Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a stent may be provided comprising a first undulating band comprising a series of alternating first peaks and first troughs and a second undulating band comprising a series of alternating second peaks and second troughs. The first undulating band has a first wavelength and a first amplitude and the second undulating band has a second wavelength and a second amplitude where the second amplitude is different from the first amplitude and the second wavelength is different from the first wavelength. A plurality of longitudinally oriented first connectors extend between the first peaks and second peaks.

Abstract: Segmented articulatable stent of open structure comprised of end-connected struts of first and second lengths making up first and second segments with angular interconnects between adjacent first and second segments.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical, radially expandable stent having a plurality of interconnected cells which are formed of at least three sections defined by interconnected segments arranged relative to each other. The sections radiate from a common center within the cell and have enlarged end portions. The cells may be of triskelion-like or trifurcate configuration. Stents made up of a series of generally triangular-like expansion cell elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: Improved stent configurations exhibiting limited recoil, resistance to compression and improved longitudinal flexibility.

Abstract: A retractor for use in invasive surgery. The retractor includes a superelastic or shape memory alloy shaft having proximal and distal ends. A handle is attached to the proximal end, while the distal end has a shape trained into it adapted to grasp animal tissue. The distal end is designed to release at an amount of force lower than that which would cause tissue damage. Thus, should excessive force inadvertently be applied, the retractor will safely release before tissue damage occurs. A further advantage of the retractor is its ability to safely maintain retraction from a more remote location.

Abstract: An endoscopic lithotriptor including an elongated, flexible stone impacting member in the form of a wire whose distal end is brought against a stone to be broken and whose proximal end is adapted to be periodically struck by a hammer element. The hammer element is pneumatically driven by a linear jet of air causing it to swing through an arc about a pivot to impact an anvil affixed to the wire and oriented tangentially to the arc swept out by the hammer. The pneumatic chamber structure in which the hammer is pivotally mounted is designed to maximize the angular velocity reached by the hammer before impacting the anvil.

Abstract: An orthopedic bone probing device to locate cavities, holes, and crevices in bones. For instance, where holes are drilled in bones to accommodate fastening devices it is important to ascertain if there are any sites where the drilling penetrated the entire side wall of the bone resulting in an undesirable hole in the side wall of the bone. The device of this invention consists of a cannula containing a shaft of superelastic material that assumes a retractable position angular to the axis of the cannula upon being ejected from one end of the cannula and the other end of the cannula is retained by a plunger that limits the amount of shaft that can be ejected and necessitates the removal of the shaft if the cannula is to be removed.

Abstract: An endoscopic lithotriptor including an elongated, flexible stone impacting member in the form of a wire whose distal end is brought against a stone to be broken and whose proximal end is adapted to be periodically struck by a hammer element. The hammer element is pneumatically driven by a linear jet of air causing it to swing through an arc about a pivot to impact an anvil affixed to the wire and oriented tangentially to the arc swept out by the hammer. The pneumatic chamber structure in which the hammer is pivotally mounted is designed to maximize the angular velocity reached by the hammer before impacting the anvil.