Abstract: An isometric/pacing exercise device that is adaptable to exercise apparatuses to produce a signal to the user to exert an isometric muscular force against the force provided by the exercise apparatus. The signal can be either aural or visual. The isometric/pacing exercise device provides a convenient means for a user to isometrically exercise their muscles on existing exercise apparatuses which do not presently have such a signaling device. The device is adaptable to most exercise apparatuses.

Abstract: A machine tool has a support table provided on an upper surface of a bed to support a work, a Z-axis saddle, a machining unit mounted on the Z-axis saddle and provided with a machining head, a compartment cover arranged on the bed to compartment a region and a machine region, an opening window provided on the compartment cover to permit the machining head to go in and out therethrough, and a seal member in the form of a closed ring to be mounted on an inner peripheral edge of the opening window of the compartment cover, wherein an entire periphery of an outer peripheral surface of the machining head is brought into sliding contact with an inner peripheral edge of the seal member in a state, in which the machining head is moved into the machining region from a tool exchange position within the machine region.

Abstract: Deflection controlled roll that includes a rotating roll jacket, a rotationally fixed yoke arranged to axially pass through the roll jacket, and at least one hydrostatic support element arranged on the yoke to exert a supporting force on an inner side of the roll jacket. The at least one hydrostatic support element includes a pressure space, a hydrostatic pocket, and at least one restrictor or capillary coupled to the at least one hydrostatic pocket. The pressure space is structured and arranged to receive pressure fluid to charge the at least one hydrostatic support element, and the at least one restrictor or capillary is structured and arranged to convey pressure fluid to the at least one hydrostatic pocket. The pressure space and the at least one hydrostatic pocket are structured and arranged to be separately supplied with pressure fluid.

Abstract: A film roll holder for laminators by which a hollow paper tube wound with a film thereon is held around a rolling shaft of a laminator while the film wound around the hollow paper tube is transferred to a heating roller, thus preventing air pockets from being generated between the film and the surface of the objective material and preventing wrinkles from being formed on the film. The film roll holder includes a cylindrical body having a shaft hole; an annular groove; and a plurality of elongated grooves. There is a support blade unit inserted into each of the elongated grooves of the cylindrical body. The support blade unit has a plurality of support blades and a fitting notch. The film roll holder further includes a rubber ring fitted over each of the annular grooves, and a cover mounted to each of both ends of the cylindrical body by a plurality of mounting bolts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming informational items such as outserts and booklets may include folding a sheet of paper having product information printed thereon by making a plurality of folds in the sheet of paper to form a first folded article; (b) making a fold in the first folded article to form a second folded article; (c) applying pressure at least about 30 psi and no greater than about 500 psi to the second folded article; and (d) making one or more folds in the second folded article to form an outsert using a third folding apparatus having a plurality of folding rollers having a nip therebetween and a movable blade member.

Abstract: A disposable, all-plastic centrifuge rotor for fluid processing includes a unitary, molded plastic upper rotor portion that includes a rotor shaft spud. A unitary, molded plastic lower rotor portion is provided and is joined to the upper rotor portion so as to define a hollow rotor interior. Positioned within the hollow rotor interior is a unitary baseplate that is joined to the lower rotor portion and includes a rotor shaft spud. The rotor shaft spud of the unitary baseplate extends through the lower rotor portion and beyond the lower rotor portion and is coaxial with the rotor shaft spud of the upper rotor portion. A spiral vane element is positioned in the rotor interior and is captured between the upper rotor portion and the baseplate for fluid processing as the centrifuge rotor rotates at a high RPM rate.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed employing ionizing radiation for forming lines of ablation or lesions in cardiac tissue to treat atrial fibrillation or other electrophysiological problems with the heart. The apparatus may include a catheter in which the radiation source is advanced hydraulically after the catheter is in place within the heart. Various fixation devices are also disclosed for fixing the location of the catheter within the heart.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method of applying low dose, localized radiotherapy which is effective to reduce or eliminate the formation of post-operative scar tissue at surgical sites, such as an epidural site after spinal surgery. In an exemplary embodiment, a device is implantable before closing a surgical site as a barrier, the device being designed to deliver a desired therapeutic amount of energy to particular tissue. The device can be a barrier layer, seed containment unit, radiospike, or catheter. The energy may be provided by the material of the device itself, or may be provided by an external source, such as by circulating radioactive fluid through the device itself. Various embodiments include additional components of the device which deliver drug or chemical agents to targeted tissue and/or shield components to prevent dosage to non-targeted tissue.

Abstract: A minimal intrusive cardiac support apparatus is disclosed which requires only one incision into a main blood vessel or heart chamber. The apparatus includes a pair of generally coaxial and slideably arranged cannulae (one inner and one outer) communicatively coupled to a blood pump for providing right-heart and/or left-heart cardiac support during cardiac surgery. Optional balloons may be mounted on the outside of the inner and outer conduits which can be selectively inflated to seal off the sides surrounding vessel or to deliver cooling fluid or medication to the surrounding tissue. Using the apparatus, a method of pumping blood through the body is also disclosed.

Abstract: A two piece endotracheal intubation device is provided having a multidirectional eyepiece, a suction port and a fiber optic assembly that enables a practitioner to apply suction to a patient's airway while at the same time visualizing the airway from any position relative to the patient for insertion of the endotracheal tube.

Abstract: A retractor having interchangeable or replaceable blades facilitates the expansion of a surgical site below an incision in the skin, and establishes a work-through surgical space. The retractor includes a frame connected to two collar arms, a pair of blades connected to the collar arms, a sheath for encompassing the blades and providing a circumscribed working space, and a device for rotating the collar arms, thereby displacing the blades and any tissue surrounding them.

Abstract: An anal retractor includes four retractor valves (48), which are offset 90° relative to each other and can be moved radially apart from each other. For this the four retractor valves (48) are guided by sleds (30) in radial guide slots (14) of a base plate (10). For movement of the sleds (30) guide bolts (36) extend through the radial guide slots (14) of the base plate (10) and spiral shaped actuating slots (24) of a rotor plate (20), which is rotatable relative to the base plate (10).

Abstract: A support arm assembly for assisting in the performance of cardiac surgery has an articulated arm movable axially of a support base and rotatable relative to the support base. A distal end of the articulated arm receives a contact member and the contact member is moveable relative to the distal end. A surgeon may configure the support arm assembly to contact a desired portion of a heart and fix the articulated arm, its axial position, its rotated position and the orientation of the contact member with a single control.

Abstract: Provide is a blood pressure meter cuff capable of avoiding an influence of an edge effect by pressurizing only a portion of a blood vessel in the downward vicinity of the body surface to thereby measure a correct blood pressure. A blood pressure meter cuff 1 includes: a fluid bag into which a fluid is injected; and a fixing tool fixing the fluid bag on a limb of a human body or the like, wherein a width in the axial direction of the limb, of the fluid bag is a value suitable for selectively pressurizing only a portion of a blood vessel present in the downward vicinity of the skin. In a case where pressurization is imposed on only a portion of the radial artery present in the downward vicinity of the body surface and adjacent to a radial styloid process of a wrist, a width, in the axial direction of a limb, of the fluid bag is set to 15 mm or more and 25 mm or less.

Abstract: A cordless stethoscope for use in hazardous material environments comprising a fluid tight hand held sound sensing device having a stethoscope head for sensing auscultatory sounds, a transmitter for transmitting sounds sensed by the device, a receiver for receiving transmissions from the transmitter and an ear piece for converting the received transmissions into audible sound. The housing is sized and shaped for being grasped by a gloved hand and is fluid tight for decontamination purposes. The sound sensing device may further comprise a microphone for sensing otherwise inaudible voice communications from a patient. The transmitter and receiver preferably uses magnetic induction transmissions to transmit sounds through barriers such as hazardous material suits that may be worn by clinicians during treatment of patients in possible hazardous material situations.

Abstract: A retractable safety needle assembly is provided. The needle assembly includes a tubular outer body, a retraction assembly contained with the outer body and a biasing element for applying a retraction force therebetween. The retraction assembly includes a cannula having an intravenous puncture tip and a non-patient puncture tip at opposing ends. In a first position, the intravenous puncture tip extends from a first end of the tubular outer body. The retraction assembly is adapted for movement within the tubular outer body from the first position to a second position in which the intravenous puncture tip and the non-patient puncture tip are contained entirely within the tubular outer body and are offset from a general axis defining the outer body.

Abstract: Alternative designs, materials and manufacturing methods for guidewires. Some embodiments pertain to a composite guidewire having proximal and distal section, and a connector adapted and configured for permanently joining the proximal section to the distal section. In some embodiments, at least one of the sections is made of a linear-elastic nickel-titanium alloy. Several alternative guidewire tip constructions and/or designs including methods and techniques of construction are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) that utilizes microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology to provide an in vivo assessment of loads on adjacent bones (24 and 26) comprises a body (34) for insertion between the adjacent bones. At least one sensor (42) is associated with the body (34). The sensor (42) generates an output signal in response to and indicative of a load being applied to the body (34) through the adjacent bones (24 and 26). A telemetric device (40) is operatively coupled with the sensor (42). The telemetric device (40) is operable to receive the output signal from the sensor (42) and to transmit an EMF signal dependent upon the output signal. According to various aspects of the invention, the sensor comprises a pressure sensor (42), a load cell (320), and/or at least one strain gauge (142).

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring jaw motion has a pair of fixed marker attached to both sides of face of patient, a pair of movable markers disposed to face the fixed marker in a spaced distance and to move in unison with the movement of the lower jaw of patient, four cameras recording the three-dimensional movement of the movable marker relative to the fixed marker, as lower jaw moves, and personal computer for receiving and processing the image signals fed from connected cameras. The apparatus can accurately measure the location of the center of patient's jaw motion and the moving track thereof with stereo vision processing of the image signals obtained from camera.

Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring a patient using a device, such as an orthosis system is provided. The system includes a monitor that can be incorporated or otherwise coupled to the device. The monitor can have a position sensor, a temperature sensor, and a device type sensor for monitoring the patient's implementation of a protocol. The data obtained from the monitor can be remotely analyzed by a healthcare professional and the protocol can be adjusted accordingly.

Abstract: Therapy patches are disclosed which are designed to deliver vibration and heat (or cold) to human skin so as to provide muscle relief. These patches have a chemical pouch that generates heat or cold upon initiation. They also have a motor and battery to provide a vibration source. Forms of the invention have an adhesive so that the patch can be attached to the skin (and thus need not be manually held in place during use). Kits are also provided in which the motor and battery can be used with a string of linked, severable replacement pouches. Methods of using these patches are also disclosed.

Abstract: A joint protecting brace includes a cuff member. The cuff member includes a pair of upper lateral and lower lateral tightening portions positioned on opposed sides of a cuff longitudinal axis. The cuff member further includes a liner disposed between and coupled to the upper lateral tightening portions and lower lateral tightening portions and extending along the cuff longitudinal axis. The cuff member further includes a connector coupled to a latitudinal strap. The cuff member further includes a first adjuster coupled to the upper lateral tightening portions and the connector. The cuff member further includes a second adjuster coupled to the lower lateral tightening portions and the connector. The first and second adjusters are disposed in tension for adjusting a distance between the upper and lower lateral tightening portions respectively. The first and second adjusters are communicable via the connector.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention stretches the carpal ligament and the flexor retinaculum, as well as the superficial structures and muscles of the hand, in a safe manner under precise control of the patient or a healthcare professional. The preferred embodiment of the inventive apparatus includes a first housing with an open side portion adapted and configured to contact and retain the hypothenar region of the patient's hand, with a first edge of the first housing extending along a central longitudinal dorsal portion of the hand, and a second housing with an open side portion adapted and configured to contact and retain the thenar region of the patient's hand, with a second edge of the second housing also extending along a central longitudinal dorsal portion of the hand. A flexible resilient strap is secured to the first housing, and then wrapped around the second housing encompassing the thenar portion of the hand (i.e.

Abstract: An orthopaedic brace apparatus for the treatment of fractures is described. The brace comprises two portions (2,3) joined together by a strap (4). The first portion (2) comprises at least one preformed pad and the second portion (3) comprises at least two preformed pads (5, 6) joined together by resilient material (7). The resilient material is elastically deformable and the preformed pads are formed from a material that resists slippage such that the apparatus provides gentle compression on the fracture.

Abstract: A foot splint for the prevention and rehabilitation of plantar fasciitis by maintaining a wearer's foot and, hence, his plantar fascia, in a preselected amount of dorsiflexion. The foot splint includes a footplate for supporting the wearer's foot, a lateral strut extending along the lower leg of the wearer and having a strap for releaseably attaching the strut to the wearer's leg, and a wrap for wrapping around the foot of the wearer. A soft insole may be provided to cushion the wearer's foot from the footplate. The wrap, insole and footplate provide a comfortable “slipper-like” feel for the wearer. Moreover, the foot splint is particularly suited for use during sleep since it is light-weight and open configuration allows for the wearer to move unimpeded between sleep positions, resulting in a more restful sleep. Moreover, the lateral placement of the strut keeps the rigid portions of the foot splint from inadvertently abrading, striking, or otherwise interfering with the wearer's other leg.

Abstract: An irritant or polymer is dispensed to the inner surface area of an aneurysm to exert a contractile force on the inner surface area of the aneurysm, thereby shrinking the aneurysm. As a result, the artery wall at the aneurysm site is strengthened, the risk of rupture is decreased, and at least a partial cure for the expansion of the arterial wall at the aneurysm site is provided.

Abstract: A medical device for use within a body of a patient includes at least two retention members located at a first end of an elongated section of the medical device. The retention members are adapted to limit longitudinal movement of the elongated section when the medical device is placed within the body of a patient. The elongated section can define a passage and at least one opening in communication with the passage to facilitate passing fluid.

Abstract: A catheter is provided including a tubular body having a proximal end and a distal end. The body includes a first lumen and a second lumen with a septum disposed therebetween. The proximal end includes a valve and a hub that are integral with the body. The hub includes a first conduit and a second conduit. The valve includes a first port and a second port that are rotatable, about a longitudinal axis of the body, to establish fluid communication between the lumens and the conduits. The distal end of the tubular body may be configured for insertion with a subject. The conduits may be connectable to a medical apparatus.

Abstract: A solid drug solution perforator (SSP) system and an associated drug reservoir are provided for delivering therapeutic, prophylactic and/or cosmetic compounds, for nutrient delivery and for drug targeting. For drug delivery, the SSP system includes an active drug ingredient and a matrix of perforator material that biodegrades or dissolves quickly upon contact with a patient's body. The SSP system provides a skin barrier perforator and a controller for prompt initiation and cut-off of drug delivery. In a preferred method of transdermal drug delivery, an SSP system containing a selected drug penetrates into an epidermis or dermis, and the drug is promptly released from the (dissolving) SSP system perforator. An additional drug is optionally delivered from a patch reservoir through skin pores created by insertion of the perforator. Formulation and fabrication procedures for the SSP and associated reservoir are also provided. An SSP system can be fabricated with variety of shapes and dimensions.

Abstract: A syringe, for use in the delivery of a dose of a therapeutic agent entrained within a pressurized fluid flow, includes an upstream portion, an intermediate portion, a downstream portion, and an actuator mechanism for initiating a flow of the fluid through the syringe. The upstream portion is interfaced with a source of fluid under pressure. The intermediate portion, which is interposed between the upstream and downstream portions, includes first and second members that are coupled together to provide a closed pocket for containing the dose. One of the first and second members is moveable relative to the other within the syringe to provide an open configuration in which the pocket is opened to expose the dose for entrainment by the fluid as it flows through the intermediate portion and to and through the nozzle. Also provided is a capsule formed from the first and second members.

Abstract: The present invention is an injection device for injecting a fluid product from a reservoir includes a casing having at least two casing portions. The device also includes a mounting for the reservoir such as an ampoule containing the fluid product to be administered, wherein one casing portion at least partially surrounds the reservoir. An activating element for triggering fluid product administering is provided. The at least one casing portion surrounding the reservoir is movable relative to the other casing portion or parts, such that by moving the movable casing portion, the reservoir and/or an injection needle connected to the same is accessible from the outer side of the casing, in order to be replaced.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a modular pressure infuser apparatus adapted to allow a user to modify the configuration of the pressure infuser apparatus by utilizing one or more interchangeable manual and/or automatic pumps to inflate a pressure infuser bag of the pressure infuser apparatus. The modular configuration of the pressure infuser apparatus permits the user to detach and reattach a motorized pump and/or a manual pump to the pressure infuser bag quickly, easily, and efficiently without decreasing the air pressure of the pressure infuser bag. By providing selectively removable pump modules, the user can select the configuration of the pressure infuser apparatus that is best adapted to the needs of the patient. A pressure release valve is configured to regulate the pressure of the pressure infuser bag.

Abstract: A cylinder adapter holds a cylinder flange of a liquid syringe with movable holders that are selectively openable and closable. The cylinder adapter can reliably hold the liquid syringe.

Abstract: A trocar assembly for providing a pressurized insufflation fluid into a patient cavity and for providing sealable access to the patient cavity by a surgical instrument. The assembly comprises an inner tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end. An outer tubular member is disposed about the inner tubular member, the outer tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the inner tubular member and the distal end of the outer tubular member define a trocar seal nozzle arranged therebetween.

Abstract: A valve element including a pair of end faces, at least a part of which is constituted by an elastic material, characterized in that the valve element is provided with a first slit that is opened to a first end face and is not opened to a second end face of the pair of end faces, and a second slit that crosses with the first slit inside the valve element, is opened to the second end face and is not opened to the first end face, and the valve element is deformed such that inner surfaces of the second slit are brought into press contact with each other. This valve element is simple in structure, easy in operation, serviceable for a long period, and capable of preventing leakage of liquid surely.

Abstract: A containerless tissue sample collection trap featuring, in the preferred embodiment, a flexible filter and an applicator having a shaft terminating in a distal end with a channel therein receiving a portion of the flexible filter, the combination of the applicator and the flexible filter receivable in a suction tube and configured such that when the applicator is removed, the flexible filter forms a removable elongated tissue trap in the suction tube. Also disclosed is a method of trapping tissue wholly within a suction tube thereby eliminating the need for a specimen trap container and a method of making a containerless tissue specimen trap.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of thrombosed hemodialysis access grafts or fistulas defining a shunt positioned between an arterial side and a venous side is achieved by inserting a balloon catheter within the shunt, wherein the balloon catheter includes a distal balloon and at least one infusion aperture located proximally of the distal balloon. Thereafter, the balloon catheter is advanced within an arterial anastomosis at an artery-shunt juncture and the distal balloon is inflated. A thrombolytic agent is then injected through the infusion apertures of the balloon catheter into the shunt to chemically destroy clot material within the shunt, wherein by applying the thrombolytic agent with the distal balloon inflated at the arterial anastomosis the possibility of the clot material moving into the artery is prevented and there is no need to worry about the migration of the clot into the arterial system and the resulting complications.

Abstract: A device for directing a wire guide into a bodily passageway such as a branch of the biliary tree or other difficult to access bodily passageway. The device includes a member, such as an inflatable balloon or a self-expanding basket, for obstructing a first passage. Once the balloon is inflated, or the basket expanded, the wire guide can be reliably directed or deflected into a preferred adjacent passageway in order to cannulate the preferred adjacent passageway. A procedure for cannulating a preferred passageway by obstructing a passageway in the natural flow-path of a wire guide is also provided.

Abstract: In a medical guide wire (1) formed by a helical hollow wire body which is arranged to retractably move against a needle tip (6), the helical hollow wire body is formed into a wire-stranded helical hollow tube (2) by stranding a multitude of wire coil elements (3). The wire coil elements (3) of a wire-stranded helical hollow tube (2) has a stranding angle (?1) of 55 degrees or less against an axial direction of the wire-stranded helical hollow tube (2), and having an angle more than plus 2 degrees or an angle less than minus 2 degrees against a knife edge angle (?2) of the needle tip (6), thus preventing the wire coil elements (3) from inadvertently hitched in the needle tip (6), and thereby enabling manipulators to a smooth insertion and pull operation so as to improve a curability when the wire-stranded helical hollow tube (2) is retractably manipulated against the needle tip (6).

Abstract: An apparatus for drainage of a wound or surgical site of a human or animal fits anatomically, passes from inside the wound or surgical site percutaneously or covering an open wound surface and extends externally for accumulation of fluids. A plurality of fibers each with an internal end, middle and an external end is elongate with a thickness and a length wherein its thickness is substantially less than its length for flexibility. The fibers form a loose bundle with gathered external ends and with internal ends unrestrained for spreading divergently inside the wound or surgical site. A collector is positioned in fluid communication with the gathered external ends for accumulating bodily fluid guided along and amongst the fibers from the internal ends along the middle and to the external ends during drainage. Vacuum connects to draw fluid from the collector. A method has steps of providing fibers with the internal ends unrestrained, the external ends gathered in a collector to accumulate drained fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus for the removal of lens tissue includes a first handpiece having a laser emitting probe sized for insertion into a lens capsule and radiating a lens therein. The laser emitting probe includes a lumen for introducing irrigation fluid into the lens capsule. A second handpiece includes a pulsed controlled vibrated needle for insertion into the lens capsule and emulsifying laser eradiated lens tissue. The vibrated needle includes a lumen therethrough for aspiration of emulsified lens tissue and irrigation fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laser treatment method and a laser treatment apparatus which can cause thermal damage, such as evaporation or necrosis due to coagulation of organic tissue which is to be subjected to thermal damage, in a sure manner regardless of an absorption percentage of laser beam due to a color tone or composition of the organic tissue, thereby enabling diffusion of cancer cells, due to an abnormally high pressure from evaporation of diseased tissue or the like, to be prevented.

Abstract: A medical probe assembly and method are provided for ablating tissue. The probe assembly comprises an elongated shaft and an electrode array mechanically coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The electrode array is configured to assume an outwardly curved shape, when exposed to a first temperature, and assume a pointed tip when exposed to a second temperature less than the first temperature. The first temperature is preferably greater than body temperature, e.g., equal to the tissue ablation temperature, and the second temperature is preferably less than a tissue ablation temperature, e.g., body temperature. In this manner, the pointed tip assumed by the electrode array facilitates introduction of the probe assembly through the tissue prior to the ablation process, while the outwardly curved shape assumed by the electrode array facilitates deployment of the electrode array within the tissue during the ablation process.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device includes a high dielectric material and at least one conductor arranged relative to the high dielectric material such that, in use, the high dielectric material is disposed between the conductor and target tissue. A second conductor is arranged relative to the high dielectric material such that, in use, the high dielectric material is disposed between the second conductor and target tissue. Each conductor includes a plurality of conductive fingers interleaved, e.g. in a comb-like fashion or as concentric circles. A method for performing electrosurgery includes delivering energy to a target tissue through a high dielectric material. The electrosurgery includes, e.g., ablation, coagulation, or the treatment of skin lesions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wound closure device and method for using the same. The wound closure device includes a handle, a body portion extending distally from the handle, a stapling mechanism extending distally from the body portion and a mechanism for supplying electrical energy from an RF power supply to a fastener (e.g. staple) which is associated with the stapling mechanism. In a representative embodiment, the stapling mechanism includes an inner rod member disposed within an elongated outer sleeve and slidably movable therein. The rod member has an enlarged tip for deploying the fastener that is supported adjacent to the tip into body tissue. The wound closure device further includes an actuator mechanism associated with the handle and body portion and configured to facilitate relative movement of the inner rod and the outer sleeve so as to deploy the fastener into body tissue. In alternative embodiments, a second pole of the RF power supply is connected to a conductive ring associated with a vascular introducer.

Abstract: A probe that includes a elongate body and a steerable loop structure that supports electrodes or other operative elements against the body tissue.

Abstract: An implant for fixation of a bone includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and a longitudinal axis defined between the proximal end and the distal end. A plurality of blades are disposed on the shaft, and are helically twisted about the longitudinal axis. At least one of the blades has a variable blade width that increases in a direction along the longitudinal axis. A mechanism for coupling the implant to a second fracture fixation implant may be provided separately or in combination.

Abstract: An osteotomy guide having a frame and a pair of guide pins, for creating a desired cut in a bone. The frame has an outer frame, and an inner frame which is telescopically mounted within the outer frame. Both the inner frame and outer frame having open ends and a guide pin sleeve. The inner frame and outer frame together define a main slot which is adjustable in length by moving the inner frame with respect to the outer frame. The frame is mounted to the bone by creating anchoring holes in the bone and extending the guide pins through the guide pin sleeves and into the anchoring holes, such that the guide pins are parallel in all planes. A controlled cut is created by using the guide pins as a visual guide or inserting a saw blade through the main slot.

Abstract: A multi-piece knee resection instrument for use in forming an anterior cut, an anterior chamfer cut, a posterior cut and a posterior chamfer cut on a distal femur which has already had a distal surface thereof resected which cuts are for the mounting of a prosthetic implant, has a first resection guide for attachment to the medial or lateral side of the distal femur. The first resection guide has a first surface facing generally anteriorly when mounted and a second surface extending distally from the first surface and angled thereto and a third surface extending generally parallel to the resected distal surface of the femur. A second resection guide is mounted on the first and second surfaces of the first resection guide for performing the anterior and anterior chamfer cuts. A third resection guide is mounted on the third surface of the first resection guide and extends in a medial-lateral direction therefrom across at least part of the resected distal femoral surface.

Abstract: A catheter for cardiovascular application includes an elongated catheter shank; a lumen inside the catheter shank; a mandrel sleeve that extends in the lumen; a guide wire which runs in the mandrel sleeve and is extendable through a sluice gate out of the catheter at a distal end thereof; and a sealing unit for sealing the lumen, the sealing unit being disposed proximally in front of the sluice gate and reversibly pierced by the replaceable mandrel sleeve.