Abstract: Grasping an object, e.g., a calculus in the biliary tract, using a grasper, such as a basket, that can be opened and closed without mechanical advantage and also rotated about the device axis to make it easier to capture the object. The basket can then be closed further with mechanical advantage to crush the object.

Abstract: A surgical extractor, and related method, for removing material (such as calculi and stones) from the body has the ability to capture and release material. The extractor has a sheath, a basket comprised of a plurality of legs that are unattached at a distal end of the basket and joined at a proximal base of the basket, and a plunger at the distal end of the sheath. The legs are movable relative to the sheath to achieve a collapsed position within the sheath and an extended position outside of the sheath in the form of an open basket. The plunger can be moved back and forth between a withdrawn position against the distal end of the sheath with the basket legs in the open position and an extended position away from the distal end of the sheath with the basket legs in a closed position. The distal ends of the legs are farther apart from each other when in the open position than when in the closed position.

Abstract: A sheath defines a lumen. A mesh portion is coupled to the sheath and is movable between a retracted position and an expanded position. An elongate member is disposed in the lumen and is operably attached to one of the mesh portion and the sheath such that longitudinal movement of the elongate member within the lumen causes movement of the mesh portion between the expanded position and the retracted position. The sheath and the mesh portion are introduced into the body along with an end effectuator. The mesh portion is moved to its expanded position to form an object supporting surface. The surface is used to support an object, such as a stone, during a medical treatment procedure using the end effectuator.

Abstract: A retrieval basket comprises a plurality of wires normally encased in a compact form within a sheath whereupon displacement of the sheath to free a portion of the wires enables the wires to form an enlarged retrieval basket. The wires forming the retrieval basket are cold formed in a predetermined shape and are secured together in a predetermined fashion to define the retrieval basket.

Abstract: Grasping an object, e.g., a calculus in the biliary tract, using a grasper, such as a basket, that can be opened and closed without mechanical advantage and also rotated about the device axis to make it easier to capture the object. The basket can then be closed further with mechanical advantage to crush the object.

Abstract: A method for forming a surgical retrieval basket includes cold forming a section of each of a plurality of axially extending wires in a predetermined shape. Securing the wires together proximate the sections with a cavity defined between the sections of the plurality of the wires forms an enlarged portion of a surgical retrieval basket. The retrieval basket comprises a plurality of wires normally encased in a compact form within a sheath whereupon displacement of the sheath to free a portion of the wires enables the wires to form an enlarged retrieval basket. The wires forming the retrieval basket are cold formed in a predetermined shape and are secured together in a predetermined fashion to define the retrieval basket.

Abstract: A surgical extractor for removing calculi, such as kidney stones and gall stones, from the body. The extractor includes a handle at an proximal end of the extractor with a slider for operation by a physician. At the distal end the extractor includes a plurality of pairs of wires with portions of each pair being formed along the turn of a helix. When a retaining sheath is retracted, the wires, formed of a shape memory material such as stainless steel, expand such that each pair of wires closely assumes a path along a helical turn with individual wires remaining closely adjacent. This use of plural wires for each strand multiples the number of contacts with entrapped calculi and can be provided without any deleterious effect on the reliability or size of the extractor.

Abstract: One-handed operable biopsy needle instruments, employing combined spring driven stylets, and cannulas, capable of taking multiple specimens while the other hand is free, e.g. to manipulate an ultrasound probe are described. The particular biopsy needle instrument shown in detail has a pair of cannula and stylet compression springs, a pair of members directly engaged on the ends of the springs mounting respectively the cannula and stylet, and releasable holding means for holding the springs compressed until firing. The device that loads the stylet spring and a pivotal latch each can serve as a means for releasably holding the stylet spring. A latch is employed to releasably hold the cannula spring. Actuation of the stylet can cause sequential operation of the cannula through impact of the stylet-mounting member on the cannula latch.

Abstract: A catheter for use with an endoscope includes a projectable and retractable needle for the introduction of injectable drug agents and a visual-path irrigation lumen disposed adjacent to the needle for providing irrigation fluid to a target site within body tissue. The visual-path irrigation lumen enables the user in a one-catheter procedure to displace blood or other obscuring substances such that the visual path is cleared, a target injection site endoscopically identified, the needle advanced into the tissue at the site, and the injectable agent injected into the tissue.

Abstract: A biopsy needle instrument has selectable locking means to permit or prevent the projection of a cannula and a stylet and separate loading members allowing the cannula and stylet to be loaded separately and yet fired sequentially using a single button. Another embodiment of the invention permits the independent firing of the stylet and the cannula.

Abstract: A lot of tantalum pellets is submersed in a tank of liquid electrolyte and electrolytically formed to make anodes for use in electrolytic capacitors. During formation, periodic in situ measurements of capacitance are made to gain insight into the formation characteristics of the lot of pellets in hand. Progressively better estimates are made of how much total accumulated formation charge will be necessary to reach the desired capacitance. The method is accurate and fast.