Abstract: A neuromonitoring dilator including a dilator portion and a probe portion. Each of the dilator portion and the probe portion may be provided with at least one electrode for nerve surveillance. The electrodes may be electrically connectable to a control unit in such a way as to be electrically insulated from each other.

Abstract: The present invention is directed a poly-axial bone securing system including a bone securing member and a coupling element. The coupling element includes an opening to permit the bone securing member to pass therethrough and a seat for contacting a head portion of the bone securing member. The opening including a discrete number of contact surfaces or points for engaging the head portion of the bone securing member so that discrete frictional or gripping forces may be generated at interface points of each contact surface or point.

Abstract: Embodiments of bone securing system including a coupling element having a seat are described generally herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A tissue approximation device and processes for using the device are provided. The device is an implantable, biodegradable construct (except for hernia repairs) that has attachment points emanating from a supportive backing. The device improves the mechanical phase of wound healing and evenly distributes tension over the contact area between the device and tissue. Processes for using the device include wound closure, vascular anastomoses, soft tissue attachment and soft tissue to bone attachment.

Abstract: A tissue approximation device and processes for using the device are provided. The device is an implantable, biodegradable construct (except for hernia repairs) that has attachment points emanating from a supportive backing. The device improves the mechanical phase of wound healing and evenly distributes tension over the contact area between the device and tissue. Processes for using the device include wound closure, vascular anastomoses, soft tissue attachment and soft tissue to bone attachment.

Abstract: A tissue approximation device and processes for using the device are provided. The device is an implantable, biodegradable construct (except for hernia repairs) that has attachment points emanating from a supportive backing. The device improves the mechanical phase of wound healing and evenly distributes tension over the contact area between the device and tissue. Processes for using the device include wound closure, vascular anastomoses, soft tissue attachment and soft tissue to bone attachment. Several variations are particularly applicable to facilitating tissue approximation in surgical cosmetic applications including, for example, orbital rim reconstruction and tissue suspension.

Abstract: A microsurgical irrigation/aspiration system is provided, including a controller having a pump roller head, actuators for occluding fluid lines, a suction sensor, and means for mounting a pump cassette. The system cassette is suitable for mounting on the controller and has an opening with a pump segment passing along an arcuate wall of the opening. When the cassette is mounted on the console, the roller head is engaged in the cassette opening and compresses the pump segment against the arcuate wall. An infusion line passes through the cassette and is occludable by one of the actuators, and a vent line connected to the pump segment is occludable by a second actuator. A suction sensing port on the cassette couples with the suction sensor in the controller. In an alternate embodiment, a cassette is disclosed within which both vacuum and peristaltic pumping is possible. Latching may be accomplished by a plunger attached to the sensory port of the cassette.

Abstract: A microsurgical irrigation/aspiration system is provided, including a controller having a pump roller head, actuators for occluding fluid lines, a suction sensor, and means for mounting a pump cassette. The system cassette is suitable for mounting on the controller and has an opening with a pump segment passing along an arcuate wall of the opening. When the cassette is mounted on the console, the roller head is engaged in the cassette opening and compresses the pump segment against the arcuate wall. An infusion line passes through the cassette and is occludable by one of the actuators, and a vent line connected to the pump segment is occludable by a second actuator. A suction sensing port on the cassette couples with the suction sensor in the controller. In an alternate embodiment, a cassette is disclosed within which both vacuum and peristaltic pumping is possible. Latching may be accomplished by a plunger attached to the sensory port of the cassette.

Abstract: The inner needle in a guillotine type ocular cutter is ground and placed within the swaged outer needle in an interference fit, so that a radial force is exerted by said inner needle on said outer needle to better shear the ocular tissue. Further, a positive stop is effected on the drive shaft controlling the inner needle so that the distance from the end of the outer needle port to the tissue is minimized. Alternately, the drive shaft has a dwell exerted on it.

Abstract: A cylinder pressure transmitter has a body with a chamber open at one end accommodating pressure responsive piezoelectric means. A cup-shaped diaphragm member has a side wall secured with a laser weld to a neck portion of the body which is formed as a rim around the chamber opening. The bottom of the member extends over the opening and has a slightly domed portion exposed to the pressure in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine to serve as a diaphragm responsive to variations in cylinder pressure to apply corresponding pressure forces to the piezoelectric means, thereby to provide initial electrical signals corresponding to the cylinder pressures. Electronic means are carried on the body to amplify the initial electrical signals for transmission to computer control means at a location remote from the cylinder for regulating engine operation to improve performance.