Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an electronic device for implementing the method for measuring mental load. The electronic device generates at least two different cognitively loading tasks for the person participating in the measurement, the first task determining a reference level and at least one other task determining the loading capacity level. The electronic device determines the pulse parameters of the person participating in the measurement during the cognitively loading tasks. The electronic device also compares the pulse parameters during the different tasks with each other. Finally, the electronic device generates a value descriptive of the mental load of the person participating in the measurement on the basis of the comparison of the pulse parameters.

Abstract: A method detects and interprets myoelectrical activity from an intra-abdominal organ. Electrodes obtain first signals over time relating to myoelectrical activity of organ. A respiration sensor obtains second signals relating to respiration of the patient. An initial parameter range of the first and second signals is established. A processor determines minutes when artifact occurs in both the first and second signals based on the initial parameter range. It is then determined whether there are artifact free minutes of the first and second signals. A condition of the patient is changed after determining that there are sufficient artifact free minutes. The first and second signals are recorded in memory simultaneously for a period of time after changing the condition of the patient. A processor determines whether artifact occurs in the recorded first and second signals. Artifact free minutes of the recorded first and second signals are selected for analysis.

Abstract: A method and device for sensing the temperature profile of a hollow body organ includes a catheter and a hollow guidewire carrying a thermal sensor. The guidewire is configured to displace the thermal sensor radially relative to the catheter when unconstrained and can be rotated about the longitudinal axis of the catheter. When constrained within the catheter, the guidewire can be advanced to a region of interest in hollow body organ. The catheter can be withdrawn, leaving the guidewire in place in an expanded configuration wherein the thermal sensor contacts the inner wall of the hollow body organ. The guidewire is moveable to sense the temperature at multiple locations. The thermal sensor can be replaced with an electrode for sensing the impedance profile of the hollow body organ.

Abstract: A disposable device for collection of uncontaminated urine samples from small children comprising a sterile container with an inlet that eliminates direct contact between the wearers skin and the inside of the container, and which is initially closed by a delaying mechanism consisting of, e.g. a water soluble adhesive substance or material. The flow to the container is initially hindered by the delaying mechanism located in the inlet of the container. This causes the initial portion of fluid, which may be contaminated with bacteria, to be absorbed by an absorbing layer whereafter the inlet is automatically opened so that the remaining fluid can reach the container essentially uncontaminated.

Abstract: A health management device for pregnant women calculates the amount of change in body fat and the amount of change in total body water between a non-pregnant period and the time of measurement based on the amount of increase in body weight between the non-pregnant period and the time of measurement, and determines the health condition of a pregnant woman based on the calculated amount of change in body fat and amount of change in total body water.

Abstract: A device and method for mapping, diagnosing and treating the intestinal tract is provided using a capsule passing through the intestinal tract. Further, a capsule tracking system is provided for tracking a capsule's location along the length of an intestinal tract as various treatment and/or sensing modalities are employed. In one variation, an acoustic signal is used to determine the location of the capsule. A map of sensed information may be derived from the pass of a capsule. Capsules may be subsequently passed through to treat the intestinal tract at a determined location along its length. One variation uses an electrical stimulation capsule to treat and/or diagnose a condition in the intestinal tract.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fluid manipulating system, comprising a reservoir of fluid (7), a bubble trap (9) connected to the reservoir, a heat-exchanger (11) and an appliance (21) forming with the bubble trap a closed circuit of fluid, and a pump (21) circulating the fluid in the closed circuit, thereby enabling to control easily the volume of fluid in the apparatus and the temperature of said fluid. The invention is useful for manipulating coupling and cooling fluid of rectal tubes in ultrasound therapy.

Abstract: A massage bed includes a frame with four sides. The frame has multiple seats mounted at the four sides. Multiple elastic straps are mounted by the seats and interleavedly extend between the opposite sides in longitudinal and transversal directions. Multiple massage members are individually mounted on the transversal elastic straps. Multiple clamping members are respectively mounted cross points of the longitudinal and transversal elastic straps. A cover with good elasticity and air permeability is spread over the frame. Whereby, the massage bed has a good air permeability and is easy to maintain.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a health care instrument, particularly to a back sliding massager. The massager comprising a base, a slide consists of an upper and a lower plate, a transmission mechanism, massage heads, and a cover. In that, the slide, transmission mechanism, and massage heads are mounted into the chamber constructed by the base and cover. Chains disposed on the surface of the base, transmission mechanism installed between the cover and base includes a motor, a set of gears driven by the motor having bottom pinions meshed with the chains, each of top gears connected to one massage head on top of the cover by a central axle respectively; openings formed through the cover, massage heads are exposed out from the openings. The massager of the present invention has a larger massaged portion with a man-made massage effect.

Abstract: A binder for supporting the abdomen, back, ribs or breasts includes an H-shaped elongated band with an inner surface and an outer surface. The H-shaped elongated band includes a central panel, a first extension member and second extension member extending from an upper portion of and contiguous with the central panel and a third extension member and a fourth extension member extending from a lower portion of and contiguous with the central panel. The inner surface of the central panel is positioned adjacent to a portion of a user's body and a first slit on the first extension member is adapted to receive the second extension member, and a second slit on the third extension member is adapted to receive the fourth extension member thereby securing the binder on the user's body via fastening members positioned on each of the extension members.

Abstract: An ankle brace of the type adapted to extend along the lateral and medial aspects of an injured ankle and lower leg for supporting the ankle during healing. A medial and lateral side support are provided for extending along the respective medial lateral aspects of the ankle and lower leg and includes an elongate, rigid support members, each having a lower end of sufficiently narrow width and thinness to fit inside a shoe being worn by a wearer of the brace, A soft, flexible perimeter edge portion is mechanically adhered to and extends outwardly in overlapping, non-interfitting relation to the support members for protecting the leg and ankle from irritation resulting from contact with edges of the support members. A connector connects the medial side support and lateral side support together at their respective lower ends and extend under the foot of the wearer of the brace.

Abstract: An ophthalmic implant having a body for positioning in a recess created in the sclera, feet for positioning in the anterior chamber, and a neck between the body and the feet for positioning in a scleral opening created between the scleral recess and the anterior chamber. The implant feet extend beyond the implant body and have a curvature approximating the curvature of the anterior chamber. The implant has drainage passageways for draining ocular fluid from the anterior chamber. The passageways are formed in outer surfaces or through the interior of the implant. Interior passageways are formed in surfaces of layers of the implant or by voids in inner layers of the implant. Related methods include creating undercuts that receive outer portions of the implant body and creating a scleral opening that is longer than the implant neck.

Abstract: The invention relates to a needle-less injection device, comprising a cannula (5) which can be inserted in a housing (3), can be filled with a predetermined active substance (11) for injection, and comprises a piston (9) movable in a cannula housing for ejecting the active substance (11) from an outlet opening (53) in the cannula housing, and a propellant charge cartridge (7) insertable into the housing (3) and comprising a housing containing a propellant charge (19) and a device (23) for igniting the propellant charge, and a propelling surface (15) movable in a part (3a) of the housing of the injection device (1) or in the housing of the cannula (5) or in the cartridge housing and movable by the gas pressure, after ignition of the propellant charge (19), out of a starting position into an end position, the outer periphery of the propelling surface being sealed from the inner periphery of each housing during the entire displacement travel also, wherein the propelling surface (15) acts upon the piston (9) mova

Abstract: An improved balloon catheter which includes a purge mechanism for purging air from the catheter prior to use. The purge mechanism is sized to allow air to pass through, but highly restricts the flow of liquids. Air remaining in the catheter after purging is allowed to diffuse through the balloon prior to use. The mechanism is especially useful with low-pressure, gas-permeable, compliant balloons.

Abstract: A device for drawing fluid from a lumen, and particularly blood from a blood vessel, is disclosed. The device may provide indication of the entry of an intravenous cannula into the lumen. The device may include a central body having an outer wall and an inner fluid passage. The device may include a luer-type adapter to permit the attachment of an I.V. infusion set of various lengths (“butterfly needle”) and or any luer-type fitting attached to an existing device. The outer wall of the central body may be transparent or translucent to permit the detection of fluid within the inner fluid passage. A front cannula may extend from one end of the central body and a rear cannula may extend from the other end of the central body. Both the front and rear cannulae may communicate with the inner fluid passage. A flexible sleeve may surround at least a tip portion of the rear cannula. A venting member may be provided near a base portion of the rear cannula between the flexible sleeve and the ambient.

Abstract: A container for delivery of a surgical fluid to a surgical handpiece is disclosed. The container includes a volume for receiving the surgical fluid to be delivered to the handpiece and an end for removably engaging a receptacle in a surgical console and for fluidly coupling with a source of pressurized fluid in a surgical console.

Abstract: A catheter assembly is provided which provides a flexible catheter tube having one end provided with a catheter hub. A hollow needle having a needle hub on its end is installed in the catheter tube with its sharp end extending out from one end of the catheter tube and a portion of the needle extending through the catheter hub. A needle shield, which is on the needle within the interior of the catheter hub, is biased axially within the catheter hub with its ends being fixed to prevent axial expansion.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for positioning and stabilizing an external instrument during insertion of the instrument through the oral cavity (e.g., insertion of a catheter through the oral cavity and into the esophagus or cardia for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)). The systems and methods provide a gripping tool for association with a bite block, capable of selectively moving between an open position in which the instrument may be inserted or removed, and a closed position in which the external instrument is held in a fixed position.

Abstract: A syringe has a body on which is mounted an end fitting fixed to a needle having a tip. A protective device for the syringe has a small-diameter sleeve fitting around the needle and having an inner end at the end fitting and an opposite outer end. This sleeve can move from a starting position with the outer end adjacent the body and exposing the needle tip and an end position with the outer end engaged over the needle tip. The sleeve is formed with at least one flexible extension having a free outer end generally level with the needle tip in the starting position. The sleeve is secured to the end fitting in the starting position by structure sufficiently weak that a traction applied to the flexible extension displaces the sleeve into the end position.

Abstract: A medical valve includes a valve body having a central fluid passageway defined therein. A movable piston adapted in size and shape to be located within said central fluid passageway of said valve body. A sealing interface is defined between said movable piston and said central fluid passageway. An upper seal is located at an upper portion of said sealing interface. It is formed by a seal carried by said valve body. A lower seal is located at a lower portion of said sealing interface, and is formed by a seal carried by said movable piston. The lower seal remains intact until after said upper seal is broken.

Abstract: The suction pump is essentially comprised of three separate pump parts, namely of a drive unit located inside a main casing (1), of a collecting reservoir (8) and of a valve block (6), which is arranged directly between the casing (1) and reservoir, whereby these parts can be easily coupled to one another in a manner that enables them to be detached.

Abstract: An appliance for cleansing a surface area of the skin including a separately applicable cleansing appliance adapted to fit tightly against the surface of the body and being provided with an inlet for injection of liquid and an outlet. The appliance includes two walls of flexible material, with the rear wall having an opening suitable for surrounding the surface area of the skin to be cleansed. The front wall is provided with an adapter secured sealingly to the wall, with an opening in the front wall giving access to the internal space between the front and rear walls through the adapter. A plurality of holes separate from the openings in the front and rear walls create a venturi effect to reduce the risk that a vacuum may tend to draw the front wall against the rear wall and cause the bag to collapse.

Abstract: An ostomy pouch (10) includes a front wall (12) provided with a comfort layer (16) and a vent (22). An apertured cover layer (24) is secured to the front wall (12) through the comfort layer (16) to define a chamber for a filter element (28) and to provide a smooth surface to which can be applied an adhesive sticker. The cover layer (24) includes a plurality of apertures (30), and the flow rate through the vent can be controlled by positioning the sticker to selectively block one or more of the apertures (30). An adhesive wafer (40) includes both circular and non-circular (race-track) cut-out guidelines for enabling the aperture to be cut to any desired shape and size. The wafer (40) is secured to the pouch along a weld line having a shape corresponding to a combined circular and race-track silhouette.

Abstract: A device for receiving and retaining urine from a person wearing the device is disclosed. The device is particularly well suited for use by persons who expect to have inadequate access to bathroom facilities, such as people pursuing recreational activities or attending large public gatherings, as well as persons who have a greater than normal need for access to a bathroom, such as people with diabetes. The device provides a sleek, streamlined form that is comfortable to wear, as well as being discrete and readily concealed by a user.

Abstract: A male urinary incontinence device comprises a cylindrical sheath with an open first end to receive the penis and a tubular connector at a second end for discharge of collected urine, the sheath having a longitudinal opening along at least one side to allow ready placement of the penis therein. A viscous gel strip is applied to the upper inner circumference of the sheath and an elastic strap is applied to the upper outer circumference of the sheath the gel strip and strap acting cooperatively to retain the sheath on the penis and to render the sheath leak proof in use. The sheath also includes a connector assembly for attachment of tubing and a urine collection vessel. Placement of the device may also include a mounting ring and a strap assembly.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an auxiliary pad for absorbent article that can prevent body fluid from leaking along with the dislocation of an absorbent article such as sanitary napkin, and provides a hygienic article that can reduce the occurrence of body fluid leak, even when the dislocation of fitting happens, all the way securing a sufficient adhesion to the inside of the thigh. An auxiliary pad for absorbent article (2), comprising an absorbent sheet body (5) adhered to the inside of the thigh of the wearer for absorbing body fluid, a linkage stem body (9) for linking the absorbent sheet body and an junction sheet body (7), and the junction sheet body (7) to which an adhesive (6) is applied, is attached to a sanitary napkin (10) to constitute a sanitary article (1).

Abstract: A tampon pledget that expands without the aid of moisture or menses. The tampon pledget has a plurality of high resiliency, non-absorbent materials and a plurality of absorbent materials. The tampon pledget has improved comfort as compared to conventional fully compressed tampon pledgets. The tampon pledget preferably has all of its non-absorbent and absorbent materials enclosed in a coverstock. The coverstock may be inverted or turned inside out, prior to filling the coverstock with the plurality of non-absorbent and absorbent materials. The coverstock insertion end, removal end, or both are pleated to further enhance comfort during use. A removal string may be secured to the inverted and pleated coverstock, above the removal end seal, by a top loop slipknot.

Abstract: A diaper with an integral feces receiver. This receiver is connected to the interior of the diaper by an oval opening. The walls of the receiver are undercut so that the cross-section expands as the fecal matter moves from the opening downward. A thickened supporting section is provided around the receiver so that the user's weight will not force the solid material out of the receiver and back into the interior of the diaper. The fecal matter is thereby contained within the receiver and away from the user. A layered version is shown, in which the diaper's structure is built from a series of stacked cross sections.

Abstract: An absorbent article for personal wear has an outer cover, a bodyside liner adapted for contiguous relationship with the wearer's skin, and an absorbent structure disposed between the liner and the outer cover. The absorbent structure is secured to at least one of the liner and the outer cover within a securement zone. A central portion of the securement zone is disposed generally within a central region of the article and at least one outer portion of the securement zone is disposed longitudinally outward of the central portion thereof.

Abstract: A disposable wearing article includes a liquid-pervious topsheet, a liquid-impervious backsheet, a liquid-absorbent base panel interposed between these two sheets, a pair of side flaps lying outside transversely opposite side edges of the base panel so as to extend in a longitudinal direction, a pair of leak-barrier cuffs attached to the respective side flaps, elastic members secured to distal side edge portions of the cuffs. The article further includes a pair of liquid-absorbent side panels attached to opposed surfaces of the leak-barrier cuffs.

Abstract: A catheter system for use during biliary procedures, including a first elongate member carrying a guidewire lumen, and a channel extending longitudinally along the member which provides access to the guidewire lumen and defines two edge surfaces. A second elongate member is also included which is disposed within the guidewire lumen and mates with the cross-sectional profile of the guidewire lumen of the first elongate member, thereby converting a guidewire lumen having a C-shaped design into one having an O-shaped design. The catheter may be used in rapid exchange catheter procedures requiring the use of small diameter guidewires which would otherwise slip out of the channel during use.

Abstract: In a medical treatment device implanted within the body of a patient, a system and method using volatile and non-volatile memory devices within an implanted drug infusion pump to provide a safe and robust programmable system, able to back-up and restore the device's hardware and software operating parameters in the event of RAM corruption and as an alternative to hardware trim techniques. The pump includes a processor, a ROM, a RAM, and an EEPROM. The RAM serves as a main memory and the EEPROM serves a back-up memory in the event of RAM corruption. The ROM serves as an additional layer of back-up memory in the event of RAM and EEPROM corruption.

Abstract: A graft ligament strand tensioner includes a frame member for slidingly retaining loops of sutures extending from graft ligament strands. The tensioner further includes a collar portion, and is provided with a handle having a core portion on which the collar portion is disposed for axial movement, and a grip portion. The tensioner still further includes a spherical member connected to the handle and having rounded surfaces facing the collar portion. The collar portion is tiltingly movable on the spherical member rounded surfaces when manipulation of the handle, to pull sutures on the frame member taut, causes the collar portion to engage the spherical member rounded surfaces. The sliding retention of the sutures and the tilting movement of the collar portion provide substantial equalization of tension in the sutures and thereby the graft ligament strands.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a sports racket includes a racket frame comprising a head portion, handle portion and a throat portion joining the head portion to the handle portion. The racket frame also comprises a self-powered piezoelectric damping system for damping vibrations of the racket during play. The self-powered piezoelectric damping system comprises at least one transducer laminated to the racket and at least one circuit located within the racket handle portion and electrically connected to the at least one transducer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to apply photo-stimulation, photo-dynamic therapy and/or ablation laser treatment to biological tissue. The apparatus includes a plurality of radiation energy sources, preferably laser beams. Additionally, the apparatus allows either a single wavelength or a combination of various wavelengths, either coincidentally or adjacently, to be utilized to achieve a desired treatment effect. Laser beams are transmitted to the treatment area by one or more fiber optic cables which terminate at an assembly structured to collimate the emitted radiation prior to application to the tissue. In addition, the apparatus includes a focal length setting mechanism which assures that a constant, fixed distance exists between the point of discharge of the laser beam and the biological tissue, thus assuring a constant energy density at the point of application. A method is presented for applying photo-stimulation, photocollagen stimulation and/or ablation laser treatment utilizing the above apparatus.

Abstract: An ophthalmic apparatus capable of guiding the visual axis of an eye to be examined, obtaining information about the visual axis, and performing measurement of optical characteristics of an eye such as wavefront aberration or laser refractive surgery with reference to the visual axis. The apparatus is provided with a target presenting optical system for guiding a visual axis of a patient's eye, and the presenting optical system has an optical axis of presentation and is provided with a first target and a second target located on the eye's side relative to the first target both on the optical axis of presentation, where the optical axis of presentation coincides with the visual axis when the eye fixates so as to make the first target coincide with the second target.

Abstract: A blood vessel occlusion system and method includes a handheld probe including a power source, the probe being adapted to transmit energy from the power source through a body surface and into a target blood vessel, for example a varicose vein. Further included is a manual or automatic switch mechanism adapted to enable and disable the power source in response to a predetermined level of compression applied, by means of the probe against the target blood vessel. When the blood vessel is compressed sufficiently to collapse and substantially slow or substantially prevent a flow of blood therethrough, the power source is activated and the vessel is cauterized, leaving the blood vessel in a condition that is resistant to recanalization.

Abstract: Low temperature lesion formation apparatus, systems and methods. The apparatus includes a base member and an inflatable element carried by the base member.

Abstract: A cryosurgical probe system includes a fluid supply line connectable at an inlet section to a source of cryogenic fluid; a fluid connector assembly securely connected to an outlet section of the fluid supply line for receiving fluid from the outlet section of the fluid supply line; and, a detachable cryosurgical probe detachably connectable to the fluid connector assembly. The cryosurgical probe system includes the capability of providing return fluid flow.

Abstract: A modular biopsy, ablation and track coagulation needle apparatus is disclosed that allows the biopsy needle to be inserted into the delivery needle and removed when not needed, and that allows an inner ablation needle to be introduced and coaxially engaged with the delivery needle to more effectively biopsy a tumor, ablate it and coagulate the track through ablation while reducing blood loss and track seeding. The ablation needle and biopsy needle are adapted to in situ assembly with the delivery needle. In a preferred embodiment, the ablation needle, when engaged with the delivery needle forms a coaxial connector adapted to electrically couple to an ablating source. Methods for biopsying and ablating tumors using the device and coagulating the track upon device removal are also provided.

Abstract: A multiple RF return pad contact detection system is provided which is adaptive to different physiological characteristics of patients without being susceptible to electrosurgical current interference (e.g., interference or measurement interaction between components of the detection system). The detection system can measure or sense the contact resistance or impedance between the patient and pairs of RF return pads or return electrodes where multiple pairs of RF return pads are utilized due to the high current frequently needed during electrosurgery while eliminating or minimizing the risk of measurement interaction between the RF return pad pairs. The system allows for the independent and simultaneous measurement of the pad contact impedance for each pair of RF return pads. If the impedance of any pad pair is above a predetermined limit, the system turns off or reduces the electrosurgical output of the electrosurgical generator to prevent excess heating.

Abstract: Systems and methods treat hemorrhoids by introducing a treatment device into the anal canal to extend above a hemorrhoidal plexus and adjacent a tissue region containing blood vessels that feed the hemorrhoidal plexus. The systems and methods operate the treatment device to affect tissue morphology in the tissue region to occlude or otherwise reduce blood flow through the vessels.

Abstract: A unipolar electrosurgical electrode or probe that is configured for use in MIS electrosurgical procedures. The electrosurgical electrode comprises a long, thin, flexible, insulated wire configured to cooperate with the small cannula of a mini-endoscope to reach interior tissue not normally reachable by electrosurgical electrodes. When energized, a unipolar discharge is generated at the working end of the electrode. The probe can be used for spinal and endonasal procedures.

Abstract: A tissue-ablation method and apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of RF ablation electrodes, and a plurality of sensor elements, each movable from retracted to deployed positions in a tissue to be ablated. A control device in the apparatus is operatively connected to the electrodes for supplying an RF power to the electrodes, to produce tissue ablation that advances from individual-electrode ablation regions to fill a combined-electrode ablation volume. The control device is operatively connected to the sensor elements for determining the extent of ablation in the regions of the sensor elements. The supply of RF power to the electrodes can thus be regulated to control the level and extent of tissue ablation throughout the combined-electrode volume. The electrodes are preferably hollow-needle electrodes through which liquid can be infused into the tissue, also under the control of the control unit, to modulate and optimize tissue ablation.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device including a reinforcing underlayment having a non-stick, anti-microbial coating. In one embodiment, the coating includes a non-stick material having anti-microbial particles interspersed in the non-stick material. This coating is applied to the surfaces of the electrode to minimize the build-up of charred tissue on the surfaces of the electrode. Also, the coating tends to kill harmful organisms residing on the surfaces of the electrode. In another embodiment, a primer coating is initially applied to the surfaces of the electrode. A plurality of anti-microbial particles are then applied to the primer coating layer and engage and are embedded in the primer coating layer. A top coat including a non-stick material is applied to the anti-microbial particle layer. In either embodiment, the coating layers applied to the surfaces of the electrode are cured to harden and adhere the layers to the electrode.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument which includes opposing end effectors and a handle for effecting movement of the end effectors relative to one another. The instrument includes a housing and a pair of electrodes. Each electode preferably includes an electrically conductive surface (e.g., which can be dimensioned for sealing, clamping and/or cutting) and an insulating substrate which is dimensioned to be engageable with the end effectors such that the electrodes reside in opposing relation relative to one another. The dimensions of the insulating substrate are different from the dimensions of the electrically conductive surface to reduce thermal spread to adjacent tissue structures. The insulating substrate is made from a material having a Comparative Tracking Index of about 300 volts to about 600 volts to reduce the incidence of flashover.

Abstract: A method of fusing biomaterial and tissue using radiofrequency energy includes the steps of: providing a vessel sealing instrument having opposing jaw members which are movable relative to one another to compress tissue therebetween. The vessel sealing instrument includes at least one stop member affixed thereto for regulating the distance between the opposing jaw members. The method also includes the steps of: providing a biomaterial; positioning the biomaterial in abutting relation to tissue; approximating the biomaterial and tissue between the jaw members; compressing the biomaterial and tissue between the jaw members under a working pressure within the range of about 3 kg/cm2 to about 16 kg/cm2; and energizing the jaw members with radiofrequency energy to effectively fuse the biomaterial and the tissue such that the biomaterial and the tissue reform into a single, fused mass.

Abstract: A tool set for implanting a rod in a human spine in conjunction with bone screws. The tool set includes a pair of end guide tools that receive opposite ends of the rod in channels and under manipulation by a surgeon facilitate transport of the rod toward the bone screws attached to the guide tools. Intermediate guide tools having guiding pass through slots are utilized to guide intermediate locations along the rod toward associated bone screws. An attachment structure operably connects the guide tools to the bone screws. The guide tools each include a lower guide and advancement structure to allow a closure top with mating structure to be rotated and driven downward against the rod and to cooperate with similar structure in the bone screw to seat and lock the rod therein. A method utilizing the tool set allows a surgeon to percutaneously implant the rod in the patient.

Abstract: A transverse connector system for interconnecting two spinal rods includes a connector arranged to span the distance between the rods with a rod receiving recess and a pin receiving bore on each end. A pin member such as a set screw is deposited within each bore with an enlarged head protruding from the bottom of the connector so that when the set screw is retracted into the bore the head engages a side of the respective rod to clamp the rod within the recess. The connector may comprise two elongated members with a recess and pin receiving bore at one end of each member, a middle coupler which allows three degrees of freedom between the members to accommodate any anticipated spatial orientation between the members and a set screw for securing the other ends of the members together.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating fractures in or adjacent the wrist and distal forearm employ an intramedullary interlocking fixation rod (i.e, it interlocks the distal and proximal fracture fragments together) to stabilize the skeletal structure in a manner which can inhibit the amount of collapse or loss in skeletal length exhibited by a patient with a distal radius fracture.