Abstract: The invention involves a cannula suitable for the implantation of intervertebral implants into the spine area of an animal, particularly humans. The first end of the dynamically expanding cannula includes a rectangular or oval shaped cannula portion formed from a sandwich style assembly. The second end of the dynamically expanding cannula includes a connection assembly for securing the sandwich construction together. Once inserted, a backing assembly can be removed and a flexible expansion member can be displaced by an implant while a slide guides the implant to create a dynamic opening through which the implant travels to the disc space. A lever is supplied as a portion of the expansion assembly for removing the expansion member after insertion of an intervertebral implant.

Abstract: A photoplethysmograph device includes a light source for illuminating a target object. A modulator drives the light source such that the output intensity varies as a function of a modulation signal at a modulation frequency. A detector receives light from the target object and generates an electrical output as a function of the intensity of received light. A demodulator with a local oscillator receives the detector output and produces a demodulated output, insensitive to any phase difference between the modulation signal and the oscillator, indicative of blood volume as a function of time and/or blood composition. A number of demodulators may be provided to derive signals from multiple light sources of different wavelengths, or from an array of detectors. The plethysmograph may operate in a transmission mode or a reflectance mode. When in a reflectance mode, the device may use the green part of the optical spectrum and may use polarising filters.

Abstract: The invention involves a cannula suitable for the implantation of intervertebral implants into the spine area of an animal, particularly humans. The first end of the dynamically expanding cannula includes a rectangular or oval shaped cannula portion formed from a sandwich style assembly. The second end of the dynamically expanding cannula includes a connection assembly for securing the sandwich construction together. Once inserted, a backing assembly can be removed and a flexible expansion member can be displaced by an implant while a slide guides the implant to create a dynamic opening through which the implant travels to the disc space. A lever is supplied as a portion of the expansion assembly for removing the expansion member after insertion of an intervertebral implant.

Abstract: A photoplethysmograph device includes a light source for illuminating a target object. A modulator drives the light source such that the output intensity varies as a function of a modulation signal at a modulation frequency. A detector receives light from the target object and generates an electrical output as a function of the intensity of received light. A demodulator with a local oscillator receives the detector output and produces a demodulated output, insensitive to any phase difference between the modulation signal and the oscillator, indicative of blood volume as a function of time and/or blood composition. A number of demodulators may be provided to derive signals from multiple light sources of different wavelengths, or from an array of detectors. The plethysmograph may operate in a transmission mode or a reflectance mode. When in a reflectance mode, the device may use the green part of the optical spectrum and may use polarising filters.

Abstract: A photoplethysmograph device includes a light source for illuminating a target object. A modulator drives the light source such that the output intensity varies as a function of a modulation signal at a modulation frequency. A detector receives light from the target object and generates an electrical output as a function of the intensity of received light. A demodulator with a local oscillator receives the detector output and produces a demodulated output, insensitive to any phase difference between the modulation signal and the oscillator, indicative of blood volume as a function of time and/or blood composition. A number of demodulators may be provided to derive signals from multiple light sources of different wavelengths, or from an array of detectors. The plethysmograph may operate in a transmission mode or a reflectance mode. When in a reflectance mode, the device may use the green part of the optical spectrum and may use polarizing filters.

Abstract: A photoplethysmograph device includes a light source for illuminating a target object. A modulator drives the light source such that the output intensity varies as a function of a modulation signal at a modulation frequency. A detector receives light from the target object and generates an electrical output as a function of the intensity of received light. A demodulator with a local oscillator receives the detector output and produces a demodulated output,insensitive to any phase difference between the modulation signal and the oscillator, indicative of blood volume as a function of time and/or blood composition. A number of demodulators may be provided to derive signals from multiple light sources of different wavelengths, or from an array of detectors. The plethysmograph may operate in a transmission mode or a reflectance mode. When in a reflectance mode, the device may use the green part of the optical spectrum and may use polarising filters.

Abstract: An otoscopic accessory for use in performing procedures in the external auditory canal and middle ear space, having a speculum, a probe and an actuator. The speculum has a generally tapered sidewall. The proximal end of the sidewall is configured to engage the head of an otoscope, and the distal end of the sidewall is configured to be inserted into a patient's outer ear canal. The probe has a shaft that is positioned against an exterior surface of the sidewall of the speculum. The actuator is coupled at its distal portion to the speculum. The distal portion of the actuator is closely conformed to the proximal end of the sidewall of the speculum to form a guide between the exterior surface of the speculum and the distal portion of the actuator. The probe is positioned within the guide, and the guide directs the distal end of the probe to a location within or on the distal end of the sidewall of the speculum. The probe is fixed to and moves with the proximal portion of the actuator.