Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an absorbent article having a multifunctional disposal fastening mechanism disposed on the outer cover thereof. The absorbent article has an improved disposal fastening mechanism that provides for a convenient and simple disposal of the article, while at the same time providing relevant or pleasing indicia on the multifunctional disposal fastening mechanism. The multifunctional disposal fastening mechanism is capable of maintaining the garment in a rolled up configuration, and it includes visible indicia.

Abstract: A tampon showing improved leakage protection through improved expansion characteristics is disclosed. The tampons disclosed demonstrate these improved expansion characteristics particularly in the width dimension without introducing new drawbacks. Preferred tampons are described which are compressed to an initial size comparable to current tampons, but which expand to a width exceeding that achieved by current tampons. Such increased expansion is preferably accomplished without an increase in the total absorbency of the tampon. Tampons of various absorbencies are disclosed having increased total expansion in the width direction compared to current tampons. Additionally, tampons of various absorbencies which expand to a greater degree in the width direction under pressure are also disclosed. Tampons of various absorbencies which expand at a rate exceeding that achieved previously are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tampon showing improved leakage protection through improved expansion characteristics is disclosed. The tampons disclosed demonstrate these improved expansion characteristics particularly in the width dimension without introducing new drawbacks. Preferred tampons are described which are compressed to an initial size comparable to current tampons, but which expand to a width exceeding that achieved by current tampons. Such increased expansion is preferably accomplished without an increase in the total absorbency of the tampon. Tampons of various absorbencies are disclosed having increased total expansion in the width direction compared to current tampons. Additionally, tampons of various absorbencies which expand to a greater degree in the width direction under pressure are also disclosed. Tampons of various absorbencies which expand at a rate exceeding that achieved previously are also disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure describes an absorbent article, preferably a diaper, having improved stretchability. Specifically, a portion of the waist region of the absorbent article that contains a connection mechanism is stretched by applying a predetermined force to the waist region and connection mechanism. The waist region stretches more than about 125% of its original width when an 800 gram force is applied, and the connection mechanism stretches by more than about 200% of its original width, when an 800 gram force is applied. The absorbent article has improved flexibility and is capable of fitting a variety of wearer sizes.

Abstract: A vial adapter having a needle-free valve, a sharpened cannula used to perforate a vial's rubber stopper, and a circular array of claws of different lengths to engage vial closures of different diameters. The array of claws includes a first set of claws each having a first length extending inwardly from the periphery of the housing of the adapter and a second set of claws alternating with the first set of claws and each having a longer length. The second set of claws are mounted so that they deflect and plastically deform out of the way in the case where the adapter is engaged with a vial that exceeds a predetermined size. The housing includes a shroud that is at least as long as the sharpened cannula to protect medical personnel who use the adapter from inadvertent punctures. The needle-free valve includes a resiliently deformable piston element with a naturally open bore. The interior of the piston provides a fluid flow path through the adapter.

Abstract: Many of those having diabetes take a combination of slow and fist acting types of insulins It is important that the different forms of medicament do not become confused. To this end, a medicament cartridge is provided comprising a sleeve having a bottleneck provide g a flange at a first end, a fluid moveable membrane secured across the first end by a metal cap beaded beneath the flange, and a displaceable piston located internally of the sleeve wards a second end of the slam a collar located against an external periphery of the cartridge housing beneath the flange and an adapter top press fit over the cap and the collar, the adapter top being provided with means to act upon the collar thereby to T the adapter top on the sleeve.

Abstract: A convenient, compact and truly closed system drainage and infusion connector valve is disclosed that can be used in conjunction with a wide variety of medical catheters and tubes. The device is designed to take the place of open style adapters and connectors. It has a simple On-Off handle for fluid control and a separately functioning syringe port seal. The device provides in-line irrigation, medication delivery, or syringe decompression/aspiration without disconnect, remaining closed to atmosphere at all times. This closed system protects the clinician from potentially infectious splashback events and the patient from external contamination during suction and drainage, enteral feeding, irrigation/lavage, and medication delivery.

Abstract: A multilumen catheter assembly is provided, which includes a unitary portion and at least two distal end tubes extending distally from the unitary portion. The unitary portion includes an exterior having a generally round or oval shape in cross section and includes at least two distal end tubes of generally circular (or other) cross sectional shape extending longitudinally therethrough. The catheter assembly may be made by extruding a unitary tube having internal longitudinally extending lumens (of circular or other shape), then splitting the tube on its distal end portion to form distal end tubes. The tubes are then ground and polished, the finished tubes retaining in combination the generally oval cross sectional shape of the unitary extrusion, or the finished tubes can each be finished to a circular, or other, cross sectional shape, or the finished tubes could include a combination of cross sectional shapes over its longitudinal length.

Abstract: An indwelling catheter for insertion into a patient's urinary tract is provided that includes first and second tubular members that enable drainage of physiological fluids. An inflatable balloon is attached to the second tubular member. The first and second tubular members are interconnected by a connecting tube forming a gap between the first and second tubular members. The connecting tube is in fluid communication with the balloon to enable the balloon to be inflated via the connecting tube. When the balloon is anchored within the urinary bladder the second tubular member is located within the prostatic urethra with one end in close proximity to the sphincter and the other end protruding into the urinary-bladder. The first tubular member is located within the penile urethra with one end in close proximity to the sphincter so that the connecting tube traverses the sphincter permitting voluntary control of the sphincter.

Abstract: The invention relates to analyte monitoring/drug (pharmaceutical agent) delivery device. The invention is suited for monitoring various blood constituents such as glucose. The device has a housing that at least partially encloses a plurality of microneedles disposed on a carrier and an electronics portion. Each microneedle is in fluid communication with a corresponding microchannel. Each microneedle is individually addressable. That is, each microneedle can be extended and retracted individually via an actuator. The electronics portion includes a processor and associated circuitry (e.g., memory, supporting electronics and the like), a motor or the like, a sensor, a power supply (e.g., battery) and optionally an interface. In general, the processor controls the operation of the device and is data communication with the actuator, motor, sensor and interface. The invention provides for autonomous operation, that is, without intervention of the user.

Abstract: An implantable medical device having a removable polymeric drug delivery panel electrostatically coupled to a surface of a radially expandable structure is provided. The removable polymeric drug delivery panel provides a microporous structure suitable for embedding one or more bioactive agents to allow for kinetic release of the agent or agents at a desired location within a hollow fluid body organ. The removable polymeric drug delivery panel is characterized as having a relatively large and flat surface area to allow for extended or high volumes of kinetic release potential at the site.

Abstract: A double cylinder system is disclosed, comprising at least one controller being adapted to transmit hydraulic control signals; at least one slave being in fluid communication with the controller and being configured to respond to the hydraulic control signals transmitted by the controller; and at least one control line providing hydraulic communication between the controller and the slave. Also disclosed is a surgical device, comprising at least one controller located at a proximal end of the device, the controller being adapted to transmit hydraulic control signals; at least one manipulator, the manipulator being configured to be controlled by a human hand and to actuate the controller; at least one slave located at a distal end of the device, the slave being in fluid communication with the controller and being configured to respond to the hydraulic control signals transmitted by the controller; and at least one control line providing hydraulic communication between the controller and the slave.

Abstract: A light irradiation apparatus for a dental photo polymerization composite resin of multi-purpose type which can efficiently and completely polymerize and cure the dental photo polymerization composite resin using a combination of the camphor quinone and the tertiary amine as the photo polymerization catalyst, and can also polymerize and cure the dental photo polymerization composite resin using the acylphosphine oxide as the newly developed photo polymerization initiator, with a structure such that there are arranged a blue ray radiation LED 5 having luminous wavelengths peaked at a wavelength of 430 nm or more but not more than 500 nm, and a near ultraviolet rays and/or violet rays radiation LED 6 having luminous wavelengths peaked at a wavelength of 350 nm or more but less than 430 nm, and there is provided a circuit changing switch 7 at least for simultaneously turning on these two kinds of LEDs 5, 6 and for turning on only the near ultraviolet rays and/or violet rays radiation LED 6.

Abstract: An environmental chamber that can be fixed to the eye during laser refractive surgery. The chamber is held in place by a suction ring or the like and contains a window that is transparent to necessary ultraviolet radiation, visible light and infrared radiation wavelengths. The chamber is connected to a control system that controls the temperature and humidity within the chamber and provides for the evacuation of ablation by-products from the surgical site.

Abstract: Structures, processes, and mechanisms are provided for the ablation of hollow organs. Ablation structures, having deployable electrically conductive probes, are placed within a hollow organ, such as a stomach. The ablation structure typically includes a distension mechanism, whereby the hollow organ is controllably distended. The electrically conductive probes are then deployed, such that the probes extend make electrical contact with the tissue of the hollow organ, typically by extending through a mucosal layer of the hollow organ. The electrically conductive probes are typically deployed by extension of movable electrically conductive probes, from a first protected position to a second extended position. In alternate embodiments of the ablation system, the ablation apparatus includes means for vacuum-directed contact between the tissue and the electrically conductive probes.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument is provided, having a holding formation, an elongated probe, an electrode, and a conductor. The elongated probe is connected to and extends from the holding formation. The electrode is located on an end of the elongated probe opposing the holding formation, and has a leading edge and a face. The electrode is locatable so that the face is substantially in a horizontal plane and the leading edge is above the horizontal plane. The conductor extends along the elongated probe and has a portion connected to the electrode to provide RF power thereto. The electrode creates a temperature profile with a temperature adjacent to the leading edge being higher than a temperature adjacent to the face.

Abstract: The present invention provides ultrasound-guided ablation catheters and methods for their use. In one embodiment, a tissue ablation apparatus (2) includes a flexible elongate body (12) having proximal (14) and distal (12) ends. A plurality of spaced-apart electrodes (24) are operably attached to the flexible body near the distal end. A plurality of transducer elements (28) are disposed between at least some of the electrodes. Transducers assist the physician in determining whether or not the ablation elements are in contact with the tissue to be ablated.

Abstract: An electrosurgery system includes an electrosurgical generator (10) coupled to or part of an electrosurgical instrument, the generator being operable to generate electrosurgical power in low frequency (typically at 1 MHz) and high frequency bands (typically at 2.45 GHz) either simultaneously or individually. The generator includes a load-responsive control circuit which, in one mode, causes power to be generated predominantly at 1 MHz when the load impedance is high and predominantly at 2.45 MHz when it is low. This allows automatic switching between cutting and coagulation operation. In one embodiment, the instrument includes a gas plasma generator operating such that an ionisable gas is energised in a gas supply passage by the 2.45 GHz component to form a plasma stream which acts as a conductor for delivering the 1 MHz component to a tissue treatment outlet of the passage.

Abstract: A device for cutting and retrieving tissue, includes a handle, a first set of at least one wire, and a second set of at least one wire. The handle includes an elongated shaft, a tube, a first sleeve member disposed over the shaft, and a second sleeve member disposed over the shaft. The shaft defines a passageway therein. The tube connects to and extends from a distal end of the passageway, and forms a continuing channel with the passageway. The two sets of wires, attached respectively to the first sleeve member and the second sleeve member, extend through the channel to distal ends of the wires, and form loops at their distal ends. A control tip is secured to the distal end of the first set of wire. A retaining pin is secured to the control tip, extends between at least two wires of the loop of the second set of wire, allows the second set of wire to be extended from the tube and through the control tip, and prevents the second set of wire from being withdrawn from the control tip and into the tube.

Abstract: A bone fixation apparatus and method are provided that allow a user to push bone pins into engagement with bones with more precision and accurate feel as to proper engagement and the clamping forces between the pins and bone over prior devices utilizing applicator guns and the like. Fine tuning of the clamping forces is also contemplated. Compact and highly ergonomic bone fixators are provided which allow the user to remain close to the pin application site during clamping of the pins onto the bone. Significant flexiblity is preferably incorporated by having two adjustably connected positioner bodies which can each mount a pin holder module releasably attached thereto. A fixation system with improved rigidity is also provided by way of independent clamping members for each of a pair of rod mounts on each pin positioner.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes a fastener (16) engageable with a bone portion to connect a longitudinal member (12) to the bone portion. A housing (40) has a first passage (42) configured to receive the longitudinal member (12) and a second passage (44) extending transverse to the first passage. The fastener (16) extends through an opening (50) in the housing (40) into the second passage (44). A longitudinal axis (18) of the fastener (16) is positionable in any one of a plurality of angular positions relative to a longitudinal axis (46) of the second passage (44). A spacer (60) received in the second passage (44) of the housing (40) is engageable with the fastener (16) and the longitudinal member (12). A member (70) applies a force to prevent relative movement between the fastener (16) and the housing (40) and permit manual movement of the fastener (16) relative to the housing (40) against the force when the longitudinal member (12) is disengaged from the spacer (60).

Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising at least a fixed element (2), secured to a vertebra, at least a mobile element (10), capable of moving relative to the or each fixed element, and at least an intermediate element (22) for articulating the mobile element relative to the fixed element. The intermediate element (22) is received in an internal volume of the mobile element % (10), and the fixed element (2) is received at least partly in an internal volume (26) of the intermediate element (22). Means are provided for securing, at least in translation, said intermediate element (22) to the fixed element (2), comprising the periphery of the substantially rigid outlet of the internal volume of the intermediate element.

Abstract: The present invention has a plate and rod assembly for implantation in the cervical region of the spine which includes an occipital plate having an angled anchor bridging area that is attached to the lower posterior curve of the skull. On either side the bridging area is connected to offset legs which join flanged areas that include tethered rod anchors having rod-receiving channels. Specifically, the flanged areas have a high friction surface, which is preferably knurled, to bite into the surface of the rod that is received in the channels. These flanges include undercut slots that capture the side plates integral to the open U-shaped members including the rod-receiving channels. The side plates extend longer in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the rod when it is in the channel. These side plates can thus be lowered into the slot and rotated by 90 degrees to capture the channels in the flanges since the undercut slots are not as wide as they are long.

Abstract: A rod distance retainer comprises a coupler link including rod engaging concave portions which engage a pair of rods fixing a plurality of adjacent vertebral bodies, and fixing screws which fix the rods which is engaged with the rod engaging concave portions. In the rod distance retainer of the present invention, taper faces are formed on tip portions of the fixing screws to enable the fixing screws to abut on peripheral surfaces of the rods.

Abstract: A vertebral body distance retainer comprises a retainer member including engaging portions to be engaged with a pair of rods provided on a plurality of adjacent vertebral bodies and abutting portions capable of freely abutting on spinous processes of the adjacent vertebral bodies, and fixing screws which fix the rods being engaged with the engaging portions. The vertebral body distance retainer is disposed between the spinous processes each existing on the adjacent vertebral bodies, so that the distance between the spinous processes can be retained constant.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method of inserting spinal implants is disclosed in which an intervertebral space is first distracted, a hollow sleeve having teeth at one end is then driven into the vertebrae adjacent that disc space. A drill is then passed through the hollow sleeve removing disc and bone in preparation for receiving the spinal implant which is then inserted through the sleeve.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a transverse connector having a seat rod for seating a rod therein engagement mechanism including a rod engagement seat forming a portion of the rod seat, the engagement mechanism being movable into and out of engagement with the rod seated in the rod seat.

Abstract: A fixation plate kit for fixation of a distal radius facture includes an elongated plate and at least one tensioning device. The elongated plate is configured to be mounted to the volar surface of the distal radius and includes a distal portion and a proximal portion. The distal portion extends from and forms an angle with the proximal portion and includes at least one tine extending from the distal portion. The tensioning device is configured to pass through an opening in the elongated plate, through a channel in the radius, and to be tightenable to fix the elongated plate to the radius.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthopedic implant assembly having a flange member having a through bore with internal threads and a screw which has a single continuous thread that has a first section and a second section. The cross sectional configuration of the thread in the first section is different than the cross sectional configuration in the second section. The first section defines a cancellous thread while the second section defines a locking thread which is an asymmetrical buttress thread that has the same pitch and angle along the leading or thrust surface as the cancellous thread and a thicker square spiral edge or face joined to a transverse rear surface.

Abstract: An orthopedic device including a longitudinal plate assembly having an adjustable length and two ends. Each of the ends includes a feature that can be used to couple the end to a body structure, such as, for example, a vertebral bone. Preferably, the assembly includes two longitudinal plates that can translate longitudinally with respect to one another through a plurality of positions and be secured with respect to one another at one of the positions, thereby enabling the length of the assembly to be adjusted. Inasmuch as the length of the plate assembly can be adjusted, the surgeon can set the length to the most clinically appropriate length for effective coupling of the plate assembly to the body structure.

Abstract: A device and method for installing an anchor in a bone of a patient employs an anchor body having expandable side walls in a tapered shape with retention members on their external surfaces, and an expansion member within the anchor body which is pulled to an engaged position where it presses on the inside of the side walls to expand them outwardly to engage the retention members with the bone walls of a borehole in which the anchor body is inserted. Preferably, the anchor body is sectioned by slits to form expandable side wall sections below an expansion joint or deformation wrinkle. The side walls have containment ring sections at their distal ends for retaining the expansion member inside the anchor body. The expansion member may be formed as a conical plug with a central aperture and tab recesses on its underside for insertion of an elongated scissors-type instrument with movable prongs that engage into the tab recesses of the expansion plug.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tendon anchor for attaching a tendon to at least one bone without sutures within a bore drilled into at least one bone. The tendon anchor includes a first tendon anchor adapted for insertion into a bore of a first bone. The first tendon anchor has a channel provided therein for receiving and holding a central portion of a tendon during insertion and when in final position in the bore of the first bone. Opposite ends of the tendon extend out of the singular bore. A first securing mechanism (preferably a screw) which is associated with the first tendon anchor moves at least a part of the first tendon anchor radially outward to securely engage the first tendon anchor and the central portion of the tendon to the first bone by urging at least a part of the first tendon anchor against a cylindrical wall portion of said bore in said first bone. Thus, an anchor is provided without the need for sutures and the anchor may be inserted through a singular bore in the bone.

Abstract: A cutting device for being inserted into a knee joint between the tibia and the femur, wherein the cutting device is adapted for resecting bone from the femur to a desired depth in a path of travel of the tibia when located in the knee joint and operated as the tibia is moved through an arc of motion about the femur between backward and forward positions. A cutting device is also disclosed for being inserted into a knee joint between the tibia and the femur for resecting bone from the tibia to a desired depth to form a recess in a condyle of the tibia for reception of a tibial implant, comprising a body being located between the tibia and the femur, a cutter for resecting the bone from the tibia to form the recess and a drive mechanism for driving the cutter to resect the bone and being arranged in the body, wherein the cutter is mounted on the body and protrudes therefrom for resecting the bone from the tibia.

Abstract: A sizing guide for facilitating the sizing of prosthetic devices that are implanted. The sizing guide is designed for consistent mounting at a fixed anatomical reference point to facilitate accurate and repeatable sizing estimations for a variety of bone types and sizes.

Abstract: The invention is based on the notion of providing a device for implanting catheters, which has a tube with a wall and a wire. In that case the tube is intended to be introduced into a body so that at least one catheter can be inserted for implantation through the tube. The wall of the tube has an inside surface and an outside surface. The wire is preferably fixed at its first end in the region of the proximal end of the tube to the inside surface or the outside surface of the wall and the wire is guided in the proximity of that surface along the longitudinal direction of the tube from the proximal end of the tube to the distal end thereof and is then returned in the proximity of the respective other surface of the wall along the longitudinal direction from the distal end of the tube to the proximal end thereof.

Abstract: An arthroscope cannula for a sleeveless arthroscope. The arthroscope cannula is provided with an elongated shaft, a distal end with a threaded portion which allows the arthroscope cannula to securely lock into the knee capsule, and a proximal end for receiving the sheathless arthroscope. The cannula includes a slidable retention clip that is advanced on the shaft of the cannula to a position against the skin to maintain traction and stabilize the cannula against retraction, and to distend the joint capsule.

Abstract: A structure for receiving surgical instruments for performing a surgical procedure on a body includes a passage through which the surgical instruments are inserted into the body. The passage has a proximal end and a distal end. An expandable portion enables an increase in the cross-sectional area of the distal end of the passage. The expandable portion has a contracted condition in which the cross-sectional area of the distal end of the passage has a first cross-sectional area. The expandable portion has an expanded condition in which the distal end of the passage has a second cross-sectional area greater than the first cross-sectional area. The second cross-sectional area is greater than a cross-sectional area of the proximal end of the passage when the expandable portion is in the expanded condition. A retaining mechanism resists movement of the expandable portion from the expanded condition toward the contracted condition during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a modified surgical instrument of conventional design for assisting in suture ligation. The instrument is particularly well suited for suture ligation during endoscopic and laparoscopic procedures, but may be used in conventional surgical procedures as well. The instrument comprises a knot assist assembly operationally coupled to the instrument such that in operation, the knot assist assembly provides the surgeon with a perpendicular tip to aid in suture ligation.

Abstract: A dual-use suturing device for suturing a wound induced from a celioscope surgery is formed by a needle positioning seat, an auxiliary positioning device, and an upper cover buckled to the needle positioning seat. The positioning pieces at the top of the auxiliary positioning device are buckled to the embedding groove at a lower end of the needle positioning seat. The guide holes of the needle positioning seat have a tapered inner surface. Hollowed portions of the guide trenches provide clamping spaces at two sides of the auxiliary positioning device. Then two clean auxiliary positioning devices are used to clamp the wire needle and hooked needle so that the hand of the doctor can pinch the needles. The non-hollowed portions at the upper side of the guide trenches of the auxiliary positioning device are exactly formed as resisting portions for resisting against the needles.

Abstract: A surgical clamping device for hollow anatomical structures such as, essentially, blood vessels, but also for tracheas, intestines, etc.

Abstract: A device for connecting hollow organs and/or sealing wall defects in hollow organs, has a base mounting for replacement on a hollow organ. The base mounting has at least one recess on a first surface and at least one guidetrack for at least one spiral needle in which the spiral needle is movable forwards in a rotatable fashion. The guidetrack for the spiral needle is disposed at least partially along the edge of the recess in such a manner that the track of the spiral needle during a revolution extends partially in the base mounting and partially in the recess.

Abstract: An anastomosis is performed using a flexible mounting structure mounted on the outside of at least one vessel. Fasteners extend through the vessel and are bent towards the incision to attach the flexible mounting structure to the vessel in a manner that controls the edge of the vessel adjacent to the incision. The mounting structures are oriented on each vessel so fasteners on one mounting structure interdigitate with fasteners on the other mounting structure at the location of contact between the vessels when the two vessels are brought together. This creates two complementary sinusoidal-shaped vessel edges with peaks of one edge being accommodated in the valleys of the other edge. The peak-to-valley orientation forms a sinusoidal-shaped joint which is leak free. The fasteners are spaced so proper pressure is applied to the tissue to promote healing without leaking. Furthermore, the fasteners are sized and shaped to properly engage the tissue and bend in a desired manner.

Abstract: Systems for anastomosing a first hollow tissue structure to a second hollow tissue structure are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, such a system comprises at least one tissue securing member adapted to secure the first and second hollow tissue structures together, and a device for applying the tissue securing member to the tissue structures. The tissue securing member is preferably configured to pass through only one of the tissue structures, and is movable from a first configuration to a second configuration which results in a compressive force being applied to the tissue structures. The systems are particularly useful for performing anastomosis of blood vessels in heart surgery.

Abstract: A rapid exchange catheter having a control valve spaced proximal the distal tip of the catheter. The control valve directing a guidewire out of the lumen catheter through an opening in the side wall of the catheter while allowing passage of a vaso-occlusive device through the lumen of the catheter while preventing the vaso-occlusive device from exiting through the opening.

Abstract: The invention concerns a vascular occlusion device. The invention is characterised in that it comprises two expandable members (3, 4) enabling it to be fixed by pressure on two portions of the vessel; it further comprises an intermediate part (5) deformable in twisting to an adjustable degree depending on the relative position of the two expandable members (3, 4); thereby producing a maximum constricted region (6) defining the extent of occlusion. The invention also concerns a apparatus for setting and a method for using such a device.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that allows a surgeon to temporarily halt the flow of blood to a tissue during a surgical procedure (temporary hemostasis) and restore the flow of blood to the tissue when desired without damaging the tissue is described. The instrument comprises a handle means, a hollow barrel member, a loop and an operating means coupled to the loop to drive the loop between contracted state and an expanded state. Preferably, one end of the loop is removable from the operating means so that temporary hemostasis can be induced in virtually any tissue of the body.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in the treatment of choanal atresia and in the prevention of stenosis following choanal atresia repair in infants comprises two choanal tubes adapted to lie side-by-side each of a plastics material approved for use in humans and each having a lengthwise extending flexible metallic insert embedded internally within its wall(s). The ends of a strip of plastics material are attached one to one end of each of the choanal tubes and a bridge of plastics material extends between and is removably attached to the choanal tubes at or towards their ends remote from the strip of plastics material. The arrangement is such that, in use, the choanal tubes are positioned in the nasal passageways and transnasal openings of an infant with the plastics strip extending behind the cartilage which separates the nasal passageways, and with the bridge positioned adjacent the columella of the infant.

Abstract: Disclosed is a single-use surgical scalpel comprising two molded plastic elements, and a surgical blade. The first molded plastic element is a housing. The housing has an upper and a lower radiused edge, and ribbed interior wall surfaces. The ribbed interior wall surfaces of the molded plastic housing define a channel for slidable engagement of the second molded plastic element which is referred to as a blade carrier. The channel has one open end through which a surgical blade is extended during use, a slot through the lower radiused edge for slidable engagement of an actuator/locking fin, a single-use indicator window, and a retaining element for engaging a distal end of a leaf spring. The molded plastic blade carrier comprises a first end adapted for engaging the surgical blade, a second end comprising a leaf spring to assist in blade retraction, the leaf spring having a proximal and a distal end, and a central portion comprising the actuator/locking fin and a single-use indicator.

Abstract: The invention concerns lancets with a lancet needle, the tip of the lancet needle being embedded in an elastic material. Furthermore the invention concerns lancets where the tip of the lancet needle is surrounded by a hollow body which partially consists of an elastic material that can be pierced by the tip of the lancet needle during the lancing process and which reseals the tip of the lancet needle in the hollow body when it is retracted. In addition the invention concerns a lancet magazine in which the lancets are accommodated in individual chambers, each chamber having an opening through which the tip of the lancet needle can pass, which is sealed by an elastic material. Finally the invention concerns the use of an elastic material as a component of a lancet or a lancet magazine to maintain the sterility of at least the tip of a lancet needle in the unused state and to hygienically protect at least the tip of a lancet needle in the used state.

Abstract: A surgical balloon is provided for insertion into a uterus that includes a substantially continuous outer wall defining an exterior surface of the balloon on a first side and an interior hollow of the balloon on a second side, with the outer wall being formed from a stretchable elastic material and being stretchable by pressure within the inner hollow between a collapsed state and an expanded state. The substantially continuous outer wall has a base portion for coupling with shaft, an intermediate portion adjacent the base portion and an end portion at a distal end of the balloon and adjacent the intermediate portion. The base portion has a first primary wall thickness, the intermediate portion has a second primary wall thickness, and the end portion has a third primary wall thickness.