Abstract: A magnetic needle for acupuncture is disclosed. The magnetic needle of this invention has a housing having an opening and a magnet seated in the opening of the housing. A wedge-shaped projection is held in the opening of the housing so as to project into the exterior of the bottom wall of the housing and come into contact with the magnet. The projection forms an intensive magnetic field around a meridian point having fine electric current or electromagnetic waves. The projection thus magnetically stimulates the meridian point while performing a magnetic massage effect on the meridian point. The magnetic needle accomplishes an acupuncturing effect for relieving pain and curing disease as expected in typical acupuncture.

Abstract: A transverse connector is provided that is useful for adding rigidity to a spinal fixation system employing a pair of generally parallel spine rods. The transverse connector includes a body portion with a longitudinal aperture for receiving a shaft of an adjusting arm such that the adjusting arm can slide into and out of the longitudinal aperture. The body and adjusting arm, while being in sliding engagement for adjustment of the length of the transverse connector, are secured to one another by a set screw threaded into a threaded aperture provided on the body portion. The threaded aperture is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal aperture so that the tip of the set screw will form an interference fit against the shaft of the adjusting arm. Each of the body and adjusting arm includes a clamping assembly consisting of a pair of clamp halves which cooperate to grip one of the spine rods. Each pair of clamp halves fastens to a different one of the spine rods.

Abstract: A resiliently flexible body vessel or body cavity dilator that tapers toward one end and a transition zone that decreases in flexibility along the dilator away from the one end. The dilator can comprise a dilator arranged to be slid over a guidewire for use in the placement of an intraluminal graft bridging an aortic aneurysm. The dilator can also comprise an inner core of relatively stiff material surrounded by an outer layer of resiliently flexible material.

Abstract: A system for releasing a target material, such as an embolic coil from an SMP located at the end of a catheter utilizing an optical arrangement for releasing the material. The system includes a laser, laser driver, display panel, photodetector, fiber optics coupler, fiber optics and connectors, a catheter, and an SMP-based gripper, and includes a release sensing and feedback arrangement. The SMP-based gripper is heated via laser light through an optic fiber causing the gripper to release a target material (e.g., embolic coil for therapeutic treatment of aneurysms). Various embodiments are provided for coupling the laser light into the SMP, which includes specific positioning of the coils, removal of the fiber cladding adjacent the coil, a metal coating on the SMP, doping the SMP with a gradient absorbing dye, tapering the fiber optic end, coating the SMP with low refractive index material, and locating an insert between the fiber optic and the coil.

Abstract: A vertebral rod for fixation of a spine, the rod formed of a first material and defining a passage extending at least partially therethrough, the passage at least partially filled with a second material different from the first material to thereby enable the stiffness of the rod to be varied along its length. The first and second materials are either a metallic material or a biocompatible material such as plastic. The rod may be formed of at least three layers of material, with the layers composed of at least two different materials.

Abstract: A monomer dispenser and vial breaker includes a base portion and a cap portion which is attachable to the base portion. The base portion is substantially cylindrical, has an inner seat for supporting the shoulder of an ampoule, a knurled outer gripping surface, an exteriorally threaded portion, and an open end with a first locking structure. The cap portion is substantially cylindrical, has a first open end with interior threads and a second locking structure, a second open end, with a strainer and a vial breaking structure located between the first and second open ends. The cap portion is also provided with a knurled outer gripping surface. The monomer dispenser and vial breaker operate as follows: an ampoule is inserted into the base so that the shoulder of the ampoule rests on the inner seat, the cap is pushed onto the base so that locking structures engage, and the base and/or the cap are twisted relative to each other so that the threaded portions engage.

Abstract: A microsurgical tool (8), in the form of forceps, allows access and micro-manipulation into very small confined spaces, such as the cochlea. The microsurgical tool includes an activation body (10) and a working head (20). The activation body is made from a pair of leaf springs (11) joined permanently at one end to a sliding bracket (12) and joined at the other end to a central section (15) with removable screws (13). The central section (15) tapers to an extension (15A) that extends to the working head. A push arm (16) has a first end coupled to the sliding bracket (12) and a second end pivotally joined to the working head (20). The working head (20) is made from a first jaw part (21) attached to the extension (15A), and a second jaw part (22) pivotally connected to the second end of the push arm (16).

Abstract: A bone fixation apparatus and method for repairing fractured bones is provided. A first pin is located on the bone adjacent the fracture and a flexible line is led to a second pin located on the other side of the fracture. A third pin is provided spaced from the first pin on the same side of the fracture and the flexible line is extended from the second pin to the third pin. A fourth pin is provided spaced from the second pin on the same side of the fracture and the flexible line is extended from the third pin to the fourth pin. Finally, the flexible line is extended from the fourth pin back to the first pin. The flexible line may be doubled up. A similar arrangement of pins and flexible line is made diametrically on the opposite side of the bone.

Abstract: The flexible cannulas are constructed of metal and plastic, with the metal cannulas having diameters of between 2.0 and 3.5 mm, and with the plastic cannulas having diameters greater than 3.5 mm (i.e., 3.5 to 6.0 mm). These long shaft flexible cannulas, when utilized in combination with a reinforced neck, allow the cannula point of entry to act as a fulcrum (with an optional interposed insert) in concert with the surgeon's guiding hand to deflect the cannulas. The cannula tip is preferably highly beveled with an adjacent set of three openings, and the cannula easily penetrates fibrous fat and may reach fat deposits relatively distant from the entrance wounds. The long shaft, highly flexible, reinforced swan neck cannulas move in an easily controllable manner within the subcutaneous tissue below the dermal envelope in an arciform fashion. Benefits include a reduced need to move a patient's body position intraoperatively.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for securing a spinal rod to the spine comprising a fastener having a curvate head portion, a securement body having an interior cavity including a first portion having a first axis and configured to accommodate the curvate head portion of the fastener and a second portion having a second axis and configured to accommodate a spinal rod in such a manner so that the spinal rod and the curvate head portion are in contact with one another, and a locking member configured to linearly engage the second portion of the interior cavity of the securement body along the axis thereof in such a manner so as to secure the relative position of the spinal rod and the head portion of the fastener.

Abstract: A suction assembly for use in a surgical procedure. The assembly includes a plurality of suction head attachments. Each of the suction head attachments has a base segment, a tip segment and a suction conduit that extends through the base segment and the tip segment. The base segment of each of the suction head attachments has a common configuration. However, the tip segment of each of the suction head attachments has a unique configuration. The assembly also includes a single handle element. A coupling mechanism is disposed at a first end of the handle element. The coupling mechanism is adapted to selectively engage the base segment of any of the plurality of suction head attachments. The handle element also connects to a suction source. As the handle element connects to one of the suction head attachments, the handle element interconnects the suction head attachment to the suction source.

Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument adapted for percutaneous insertion into a body cavity to facilitate a minimally invasive surgical procedure. The surgical cutting instrument includes a shaft having a proximal end, an open distal end, and an axial lumen therebetween. An inlet opening may be fluidly coupled to the lumen at a proximal end of the shaft, for connection to a vacuum source for creating a suction force sufficient to retain the distal end of the shaft adjacent to a surface of a body structure within the body cavity. A cutting element is disposed within the lumen of the shaft near the distal end of the shaft, and is operable to cut the body structure without removing any substantial portion of the body structure when the shaft is held adjacent to the surface of the body structure.

Abstract: A device for dilating a pupil and/or maintaining a pupil in a dilated state. The device includes a generally arcuate body having first and second ends. The outer peripheral edge of the body has an engaging formation adapted to engage the inner peripheral edge of an iris to retain the pupil in an expanded state, and at least one positioning arm extending generally outwardly from one of the ends of the body so as to remain external to the eye.

Abstract: A miniaturized obstruction treatment device, e.g., a resilient brush, particularly adapted for medical use formed at the distal end of an elongated brush drive shaft having a hollow lumen formed therein for introduction over a guidewire. The brush drive shaft is enclosed in the lumen of a brush delivery catheter, and the brush is adapted to be garaged in a distal end section of the brush delivery catheter lumen. A Y-connector and a brush sub-assembly connector are attached to the proximal end of the brush delivery catheter and form a brush sub-assembly with the brush drive shaft and brush. The Y-connector allows infusion of thrombolytic agents into the brush delivery catheter lumen for emission at the distal end opening thereof adjacent the brush. In use, the brush sub-assembly connector connects the brush sub-assembly with a drive motor unit connector of a drive motor unit. The drive motor unit receives the proximal end of the drive shaft and rotates it to rotate the brush bristles.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for infusing fluid through the sheath of a stone basket involves a connector fixedly attached to the rearward end of the sheath and releasably attached to a handle. A basket assembly has a portion thereof disposed within the longitudinal passageway of the sheath. The basket assembly is extensible beyond the forward end of the sheath to permit its basket to expand. The basket assembly is removable from the longitudinal passageway of the sheath by uncoupling the connector from the handle and withdrawing the basket assembly through the rearward end of the sheath. The connector further includes a means for coupling a syringe to the connector when the connector is detached from the handle and the basket assembly is removed from the sheath. Thus the handle can be detached from the connector, the basket assembly removed from the sheath, and a syringe coupled to the connector to infuse fluid through the sheath.

Abstract: A trocar employing an internal stabilizer and an optional external stabilizer is provided. The internal stabilizer is passed through the tissue wall along with the cannula, with the internal stabilizer in a retracted position. Once the cannula has been extended into the anatomical cavity, the stabilizer returns to its normal, extended position. Movement of the stabilizer between its retracted and extended positions is effected by advancement and retraction of the obturator. A method of inserting the trocar cannula is also provided.

Abstract: A threaded washer with a central bore for use with a bone screw is disclosed. The washer is threaded into a counterbore extending below the bone surface and into cancellous bone material. The external washer threads are tapered to provide improved purchase. The bone screw is inserted through the central bore of the washer and threaded into the fragment beyond the fracture. The washer provides improved compressive forces while permitting the bone screw head to be located beneath the bone surface.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus is provided with both a rotating inner blade and a stationary outer blade at its distal end and is connected to a drive unit disposed in the proximal region. The outer blade is spaced from the inner blade to form an irrigation passage through which an irrigation liquid is passed. A flushing duct is provided for fluid communication to the distal end. Additionally, a suction passage is provided to exhaust tissue particles.

Abstract: A vertebral axial decompression table is operated by applying a baseline tension to the two table parts, increasing tension to about 50% of maximum above baseline, then logarithmically increasing tension to maximum tension. Thereafter, tension is linearly relaxed back to baseline. This cycle is repeated a programmed number of times to effect a therapy session. Data concerning the table operation is transmitted to allow remote monitoring and re-programming of the table.

Abstract: A blood pressure cuff having a pair of flexible gas-impermeable sheets wherein each of the sheets has an inner and an outer side and wherein the inner sides are placed in contact and the edges of the sheets are fused along a periphery thereof to form an interior chamber. At least one hook fastener portion is disposed on one outer side of one of the sheets and at least one loop portion is disposed on an outer side of the other of the sheets. A conduit means is attached to one of the flexible sheets for connecting to a source of pressurized fluid for allowing inflation and deflation of the interior chamber. The sheets are fused together by RF welding along a perimeter of one outer side of one of the sheets. The hook fastener portion, the loop portion, and the conduit means are each RF welded to an outer side of one of said sheets.