Abstract: A process for treating nitinol so that desired mechanical properties are achieved. In one embodiment, the process comprises the steps of exposing the nitinol to a primary annealing temperature within the range of approximately 475° C. to 525° C. for a first time period, and thereafter exposing the nitinol to a secondary annealing temperature within the range of approximately 550° C. to 800° C. for a second time period. The invention also includes nitinol articles made by the process of the invention.

Abstract: Medical devices may be made of shape-memory materials portions of which have been heat treated to exhibit spatial variations in the stiffness of the material. Devices including stents, vena cava filters and guidewires may be constructed from such materials. Devices may also be made from shape-memory materials which have been locally heat treated such that the superelasticity of the treated portion is destroyed while the remainder of the shape-memory material can transition between the martensitic and austenitic states.

Abstract: Methods for coating metallic articles. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises the steps of providing a metallic article having an external surface with an oxide thereon; removing at least part of the oxide from the external surface of the article; and placing a coating on the article. The invention also includes coated metallic articles, and an apparatus for coating metallic articles.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implantable medical stent having a low profile for delivery through smaller lumens. The stent is constrained during delivery where the helically wrapped points of a diamond cell structure also include at least one crossed joint of intersecting strands to provide a reduced diameter.

Abstract: A process for treating nitinol so that desired mechanical properties are achieved. In one embodiment, the process comprises the steps of exposing the nitinol to a primary annealing temperature within the range of approximately 475.degree. C. to 525.degree. C. for a first time period, and thereafter exposing the nitinol to a secondary annealing temperature within the range of approximately 550.degree. C. to 800.degree. C. for a second time period. The invention also includes nitinol articles made by the process of the invention.

Abstract: A link, and assembly and instrument using same, for transmitting actuating forces from an actuating member to a work member. The link includes a link body having a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end of the link body is movably interconnected with the work member by a distal interconnection element such as an arcuate groove-and-flange assembly, and is interconnected at its proximal end to an actuating member by a proximal pivotal interconnection element. The proximal element transmits a first actuating force from the actuating member to the work member. A shoulder, disposed on the link body preferably between the distal and proximal elements for interconnecting, engages the actuating member when a second, greater actuating force is applied to the actuating member in a direction opposite to that of the first actuating force. The greater force is thereby transmitted fully to the work member. The link assembly preferably includes a spacer member to assist positioning of the actuating member.

Abstract: A link, and assembly and instrument using same, for transmitting actuating forces from an actuating member to a work member. The link includes a link body having a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end of the link body is movably interconnected with the work member by a distal interconnection element such as an arcuate groove-and-flange assembly, and is interconnected at its proximal end to an actuating member by a proximal pivotal interconnection element. The proximal element transmits a first actuating force from the actuating member to the work member. A shoulder, disposed on the link body preferably between the distal and proximal elements for interconnecting, engages the actuating member when a second, greater actuating force is applied to the actuating member in a direction opposite to that of the first actuating force. The greater force is thereby transmitted fully to the work member. The link assembly preferably includes a spacer member to assist positioning of the actuating member.

Abstract: A suture anchor and anchor driver device for securely and accurately positioning and installing the suture anchor in place. The anchor has a rounded or pointed head and one or more ridges around it to help force fit the anchor into a hole and to hold it in place. A suture is positioned through the anchor for subsequent use during the surgical procedure. The driver device has a handle and an elongated shaft and is used to position and install the anchor in place. The anchor preferably snap fits onto the end of the shaft. A depth guide can be integrally or removably positioned on the shaft to ensure correct depth of placement. Alternately, the driver shaft is hollow and the anchor is positioned inside it and is implanted with a pusher member. The ends of the suture are affixed to the driver handle. Grooves can be provided on the driver and the anchor to prevent the suture from interfering with the positioning and installation procedure.

Abstract: A link, and assembly and instrument using same, for transmitting actuating forces from an actuating member to a work member. The link includes a link body having a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end of the link body is movably interconnected with the work member by a distal interconnection element such as an arcuate groove-and-flange assembly, and is interconnected at its proximal end to an actuating member by a proximal pivotal interconnection element. The proximal element transmits a first actuating force from the actuating member to the work member. A shoulder, disposed on the link body preferably between the distal and proximal elements for interconnecting, engages the actuating member when a second, greater actuating force is applied to the actuating member in a direction opposite to that of the first actuating force. The greater force is thereby transmitted fully to the work member. The link assembly preferably includes a spacer member to assist positioning of the actuating member.

Abstract: A link, and assembly and instrument using same, for transmitting actuating forces from an actuating member to a work member. The link includes a link body having a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end of the link body is movably interconnected with the work member by a distal interconnection element such as an arcuate groove-and-flange assembly, and is interconnected at its proximal end to an actuating member by a proximal pivotal interconnection element. The proximal element transmits a first actuating force from the actuating member to the work member. A shoulder, disposed on the link body preferably between the distal and proximal elements for interconnecting, engages the actuating member when a second, greater actuating force is applied to the actuating member in a direction opposite to that of the first actuating force. The greater force is thereby transmitted fully to the work member. The link assembly preferably includes a spacer member to assist positioning of the actuating member.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed acoustic mechanism for an implantable hearing aid system having a signal processing unit having at least one electromechanical transducer coupled to the auditory system of a human. The transducer having an outer casing and at least one moving member extending outside the casing. The invention comprising a hermetically sealed bellows member having two ends and a generally cylindrical side wall. One end of the bellows member being hermetically affixed to the transducer casing and the other end of the bellows member being hermetically affixed to the moving member at a point outside the transducer casing. The side wall having a plurality of corrugations formed therein to allow the moving member to vibrate independently from the transducer casing while providing a hermetic seal protecting the interior of the transducer.

Abstract: A suture anchor and anchor driver device for securely and accurately positioning and installing the suture anchor in place. The anchor has a rounded or pointed head and one or more ridges around it to help force fit the anchor into a hole and to hold it in place. A suture is positioned through the anchor for subsequent use during the surgical procedure. The driver device has a handle and an elongated shaft and is used to position and install the anchor in place. The anchor preferably snap fits onto the end of the shaft. A depth guide can be integrally or removably positioned on the shaft to ensure correct depth of placement. Alternately, the driver shaft is hollow and the anchor is positioned inside it and is implanted with a pusher member. The ends of the suture are affixed to the driver handle. Grooves can be provided on the driver and the anchor to prevent the suture from interfering with the positioning and installation procedure.

Abstract: A bone anchor (10) for securing a suture to a bone (38). The bone anchor (10) has a tip (16) at its distal end (18) and at least one resilient wall (27) extending to a trailing end (20) of the body (12) of the anchor. The wall (27) has a ridge (14), or barb, formed on an outer surface. The ridge (14) defines an edge (34) that digs into a hole (36) in the bone (38) in which it is positioned. A strand of suturing thread (22) extends through a suture receiving opening (24) in the tip (16) of the anchor. The method of the present invention employs the suture anchor (10) and includes the steps of forming a hole (36) in a bone (38) and inserting the suture anchor (10) to a desired depth in the hole (36) in the bone (38) using an inserter device (100). Suturing thread ( 22) extends from the suture receiving opening (24) in the tip and along the length of the walls (27,28) out of the hole (36) in the bone (38). An anchor spreader (130) is used to firmly seat the anchor (10) in the hole (36).

Abstract: An apparatus and method of securing fractured bones in place without the use of wires is disclosed. An absorbable bone pin is inserted in place by a cannulated applicator which is used to help drill a hole for the bone pin and accurately measure its depth. The applicator has a scaled recess in the handle which is used to measure the progress (depth) of the wire-type drill as it forms the hole. The drill has a marking or similar means on it for registration with the applicator scale. The bone pin is selected or cut to an appropriate length based on the depth of the hole and inserted in place by a push rod through the applicator guide tube. The applicator can have one or two guide tubes, and the tubes can be parallel or at angles to one another, depending on the usage desired. With a two-tube applicator, it is possible to better maintain the bone's pieces in place under compression until a bone pin is installed.

Abstract: A bone conduction hearing device in the form of a magnetic disk is implanted and fastened to the temporal bone by a screw thread connection. Apparatus includes instruments for accurately drilling and tapping a hole in the temporal bone, and a wrench for tightening the magnetic disk hearing device against the bone.

Abstract: A direct bone conduction hearing aid device is disclosed and includes a sound processor for receiving sound and generating an amplified electromagnetic signal in response thereto. This signal is transmitted to a subcutaneously implanted vibration generating means which is secured to a skull bone of the user and which includes magnetic means. An analog signal causes the magnet to vibrate and these vibrations are transmitted to the skull bone and thence to the cochlea to create the perception of sound.