Abstract: A stent (1) is provided for having variable flexibility and stiffness along its length. The stent (1) comprises portions (5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15) of the stent having different bending and durability characteristics, and may be fabricated, using any of a variety of methods out of any of a variety of materials.

Abstract: A novel medical stapler and screw inserter device is disclosed herein wherein the medical instrument is formed in a non-linear or “C” or “V” shaped conformation. The non-linear shape allows the physician to accomplish a per vaginal anchor or screw insertion into a patient's pubic bone, while locating the triggering hand outside of the vagina of the patient and employing a pulling force on the inserter/stapler, against the pubic bone of the patient. In addition, the weight of a patient's body may be used to counterweight the recoil effect to minimize stapler recoil during ejection of a staple from the stapler into a patient. Novel bone anchor screws and a related bone screw driver and a method of inserting it into the pubic bone through the vagina are also described for per vaginal bladder neck suspension procedures.

Abstract: Systems for bone and spinal stabilization, fixation and repair include intramedullar nails, intervertebral cages and prostheses, remotely activatable prostheses, tissue extraction devices, and electrocautery probes. The intramedullar nails, intervertebral cages and prostheses, are designed for expansion from a small diameter for insertion into place to a larger diameter which stabilizes, fixates or repairs the bone, and further can be inserted percutaneously. Remotely activatable prostheses can be activated from an external unit to expand and treat prosthesis loosening. Tissue extraction devices, and electrocautery probes are used to remove tissue from desired areas.

Abstract: This application is directed to a stent delivery system for introducing a flexible, generally cylindrical, self-expandable stent.

Abstract: A novel medical stapler and screw inserter device is disclosed herein wherein the medical instrument is formed in a non-linear or "C" or "V" shaped conformation. The non-linear shape allows the physician to accomplish a per vaginal anchor or screw insertion into a patient's pubic bone, while locating the triggering hand outside of the vagina of the patient and employing a pulling force on the inserter/stapler, against the pubic bone of the patient. In addition, the weight of a patient's body may be used to counterweight the recoil effect to minimize stapler recoil during ejection of a staple from the stapler into a patient. Novel bone anchor screws and a related bone screw driver and a method of inserting it into the pubic bone through the vagina are also described for per vaginal bladder neck suspension procedures.

Abstract: This application is directed to a stent delivery system for introducing a flexible, generally cylindrical, self-expandable stent.

Abstract: This invention concerns a cystoscope delivery system for implanting a flexible, generally cylindrical, expandable stent.

Abstract: This invention is directed to stent delivery systems. In one embodiment an apparatus for implanting a flexible, generally cylindrical, expandable stent, comprises a catheter having distal and proximal ends, the catheter defining a central lumen and a second lumen extending therethrough and having two longitudinally displaced openings extending from the second lumen radially to the surface of the catheter; a flexible, expandable stent having discrete proximal and distal ends, the stent being positioned circumferentially around the catheter and the discrete ends extending into the openings to hold the stent in position; and at least one release wire positioned in and extending through the second lumen, the release wire or wires fixedly containing at least one conically shaped pushing member capable of causing a discrete end of the stent to move radially as the release wire is moved proximally.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a system for implanting a device to open constrictions in corpeal conduits, which comprises (a) an elongated tubular member and (b) a spatial spiral of elongate axial extension wound of thin wire and having attachment means at each end, said spiral being positioned on and concentric to said elongated tubular member, said spiral being in a constricted condition such that its lateral profile is smaller than it would be if said spiral were not constricted.

Abstract: A urethral magnetic valve for insertion into the urethra of a person suffering from incontinence includes a plastic tube of a diameter suitable for insertion close to the bladder. It forms a valve seat in its distal portion to be normally closed by an elongate valve member of a ferro-magnetic, non-corrosive material. The valve member has a surface corresponding to the valve seat at its proximal end, tapers towards its distal end, and is urged onto the seat by a spring attached at its distal end to the proximal valve end. The spring extends inside the tube and is fastened to the latter at its proximal end; it is so dimensioned that it will keep the valve closed at normal pressure and permit the valve member to be lifted off the seat by overpressure in the bladder. The person wishing to urinate holds a permanent or electro-magnet close to the skin over the pubic area, which attracts and tilts the ferro-magnetic valve member, thereby opening the passage through the tube and through the urethra.