Abstract: The present invention provides an energy delivery device for use with a medical treatment system for the more efficacious treatment of patients during laser surgery which limits the number of uses or prevents reuse of the energy delivery device after a certain threshold limit has been reached. The energy delivery device comprises a diffusing optical fiber and a memory device having data programmed therein and being operatively connected to an energy generator the optical fiber includes a temperature sensor for generating a temperature signal in a closed loop manner. The data stored in the memory device includes a multiplicity of use parameters, usage limits, usage counts, and count limits all relating to the properties of the medical treatment system. The use parameters may include an elapsed time, a total treatment time, and a number of treatment sites.

Abstract: An optical fiber for use with a laser device including a source of light energy, as well as a method of making same, where the optical fiber has a proximal end in communication with the light source and a distal end positionable at a treatment site. The optical fiber includes: a core having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a distal face proximate the distal end of the optical fiber, a layer of cladding radially surrounding the core from the core proximal portion to a designated point adjacent the core distal portion; a sleeve radially surrounding the cladding layer composed essentially of a predetermined type of material; and, a tip diffuser positioned at the distal end of the optical fiber.

Abstract: An optical fiber for use with a laser device including a source of light energy, as well as a method of making such optical fiber, where the optical fiber has a proximal end in communication with the light source and a diffuser portion positionable at a treatment site.

Abstract: An optical fiber for use with a laser device including a source of light energy, as well as a method of making same, where the optical fiber has a proximal end in communication with the light source and a distal end positionable at a treatment site. The optical fiber includes: a core having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a distal face proximate the distal end of the optical fiber; a layer of cladding radially surrounding the core from the core proximal portion to a point adjacent the core distal portion; a sleeve radially surrounding the cladding layer composed essentially of a predetermined type of material; and, a tip diffuser radially surrounding the core distal portion including light-scattering material molded with substantially the same type of material utilized for the sleeve, wherein the light-scattering material fluoresces in a temperature dependent manner upon being stimulated by light.

Abstract: An optical fiber for use with a laser device including a source of light energy, as well as a method of making such optical fiber, where the optical fiber has a proximal end in communication with the light source and a diffuser portion positionable at a treatment site.

Abstract: An optical fiber for use with a laser device including a source of light energy, as well as a method of making same, where the optical fiber has a proximal end in communication with the light source and a distal end positionable at a treatment site. The optical fiber includes: a core having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a distal face proximate the distal end of the optical fiber, a layer of cladding radially surrounding the core from the core proximal portion to a designated point adjacent the core distal portion; a sleeve radially surrounding the cladding layer composed essentially of a predetermined type of material; and, a tip diffuser positioned at the distal end of the optical fiber.

Abstract: The present invention provides an energy delivery device for use with a medical treatment system for the more efficacious treatment of patients during laser surgery which limits the number of uses or prevents reuse of the energy delivery device after a certain threshold limit has been reached. The energy delivery device comprises a diffusing optical fiber and a memory device having data programmed therein and being operatively connected to an energy generator the optical fiber includes a temperature sensor for generating a temperature signal in a closed loop manner. The data stored in the memory device includes a multiplicity of use parameters, usage limits, usage counts, and count limits all relating to the properties of the medical treatment system. The use parameters may include an elapsed time, a total treatment time, and a number of treatment sites.

Abstract: A fiberoptic cable coil tray and coil carrier package comprises a carrier to which the fiberoptic coil is attached and which is inserted into the tray, and a lid for the tray. A plurality of fiberoptic coil retainers in the form of notches or clips are formed on the coil carrier to provide a stable, self-contained and restrained fiberoptic coil which remains properly seated in the package during handling and storage. The coil carrier provides increased ease of handling of the fiberoptic coil by restraining individual fiberoptic coils with the plurality of coil retainers which are positioned along the length of the fiberoptic cable, such that a selected length of the fiberoptic cable can be removed from the carrier without the remaining coils springing out therefrom. The carrier also secures each end of the fiberoptic cable, such that either end can be removed separately while the remainder of the fiberoptic coils remain secured to the carrier.

Abstract: A fiberoptic cable coil tray and coil carrier package comprises a carrier to which the fiberoptic coil is attached and which is inserted into the tray, and a lid for the tray. A plurality of fiberoptic coil retainers in the form of notches or clips are formed on the coil carrier to provide a stable, self-contained and restrained fiberoptic coil which remains properly seated in the package during handling and storage. The coil carrier provides increased ease of handling of the fiberoptic coil by restraining individual fiberoptic coils with the plurality of coil retainers which are positioned along the length of the fiberoptic cable, such that a selected length of the fiberoptic cable can be removed from the carrier without the remaining coils springing out therefrom. The carrier also secures each end of the fiberoptic cable, such that either end can be removed separately while the remainder of the fiberoptic coils remain secured to the carrier.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for plugging holes in an acetabular shell component. The apparatus includes an acetabular shell component having an inner concave surface and an outer convex surface with at least a first selectively pluggable hole passing therethrough. The first selectively pluggable hole being defined by at least a cylindrical threaded sidewall. The apparatus further includes a plug having a tapered threaded sidewall. The cylindrical threaded sidewall of the first selectively pluggable hole threadably receives the tapered threaded sidewall of the plug to create an interference fit. This interference fit substantially seals the first selectively pluggable hole to minimize migration of debris through the first selectively pluggable hole.

Abstract: A surgical reamer is used in conjunction with a femoral neck cutting guide to enlarge the intramedullary canal of a resected host femur to expose hard cortical bone. The reamer has a longitudinally fluted cutting head that is flexible and able to bend relative to its longitudinal axis whereby to conform to axial or curved cortical bone surfaces to be engaged by like mating surfaces of a hip prosthesis to be implanted therein. In this regard, the cutting head includes a helical band spiralling between the ends of the cutting head.