Abstract: A stent and associated method maintains a lacrimal duct in an open, unobstructed state following DCR. The self-expanding, bioresorbable tubular structure has a diameter in the range of 5-8 mm and a length in the range of 4-8 mm following self-expansion. A mesh structure includes struts interconnected through shape-memory hinge regions that open to facilitate expansion. The structure may assume an hour-glass form having a necked-down waist region and flared opposing end regions following expansion to assist in maintaining the stent in position. The stent is compressed to a diameter in the range of 1-3 mm, loaded into an inserter tool, and positioned into a lacrimal duct having an inner wall. The stent is inserted into the lacrimal duct, whereby the stent self-expands into a structure that conformally applies outward pressure to the inner wall of the lacrimal duct to hold open the duct, and the inserter tool is removed.

Abstract: A bioresorbable implant and associated method for use in conjunction with septoplasty procedure comprises a thin, at least partially flexible mesh sheet constructed with struts of material intersecting at points defining openings entirely through the mesh sheet, and wherein the sheet defines a plane with opposing side surfaces. A plurality of projections extend away from the sheet on both side surfaces thereof. The openings through the mesh sheet have minimum dimensions in the range of 2 to 8 mm, and the projections have a length in the range of 1 to 5 mm. The openings in the mesh sheet may define regular polygons, whereby the struts may have minimum dimensions in the range of 2 to 8 mm. The projections may extend from the intersections of the struts, directly from the struts, or both from the intersections and the struts. A method of performing septoplasty in accordance with the invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A manually supported electrosurgical device comprises an elongated electrode supported for motion within an insulated housing so that in one position its operating end extends from the housing into a surgically useful position and in another position its operating end is retracted within the housing. A spring has one end connected to the housing and the other end connected to the spring so as to normally urge it to the retracted position. A manually actuable trigger supported on the housing may be depressed to force the electrode against the spring force so that its operating end extends out of the housing. When the pressure on the trigger is removed, the spring forces the electrode back into the housing. When depressed, the trigger connects the electrode to a radio frequency generator.

Abstract: A manually supported electrosurgical device comprises an elongated electrode supported for motion within an insulated housing so that in one position its operating end extends from the housing into a surgically useful position and in another position its operating end is retracted within the housing. A spring has one end connected to the housing and the other end connected to the spring so as to normally urge it to the retracted position. A manually actuable trigger supported on the housing may be depressed to force the electrode against the spring force so that its operating end extends out of the housing. When the pressure on the trigger is removed, the spring forces the electrode back into the housing. When depressed, the trigger connects the electrode to a radio frequency generator.