Abstract: A catheter position guide (100) includes a first open channel (104) along the length of the position guide (100) designed to receive a catheter (202). An optional second channel (112) substantially on the opposite side of the first channel (104) is designed to receive a guide wire (204). One or more hubs (106, 108) help retain the catheter position guide's proximal end (110) to a pullback device (310).

Abstract: A medical device including an elongated shaft that is twisted through a predetermined angle. One or more lumen are formed in the shaft and twist through the predetermined angle as well. A pull wire extends through one of the lumen and attaches to a distal portion of the elongated shaft at an off-axis location. By tensioning the pull wire, the medical device can assume various complex curves, depending on the degree of twist imparted to the shaft.

Abstract: A mechanical latching device is provided for threaded connections, such as those found in a medical syringe. The connections each have a thread profile with crest and root elements. At least one flexible finger or projection extends outwardly from within one of the root portions and an outwardly extending ridge is provided on the second threaded member extending from the ridge. Interference with normal threading movements between connection elements is abated, while resistance is provided to unthreading manipulations of the connections.

Abstract: A laser adapter 2 for mounting on a surgical microscope 4 includes a compactly configured laser 9 which supplies a therapeutic laser beam 10 at a suitable wavelength. In addition, a pulse energy monitoring device is provided in the laser adapter 4 which is used for the on-line energy measurement of the emitted laser pulses and whose output signals are applied as parameters for controlling the pulse energy emitted by the laser 9.

Abstract: A laser balloon catheter for emitting in a balloon, laser lights which are transmitted through optical fibers and for irradiating the tissue with the laser lights transmitted through the balloon comprises laser light emitting means having a laser light emitting end of said optical fibers or a laser light transmittable member provided at the emitting end of the optical fibers which receives the laser lights to emit them, a first inflatable balloon provided around said light emitting means for transmitting the laser lights from said emitting means toward the tissue, a first fluid passage for supplying fluid into said first balloon to inflate the same and for discharging the fluid therefrom to deflate the same, a second inflatable balloon provided in front of said first balloon, a second fluid passage for supplying the fluid into said second balloon to inflate the same and for discharging the fluid therefrom to deflate the same.

Abstract: Device for hyperthermia treatment in a body cavity comprising a catheter (10) to be introduced into the body cavity and being closed at the distal end thereof. An elastically expandable hose piece (18) is mounted at this end, which is sealingly connected to the catheter at both ends of the hose piece. Two passages (11, 12) extend through the catheter and can be connected each to an associated liquid conduit (26, 27) at the proximal end of the catheter. The passages open under the hose piece through side apertures (21, 22) in the catheter so that the hose piece can be expanded as a balloon by the supply of liquid through one passage liquid being drained off through the other passage. The device comprises external means (28, 31) for circulating liquid through the hose piece on the catheter and heating of the circulating liquid.

Abstract: An electrosurgical probe (10) comprises a shaft (13) having an electrode array (58) at its distal end and a connector (19) at its proximal end for coupling the electrode array to a high frequency power supply (28). The shaft includes a return electrode (56) recessed from its distal end and enclosed within an insulating jacket (18). The return electrode defines an inner passage (83) electrically connected to both the return electrode and the electrode array for passage of an electrically conducting liquid (50). By applying high frequency voltage to the electrode array and the return electrode, the electrically conducting liquid generates a current flow path between the return electrode and the electrode array so that target tissue may be cut or ablated. The probe is particularly useful in dry environments, such as the mouth or abdominal cavity, because the electrically conducting liquid provides the necessary return current path between the active and return electrodes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for thermal treatment of tissue employing microwave energy is disclosed. Preferably, the apparatus includes an elongated member having a tissue capturing portion. A microwave conductor operatively mounts with the elongated member and has a forward conductor end. The microwave conductor is adapted for movement between an unadvanced position where the forward conductor end is displaced from the tissue capturing portion and an advanced position where the forward conductor end is adjacent to the tissue capturing portion to direct microwave energy toward the body tissue portion supported therein. A source of microwave energy in electrical communication with the microwave conductor supplies microwave energy having a frequency ranging from about 400 MHz to about 2500 MHz. Preferably, the microwave conductor includes an active conductor and a return conductor in a coaxial arrangement. The forward conductor end may be uninsulated or insulated.

Abstract: A device for generating passive motion of a joint while applying traction includes a proximal bracket for engaging at least one pin inserted into a bone proximal to the joint and a distal bracket for engaging at least one pin inserted into a bone distal to the joint. The device also includes a tension-hinge mechanism connecting between the proximal and distal brackets. The tension-hinge mechanism includes a hinge for permitting rotational movement of the distal bracket relative to the proximal bracket about a hinge axis. At least one of the proximal bracket and the distal bracket is implemented as a movable bracket slidingly mounted so as to be displaceable in a direction generally perpendicular to the hinge axis. The tension-hinge mechanism also includes a traction mechanism for applying roughly constant force over a predefined range of positions of the movable bracket so as to apply tension across the joint. Also provided are jigs for use during insertion of pins around joints for orthopedic devices.

Abstract: An artificial spinal implant is disclosed which when placed between two adjacent vertebrae directly participates and is incorporated in the ensuing fusion. Instrumentation and procedure is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved set screw, for use in an osteosynthesis apparatus to secure and fix a spinal rod in the bore of the head of a bone screw, hook, connector or the like from translational or rotational motion, which comprises a head of hexagonal external cross-section and a lower portion having a threaded outer surface. The lower threaded portion includes a feature which facilitates subsequent removal of the lower threaded portion from the threaded bore in which it is secured. In a first embodiment, the feature facilitating removal, comprises a bore which extends completely through the screw, from top to bottom. The bore may be cylindrical and adapted to receive an easy out tool for removal of the lower threaded portion, or of a geometry which corresponds to the shape of an allen type wrench which may be inserted in the section of the bore extending into the lower threaded portion of the screw for use in removal of the lower threaded portion.

Abstract: This invention is a vertebral triplaner alignment facilitator to enable a surgeon to make minute vertebrae adjustments during spinal surgery. The vertebral triplaner alignment facilitator includes a support device which is adapted to support a tensioning device. The support device includes a support structure and a gurney. The gurney is adapted to support the tensioning device, while the support structure supports the gurney above a patient. The support structure typically includes a support rod, a sacral bridge, and adjustment rods. The support rod may be adapted to connect to a retractor. The sacral bridge may be adapted to sit on the iliac spines or crests of the pelvis. The adjustment rods movably engage the support rod and the sacral bridge such that the adjustment rods can move laterally over the patient and longitudinally relative to the retractor. A plurality of gurneys engage the adjustment rods such that they may move along the adjustment rods and may pivot about the adjustment rods.

Abstract: A threaded plug closure for an open-ended bone screw has a center bore and is threaded to receive a set screw. The set screw includes a breakaway head and a base which is slotted to permit removal following installation. The base includes an axial point and circumferential ring which engage the center portion of an associated spinal rod. The plug closure and the set screw can be independently installed and the set screw tightened to cooperatively provide capture and locking of the rod or connector in order to secure the rod or connector against translational and rotational movement relative to the bone screw.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system comprised of a wedge, distractor channel, and a retractor. The wedge and distractor channel are combined in a nesting relationship and an impactor handle is then attached to the wedge/distractor channel combination to facilitate intervertebral positioning. Subsequent to insertion, the wedge is slidably disengaged while leaving the distractor channel in place, thereby forming an access port which provides an enhanced field of view of the interior spinal anatomy. A retractor is positioned in the incision allowing unobstructed view from outside the body to the access port and facilitates performance of such surgical procedures as discectomy, implant sizing and insertion, spinal fusion, and the like.

Abstract: The invention refers to a prosthetic device for the application of simultaneous axial and transversal prestressing to obtain stable and elastic osteosynthesis of fractures. The device focuses on the concept of internal fixation with consideration for the natural frequency of the bone. The device for fracture fixation comprises a “tendon” (i.e, a tensionable wire) least one deformable element at the focus of the fracture, with the tendon and the deformable element being disposed almost parallel, whereby the device further comprises compression means to apply a compression force to the deformable element(s), so that the deformable element(s) deform(s) laterally. The device described can be used for fractures of long bones as well as for proximal femoral fractures. When used for long bone fractures, the device is an intramedullar flexible bar, with which we apply adjustable and measurable axial prestressing in order to compress the bone fragments and preload the bone.

Abstract: Osteosynthesis auxiliary (10) for the treatment of subtrochanteric, peritrochanteric and femoral-neck Fractures, with a locking nail (12) that can be introduced from the proximal end into the medullary space of a femur(11) and that comprises a distal section (15) having at least one oblong cross bore (13) to receive a distal locking element as well as a proximal section (14) having a slanted passageway (16), and with a femoral-neck part (19) that can be introduced from a lateral position through the slanted passageway (16) into the neck (17) and head (18) of the femur, wherein at least the section of the femoral-head part that can be anchored in the head (18) of the femur has a cross section that is not circular or rotationally symmetrical. Preferably this section (34) has the shape of a double-T or I profile (35).

Abstract: A bone plate assembly is provided having a fixation plate held in position in a bone by a plurality of fasteners. The fasteners extend through holes in the bone plate to engage the bone below. Further, the assembly includes a locking plate which is secured to the fixation plate by means of a lock screw extending through an opening in the locking plate. Further, the locking plate has a dovetailed connection to engage the flanges defining the exterior edges of a channel and the fixation plate. The locking plate, thus, has a sliding connection from a first position where it has at least partial openings corresponding to the openings of the fixation plate for the fasteners, and optionally also for a graft screw. In a second position, the edge of the plate surrounding the opening overlaps the fastener openings so as to lock these openings against the fastener backing out.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for percutaneously accessing the patient's intervertebral space by creating an access portal through the patient's ilium and into the patient's intervertebral space. The access portal created by the present invention is preferably at a posterolateral angle, (preferably in the range of 40 to 90 degrees to an anterior-posterior axis through the patient), thereby being at the optimal angle of approach to the intervertebral space for these lower L5/S1 vertebrae. Methods are also provided for advancing surgical instruments through the passage and into the intervertebral space.

Abstract: An expandable orthopedic drill includes a shaft provided with a handle at is proximal end. Several cutters are supported around the hub by a linkage which maintains the edges of the cutters at a predetermined angle to the axis of the tool. The cutters are driven outward from the shaft, expanding the effective size of the drill, by means of a sleeve. The sleeve is driven along the shaft by turning a nut engaged with threads on the shaft. Tapered holes may be produced by changing the lengths of the links.

Abstract: An orthopaedic instrumentation assembly for preparing a bone to receive an orthopaedic implant includes a rasp which is insertable within an opening in the bone and has an attachment end with a projection extending therefrom. A handle is attached to the projection. A cutting guide has a first leg and an adjoining second leg. The first leg is attached to the rasp and/or handle adjacent to the attachment end. The second leg is disposed at an obtuse angle relative to the first leg to thereby lie adjacent to the bone.

Abstract: A bone jointer comprising a lag screw, a tube placed along the jointed bone and provided with a receiving part, a tube between the lag screw and the tube plate provided with a head to be movably engaged with the receiving part, a set screw engaged with the tube, a compression screw penetrating inside the set screw and engaged with the lag screw thereby the lag screw and the bone are drew toward the other bone, and a washer between the set screw and the receiving part, rotating during engagement of the set screw with the head, until the washer stops at a stablest position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument set for use in spinal surgery for forming a substantially quadrilateral space in the spine for implanting a spinal implant at least in part into and at least in part across a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies and methods of use are disclosed. The instrument set includes an extended guard for providing protected access to the disc space and the adjacent surfaces of the adjacent vertebral bodies, a guide insertable into the guard, and a bone removal device insertable into said guide.

Abstract: A tissue gripping thread configuration for securely positioning an elongated medical instrument relative to body tissue. The tissue gripping thread includes curved distal and proximal foot sections connected to a thread base, a curved distal thread surface extending from the distal foot section to a thread apex, and a proximal thread wall substantially perpendicular to the base surface extending from the proximal curved foot section to the thread apex. In the preferred embodiment the flank angle of the distal thread surface is substantially greater than the flank angle of the proximal thread wall. The preferred thread configuration reduces trauma to tissue during insertion and removal of an associated medical instrument while ensuring secure positioning of the instrument relative to tissue. Preferred thread dimensions and radii, as well as embodiments for associating the preferred thread configuration with a trocar device are disclosed.

Abstract: A prosthetic graft for use with a graft system is used to repair the treatment of aortic aneurysms which extend into at least one common iliac artery and do not have a suitable region for seating a stent or other attachment device. The graft is designed to be used in combination with a graft system having legs extending into the common iliac arteries and provides the graft system with a place to securely seat its iliac legs without blocking the internal iliac artery.

Abstract: The intravascular delivery system includes an elongated, flexible heat pipe pusher member, a therapeutic device to be placed within the vasculature of a patient, and a shape memory collar detachably mounting the therapeutic device for placement of the therapeutic device within the vasculature. The shape memory collar is disposed either the therapeutic device or the flexible heat pipe pusher member and connects the therapeutic device and the heat pipe pusher member. In a presently preferred embodiment, the shape memory collar is made of nickel titanium alloy.

Abstract: A snare for an endoscope includes a control wire axially movably inserted in a flexible sheath. A snare loop formed by an elastic wire is connected to the distal end of the control wire. When the control wire is advanced, the snare loop projects from the distal end of the sheath and expands in a loop shape by its own elasticity. When the control wire is retracted, the snare loop is pulled into the sheath and folded. The snare loop is formed by two elastic wires between two mutually secured portions of the elastic wires, which are laid in parallel and in close contact with each other and secured together directly at two longitudinally spaced positions. The control wire is formed by an extending portion of at least one of the elastic wires that extends rearward from the mutually secured portion at the rear end of the snare loop.

Abstract: Baskets with atraumatic distal tips allow the capture of material from difficult-to-reach areas of the body, while reducing the risk of tissue damage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for referencing a system of coordinates (1) in space (2). It comprises a body (4) that is suspended in space (2), and which is aligned in a local gravitational field (3). Further, the device has at least two first components (5) that emit electromagnetic or acoustic waves that are located at a distance, A, from each other. Second components (5) for detecting acoustic waves or a magnetic field may also be arranged on the body (4) at a distance, A, from each other, instead of the first components which emit the electromagnetic or acoustic waves. Advantageously, the device and first components are incorporated in a Computer Assisted Surgery (CAS) System which includes the second components. Thus, the second components may interact with the first components, while the CAS system includes a plotting unit for determining the spatial coordinates of the body.

Abstract: An instrument and method for suturing anatomical tissue with a suture needle includes a barrel having two needle holders therein which can be manipulated from a proximal end of the barrel to cause the needle to pass through tissue and to pass the needle from one needle holder to the other. The needle holders are operative to move the needle through a path in a plane not perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the barrel. The angle of the plane with respect to the longitudinal axis can be adjusted.

Abstract: A hernia patch has a first layer of inert synthetic mesh material selectively sized and shaped to extend across and beyond a hernia. A second layer of inert synthetic mesh material overlies the first layer to create a generally planar configuration for the patch. The first and second layers are joined together by a seam that defines a periphery of a pouch between the layers and provides stiffness to the patch for urging the patch to conform to the generally planar configuration across the hernia, which helps to prevent folding of the patch as the surgeon withdraws his or her finger. The seam may be straight, zig-zag, sinusoidal or other configurations that effectively urge the patch to conform to a planar configuration. One of the layers has a border that extends beyond the seam and that has a free outer edge. A plurality of border slits extend from the outer edge through the border substantially to the seam.

Abstract: A method for repairing a hernia uses a mesh patch for permanent placement within a patient's body space. The patch has top and bottom mesh layers secured to each other with a seam. The seam surrounds and defines a pocket. The top layer has a transverse slit opening into the pocket. To serve a spring function, an implantable loop is inserted into the pocket to keep the patch expanded under tension in a planar configuration. A border on at least one of the layers extends outward past the seam. The border preferably has slits to fill uneven voids in the patient's tissue and fit more tightly. A surgeon makes a small incision in the patient and performs a dissection deep into the patient's preperitoneal space, creating a pocket in this space into which the patch is to be inserted. The patch is folded and directed into the patient's preperitoneal space, where it is unfolded and expanded into its planar configuration to cover the defect in the patient.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for defibrillating a heart in fibrillation are provided using apparatus that forms a plurality of transmural channels in a wall of the heart. The apparatus includes a single-use handpiece having a mechanical cutting head and means for stabilizing the cutting head in contact with the tissue. The handpiece is coupled by a disposable cable to a controller that houses a vacuum pump and mechanisms for driving the cutting head. The cutting head is adapted to cooperate with the vacuum pump to evacuate tissue severed during the channel forming process.

Abstract: A device is set forth for treatment of spider veins. The device includes a needle having at its tip a slot defining tines. The needle is inserted through the skin to locate the spider vein in the slot. The needle is rotated to sever the vein from connecting veins.

Abstract: An occluder apparatus for obstructing the flow of blood in a blood vessel has an elongated hollow tubular body having a leading end sized for reception in the blood vessel and includes portion of the body fabricated from a material soluble in blood, and a piercing device for inserting the body through the wall of the blood vessel to extend the leading end into the interior of the blood vessel. An inflatable diaphragm is carried by the body in a collapsed, deflated condition, and the apparatus includes a passage for conducting an inflating fluid from an external source, which is into fluid communication with the interior of the diaphragm, to effect expansion the diaphragm. Elongated openings in the body enable the diaphragm to be released in an inflated state from the body into flexible occluding engagement with the interior wall of the blood vessel about the full circumference of a transverse section thereof.

Abstract: A blood filter device and delivery system, comprising a tubular member with a filter. The tubular member includes a distal end adapted to enter an artery, and a port for receiving the filter. The filter includes a shaft having a handle on one end and an expandable filter device on the other end. The expandable filter device includes filter mesh and an expansion frame capable of assuming enlarged and contracted conditions. The shaft is removably received by the tubular member. The tubular member may be introduced into a blood vessel, and the expandable filter device may be deployed through the tubular member into the vessel. The expansion frame may be expanded to the enlarged condition to capture embolic material in the mesh, may be collapsed to the contracted condition, and may be removed from the vessel. The filter may be removed from the tubular member, and a new filter may then be received therein.

Abstract: Bioabsorbable cyanoacrylate-based tissue adhesives containing bioabsorbable copolymers are disclosed. The copolymers are preferably derived from &egr;-caprolactone, lactide and glycolide monomers or from butyl 2-cyanoacrylate, glycolide, lactide, &egr;-caprolactone monomers. The adhesives are characterized by increased biodegradability, increased viscosity and increased flexibility. The adhesives are useful for wound and incision closure, and for medical devices, including implants.

Abstract: A weight-bearing apparatus such as a cushion, prosthetic device, or bed mattress includes a support surface having a shaped or sculpted portion that conforms to the shape of a body portion being supported. The shaped portion fits to the body portion, thereby to position the body portion so as to situate one or more weight-bearing parts of the body portion over specific zones of the support surface that are cooled below normal body temperature. The reduced temperature applied to the zones of the support surface removes heat from the weight-bearing areas, thereby reducing the risk of injury to tissue in those areas.

Abstract: The present invention involves a selective organ heat transfer device having a flexible coaxial catheter capable of insertion into a selected feeding artery in the vascular system of a patient. A heat transfer element is attached to a distal portion of the catheter as well as a turbulence-enhancing element which is adapted to enhance turbulent blood flow along the heat transfer element. The heat transfer element may include the turbulence-enhancing element and/or a turbulence-enhancing element may be located proximal of the heat transfer element.

Abstract: A stent is disclosed in several embodiments including the use of a material known as NITINOL forming the ends of the stent as well as support structure connecting the ends. A fabric is interconnected with the NITINOL structure to form the stent. The NITINOL material ends have slits parallel with the direction of elongation of the stent allowing radial expansion of the ends. The pieces interconnecting the ends have a serpentine shape allowing longitudinal expansion of the stent. The NITINOL material structure may be located within the fabric portion or outside the fabric portion. The connecting pieces may be separate structures attached to the fabric. Alternatively, the end pieces may be separate structures attached to the fabric without the connecting pieces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lumen support stent for use in an artery or any body lumen. The stent is formed from a plurality of ladder elements having elongated ribs and end rungs affixed to the elongated ribs. The elongated ribs of adjacent ladder elements are slidably engaged by the end rungs of adjacent ladder elements. Sliding of the elongated ribs creates a variable distance between the end rungs of adjacent ladder elements. Consequently, the stent has a first diameter in which the distance between end rungs of adjacent ladder elements is collapsed, and a variable second diameter in which the distance between end rungs of adjacent ladder elements is expanded.

Abstract: The invention creates a thin tubular multiple filament (film or fiber) structure that can hold high internal pressures. When desired, an extension of the filaments can be pulled in any direction to unfurl the structure. This device is useful for self expanding stent or stent graft delivery systems, balloon dilatation catheters, removable guide wire lumens for catheters, drug infusion or suction catheters, guide wire bundling casings, removable filters, removable wire insulation, removable packaging and other applications.

Abstract: Haptics for an intraocular lens are attached to a flexible, deformable optic which is capable of being rolled for insertion through a small incision in the cornea. The outer periphery of the optic is circular. The haptics include a pair of stems extending radially on diametrically opposite sides of the optic. The stems are rectangular in cross section, having greater width than thickness to permit greater flexibility anterior to posterior than superior to inferior. A flexible support bar is mounted at the end of each stem, each bar being bisected by its stem respectively, and being shaped like an arc concentric with the optic. The support bar has greater depth than width, in order to permit greater flexibility proximally and distally than anteriorly and posteriorly. The haptics have a haptic arm mounted in cantilever fashion at the ends of each support bar, each of the arms terminating in a circular or lobular footplate.

Abstract: A bone substitute comprises gelatin powder, water, tricalcium phosphate (TCP) powder, and glutaraldehyde. The bone substitute in the present invention, using tricalcium phosphate powder as the major implant ingredient, gelatin powder as glue, and glutaraldehyde as cross-linking agent, can reduce the degradation rate of the bone substitute in the biological body. The present invention also includes the manufacturing procedure of the bone substitute.

Abstract: A surgical device and related method and kit for use in sealing a biological aperture in situ. In one embodiment, the device is provided in the form of an expandable, porous material such as poly(vinyl alcohol).

Abstract: The disclosure provides fusion implants, instruments and methods for insertion of the implants between opposing vertebral bodies to facilitate stabilization or arthrodesis of an intervertebral joint. A cross section through the longitudinal dimension of the implant is substantially configured in an “I” shape. In addition to other features, the implants of the invention provide a reduced contact surface area with the interior surface of a bore formed for receiving the implant.

Abstract: A tibia fixturing device comprises a metal tray formed with annularly spaced recesses in its underside at a depth of at least about 1.5 mm and from which a stem depends for axial insertion into a tibia conical cavity. The stem has a circular cylindrical portion proximal the tray and a conical portion distal the tray. Fins radially extend from the stem cylindrical portion and penetrate the tibia to provide some torsional resistance. Axially extending channels are formed about the stem periphery which channels have bottom surfaces parallel to the stem axis to provide further torsional resistance. The channels are arranged to not interlock with the cement in the axial direction to permit the cement to separate first from the device during axial removal of the device from the bone. The fins have inclined edges distal the tray and inclined radial outer edges to align and center the stem to the bone cavity edge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hip joint prothesis having a metallic prothesis shell (1) with a cavity insert (2) having a spherical recess (3) and with an intermediate element (4) which is made of plastics and arranged between the prothesis shell (1) and the cavity insert (2). In order to avoid osteolysis, it is suggested that the intermediate element (4) consist of an upper portion (5) and a lower portion (6), that it be possible for upper portion (5) and lower portion (6) to be connected to each other, and that the cavity insert (2) be retained between upper portion (5) and lower portion (6).

Abstract: A hip-joint endoprosthesis with a stem to be anchored in the femur, and with a joint head supported by the stem via a neck. In order, upon implantation, to be able to use one and the same prosthesis with a different choice of resection plane within the neck of the head, the stem of the prosthesis is curved in a substantially uniform circular arc; the neck adjoins the upper end of the stem approximately in the same direction; the length of the stem is not greater than 150 mm; and the hip-joint endoprosthesis, while keeping the same stem shape, is available with different neck lengths, of which several are smaller than the length of an average natural femoral neck.

Abstract: The present invention relates to techniques for the preparation and implantation of implants with surgical cements composed primarily of calcium sulfate (“CS”). The first of these novel techniques involves the steps of: (1.) precoating an implant with CS; (2.) permitting the implant to dry, and, (3.) thereafter grouting the implant in place with wet CS. The second embodiment involves: (1.) grouting an uncoated implant in place with wet CS. Finally, the third embodiment involves: (1.) precoating an implant with CS; (2.) permitting it to dry; and, (2.) subsequently press-fitting the implant in place without grouting.

Abstract: The content of a speech sample is recognized using a computer system by evaluating the speech sample against a nonparametric set of training observations, for example, utterances from one or more human speakers. The content of the speech sample is recognized based on the evaluation results. The speech recognition process also may rely on a comparison between the speech sample and a parametric model of the training observations.