Abstract: An improved patient monitoring system is described herein. In particular, the present invention provides an improved system, method, and kit for positioning and removably mounting, often repeatedly, a monitor transducer on a patient, for example, an external fetal monitor used during pregnancy and childbirth labor. The improved system of the present invention avoids many of the disadvantages of conventional monitoring systems in that it maintains transducer position during patient movement, allows the position of the transducer to be changed without repositioning the patient, allows for simple and expeditious adjustment so as to maximize signal quality without causing patient discomfort, eliminates the need for a belt circumferentially disposed about the patient's abdomen, and can be applied to a wide array of body types, including patients having round abdomens. The system, method, and kit of the present invention is not only both efficient and effective but also economical.

Abstract: A method and device provides features for the temporary “parking” of sutures with respect to a cannula. In the preferred embodiments the features are slots that maintain tension on, and orientation of, sutures placed therein. The slots or features may be integral with the cannula or part of a separate device which may be removably affixed to the external portion of a cannula. The invention eliminates the multiple steps inherent in current suture management techniques for arthroscopic procedures, particularly rotator cuff repair and assists in tensioning/advancement of tissue into its repair site.

Abstract: A novel suture removal instrument, kit and technique are described herein. The invention utilizes a newly designed thermal filament to allow the tip of the suture removal instrument to be slipped under the stitch in order to heat and cut the stitch. Current suture removal techniques utilize scissors, forceps, and/or scalpels. These techniques, which are well known in the art, are problematic because they exert tension on the stitch and are associated with patient discomfort. Small stitches add to the difficulty of suture removal because they have less suture laxity for scissor insertion. The present invention therefore allows for more rapid suture removal with less patient discomfort and at a competitive or lower cost.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument, system, and methods are provided for the vaporization, cutting, coagulation, or treatment of tissue in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid medium. The electrosurgical probe comprises at least one active electrode, and at least one “floating” electrode having at least one end in close proximity to at least one active electrode. The floating electrode is not connected in any way to the electrosurgical power supply, but rather has a “floating” potential determined by the shape and position of the electrode. The floating electrode increases current density in the region of the probe distal end.

Abstract: An endoscopic rotary abrader allowing for increased burr size while maintaining the required minimum clearance between the burr and the hood. This is accomplished either by an offset configuration of non-concentric inner and outer tubes, where the inner tube is shifted laterally away from the hood, or by employing an enlarged hood.

Abstract: An electrosurgical electrode capable of vaporization, coagulation, desiccation or cutting of tissue is disclosed. The probe has a first portion configured for tissue vaporization, and a second portion configured for tissue desiccation or coagulation. Simultaneous vaporization and desiccation may be achieved, the balance between the effects being controlled by the orientation and motions of the electrode. The electrode may have irrigation and aspiration means.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are high efficiency surgical devices and methods of using same using radio frequency (RF) electrical power to destroy, vaporize and remove soft tissues, such as tumors, both malignant and benign, from within a target surgical site. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the electrosurgical device employs a combination of rotary and translational motion to incrementally vaporize a calculated volume of tissue. According to the principles of this invention, the electrosurgical devices can be used with externally supplied conductive or non-conductive irrigants, whether liquid, gas, or a combination thereof, as well as without externally supplied liquids, a mode of operation often referred to as “dry field” environment. The electrosurgical devices may further optionally include aspiration components to permit removal of vaporization by-products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrosurgical probes suitable for tissue vaporization and cutting of tissue structures, more particularly for performing electrosurgical cutting, ablation (volumetric tissue vaporization), coagulating and/or modification within a body tissue, cavity or vessel or on the surface of a patient. The system and method of the present invention optionally include structure for irrigation and/or aspiration of the surgical site and therefore may be used in relatively dry environments such as in the context of oral, otolaryngological, laparoscopic, and dermatologic procedures.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument, system and methods are provided for the vaporization, cutting, coagulation, or treatment of tissue in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid medium. The electrosurgical probe comprises at least one active electrode, and at least one “floating” electrode having at least one end in close proximity to at least one active electrode. The floating electrode is not connected in any way to the electrosurgical power supply, but rather has a “floating” potential determined by the shape and position of the electrode. The floating electrode increases current density in the region of the probe distal end.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a simple, passive splinting system for sternotomy patients designed to provide a continuous yet readily adjustable, compressive tangential stabilizing force to the ribcage so as to promote healing of a median sternotomy incision while minimizing patient pain.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are high efficiency surgical devices and methods of using same using radio frequency (RF) electrical power and/or electrically heated filaments to destroy tumors, form lesions, denaturize, desiccate, coagulate and ablate soft tissues, as well as to drill, cut, resect and vaporize soft tissues. According to the principles of this invention, the electrosurgical instruments can be used with externally supplied conductive or non-conductive liquids, as well as without externally supplied liquids, a mode of operation often referred to as “dry field” environment.

Abstract: Conventional vasectomy techniques suffer from a number of disadvantages, including, for example, a substantial risk for the development of hematomas and swelling, a potential for spontaneous regeneration and undesired resumption of fertility, a need for a highly skilled surgical professional, as well as a long recovery period, accompanied by severe limitations on post-surgical activity. The invention disclosed herein overcomes the disadvantages and deficiencies of the prior art by providing a rapid, reliable, less invasive male sterilization procedure as well as a vasectomy device and kit for use therewith.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of an electrosurgical device that include one or more floating electrodes and are specifically adapted to remove, cut, resect, ablate, vaporize, denaturize, drill, coagulate and form lesions in soft tissues, with or without externally supplied liquids, preferably in combination with a resectoscope, particularly in the context of urological, gynecological, laparoscopic, arthroscopic, and ENT procedures. Specific adaptations for urological and gynecological applications, for example kidney stone removal and BPH treatment, are also described.

Abstract: An rotary shaver having an attachment device for coupling a flexible transmission shaft to rigid ends. In at least one embodiment, the rotary shaver may be a curved rotary shaver. The inner shaft may be formed from rigid ends connected together with the flexible transmission shaft via an attachment device. The attachment device may include a collar protruding from an outer surface to penetrate an inner surface of the flexible transmission shaft. The attachment device may also include one or more grooves or protrusions for the transmission of torque.

Abstract: Described herein is a ventilated, non-slip sleeve which may be applied to an irregularly shaped object, for example a body part such as a limb or extremity, as well as methods for making and using such a non-slip sleeve. In one particular embodiment, the present invention relates to a ventilated, non-slip sock for an animal, and a method for making the sock from a non-slip material. The ventilated, non-slip sock of the instant invention finds particular utility as a mobility aid for injured and/or aged animals, to facilitate ambulation over slippery surfaces or floors.

Abstract: An improved patient monitoring system is described herein. In particular, the present invention provides an improved system, method, and kit for positioning and removably mounting, often repeatedly, a monitor transducer on a patient, for example, an external fetal monitor used during pregnancy and childbirth labor. The improved system of the present invention avoids many of the disadvantages of conventional monitoring systems in that it maintains transducer position during patient movement, allows the position of the transducer to be changed without repositioning the patient, allows for simple and expeditious adjustment so as to maximize signal quality without causing patient discomfort, eliminates the need for a belt circumferentially disposed about the patient's abdomen, and can be applied to a wide array of body types, including patients having round abdomens. The system, method, and kit of the present invention is not only both efficient and effective but also economical.

Abstract: A suture punch system that is capable of directly passing braided suture through tissue in a simple, one-step process. The system includes three principle components: a malleable needle capable of delivering the suture to the tissue, a handheld instrument for grasping tissue and controlling needle placement, and a force-supplying mechanism to supply the force required for needle placement. Needle deformation begins at the tip of the instrument, which beneficially includes a curved segment. As the distal tip of the needle pierces the tissue, it continues its radial path through the tissue. When the proximal end of the needle exits from the instrument, the needle may be radial in shape and traverses an essentially radial path through the tissue. Once the needle has passed entirely through the tissue, it may be retrieved using the jaws of the punch or another instrument.

Abstract: A method for splinting rib injuries is disclosed. A pair of anchor strips having a plurality of fasteners on their exposed surfaces are attached to the skin of the chest cavity by an adhesive, the strips being more or less vertically oriented and equidistantly spaced from the injury. Elastomeric straps having a plurality of fastener receivers are removably fastened to the anchor strips across the injury so as to produce a stabilizing/reducing force at the injury. Tension in the straps and orientation of the straps are adjusted to maximize patient comfort. In another embodiment a pad is placed between the elastomeric straps and the chest wall. In other embodiments the pad is a hot or cold compress. In yet another embodiment the pad is connected to a cold therapy machine.

Abstract: A suture punch system that is capable of directly passing braided suture through tissue in a simple, one-step process. The system includes three principle components: a malleable needle capable of delivering the suture to the tissue, a handheld instrument for grasping tissue and controlling needle placement, and a force-supplying mechanism to supply the force required for needle placement. Needle deformation begins at the tip of the instrument, which beneficially includes a curved segment. As the distal tip of the needle pierces the tissue, it continues its radial path through the tissue. When the proximal end of the needle exits from the instrument, the needle may be radial in shape and traverses an essentially radial path through the tissue. Once the needle has passed entirely through the tissue, it may be retrieved using the jaws of the punch or another instrument.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new fishing lure construction wherein the same can be utilized for attracting fish to a hook attached to a lure resembling a swimmer. The buoyant lure has a rotatable arm assembly having a left arm attached to a first end of an elongated rod, and a right arm attached to a second end of the elongated rod, the elongated rod being rotatably positioned in a transverse linear passage passing between the shoulders of the figure of the swimmer. The left arm is angularly offset from the right arm 180 degrees, the hands of the arms being positioned such that when the lure is drawn across the surface of a body of water by an eyelet in the region of the head portion of the figure, the arms rotate imparting a paddling motion to the figure. At least one hook is attached to the bottom portion of the lure. In a preferred embodiment the figure is prone and is affixed to the top surface of a miniature surfboard.