Abstract: Received echo data are transferred from an ultrasound probe to the signal processing circuitry of an ultrasound imaging system by use of a reduced number of multiple coaxial cables. The system operates by frequency division multiplexing of the analog output signals produced by multiple individual array elements in the probe onto a single coaxial cable, which connects the probe to the central host computer or console for conventional signal processing and imaging.

Abstract: A system and method obtains physiologic parameter information of an animal or human, such as respiratory rate, from a blood pressure signal from an implanted blood pressure sensor in the animal or human. Specifically, the blood pressure signal is externally signal processed to develop an amplitude versus time waveform. A sequence of selected blood pressure features derived from individual cardiac cycles of the amplitude versus time waveform over a selected time interval are extracted from the developed amplitude versus time waveform. A mathematical model is fitted to the extracted sequence of selected blood pressure features to yield a fitted mathematical model. The physiologic parameter information is computed from the fitted mathematical model.

Abstract: An electronic blood pressure gauge equipped with dismountable external memory device includes a blood pressure gauge and a memory device with a reading section. After a user has plugged or placed his personal memory device in the reading section, the measured present data of blood pressure can be stored in the memory device so that the user can keep himself informed of his blood pressure from time to time.

Abstract: A method and system of distinguishing physiological pulses as measured by pulmonary artery catheterization. The method includes positioning two measurement devices in blood vessels of a subject, one in a major systemic artery and one in the pulmonary artery, and measuring blood pressure in the blood vessel with the measuring device to generate a pressure waveform. A phase difference between the two pressure waveforms is determined and used to create a warning or to display the phase difference on a display. The system includes an analysis module that determines phase differences based on the inputs from two or more physiological sensing modules.

Abstract: Device for electromechanical stimulation and testing of the hearing, including an electromechanical transducer for producing mechanical vibrations, a mechanical coupling element for transmitting mechanical stimulation vibrations from the electromechanical transducer without surgery through the external auditory canal to the umbo, and thus, to the manubrium malleli of the ossicular chain, a positioning device for positioning the coupling element with reference to the umbo, and a fixing device for secure, play-free linkage of the positioning device to human body, especially the human skull.

Abstract: A device (1) for acquiring cell samples by aspiration into an evacuated container (3) comprising: a front hollow needle portion (7) to be inserted into the body from which a sample is to be taken; a rear hollow needle portion (5) for communication with the evacuated container; a conduit (11) connecting the front needle portion (7) to the rear needle portion (5); and a normally closed pinch valve mechanism (6) to open and close the conduit; The valve mechanism (6) is manually operable by one hand and controls the application of negative pressure in the front needle portion (7). The conduit may comprise a flexible tube and the valve mechanism (6) may comprise releasable means (8) to pinch the flexible tube in a pressure-tight manner. The valve mechanism (6) may comprise a spring-biased push-button (8) operable by one digit of a user's hand.

Abstract: The invention provides a vacuum mouthpiece (2) for the acquisition and retention of resected biological specimens for retrieval from a body cavity, the mouthpiece being attached to a first tubular member (4) connectable to a vacuum source and having an active surface including at least one opening communicating with the first tubular member; the mouthpiece (2) being made of an elastically resilient material and having, in a free state, an outside diameter larger than the inside diameter of a second tubular member (24) into which it is insertible by elastic deformation. The invention further provides a closable pouch (20) for the entrapment and retrieval of a resected biological specimen from a body cavity, and a laparoscopic system and method utilizing the above.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to achieve an increased speed of blood collection and separation as well as ease of handling of plasma components after blood separation. A blood-collecting tube, which draws in blood and separates it by using an internal negative pressure in the tube, comprises an upstream tube 10 having a blood inlet 11 and blood outlets 18, a filter 20 for separating blood and a downstream tube 12. A plug 18 is fitted to the blood inlet 11 to thereby close the interior of the upstream tube 10, and the filter 20 is installed so that it blocks the blood outlets 18. The downstream tube 12 is disposed to enclose the filter 20 and constructed in such a way that the downstream tube 12 can be attached to and detached from the upstream tube 10.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for obtaining a sample of blood from a patient for subsequent diagnostic tests, e.g., glucose monitoring. In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for carrying out the method described previously is provided. The apparatus comprises: (a) a housing having a sealable chamber located therein and a sealable opening in fluid communication with the sealable chamber; (b) a vacuum pump in communication with the sealable chamber; (c) a device for forming an unobstructed opening in an area of skin from which a sample is to be collected, preferably a lancing assembly, the device positioned within the sealable chamber; (d) a movable support for supporting and positioning a port for a fluid collector in the sealable chamber, the movable support capable of moving the port within the sealable chamber between a first position and a second position; and (e) a stop for aligning the fluid collector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for carrying out non-invasive urodynamics investigations on male patients, by controlling urethral pressure, which facilitates diagnosis of, and distinction between, obstructive and non-obstructive voiding dysfunction. A pneumatic cuff (2) is placed around the penis (3) and after commencement of urine flow through the penis, the cuff is automatically inflated over a period of time in order to gradually occlude the urethra before voiding of the bladder is complete. A relationship between the urine flow and the cuff pressure applied is established and this is used to determine a pressure measurement related to the bladder pressure under isovolumetric conditions.

Abstract: A mitt is made from three sheets of thin fabric arranged with first and second sheets stitched together along their edges so that facing surfaces of the two sheets slide readily over each other. A third sheet is fastened to at least one of the first two sheets, providing an opening whereby the third sheet and the second sheet form a hand-receiver pocket. Means are provided around the opening to assist in keeping the mitt on the hand after the hand is received in the pocket. The second (middle) sheet is movable-relative to the first sheet, with the facing surfaces of these two sheets readily slidable relative to each other. The other surfaces of the sheets have surfaces of a nature more inclined to stay in place on the skin of the body portion being examined and on the fingers of the examiner while moving the second sheet relative to the first sheet and looking for lumps or irregularities below the surface of the skin of the body portion being examined.

Abstract: A focused ultrasound system includes a plurality of transducer elements disposed about and having an angular position with a central axis. Drive signals drive respective transducer elements that include phase shift values based upon the angular position of each respective transducer element. The phase shift values are based upon an oscillation function that oscillates about the central axis between minimal and maximal phase shift values such that a first on-axis focal zone and a second off-axis focal zone are created. An amplitude and frequency of the oscillation function are controlled to adjust relative acoustic energy levels of the first and second focal zones, and to adjust a radius of the second focal zone, respectively. In addition, the drive signals include an additional predetermined phase shift based upon a radial position of each respective transducer element to adjust a focal distance of the focal zones.

Abstract: A passive therapy device useful for bringing back mobility to the wrist, forearm and/or elbow after immobilization. The device provides therapy to restricted tissue in the wrist, forearm and/or elbow while applying passive tension during therapy. The therapy device is able to readily convert from supination therapy to pronation therapy. In addition, the device can be converted for either right hand use or left hand use.

Abstract: The purpose of my invention of the foot massaging pad is massaging pressure point device. When used on a standard enamel, acrylic plastic fiberglass and heavy porcelain tub a person massaging their pressure points may sit comfortably in a warm bath placing their feet either the left foot or right foot or both which has pressure points distributed over substantially entire front of the pad. The foot massaging pad's holding means are in the form of integral suction cups formed on the back face to maintain the position of the device in use. My invention can be placed and removed after each use.

Abstract: A portable traction device suitable for cervical or lumbar traction powered by a pneumatic cylinder. The portable traction device includes a support structure having a longitudinal axis and a carriage slidable along a portion of the support structure parallel to the longitudinal axis. The carriage including restraining mechanism for releasably restraining a portion of a patient's body to the carriage. A pneumatic cylinder includes a cylinder housing attached to the support structure. The cylinder housing contains a piston and piston rod. The piston rod is attached to the carriage for moving the carriage along the longitudinal axis relative to the support structure when pressurized air is injected into the pneumatic cylinder. The piston has at least one pressure activated seal extending circumferentially around the piston for engagement with an inside surface of the cylinder housing.

Abstract: An orthopedic bandage includes a length of unbroken loop fabric to which a layer of thermoplastic breathable elastomeric foam is intimately adhered. The bandage has integral or attachable parts of different widths that are closed around an anatomical part using tabs that engage the fabric where desired, in a hook-and-pile fastener arrangement. Narrower strap-like parts and wider pad-like parts which can have specific shapes, wrap around the body with minimal bunching or folding which allow a user to apply desired amount of concentrated and general pressure around the particular areas of the body. In addition, the wide and narrow straps are effective to engage tapering anatomical parts such as the base of the hand and wrist or the ankle and foot.

Abstract: A system for removing the lens from an eye of a mammal, including a lens-removal device having a probe for penetrating the lens capsule. The probe includes a sheath that shields a rotating impeller at all times, with the impeller being pneumatically actuated to advance to a lens removal position within the sheath. The impeller is pneumatically rotated using a turbine mechanism within a handle for the probe. Irrigation and aspiration are provided to facilitate removal of the lens tissue. The turbine is driven with pulsed air to prevent stiction. A purge/protection cap helps remove air bubbles from the system prior to use and protects the delicate impeller during transport. An operating system is also provided with a foot pedal actuator.

Abstract: A needle-less hypodermic jet injection system includes a hand-held injector, and an energizing or cocking unit for use with the injector to prepare it for administering an injection. The hand-held unit includes a cartridge which provides a cylinder of liquid medication to be injected, an injection orifice, and an injection piston forceful movement of which causes an injection jet of medication to be expelled from the orifice. A power unit of the injector provides for forceful movement of the injection piston when a trigger is actuated. After being used to effect an injection, the injector is interfaced with an energizer unit which cocks the power unit preparatory to the next injection.

Abstract: A vascular occlusion-crossing assembly (2) includes an elongate delivery system (4) and a flexible elongate member (6) which passes along the body (34) of the delivery assembly. A laterally-extending, vascular tunica-separation guide (32) helps guide the distal end (36) of the delivery assembly between tunica layers (40, 42, 44) to a position distal of an occlusion (52). The distal portion (30) of a distally moving elongate member, typically a flexible hollow needle, is deflected into this distal lumen (54) on the far side of an occlusion (52). A guidewire (62) may be passed along the elongate member thereby crossing the occlusion.

Abstract: A retention member and a feeding tube having a feeding lumen and an inflation lumen. The retention member including a sleeve section, an expandable section, and a shoulder section of decreasing wall thickness therebetween. The sleeve section sealingly engages the feeding tube distal end and the expandable section everts about the shoulder section to sealingly engage the feeding tube and define an expandable lumen in communication with the inflation lumen.

Abstract: A passive perfusion sleeve/placement catheter assembly for performing coronary angioplasty allows prolonged dilatations without blocking blood flow. The perfusion sleeve comprise an elongated shaft with a distally mounted composite balloon including a semi-rigid inner material surrounded by a more flexible and expandable outer material which can extend radially from the catheter and engage the vessel wall and atheroma. The semi-rigid inner material requires more pressure to cause distention than the outer expandable material thereby defining a blood flow channel. The perfusion sleeve/placement catheter assembly of the present invention includes a perfusion sleeve apparatus having a multiple lumen shaft and an expanding balloon connected to a distal end of the shaft. A placement catheter is employed to assist in delivery and retraction of the sleeve.

Abstract: The catheter and introducer needle assembly of this invention includes a catheter adapter at its proximal end having a hollow septum disposed therein. The septum preferably is hollow to minimize drag as the introducer needle is removed therefrom. If desired a gel or lubricious material may be disposed in the cavity.

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: Apparatus for operating eye drop dispenser is provided which includes a four bar link system in order to enable cocking firing and resetting of an actuator for dispensing eye drops upon a single button depression by a patient.

Abstract: A bag for receiving waste discharge from a human body, and the venting/filter assembly for such a bag, are disclosed. The combination includes a filter for deodorizing gas vented through an aperture in one wall of the bag and a gas-permeable barrier membrane disposed between the filter and the interior of the bag so that all gas exiting the bag flows through the membrane. The barrier membrane comprises an unlaminated microporous film of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene impermeable to waste liquids and solids and having a porosity capable of blocking the passage of bacteria and, preferably, at least some viruses. A method of so venting flatus gasses while preventing the escape of microorganisms is also disclosed.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a flap and a spacer wherein the flap is positioned in the rear waist portion of the article and forms a pocket. The spacer is positioned proximate the pocket opening and biases the pocket into an open position. The flap may be a laterally extending liquid impermeable flap which is fixedly secured to the article along a seam. The seam, which may be substantially U-shaped, extends between first and second terminal ends. The flap has a free edge which extends between the first and second terminal ends of the seam. The seam and free edge of the flap define the boundaries of a pocket which is formed between the flap and a topsheet of the absorbent article. The pocket has an opening extending between the first and second terminal ends of the seam. The spacer affixed to the article whereby it is disposed between the flap and the topsheet proximate, and optionally extending through, the pocket opening to bias the free edge of the flap away from the topsheet.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article is provided which includes a substantially liquid-impermeable outer cover, a liquid permeable bodyside liner, an absorbent body located between the outer cover and the bodyside liner, and a pair of leg elastics located on the laterally opposed side edges of the article in at least the intermediate section of the article. The outer cover can be configured to provide a substantially permanent deformation of at least about 10 percent when subjected to a tensile force of 100 gmf per inch (per 2.54 cm) of width according to the Material Elongation and Deformation Tensile Test set forth herein. The permanent deformation of the outer cover in use can result in the article having a substantially permanent leg elastic deformation value of at least about 3 percent when subjected to the Product Deformation Test set forth herein.

Abstract: There is provided an absorbent article, such as a diaper, a pant diaper or an incontinence protector that includes longitudinally extending edges and transversally extending edges, a bottom liquid-impermeable sheet, an absorbent layer, longitudinally extending liquid barriers fastened along or on the longitudinal edges of the article, side-flaps which extend laterally outside the liquid barriers and a first upper, essentially liquid-permeable surface sheet between said liquid barriers and a second upper, essentially liquid-impermeable surface sheet outwardly of said liquid barriers, wherein the ends of the liquid barriers are folded down at the front and/or rear end-part and fastened flat against the first and/or the second upper surface sheet. Those areas of the surface sheets situated at the front and/or the rear end-part are comprised of essentially liquid-impermeable material or are covered with essentially liquid-impermeable material.

Abstract: For heat ablating living tissue of a body, an ablation electrode, contacting a surface of the tissue or within tissue, is coupled to an RF power supply referenced to a second electrode contacting the body. Fluid coolant is circulated to cool the contact surface extending the ablation to an increased volume of tissue. Temperature may be sensed contiguous to the surface to control the flows of RF heating energy and fluid coolant. Computer capability implements control and provides graphics of data, preplans, or controls relative to the ablation. Several forms of electrode structures accommodate specific objectives.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a tissue-anchoring system, including a tissue-anchoring device and tissue anchors. The tissue-anchoring device includes a housing and a tissue anchor positioned on the tissue-anchoring device that will be inserted into a tissue or secured onto a tissue. The device may optionally have a plunger assembly slidably positioned in the housing to assist advancing anchor into a tissue. The tissue anchor has a barb end and a shaft. The barb end is adapted to resist removal from a tissue after the anchor has been inserted. The tissue anchor shaft and the barb end may be hollow. The anchor shaft has an attachment member distal from the barb end for direct attachment to a tissue or for attachment of sutures or slings. The tissue anchors may include an adjustment mechanism for intra- or post-operative adjustments.

Abstract: The device with a bone plate (1) and with a temporarily attachable retainer (100) is used for fixation of, in particular, fragments of a jaw bone. The bone plate (1) has a longitudinal guide slot (40) which is open at one end or closed at both ends. The retainer (100) comprises a disk (110) which engages partially over the bone plate (1) and in which a locking screw (120) sits preferably in a rotatable manner and secure against loss, said locking screw (120) being intended to be screwed into a bone fragment via the guide slot (40). At one end, the bone plate (1) advantageously has areas of members (30) comprising individual members which can be divided off to obtain the desired length, The device extends the possibilities of screwing the bone plate (1), so that better adaptability to the particular task is achieved, and also improved rigidity across the edge of the bone plate (1), while the elasticity of the latter across the surface can be increased by means of less material thickness.

Abstract: A sterile allograft bone screw comprising a screw shank with a uniform diameter threaded portion, an unthreaded portion with a outwardly tapered conical portion and a rectangularly shaped driving head portion with substantially wedge shaped end which can be engagably seated in a seat of a driver member.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for preparing the rejected posterior surface of a patella to receive a prosthetic element. Though applicable to both primary arthroplasty, the invention is ideally suited to revision procedures wherein the patella has previously failed or may be damaged or otherwise compromised. The method includes the steps of applying a layer of material which hardens on the posterior surface of the patella, and urging an inventive die having a planar surface against the layer of material before it hardens so as to create a reconstructed surface which serves as a host for a prosthesis. The preferred hardening material is polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) due to the widespread use of PMMA as a cement in conjunction with orthopaedic techniques. To provide a thicker build-up, however, the die surface may be recessed relative to a peripheral edge, so that the reconstructed surface is raised relative to the posterior surface of the patella.

Abstract: A plug for stopping the flow of bone cement in a channel within bone, such as the intramedullary bone canal or a previously prepared channel, includes an elastomeric inflatable structure protected from bone fragments and sharp edges by a shield extending around distal and peripheral sides of the inflatable structure. This inflatable structure is preferably formed as a sleeve extending around a core. The shield includes a distal end fastened to the core and a flexible portion expandable with inflation of the inflatable structure. The core is also removably connected to an insertion tool, with passageways in the insertion tool and in the core being used to insert a fluid into the inflatable structure. A valve extends as a sleeve around the core, and over the passageway, allowing fluid to flow into the inflatable structure, but preventing it from flowing out of the inflatable structure.

Abstract: A deformable intraocular lens insertion system comprising a lens injecting device and a lens cartridge with a rotary connecting arrangement between the lens injecting device and the lens cartridge. The invention includes preloading the deformable intraocular lens insertion system, in particularly the lens cartridge to reduce the amount of packaging, prevent damage to the deformable intraocular lens during packaging and shipping, allow the preloaded lens cartridge to be autoclaved as a unit, and eliminate the step of loading the lens cartridge with the deformable intraocular lens by the end user to prevent potential damage during this step.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a device for performing a medical procedure includes a first elongated member that is adapted to be positioned inside of an esophagus and a stomach, the first elongated member having a distal flexible portion having a first retracted configuration and a second expanded configuration, the second expanded configuration defining an arcuate shape.

Abstract: A surgical suture loop combination and a method of using the combination. The combination has a suture and a surgical needle. The ends of the suture are mounted to the surgical needle to form a suture loop. A pledget member is mounted to the suture loop. A replacement heart valve is mounted to a cardiac valve annulus using the suture loop combinations and surgical procedures of the present invention.

Abstract: A corneal surgical apparatus for incising a cornea of a patient's eye in a layered form has a suction ring having an opening, which is vacuum-fixed to the patient's eye so that the cornea is projected from the opening. A cutting unit has a blade and an applanating member so that the cornea projected from the opening is incised by the blade while being applanated by the applanating member. A height changing mechanism is further provided, for changing a height of a tip of the blade in a visual axis direction of the patient's eye with respect to the suction ring.

Abstract: A guard device with angled cranium guide that can be removably and replaceably attached to an existing craniotome for producing a stable bone flap system includes an elongate stem defining a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and distal end. The proximal end is adapted for attachment to the craniotome. A footplate extends from the distal end of the stem at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the stem. The footplate is positioned adjacent to the cutting portion of the craniotome and prevents the cutting portion from penetrating too far into the skull. On one side of the stem between the proximal and distal ends is an angled cranium guide. The dura guard with its angled cranium guide enables the surgeon to rest the guide agains the cranium and the maintain the craniotome at a fixed angle to cut a bone flap at an angle.

Abstract: A cannula includes a tubular body having proximal closed end and distal blunt end, at least one lumen extending the length of the body, an endoscope having a lighted, viewing end disposed in the lumen near the distal end of the body, and a transparent, tissue separating member substantially covering the distal end of the body. The tissue separating member has a blunt tip disposed from and of the end distal to the body. A method of using such a cannula separates tissue to form an elongated cavity along the course of a small blood vessel and subsequently harvesting the blood vessel.

Abstract: An assembly for delivery and deployment of an inflation expandable stent within a vessel is comprised of a catheter, an inflation expandable stent, an expandable balloon, and a securement device such as a corrugated tube component or an expandable tube component. The tube component is mounted on the inner shaft beneath the balloon and provides increased securement to the stent in a reduced delivery diameter to maintain the stent on the catheter during delivery to the deployment site. The tube component is adhered to the inner shaft and has a plurality of ribs or is fluid expandable to no more than the delivery diameter, and may be comprised of more than one separately inflatable pouch expandable to provide the stent with a substrate seat with increased friction and to decrease the slack in stent recoil crimping. The assembly is used in a method for delivering and deploying a stent, and also adds safety when loading/crimping the stent onto a balloon.

Abstract: A system used in a blood vessel when an interventional procedure is being performed in a stenosed or occluded region, which is capable of treating an entire affected area in a blood vessel while preventing adverse effects for healthy tissue. The system includes a catheter which is positionable in a blood vessel at the interventional procedure site. The system further includes an expandable interventional instrument such as an expandable stent which is expandable and which may be deployed in the blood vessel at the interventional procedure site, which includes an unexpanded axial dimension. The system also includes an expandable member such as an expandable balloon, for expanding the expandable stent. The expandable balloon is capable of expanding so as to expand and deploy the expandable stent, and to substantially retain the unexpanded axial dimension of the expandable stent.

Abstract: A system used in a blood vessel when an interventional procedure is being performed in a stenosed or occluded region, which is capable of enabling a support device and filter supported thereon, to be inserted into the blood vessel and to cross the stenosis therein in a low profile without a sheath extending thereabout. The filter is adapted to filter the blood in the blood vessel. The system is further capable of enabling the support device and filter to be positioned distal to the interventional procedure site, and to be activated to expand at the distal location so as to enable the filter to capture any embolic material that may be created and released into the bloodstream during the interventional procedure. The system is also capable of enabling the support device and filter to be activated to contract to a return profile for enabling the filter to retain the embolic material captured therein and the removal of the support device and filter from the blood vessel.

Abstract: The present invention provides aneurysm occlusion devices 60, 160 formed from a resilient metal fabric and a method for reliably and effectively occluding aneurysms. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the aneurysm devices include a body portion 80 which is sized to be received within an aneurysm and an anchor 70 which is sized, and may also be preformed into a specific shape, to engage the lumen of a vessel having the aneurysm thereon. The aneurysm occluder 60 may also include a generally tubular central portion 62 extending between the body portion and the anchor, the central portion being sized and shaped to be received within the neck of the aneurysm. The present invention has particular advantages over prior minimally invasive techniques for occluding aneurysms in that it can both fill the aneurysm and occlude or “stent” the neck of the aneurysm in one step. It also minimizes damage to healthy vessel tissue by localizing contact with the interior of the vessel.

Abstract: A blood clot filtering system including an anchor which is permanently affixed in a blood vessel, and a filter which is removably attached to the anchor.

Abstract: A tourniquet cuff (10) includes a first layer (20), a second layer (40), and a third layer (60). The first layer (20) has an inner side (22) impermeable to air and the second layer (40) has a first side (44) impermeable to air. The inner side (22) of the first layer (20) and the first side (44) of the second layer (40) cooperate to define a first cavity (96) formed to receive a gel-like material (15) therein. Further, the third layer (60) has an inner side (64) which cooperates with a second side (42) of the second layer (40) to define a second cavity (94) formed to receive pressurized air. The tourniquet cuff (10) adjustably secures about a patient's limb such that the gel-like material (15) is positioned between the patient's limb and the second cavity (94) to uniformly and comfortably distribute pressure around the patient's limb.

Abstract: A multi-function laparoscopic instrument with an end effector assembly including at least first and second movable members, a first actuator coupled to the first movable member, a second actuator coupled to the second movable member, and a handle assembly. The handle assembly includes a drive mechanism, at least one movable trigger pivotably connected with the drive mechanism, and a switching mechanism coupled to the drive mechanism and having at least two positions, a first position in which the drive mechanism is engaged with the first actuator to operate the first movable member when the movable trigger is activated and, a second position in which the drive mechanism is engaged with the second actuator to operate the second movable member when the movable trigger is activated.

Abstract: Each of foreign body catching arms 3 has an intermediate curved portion 3a formed midway which, upon contact with the inner peripheral surface of sheath 1, undergoes elastic deformation such that the distal end portions 3b of foreign body catching arms 3 are forced to spread wider than when they are in a free state.

Abstract: A staple and stapler and introducer are disclosed for closing a wound and for wound site management. The staple is deformable, and includes a plurality of tissue-piercing prongs which are expanded outwardly, inserted into tissue and collapsed inwardly to close the wound. The stapler includes a plurality of mechanisms to deform the staple into various positions. An introducer is provided that includes a plurality of spaced-apart wire guides for securing and centering the wound opening during a medical procedure, and during closure of the wound.

Abstract: A stent may be constructed comprising a plurality of interconnected circumferential bands each bands comprising a plurality of concave and/or convex M-shaped segments joined together by loops.