Abstract: Non-fluidized tissue expanders, tissue expander systems, and methods of expanding tissue are disclosed. The tissue expanders, systems, methods of the present invention incorporate an expandable encapsulated body mass implantable within the patient and operative to selectively expand to promote growth of an enlarged area of skin and subcutaneous tissue. Such tissue expansion is accomplished utilizing internal one or more distraction mechanisms disposed within the tissue expanders that are operative to expand by mechanical or electromechanical means. The present invention omits any type of inflatable body requiring the injection of fluids to effectuate expansion of the tissue expander.

Abstract: Non-fluidized tissue expanders, tissue expander systems, and methods of expanding tissue are disclosed. The tissue expanders, systems, methods of the present invention incorporate an expandable encapsulated body mass implantable within the patient and operative to selectively expand to promote growth of an enlarged area of skin and subcutaneous tissue. Such tissue expansion is accomplished utilizing internal one or more distraction mechanisms disposed within the tissue expanders that are operative to expand by mechanical or electro-mechanical means. The present invention omits any type of inflatable body requiring the injection of fluids to effectuate expansion of the tissue expander.

Abstract: Non-fluidized tissue expanders, tissue expander systems, and methods of expanding tissue are disclosed. The tissue expanders, systems, methods of the present invention incorporate an expandable encapsulated body mass implantable within the patient and operative to selectively expand to promote growth of an enlarged area of skin and subcutaneous tissue. Such tissue expansion is accomplished utilizing internal one or more distraction mechanisms disposed within the tissue expanders that are operative to expand by mechanical or electro-mechanical means. The present invention omits any type of inflatable body requiring the injection of fluids to effectuate expansion of the tissue expander.

Abstract: Device and method for stimulating nerves while performing surgery to release a ligament are disclosed. According to a preferred embodiment, the device comprises an elongate first blade guide arm coupled to a second blade guide arm of substantially similar shape. At least one of the blade guide arms supports a nerve stimulation electrode at its distal end. The distal ends of the first and second blade guide arms are positioned about a ligament such that the device encloses a ligament, or a portion thereof. An electrical current is sent from an electrical source to the nerve stimulation electrode such that if a nerve is entrapped within the device, the nerve will cause a connected muscle to respond. A surgeon may then reposition the device to avoid severing the nerve. A blade is engaged to at least one of the blade guide arms, and moves parallel to a longitudinal axis of the blade guide arm to cut the ligament.

Abstract: A system for prevention of fires in operating rooms as frequently arises from electrocautery and laser systems comprising an electrocautery instrument having a shielding gas that is expelled from the distal-most end thereof to thus prevent the cautery tip spark from coming into contact with an oxygen-enriched environment that may otherwise propagate the spark into a full-fledged fire. The systems can further be coupled with oxygen sensors, alarms and mechanisms for limiting the delivery of oxygen. Additional refinements include incorporating heat sensory strips to the distal ends of oxygen delivery systems, which are in turn coupled with a thermocouple device set to turn off oxygen delivery or electrosurgical system at given levels of heat to thereby limit the extent of burn injury. Further refinements also include the use of nonflammable inserts to the tips of the oxygen delivery systems such that in the event of a fire the plastic does not catch on fire and in effect turn into a blowtorch.

Abstract: Oxygen sensor systems that are effective in substantially reducing the risk of causing an operating room fire instigated by electrocautery surgical instruments and laser systems. The systems preferably include a conventional hand-held electrocautery instrument coupled with an oxygen sensor, the latter being operative to cutoff power to the electrocautery instrument or oxygen ventilation system once oxygen concentration levels are detected that exceed predetermined thresholds. In addition, the sensor would be coupled with an alarm system designed to warn the operating room staff of unsafe levels oxygen in the surgical environment. In further refinements of the invention, the oxygen sensor tip may be placed separate from the electrocautery instrument in the operative field, or even just outside the source of the oxygen to assure against excessive leaks.

Abstract: Described herein is a compartment pressure monitoring device that enables the continuous monitoring of pressure in a physiological compartment, such as those found in the hand, forearm, upper arm, abdomen, pericardium, thigh and leg. In various embodiments, the device includes a tube connected at a first end to a balloon, and at a second end to a pressure gauge. A trocar sleeve may also be connected to the tube at or near its first end, such that a compatible trocar may be used to facilitate the insertion and positioning of the device within the compartment. The pressure gauge includes an alarm device configured to sound or display an alarm when a predetermined pressure threshold on the balloon has been met or exceeded. Also described is a method of continuously monitoring compartment pressure, using the compartment pressure monitoring device of the invention.

Abstract: Improved maxillo-mandibular fixation systems and methods that deploy an inter-dental segment of floss/cord that can be substituted for conventional inter-dental wires. The inter-dental segment comprises an elongate segment of flexible, malleable material formed as a cord or floss having alternating portions formed thereon that are defined by a first floss portion having a first smaller size designed to be positioned or flossed between adjacent teeth, and a second segment or portion having a larger size that is operative to be interconnected with a conventional arch bar. In an alternative embodiment, the segment may comprise an inter-dental floss segment having first and second ends having a first larger size and an intermediate portion having a smaller size, the latter being operative to be looped around and flossed between opposed sides of one of a patient's teeth.

Abstract: Non-fluidized tissue expanders, tissue expander systems, and methods of expanding tissue are disclosed. The tissue expanders, systems, methods of the present invention incorporate an expandable encapsulated body mass implantable within the patient and operative to selectively expand to promote growth of an enlarged area of skin and subcutaneous tissue. Such tissue expansion is accomplished utilizing internal one or more distraction mechanisms disposed within the tissue expanders that are operative to expand by mechanical or electromechanical means. The present invention omits any type of inflatable body requiring the injection of fluids to effectuate expansion of the tissue expander.

Abstract: Non-fluidized tissue expanders, tissue expander systems, and methods of expanding tissue are disclosed. The tissue expanders, systems, methods of the present invention incorporate an expandable encapsulated body mass implantable within the patient and operative to selectively expand to promote growth of an enlarged area of skin and subcutaneous tissue. Such tissue expansion is accomplished utilizing internal one or more distraction mechanisms disposed within the tissue expanders that are operative to expand by mechanical or electromechanical means. The present invention omits any type of inflatable body requiring the injection of fluids to effectuate expansion of the tissue expander.

Abstract: Non-fluidized tissue expanders, tissue expander systems, and methods of expanding tissue are disclosed. The tissue expanders, systems, methods of the present invention incorporate an expandable encapsulated body mass implantable within the patient and operative to selectively expand to promote growth of an enlarged area of skin and subcutaneous tissue. Such tissue expansion is accomplished utilizing internal one or more distraction mechanisms disposed within the tissue expanders that are operative to expand by mechanical or electro-mechanical means. The present invention omits any type of inflatable body requiring the injection of fluids to effectuate expansion of the tissue expander.

Abstract: Non-fluidized tissue expanders, tissue expander systems, and methods of expanding tissue are disclosed. The tissue expanders, systems, methods of the present invention incorporate an expandable encapsulated body mass implantable within the patient and operative to selectively expand to promote growth of an enlarged area of skin and subcutaneous tissue. Such tissue expansion is accomplished utilizing internal one or more distraction mechanisms disposed within the tissue expanders that are operative to expand by mechanical or electro-mechanical means. The present invention omits any type of inflatable body requiring the injection of fluids to effectuate expansion of the tissue expander.

Abstract: Bone anchors, methods for deploying anchors, and systems for attaching ligaments and tendons to bone are disclosed. The bone anchors of the present invention are operative to remain firmly positioned within a target site of bone and provide means for selectively adjusting the degree of tension to one or more sutures secured thereto. The bone anchors are further operative to be utilized to connect tendons and ligaments directly to bone, as well as may be selectively utilized to adjustably position an implant or other anatomical structure held thereby. There is further disclosed methods for deploying a bone anchor utilizing a blind procedure that is expeditious, accurate and substantially less traumatic than prior art bone deployment techniques.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reattaching severed tendons and ligaments are disclosed. According to a preferred embodiment, the system comprises first and second segments a suture or cord that each have at least one anchor mechanism formed along the length thereof. Each respective suture cord segment is axially positioned within respective ones of the severed tendons and, by virtue of the anchor mechanisms formed on such cords, remain securely nested axially therewithin. A fastener member, formed on the ends of the suture cord segment, deposited within the respective ends of the tendon and are coupled to one another to thus cause the tendon to become reattached.

Abstract: Devices and methods for harvesting segments of tissue from a patient are disclosed. According to a preferred embodiment, the device comprises elongate upper and lower housing portions defining proximal and distal ends, and a recess therebetween, the latter being operative to capture a segment of tissue therewithin. Formed on the distal most end of the device is a cutting element, which may preferably be formed form upper and lower cutting blades operative to slice or shear a layer of tissue from a tissue mass as the same are advanced therethrough. The device may be configured to harvest tissue of any of a variety of sizes and thicknesses, and may be provided with an enhanced cutting instrument to selectively control the ability of the device to slice or shear off a segment of tissue having a desired length or width.

Abstract: Non-fluidized tissue expanders, tissue expander systems, and methods of expanding tissue are disclosed. The tissue expanders, systems, methods of the present invention incorporate an expandable encapsulated body mass implantable within the patient and operative to selectively expand to promote growth of an enlarged area of skin and subcutaneous tissue. Such tissue expansion is accomplished utilizing internal one or more distraction mechanisms disposed within the tissue expanders that are operative to expand by mechanical or electromechanical means. The present invention omits any type of inflatable body requiring the injection of fluids to effectuate expansion of the tissue expander.