Abstract: A form stable expandable stent and tissue expander assembly having a scaled outer shell body forming an internal chamber. A form stability member may be provided within the internal chamber of the shell body. Drainage/irrigation tubing extend through the chamber of the shell body and a fill tube is provided in communication with the internal chamber of the outer shell and extends outwardly therefrom. Manipulation structures with handles and other cooperating fastening and removing elements may be provided for use with the expandable stent and tissue expander assemblies of the invention.

Abstract: MR conditional needle and surface electrode assemblies. The surface electrode utilizes a disc or cone-shaped structure with a bore with a concave bottom surface for receiving a conductive gel and an insulated wire with a connector for an EEG. The needle electrode assembly utilizes a cylindrical-shaped structure and is constructed of an MR conditional material having a needle and an insulated lead wire structure with a connector for an EEG.

Abstract: MR conditional needle and surface electrode assemblies. The surface electrode utilizes a disc or cone-shaped structure with a bore with a concave bottom surface for receiving a conductive gel and an insulated wire with a connector for an EEG. The needle electrode assembly utilizes a cylindrical-shaped structure and is constructed of an MR conditional material having a needle and an insulated lead wire structure with a connector for an EEG.

Abstract: Improved electrode assemblies for recording and stimulation. Cortical and depth electrode structures are provided as well as inline interconnection systems. Methods of manufacture are further taught to provide enhanced surfaces for cortical electrodes. The inline interconnection systems include connector assembly embodiments for electrode leads which have structure providing ease of EEG recording as well as stimulation.

Abstract: Improved electrode assemblies for recording and stimulation. Cortical and depth electrode structures are provided as well as inline interconnection systems. Methods of manufacture are further taught to provide enhanced surfaces for cortical electrodes. The inline interconnection systems include connector assembly embodiments for electrode leads which have structure providing ease of EEG recording as well as stimulation.

Abstract: A surgical headlight assembly having a headset structure constructed of lightweight components. The headset structure has adjustable head strap members comprising a generally circular lateral band and a top band. A removable liner is attached to the inside surface of the adjustable headset structure. A lighting assembly which is adjustable with respect to the headset and which uses an adjustable LED is also provided connected to the lateral band. A battery pack is utilized to power the LED.

Abstract: Single-use, MRI compatible surgical and microsurgical instruments for neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery and other surgical uses. The surgical instruments are constructed of polymeric materials, graphite, titanium, nitonol compositions and combinations thereof. The instruments may have transparent polymeric portions, reference points on the handle and may have non-reflective surfaces. The instruments are constructed and arranged for use in interventional MRI suites.

Abstract: A connector assembly and method for electrically connecting an implantable electrode having an electrical lead array to monitoring equipment. The connector assembly includes a lead holder, an electrical conductor array, and a base holding the electrical conductor array, and a resilient element. The lead holder is moveable with respect to the base from a first position to an operating position. The resilient element is adapted to bias the lead holder from the first position to the operating position.

Abstract: A hybrid skull pin to adjust and hold a cervical fixation device to the skull of a patient. The hybrid skull pin is constructed of at least two different materials and arranged to permit cervical fixation devices to be used in MRI procedures. The hybrid skull pin has an elongated body with exterior threads and a tip portion for engaging the skull of the patient. A nonconductive coating extends over the tip portion of the skull pin body. The hybrid skull pin further includes an insert secured in the elongated body. The insert is constructed of a second material and secured in a cavity of the pin. The insert reduces the mass of the skull pin thereby reducing or eliminating the radio frequency energy conducted through the pin during MRI procedures. The insert also acts as a heat capacitor which absorbs the radio frequency energy and the magnetic field vibrations generated in the MRI environment.

Abstract: An implantable electrode for monitoring tissue electrical activity and for tissue electrical stimulation comprises a flexible electrode body for contacting human body tissue, a connector portion having a plurality of connectors for connection to external monitoring equipment, the connector portion connected to the electrode body, both the electrode body and the connector portion being comprised of a thin, flexible, non-conducting backing material, a printed circuit etched onto the flexible backing material, the printed circuit further comprising a plurality of electrical contact areas of a conductive material for contacting the tissue, and a plurality of electrical leads connecting the electrical contact areas to the connectors, and a flexible, non-conducting covering material covering the printed circuit, the electrical contact areas extending through the covering material. A method of manufacture of the electrode is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved mammary prosthesis for implantation in humans comprising: a soft, flexible outer membrane forming an enclosure for receiving a filler material; an enhanced, undulating, random sculptured, irregular, substantially smooth surface of peaks, valleys, slopes and terraces without interstices disposed over at least a portion of said outer membrane; an internal structure within said membrane for supporting said outer membrane and providing an enhanced, life-like look and feel to the prosthesis; and a soft, partially-deformable, elastic filler material received within said outer membrane and cooperating with said internal structure to support said outer membrane.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a laminated item such as a prosthesis or tissue expander having a flexible, expandable membrane surrounding an interior lumen to enhance the strength and performance of the membrane comprises the steps of applying a first layer of a fluid, resilient, stretchable material to a mandrel; allowing the fluid material to drain off the mandrel in a first flow direction; allowing the fluid material to harden to form a resilient, stretchable first layer on the mandrel; applying a second layer of the fluid material on the first layer; changing the orientation of the mandrel to allow the fluid material to drain off the mandrel in a second flow direction, the second flow direction being at an angle to the first flow direction; and allowing the fluid material to harden to form a resilient, stretchable second layer on the first layer.

Abstract: An implantable body including an outer membrane forming an enclosure for receiving a filler material. The surface of the outer membrane is characterized by a random distribution of peaks separated by valleys. The peaks and valleys are separated by gradual contoured slopes with a smooth transition between the peaks and valleys which are substantially free from indentation. The enhanced surface provides improved anchoring of the implant, yet reduces host reaction. The enhanced surface is formed by depositing a distribution of cured polymeric particles on an uncured tacky surface. This intermediate surface is then cured, followed by application of a layer of uncured elastomeric material. The entire surface is then cured to form the enhanced surface.

Abstract: An elastomeric valve assembly designed for use in an inflatable surgical implant to provide a self sealing means for filling the implant. The valve assembly incorporates vulcanized elastomeric strips molded between two larger silicone sheets, wherein the strips form a collapsible self-sealing channel through which a fill needle may be inserted through slits in the strips and sheets.

Abstract: The process and apparatus for an autologous dermal graft transfer provides for the easy and accurate placement of dermal grafts during plastic surgery, typically for the filling of wrinkles or scars.

Abstract: A nerve expander used in plastic reconstruction surgery for lengthening damaged nerves which facilitates reattachment of damaged nerves to facilitate nerve operation and function after reconstruction. One or more saddles on an inflatable expansion member positionally accommodates a nerve in a saddle trough. The nerve expander with the saddle mounted nerve is subsequently inflated with saline solution injected into a self-sealing injection port causing the inflatable expansion member to expand and the nerve thereabout to be stretched and lengthened.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an expandable member such as a tissue expander or like product for use in plastic, reconstructive, and other surgery. A compression mold with a desired initial, predetermined geometrical configuration shape is filled partially with a layer of unvulcanized flexible material, such as silicone, a thin layer of Teflon or like non-stick substance, and followed by another layer of unvulcanized material. The Teflon is "sandwiched" between the unvulcanized material and cured in an oven or by other suitable means. The non-stick material provides a separation region for subsequent expansion by injection of suitable material, air, fluid, etc. The non-stick material can be shaped to provide expansion only in the desired regions. Single, multiple, or overlapped layers of non-stick material may be employed to manufacture a variety of expandable products in the fields of medicine, surgery, consumer and industrial applications.

Abstract: Widely adjustable anterior posterior headblock in a halo vest fixation system of graphite and other material for fixation of a head about an orthopedic jacket with respect to the cervical region, such as for spinal trauma. A slotted adjustment carrier member with ball, sockets and clamping screws at each end of the carrier fits over and between pairs of upright rods. Clamping screws and a slot in the carrier member provide for anterior and posterior movement of a saddle and an attached vertically aligned halo ring traction plate to position an attached halo ring. The halo ring traction plate moves vertically in a slot via an independent-acting, internally-captured adjustment screw to provide for vertical traction or distraction as applied to the halo ring. The halo ring rotates pivotally about a pitch axis to provide for flexion or extension adjustment of the halo ring.

Abstract: Tissue expander system including a tissue expander, an injection port, and a tube connecting the tissue expander to the injection port. The tissue expander is of a one piece molded body of a pancake to waffle like configuration. Within the one piece molded body is a member of non-stick material of a slightly smaller geometrical shape similar to that of the one piece molded body. A self-sealing valve member closes off the tube in the tissue expander after injection of a solution for expanding the tissue expander. A Dacron mesh can be embedded in members of the one piece body providing for directional expansion of the tissue expander. In an alternative embodiment, Dacron mesh can be provided in both the upper and lower members of the one piece body. An accordion configured perimeter also provides for upward directional expansion. The tissue expanders can assume any geometrical configuration, whether it be square, rectangular, circular, oval, or kidney shaped.

Abstract: A medical applicance of a stationary surgical suction device comprised of an ultramalleable formable tube that may readily be shaped in situ. The tube is comprised of a formable, flexible tubular plastic ultramalleable material, having at least one fluid conveying lumen and includes a parallel oriented malleable member that is disposed within the plastic material so as to be frictionally interrelated to the tubular plastic material. A method of fabricating the lumen includes the steps of furnishing a plastic tubing having at least a pair of lumens, furnishing an elongated malleable member of cross-section complementary to that of one of the lumens and of a size in excess of the size of the lumen, dilating the lumen to allow insertion of the malleable member into the lumen and allowing the lumen to shrink onto the malleable member to effect a frictional engagement with the lumen.