Abstract: A medical instrument having an elongate frame with proximal and distal ends. An operating assembly is at a proximal region of the frame with a working assembly at a distal region of the frame. The working assembly has a tip with a leading free end to be engaged with a human body at an operation site. The working assembly has at least one cautery component that: a) contacts a human body at the cutting location; and b) is operable to generate a current that alters a contacted portion of the human body at the cutting location. An insulating material is located at least one of: i) at the leading free end; and ii) between the at least one cautery component and the leading free end so that current does not conduct from the at least one cautery component to body tissue during a medical procedure.

Abstract: A medical instrument having an elongate frame with proximal and distal ends spaced in a lengthwise direction along a central axis. A working assembly at a distal region of the frame has a U-shaped portion defined by first and second legs meeting at a base. The U-shaped portion defines a cutting space. The working assembly further has a cutting assembly with a sharp edge in the cutting space. The working assembly and elongate frame are configured so that a tissue entryway is defined through which a tissue can be advanced to be moved into the cutting space and against the sharp edge. The medical instrument further has a first assembly configured to be operated to vary a configuration of the entryway.

Abstract: A medical instrument having an elongate frame with proximal and distal ends spaced in a lengthwise direction along a central axis. A working assembly at a distal region of the frame has a U-shaped portion defined by first and second legs meeting at a base. The U-shaped portion defines a cutting space. The working assembly further has a cutting assembly with a sharp edge in the cutting space. The working assembly and elongate frame are configured so that a tissue entryway is defined through which a tissue can be advanced to be moved into the cutting space and against the sharp edge. The medical instrument further has a first assembly configured to be operated to vary a configuration of the entryway.

Abstract: The combination of a) a dilator having: a tubular body with a length, an internal passage, and proximal and distal ends spaced in a lengthwise direction; and b) an elongate guide wire having a length and capable of being received in, and movable in a lengthwise direction within, the internal passage with the dilator and guide wire in operative relationship. The tubular body has a locally flexible length that allows a limited predetermined degree of bending of the tubular body at, or adjacent, the distal end of the tubular body to allow the dilator to conform to a curved guide wire shape.

Abstract: The combination of a) a dilator having: a tubular body with a length, an internal passage, and proximal and distal ends spaced in a lengthwise direction; and b) an elongate guide wire having a length and capable of being received in, and movable in a lengthwise direction within, the internal passage with the dilator and guide wire in operative relationship. The tubular body has a locally flexible length that allows a limited predetermined degree of bending of the tubular body at, or adjacent, the distal end of the tubular body to allow the dilator to conform to a curved guide wire shape.

Abstract: A medical instrument having an elongate frame with proximal and distal ends. An operating assembly is at a proximal region of the frame with a working assembly at a distal region of the frame. The working assembly has a tip with a leading free end to be engaged with a human body at an operation site. The working assembly has at least one cautery component that: a) contacts a human body at the cutting location; and b) is operable to generate a current that alters a contacted portion of the human body at the cutting location. An insulating material is located at least one of: i) at the leading free end; and ii) between the at least one cautery component and the leading free end so that current does not conduct from the at least one cautery component to body tissue during a medical procedure.