Abstract: A tip for a medical device that distracts two opposing vertebral bodies. The tip has a hub, a boss, and a first longitudinal fin. The boss is attached the hub and has a body, a tapered portion, and a vertex. The first fin is attached to the boss, and projects from at least a portion of the boss's external surface. The first fin then extends over at least a portion of the length of the body and substantially extends over the length of the tapered portion.

Abstract: A wart removal device includes a handle and a pad. The pad has a base and tines with each tine preferably having a height not less than approximately twice its width. The tine height is preferably less than approximately 0.1 inch. The pad has a width that is preferably not greater than approximately ¼ inch and a length that is preferably not less than approximately twice its width. Each tine is sharpened so that opposing sides form a point at an upper edge with the opposing sides forming an angle of from approximately 20° to approximately 40°. In operation, the device is raked against wart tissue to create incisions in the wart tissue. The sharpness and cutting depth of the device are designed to create incisions without causing noticeable bleeding. The device may be provided in a kit with a medicament, such as pyruvic acid, to improve the effectiveness of the medicament.

Abstract: A retractor (101) for retracting the margins of a wound opening (103) comprises an inner anchoring O-ring (105) attached to a cylindrical sleeve (106) at a distal end and a reinforcing O-ring (109) attached to a proximal end of the sleeve (106). The sleeve (106) is led between an inner ring part (110) and a corresponding recess (116) in an outer ring part (111). The outer ring part (111) has anchor formations (120) over which the proximal end of the sleeve (106) is attached to anchor the sleeve (106). To retract the wound opening (103) the sleeve (106) is pulled while the guide rings (110, 111) are moved against the tissue surrounding the wound opening (103). This pulls the inner O-ring (105) against the inside of the tissue adjacent the wound opening (103), and retracts the wound opening (103). The sleeve (106) is manipulated locally for maximum retraction efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention is a device and method that immobilizes the vertebral bodies by immobilizing the respective spinous process extending therefrom. The device contains a spacer extending from a body with the spacer adapted to be positioned between adjacent spinous processes so that the spacer may be located close to the spine. A strap connected with the body is designed to engage the spinous processes, such that the device may be adjusted to be positioned about the spinous processes. The device ensures that the spacer remains positioned between adjacent spinous processes. The method to insert the device minimizes destruction to body tissue, thus it is less traumatic to the patient and allows for the patient to recover from the procedure faster than conventional methods.

Abstract: A medical device is constructed in the basic form of a catheter having a distal end for insertion into and manipulation within a body and a proximal end providing for a user to control the manipulation of the distal end within the body. A fiberoptic cable is disposed within the catheter and having a distal end proximate to the distal end of the catheter and a proximal end for external coupling of laser light energy. A laser-light-to-mechanical-power converter is connected to receive light from the distal end of the fiber optic cable and may include a photo-voltaic cell and an electromechanical motor or a heat-sensitive photo-thermal material. An electronic sensor is connected to receive electrical power from said distal end of the fiberoptic cable and is connected to provide signal information about a particular physical environment and communicated externally through the fiberoptic cable to the proximal end thereof.

Abstract: A stent deployment device for deploying a stent within a body cavity comprises an endoscope having a protective cap, a flexible stent, a sheath, and a flexible, elongated member. The protective cap is mounted on the distal end of the endoscope providing a protected surface for retaining the stent. The flexible stent is circumferentially compressed over the perimeter of the cap, and the sheath is then releasably wrapped around the stent to hold it in a compressed configuration over the cap. The flexible, elongated member, such as a wire extending through a working channel of the endoscope, is attached to either the sheath directly or to a releasing device for the sheath. After the endoscopic device is inserted in a body cavity, the flexible, elongated member is pulled through the working channel to release the sheath and deploy the stent into a desired body opening in the body cavity.

Abstract: A device for attaching a tissue replacement scaffold to a bone has a platform positionable in substantially parallel relationship to the bone for retaining the tissue scaffold proximate to the bone. A post extends from the platform and is insertable into a hole formed in the bone. One or more ribs extend from a side surface of the post along a portion of its length. The ribs are mounted on opposing flexible members and establish an interference fit relative to the hole in the bone tissue. The ribs are urged radially outwardly by the flexible members and have a sharp edge that grips the sides of the hole in the bone such that the ribs restrict withdrawal of the device. Vertical ribs may also be included to prevent rotation of the device within the hole in the bone.

Abstract: A bone fixation assembly for securing a fixation device such as a bone plate, to bone includes a fixation device including a through hole; a bushing having a sidewall with a bore and a slot; a fastening screw with a threaded shaft and a head including a recess; and a locking screw with a body capable of being threaded into the head of the fastening screw to expand its radial wall. In use, the bushing is seated within the through hole of the fixation device at a selected angle and the fastening screw is inserted through the bore of the bushing such that its head fits in the bushing and its shaft is threaded into bone. The locking screw may then be threaded into the head of the fastening screw to expand the radial wall of its head resulting in the locking of the fastening screw, and bushing at a selected orientation within the through hole.

Abstract: A positioning device allowing rotatable travel in one direction only when an inclined member engages a cammed member. The positioning device includes a rotatable cammed member having a surface defined by a decreasing radius, an inclined member movable between a first position and a second position, and a spring for urging the inclined member into engagement with the cammed member.

Abstract: A variable angle connection between a spinal rod and a vertebral anchor with a clevis to attach to the vertebral anchor, permitting the vertebral anchor to be longitudinally offset from the connecting point on the rod. The connection assembly has a bolt with an aperture for receiving a portion of the spinal implant rod at one end. The assembly also has a clevis. The clevis defines a bore to hold a portion of the vertebral anchor and the ears of the clevis have holes through which the bolt is located with the rotably connected to the ears. The assembly also has a rod interface washer positioned over a portion of the bolt, between the aperture of the bolt and the inside ear of the clevis. The rod interface washer is partly movable between the aperture of the bolt and the clevis, but the washer is fixed against rotating in relation to the bolt.

Abstract: A distractor/guide sleeve assembly is provided which includes a body having a cylindrical throughbore and a distractor assembly mounted thereon. The distractor assembly includes a rotatable dial, a pair of distractor rods, and two pairs of jaws. A plate is secured to the distal end of each distractor rod. Each plate includes a plurality of cam members which are slidably positioned in cam slots formed in the jaws of each of the pairs of jaws. The dial is operably connected to the jaws via the distractor rods such that rotation of the dial effects movement of the pairs of jaws between approximated and distracted positions. An insertion tool is also provided which includes a handle and distal engaging structure for releasably engaging an implant. The engaging structure includes a pair of prongs or protrusions having a slip resistant outer surface. The prongs are configured to be releasably received within correspondingly shaped bores formed in an implant.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail, comprises a proximal portion, a middle portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion has a longitudinal slot and the distal portion has at least one transversal bore. The proximal portion has a longitudinal axis and a longitudinal bore extending over the longitudinal extension of the slot in the distal direction. The longitudinal bore has an internal thread. An insert which is intended to be inserted in the longitudinal bore. The insert comprises a guiding bore in the form of a slot which is intended to receive fixing elements. The alignment of the guiding bore of said insert is transverse with respect to the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion. The insert has a compression screw adapted to be screwed into said internal thread of the longitudinal bore of the proximal portion to move a fixing element in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the intramedullary nail.

Abstract: A device, in several configurations, which fixes a breast in distended, stable position using negative pressure, and minimizes or halts lymphatic flow from the breast. The invention allows for improvement in imaging and intervention in diagnosis and treatment of early stage human breast cancer. An image-guided system which allows accurate and bloodless access to breast tissue; guided by MRI or CT; using a unique saw and cautery device; in linear and rotary configurations to remove small or large lesions from the breast.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plasticized dehydrated or freeze-dried bone and/or soft tissue product that does not require special conditions of storage, for example refrigeration or freezing, exhibits materials properties that approximate those properties present in normal hydrated tissue, is not brittle, does not necessitate rehydration prior to clinical implantation and is not a potential source for disease transmission. The invention replaces water in the molecular structure of the bone or soft tissue matrix with one or more plasticizers allowing for dehydration of the tissue, yet not resulting in an increase in brittleness of the plasticized product, and resulting in compressive and/or tensile properties similar to those of normal hydrated bone. Replacement of the chemical plasticizers by water prior to implantation is not required and thus, the dehydrated bone or soft tissue plasticized product can be placed directly into an implant site without significant preparation in the operating room.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for securing a spinal rod to the spine which includes a head portion configured to receive a spinal rod, a locking cap configured to engage the head portion and the spinal rod upon rotation of the locking cap relative to the head portion to secure the position of the head portion relative to the spinal rod, and a fastener portion depending from the head portion and configured to engage the spine.

Abstract: A variable angle connection between a spinal rod and a vertebral anchor with a clevis to attach to the vertebral anchor, permitting the vertebral anchor to be longitudinally offset from the connecting point on the rod. The connection assembly has a bolt with a stop disposed near one end of the bolt and an aperture for receiving a portion of the spinal implant rod at the other end. The assembly also has a clevis. The clevis defines a bore to hold a portion of the vertebral anchor and the ears of the clevis have holes through which the bolt is located with the ears positioned between the stop and aperture of the bolt. The assembly also has a rod interface washer positioned over a portion of the bolt, between the aperture of the bolt and the inside ear of the clevis. The rod interface washer is partly movable between the aperture of the bolt and the clevis, but the washer is fixed against rotating in relation to the bolt.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described to manipulate the position of the heart to provide surgical access to lateral and posterior portions of the heart. A jack apparatus connected to a surgical retractor can be positioned in the surgical cavity to produce a sideways force on the heart. A tripod apparatus can be used to hold up the heart into a desired position. A band can be attached to the heart to rotate its position. Fingers attached to the bottom of a blade on a surgical retractor can be used to manipulate the hearts position.

Abstract: A shoulder prosthesis including a fracture stem has body having an exterior surface, a shank attached to the body and a head. The body includes a medial fin, an anterior fin and a posterior fin. The medial fin includes a suture hole. The anterior and posterior fins each include a plurality of suture holes. The prosthesis further includes a lateral suture hole intersecting the exterior surface of the body. The lateral suture hole may be formed in a projection on the lateral side of the prosthesis. In an alternative embodiment, a trail prosthesis includes indicia for noting the proper placement of the stem. The prosthesis includes corresponding indicia for replicating the placement of the trial stem.

Abstract: A self-centering meniscal prosthesis device suitable for minimally invasive, surgical implantation into the cavity between a femoral condyle and the corresponding tibial plateau is composed of a hard, high modulus material shaped such that the contour of the device and the natural articulation of the knee exerts a restoring force on the free-floating device.

Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) insertion apparatus including a cartridge with an IOL-receiving chamber, a handpiece into which the cartridge is loaded, and a plunger rod that extends through a lumen in the cartridge to reliably engage the IOL therein. The chamber is stepped in one section to cause the IOL positioned therein to assume a complex curve. A lip or projection on the plunger rod is aligned with the complex curve and intersects the IOL to reliably engage the IOL across its thickness. The cartridge may be a folding type with a pair of arcuate walls and extension wings joined at a living hinge. The stepped section of the chamber may coincide with the location of the hinge.