Abstract: An implant has a threaded end for screwing into a bone on one side of a joint and an extending resorbable polymer shaft for crossing the joint. The resorbable shaft is fixed in a bone on the opposite side of the joint. The present invention avoids joint stiffness by allowing slight movement of the bones relative to one another initially while the soft tissues heal. As the shaft resorbs, it allows progressively more motion in the joint so that the articular surfaces are not degraded from lack of motion. Eventually, the shaft is completely resorbed thus requiring no removal operation. The implant of the present invention also finds application in bridging a bone fracture to allow progressive load shifting to the bone during healing.

Abstract: This is a catheter assembly and a section of that catheter assembly. That catheter assembly may be used in accessing a tissue target within the body, typically a target which is accessible through the vascular system. Central to the invention is the use of a braided metallic reinforcing member, typically of super-elastic alloy ribbon, situated within the catheter body in such a way to create a catheter having an exceptionally thin wall, controlled stiffness, high resistance to kinking, and complete recovery in vivo from kinking situations. The braid may have a single pitch or may vary in pitch along the axis of the catheter or catheter section. The braided ribbon reinforcing member typically is placed between a flexible outer tubing member and an inner tubing member to produce a catheter section which is very flexible but highly kink resistant.

Abstract: A bone buttress plate and a method of using the same to fixate a lateral surface of a fractured hindfoot calcaneus. The plate includes a main body, a first and a second leg, and an extension member. Each leg attaches to and extends from the main body. The extension member includes a yoke, a first arm, and a second arm. The yoke attaches to the main body and extends from the main body opposite to the legs. Each arm attaches to and extends from the yoke. The invention further includes a surgical method of fixating a fractured calcaneus exposed in a surgical theater, which includes providing a bone buttress plate including a main body, a first and a second leg, and an extension member. Each leg attaches to and extends from the main body. The extension member includes a yoke, a first arm, and a second arm. The yoke attaches to the main body and extends from the main body opposite to the legs. Each arm attaches to and extends from the yoke.

Abstract: A medical retrieval device includes a basket formed of two or more loops. The basket may be used to retrieve material (e.g., a urinary stone) from a body. The basket opens and closes for end-encapsulation of a stone and is strengthened by support members that interconnect the basket loops. A captured stone may be released from the basket with the basket still in the body by opening the loops.

Abstract: A portable system moving a debeaker apparatus within a barn to reduce the transportation and handling of a bird. A frame which holds the debeaker apparatus, a receiving chute, a staging cage, a delivery chute and a first and second storage baskets has wheels for easy movement from one location to another location. In a barn, an operator removes a plurality of birds from a starter cage and places the birds in the receiving chute which directs the birds to a platform in the staging cage. The platform has an inclined surface such that the birds have a tendency to face away from the operator. This orientation of the birds assists in the alignment with respect to a head retaining member of the debeaker apparatus. The operator selects a bird from the platform in a staging cage for presentation to the head retaining member associated with the debeaker apparatus. Once a bird is accepted by the head retaining member, a containment shield is resiliently positioned adjacent opening in the top or the return chute.

Abstract: A convertible rongeur is shown, with a top shaft that opens from the front, to allow access for cleaning, yet remains attached to the body of the device even when fully opened. In the preferred embodiment, the top shaft of the rongeur is held in positive engagement with the front handle piece of the rongeur by means of a spring loaded, retractable slot and pin linkage, and the permanent attachment between the top shaft and the remainder of the instrument is through a movable linkage at the rear. The rongeur is thus fully openable for cleaning, yet remains in one piece when opened for cleaning, and retains all of the advantages of permanently assembled prior art rongeurs.