Abstract: A medical retrieval instrument of the present invention includes a plurality of filaments for holding an object and a hollow section through which a first end of each of said plurality of filaments passes. The hollow section comprises a plurality of fixing sections for fixing a second end of each of said plurality of filaments, for example. The hollow section is arranged in a distal end portion of a sheath. The hollow section is inserted into the body cavity by the sheath and then holds an object such as renal calculus or ureteral calculus in the body cavity and retrieves them to outside the body.

Abstract: A three-pin skull clamp [10] includes a C-shaped frame [12] which partially encircles the head [18] of the patient, with a spring-loaded single skull pin assembly [22] located at one end of the frame [12] and adapted to engage the head [18] of the patient with a desired engagement force, and two spaced skull pins [30] mounted to a rocker arm [44] located at an opposite end of the frame [12]. Each of the rocker arm skull pins [30] resides in operative contact with an indicator cap [66] held by a spring-loaded pin carrier assembly [50], the indicator cap [66] being movable relative to the rest of the pin carrier assembly [50] in response to the engagement force applied to the corresponding skull pin [30] by the head [18] of the patient. By visibly comparing the positions of the indicator caps [66] relative to their respective pin carrier assemblies [50], one can readily determine whether the engagement forces are equally distributed between the two rocker arm skull pins [30].

Abstract: An apparatus and method comprising at least one intragastric member or artificial bezoar made of a digestive-resistant or substantially indigestible material that is introduced into a gastric lumen of a mammal for the treatment of obesity. The intragastric member or artificial bezoar is typically at inserted into the gastric lumen in a partially compacted configuration, whereby it is then manipulated into, or allowed to assume, a second expanded configuration sufficiently large to remain within the reservoir of the stomach during normal activities and not be passed through the pylorus into the intestines. In animals, the present invention has been found to be effective in achieving weight loss over a several month period, while being easy to place and retrieve.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a linear element (1) and an insert or catch (7) that is slidably and releasably arranged in or on the linear element (1). The insert or catch (7) or a guide element (8.1, 8.2) associated therewith is guided relative to the linear element (1) on at least one guide track (11.1, 11.2; 12.1, 12.2). The instrument is further characterized in that a stop (14) can be displaced behind the insert or catch (7) or the guide element (8.2) in or out from the guide track (11.2; 12.2).

Abstract: A surgical assisting instrument and device having an elongated rectangular u-shaped body with fasteners extending outward therefrom. These fasteners can be of any number and mounted on the top or sides of the body. The body is affixed vertically on the long handle of a tenaculum or other similar elongated handles of surgical clasping instruments. This permits such surgical clasping devices to be anchored or braced onto a fixed surgical device to provide the surgeon with auxiliary clasping and holding assistance.

Abstract: A multifunctional surgical operation device comprises clips serving as a plurality of surgical operation tools, a plurality of manipulating wires interlocked with the plurality of clips, the manipulating wires being capable of independently manipulating the plurality of clips respectively, a manipulating section capable of manipulating the plurality of manipulating wires, and a switch lever capable of being selectively engaged with the plurality of manipulating wires. In this device, the manipulating section is manipulated, thereby making it possible to manipulate only the clip interlocked with the manipulating wire engaged with the switch lever.

Abstract: A filtering device with an increased surface area, and method of making and using the same. The present invention comprises a filtering device including an elongate shaft and a filter coupled to the shaft. The filter may include a filter membrane configured to have an increased surface area.