Abstract: A sanitary catheter particularly designed for the administration of barium enemas. The catheter includes a protective sheath formed of a fluid-impervious, flexible material, which may be extended over those portions of the catheter which have been inserted into a patient so that the sheath completely encloses contaminated portions of the catheter to prevent leakage of contaminated fluids therefrom.

Abstract: A catheter shaft and catheter are formed by spirally rolling a thin polymeric film about a mandrel into a tubular form and fixing the spirally wound film in the tubular form. Additional elements and films may be incorporated into the spirally wound tube to provide a catheter having varied characteristics and functions.

Abstract: A trocar penetration depth indicator has a first, inner housing including a first threaded section and longitudinally extending gripping fingers, and a second, outer housing including a camming surface and a second threaded section to engage the first threaded section. The first and second housings slidably mount onto a trocar tube and can be secured relative to the guide tube by rotatably tightening the housings to cause the gripping fingers to firmly grip the trocar tube. Depth penetration indicia is provided on the guide tube surface and sufficient guide tube grasping force is obtained to prevent the depth indicator from being dislodged during trocar insertion. A guide tube positioning device is provided to engage the penetration depth indicator and to secure the guide tube relative to the surrounding skin of the patient in order to prevent inadvertent withdrawal or further insertion of the trocar.

Abstract: A kit is provided for use in refilling a medication infusion pump of the type adapted for implantation into the body of a patient. The kit comprises a syringe having a plunger mounted for reciprocation within a syringe barrel having a manually operable control valve mounted at a nose end thereof. The syringe further includes a lock for retaining the plunger subsequent to retraction motion with the control valve closed to pull and maintain a vacuum within the syringe barrel. With this construction, the syringe can be connected transcutaneously with a medication reservoir within an implanted infusion pump to aspirate residual medication from the pump. Alternately, the syringe can be used to degas medication within the barrel preparatory to transcutaneous delivery to the pump reservoir. In either case, the syringe is designed for facilitated and safe manipulation to permit rapid pump aspiration and refill at periodic intervals according to patient requirements.

Abstract: The invention concerns the collection of a biological fluid specimen. Both an apparatus and method of collection are described. The apparatus includes an optically transparent plastic bag having a sealable collection port. The bag may be sealed into at least two separate subcompartments. After sealing, the subcompartments are to contain substantially identical fluid specimens. The bag further includes a displaceable element for selectively dispensing and drawing fluid into the system.

Abstract: An absorbent pad, for use in absorbing secretions from a person's body, includes a pH indicator material indicating by a colour change the acidity or alkalinity of a liquid coming into contact with it. The pH indicator material is wetted by the secretions absorbed by the pad, and thereby provides an indication of the health condition of the person's body.

Abstract: Absorbent structures having a wetlaid fluid acquisition/distribution layer with an average dry density of less than about 0.30 g/cc, an average density upon wetting with 1.0% NaCl aqueous solution of less than about 0.20 g/cc, and an average dry basis weight from about 0.001 to about 0.10 g/cm.sup.2 ; and a fluid storage layer positioned beneath the aquisition/distribution layer comprising at least about 15% superabsorbent material. The fluid acquisition/distribution layer comprises from about 50% to 100% chemically stiffened cellulosic fibers and from 0% to about 50% binding means.

Abstract: A diaper assembly including a reusable over-garment having opposite side edges and two opposite ends and inner and outer surfaces and an absorbent liner adapted for positioning on the inner surface side of the over-garment. This liner also has opposite ends and inner and outer surfaces. There is a separate, disposable non-absorbent inner sheet adapted to cover the inner surface of the liner and having opposite ends. Preferably snap fasteners are provided for detachably connecting the opposite ends of both the liner and the inner sheet to respective opposite ends of the garment to enhance stability. Preferably a moisture proof sheet is disposed on the inner surface of the over-garment and this sheet has elasticized side edges.

Abstract: Sanitary napkins are provided which include release surfaces disposed on their undergarment-facing side so that adhesive elements on one or more flaps can be secured. This feature provides users of the sanitary napkin product with the choice of employing side-protecting flaps upon demand or leaving them in place. The napkins also incorporate preferred adhesive element systems which can be disposed to contact silicone treated films or other release areas on their undergarment-facing sides. Additional embodiments of this invention provide for extending the release surface to enable tri-folding of the napkin and a partial or total elimination of traditionally required release paper strips.

Abstract: A medical capsule having an outer cylinder and a piston movable in the outer cylinder, the piston being activated by an externally given signal so as to discharge a medicine to the outside of the capsule or to suck a humor for a sampling purpose, as well as an apparatus for activating this medical capsule. The capsule has a remote-controllable means including a normally-opened lead switch which connects a power supply to an activating means in response to an externally given magnetic signal thereby initiating activation of the medical capsule, whereby a simple medical capsule which is operative with minimized electrical power consumption without affecting the living body can be obtained. The activating apparatus has a pair of magnetic field generating units arranged side-by-side so as to generate magnetic lines of force in various directions and to form magnetic fields covering a large area, thus ensuring correct activation of the medical capsule inside the living body.

Abstract: A retention device which can be removably retained in a body cavity has branch members which are movably connected to each other such that two relative configurations may be obtained. In one configuration the branch members are nested inside one another for inserting the retention device in a cavity. Once in a cavity an operating member is used to displace the branch members to form the second configuration, in which parts of the branch members are expanded to bear against the walls of the cavity and retain the device.

Abstract: A trocar assembly is disclosed for use in inserting a laparoscopic instrument into the abdominal cavity during surgery and includes a cylindrical member activated by intermeshing gears to expand a cylindrical member having a normally retracted outer diameter when the trocar assembly is within the abdominal cavity, to resist withdrawing movement of the assembly from the abdominal cavity.

Abstract: A method of treating subretinal neovascularization (SRNV) using a fiberoptic probe to introduce laser energy transsclerally to obliterate the SRNV complex without damaging the sclera or retina.

Abstract: A surgical system comprises an endoscopic instrument, a camera on the endoscopic instrument for obtaining video images of internal body tissues inside a patient's body via the endoscopic instrument, and a transmitter operatively connected to the camera for transmitting, over a telecommunications link to a remote location beyond a range of direct visual contact with the patient's body, a video signal encoding the video image. A receiver is provided for receiving actuator control signals from the remote location via the telecommunications link. The receiver feeds the signals to a robot actuator mechanism for controlling that mechanism to operate a surgical instrument insertable into the patient's body.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for transmitting laser energy to occlusions within obstructed vessels. In the preferred embodiments, a laser delivery catheter includes a hollow tip that encloses a laser energy optical fiber and retractable endoscope. In use, the hollow tip is first positioned adjacent an occlusion. The endoscope can then be retracted within the hollow tip to enhance utilization of the internal volume of the hollow tip for positioning of the laser energy optical fiber, thereby allowing targeting of the occlusion substantially beyond a cross-sectional area of the hollow tip. In a "balloon" embodiment, the position of the laser energy optical fiber is adjusted by an inflatable balloon, adjacent the optical fiber, within the hollow tip. In a "wire" embodiment, the position of the optical fiber is adjusted by a longitudinal movement of a torque wire.

Abstract: A laser treatment method is provided which removes pigmentations, lesions, and abnormalities from the skin of a living human. The methodology comprises a carefully controlled irradiation of the chosen treatment site on the skin of a living human; avoids the creation of cosmetically disfiguring scars; and eliminates the typical hypopigmentation as well as the pitting and other changes in skin texture normally accompanying conventionally known laser treatment techniques.

Abstract: An intra-vascular optical radial imaging system comprising an intra-vascular guidewire-compatible catheter, a source of illumination and a synchronous fluorescence detector. The catheter is inserted into a blood vessel until the tip is adjacent to a section of vessel to be imaged. A narrow beam of light emanating radially from an aperture underlying the segment to be imaged repetitively illuminates segments of the wall of the vessel in a scanning or sweeping manner with the light of a wavelength that induces fluorescence in molecules in the tissue. Fluorescence from molecules in the illuminated tissue enters the catheter through the aperture and is conveyed to a spectral analyzer. Properties of the fluorescence signal are characteristic of the particular tissue and may be used to differentiate healthy tissue from atherosclerotic plaque.

Abstract: A device for enhancing the safety and efficiency of a hand-operated electrosurgical pencil having an exposed electrode with a distal end defining a tip for cutting biological tissue, which device comprises a nose piece adapted to be mounted about said electrode and defining at least one pathway for a stream of gas which shrouds the electrode at or near the tip thereof, and electrosurgical apparatus incorporating the device and a method for cutting biological tissue using the apparatus.

Abstract: A bipolar biopsy device for removing tissue samples for biopsy purposes or other purposes. The bipolar biopsy device has an elongated flexible end and a lumen extending therebetween. A cutting head is mounted on the distal end and has a hollow fixed member containing an electrode having an electrical surface thereon and a hollow cup-shaped moveable relative to the fixed member. The electrode surfaces are electrically connected to an outside voltage source. A handle is affixed to the proximal end and a core wire is affixed to the handle which extends through the lumen and is affixed to the movable hollow cup-shaped member. The core wire manipulated by way of the handle facilitates the movement of the movable cup-shaped member. Tissue samples are obtained by positioning the electrode surfaces close to each other about the tissue sample. An arc is created to break tissue down by applying a voltage to the 2 electrode surfaces.

Abstract: An instrument for surgically removing a lens from the eye comprising a housing that supports electrodes for bipolar cutting and splitting the nucleus of the lens.A method of surgically removing a lens from the eye comprising the steps of inserting an instrument into the eye, cutting a groove in the nucleus of the lens with electrical energy, splitting the nucleus at the groove, and removing the pieces of nucleus from the eye.

Abstract: A multiple purpose medical forceps allows for simultaneous grasping of tissue while lasing, irrigating, suctioning and cauterizing. The forceps includes a laser fiber and irrigation and suction catheters contained within a tubular housing and exiting adjacent a pair of jaws. The forceps is insertable through a cannula into a patient's abdomen for use during a laparascopy, or into any other bodily cavity where scopic surgery may be performed.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining vertebrae in a desired spatial relationship in a spinal column includes an elongated one-piece rod which extends along the spinal column. An upper portion of the rod has a diameter which is less than the diameter of a lower portion of the rod. A first plurality of connector assemblies engage the lower portion of the rod and connect the lower portion of the rod to vertebrae. A second plurality of connector assemblies engage the upper portion of the rod and connect the upper portion of the rod to vertebrae which are disposed in the spinal column above the vertebrae to which the lower portion of the rod is connected.

Abstract: An implant comprising a specially adapted bone screw having a threaded shank portion and a sleeve which mates with and operates in cooperation with the threaded shank portion is provided. Also provided is a driver specially adapted for inserting and removing the implant of the invention. A method of compressing a fracture in a bone is also provided. The implant generates bone compression by itself and can be used either alone or with plates and washers. It is easily inserted into a fracture and also is easily removed from the fracture. The driver which is specially adapted to be used in combination with the implant of the invention aids in the ease of insertion and removal of the implant.

Abstract: A method of performing knee surgery and retractors and a femoral distractor for use in performing such method are provided, said retractors including a PCL tibial retractor, lateral patellar retractor, collateral ligament retractor, posterior cruciate ligament retractor and unicompartmental retractor designed to cooperate with one another in performing such method.

Abstract: An apparatus for intraocular implantation of a plastic lens in the eye lens zone from which a natural lens has been removed via a surgical incision in the corneoscleral limbus comprising a surgical forceps having two arms and blades projecting beyond portions of the arms defining a cross-over locus, the blades clamping the plastic lens to be implanted; the blades including first and second spaced blades carried by one arm portion, and a third blade carried by the other arm portion, whereby stable three point support is provided for the lens during its passage through the incision into the eye.

Abstract: A flexible and steerable aspiration tip for microsurgery includes a tip portion, the configuration of which may be remotely altered to access different areas at a surgical site. The aspiration tip includes a flexible portion which includes a spring material therewith which may be configured in a relaxed and pre-curved state or, alternatively, a stressed and straight configuration. The aspiration tip may be combined with a handpiece assembly which includes means to remotely alter the configuration of the aspiration tip. Different surgical procedures can be formed with a single flexible and steerable aspiration tip which results in a reduction of trauma and stress to the surgical site by elimination of the use of several surgical instruments and complicated surgical techniques.

Abstract: A guide structure for facilitating the performance of internal surgery. The guide structure has a guide tube with proximal and distal ends. The guide tube defines an internal, through working passageway. Structure is provided for bending the distal end of the guide tube within a range of bend angles from a location remote from the distal end of the guide tube and for releasably holding the distal end of the guide tube at a preselected bend angle within the range of bend angles.

Abstract: A device to assist in removing a fetus from a woman's birth canal during childbirth is provided having a pliable, elongated, hollow member sized to fit over the head of the fetus, collar means attached at one end of the member to restrict the opening of the hollow member at that end to the desired size and insertion means for inserting the elongated, hollow member over the head of the fetus. The hollow member can be linearly reinforced along it's length.

Abstract: A tissue retrieval apparatus for laparoscopic procedures includes a longitudinally extending tube having a tip end insertible into a patient. The tip end is formed to be radially expandable in response to withdrawal of tissue into the tip end of the tube. Tissue can be withdrawn into the tip end of the tube by using graspers or other devices that can be extended to engage and hold tissue. To reduce the possibility of contamination of healthy tissue, an elastic sheath is attached to cover the tip end of the tube. The elastic sheath is formed to radially expand in response to radial expansion of the tip end of the tube during withdrawal of tissue into the tip end of the tube.

Abstract: A hair removal device having a plurality of spring-loaded tweezers mounted on a rotary head and arranged to open and close during rotation, to trap and pluck skin hair over a relatively wide area. In a preferred embodiment, the rotary head spring-loaded tweezer design is provided as a hand-held, motor-powered depilatory device having a rotor provided with a plurality of tweezers having fixed and pivotable elements mounted on either side thereof, with the pivotable elements being operated by a set of roller pairs mounted so as to engage the tweezer upper ends. As the rotary head rotates about a shaft, the tweezer upper ends pass between the roller pairs and are depressed and released in synchronous fashion, causing them to open and close. When passed over the skin, the tweezers on the rotary head operate in two-sided fashion by opening and closing over a wide area, grasping skin hair in this area and plucking it as the tweezers close, to perform the hair removal function.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel use of the capstan knot as a suture knot in surgical procedures along with a simplified method for such knot's formation, an apparatus for forming a protoknot of the capstan knot, and a pre-formed suture system which provides a capstan knot protoknot mounted on a knot tightener having a channel passing therethrough. The protoknot, once formed, is transformed into a completed capstan knot by straight-line passage of the standing part of the filament, to which a surgical needle is initially attached, through a defined path through the protoknot after passage of the filament through the patient's tissue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tightening of knots formed at a remote location in the body through the endoscopic surgical technique utilizing a knot pusher (10) having a cylindrical end face with diametrically opposed suture guide notches (16) formed on such end face (14). The knot pusher (10) defines an elongated groove (12) for reception of the elongated body portion (22) of a knot clamping instrument (20). The application of a pulling force (T) to the knot after it has been positioned adjacent the body parts results in the knot being tightened by forces which are generally radial to the axis of the knot pusher (10). The knot clamping instrument (20) is utilized to secure a previously formed knot while a second knot is formed in the ends of the suture and moved into position by the knot pusher (10).

Abstract: A surgical instrument for placing fasteners and/or a reinforcement material in tissue is provided. The fasteners exit the fastener housing at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the device to facilitate visualization and placement at the surgical site. A unique fastener may be formed in which the legs are in a substantially overlapping, longitudinally-spaced relation.

Abstract: A multi-functional surgical device useful, for example, for male and female sterilization procedures. The device can be used for applying an elastic occluding ring onto an anatomical tubular structure, for cutting and cauterizing the cut ends of such a structure, for introducing a gas and/or anesthesia into the surgical field, for a biopsy procedure, for illuminating and viewing the surgical field, for applying a conventional clip to an anatomical tubular structure, and/or for applying a flexible and resilient ligature. An applicator device for applying a flexible and resilient ligature, plug or cap onto an anatomical tubular structure including tissue grasping forceps moved into and out of the distal end of a tubular member which has one or two anatomical tubular structure receiving slots. A flexible and resilient ligature, plug or cap having legs and a base having sufficient elastic memory to close the legs and occlude an anatomical tubular structure.

Abstract: A device for removing obstructions from vessels or small openings in the body, comprising a rotatable ablator tip which is guided to the obstruction in a reduced diameter configuration, expanded and rotated to remove the obstruction, and contracted to remove the device from the body. The variably expandable abrasive tip coil in one embodiment of the invention is actuated by a piston means disposed within the coil. A pair of collars is attached to the ends of the coil, and the piston effects relative longitudinal axial movement of the collars and, hence, the respective ends of the coil tip. When the ends of the coil tip are so moved with respect to one another, expansion and contraction of the diameter of the coil tip results. In another embodiment of the invention, the expansion tip coil is actuated by an expandable and contractible bellows means disposed within the coil, instead of the piston means.

Abstract: A normally planar tongue scraper. The scraper has free ends and a central extent therebetween. The central extent has a first edge and a second edge with one of the edges having teeth formed therein. The teeth are undulating in configuration with arcuate exterior tips adapted to scrape the tongue of a user. The scraper is formed of a flexible material to allow bending along the length during use thereof. In an alternate embodiment, a support device is employed for removeably retaining the ends of the scraper with the central extent in an arcuate configuration. The support device has a handle end and forwardly projecting spaced fingers with slots therein of a size to receive the ends of the scraper.

Abstract: A surgical knife blade for forming an incision of predetermined length in bodily tissue includes indicia disposed adjacent opposing portions of a cutting edge such that alignment of the opposing indicia with the tissue during insertion of the knife blade in the tissue produces an incision of the predetermined length. A method of performing cataract surgery utilizes the surgical knife blade to precisely form a smaller incision for lens removal and a larger incision for implant of the intraocular lens.

Abstract: A surgical knife having a handle and a blade with a first generally V-shaped portion for cutting an incision having a first width of approximately 3.2 millimeters and a second generally arcuate portion for widening the incision to a second width of approximately 5.2 millimeters.

Abstract: A motor-driven surgical instrument having particular use in arthroscopic procedures has its drive motor operation controllable entirely from a switch cluster mounted on the instrument handpiece. The switch cluster is curved to substantially follow the circumferential profile of the handpiece and thereby avoid large platforms or projections that would add to the weight and bulk of the handpiece and destroy its balance. The switches in the cluster are arranged to minimize the movement of a surgeon's finger in quickly moving from a speed or direction control switch to an on/off switch. A unique arcuate printed circuit board having a small radius of curvature is employed as part of the switch cluster and is able to withstand the high temperatures to which the handpiece is exposed during sterilization between procedures. Disposable, single-use cutting blades are individually coded to provide a sensible parameter representing the optimum operating speed range of the cutting blade.

Abstract: The cutting strength of a rotary surgical cutting instrument is increased by an on-axis bearing contact between the distal end of its rotatable inner member and the interior surface of its outer member. The outer member is provided with a distal cutting aperture angularly oriented to the rotation axis and circumscribed by an oval outer cutting edge. The inner member has two symmetrical rows of straight-sided triangular cutting teeth positioned to cooperate with the outer cutting edge to shear tissue, including bone, disposed in the cutting aperture. A clearance gap between the inner and outer members narrows in width in the region between the teeth and the aperture to prevent severed tissue from lodging between the inner and outer members. The height of the cutting teeth is at least 50% of their width, and 15% to 22% of the outer diameter of the inner member. The straight sides of the teeth converge to crests disposed in a first common longitudinal plane.

Abstract: A compact, efficient and disposable capillary blood drawing device by which a patient's tissue can be punctured and a blood sample collected by the same reliable device. The blood drawing device includes the integral connection of a solid core needle and a spring in which potential energy is initially stored. A release of the potential energy from the spring correspondingly causes the needle to be driven into contact with the patient's tissue to make a puncture therein. When the spring assumes an at rest position, the needle will be safely withdrawn in and shielded by the blood drawing device to avoid an accidental needle stick and the possible spread of disease. The blood drawing device also includes a flexible bladder in which blood from the puncture can be collected, under suction, and selectively expulsed, under compression, for medical examination and diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for dilatation and enlargement of the corpora cavernosa of the penis for use in surgical operations for the implantation of a penile prosthesis, the instrument having a mono-unit body of stainless steel and having two sectors including an operative sector and a handle sector, the operative sector having a substantially cylindrical configuration and being of considerable length with a slight curvature along its length forming a concave area on one side, the one side being smooth and slightly flattened, and a second side opposite the one side, the second side having ten longitudinal nerves arranged parallel to each other and in close proximity, and between which there are grooves which are also longitudinal, each of the nerves being provided with a longitudinal alignment of twelve uniformly distributed protuberances, each of the protuberances having a sawtooth shape including an oblique slanting planar surface which faces away from the handle sector, the end of the operative sector opposit

Abstract: An over-the-wire balloon dilatation catheter has a stainless steel hypotube catheter shaft, an intermediate sleeve section bonded to the shaft and a distal balloon section connected to the sleeve section. The sleeve section is formed from relatively flexible polymer materials and includes an inner core tube which defines a guide wire lumen extending only through a distal portion of the catheter (including its sleeve and balloon sections) to facilitate fast balloon catheter exchanges. A distal end of the hypotube shaft is crimped laterally and the core tube is nested and bonded within the crimp to provide a proximal outlet for the guide wire lumen. The hypotube shaft provides an inflation lumen for the balloon, with the inflation lumen being continued as an annular inflation lumen through the sleeve section where an outer sleeve is bonded about the core tube and extends from the distal end of the hypotube shaft to the balloon section.

Abstract: An improved radially expandable stent formed from a fine wire bent into a serpentine flat ribbon which is wound around a mandrel into a cylindrical sleeve for mounting on a balloon catheter for transluminal insertion in a vessel such as a blood vessel is provided. A very small diameter fine platinum wire is used to form the basic cylindrical sleeve and it is welded to a pigtail of the wire forming the sleeve to provide longitudinal stability.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for placing a vaso-occlusion wire at a selected site in a vessel. The apparatus includes a catheter, and a pusher-and-wire assembly in which a vaso-occlusion wire is held in an axially clamped position until the wire has been advanced beyond the end of the catheter. The assembly may be adapted for guiding the catheter to the site, either by flow-directed or wire-directed movement.

Abstract: A process is provided for manufacturing a polypropylene monofilament suture exhibiting reduced strain energy, increased knot security and greater resistance to acquiring an in-storage set.

Abstract: A system for attaching an object to a workpiece including an anchor and an installation tool is provided. The anchor includes a body having a transverse cross-section slightly smaller than the transverse cross-section of a hole in a surface of the workpiece in which it is to be deployed, and at least two barbs. The body has a distal portion having an inner end, a proximal portion having an inner end, and a middle portion connecting the inner ends of the distal and proximal portions respectively. The barbs extend from the first end of the distal portion axially and radially outwardly to outer ends located radially outwardly of an axial projection of the maximum transverse cross-section of the distal portion. The barbs are located in channels having bases which extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body in the middle section and thereafter slant outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis of the body as they extend to the outer end of the proximal portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus 100 of a type on which a person 190 receives back therapy. The apparatus 100 includes a frame 101 designed to rest upon a floor surface 109. A support member 102 is pivotally mounted to the frame 101 above the floor surface 109, and a pelvic belt 103 is secured relative to the support member 102. In operation, the pelvic belt 103 stabilizes the person's pelvis relative to the support member 102, and the support member supports some portion of the person's torso including the pelvis. The support member 102 pivots among several positions, including a mounting position suitable for mounting by a person, and a locking mechanism 104 secures the support member 102 in any of a plurality of back therapy positions.

Abstract: A motor-operated traction device includes an actuator consisting of a DC motor and a worm shaft assembly and controlled by a controller to reciprocate a rocker arm causing a horizontal pull rod to pull a waist harness and a neck harness so as to apply traction to the patient's spine.

Abstract: Intraocular lenses with three zones for the provision of bifocal vision are described. Methods for the lenses use are also described.