formed on the outer surface of the locking ring to engage a corresponding circumferential groove in the shell when the locking ring is installed therein in the locked configuration.

Abstract: A woven vascular graft fabric that permits limited radial compliance but resists long term dilation and longitudinal extension. The thin walled graft has a double wall thickness of less than 0.02 inches and a greater number of picks per inch than ends per inch.

Abstract: An endoprosthetic knee comprising a tibial plate having a smooth proximal face and a distal face, an anchor on the distal face for anchoring the plate to the proximal end of a resected tibia, and at least one bollard on the proximal face of the tibial plate. At least one unicompartmental meniscal component has a substantially flat distal face for glidable seating on the tibial plate and a dished proximal face for receiving an articulating condylar surface of a femoral component anchorable to the distal end of a resected femur. A flexible mooring moors the meniscal component to the bollard on the tibial plate to permit limited gliding movement of the meniscal component upon the tibial plate.

Abstract: A holder for engaging a heart valve prosthesis during implantation includes a holder body and stem. The stem is adapted to receive a handle used to manipulate the prostheses during implantation. The stem is moveable between a standard implantation position and a low profile delivery position.

Abstract: An intravascular stent especially suited for implanting in curved arterial portions or ostial regions. The stent can include an end region which is fabricated to have a greater radial strength than the remaining axial length of the stent. Such a stent is particularly suited for use in ostial regions, which require greater support near the end of the stent. The stent alternatively can include sections adjacent the end of the stent with greater bending flexibility than the remaining axial length of the stent. Such a stent is particularly suited for use in curved arteries. The stent can also be constructed with an end that has greater radial strength and sections adjacent the end with greater bending flexibility. Such a stent prevents flaring of the stent end during insertion.

Abstract: A prosthesis which can be implanted in a human or animal duct to ensure a passageway in the duct. The prosthesis is formed from several filaments which have corrugations and which are wound to define a tubular surface. The corrugations form an advantageously zig-zagged series of rings that are stepped along the length of the prosthesis, with corrugated portions of the individual filaments constituting portions of two or more separate ones of the rings.

Abstract: A method for the deployment and retrieval of a tubular member. The method is achieved by first introducing a tubular member having a first diameter to a preselected treatment site, wherein said tubular member exhibits shape memory characteristics. The tubular member is then expanded to a second diameter at the treatment site and deployed at the treatment site. After a predetermined time, the tubular member is retrieved from the treatment site by causing the tubular member to return to its first diameter and withdrawing the tubular member from the treatment site. A tubular member with shape memory characteristics for use in accordance with the method is also provided.

Abstract: A bearing liner component for a ball-and-socket joint prosthesis is described. The bearing component comprises a bearing liner and locking component. The bearing liner is formed with a rim that defines an opening to a concave bearing surface that describes more than a hemisphere. The bearing liner is further provided with a lip extending around the rim and a channel formed in the lip. The channel is formed to permit elastic deformation of the bearing liner around the rim sufficient to permit elastic deformation of the bearing liner around the rim to allow a ball prosthesis with generally the same diameter as the bearing surface to enter the bearing liner. A locking component is also provided that couples the lip of the bearing liner to inhibit elastic deformation of the bearing surface around the rim.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an artificial ligament device, which may be a ligament augmentation device, a delivery device for an autologous graft, or a prosthetic ligament, comprises securing a plurality of tows of biocompatible material side-by-side in a flat elongate array, as by light braiding, looping the tows back at one end of the device to form an eye with the tows grouped together around the eye, and applying whipping around the grouped tows around the eye.