Abstract: A trocar comprises an obturator having a piercing tip, and a cannula for forming a passage in tissue that is punched by the piercing tip. The cannula is formed from a flexible tube or a coil tube and transforms and libitum in accordance with the shape of the surgical tool that is to be inserted into the body cavity through the cannula. Therefore, the trocar of the invention allows insertion of a surgical tool curved in a circular arc into the body cavity without requiring no enlargement of the inside diameter of the cannula.

Abstract: The invention provides a catheter for ice mapping and ablation and a method of ablation using the catheter. The catheter includes at least two conduits for circulating a refrigerating fluid adjacent an ablation device located at the end of a catheter. The refrigerated ablation device is used to chill a localized region of myocardial tissue, thereby permitting the resulting change in electrical activity to be determined. In response to the test results, the ablation device may be used to make a lesion in the myocardial tissue to correct a cardiac arrhythmia. In one embodiment, the ablation device is an electrode which uses radio frequency energy to ablate the myocardial tissue. Alternatively, the ablation device is an electrode adapted for direct current ablation. In another embodiment, the electrode is replaced with an optical fiber in communication with a laser which uses the laser's light energy to ablate tissue.

Abstract: An acoustic catheter reduces transmission losses and unwanted heating of the transmission member by driving the catheter a rotary motor. The catheter includes an elongated body and a shaft extending longitudinally therethrough. The shaft is adapted for coupling to a rotary motor. A rotary-to-axial motion converter is coupled to the shaft at distal end of the catheter, for converting rotary shaft motion into axial acoustic motion. In one embodiment, the rotary-to-axial motion converter includes a swash plate driven by the shaft. The swash plate defines a surface which, at an angularly fixed reference point, moves axially in response to the rotary motion of the swash plate. A follower bears on the swash plate, for moving axially in response to axial motion of the follower. The follower includes a projection bearing on the swash plate and a spring urging the follower toward the swash plate. In one embodiment, the swash plate has a sinusoidal surface, while another embodiment has notches cut into the surface.

Abstract: The vascular introduction device is of the lateral arm type. It comprises a tubular body defining an introduction channel enabling, after installation of the distal part of the introduction device in a blood vessel of a patient to be treated, the introduction of a catheter into the vascular system up to where the operation is be performed. The introduction device is provided over part of its length with a longitudinal bulge whose inner wall defines a cavity merged with the introduction channel and communicating directly with the lateral arm. The tubular body is provided with blood inlet orifices arranged at least in the wall defining the cavity. The lateral arm thus enables feeding of a closed external blood circuit comprising a perfusion pump, with a sufficient blood rate in terms of pressure and flow, equal to the rate that would be obtained by a contralateral puncture point. The blood thus sampled off can be reinjected into the patient via the dilatation catheter.

Abstract: A therapeutic treatment apparatus for use in the middle and inner ear. The apparatus includes a tubular stem portion attached to a medicine-retaining reservoir with an internal cavity. The reservoir includes multiple pores therethrough or an opening having a semipermeable membrane therein which enables medicine delivery from the reservoir. Such delivery occurs when the reservoir comes in contact with selected middle-inner ear interface tissues. A conductive member for receiving electrical potentials from ear tissues is affixed to the apparatus. Alternatively, the apparatus may include tubular first and second stem portions secured on opposite sides of a reservoir along with a conductive member attached thereto of the type indicated above. This apparatus is surgically inserted so that the first stem portion is placed within the inner ear. At least part of the apparatus (the second stem portion) resides within the external auditory canal.

Abstract: A medical grasper device (10) that is useful for holding and manipulating a body organ is described. Grasper device (10) is inserted into a body cavity through a cannula port and in the form of a flexible strap (26) preferably made of a plastic material having traction formations, in the form of openings (34, 34D), ridges (34C) or scalloped edges (34B) provided along the length of a holding section and serving to prevent the strap from releasing from a position encircling the organ. The strap is housed within a tube (12) that is provided with a handle (68). During the laparoscopic procedure, the strap is moved by hand or by suitable manipulation mechanism out through the opposite, distal end (20) of the tube to define a loop (28) of adjustable size. The loop is thus useful for holding and manipulating body organs and body tissue.

Abstract: A distal femoral cutting instrument includes an intramedullary rod for referencing the patient's intramedullary canal. A valgus block with a flat reference surface mounts to the intramedullary rod at a bore of the valgus block. The bore of the block has a slant with respect to the flat reference surface on the valgus block. The reference surface defines a line that is normal to the mechanical axis of the patient while the bore of the valgus block tracks the patient's biomechanical axis. A distal femoral cutting block removably attaches to the valgus block and provides a flat cutting guide surface for shaping the patient's distal femur. The valgus block, intramedullary rod, and a stylus (for connecting the valgus block and cutting together) are removed as a unit before shaping of the distal femur. An indexing system includes a gauge having a series of openings corresponding to "anterior" referencing and to "posterior" referencing.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrosurgical tissue penetrating probe (e.g., a trocar) for use with surgical procedures such as a laproscopy. The trocar has a stylet disposed within the housing member, having an active electrode disposed on a distal end thereof to deliver electrosurgical energy to the target tissue in contact with the stylet. A return electrode is disposed on the housing member to form part of a return electrical path to the delivery electrosurgical energy. The invention also provides an electrosurgical trocar system having an impedance monitor and associated power regulating circuitry to control the amount of electrosurgical energy delivered to tissue so that the measured tissue impedance is maintained within a preselected range.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the ablation of hard biological material, such hard dental material, using a rapidly pulsed laser employ a crystal disposed in the propagation path of the laser radiation, the crystal being disposed at the laser output and serving as an interface with an optical conductor which conveys the laser radiation to the treatment site. The crystal smooths the time/intensity characteristics of the pulsed laser radiation to the extent that transmission to the treatment site using optical wave guides is possible. Additional protective features are provided to prevent the ablated biological material to destroy the exposed optical end surfaces of the treatment applicator. Additional design features improve the ergonomic efficiency of the handpiece and its ability to be sterilized.

Abstract: A laser balloon catheter apparatus emits laser light, received through optical fiber, via a balloon for irradiating tissue. It includes a laser light emitting means, a coolant supply passage located in the balloon, a coolant discharge passage located in the balloon for discharging the coolant, and a coolant circulating means for supplying the coolant to the balloon through the coolant supply passage to inflate the balloon while discharging the coolant through the coolant discharge passage.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a device for clamping and cutting an umbilical cord so as to enable blood samples from the umbilical cord to be collected and/or tested. The device provides for the clamping of a severed end of an umbilical cord and the automatic ejection of that clamped end. The device also provides for the cutting of an umbilical cord without using excessive force regardless of the size of the umbilical cord. Additionally, the device provides for the valved use of vacuum tubes to collect umbilical cord blood samples. Furthermore, the device enables the measurement of blood values at the moment of cutting the umbilical cord. Finally, the device also provides for the protection of users and others from exposure to sharps and blood.

Abstract: A catheter having an axis extending between a proximal end and an opposing distal end includes a plurality of optical fibers arranged to spiral in a first direction to form a circumferential layer around the axis. Rotation of the catheter in the first direction tends to expand the layer while rotation of the catheter in a second opposite direction tends to contract the circumferential layer. An outer jacket limits the expansion of the circumferential layer while an inner core limits the contraction of the circumferential layer to increase torquability of the catheter. The stranded fibers equalize bending stresses to maintain a circular cross-sectional configuration, increase flexibility and a reduced diameter for the catheter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for lifting an abdominal wall during laparoscopic diagnostic and surgical procedures. The surgical lift device includes a gripping portion for contacting and holding an external skin surface adjacent the abdominal wall. The gripping portion is selectively detachable from the skin surface. The device further includes a lifting portion that extends outwardly from the gripping portion. In accordance with alternative embodiments, the gripping portion may comprise an adhesive sheet or a suction member and the lifting portion may comprise a wire member or a portion of a hook and loop-type fastener.

Abstract: A biopsy needle instrument for capturing a plurality of discrete specimens. The instrument includes a housing, for supporting a plurality of axially elongated stylets and cannulas disposed about each stylet to form a plurality of biopsy needles. The cannula and stylet associated with each needle can be controlled independently or in conjunction with some other needles or all the needles. An elongated sheath supports the needles, can reposition the needles and control the specimen depth.

Abstract: A set of surgical instruments which comprises a saw guide and a drill guide respectively for guiding a saw blade cutting a bone and for guiding a drill bit for thereafter forming a passage in the bone. The saw guide has a seat formation for seating against the bone, and a guide formation for guiding the saw. The drill guide comprises a bit guide and an anchor to align the bit guide relative to the cut. Also provided are a saw guide and a drill guide; and a method of carrying out an osteotomy procedure by making an oblique cut through a long bone at a position where bone portions which are misaligned intersect each other to provide two bone fragments, whereafter they are loosely bolted together and then rotated about the axis provided by the bolting until the misalignment is reduced, after which they are bolted tightly together.

Abstract: A laser delivery system which may be coupled to a stereomicroscope or camera equivalent, may be three dimensionally positioned such that a laser beam may irradiate a wide range of treatment sites from a variety of angles and distances, and where the laser beam may be positioned at an angle to the viewing axis and track along therewith. A laser delivery system including a filter/mirror system which allows only proper wavelengths to be transmitted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical procedures device in connection with a medical procedure, the device comprising an orientation arm (3) adapted to be used for performing and/or guiding the movements required by the procedure, and said orientation arm (3) being protected or protectable by means of a sterile or sterilizable protection means (11), and to which orientation arm (3) or equivalent means a surgical instrument (4), such as a needle, an ultrasonic probe or equivalent means is connected or connectable, and the orientation arm (3) being connected or connectable to the surgical instrument (4) by means of an intermediate piece (12) or equivalent, made of a sterilizable material. The intermediate piece (12) and orientation arm (3) comprise identification means (15, 16) for generating an identification signal specific to the surgical instrument and for permitting the identification of the surgical instrument (4).

Abstract: A multifunction electrocautery tool includes an elongated housing within which a generally cylindrical suction tube is slidably supported. A slide control is mechanically coupled to the suction tube and movable to control the retraction and extension thereof. The slide control includes an aperture coupled to the suction passage of the suction tube to facilitate a single finger or thumb control of the suction tube position and suctioning action. A cauterizing and cutting blade is supported proximate the suction tube and is coupled to a source of RF electrical energy by a connecting wire. In one embodiment, electrical controls for the cauterizing blade are supported upon the upper surface of the elongated housing while a pair of oppositely positioned slide controls are provided on right hand and left hand side surfaces to facilitate either right or left hand operation.

Abstract: A hand-held portable arthroscope has a housing and a disposable cap removably attached to the distal end of the housing. A probe which includes a fiber optic image guide and a plurality of optical illuminating fibers is mounted on the cap, and is insertable into a body for imaging the internal structure of the body. The illuminating fibers extend through the cap and are connected in light communication with a quartz halogen lamp for illuminating the internal body structure being imaged. To gather light from the illuminated internal structure of a body into which the probe has been inserted, a GRIN rod is attached to the distal end of the image guide. Focussing optics are mounted in the housing in light communication with the image guide. These focussing optics are axially movable within the housing for focussing the image from the image guide. Light which passes through the focussing optics enters a camera head which is also mounted in the housing.

Abstract: An endoscope laser system console including a chassis having a front wall, a rear wall, and a first side wall connecting the front and rear walls; an interior wall connected to the rear wall and positioned substantially perpendicular to the rear wall, the interior wall extending forward to approximately midway between the front and rear walls, a first rear channel zone on a first side of said interior wall, a second rear channel zone on a second side of said interior wall, and a front area zone in communication with the first and second rear channel zones; a laser assembly positioned within the first rear channel zones; a system electronics assembly positioned within the second rear channel zone; a lamp assembly positioned within the front area zone; a camera assembly positioned within the front area between the front wall and the lamp assembly; an intake fan mounted on the rear wall for supplying air into the first rear channel zone over the laser assembly; an exhaust fan mounted on the rear wall for forcing