Abstract: Endodiagnostic methods utilize differential thermal relaxation and IR and visible imaging to differentiate between normal and abnormal interior body structures and tissue. With the use of a separate or integrated visible endoscope, an interior body site to be examined is visualized and then the area of interest is flooded with a cooling liquid. Upon contact with the area of interest, an immediate cooling of the flush site takes place, thus providing a temperature differential of approximately 25 degrees Fahrenheit of the cooled site compared to surrounding body-temperature tissue. As the area warms back to the surrounding tissue temperature, abnormal areas can be visualized because their temperature warms at a different rate compared to normal structure or tissue. As time progresses the contrast between normal and abnormal reaches a maximum and then declines as both relax back to body temperature.

Abstract: Dual channel Endodiagnostic apparatus and methods by which infrared emissions within the range including 2 to 14 micrometers may be visualized in the form of encoded images to permit differential analysis. The endoscopic apparatus has an IR channel and a visible channel. The IR channel comprises a refractive objective lens for forming a real image of interior structure of interest, a relay system consisting solely of refracting elements for transferring the real image to an intermediate image plane conjugate to the objective image plane, and a refracting coupling lens for forming a final image of the intermediate image in a detector plane in which an IR detector sensitive in the range including 2 to 14 micrometers may be placed near the proximal end of the apparatus. The IR and visible channels are arranged to visualize substantially the same subject matter.

Abstract: Endodiagnostic apparatus and methods by which infrared emissions of 2 micrometers and above may be visualized in the form of encoded images to permit differential analysis. The endoscopic apparatus comprises a refractive objective lens for forming a real image of interior structure of interest, a relay system consisting solely of refractive elements for transferring the real image to an intermediate plane conjugate to the objective image plane, a refracting coupling lens for forming a final image of the intermediate image in a detector plane in which an IR detector sensitive in the range of 2 micrometers and greater may be placed near the proximal end of the apparatus, and a warm stop for ameliorating the effects of stray IR radiation in the system.

Abstract: A remote-controlled device is capable of selectively positioning a medical instrument within a predetermined region of space. The device includes a clamp having two pivotally mounted sections enabling the clamp to be placed in either an opened position or a closed position. Each section has a drive wheel including an arc-shaped groove which accommodates the medical instrument when the clamp is placed in the closed position. Each of the wheels has a coupling gear positioned and configured to pivot apart when the clamp is placed in the open position with portions of teeth of the gears remaining engaged with each other. One of the drive wheels is directly driven by a motor housed in one of the sections of the clamp.

Abstract: Endodiagnostic apparatus and methods by which infrared emissions within the range including 2 to 14 micrometers may be visualized in the form of encoded images to permit differential analysis. The endoseopic apparatus comprises a refractive objective lens for forming a real image of interior structure of interest, a relay system consisting solely of refracting elements for transferring the real image to an intermediate image plane conjugate to the objective image plane, and a refracting coupling lens for forming a final image of the intermediate image in a detector plane in which an IR detector sensitive in the range including 2 to 14 micrometers may be placed near the proximal end of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method for stimulating formation of tissue in a living being within a joint capsule includes the steps of: introducing at least a cathode terminal into the joint capsule from the exterior through a puncture in the flesh, under visual control of an arthroscope introduced into the joint capsule via a puncture in the flesh, juxtaposing the cathode terminal in close relationship to a region in the capsule where tissue growth is desired, positioning an anode terminal at a location remote from but in substantial electrical continuity, through body tissue, with the cathode terminal, and connecting an electric power supply between the anode and cathode terminals, the steps being adapted to cause electrical current to flow between the terminals in a manner to stimulate growth of tissue on the surface. A device for introduction into the joint capsule for stimulating formation of tissue according to the invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: Remote-cutting instrument formed by an inner tube rotating within an outer tube, in which an initial cutting point where portions of the tubes first come together during a cutting cycle is defined at the distal extremity of the sides of the tubes and cutting edges extend from this initial point longitudinally along the sides of the tubes. The coacting side edges of the tubes diverge in the proximal direction. There are end cutting edges of circular form, defining cusp-shaped points.

Abstract: A surgical instrument useful in joint surgery for instance closed surgery of the knee. When in the form of a rotary vacuum shaver it comprises an external stationary tube having a side-facing, axially extending shaving port and an internal rotary blade capable of rotating at a slow speed, of the order of 200 rpm or below. Radial bearing portions at both proximal and distal ends radially support the blade in shearing relation to the external tube. A vacuum conduit draws fluid and articles to be shaved into the shaving port, and draws discrete shavings through the instrument, while the blade is driven at shearing speeds.