Abstract: A retrieval medical device for entrapping and retaining an object located in a body for its extraction therefrom is described. The device includes a basket-filter constituted by a plurality of filaments extending from the proximal end towards the distal end. The filaments are bound together in the vicinity of the proximal end to form a plurality of main branches. Each main branch includes at least two filaments. The filaments are entangled together in the vicinity of the distal end. Each main branch has a ramification point at which it ramifies into at least two single filaments extending from the ramification point towards the basket distal end of the basket-filter. One of the single filaments extends in the form of a right spiral, whereas another single filament extends in the form of a left spiral. The filaments extending from the ramification points interlace with each other, thereby forming a mesh between the branching point and the basket proximal end having density greater than 5.

Abstract: A retrieval medical device for entrapping and retaining an object located in a body for its extraction therefrom is described. The device includes a basket-filter constituted by a plurality of filaments extending from the proximal end towards the distal end. The filaments are bound together in the vicinity of the proximal end to form a plurality of main branches. Each main branch includes at least two filaments. The filaments are entangled together in the vicinity of the distal end. Each main branch has a ramification point at which it ramifies into at least two single filaments extending from the ramification point towards the basket distal end of the basket-filter. One of the single filaments extends in the form of a right spiral, whereas another single filament extends in the form of a left spiral. The filaments extending from the ramification points interlace with each other, thereby forming a mesh between the branching point and the basket proximal end having density greater than 5.

Abstract: A medical device and method for breaking a concretion in a body into smaller pieces are described. The device comprises a combined probe including a laser waveguide probe and a nanosecond electro-pulse lithotripter probe. The method includes applying the laser waveguide probe to the surface of the concretion, and treating the surface with laser radiation to create a defect. The method also includes applying the nanosecond electro-pulse lithotripter probe to the area of the defect created by the laser waveguide probe, to provide a spark electrical discharge through the concretion.

Abstract: A solid lubricant tool for applying solid lubricant to the surface of a component is produced by compressing a mixture of powdered solid components under a pressure of at least about 30 kg/mm.sup.2 without application of heat to form unitary conglomerated lubricating element. The powdered solid components and processing are chosen such that the lubricating element has hardness as measured according to the Brinell scale (HB) of less than about 20. Preferred compositions include between about 5% and about 10% powdered graphite, and at least about 10% powdered tin, by weight. The tools may be used interchangeably with machining tools in standard machining equipment.