Abstract: An improved pneumoneedle wherein the stylet forms part of an assembly removably received within the needle housing. The assembly carries a valve to selectively open or close the needle to fluid flow. The stylet is slidably carried by the assembly and resiliently biased to extend through the needle. Removal of the assembly opens the needle. A septum is engagable with the housing to seal the needle when the assembly is removed. A viewable indicator carried by the stylet signals when the needle has completed penetration.

Abstract: An improved electrocautery method and instrument includes interlock features which enable the instrument to be safely operated under convenient manual controls including a slide element and control buttons and interlock switch positioned on the instrument.

Abstract: Apparatus for warming a sterile liquid includes a basin with a heater assembly, a base surrounding the basin, and an electronic temperature controller. The shape of the basin bottom includes an plateau-like elevated central region and a depressed surrounding rim. The heater assembly is of a thin-film type, and provides relatively greater heating in the central region than in the outer region. Both the heater geometry and the shape of the basin bottom promote a natural and uniform convective flow of the liquid to promote mixing of the warmer and cooler portions of the liquid. The temperature controller allows the user to select the temperature that the liquid is to be warmed to, and provides visual and aural indications of liquid or basin temperatures which exceed reasonable pre-set limits. The controller also halts the flow of electrical current to the heater assembly when an overtemperature problem in the liquid or the basin is detected. A disposable cable connects the temperature controller to the basin.

Abstract: An improved electrocautery method and instrument is configured to accept attachable extension units for effectively extending the utility of the instrument into deep surgical sites. Interlock features enable the instrument to be safely configured to any desired length for use as a vacuum probe and as a self-cleanable electrocautery or electro-surgical instrument under convenient manual controls including a slide element and control buttons and interlock switch positioned on the instrument.