Abstract: A computer implemented method in a system comprising an actor authorization node, an access right storage node and a file record node.

Abstract: A computer implemented method in a system comprising an actor authorization node, an access right storage node and a file record node.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus track surgical objects placed in a body cavity so that they may be reliably located and recovered from the body cavity at a later time. In one preferred embodiment, an apparatus comprises a vibrantly colored stringer threaded through apertures in a plurality of surgical objects and vibrantly colored tracking tags affixed to each end of the vibrantly colored stringer to maintain the surgical objects on the vibrantly colored stringer. In alternate embodiments, photo-reactive pigments in the range of 345-375 nm are also added to the vibrantly colored stringer and vibrantly colored tracking tags to enhance their visual detection under ambient lighting, when illuminated with a spectrum specific light source, and/or viewed through a spectrum-specific transmission filter in the same range of wavelengths.

Abstract: Single-use and refillable diabetic testing supply dispensers are disclosed. In various embodiments, the dispenser uses an ejector coupled to an actuator external to the dispenser to move single testing supplies contained within the internal volume of the dispenser through a port in the dispenser for selection by the user. In various embodiments the dispenser has a dispenser head unit that is coupled to one of a variety of magazine designs which store the testing supplies to be dispensed. A bulk loader rapidly refills the dispenser. In some embodiments, testing supplies are affixed to a carrier strip which is carried on a spool internal to the dispenser, incremented out of the dispenser, and cut to dispense a single testing supply during each operation. In some embodiments, tamper resistant elements are added to discourage fraudulent resale of the testing supplies contained in the dispenser. In some embodiments, the dispenser includes a lancing device that is fed by a magazine and deters re-use of lancets.

Abstract: A system for tracking surgical objects placed in a body cavity so that they may be reliably located and recovered from the body cavity at a later time. In one preferred embodiment, the system comprises a vibrantly colored stringer threaded through apertures in a plurality of surgical objects and vibrantly colored tracking tags affixed to each end of the vibrantly colored stringer to maintain the surgical objects on the vibrantly colored stringer. In alternate embodiments, photo-reactive pigments in the range of 345-375 nm are also added to the vibrantly colored stringer and vibrantly colored tracking tags to enhance their visual detection under ambient lighting, when illuminated with a spectrum specific light source, and/or viewed through a spectrum-specific transmission filter in the same range of wavelengths.

Abstract: An avascular neucrosis instrument includes a drill guide member, an extension member attached to an end of the drill guide member, an indexing member attached to the drill guide member, and a flexible drill member extending along the drill guide member and exiting the drill guide member at an angle adjacent the extension member. In another embodiment, the extension is removed from the end of the drill guide member and another extension member is attached to an end of the flexible drill member. As a result, the flexible drill member can be used to form a plurality of channel arrays for the distribution of blood supply to a femoral head.

Abstract: An implant and method for use in reattaching a removed bone section following bone surgery by using a bone engaging clamp adapted to fit over the outer surface of the removed bone section and engage cables to attach the removed bone to the desired location. The bone engaging clamp is adapted to fit over at least a portion of the outer surface of the removed bone section and has an inner surface for engaging the bone section. Further, the bone engaging clamp has at least one through bore for holding a cable; and at least one associated screw for clamping a tensioned cable in a fixed position relative to the bone engaging clamp to hold the removed bone section securely in place at the point of reattachment.

Abstract: An implant for use in reattaching a bone section following bone surgery which includes a plate-like member for fitting over at least a portion of the outer surface of the bone section to be reattached. The plate has an inner surface for engaging the bone section and an outer surface facing away from the bone section and side walls extending between the inner and outer surface. The outer surface includes at least one cable holding portion for holding a cable in place. A rectangular body receives the ends of a cable and allows for gripping and holding the cable under tension. The rectangular body has opposing concave sides and a pair of openings parallel to the concave sides for receiving the end of the cable. The rectangular body is collapsible by a crimping tool which pinches the cable in the openings. A recess extends across the outer surface of the plate-like member for receiving the rectangular body with the recess intersecting the cable holding portions.

Abstract: A device for centralizing a prosthetic femoral stem within a prepared natural femur and plugging the femoral canal inculdes a first member having a shape generally similar to the shape of the femoral stem for temporary insertion within the natural femur, a rod member for slidable insertion through a bore in the first member, and a second member releasably connected to the distal end of the rod member for permanent insertion within the natural femur for aligning the distal end of the femoral stem and plugging the canal of the natural femur.