Abstract: A topical anesthesia device comprising an injection device having a plunger at one end and an injection opening at the other end. A hollow tube is attached to the injection opening of the injection device. The tube is curved towards the distal tip, having multiple orifices, one orifice being at the distal tip of the tube and remaining orifices being in the sidewalls of the tube. The tube is inserted through the vagina until the resistance of the fundus is perceived and the injection device is operated to permit the anesthetic to exit the orifices on the sidewall of the tube in the region of the tubal ostium and/or the comua of the uterus such that the anesthetic displaces intrauterine debris to reach the mucosal surface of the uterus. The topical anesthesia device provides a significant improvement over the efficiency of the conventional intra-uterine anesthesia devices.

Abstract: A tissue desiccating electrode has first and second longitudinal members each with proximal and distal ends. A tip member couples the longitudinal members proximate the distal ends thereof and has a centrally-positioned, transversely-extending, fixed protuberance. The protuberance has an outer perimeter with an overall smoothly curved base and a plurality of cooling grooves. The grooves penetrate inwardly from the outer perimeter.

Abstract: A monitor to provide substantially real-time estimates of fluid absorption rate and tissue loss rate in a patient during a surgical procedure. The monitor estimates fluid source flow rates and waste fluid flow rates based on weight changes per unit time or direct reading fluid flow rate meters. Tissue loss flow rates are estimated based on tissue concentration measurable in waste irrigation fluid using an optical comparator, and are used to correct waste fluid flow rates. Correct waste fluid flow rates are used in turn to obtain estimated fluid absorption rates.

Abstract: A monitor to provide substantially real-time estimates of fluid absorption rate and tissue loss rate in a patient during a surgical procedure. The monitor estimates fluid source flow rates and waste fluid flow rates based on weight changes per unit time or direct reading fluid flow rate meters. Tissue loss flow rates are estimated based on tissue concentration measurable in waste irrigation fluid using an optical comparator, and are used to correct waste fluid flow rates. Correct waste fluid flow rates are used in turn to obtain estimated fluid absorption rates.

Abstract: A variable backflow suction-hydraulic curet for mobilizing and evacuating tissue in a patient requiring such tissue removal. The variable backflow suction-hydraulic curet combines three modes of action to effect tissue removal while minimizing damage to underlying or adjacent tissue. The three modes of action are tissue mobilization through mechanical contact, through a variable pressurized fluid stream, and through suction-induced scavenging of mobilized tissue. Suction-induced scavenging of mobilized tissue occurs when a partial vacuum is applied to mobilized tissue through a suction tube within the curet. Movement of fluid and tissue particulates through the suction tube is enhanced by a variable pressurized fluid backflow through the suction tube which tends to further fluidize particulates and to increase the velocity of evacuation fluid flow. Variable features of the curet fluid flows are responsive to curet positioning and to vacuum applied to the suction tube vacuum port.

Abstract: An electrode having at least one self-guiding surface (a tissue skid) for use in electrical tissue resection. Self-guiding forces are applied substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the electrode, and/or rotationally about the longitudinal axis. Forces sufficient to compensate in part for errors in cutting tip placement are produced by tissue pressure acting on one or more convex tissue skids. Optional tissue cutting tips for the electrode are configured to enhance heat transfer from the cutting tip by external fluid flow around the cutting tip, to improve heat transfer within the cutting tip through use of heat transfer fluids and/or heat-conducting solids, and/or to cool the cutting tip by expansion of a compressed cooling fluid through an orifice within a hollow portion of the cutting tip.

Abstract: A monitor to provide substantially real-time estimates of fluid absorption rate and tissue loss rate in a patient during a surgical procedure. The monitor estimates fluid source flow rates and waste fluid flow rates based on weight changes per unit time or direct reading fluid flow rate meters. Tissue loss flow rates are estimated based on tissue concentration measurable in waste irrigation fluid using an optical comparator, and are used to correct waste fluid flow rates. Correct waste fluid flow rates are used in turn to obtain estimated fluid absorption rates.

Abstract: A disposable surgical drape comprising a folding funnel, folding frame means, and splash shield functions as a fluid collector for use during surgery. A portion of the splash shield is placed under the patient while the remainder extends over the operating table end to direct fluid flow to a folding funnel which is shaped and positioned as desired with folding frame means. Fluid draining into the funnel is collected for measurement. Folding frame means impart a substantially frusto-conical or frusto-pyramidal shape to the funnel in use and employ one or more hinged struts to help maintain the funnel mouth substantially open and horizontal.

Abstract: A disposable surgical drape having a folding funnel, folding frame means, and splash shield functions as a fluid collector for use during surgery. A portion of the splash shield is placed under the patient while the remainder extends over the operating table end to direct fluid flow to a folding funnel which is shaped and positioned as desired with folding frame means. Fluid draining into the funnel is collected for measurement. Folding frame means impart a substantially frusto-conical or frusto-pyramidal shape to the funnel in use and employ one or more hinged struts to help maintain the funnel mouth substantially open and horizontal.

Abstract: A monitor to provide substantially real-time estimates of fluid absorbed by a patient during an endoscopic surgical procedure. The monitor comprises means for weighing fluid administered to the patient intravenously, as well as that introduced through the endoscope for irrigation purposes. In addition, means are provided for weighing fluid recovered from the patient, the endoscope, and the surgical drapes. The total weight of fluid administered, reduced by subtracting the total weight of fluid recovered, comprises the calculated fluid absorbed. Through manual entries and/or switch settings, computing means maintain totals of fluid administered and fluid collected even as fluid sources are replaced and the fluid collector is emptied. Optional verticality compensation means and anti-rotation devices are included.

Abstract: A monitor to provide substantially real-time estimates of fluid absorbed by a patient during an endoscopic surgical procedure. The monitor weighs fluid administered to the patient intravenously, as well as that introduced through the endoscope for irrigation purposes. In addition, fluid recovered from the patient, the endoscope, the surgical drapes, and the floor is weighed. The total weight of fluid administered, reduced by automatically subtracting the total weight of fluid recovered, comprises the calculated fluid absorbed. Through manual entries and/or switch settings, totals of fluid administered and fluid collected are computed and maintained even as fluid sources are replaced and the fluid collector is emptied.

Abstract: A self-guiding electrode and cutting tip for use in electrical tissue resection. Self-guiding forces are those applied substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of an electrode, or rotationally about the longitudinal axis. Forces sufficient to compensate in part for errors in cutting tip placement are produced by tissue pressure acting on tissue skids and keels. Tissue skids are intended to slide along tissue surfaces, maintaining structures to which they are coupled at a substantially fixed spacing from the surface. Tissue keels are intended to slide between tissue planes, whether they are naturally occurring or a result of a surgical incision. Lateral deviations from a straight incision made in a plane substantially perpendicular to a tissue surface tend to be resisted by forces on a tissue keel affixed in a leading or following relationship with respect to a cutting loop.

Abstract: A malleable vaginal speculum is manually shaped to dilate the inner contour of a vagina sufficiently to allow manipulation of endoscopic surgical instruments within the vagina. The malleable vaginal speculum may optionally be coupled a funnel, apron and splash shield to function as a fluid collector for use during endoscopic surgery. A portion of the splash shield is placed under the patient while the remainder extends to a perforated portion of the funnel wall. Fluid draining into the funnel through its mouth and through the perforated wall is collected in a container, where its volume is measured. By measuring the volume of irrigation fluid dispensed during the surgery and subtracting the measured fluid volume collected, an estimate of the amount of irrigation fluid absorbed by the patient during the surgery is obtained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterilization of females using a transuterine technique. The method of the present invention provides an irreversible method of sterilization which involves destruction of the mucosa followed by insertion of a biodegradable plug. The mucosal destruction provokes an inflammatory reaction and the plug serves as a substrate to guide the healing process toward occlusion instead of recanalization.