Abstract: Devices and methods permit dilation of a track of a body to any of a plurality of diameters using a single integrated device that can reach any of a plurality of expanded diameters upon actuation by a user of an actuating mechanism which directs and controls the dilation of a dilating element to which it is connected by a dial and transmission mechanism. A variety of dials, transmission mechanisms and dilating elements are disclosed which may be combined in a variety of ways.

Abstract: Medical devices for retaining an end of a medical tube. Each of the devices of the present invention comprises a base and at least one tab having a portion that is moveable within the base. The base comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, at least one side cavity for receiving a tab, and an opening transverse to the upper and lower surfaces. To facilitate tube retention, the tube is inserted through the opening in the base and the tab(s) is (are) moved within the cavity(ies) such that a portion of each tab contacts and retains the tube.

Abstract: A tool actuating assembly for a multi-function surgical instrument is disclosed. The tool actuating assembly of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of differently configured multi-function surgical instruments and can be embodied in various physical configurations. The tool actuating assembly of the present invention provides for more efficient use of the tools of the instrument by the surgeon who is utilizing the instrument.

Abstract: Devices and methods permit dilation of a track of a body to any of a plurality of diameters using a single integrated device that can reach any of a plurality of expanded diameters upon actuation by a user of an actuating mechanism which directs and controls the dilation of a dilating element to which it is connected by a dial and transmission mechanism. A variety of dials, transmission mechanisms and dilating elements are disclosed which may be combined in a variety of ways.

Abstract: An instrument for collecting body tissue includes a tubular cutting member having an exterior surface, a proximal end, and a distal end capable of penetrating body tissue; and a flexible cutting extension coaxially and slidably disposed around the exterior surface of the cutting member, the flexible cutting extensions having a proximal end and distal end capable of cutting tissue located at the distal end of the cutting member and covering the distal end of the cutting member so that tissue that has entered the cutting member is retained in the cutting member. A first tubular member may be connected to the cutting member, and a second tubular member mayb connected to the cutting extension, the second tubular member being coaxially disposed on the first tubular member.

Abstract: A tool actuating assembly for a multi-function surgical instrument is disclosed. The tool actuating assembly of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of differently configured multi-function surgical instruments and can be embodied in various physical configurations. The tool actuating assembly of the present invention provides for more efficient use of the tools of the instrument by the surgeon who is utilizing the instrument.

Abstract: An instrument for collecting body tissue includes a tubular cutting member having an exterior surface, a proximal end, and a distal end capable of penetrating body tissue; and a flexible cutting extension coaxially and slidably disposed around the exterior surface of the cutting member, the flexible cutting extensions having a proximal end and distal end capable of cutting tissue located at the distal end of the cutting member and covering the distal end of the cutting member so that tissue that has entered the cutting member is retained in the cutting member. A first tubular member may be connected to the cutting member, and a second tubular member maybe connected to the cutting extension, the second tubular member being coaxially disposed on the first tubular member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in the percutaneous insertion of medical devices is disclosed. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes an access tube defining a central lumen and a retention portion disposed at a distal end of the access tube. The retention portion is reconfigurable between a first configuration of reduced lateral extent and a second configuration of increased lateral extent. A trocar is moveably disposed within the central lumen of the access tube. The access tube is movably disposed within a central lumen of an overtube. In an embodiment of a method of the present invention, the method includes the steps of inserting the trocar and access tube through a body wall of a patient, where the trocar is disposed within the access tube and where a retention portion disposed at a distal end of the access tube is configured in a first configuration of reduced lateral extent. The retention portion is then configured in a second configuration of increased lateral extent.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing ophthalmic lenses is described. This process has several phases, including raw material processing, material metering and dispensing, the material shaping, and ejection/de-molding. The material-shaping phase can utilize various molding processes including compression molding, thermoforming, reaction injection molding, or injection molding. The process allows re-use of the shaping molds/dies and can be automated.

Abstract: Medical devices for retaining an end of a medical tube. Each of the devices of the present invention comprises a base and at least one tab having a portion that is moveable within the base. The base comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, at least one side cavity for receiving a tab, and an opening transverse to the upper and lower surfaces. To facilitate tube retention, the tube is inserted through the opening in the base and the tab(s) is(are) moved within the cavity(ies) such that a portion of each tab contacts and retains the tube.

Abstract: A medical retrieval device includes a handle, a sheath, and a basket having basket legs and an atraumatic distal tip. The atraumatic tip of the basket is formed, for example, by entwining the ends of the basket legs together at the distal tip of the basket. Baskets with atraumatic tips according to the invention allow the capture of material from difficult to reach areas of the body while reducing the risk of tissue damage.

Abstract: An instrument for collecting body tissue includes a tubular cutting member having an exterior surface, a proximal end, and a distal end capable of penetrating body tissue; and a flexible cutting extension coaxially and slidably disposed around the exterior surface of the cutting member; the flexible cutting extensions having a proximal end and distal end capable of cutting tissue located at the distal end of the cutting member and covering the distal end of the cutting member so that tissue that has entered the cutting member is retained in the cutting member. A first tubular member may be connected to the cutting member, and a second tubular member mayb connected to the cutting extension, the second tubular member being coaxially disposed on the first tubular member.

Abstract: Medical devices for retaining an end of a medical tube. Each of the devices of the present invention comprises a base and at least one tab having a portion that is moveable within the base. The base comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, at least one side cavity for receiving a tab, and an opening transverse to the upper and lower surfaces. To facilitate tube retention, the tube is inserted through the opening in the base and the tab(s) is(are) moved within the cavity(ies) such that a portion of each tab contacts and retains the tube.

Abstract: Devices and methods permit dilation of a track of a body to any of a plurality of diameters using a single integrated device that can reach any of a plurality of expanded diameters upon actuation by a user of an actuating mechanism which directs and controls the dilation of a dilating element to which it is connected by a dial and transmission mechanism. A variety of dials, transmission mechanisms and dilating elements are disclosed which may be combined in a variety of ways.

Abstract: An instrument for collecting body tissue includes a tubular cutting member having an exterior surface, a proximal end, and a distal end capable of penetrating body tissue; and a flexible cutting extension coaxially and slidably disposed around the exterior surface of the cutting member, the flexible cutting extensions having a proximal end and distal end capable of cutting tissue located at the distal end of the cutting member and covering the distal end of the cutting member so that tissue that has entered the cutting member is retained in the cutting member. A first tubular member may be connected to the cutting member, and a second tubular member mayb connected to the cutting extension, the second tubular member being coaxially disposed on the first tubular member.

Abstract: A tool actuating assembly for a multi-function surgical instrument is disclosed. The tool actuating assembly of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of differently configured multi-function surgical instruments and can be embodied in various physical configurations. The tool actuating assembly of the present invention provides for more efficient use of the tools of the instrument by the surgeon who is utilizing the instrument.

Abstract: A medical retrieval device includes a handle, a sheath, and a basket having basket legs and an atraumatic distal tip. The atraumatic tip of the basket is formed, for example, by entwining the ends of the basket legs together at the distal tip of the basket. Baskets with atraumatic tips according to the invention allow the capture of material from difficult to reach areas of the body while reducing the risk of tissue damage.