Abstract: A suture retrieval tool for use in a laparoscopic urethropexy procedure is provided. The suture retrieval tool comprises a retrieving end and a handle. The retrieving end has a rigid, rod-like shaft and a sharp tip capable of penetrating periurethral tissue, whereby the retrieving end may be inserted into a vagina, through the vaginal mucosa and periurethral tissue adjacent a urethra, and into the space of Retzius, such that the retrieving end may be employed to snare a suture positioned in the space of Retzius for retrieving the suture into the vagina. The suture retrieval tool also preferably comprises a midshaft positioned between the retrieving end and the handle.

Abstract: A suture anchor assembly is described which includes an elongated insertion stem and an approximately cylindrical anchoring element having an axial channel for receiving the insertion stem. In its nonexpended state, the anchoring element can be placed into a pre-filled opening in a bone. An expander element loaded onto the insertion stem is engaged with a proximal end of the anchoring element. The proximal end of the anchoring element is capable of telescoping movement over the distal end of the expander element so that resilient proximal portions of the anchoring element are forced outward against the expander element, causing the resilient proximal portions of the anchoring element to expand into the bone hole, fixing the anchoring element in a pressure fit firmly within the opening. A kit for emplacing and removing the suture anchor is also provided as well as methods for attaching a suture to a bone using the present assembly.

Abstract: An iliac screw includes a smooth distal shank (35), a threaded proximal shank (37) and a proximal head portion (38). The smooth distal shank (35) is configured to penetrate the cancellous bone of the iliac wings, while the threaded shank (37) carries bone threads configured for engagement with the cortical or the cancellous bone. The head portion (38) is configured for engagement with an elongated fixation member, such as a spinal rod.

Abstract: Phototherapeutic instruments are disclosed having integral stopper devices which limit the penetration of an optical fiber during tissue penetrating phototherapy. In one preferred embodiment, a fluted outer sheath is disposed about an internal optical fiber. The fluted sheath is configured to expand during penetration of the optical fiber into a patient's tissue. As the fluted elements expand, the present a much larger cross-sectional area which resists further penetration of the instrument beyond a predetermined desirable distance. The invention is useful in limiting an optically-transmissive fiber's penetration and, thereby, reduce the possibility of perforation of a body lumen or organ. The invention is particularly useful in placing a ablative laser radiation device into the ventricle of the heart when performing arrhythmia-correcting laser ablative procedures or when revascularizing the heart percutaneously.

Abstract: A rod-based orthopedic fixation system, in particular a spinal fixation system, comprising orthopedic fasteners which utilize a novel set screw system for securing a cylindrical longitudinal member or orthopedic fixation rod to the fastener. Also disclosed are transverse extension devices useful for connecting a spinal fixation rod to an orthopedic fastener to minimize rod contouring in both the frontal and sagittal planes.

Abstract: Spine fixation instrumentation including a rod and lateral mass screws which can be fixed at any of a range of orientations relative to the rod. Connectors are used to couple the rod and the screws. Sleeves are wedged between yokes on the one hand and the rod or shafts on the other hand. The sleeves are assembled and disassembled by instruments similar to pliers.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing a long bone combines an external fixator with a locking nail implanted in the medullary canal of a long bone. The external fixator has fixed bone pins at each of its ends and movable bone pins intermediate its ends. The fixed bone pins extend through transverse bores at each end of the bone nail and the movable pins extends through a slot in the bone nail intermediate its ends. By this method a fracture can be compressed and stabilized while healing.

Abstract: Apparatus for reattaching a ligament or implanting a ligament replacement in bone comprising a first ligament attaching element for coupling to a first end of the ligament or ligament replacement, a second ligament attaching element for coupling to a second end of the ligament or ligament replacement, a first engaging element slidably disposed on the first ligament attaching element and having at least one longitudinally extending finger, a second engaging element slidably disposed on the second ligament attaching element and having at least one longitudinal extending finger. The finger of each engaging element is directed toward the other. The first attaching element and first engaging element are adapted to be inserted in a first bore in a first bone member.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus and method of use for maintaining tension upon a length of suture material extending from body tissue is provided. The surgical apparatus deforms and compresses a securing member about a length of suture material which is received therethrough so as to maintain a prescribed amount of tension on the suture material which extends from body tissue and is engaged in the compressed securing member.

Abstract: This is a surgical device that, in particular, is for forming a vasoocclusion or embolism. Typically, it is a helically wound coil in which the helix is wound in such a way as to have multiple axially offset, longitudinal or focal axes. Another important facet of the invention is the presence of small diameter secondary coil windings adjacent large diameter coil windings. The device is sufficiently flexible and small that it may be delivered to a site within the vasculature of the human body using a pusher and a catheter. The device is generally linear when within the catheter but relaxes to form the multi-focal form after delivery from the distal end of the catheter lumen. Various mechanical connections may also be used to discharge the inventive coil from its pusher. Similarly, the coil may be attached to a pusher using a sacrificial joint, which sacrificial joint is dissolved by imposition of a small voltage within the human body.

Abstract: A skin seal or trocar stabilizer with an inflatable balloon in the shape of a dumbbell, where the balloon may be stored within a cannula for easy placement in an incision and inflated to deploy the balloon inside the body, and a portion of the balloon expands inside the cannula, whereby medical instruments may be passed through the skin seal into a laparoscopic work space while the balloon is inflated, thereby allowing the use of normal short surgical instruments during laparoscopic procedures and during insufflation.

Abstract: A bone fixation apparatus for anchoring a surgical member to bone for the fixation of bone or soft tissue to bone. The bone fixation apparatus includes a post device having a leg portion slidably insertable into a hole formed in bone. The leg portion is of sufficient length relative to the interior diameter of the hole to resist removal of the leg portion from the hole when forces substantially parallel to the outer surface of the bone are applied to the post device to anchor the surgical member to bone. In one aspect of the invention, the surgical member is a plate section of an elongated sheet of surgical plate material which may be divided into a plurality of plate sections each having an arbitrary shape.

Abstract: A device for closing off a septal defect including a polymeric self-hardening material in a specific conformation which is delivered by a catheter device to the area of defect either directly on the cardiac tissue or into a balloon which spans both surfaces of the defect, and hardened in-situ by change in pH or ionic concentration, organic solvents, by permeation of a secondary material capable of precipitation, or by exposure to heat, light or laser energy. In blood, the device may be hardened through photopolymerization or a cooperative effect of coagulation, precipitation or ionization. The device can be made of biodegradable material impregnated with growth factors, mitogenic factors or other determinants which can improve tissue growth such that tissue ingrowth can occur over a period of time. The catheter itself may be an ultrasonic imaging catheter.

Abstract: A method of occluding a vessel including: cinching the vessel with a ligature comprising a flexible elongate base structure having a longitudinal axis, a needle end, and a second end, a collar for receiving a needle and affixed elongate base structure, positioned on the second end, and a node for interacting with the collar, the node positioned on the elongate base structure, between the needle and second ends, transverse to the longitudinal axis and having a proximal and a distal edge with respect to the needle end of the flexible elongate base structure, a portion of the node's proximal edge relative the needle end of the flexible elongate base structure being perpendicular to the elongate base structure's longitudinal axis. The method is ideally suited for performing a tubal (fallopian tube) ligation for reproductive control.

Abstract: Applicant's invention includes an apparatus and associated method for treating or managing spinal deformities, including scoliosis, abnormal kyphosis, vertebral fractures and tumors, through attachment of spinal rods to ribs adjacent to the spine, rather than to the spine itself. The attachment members are designed whereby the ribs are completely encircled once the rods and attachment members are fully implanted, thereby virtually eliminating the chance of inadvertent dislodging of the rods.

Abstract: A device is provided for cutting dowels from a bone mass which is easily disassembled for cleaning and sterilization. The dowel cutter includes an axial mounting member having a proximal end portion configured for engagement with a drill chuck and a distal end portion configured to receive a cylindrical cutting blade, an elongated supporting shaft having a distal end portion configured to support a drill guide, and a securement mechanism formed integral with the mounting member for releasably maintaining the relative orientation of the supporting shaft and the axial mounting member during utilization.

Abstract: A device for the attachment to a rod (1) of a member (24) such as a screw, a hook or the like, in particular for spinal instrumentation. The device interacts with a smooth rod (1) and comprises an intermediate socket in the shape of a split ring (22) engageable on said rod. A tightening means (23) is arranged on the ring (22) at the split therein so that when it is tightened, the rod (1) protrudes from the ring while engaging the bottom of a U-shaped body to which the member is secured, whereas the free ends of the ring flanges (221, 222) engage both the rod (1) and the body (21). The device is useful in the field of orthopaedic equipment fitted during spinal surgery.

Abstract: A double barrel adjustable clamping system adaptable for use with laminar hooks and pedicular bolts for use by a surgeon for reduction and fixation of a spinal column is disclosed which provides a rigid construct and is independent from the rod system thereby simplifying the surgical installation thereof. Also disclosed are multi-piece round and quadrilateral rod systems which are separated by novel adjustable cross bar assemblies.

Abstract: There is provided a lancet assembly having a holder and a lancet structure which is incorporated with the holder, the lancet structure containing a lancet member having a pricking member and an ejector which ejects the lancet member, wherein an exposed portion of the pricking member is covered with a resin. In a preferred embodiment, a lancet body and a covered pricking member have portions mating each other so that the lancet body and the covered pricking member tightly engage with each other. In another preferred embodiment, at least one notch is provided to the covered pricking member. In a further embodiment, the covered pricking member contains two pairs of stops on its outside.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and method are disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises an elongated handle having an operator gripping portion and including a grinding burr rotatably mounted to the handle opposite the operator gripping portion, and an elongated guard connected to the handle and extending along the handle substantially parallel to the axis of the handle, the guard terminating in a plate. The surgical instrument of the present invention allows a surgeon to perform a craniectomy on a patient without reflecting scalp flaps from the skull of the patient.