Abstract: Apparatus for securing a first object to a second object, comprising an elongated body having a distal end and a proximal end, and a lumen extending therebetween, the lumen comprising a first section and a second section, the first section being disposed distal to the second section, and with the first section having a wider diameter than the second section; at least one longitudinally-extending slit extending through the side wall of the elongated body and communicating with the lumen, the slit having a distal end and a proximal end, with the distal end of the slit being spaced from the distal end of the elongated body; and an elongated element extending through the lumen, the elongated element comprising a proximal end and a distal end and having an enlargement at its distal end, the enlargement having a diameter greater than the second section.

Abstract: A method for creating space in a joint, the method comprising: applying force to a body part so as to distract the joint and create an intrajoint space; inserting an expandable member into the intrajoint space while the expandable member is in a contracted condition; expanding the expandable member within the intrajoint space; and reducing the force applied to the body part so that the joint is supported on the expandable member.

Abstract: A method for creating space in a joint formed at the convergence of two bones, the method comprising: applying force to a body part so as to separate the two bones from one another by a distance which is greater than the distance that they are normally separated from one another when the joint is in a healthy state, whereby to distract the joint and create an intrajoint space; inserting an assembly of three balloons into the intrajoint space while the assembly of three balloons is in a contracted condition; expanding the assembly of three balloons within the intrajoint space; and reducing the force applied to the body part so that the joint is supported on the assembly of three balloons, with the two bones remaining separated from one another by a distance which is greater than the distance that they are normally separated from one another when the joint is in a healthy state.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for re-attaching the labrum of a hip joint.

Abstract: A method for providing therapy to a patient, the method comprising: providing microfracture therapy to the acetabular cup of the patient, wherein providing microfracture therapy to the acetabular cup of the patient comprises forming at least one hole extending from the acetabular shelf to the cortical bone bed of the acetabular cup, such that blood may flow from the cancellous bone underlying the cortical bone bed to the surface of the cortical bone bed, whereby to form a blood clot at the surface of the cortical bone bed.

Abstract: A method for creating space in a joint, the method comprising: applying force to a body part so as to distract the joint and create an intrajoint space; inserting an expandable member into the intrajoint space while the expandable member is in a contracted condition; expanding the expandable member within the intrajoint space; and reducing the force applied to the body part so that the joint is supported on the expandable member.

Abstract: Apparatus for distracting the hip joint of a patient, said apparatus comprising: a perineal post for engagement with a leg of the patient, said perineal post comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein said first portion is configured for mounting to a table, and further wherein said second portion is movable relative to said first portion so as to change the geometry of the perineal post relative to a patient supported on the table.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in debriding a bone, said apparatus comprising: an arthroscopic debridement template comprising a body reconfigurable between (i) a first configuration having a first profile and comprising an arc matching the desired curvature of the bone after debridement, and (ii) a second configuration having a second profile, wherein said second profile is smaller than said first profile.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for re-attaching the labrum of a hip joint.

Abstract: The invention is a gel composition for delivery to a breast milk duct prior to surgical excision of breast tissue including cancerous lesions. The invention also provides methods of mapping all or nearly all of a breast milk duct prior to surgical excision of breast tissue, and method of identifying part or all of a breast duct or ducts as a surgical aide to a breast surgeon. Kits to support these methods and including these compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing a first object to a second object, the apparatus comprising: an elongated body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end, the lumen comprising a first section and a second section, the first section of the lumen being disposed distal to the second section of the lumen, and with the first section of the lumen having a wider diameter than the second section of the lumen; at least one longitudinally-extending slit extending through the side wall of the elongated body and communicating with the lumen, the at least one longitudinally-extending slit having a distal end and a proximal end, with the distal end of the at least one longitudinally-extending slit being spaced from the distal end of the elongated body; and an elongated element extending through the lumen of the elongated body.

Abstract: A safety needle comprising a handle; a hollow needle; a trigger carriage; an obturator; a spring; a trigger; a first latch and a second latch; the first latch, second latch and trigger being configured so that when the trigger carriage is in a distal position and the first latch set, and the trigger is thereafter pulled proximally, the first latch is released and the trigger carriage moves proximally into a proximal position, and thereafter releasing the trigger causes the trigger carriage to move into an intermediate position and set the second latch; and further wherein, when the trigger carriage is in its intermediate position and the distal end of the obturator engages tissue, the trigger carriage is moved proximally so as to release the second latch.

Abstract: A microfracture instrument for applying microfracture therapy to a bone, the microfracture instrument comprising: an elongated shaft comprising a distal end and a proximal end; a needle comprising a body terminating in at least one sharp point, the needle being movably mounted to the distal end of the shaft for movement between an extended position for engaging the bone with the at least one sharp point of the needle and a retracted position for withdrawing the at least one sharp point of the needle from the bone; and a drive shaft movably mounted to the elongated shaft, the drive shaft being connected to the body of the needle so that movement of the drive shaft relative to the elongated shaft moves the needle between its extended position and its retracted position.

Abstract: The invention provides intrafallopian devices and non-surgical methods for their placement to prevent conception. The efficacy of the device is enhanced by forming the structure at least in part from copper or a copper alloy. The device is anchored within the fallopian tube by imposing a secondary shape on a resilient structure, the secondary shape having a larger cross-section than the fallopian tube. The resilient structure is restrained in a straight configuration and transcervically inserted within the fallopian tube, where it is released. The resilient structure is then restrained by the walls of the fallopian tube, imposing anchoring forces as it tries to resume the secondary shape.

Abstract: The invention provides an atraumatic, low profile device for the delivery of one or more implants into tubular organs or open regions of the body. The implant delivery device may simultaneously or independently release portions of the implant, e.g., the proximal and distal ends of the implant. This independent release feature allows better implant positioning at the target site. Upon deployment, the implants may be placed at the target site without a sheath.

Abstract: A method for arthroscopically accessing a region of a joint, wherein the joint has a capsule disposed intermediate at least one layer of outer tissue and the joint, the method comprising: arthroscopically positioning visualization apparatus adjacent to an exterior surface of the capsule; and while visualizing the exterior surface of the capsule, arthroscopically forming an opening through the capsule.

Abstract: The invention is a gel composition for delivery to a breast milk duct prior to surgical excision of breast tissue including cancerous lesions. The invention also provides methods of mapping all or nearly all of a breast milk duct prior to surgical excision of breast tissue, and method of identifying part or all of a breast duct or ducts as a surgical aide to a breast surgeon. Kits to support these methods and including these compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The method for performing an arthroscopic procedure on a joint using surgical navigation. A 3-D virtual model of the anatomy is created from a scan of the anatomy. The 3-D virtual model is then used to reproduce motion of the joint and plan the arthroscopic procedure. The 3-D virtual model is placed into registration with the real-world anatomy, so that a virtual image generated by the 3-D virtual model may be placed into registration with an arthroscopic image of the real-world anatomy. Preferably, arthroscopic registration markers, positioned prior to scanning, are used to place the 3-D virtual model in registration with the real-world anatomy. The arthroscopic registration markers may be placed either percutaneously or arthroscopically. At the conclusion of the procedure, the registration markers may be left in place, removed arthroscopically or allowed to biodegrade.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing a first object to a second object, the apparatus comprising: an elongated body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end, the lumen comprising a first section and a second section, the first section of the lumen being disposed distal to the second section of the lumen, and with the first section of the lumen having a wider diameter than the second section of the lumen; at least one longitudinally-extending slit extending through the side wall of the elongated body and communicating with the lumen, the at least one longitudinally-extending slit having a distal end and a proximal end, with the distal end of the at least one longitudinally-extending slit being spaced from the distal end of the elongated body; and an elongated element extending through the lumen of the elongated body, the elongated element comprising a proximal end and a distal end and having an enlargement at its distal end, the enlargement having a diameter g

Abstract: A method for creating space in a joint, the method comprising: applying force to a body part so as to distract the joint and create an intrajoint space; inserting an expandable member into the intrajoint space while the expandable member is in a contracted condition; expanding the expandable member within the intrajoint space; and reducing the force applied to the body part so that the joint is supported on the expandable member.