Abstract: A medical instrument has a tubular shaft, a handle at a proximal end of the shaft and a movable working part at a distal end of the shaft, the shaft includes a shaft section having a curvature and being arranged between the distal end and the proximal end of the shaft. The handle and the working part are operatively connected via a force transmission element extending through the shaft. The force transmission element has a section arranged within the curved shaft section of the shaft, the section being guided on an inner surface of the shaft and having a plurality of interconnected single elements arranged one after the other along the longitudinal direction of the shaft. The single elements are pairwise connected by a pin forming a hinged joint, such that each of the pins defines a rotation axis oriented substantially perpendicular relative to the shaft.

Abstract: A tool (30) for a microinvasive surgical instrument includes a body member (40). A proximal end (41) of the body member is mechanically connected to or is configured to be mechanically coupled to a distal end (16) of a shaft (14) of a microinvasive surgical instrument (10). A first jaw (50) has a mechanically articulated connection to the body member. A second jaw (60) has a mechanically articulated connection to the body member. The first jaw and the second jaw are configured to be pivoted independently from each other. The second jaw provides the shape of a ‘U’ or ‘O’ at least partially encircling a fenestration (61). The tool provides open configurations, each with an angular distance between the first jaw and the second jaw. The tool provides a closed configuration with the first jaw at least partially accommodated in or capping the fenestration of the second jaw.

Abstract: A process for producing grapheme is disclosed. The process comprises introducing a solution (102) of a metal alkoxide in a solvent into a decomposition apparatus, wherein the decomposition apparatus includes a first region having a sufficiently high temperature to cause thermal decomposition of the metal alkoxide, to produce graphene.

Abstract: A device for creating an intercostal transcutaneous access to an, in particular endoscopic, operating field including a base body, which closely surrounds an incision all-side frame-shaped and with at least two webs mounted on the base body, which can be introduced into an intercostal space, by which two ribs arranged next to each other can be moved apart. To create a device for creating an intercostal transcutaneous access to an, in particular endoscopic, operating field which allows individual pressing apart of the ribs, it is proposed according to the invention that the at least two webs are mounted adjustable relative to each other on the base body.

Abstract: A medical equipment support system includes a support structure for holding at least one medical device, the support structure being configured for being held in a substantially vertical direction by contacting a floor and a ceiling of a medical room, wherein the support structure including a vertical column to which at least one holder including a substantially horizontal arm is attached for supporting the at least one medical device, the substantially horizontal arm being an articulating arm.

Abstract: A medical equipment support system includes a support structure extending in a substantially horizontal direction for supporting at least one medical device, at least two supports arranged at opposing ends of the support structure for supporting the support structure in an overhead position, wherein the at least two supports are pillars extending in a substantially vertical direction, the pillars being adapted for standing on a floor of a medical room.

Abstract: A surgical tissue anchor comprising a plurality of jaws suitable for clamping onto tissue, clamp component(s) operable to bias the jaws in a closed position and attachment structure operable for attachment of the anchor to one or more tethers for retracting the clamped tissue. The one or more tethers are guided to the desired region using a surgical guide.

Abstract: A device for creating an intercostal transcutaneous access to an, in particular endoscopic, operating field including a base body, which closely surrounds an incision all-side frame-shaped and with at least two websmounted on the base body, which can be introduced into an intercostal space, by which two ribs arranged next to each other can be moved apart. To create a device for creating an intercostal transcutaneous access to an, in particular endoscopic, operating field which allows individual pressing apart of the ribs, it is proposed according to the invention that the at least two webs are mounted adjustable relative to each other on the base body.

Abstract: A medical instrument including a shaft rotating device for rotating a shaft of a medical instrument about its longitudinal axis relative to a handle of the medical instrument The shaft rotating device includes a operating element arranged at a proximal portion of the shaft such that the shaft is rotatable relative to the handle against frictional forces. The shaft rotating device includes a coil spring arrangement having a surface and being in frictional contact with a surface of a counterpart for keeping the shaft and the handle rotationally stationary with respect to each other and movable against frictional forces. The operating element is operatively connected with the coil spring arrangement such that torque applied to the operating element decreases the frictional forces, while the shaft and coil spring arrangement are operatively connected such that torque applied to a distal portion of the shaft increases the frictional forces.

Abstract: A medical tubular shaft instrument comprises a tubular shaft, a handle at a proximal end of the shaft and a movable working part at a distal end of the shaft, wherein the shaft comprises a shaft section having a curvature and being arranged between the distal end and the proximal end of the shaft, wherein the handle and the working part are operatively connected via a force transmission element extending through the shaft and being movable in a longitudinal direction of the shaft, wherein the force transmission element has a section arranged within the curved shaft section of the shaft which is guided on an inner surface of the shaft and which comprises a plurality of interconnected single elements arranged one after the other along the longitudinal direction of the shaft. The single elements are pairwise connected by means of a pin forming a hinged joint, wherein each of the pins defines a rotation axis oriented substantially perpendicular relative to the shaft.

Abstract: A shaft rotating device for rotating a shaft of a medical instrument about its longitudinal axis relative to a handle of the medical instrument has an operating element for rotating the shaft. The operating element is arranged at a proximal portion of the shaft and in driving connection with the shaft such that the shaft is rotatable relative to the handle against frictional forces, and a coil spring arrangement having a surface and being in frictional contact with a surface of a counterpart for keeping the shaft and the handle rotationally stationary with respect to each other and movable against frictional forces. The operating element is operatively connected with the coil spring arrangement such that torque applied to the operating element decreases the frictional forces, while the shaft and coil spring arrangement are operatively connected such that torque applied to a distal portion of the shaft increases the frictional forces.

Abstract: A medical instrument comprises an elongated shaft having a distal end, a proximal end and at least one bent portion between the distal end and the proximal end, a working part arranged at the distal end of the shaft, a handle arranged at the proximal end of the shaft, the working part being connected to the handle through an elongated element extending through the shaft and having a distal end connected to the working part and a proximal end connected to the handle. The shaft is rotatable relative to the handle about a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The working part and the elongated element are rotationally fixed relative to the handle and the shaft is rotatable relative to the working part and to the elongated element.

Abstract: A surgical tissue anchor comprising a plurality of jaws suitable for clamping onto tissue, clamp component(s) operable to bias the jaws in a closed position and attachment structure operable for attachment of the anchor to one or more tethers for retracting the clamped tissue. The one or more tethers are guided to the desired region using a surgical guide.

Abstract: A process for producing grapheme is disclosed. The process comprises introducing a solution (102) of a metal alkoxide in a solvent into a decomposition apparatus, wherein the decomposition apparatus includes a first region having a sufficiently high temperature to cause thermal decomposition of the metal alkoxide, to produce graphene.

Abstract: A method of controlling a portable electronic device includes rendering a first virtual keyboard corresponding to a first language on a touch-sensitive display of the portable electronic device, rendering a second selectable feature corresponding to a second language when the first virtual keyboard is rendered on the touch-sensitive display, detecting selection of the second selectable feature corresponding to the second language, and rendering a second virtual keyboard corresponding to the second language in response to detecting the selection.

Abstract: A method and handheld electronic device having a graphic user interface with efficient orientation sensor input use are provided.