Abstract: In a syringe, in which a needle assembly is engaged by a plunger and withdrawn into a syringe barrel for safe disposal, the plunger slides in a resilient insert secured at the proximal end of the barrel. The insert engages an annular ridge near the distal end of the plunger when the plunger, with the needle assembly attached to it, is fully withdrawn, thereby securely locking the plunger to the barrel, and reliably preventing distal movement of the plunger after the needle assembly is withdrawn into the interior of the barrel. The part of the plunger that protrudes proximally from the barrel may then be snapped off.

Abstract: A syringe, in which a needle assembly is engaged by a plunger and withdrawn into a syringe barrel for safe disposal, incorporates three principal features. A locking tab, hinged to a finger flange, cooperates with a notch in the plunger to prevent inadvertent connection of the plunger to the needle assembly. The needle base has a barbed projection which pierces a hollow stopper on the plunger and is firmly engaged by resilient fingers located inside the stopper. The plunger slides in a resilient insert secured at the proximal end of the barrel. The insert engages an annular ridge near the distal end of the plunger when the plunger, with the needle assembly attached to it, is fully withdrawn, thereby securely locking the plunger to the barrel, and reliably preventing distal movement of the plunger after the needle assembly is withdrawn into the interior of the barrel. The part of the plunger that protrudes proximally from the barrel may then be snapped off.

Abstract: An endarterectomy surgical instrument and procedure for removing plaque from a selected length of an artery and surgical instruments for cutting plaque build-ups. The endarterectomy surgical instrument has means for developing an image of the surgical site so that probing of the artery can be observed without requiring opening the artery along the selected length over which the plaque is removed.

Abstract: An endarterectomy surgical instrument and procedure for removing plaque from a selected length of an artery and surgical instruments for cutting plaque build-ups. The endarterectomy surgical instrument has means for developing an image of the surgical site so that probing of the artery can be observed without requiring opening the artery along the selected length over which the plaque is removed.

Abstract: A blood withdrawal patch for facilitating withdrawal from a patient and for confining blood from the needle wound has an absorbent pad with a first surface to be placed against the skin of a patient around an intended injection site, a second surface opposite the first surface and a central opening. A transparent, elastomeric, self-sealing membrane through which an injection needle can penetrate lies in the pad central opening. A transparent cover layer has a central opening substantially aligned with the central opening of the pad to expose a central portion of the membrane to identify the withdrawal site, the cover layer being adhered to the membrane and the pad. The patch is adhesively held on the patient's skin. A blood vessel is visually located through the membrane and cover and a needle is passed through the membrane and the patient's skin into the vessel for blood withdrawal.

Abstract: An injection patch for facilitating injection into a patient and for confining blood from the injection wound has an absorbent pad against the skin of a patient around an intended injection site and a second surface. An elastomeric, self-sealing membrane through which an injection needle can penetrate lies against the second surface of the pad and closes the central opening. A cover layer with a central opening overlies the membrane and exposing a central portion of it to identify the injection site. The patch is adhesively held to the patient's skin. An injection can be made with a needle passed through the membrane and the patient's skin, after which the needle is extracted while the membrane wipes the needle, reseals and forms a cavity with the pad and the patient's skin to contain blood from the injection site until after hemostasis.

Abstract: This invention discloses a surgical knife which is suitable for use in astigmatic radial keratotomy, and similar procedures and which includes an elongated diamond blade, a blade holder, and a rocking foot plate means pivotally attached to the knife body, and a method of performing a radial keratotomy procedure utilizing such a knife. Said rocking foot plate means has a lower surface for contacting and rocking over a peripheral portion of corneal tissue during a keratorefractive incision. The ability of the foot plate to rock assists surgeons in more precisely controlling blade movement during delicate surgeries, such as radial keratotomy.

Abstract: Surgical blades, knives and keratotomy procedures are provided which are capable of severing deep corneal tissue in the optical zone without penetrating the surface of this zone and causing optical glare. The blades of this invention include at least one cutting edge thereon which is shorter than about 0.5 mm and which includes a projecting cutting portion and/or recessed blunt edge to permit primary or secondary incisions beneath the surface of the optical zone.

Abstract: Surgical knife with controllably extendable blade, the blade retained by a blade holder extending through an axial opening in the knife body and connected with a member threadedly retained within the knife body for axial adjustment and also connected to an adjustment knob at the rear end of the knife. Another feature of the knife is a foot configuration which facilitates precise use and control of the knife. Preferably the invention also comprises the knife, as disclosed, in combination with a gauge for visually inspecting blade projection, the gauge indicator consisting of a pair of eccentric circles or portions thereof, the blade projection being measured by comparison with the radial distance between the two circles.

Abstract: Surgical knife with controllably extendable blade, the blade retained by a blade holder extending through an axial opening in the knife body and connected with a member threadedly retained within the knife body for axial adjustment and also connected to an adjustment knob at the rear end of the knife. Another feature of the knife is a foot configuration which facilitates precise use and control of the knife. Preferably the invention also comprises the knife, as disclosed, in combination with a gauge for visually inspecting blade projection, the gauge indicator consisting of a pair of eccentric circles or portions thereof, the blade projection being measured by comparison with the radial distance between the two circles.

Abstract: Self sealing cannula automatically maintains insufflation pressure in a body cavity. A slotted elastomeric valve is positioned in the valve seat with the slot disposed over the passage. The elastomeric valve is compressed to seal the slot, thus sealing the cannula passage.A surgical instrument such as a trocar or laparoscope may be slid through the cannula passage, which remains sealed regardless of the presence or absence of the surgical instrument within the passage.