Abstract: A preloaded intraocular lens injection device includes a retainer for releasably holding an IOL in an unstressed state. The retainer and IOL are removably attached to an injector body and are sealed in the same package for delivery to a surgeon. In an alternate embodiment, the retainer and IOL are coupled together and sealed in one package and the injector body is sealed in a separate package with the surgeon attaching the retainer to the injector body at the time of surgery. To deliver the IOL through the injector body, the retainer is removed from the injector body causing the IOL to release from the retainer and become located in an unstressed state in the injector body. A compressor is moved to the closed position to compress the IOL, the injector tip is inserted through a small incision in an eye and a plunger is advanced to push the IOL through and out the injector body tip and into an eye.

Abstract: A medical device for placing an embolic device at a predetermined site within a vessel of the body including a delivery catheter and a flexible pusher member slidably disposed within the lumen of the catheter. An embolic device is retained within the delivery catheter by a mechanical interlocking mechanism which includes an engagement member attached to the distal end of the pusher member and extends through a retaining ring at the proximal end of the embolic device. A detachment member extends through an aperture at the distal end of the engagement member thereby locking the embolic device onto the pusher member. A kicker member which takes the form of a generally U-shaped wire spring which extends from the distal end of the pusher member and is biased so as to lift the retaining ring off of the engagement member to ensure the release of the embolic device when the detachment member is withdrawn from the aperture of the engagement member.

Abstract: A surgical probe includes an articulated digit located at a distal end of a positioning shaft having a longitudinal axis. An actuator is located at a proximal end of the positioning shaft that is operatively connected to the articulated digit so as to move it between a continuous range of positions from an extended position to a substantially curved position while maintaining a kinesthetic relationship between a surgeon's finger engaging the actuator and the articulated digit. Preferably, the surgeons finger position and shape directly correspond to the position and shape of the articulated digit. A method is provided for probing, dissecting, and retracting anatomical structures.

Abstract: A spinal fixation device for stabilizing one or more segments of the human spine and for preventing the dislodgement of intervertebral spinal fusion implants, which remains permanently fixated once applied. The spinal fixation device of the present invention comprises of a staple member made of material appropriate for human surgical implantation which is of sufficient length to span the disc space between two adjacent vertebrae and to engage, via essentially perpendicular extending projections, the vertebrae adjacent to that disc space. A portion of the staple of the spinal fixation device interdigitates with an already implanted intervertebral spinal fusion implant which itself spans the disc space to engage the adjacent vertebrae, and the spinal fixation device is bound to the spinal fusion implant by a locking means.

Abstract: A device and technique for a sutureless wound closure, which limits the risks of rupture and scarring, is described. The device includes a one-piece surgical fastener generally shaped in a curve along the width of the surgical fastener. The fastener includes a tissue insertion tongue with a plurality of tissue attachment points for fixing the fastener to skin tissue. The fastener also includes a clasp for engaging an identical surgical fastener. The surgical fastener can also be a two-piece structure including a male connecting strap and a female connector. Both pieces include a tissue-connecting mechanism for fixing to skin tissue. The female connector includes an engagement clasp for securing the male connecting strap to the female connector.

Abstract: An occlusion device includes a center assembly having a flexible section formed by a spring connector and a safety tether. The flexible spring connector gives the center assembly improved torque and flexure characteristics, which allows the occlusion device to better conform to the contours of the heart. The safety tether serves to further ensure the structural integrity of the center assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices for closing septal defects, such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO). The closure devices include a proximal anchor member, a distal anchor member, and at least one flexible center joint connecting the two anchor members. According to some embodiments, the proximal and/or distal anchor members may include a generally cylindrical member split along the central portion of its length to form an elongate oval. The proximal and/or distal anchor members may further include a tissue scaffold. At least some of the closure devices according to the present invention are repositionable and retrievable.

Abstract: A surgical probe includes an articulated digit located at a distal end of a positioning shaft having a longitudinal axis. An actuator is located at a proximal end of the positioning shaft that is operatively connected to the articulated digit so as to move it between a continuous range of positions from an extended position to a substantially curved position while maintaining a kinesthetic relationship between a surgeon's finger engaging the actuator and the articulated digit. Preferably, the surgeons finger position and shape directly correspond to the position and shape of the articulated digit. A method is provided for probing, dissecting, and retracting anatomical structures.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus may include a guide apparatus to be used in an arthroscopic procedure and to interact with a passageway through a body portion formed by intersecting first and second holes that may lead into the body portion from different positions, e.g., from two different locations on a bone. The guide apparatus may include first and second guide members having first and second passages, respectively, that communicate with the first and second holes. The surgical apparatus may also include a suture retriever arranged to retrieve, from the second passage, a suture fed into the first passage. A method may include forming a passageway including first and second intersecting holes. First and second guide tubes may be positioned relative to the first and second holes, a suture or suture-like material may be provided into the first guide tube, and the suture or suture-like material may be retrieved from the second guide tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing a puncture or incision formed percutaneously in tissue separating two internal portions of the body of a living being with an anchor, a sealing plug and a filament connecting the anchor and sealing plug. The method and apparatus provide for automatic tamping and/or cinching of the sealing plug when the apparatus is withdrawn from the puncture site. The automatic tamping and/or cinching is facilitated by transducing a motive force generated by the withdrawal of the apparatus into a tamping and/or cinching force.

Abstract: An occlusion device includes a flexible section formed by a wire connector. The flexible wire connector gives the occlusion device improved torque and flexure characteristics, which allows the device to better conform to the contours of the heart.

Abstract: An inventive method for performing gastric bypass surgery and a gastric bypass band that is used in conjunction with the surgical method is disclosed. The inventive method involves separating a top portion of the stomach along with the esophagus from the remainder of the stomach, and re-connecting the separated portion to the small intestine to form a gastric pouch of about 20-30 cc in size. The inventive gastric band is placed midway along the gastric pouch to act as a restrictor valve to limit the amount of food passing through the valve. The band also retains food within the gastric pouch to give the patient a feeling of satiety. The band is comprised of an expansion-resistant section combined with a one-way latch mechanism. The latch has a curved orientation so that the band is formed into a radial profile when placed around the gastric pouch.

Abstract: In order to reduce the required separating and suction forces on the operational handpiece (1), the slit of the nozzle (8) is inclined at an angle (A) in relation to the plane of the axis of the injection cannula (5) and the angle (A) is selected in such a way that a flat liquid jet (9) is formed with at least one separation tip (10) and a first separation edge(11), in addition to a second separator edge (12), and a separator surface (13).

Abstract: The invention provides for vaso-occlusive coils comprising fibers.

Abstract: A fully threaded, bioabsorbable suture anchor with a suture loop that is disposed internally within the suture anchor. The suture loop is insert-molded into the anchor. The fully threaded design provides improved fixation, while the insert-molded internal suture loop serves as a recessed eyelet for a second (knot-tying) suture.

Abstract: A forceps unit for an endoscope is provided. The forceps unit includes a flexible sheath, an operating wire placed inside the flexible sheath to be reciprocable in a direction of an axis of the flexible sheath, a pair of forceps end pieces, and two support shafts rotatably supporting the pair of forceps end pieces, respectively. The two support shafts are swaged and fixed to an end support frame provided to a distal end of the flexible sheath so that the pair of forceps end pieces rotatable around the two support shaft will open and close like a beak when the operating wire is operated back and forth. The forceps unit is further provided with a liquid feed channel that is placed inside the flexible sheath in parallel with the operating wire. In this structure, a distal part of the liquid feed channel is placed to pass between the two support shafts so that an outlet of the liquid feed channel will be placed in front of the two support shafts.

Abstract: A medical device for placing an embolic device at a predetermined site within a vessel of the body including a delivery catheter and a flexible pusher member slidably disposed within the lumen of the catheter. An embolic device is retained within the delivery catheter by a mechanical interlocking mechanism which includes an engagement member attached to the distal end of the pusher member and extends through a retaining ring at the proximal end of the embolic device. A detachment member extends through an aperture at the distal end of the engagement member thereby locking the embolic device onto the pusher member. A kicker member which takes the form of a generally U-shaped wire spring which extends from the distal end of the pusher member and is biased so as to lift the retaining ring off of the engagement member to ensure the release of the embolic device when the detachment member is withdrawn from the aperture of the engagement member.

Abstract: A medical device for placing an embolic device at a predetermined site within a vessel of the body including a delivery catheter and a flexible pusher member slidably disposed within the lumen of the catheter. An embolic device is retained within the delivery catheter by a mechanical interlocking mechanism which includes an engagement member attached to the distal end of the pusher member and extends through a retaining ring at the proximal end of the embolic device. A detachment member extends through an aperture at the distal end of the engagement member thereby locking the embolic device onto the pusher member. A kicker member extends from the distal end of the pusher member and is biased so as to lift the retaining ring off of the engagement member to ensure the release of the embolic device when the detachment member is withdrawn from the aperture of the engagement member.

Abstract: A dilating system for dilating bodily tissue includes a elongate tubular first dilator and a elongate tubular second dilator. The second dilator has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the first dilator, the first dilator being configured to be received within the second dilator. In one embodiment, a first mating member is formed on the exterior surface of the first dilator while a second mating member is formed on the interior surface of the second dilator. The first mating member engages with the second mating member when the second dilator is passed over the first dilator so as to cause the second dilator to travel along a fixed path relative to the first dilator.

Abstract: A medical device for placing an embolic device at a predetermined site within a vessel of the body including a delivery catheter and a flexible pusher member slidably disposed within the lumen of the catheter. An embolic device is retained within the delivery catheter by a mechanical interlocking mechanism which includes an engagement member attached to the distal end of the pusher member and extends through a retaining ring at the proximal end of the embolic device. A detachment member extends through an aperture at the distal end of the engagement member thereby locking the embolic device onto the pusher member. A kicker member, which takes the form of a helical spring, extends from the distal end of the pusher member and is biased so as to lift the retaining ring off of the engagement member to ensure the release of the embolic device when the detachment member is withdrawn from the aperture of the engagement member.