Abstract: A tool having a flexible shaft, a first end and, a second end and capable of being bent about its axis. The tool transfers rotary motion from a device to tool. The shaft, manufactured from a rigid material, has at least one flexible segment, each flexible segment have at least one sinuous slot ascending in a helical path. With multiple segments, the helical path of the slots can be opposite or the same. With one or more segments having multiple slots, the slots can be parallel or have opposite ascensions, thereby crossing one another. The helical paths can vary within each segment or from segment to segment.

Abstract: A flexible intramedullary nail is disclosed that is manufactured from a biocompatible rigid material and having a substantially cylindrical hollow body, a leading segment with an entry hole at a distal end and at least one securing means and a trailing segment having a trailing edge and an attachment mechanism. The body has at least one flexible center section, each having at least one slot to provide flexibility. In one embodiment the at least one slot follows a sinuous, serpentine path to form a plurality of interlocking teeth that can follow a helical or a concentric path. Each of the slots has a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end being spaced from the trailing segment and the distal end being spaced from the leading segment. When multiple slots are incorporated, the proximal end of a slot is spaced from a distal end of a subsequent slot.

Abstract: A flexible fastening device having multiple segments, one or more of which are flexible and one or more segments that also include threads. The flexibility is created through the use of at least one helical slot formed generally in the center segment of the element. Additional flexible segments also have at least one helical slot in either the same helical rotation and pattern or in an opposite rotation and/or different pattern. An elastomeric material can fill the hollow body, extend into the slots and/or encompass the exterior. The flexible fastening device can have a hollow body, including leading and trailing edge, or can have a partially hollow body.

Abstract: An improved flexible component used for dynamic stabilization of spinal segments for the treatment of vertebrae deformities and injuries and for the replacement of a complete or segment of the body of a vertebra in the spine is described. The flexible component is comprised of a solid, suitable implant material with a longitudinal bore the entire length and an appropriately formed slot which extends spirally around the shaft either continuously or segmentally. The flexible component may be encapsulated, fully or partially, in a suitable implant grade elastomeric resilient material. When used for a dynamic stabilization device, the component is attached to the vertebral bodies by pedicle screws know to those in the art. When used as a vertebral replacement device, attached to the component's opposite ends are members for attachment to the adjacent vertebra that allow for height and angular adjustment.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning cannulated surgical tools comprises a hollow body with lavage fluid holes at a first end along with a brush adaptor affixed to the hollow body. An inlet adaptor is affixed, having to a second end of the hollow body. A body hub, consisting of inlet channel and drain channel is in liquid communication with an inner lavage fluid tube. A lavage connection tube is in liquid communication with the hollow body at the brush adaptor and through the upper connecting lavage fluid orifice. An inner lavage fluid tube, having an inner channel, extends within the hollow body with a distal end in liquid communication at a proximal end of the inner channel within the inlet adaptor. There are multiple spray openings proximate the distal end of the inner lavage fluid connection tube and a tube brush is dimensioned to fit within the inner channel. The apparatus can be provided with attachment members and combined with a reservoir to make the unit self-contained.

Abstract: An improved flexible component used for dynamic stabilization of spinal segments for the treatment of vertebrae deformities and injuries and for the replacement of a complete or segment of the body of a vertebra in the spine is described. The flexible component is comprised of a solid, suitable implant material with a longitudinal bore the entire length and an appropriately formed slot which extends spirally around the shaft either continuously or segmentally. The flexible component may be encapsulated, fully or partially, in a suitable implant grade elastomeric resilient material. When used for a dynamic stabilization device, the component is attached to the vertebral bodies by pedicle screws know to those in the art. When used as a vertebral replacement device, attached to the component's opposite ends are members for attachment to the adjacent vertebra that allow for height and angular adjustment.

Abstract: A flexible intramedullary nail is disclosed that is manufactured from a biocompatible rigid material and having a substantially cylindrical hollow body, a leading segment with an entry hole at a distal end and at least one securing means and a trailing segment having a trailing edge and an attachment mechanism. The body has at least one flexible center section, each having at least one slot to provide flexibility. In one embodiment the at least one slot follows a sinuous, serpentine path to form a plurality of interlocking teeth that can follow a helical or a concentric path. Each of the slots has a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end being spaced from the trailing segment and the distal end being spaced from the leading segment. When multiple slots are incorporated, the proximal end of a slot is spaced from a distal end of a subsequent slot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible spine stabilization and/or vertebral replacement system and having one or more flexible segments within a spinal element. The flexibility is created through the use of at least one circumferential slot formed in the spinal element. One or more fasteners are connected to the distal and proximal attachments and secured to the vertebra. The spinal element can have an elastomeric material in any or all of the following combinations: filling at least one of the at least one slot; at least a portion of the inside core; encompass at least a portion of the exterior diameter. Vertebral replacement is achieved by securing the spinal element to healthy inferior and superior vertebra through use of securing members.

Abstract: An automated device for obtaining a tissue biopsy and delivering material to provide hemostatis, therapeutic agents or marker material is described. The device has an outer casing, a power source, a drive mechanism, an application chamber through which the biopsy mechanism, typically a cutting needle, passes through and an application channel. The cutting biopsy mechanism has a mechanical or electromechanical mechanism to rapidly fire a stylet with a biopsy trough into the intended tissue and then rapidly propel a biopsy cannula over the stylet to sever and retain tissue that has protruded into the biopsy trough. At least one application channel is formed by a tube centrically slipped over the biopsy cannula wall. To enable the collection of tissue specimens, the distal segment of the application channel forms a close fitting and concentric sheath around the biopsy cannula.

Abstract: A flexible compression screw having multiple segments, one or more of which are flexible and one or more segments that also include threads. The flexibility is created through the use of at least one helical slot formed generally in the center segment of the element. Additional flexible segments also have at least one helical slot in either the same helical rotation and pattern or in an opposite rotation and/or different pattern. An elastomeric material can fill the hollow body, extend into the slots and/or encompass the exterior. The flexible screw can have a hollow body, including leading and trailing edge, or can have a partially hollow body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible spine stabilization and/or vertebral replacement system and having one or more flexible segments within a spinal element. The flexibility is created through the use of at least one circumferential slot formed in the spinal element. One or more fasteners are connected to the distal and proximal attachments and secured to the vertebra. The spinal element can The element can have an elastomeric material in any or all of the following combinations: filling at least one of the at least one slot; at least a portion of the inside core; encompass at least a portion of the exterior diameter. Vertebral replacement is achieved by securing the spinal element to healthy inferior and superior vertebra through use of securing members.

Abstract: An improved flexible component used for dynamic stabilization of spinal segments for the treatment of vertebrae deformities and injuries and for the replacement of a complete or segment of the body of a vertebra in the spine is described. The flexible component is comprised of a solid, suitable implant material with a longitudinal bore the entire length and an appropriately formed slot which extends spirally around the shaft either continuously or segmentally. The flexible component may be encapsulated, fully or partially, in a suitable implant grade elastomeric resilient material. When used for a dynamic stabilization device, the component is attached to the vertebral bodies by pedicle screws know to those in the art. When used as a vertebral replacement device, attached to the component's opposite ends are members for attachment to the adjacent vertebra that allow for height and angular adjustment.

Abstract: A device and method for the obtaining a tissue biopsy and the delivery of a material to provide hemostatis, therapeutic agents or marker material is described that can be used in conjunction with either an aspiration biopsy or a cutting needle biopsy device. The device has an application chamber through which the biopsy mechanism, either a cutting needle device or aspiration needle, passes through. The mechanism for an aspiration biopsy has a biopsy cannula of constant cross section over its entire length connected to an aspiration and collecting chamber and at least one application channel of constant or varying cross section connected to a dispensing chamber integrally connected with the aspiration chamber. The cutting biopsy mechanism has a mechanical or electromechanical mechanism to rapidly fire a stylet with a biopsy trough into the intended tissue and then fire a biopsy cannula over the stylet to sever and retain tissue that has protruded into the biopsy trough.

Abstract: The present invention features a device to prevent the unwanted flow of urine in incontinent human males. This penile clamp is designed to provide an external pressure applied to the underside of the penis at the base thereof to close the urethral canal. The apparatus includes a rigid projection on the lower member of the device that applies a concentrated force on the canal. The upper bar of the device provides an attachment for a pad as an integral part of an easily disinfected clamp that is hinged at one end and provided with an adjustable tensioning closure device at its other end. The closure device is easily removable to allow one hand release of the penis restriction. A screw-type adjustment is easily set and is easily disassembled by a quick-release apparatus. While the clamp can be closed over the penis of an incontinent male to prevent urination, it does not appreciably restrict blood flow therein.

Abstract: A device and method for the obtaining a tissue biopsy and the delivery of a material to provide hemostatis, therapeutic agents or marker material is described that can be used in conjunction with either an aspiration biopsy or a cutting needle biopsy device. The device has an application chamber through which the biopsy mechanism, either a cutting needle device or aspiration needle, passes through. The mechanism for an aspiration biopsy has a biopsy cannula of constant cross section over its entire length connected to an aspiration and collecting chamber and at least one application channel of constant or varying cross section connected to a dispensing chamber integrally connected with the aspiration chamber. The cutting biopsy mechanism has a mechanical or electromechanical mechanism to rapidly fire a stylet with a biopsy trough into the intended tissue and then fire a biopsy cannula over the stylet to sever and retain tissue that has protruded into the biopsy trough.

Abstract: The biopsy device has a biopsy channel connected to an aspiration and collecting chamber and at least one application channel connected to a dispensing chamber integrally connected with the aspiration chamber. The application channel is formed by a tube centrically slipped over the biopsy channel wall. To enable the collection of tissue specimens without tissue specimens entering and obstructing the application cannula, the distal segment of the application channel forms a close fitting and concentric sheath around the biopsy channel. The proximal end of the application channel has a larger diameter than the distal end allowing for unobstructed flow of the application material past the biopsy channel wall upon retraction of the biopsy channel from the distal segment of the application channel.

Abstract: The invention discloses a two- or three-axis transmitter positioner driven by a pulsed DC current, external to the patient, coupled with three- or two-axis receivers positioned internal and/or external to the implant. The receivers are sensitive to a transmitted DC magnetic field emanating from the activated transmitter. Receiver signal processing electronics control the receiver and serve to convert its output to a format suitable for processing by a digital computer in conjunction with a method for processing received signals so as to thereby develop position and orientation data of the transverse locking holes or pin placement. Such data then can be graphically displayed to the user so as to guide the user for accurate alignment of a drill bit with the transverse holes in the implanted device.

Abstract: An improved flexible shaft used in the reaming of the medullary space in bones is described. The shaft is comprised of a solid element with a longitudinal bore the entire length and an appropriately formed slot which extends spirally around the shaft either continuously or segmentally. Attached to the shaft's opposite ends respectively, are a cutting head and a means of connecting the shaft to a driving mechanism. Additionally, an improved anthropomorphic spinal element and vertebral body replacement implant are described. The anthropomorphic spinal element is composed of a solid element with a longitudinal bore and an appropriately formed slot that extends spirally around the shaft either continuously or segmentally and is completely or partially filled with an elastomeric material.

Abstract: The present invention features a device to prevent the unwanted flow of urine in incontinent human males. This penile clamp is designed to provide an external pressure applied to the underside of the penis at the base thereof to close the urethral canal. The apparatus comprises a rigid projection on the lower member of the device that applies a concentrated force on the canal. The upper bar of the device provides the means of attaching a pad as an integral part of an easily disinfected clamp that is hinged at one end and provided with an adjustable tensioning closure device at its other end. The closure device is easily removable to allow one hand release of the penis restriction. A screw-type adjustment is easily set and is easily disassembled by a quick-release apparatus. While the clamp can be closed over the penis of an incontinent male to prevent urination, it does not appreciably restrict blood flow therein.

Abstract: The disclosed biopsy device has a biopsy channel of constant cross section over its entire length connected to an aspiration and collecting chamber and at least one application channel of varying cross section connected to a dispensing chamber integrally connected with the aspiration chamber. At least one application channel is formed by a tube centrically slipped over the biopsy channel wall. In order to enable the collection of tissue specimens of an unchanged structure with the most careful handling possible of the tissue and the application of auxiliary substances into the puncture channel without tissue specimens getting into the application cannula and obstructing the same, the distal segment of the application channel forms a close fitting and concentric sheath around the biopsy channel. The biopsy channel wall projects out of the tube with its acute-angularly designed cutting edge and the tube end encloses an obtuse angle with the biopsy channel.