Abstract: Systems, kits, and methods for establishing vascular access are described. A system may include a needle, a radially expandable sleeve and a dilator. The methods include creating an initial tissue tract to a target blood vessel with a radially expandable sleeve mounted on a needle. Upon removal of the needle, the dilator is then passed through the radially expandable sleeve to effect radial expansion of the sleeve. Use of the sleeve reduces the risk of injuring tissue surrounding the tissue tract by lessening the axial forces imparted to the tissue. Kits comprise at least the radially expandable sleeve together with instructions for use.

Abstract: According to the invention, a torque-transmitting assembly is described. A female coupling member defines a shape with a tapered bore. A radially flexible sleeve member has a wall with a tapered exterior surface, received within the bore, and an inner surface defining a through-bore. An elongated shaft member made of super-elastic alloy has an outer surface that is received within the through-bore. Relative motion among at least two of the members causes the inner surface to contact the outer surface, inducing a super-elastic activation in the shaft, simultaneously securing the members together in a fixed relative position. The radially flexible sleeve member has a plurality of collet fingers, which preferably contact the shaft at discrete locations. It is further preferred that the super-elastic activation in the shaft occurs as a result of the discrete contact thereby changing the cross-sectional shape of the shaft, which is generally non-circular, e.g., polygonal, in a further preferred form.

Abstract: The invention provides a wire guided aperture creating apparatus, an over-the-wire kit, and a method for creating a hole in adjacent portions of first and second anatomical conduits during a surgical procedure. The apparatus includes an elongated element having a guidewire lumen and an aperture creating assembly disposed near the distal end of the elongated element. In a further embodiment the device may include first and second elongated elements coupled via a coupler and an aperture creating assembly disposed between the elements. At least one of the elements includes a passage-defining element permitting passage therethrough of a first guidewire. In addition to the devices identified above, the kit includes a first guidewire for insertion into a lumen of the first vessel to an initial cutpoint and then through adjacent portions of sidewalls of the first and second vessels into a lumen of the second vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing a vessel using a multicapsule catheter having first, second and third capsules for releasably retaining each terminal end of a bifurcated graft. The method for repairing the vessel includes the steps of performing a surgical technique to gain remote access to the vessel, advancing the multicapsule catheter within the vessel and releasing the bifurcated graft within the vessel to thereby repair the vessel.

Abstract: A system for enabling the insertion and removal of an embolic protection device, for capturing and retaining embolic debris which may be created during the performance of a therapeutic interventional procedure in a stenosed or occluded region of a blood vessel. The system, in an embodiment thereof, enables the device to be snap-fitted so as to engage the distal end of a guide wire, to be pre-formed for expansion thereof so as to seal off the inner surface of a blood vessel, to inhibit the forming of a gap therein, for inhibiting embolic material from passing therethrough, and to be foreshortened to enable insertion thereof through confined spaces. The system, in another embodiment thereof, enables expandable material to be formed into an expandable configuration of an embolic protection device for capturing embolic material, which is capable of sealing off the inner surface of the blood vessel.

Abstract: An external fixator includes a main body and an outrigger for extending over a fractured joint, such as a wrist joint. The main body can be positioned next to a right arm, or flipped over and positioned next to a left arm. The outrigger is attachable to extend either to the left or to the right of the main body, as appropriate. A distal body is removeably connectable to the distal end of the main body, and the distal body can be affixed to bone on the opposite side of the fracture to immobilize the joint where the fracture occurs. The distal body is connected to the main body with an adjustable securement section which provides six degrees of adjustment freedom. The outrigger is attached to the main body through a slide plate in a dual rail configuration which provides two dimensions of adjustment. Fragment pin supports ride in a track of the outrigger, and provide seven degrees of adjustment freedom for directed fixation of fragments at the fracture site.

Abstract: A suture anchor has a suture loop that is disposed internally within the suture anchor. The suture loop extends through a substantial length of the anchor body with the ends of the suture loop secured at the distal end of the anchor and the proximal end of the loop being flush with or recessed just below the proximal surface of the proximal end of the anchor. The anchor body is threaded and has a tapered distal portion. The proximal end portion of the suture anchor body has a hexagonally shaped opening to accept a hexagonal drive head. The peripheral surface defining hexagonally shaped opening is rounded and smooth to prevent abrading sutures placed in contact therewith.

Abstract: The invention describes a bone anchor 76 comprising a head region 94 and supporting legs 78 and a method for soft tissue-bone grafting using the said bone anchor 76. A hole 84 is drilled through cortical bone 82 forming a socket 70 in a cancellous bone 90, and the bone anchor 76 is inserted therein thereby trapping ligaments 88a and 88b between the radially outermost portion of the anchor 76 and the inside surface of the socket 70. An optional expansion peg (not shown) is inserted into a hole 86 within the bone anchor 76, thereby causing the proximal ends of the legs 70 of the bone anchor 76 to expand radially causing the ligaments 88a and 88b to closely abut the cancellous bone 90 thereby encouraging the grafting process.

Abstract: A surgical capsule of the present invention is positioned in an artery or vein by threading a catheter containing the capsule from a proximal incision in the blood vessel to a location within the blood vessel adjacent to a lesion. The catheter comprises an outer holding sheath, an intermediate deployment sheath, and an inner guide wire, all of which are reciprocable with respect to each other. The capsule includes (1) a control sub-assembly that includes a hub and a plurality of outwardly biased leaf springs, and (2) a filter sub-assembly that includes a porous dome that is capable of permitting fluid flow, but retaining particles. Domes of different porosity may be affixed to the leaf springs. The position of the capsule is controlled by the guide wire. The present invention allows the interchangeability of mesh caps of different diameters and mesh sizes. By using the same capsule and the same deployment method, tines or hooks on the shrouds hold the elasticized rim on the mesh.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a number of distal screws into an intramedullary nail implanted in a patient. The apparatus includes a foundation which is fixedly coupled to the patient, a targeting insert having a targeting spike, a guiding insert for guiding an installation tool used in installing a distal screw, a targeting/guiding device coupled to the foundation and adaptable for having the targeting insert and the guiding insert coupled thereto, and a handle removably coupled to the targeting/guiding device. When the targeting insert is coupled to the targeting/guiding device, the targeting/guiding device may be movable by an operator or surgeon with the use of the handle so as to align the targeting spike with a respective distal screw hole in the intramedullary nail. Afterwards, the targeting/guiding device may be locked in place by the operator or surgeon with the use of the handle, the targeting insert removed, and the guiding insert coupled to the targeting/guiding device.

Abstract: A tattoo system for providing a disposable tip that allows for efficient cleaning and tattooing. The tattoo system includes a tube member having a tapered neck with exterior threading at a distal end thereof, and a tip member threadably attached to the tube member. The tip member is comprised of a center body, a rear portion having a tapering rear lip and a rear opening, a front portion with a front opening, a reservoir connected between the front opening and the rear opening, and interior threading within a central portion of said reservoir for threadably engaging the exterior threading. The tip member is preferably comprised of a plastic to sealably engage the tube member. The front portion of the tip member is preferably tapered with the front opening slightly larger than the needle reciprocating through thereof.

Abstract: A clip for engaging tissue includes a generally annular-shaped body defining a plane and disposed about a central axis extending normal to the plane. The body includes alternating inner and outer curved regions, defining a zigzag pattern about a periphery of the clip. The body is biased towards a planar configuration lying in the plane and deflectable towards a transverse configuration extending out of the plane. Tines extend from the inner curved regions, the tines being oriented towards the central axis in the planar configuration, and parallel to the central axis in the transverse configuration. The tines may include primary tines and secondary tines that are shorter than the primary tines. The primary tines may be disposed on opposing inner curved regions and oriented towards one another such that they overlap in the planar configuration.

Abstract: A laryngeal cutting blade has an outer blade assembly including a tubular member having a bend closer to a proximal portion than a distal end, a hollow inner blade assembly rotatably received in the outer blade assembly for mounting to a powered handpiece and having a flexible portion disposed adjacent the bend and a suction passage extending through the inner blade assembly to permit aspiration of cut tissue, the angled configuration of the laryngeal cutting blade and toothed and smooth profile cutting ends therefore are particularly effective for debulking large, firm lesions and for delicate shaving of superficial lesions of the vocal cords after removal of bulk mass.

Abstract: A device for guiding a medical instrument is described, which comprises a guide tube, which has a longitudinal opening extending substantially from a distal end to a proximal end of the guide tube, wherein the guide tube comprises a rounded bottom and two parallel side walls so that the guide tube is about semi-circular in cross section. The device further comprises a handle connected to the guide tube in the region of the proximal end of the guide tube. The distal end of the guide tube is open, and the handle projects laterally from said guide tube.

Abstract: A surgical device for holding together and aligning at least two pieces of bone, the device comprising: a surgical pin suitable for being implanted axially in the pieces of bone to be held together; and a protective plug provided with a through channel for enabling it to be engaged on the pin, said plug including a locking orifice in which locking element can be inserted; wherein: the locking orifice is made in such a manner as to open out into the through channel so as to form a surface S; and the locking element presents a matching cross-section such that on being inserted into the locking orifice it can lock the plug relative to the pin.

Abstract: An operating head for a full thickness resection system includes a first optical device disposed on a distal portion thereof and having a viewing area extending distally of the distal portion and a working chamber extending within an exterior wall of the operating head, a first portion of the exterior wall being moveable with respect to a second portion thereof to selectively open the working chamber to an exterior of the operating head. Furthermore, the operating head includes a second optical device mounted within the working chamber with a viewing area of the second optical device extending distally therefrom.

Abstract: Medical devices that have a novel mechanical trap(s) on the distal end of a shaft that is used for the removal of material from the body. Further an expandable channel is included to entrap the material that aid with removal or obliteration of tissue or foreign bodies is disclosed.

Abstract: An intra-arterial occluder according to the invention exhibits a central elongated portion being comparatively stiff, e.g., by being thicker, and an outer rim portion being more flexible. The occluder is passed through the puncture, and is oriented such that the axis of the central portion is generally coaxial with the vessel. When retracted, the central portion will rest against the vessel wall at two diametrically opposed areas around the puncture, and along the length of the vessel. These areas represent the strongest areas around the puncture, and will therefore be able to safely carry the retracting force. At the same time, the thinner circumferential rim portion, which is easily foldable to fit into an insertion tool, adapts to the vessel wall and acts as an efficient sealing.

Abstract: A surgical operation apparatus according to the present invention comprises an insert section, a first jaw that has a first grip section, and that turns about a first pivot provided at the insert section, a second jaw that has a second grip section, and that turns about a second pivot provided at the first jaw, the second grip section forming a contacted/spaced face to be contacted or spaced relevant to a grip object in collaboration with the first grip section, a first driving rod connected to a first jaw, a second driving rod connected to a second jaw, and a driving mechanism, the driving mechanism being adopted to drive the first and second driving rods to be advanced or retracted.

Abstract: A disposable surgical safety scalpel comprising a blade, fixed at one end to an elongated support or slider, sliding longitudinally inside a protective shell, to bring the blade from a retracted inoperative position, in which it is housed inside the shell, to an exposed operative position, through the action of an operator who acts on a push-button mounted on the support; a safety shield longitudinally slidably mounted on the shell, the shield moving from an advanced position, in which it covers the push-button, when the push-button is in its retracted inoperative position, for preventing the push-button from involuntary driving, to a retracted position, in which the shield does not cover the push-button; and elastic return elements to bring the blade back into the retracted inoperative position, the elastic elements acting between the support and the safety shield, such that the shield can automatically and involuntary cover the push-button, when the support is brought in its retracted inoperative position b