Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for assessing a subject's hearing by recording steady-state auditory evoked responses. The apparatus generates a steady-state auditory evoked potential stimulus, presents the stimulus to the subject, senses potentials while simultaneously presenting the stimulus and determines whether the sensed potentials contain responses to the stimulus. The stimulus may include an optimum vector combined amplitude modulation and frequency modulation signal adjusted to evoke responses with increased amplitudes, an independent amplitude modulation and frequency modulation signal and a signal whose envelope is modulated by an exponential modulation signal. The apparatus is also adapted to reduce noise in the sensed potentials by employing sample weighted averaging. The apparatus is also adapted to detect responses in the sensed potentials via the Phase weighted T-test or Phase zone technique.

Abstract: A biopsy localization device made according to the invention includes a bioabsorbable element (34), such as a dehydrated collagen plug, delivered in a pre-delivery state to a soft tissue biopsy site (18) of a patient by an element delivery device (32). The bioabsorbable element preferably swells to fill the biopsied open region (26) and preferably is palpably harder than the surrounding soft tissue at the biopsy site. The bioabsorbable element permits the biopsy site to be relocated by palpation to eliminate the need to use metallic clips during biopsies and often eliminates the need for a return to the radiologist for pre-operative localization. In addition, the bioabsorbable element can be used as a therapeutic tool for treatment of the diseased lesion and for hemostasis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for measuring force, primarily due to fatigue. In one embodiment, a finger fatigue measuring system is provided which measures the force output from fingers while the fingers are repetitively generating forces as they strike a keyboard. Force profiles of the fingers are generated from the measurements and evaluated for fatigue. The system can be used clinically to evaluate patients, to ascertain the effectiveness of clinical intervention, pre-employment screening, to assist in minimizing the incidence of repetitive stress injuries at the keyboard, mouse, joystick, and to monitor effectiveness of various finger strengthening systems. The system can also be used in a variety of different applications adapted for measuring forces produced during performance of repetitive motions.

Abstract: The invention describes a device used to measure the tension of a soft tissue 24 attached to bones 20,22. The device 2 comprises a body region 4 having force applying means 6 and abutment means 8 extending outwardly therefrom. A spike region 8b of the abutment means 8 is extended in direction X to thereby abut the surface of bone 22. The force of the abutment is measurable by a displacement on a translation scale 14. An operator pulls on the device 2 in direction Y thereby applying an anterior force (measured by a displacement on a force scale 14) to the tissue 24 via a hook region 6b of the force applying means 6. The application of said anterior force on to the tissue 24 results in an anterior translation of the tissue 24. The tension of the tissue 24 may be calculated from the displacements on the force scale 12 and translation scale 14.

Abstract: A soft medical boot mounted in a splint. A soft liquid filled cushion is disposed in the ankle portion of the boot and positioned in an adjusted position with respect to a heel opening in the boot.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a bandage 10 having a strip of durable material, such as duct tape 24, having pressure sensitive adhesive 30 applied to its underside further having a sterilized gauze pad 20 attached thereto. The bandage has a shorter 12 and a longer side 14 and a removable release liner 26 thereon along with possibly a removable sterile cover having a tear strip thereon for easy removal thereof.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus filter and reinfuse aspirate removed from body lumens following a medical procedure. Evacuation of harmful material such as blood clot or plaque from a blood vessel can be combined with filtering of blood from the unwanted material, allowing the blood to be reinfused back into the patient's system through various means, thereby minimizing the effects of blood loss to the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tampon applicator, comprising an elongated outer cylinder, a tampon contained therein and a plunger by which the tampon can be pushed out through a forward delivery opening of the outer cylinder. In order to facilitate handling the applicator is, on the rearward end, opposite to the delivery opening (12), provided with a recess (6) extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the applicator, the cross-sectional contour of the recess (6) being shaped to receive a finger in a finger seat.

Abstract: A no-needle blood access device for hemodialysis comprising, a cylindrical external body (20), the external body including a peripheral wall (22) and a bottom wall (24) and opens to its top, the lower portion of the external body being provided with openings (28) at locations diametrically facing with respect to each other, each of pipe members (30) being mounted on the respective openings, each of first and second artificial conduits (12, 14) being fitted into the respective pipe member, each of the artificial conduits being anastomosed to a targeted artery or vein; and a columnar internal body (40) fitted into the external body so as to be rotated in the external body, the internal body being provided with a first through-hole (42) diametrically extending through the internal body in the horizontal direction at the location having a height on which the openings are mounted; the internal body being provided with a second through-hole (48) extending between a first position (44) spaced at an angular distance

Abstract: A parasiticidal pellet system which delivers both immediate and long term control of parasite infestation in an animal as part of a single implant procedure. The system includes an implanter apparatus for subcutaneously implanting parasiticidal pellets in an animal through the bore of a hypodermic needle which is operably coupled to a pellet magazine, and a plurality of pellets sized to be implanted through the needle and positioned in the magazine for selective alignment of a pellet with the needle. The pellets include at least one immediate release parasiticidal agent first dose pellet and at least one extended release parasiticidal agent dose second pellet. The combined pellets are packaged in the magazine in sequential order for simultaneous delivery of an immediate dose and an extended dose as part of a single injection.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for locking a catheter within a patient enables the catheter to be easily and securely locked and prevents the catheter from being inadvertently unlocked. The locking catheter includes an elongated body member including a proximal portion and a distal portion, a first proximal member, an elongated flexible member, and a second proximal member releasably couplable to the first proximal member to allow selective locking and unlocking of the elongated flexible member therebetween. The second proximal member includes a channel. The elongated flexible member extends from the distal portion of the elongated body member, through the first proximal member, and through the channel of the second proximal member. The elongated flexible member is slidable through the channel thereby allowing the distal portion of the elongated body member to be drawn toward the proximal portion of the elongated body member to form a loop in the distal portion of the elongated body member.

Abstract: The invention is a method for manufacturing a steerable catheter having a distal end, proximal end, an outer jacket, a pull wire and a central lumen. The central lumen is maintained in a circular shape without bulges diminishing the useful inter-diameter by using an outer jacket with an elliptical shape and uneven thickness to encase a pull wire. The pull wire friction is also reduced by using one wire of larger diameter to create the lumen for the pull wire of smaller diameter, thus reducing the friction on the pull wire and reducing the locking of the catheter body around the pull wire at bends preventing movement of the pull wire. The distal end of the catheter also has a smooth tip due to heat treating of steel wire braid reinforcement that does not require the addition of bulge forming additional material to control tip shape.

Abstract: Disclosed is an anastomosis catheter, for achieving a tissue to tissue or synthetic graft to tissue attachment. The catheter includes a plurality of deployable tissue anchors, which may be laterally deployed into surrounding tissue. The anchors may be used to achieve end to end or end to side anastomoses. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a clear view cannula for use in surgical procedures having a tubular body, a cylindrical sleeve mounted about and slidably secured to the tubular body, and a plurality of shield members secured to the cylindrical sleeve. The cylindrical sleeve is slidably movable relative to the tubular body causing the shield members to expand and deploy such that the shield members retain torn and fragmented soft tissue within an anatomical cavity. Means are provided on the tubular body to co-act with means on the cylindrical sleeve to lock the expanded and deployed shield members and secure the tubular body within an anatomical body.

Abstract: A medical device for draining fluid from the body of a patient comprises an elongate member that defines a lumen and includes a proximal end and a distal portion. The device further comprises a dilating member disposed in the distal portion of the elongate member. The dilating member comprises a plurality of arms movable from a collapsed state to an expanded state in which the arms protrude radially to anchor the device within the body of the patient. The device includes a tension member that extends through the lumen to the dilating member and couples to the plurality of arms. Application of tension to the tension member causes the arms to move to the collapsed state thereby permitting insertion and removal of the device into and from the body of the patient. Some embodiments include a tension control member disposed at the proximal end of the elongate member and movable in at least a first direction and a second direction to increase and decrease tension to one or more tension members.

Abstract: A catheter for intravascular corporeal cooling comprises an elongated tubular member having at least one lumen extending therethrough for providing cooled blood, an inflatable annular balloon positioned on the outer surface of the elongated tubular member, and a pressure reliever positioned in the external wall of the elongated tubular member and proximal to the annular inflatable balloon, wherein when the pressure of blood within a lumen reaches a predetermined value, the pressure reliever opens to permit fluid to be released from the elongated tubular member. In other embodiments of the invention the catheter may have two or more inflatable annular balloons that are separately inflatable and/or the catheter has an insulative outer annular member.

Abstract: The present invention provides an auto-injection device including a housing, a container from which a product is dispensed by advancing a piston, the container shiftably accommodated by the housing and carrying a needle, and a drive unit including a driven member, wherein the driven member is shiftably accommodated by the housing and, during an auto-injection, is adapted for inserting the needle and advancing the container to a predetermined frontal position in relation to the housing and advancing the piston within the container for dispensing of the product, wherein the driven member remains uncoupled with the piston until the container reaches its frontal position, and upon the container reaching its frontal position, the driven member detaches from the container and couples with the piston for advancing the piston within the container.

Abstract: A novel approach to diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in the peritoneal cavity is described. More specifically, a technique for accessing the peritoneal cavity via the wall of the digestive tract is provided so that examination of and/or a surgical procedure in the peritoneal cavity can be conducted via the wall of the digestive tract with the use of a flexible endoscope. As presently proposed, the technique is particularly adapted to transgastric peritoneoscopy. However, access in addition or in the alternative through the intestinal wall is contemplated and described as well. Transgastric and/or transintestinal peritoneoscopy will have an excellent cosmetic result as there are no incisions in the abdominal wall and no potential for visible post-surgical scars or hernias.

Abstract: A surgical tool (112, 410) for use in expanding a cannula (10, 150, 250) includes a first leg (114, 414) having a first end (118, 418) engageable with an inner surface (70, 212, 322) of the cannula. A second leg (114, 414) is connected with the first leg (114, 414). The second leg (114, 414) has a second end (118, 418) engageable with the inner surface (70, 212, 322) of the cannula (10, 150, 250). The first and second ends (118, 418) are movable away from each other to apply a radially outwardly directed force to the inner surface (70, 212, 322) of the cannula (10, 150, 250) and cause expansion of the cannula.

Abstract: A splittable medical valve is disclosed that is configured with a interfacing region that permits the valve to be placed over or inside of a tubular medical device, such as a splittable introducer sheath, to prevent loss of bodily fluids and/or reduce ingress of air-borne pathogens. The valve further includes a sealing element configured to accept passage of a medical device, such as a catheter, sheath, pacemaker lead, or other ancillary device therethrough, whereby the valve body is split along one or more lines or fissure to allow removal of the valve from around the ancillary device.

Abstract: A catheter for injecting medicants into the endocardium, myocardium or other portions of the cardiovascular system is presented where the catheter has apertures therein for ejection and retraction of a needle. The catheter is designed for the apertures in the catheter to press against the tissue to be injected in the heart while the heart is beating. A needle for inserting a prescribed dose of a medicant is ejected through the aperture and a plunger, pump, or diaphragm is moved to deliver a dose of the medicant to tissue adjacent the aperture. By use of the catheter gene therapy, wherein a small does of a gene are injected into the endocardium of the right or left ventricle, can be used to grow new blood vessels in the injected area of a damaged heart. The apertures in the catheter can be spaced at a prescribed distance for the dosage of medicant to form a precise pattern of injections in the area to be treated.

Abstract: A hemostasis cannula comprising a housing having a passage therethrough sized to receive a catheter and a valve body mounted in the passage. The valve body includes an opening therethrough which forms a seal around a catheter enclosed within the cannula. In one embodiment, a ring of raised material surrounds the opening. In another embodiment, a ring of raised material surrounds the hole, and an internal ring of material lines at least a portion of the interior of the opening. The valve body is compressed within the cannula housing. When the catheter is removed, the valve body closes thus blocking air flow into the patient's blood vessel and also blocking blood flow out of the patient's blood vessel. The cannula housing also includes a side port for introducing fluids into the patient's blood vessel.

Abstract: A guide sheath is implanted to facilitate repeated access to a treatment site in a patient's body by a treatment device such as a probe for administering light therapy. The guide sheath reduces the risk of track contamination with bacteria, bleeding during insertion of the treatment device or a treatment evaluation probe, track metastasis, and inadvertent puncture of structures and tissues within the patient's body. The guide sheath is disposed so that its distal end is at or adjacent to the internal treatment site, and the proximal end of the guide sheath is either percutaneous or subcutaneous. The guide sheath is a thin-walled hollow tube that may be optically transparent or opaque. In one embodiment, the guide sheath has a flared opening on the proximal end to assist in inserting the treatment device into the guide sheath. This opening is covered with an self-sealing, elastomeric membrane. It is preferable to fabricate the guide sheath from a biodegradable material that will not require surgical removal.

Abstract: A needle and obturator assembly for access to entrance lumens in an access device disposed subcutaneously in a body of a mammal, for transfer of fluid into and/or out of the mammal body, comprising a first needle and obturator unit for insertion through a skin portion of the mammal body and into a first of the lumens of the access device, a second needle and obturator unit for insertion through the skin portion of the mammal body and into a second of the lumens of the access device, and hub structure for supporting the first and second needle and obturator units in fixed, spaced-apart positions relative to each other after complete insertion of the first and second needle and obturator units in the respective lumens. The first and second obturators are withdrawable from their respective needles to open first and second passageways in the respective needles for the transfer of fluid into and/or out of the access device.

Abstract: An intravenous administration lines fastening and identification device includes a hollow cylindrical fastening member of resilient, flexible material. The cylindrical member has a fill length longitudinal slit aperture. A plurality of tube holding members of resilient, flexible material, each with a cylindrical bore, are secured to the outer surface of the hollow cylindrical fastening member opposite the fastening member longitudinal slit aperture. Each tube holding member bore axis is oriented perpendicular to the fastening member longitudinal cylindrical axis. The tube holding members each have a full length slit aperture opposite the fastening member, with the slit aperture accessing the holding member cylindrical bore. An identification marking surface is present on the cylindrical member outer surface in register with and adjacent each tube holding member for identification of the IV tubing contents.

Abstract: A thermistor holder for a holder for a thermistor especially for use with infants. The thermistor holder includes a foundation strap having first and second end portions and upper and lower surfaces. An adhesive surface portion provided on the lower surface of the foundation strap for releasably securing said foundation strap to a supporting object is provided. A bridging member is carried by the foundation strap second end portion and carries an engaging strap for being releasably secured to the patient. The thermistor holder also includes a securing strap, secured at its proximal end portion to the foundation strap and releasably securable at its distal end to a portion of the engaging strap. The securing strap releasably engages at least a portion of the engaging strap, after the thermistor has been received between the securing strap and the bridging member. An insulative member is provided between the securing strap and the bridging portion to insulate the thermistor from ambient temperatures.

Abstract: A single-use syringe having a barrel and a plunger is provided. The plunger at least one vane, and the vane is provided with serrations or ratchet teeth. The serrations each have a vertical rear wall and a sloped top edge. A barbed clip is provided that fits on the serrated vane. The barbs on the clip engage the inner wall of the barrel.

Abstract: A clamp for a winged needle that functions simultaneously as a protector and as a clamp and that does not require a recapping operation is provided. The clamp includes a flexible curved portion 1 including a tube insertion hole 11 provided on the proximal side and an upper member 2 and a lower member 3 connected via the curved portion 1 and which can be engaged on the distal sides thereof. The clamp is adapted to pressurize the tube 44 when the upper member 2 and the lower member 3 are engaged, and to generate a clearance through which at least a wing 4 can be introduced when the upper member 2 and the lower member 3 are not engaged. The upper member 2 or the lower member 3 is provided with a space 32 in which the needle 41 and the hub 42 can be stored.

Abstract: A medical valve device for use in selectively establishing a fluid flow between first and second medical implements is disclosed. The valve has a body defining a passage from a first port to a second port. The valve defines a first fluid volume when both medical implements are connected thereto, and a second, smaller volume when one of the implements is disconnected, thereby causing a positive flow of fluid from the valve to the second medical implement when the first implement is disconnected.

Abstract: This invention provides an endoscopic treatment system for executing at least one of localized injection through mucous membrane, peeling off and cutting off of mucous membrane. This system has an endoscope, which has an insertion section provided with at least one channel extending therein. The system also has a plurality of treatment tools including a syringe needle for executing localized injection through a portion of mucous membrane, forceps for gripping a portion of mucous membrane, and at least one knife for executing at least one of peeling off and cutting off of mucous membrane. Further, this system includes an endoscopic guide tube to be inserted into the esophagus, which has a main channel for inserting therein the endoscope, and at least one sub channel for inserting therein each of the treatment tools.

Abstract: In a hypodermic needle having an end that attaches to a syringe, an elongated hollow shaft for passing fluid terminated at a sharpened point; the improvement comprising an electrically insulating layer positioned on the shaft and at least one electrically conductive area positioned on the insulating layer. The electrically conductive area being adapted to be connected to an electrical source.

Abstract: A system for the removal of epidermal and dermal skin through the use of a pressurized stream of water. The surgeon chooses the pressure of the water to obtain the desired abrasive affect. In one embodiment of the invention, a benign abrasive is added to the water to assist in the removal of the surface cells of the skin. In other embodiments, a variety of medications are added to the water such as: anesthetics to deaden the skin being abraded; coagulants to minimized bleeding in the abraded area; and antiseptics to combat infection after treatment is applied. In one embodiment of the invention, a catch reservoir is positioned around the site being treated to collect and withdraw the spent liquid and removed cells.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment is provided on inside of a waist-opening's peripheral edge with a sweat-absorbent sheet comprising an inner layer destined to come in contact with a wearer's skin and an outer layer opposed to the inner layer. The inner layer contains hydrophobic fibers of 70˜98 w% and hydrophilic fibers of at least 2 w%. The outer layer contains hydrophilic fibers of 50˜100 w% of which a part extends outward from the outer layer through interstices of the hydrophobic fibers to the skin contacting surface of the inner surface.

Abstract: A diaper includes a diaper substrate having a peripheral edge and a centrally-located region where fluid from a user will make initial contact therewith, a fluid transport layer disposed with the diaper substrate and having a peripheral edge and a centrally-located portion disposed at the centrally-located region of the diaper substrate, and a wetness indicator on the peripheral edge of the transport layer and exposed and extending along at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the diaper substrate. The transport layer made of a fluid-permeable chromatographic medium draws fluid via capillary action from its centrally-located portion at the centrally-located region of the diaper substrate toward its peripheral edge and into contact with the wetness indicator. The wetness indicator is a material capable of eliciting a visible response to the presence of fluid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to absorbent composites having enhanced intake properties. The absorbent composites of the present invention have a Composite Permeability (CP) value at full swelling of greater than about 100 ×10−8 cm2. Further, the absorbent composites, of the present invention have a Composite Permeability/3rd Insult Fluid Intake Flowback Evaluation (FIFE) intake relationship, which results in enhanced intake properties. The present invention is also directed to a method of making absorbent composites having enhanced intake properties. The present invention is further directed to absorbent composites and their applicability in disposable personal care products.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment has a pair of tape fasteners attached to transversely opposite side edge portions of a rear waist region and a non-stretchable target tape strip attached to the outer surface of a front waist region. The front and rear waist regions and a crotch region are elastically stretchable in length and width. The tape strip includes a flexible plastic sheet having transversely opposite side edges extending longitudinally and upper and lower edges extending transversely of the undergarment and a plurality of long fibers extending longitudinally on the outer surface of the sheet between the upper and lower edges. The sheet is formed with a plurality of perforated lines arranged to be transversely spaced one from another by a predetermined dimension and to extend between the vicinity of the upper edge and the vicinity of the lower edge. The target tape strip is attached to the front waist region being substantially in non-stretched state.

Abstract: The disposable pull-on undergarment has first and second waist regions and a crotch region extending between these two waist regions. The waist regions are connected with each other in bonding zones extending along transversely opposite side edge portions thereof so as to define a waist-opening and a pair of leg-openings. First elastic members are bonded under tension to peripheral edge of the waist-opening and second elastic members are bonded under tension to peripheral edges of the leg-openings so that respective opposite ends of the first elastic members are positioned and fixed at first zones defined immediately inside the bonding zones in a circumferential direction of the waist-opening and respective opposite ends of the second elastic members are positioned and fixed at second zones defined immediately inside the bonding zones in a circumferential direction Y of the leg-openings.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of a stenosis or an occlusion in a blood vessel is disclosed in which a main catheter is first delivered to a site proximal to the occlusion. The main catheter may include an occlusive device at its distal end. An inner catheter or elongate member (e.g., a guidewire) having an occlusive device at its distal end is delivered to the site of the occlusion, and the occlusive device is activated at a site distal to the occlusion. A therapy catheter is then introduced to treat the occlusion. Next, a catheter is delivered just proximal to the occlusive device, and this catheter is used to aspirate and/or irrigate the area removing particles and debris. The aspiration and irrigation steps are preferably repeated until the particles and debris are removed. Perfusion may be performed by using a perfusion-filter distal of the lesion to be treated or a hypotube which extends beyond the occlusive device attached to the guidewire.

Abstract: A method of delivering a beneficial agent is provided that employs a steerable catheter to precisely locate and deliver a beneficial agent such as a pain medication to a selected site in a patient. The method includes maneuvering the catheter under fluoroscopic observation to specific sites such as a nerve root to control pain.

Abstract: A hub assembly for a catheter tube having a lumen therethrough. The hub assembly includes a hub portion having a proximal end and a distal end, and an integral connector disposed at the proximal end. A lumen is defined through the hub portion extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The strain relief includes a proximal end and a distal end is disposed at the distal end of the hub portion. The proximal end of the strain relief can be integrally connected to the distal end of the hub portion. The strain relief is preferably more flexible than the hub portion. The strain relief defines a passage configured to receive the catheter such that a lumen through the hub portion is in fluid communication with the catheter tube lumen.

Abstract: A non-invasive female urinary device allows a woman to urinate in a standing or sitting position. The non-invasive female urinary device provides a scoop portion designed to be positioned adjacent to the woman's body, and is sized to fit between the labia majora. The scoop gathers urine as it is produced, with little or no loss due to spillage. A generally tubular body is attached at an upstream first end to the scoop portion. The device is made of six flat sides to allow the woman to control the orientation of the device. The logo on one of the sides provides a tactile reference, allowing the woman to orient the device without the need for visual input. A flow concentrator is attached to a downstream second end of the tubular body, and has a generally rectangular opening that narrows the stream of urine to result in a smooth and continuous stream.

Abstract: This is a solderless sacrificial link between a detachable member which is placed at and is intended to remain at a desired site within the mammalian body and the core wire used to introduce the detachable member. The detachable member device may be one used to create emboli in the vascular system or may be of any other type deliverable into the human body and detached into an ionic aqueous environment, either for later removal or permanent placement.

Abstract: A system and method for surface tissue ablation on the patient's outer skin, such as the epidermis or the underlying dermis. An electrosurgical probe 130) comprises a shaft 132) having an array of active electrodes 136) on its distal tip and a connector 134) at its proximal end for coupling the electrode array to a high frequency power supply. An electrically conducting liquid is directed along a fluid flow path 142) past a return electrode surface 138) to the target site to provide a current flow path between the target site and the return electrode. High frequency voltage is then applied to the active and return electrodes so that an electric current flows from the active electrode, through a layer of vapor formed at the tip of the electrode, and to the return electrode through the current flow path provided by the electrically conducting liquid.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing percutaneous myocardial revascularization (PMR). A catheter in accordance with the invention includes an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The elongate shaft defines a lumen, and a conductor is disposed inside the lumen. An electrode portion is formed by the bent portion of the conductor which extends from the distal end of the elongate shaft. A method in accordance with the present invention may be used to form a wound through the endocardium and into the myocardium of a patient's heart. Collateral damage to the myocardium may be created by infusing pressurized fluid into the wound. A number of fluids may be delivered to a location proximate the wound via the catheter.

Abstract: An bipolar electrosurgical tool (10) for cauterizing or ablating tissue. The tool has a nose cone (12) which serves as a handle. A conductive shaft (14) extends from the nose cone. A tip assembly (18) with an active electrode (20) is mounted to the shaft. A circuit board (78) is mounted in the nose cone. Conductive traces that forming contact pads (96, 102) are formed on the circuit board. A web (108) formed from a single piece of elastomeric material is seated over the opening in which the printed circuit board is mounted to seal the opening shut. Integrally formed with the web are buttons (116, 118) that are in registration over the contact pads. The buttons can be depressed downwardly towards the contact pads. When a button is so depressed, a conductive landing pad (120) integral with the button closes the connection between the traces that form the contact pad. Thus, the tool of this invention is provided with switches. The circuit board also has two conductive traces (92, 104a) that run in parallel.

Abstract: A joint support is attachable to a limb of an animal to limit movement of an associated limb joint substantially about a single axis. The joint support includes a radial element having a longitudinal axis and a transverse element having a longitudinal axis. The transverse element is pivotally connected to the radial element about an axis of rotation. The longitudinal axis of the radial element substantially intersects with the axis of rotation, and radial rotation of the radial element is restricted about the axis of rotation. The longitudinal axis of the transverse element is partially fixed relative to the radial element so that the same is substantially coplanar with the longitudinal axis of the radial element and substantially offset from the axis of rotation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clamp element for external fixator apparatuses (2) of the rod (8,9,10) and ring (6,7) type used for stabilizing bone fractures in orthopedic surgery; such clamp connector secures at least one of the bone fragment (3) stretching wires (4) and the bone screws (11) to one of the rings. Advantageously, the element of this invention comprises a swivel joint (12) consisting of a first part (13) and a second part (14) associated with each other around a common pivot axis (x-x), each part (13,14) being formed with at least one hole (16) of a predetermined diameter for clamping the stretching wire (4) or the bone screw (11) therein. Also provided on each of the parts (13,14) are the means (18) of clamping to a rod (8,9,10) or to a ring (6,7) of the fixator device, and these clamping means are used for clamping the stretching wire (4) or the bone screw (11) in the part (13,14) of the swivel joint (12) which is not connected to the rod or to the ring.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming one or more trans-sacral axial instrumentation/fusion (TASIF) axial bore through vertebral bodies in general alignment with a visualized, anterior or posterior axial instrumentation/fusion line (AAIFL or PAIFL) in a minimally invasive, low trauma, manner and providing a therapy to the spine employing the axial bore. Anterior or posterior starting positions aligned with the AAIFL or PAIFL are accessed through respective anterior and posterior tracts. Curved or relatively straight anterior and curved posterior TASIF axial bores are formed from the anterior and posterior starting positions. The therapies performed through the TASIF axial bores include discoscopy, full and partial discectomy, vertebroplasty, balloon-assisted vertebroplasty, drug delivery, electrical stimulation and various forms of spinal disc cavity augmentation, spinal disc replacement, fusion of spinal motion segments and implantation of radioactive seeds.

Abstract: An implant screw assembly comprising; an inner screw provided with a thread on an outer periphery of one end, and with a base at the other end, wherein an angled socket for a wrench or a slot for a driver is provided at the base, an outer screw provided with a thread on at least part of an outer periphery, and coaxially disposed around the periphery of the base of the inner screw, wherein the thread of the inner screw and the thread of the outer screw are in the same rotation direction, and a meshing structure formed by an outer peripheral face of the inner screw and an inner peripheral face of the outer screw, to prevent relative rotation between the inner screw and the outer screw, whereby the outer screw and the inner screw are only able to slide axially.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bone fixation device of the type useful for connecting soft tissue or tendon to bone or for connecting two or more bones or bone fragments together. The device comprises an elongate body having a distal anchor thereon. A proximal anchor is axially movably disposed with respect to the distal anchor, to accommodate different bone dimensions and permit appropriate tensioning of the fixation device. In one embodiment, the fixation device is optimized for construction from a biocompatible metal such as titanium, and the proximal anchor is removable to permit removal of the fixation device.