Abstract: In an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus, a plurality of sub arrays are defined on a 2D array transducer. The sub array shape pattern of each sub array is adaptively changed in accordance with the beam scanning direction. Each sub array is composed of a plurality of groups, each of which is composed of a plurality of transducer elements. With the change of sub array shape pattern in accordance with a beam scanning direction, the group shape pattern of each group also changes. The sub array shape changes for each sub array, and a variable region is determined by the largest outer edge of the shape changed. The variable regions partially overlap with each other among a plurality of sub arrays. On a 2D array transducer, a plurality of sub arrays are always closely coupled with each other even when each sub array shape is changed.

Abstract: In a method and breathing apparatus for assessing pulmonary stress, wherein pressure controlled flow of respiratory gas is generated, an ensuing flow is measured, resistance and compliance are determined based on measured pressure and flow and a stress index value is determined based on pressure, flow, resistance and compliance. The stress index value is 1 when no stress is present, ?1 when there is a risk for overdistension and ?1 when alveolar units are at a risk of being cyclically closed and opened. Implemented in a breathing apparatus the method can be used to assist an operator in diagnostic and therapeutic considerations in relation to a patient.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for precisely isolating a target lesion in a patient's body tissue, resulting in a high likelihood of “clean” margins about the lesion when it is removed for diagnosis and/or therapy. This approach advantageously will often result in the ability to both diagnose and treat a malignant lesion with only a single percutaneous procedure, with no follow-up percutaneous or surgical procedure required, while minimizing the risk of migration of possibly cancerous cells from the lesion to surrounding tissue or the bloodstream. In particular, the apparatus comprises a biopsy instrument having a distal end adapted for entry into the patient's body, a longitudinal shaft, and a cutting element disposed along the shaft. The cutting element is actuatable between a radially retracted position and a radially extended position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for precisely isolating a target lesion in a patient's body tissue, resulting in a high likelihood of “clean” margins about the lesion when it is removed for diagnosis and/or therapy. This approach advantageously will often result in the ability to both diagnose and treat a malignant lesion with only a single percutaneous procedure, with no follow-up percutaneous or surgical procedure required, while minimizing the risk of migration of possibly cancerous cells from the lesion to surrounding tissue or the bloodstream. In particular, the apparatus comprises a biopsy instrument having a distal end adapted for entry into the patient's body, a longitudinal shaft, and a cutting element disposed along the shaft. The cutting element is actuatable between a radially retracted position and a radially extended position.

Abstract: An instrument assembly and method are described for isolating a target lesion in a patient's body tissue, resulting in a high likelihood of “clean” margins about the lesion when it is removed for diagnosis and/or therapy. This approach advantageously will often result in the ability to both diagnose and treat a malignant lesion with only a single percutaneous procedure, with no follow-up percutaneous or surgical procedure required. In particular, the instrument assembly has a distal end adapted for entry into the patient's body, a longitudinal shaft, and a cutting element disposed along a distal portion of the shaft. The cutting element is actuatable between a retracted position within an electrically insulating recess and a radially extended position and is rotatable about its axis in the radially extended position to isolate a desire tissue specimen from surrounding tissue by defining a peripheral margin about the tissue specimen.

Abstract: An improved arterial syringe safety vent is dually optimized for needle safety and arterial blood degassing efficiency. The safety vent of the invention includes a housing, a needle lock to capture a needle, and a venting portion comprising a hydrophilic filter. The needle lock of the invention is adapted to lock a needle tip between a membrane and a venting potion to prevent accidental needle stick. In en exemplary embodiment the safety vent of the invention engages a needle capture device in a manner that allows movement of the housing in relation to the needle capture device so that the tip of a needle captured by the needle capture device can be locked in a position that prevents exposure of the needle tip. The safety vent of the invention is self-supporting to permit single-handed operation.

Abstract: An integrated sampling device defines a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is connected to a channel for drawing fluid automatically towards a test media upon incision by an incision portion. The second opening is positioned over the test media allowing manual sampling of fluid if the channel fails to draw a sufficient amount of fluid onto the test media.

Abstract: Several embodiments of a penetration apparatus and methods for using the same during a surgical procedure are disclosed. The penetration apparatus comprises a thin elongated body having a first end, a second end, and a central longitudinal axis extending there between. The first end opposes the second and is aligned within a vessel matrix during the surgical procedure. The second end of the body is substantially free and may be rotated around the axis. The penetration apparatus may also be housed within a catheter that has a cavity that precisely accommodates the penetration apparatus. Activation and advancement of the penetration apparatus within the catheter forms an incision through a vessel matrix enabling the placement of a fastener or a plurality of fasteners therein.

Abstract: A guide wire which includes: (a) a core wire formed with a mounting portion at the distal end portion; and (b) a plurality of coil wires being fitted onto the mounting portion substantially in tandem, and having different mechanical properties, the adjacent coil wires being connected with each other at the corresponding ends thereof. One of the corresponding ends of the adjacent coil wires is formed into a tapered portion gradually reducing in outer diameter toward said end. The other one of the corresponding ends is formed into a receiving end portion into which the tapered portion is inserted.

Abstract: An applicator for providing product to the body is provided. In a preferred embodiment product is placed on the comb-like teeth of the device, either though a pumping action or by direct placement, and then applied to the skin. Several of the disclosed applicators of the present invention are provided with one or more of heating, vibrating and articulating means such that the user can have a desirable experience in using the product. The applicators further permit those who could otherwise not reach various parts of their body for such needs as shaving, lotion application, or massage, to reach their entire body. Beneficial effects of warm products and massage are made available to the user.

Abstract: A massage apparatus is provided which includes a housing, a motor disposed within the housing, and at least one massage center provided on the housing. The massage center includes an outer massage member and an inner massage member, where the outer massage member at least partially circumferentially surrounds the inner massage member. The outer and inner massage members are operably connected to the motor for providing rotation of the massage members.

Abstract: The present invention is a vibratory patient support system. The support system has at least one bladder, at least one vibrational device, and first and second control units that respectively control (a) the inflation and deflation of the at least one bladder and (b) vibrational device. The at least one bladder (i) inflates when receiving a fluid at a faster rate than the fluid exiting the bladder; (ii) deflates when the fluid leaves the bladder at a faster rate than the fluid entering the bladder, and (iii) has a top surface that allows a user to apply pressure thereon and a bottom surface. The vibrational device (a) is positioned (i) under the bottom surface of the bladder, or (ii) within the bladder and below the top surface of the at least one bladder so it does not contact the top surface; and (b) generates a vibrational force. The first control unit can adjust the inflation of the at least one bladder. The second control unit can adjust the vibration forces generated from the vibration device.

Abstract: A therapeutic device, such as an exercise device, includes the principles of osteogenic repair by incorporating a loading mechanism into the exercise device. By doing so, the therapeutic device provides an increased osteogenic effect, thereby enhancing the benefits of the therapy. As an example, a exercise device includes a support surface for supporting all or part of the bodily tissue of an individual using the device. A linear or rotary loading mechanism associated with the frame or a rotational element of the exercise device drives the support surface at a selected load and frequency, thereby inducing mechanical loading of bodily tissue adjacent to the support surface sufficiently to facilitate the growth, development, strengthening, and/or healing of bone tissue. The loading mechanism may be incorporated into any exercise device, including standard exercise devices such as rowing machines, stair climbing machines, elliptical trainers, bicycles, cross-country ski trainers, treadmills, or weight trainers.

Abstract: A lower-limb massage machine is provided with a stand having an upper stand member disposed on an upper portion of a lower stand member to be placed on a floor surface, and a casing. The casing has a pair of right and left recess portions, on its face side, extending in a front-and-rear direction so that lower limbs are fitted in the recess portions, respectively. The casing is supported rotatably around an axis extending in a right-and-left direction with respect to the upper stand member, a massage mechanism incorporated in the casing for massaging the lower limbs. Also provided is an attitude holding mechanism for holding the casing at an attitude with respect to the upper stand member to which the casing is rotated. Accordingly, the attitude and height of the casing of the lower-limb massage machine can easily adjusted.

Abstract: An orthosis may be made by providing a laminate material having a flexible foam material and a substantially rigid plastic sheet material sandwiched between a pair of soft flexible sheet materials. A body support is formed by heating the laminate material under conditions of pressure to soften the laminate to a pliable state, cutting the laminate to a desired shape to yield a pattern corresponding to a desired shape of the body support, providing a form corresponding to a desired configuration of the body support and positioning the pattern on the form in a pliable state, applying a negative pressure to conform the pattern.

Abstract: An orthosis for correcting the position of a body joint, the orthosis extending over the two members connected by the body joint and being provided with two arms forming the orthosis, the arms each being held on the respective member by a cuff and being interconnected by a pivot joint adjacent to the body joint is described. For the bending required during normal movement, the pivot joint is formed by an axle ring embraced by the one arm, and the axle ring being fixedly connected to a ring bearing eccentric with respect to the axle ring to form a central adjusting ring. The ring bearing forms a pivot bearing for the other arm and the pivot bearing being embraced by said other arm, such that the rotation plane of said ring bearing with respect to the rotation plane of the axle ring is pivotable through rotation of the adjusting ring.

Abstract: An improved support belt, support apparel, along with a process for creating such products. A mechanism by which support belts provide protection to the user is disclosed, which mechanism is generally applicable to all human joints.

Abstract: A catheter includes an elongated body having a first and second wall that defines at least one lumen. The first wall includes at least one outwardly extending ridge. The at least one ridge defines a lateral opening in the first wall and extends to the distal end of the body. The ridge is dimensioned and positioned to support a body vessel such that occlusion of the first lumen is substantially prevented.

Abstract: A catheter assembly is provided for intracranial treatment having outer and inner catheters. The outer catheter has a first lumen communicating between a first opening and at least one aperture and a second lumen in communication with a second opening. The first and second openings are distal to the proximal portion of the outer catheter. The inner catheter, preferably a micro-dialysis catheter, is sized to be received within the first lumen and includes at least one passageway in communication with at least one port for transfer of a fluid with a tissue region in the brain of the patient. The assembly preferably also includes a stylet sized to be received within the second lumen to provide rigidity to the outer catheter for its precise positioning within the brain. The outer catheter can include an element that is preferably a contact for monitoring brain activity. A method of transferring a fluid with a brain tissue region is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medicament injection apparatus. It is desirable following injection of a medicament to wait a short time before withdrawing the needle unit from the patient to allow injected medicament to disperse within the patient to reduce the risk of some of the injected medicament escaping through the needle wound and so not being dispersed into the patient as desired. This problem is particularly acute where a patient uses the apparatus to self-administer a dose since, where this waiting period is indicated to a user, the waiting period is a set time independent of whether the size of the dose to be injected. The user often feels that for a small dose it is not as important to leave the needle unit within the body for the full waiting period and so does not allow the waiting period properly to elapse.

Abstract: System for mixing four components including a first syringe arrangement and a second syringe arrangement each with two chambers for holding components. Each of the two respective chambers of the syringe arrangements are connected in a uniquely defined fashion due to specific means for connecting the syringe arrangements. A component held by one chamber is mixed with a component of the corresponding other chamber by transfer into the other chamber. After mixing and disconnecting the second syringe arrangement from the first syringe arrangement, the two component mixtures in the chambers of the first syringe arrangement are further mixed and discharged by means of a mixing device which is to be connected to the first syringe arrangement. The connecting means allows connecting of the mixing device to the first syringe arrangement only after removal of the second syringe arrangement and a portion of the connecting means.

Abstract: An angioplasty device and particle trap for use in removal of a particle from a small diameter vessel or vessel-like structure is disclosed. One embodiment includes a catheter for insertion into a vessel-like structure, the catheter having a catheter wall and a movable member, a trap operably connected to the catheter wall and to the movable member, wherein relative motion between the catheter wall and the movable member actuates the trap. In one embodiment, the expanded trap is formed from struts in a spiral-shaped configuration. In one embodiment, the contracted trap forms a waist to creates a pinch-point to trap particles. In one embodiment, the contracted trap forms a cocoon-like structure to further trap particles. In one embodiment, the angioplasty device includes a handle to actuate the trap from a contracted position to an expanded position and return to a contracted position. The handle provides rotational or longitudinal or both types of movement to actuate the trap.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus captures thromboembolic material in the arterial and venous circulation. The apparatus includes an inner hollow tube and an outer hollow tube in sliding engagement with the inner hollow tube. A radially expandable segment, such as an inflatable balloon, is attached near the distal end of the catheter. One end portion of the balloon is attached to the inner tube and the other end portion is attached to the outer tube. When the catheter is advanced through a vessel to be treated, the balloon is deflated and the outer tube is slidably advanced to a storage position so that the balloon compactly surrounds the catheter. When the catheter is in place within the vessel, the outer tube is slidably advanced to a treatment position and the balloon is inflated. As the vessel is treated, the inflated balloon captures and contains thromboembolic particles that may be released, and the particles are suctioned out of the patient through apertures located in the outer hollow tube proximal to the balloon.

Abstract: In order to enhance the flexibility and trackability of a catheter (1) that is particularly adapted for use in delivering a stent (5), the catheter (1) comprises a marker arrangement (7, 8) that includes at least one marker (10, 11) made from a wire of a highly radiopaque and ductile material. Said wire is preferably wrapped around a second inner tube (2) of the catheter (1).

Abstract: A catheter for percutaneous insertion includes a sheath portion, an insertion member, an injection needle, and paired electrodes. The sheath portion has a lumen extending therein. The insertion member is disposed slidably in the lumen of the sheath portion and provided with a distal end portion capable of protruding from a distal end portion of the sheath portion. The injection needle is disposed in the distal end portion of the insertion member for injecting a therapeutic composition to a target tissue. The paired electrodes are disposed in a distal end portion of the catheter for measuring impedance.

Abstract: An infusion apparatus including a support member and an elastic sleeve surrounding the support member to define a fluid reservoir therebetween. The sleeve is expandable in a radial direction when the infusion apparatus is loaded with a fluid, such as a pain medication, and exerts a pressure on the fluid so that it may be delivered to a desired site, such as a surgical region of a patient. The elastic sleeve is sealed to the support member at spaced-apart locations by first and second sealing arrangements. Each sealing arrangement preferably includes a sealing member having a first end, a second end, and a body portion extending between the first and second ends. Desirably, the body portion is substantially annular in shape and is deflectable between a first inner diameter and a second inner diameter.

Abstract: A method of positioning an arcuate catheter against an inner annular wall of the disc, and particularly on the posterior and postero-lateral portions of the inner annulus of the disc, by arthroscopy is presented. The arcuate catheter retains its predetermined arcuate shape when no pressure or force is applied to the catheter. This present device and method require no forward tip pressure on the inner annular wall of a mammalian intervertebral disc. An arcuate sheath having a cutter is used to remove tissue from the inner annulus of the disc. In another embodiment an arcuate sheath is used to progressively remove material from the interior of the mammalian intervertebral disc. In yet another embodiment, an arcuate sheath and catheter are used to remove the entire intervertebral disc and place supports to maintain a disc space.

Abstract: A telescopic intravenous infusion set and/or blood collection assembly is provided with a safety feature for covering the used needle. The safety feature is a telescopic device including a shield with handling wings, which when placed in cooperating relationship, allows accommodation of a conventional unmodified blood collection needle affixed to a hub, and a sleeve with a locking cap. After use, the hub with the needle are pulled rearwardly into positive locking position which prevent the hub and needle from moving out of the shield thereafter. The telescopic nature of the device then allows the locked needle/hub to move rearward in relation to the shield until the shield is unreleasably locked to the sleeve. The shield provides for passage of the needle and hub from a releasable locked use position to a shielded and unreleasable locked protected position.

Abstract: A flap valve for a trocar system including a valve housing (12) that is proximally attachable to a guide tube (10), a lead-through opening (30) formed in the valve housing (12), and a pivotally mounted flap valve (46). The flap valve (46) is manually pivotable from a “closed” position to an “open” position via a slide rod. The slide rod (52) is mebedded in the body (12), is radially slidable and contacts with its inner end an actuation area of the flap valve (46).

Abstract: A method for preventing medical device-associated microorganism infection includes the steps of providing a medical device and incorporating an effective amount of an oxazolidinone compound, such as linezolid, into the medical device.

Abstract: A washable, reusable garment for retention of body fluids when worn on a person's lower body part. The garment has a crotch portion and a body portion. The crotch portion has an absorbent composite, and a pocket adapted for receiving a removable absorbent pad. The body portion has a waist opening and is seamless except where attached to the crotch portion. The body portion and the crotch portion together form first and second leg openings.

Abstract: A pant-type disposable garment having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings is disclosed. The garment comprises a first waist panel, a second waist panel and a crotch panel positioned between, the first waist panel and the second waist panel. The crotch panel is openable and reclosable with respect to at least the second waist panel. The garment further comprises a releasable joint and a fastening member. The releasable joint releasably joins the crotch panel to the second waist panel to preform a pant shape. The releasable joint is released to first open the crotch panel. The fastening member is capable of refastening the crotch panel to the second waist panel to reform the pant shape after the releasable joint is released.

Abstract: A disposable wearing article is provided on its garment facing surface with tape fasteners. The tape member forming each of the tape fastener has a fixed end portion and a free end portion adapted to be taken between the fingers longitudinally opposed to each other. The free end portion at least partially extend beyond the lateral edge of the wearing article.

Abstract: A liquid-medicine injection port device includes: a liquid-medicine inlet which is formed at its upper end; a liquid-medicine outlet which is formed at its lower end which is connectable to a liquid-medicine container; a liquid passageway which connects the liquid-medicine inlet and the liquid-medicine outlet; a germ-removal filter which is provided in the liquid passageway; and a closure which closes the liquid passageway downstream from the germ-removal filter and opens it easily. Further, a liquid-medicine container is provided with this liquid-medicine injection port device. Or further, the liquid-medicine container has a two-chamber structure in which an injection chamber provided with the liquid-medicine injection port device which the germ-removal filter is attached to, and a storage chamber storing a liquid medicine are divided by a weak seal portion having such a strength that it is easily peeled.

Abstract: The present invention is a deformable liquid handling member, having an inner region circumscribed and hermetically sealed by a wall region, which comprises a membrane assembly to separate a first zone outside of the member from a second zone within the inner region of the member. Thereby, the second zone is connected to a suction source capable of receiving liquid, and the first zone is positioned in liquid communication with a liquid releasing source during its intended use. The membrane assembly is capable of maintaining a pressure differential between the second zone and the first zone without permitting air to penetrate from said first zone to said second zone. Further, the inner region comprises an inner material, which has a volume expansion factor of more than 3, preferably 5, more preferably 10, and can have a creep recovery of more than 60%, preferably more than 90%.

Abstract: Devices and methods of using a surgical drain, and more particularly a surgical drain having at least one sensor for monitoring and/or recording the condition of the anatomical site or fluid emitted from the site where the surgical drain is placed. Modifications may be made to the surgical drain to improve stabilization or immobilization in the proximity of the anatomical site to be monitored.

Abstract: A photoacoustic probe for port wine stain (PWS), burn and melanin depth measurements is comprised of optical fibers for laser light delivery and a piezoelectric element for acoustic detection. The probe induced and measured photoacoustic waves in acryl amide tissue phantoms and PWS skin in vivo. Acoustic waves were denoised using spline wavelet transforms, then deconvolved with the impulse response of the probe to yield initial subsurface pressure distributions in phantoms and skin. The waves were then analyzed for epidermal melanin concentration, using a photoacoustic melanin index (PAMI) related to the amount of laser energy absorbed by melanin. Propagation time of the photoacoustic wave was used to determine the depth of blood perfusion underlying necrotic, burned tissue. Thus, the photoacoustic probe can be used for determining PWS, burn and melanin depth for most patients receiving laser therapy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the likelihood of post operative atrial fibrillation by cooling specific nerves in the heart. In an exemplary method, a semi-rigid probe having a distal portion capable of cooling tissue to temperatures below freezing, is placed on tissue proximate cardiac nerves to temporarily or permanently inhibit signal conduction in the nerves.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for ablating a target tissue are discussed. Such methods and apparatus include those that simplify tissue ablation. For example, a tissue ablation device having an actuator, such as a trigger mechanism, coupled to a power source and an electrode is discussed. A single step of engaging the actuator causes the electrode to be introduced into the target tissue and causes energy to be delivered from the power supply to the tissue via the electrode. By way of additional example, a tissue ablation device having an actuator coupled to a fluid source and an electrode is discussed. A single step of engaging the actuator causes conductive fluid to flow from the fluid source to the target tissue location and causes the electrode to be introduced to the target tissue location. The fluid source may be a conductive fluid, such as saline, which may increase the efficiency of ablation. Various other configurations and methods that simplify tissue ablation are also discussed.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a handpiece, an electrode assembly comprising one or more electrodes attached to the handpiece, and connection means for connecting the handpiece to an electrosurgical generator. The handpiece comprises a housing, fluid supply lines for directing a cooling fluid to and from the electrode assembly, and a pump for driving cooling fluid through the fluid supply lines. The handpiece may also include a fluid reservoir. The pump, the fluid supply lines, and the reservoir are all wholly contained within the housing.

Abstract: Apparatus for sealing vascular penetrations comprise a shaft having an electrode or other energy-applying element at a distal end. The shaft is placed in a tissue tract over a blood vessel penetration and located using a locator which engages an inner wall of the blood vessel. Once in position, an anchor is used to hold the shaft, allowing the locator to be removed. Energy is then applied through a distal tip of the shaft in order to induce desiccation and plug formation in a blood pool formed between the distal end of the shaft and the wall of the blood vessel.

Abstract: A spinal adjusting device having a base plate assembly with an upper plate assembly coupled thereto, the base plate assembly configured to permit the upper plate assembly to drop a predetermined distance when subjected to a predetermined force. The base plate assembly includes a coupling mechanism having a drop assembly that enables adjustment in the amount of predetermined force required to drop the upper plate assembly onto the base plate. A patient is placed with their neck supported at the vertebra adjacent to the vertebra in need of repositioning. The patient's cervical spine and skull are flexed or extended with sufficient force to cause the entire upper assembly to drop, facilitating repositioning of the target vertebrae.

Abstract: Improved bone anchors are disclosed for anchoring one or more sutures attached to soft tissue to a bone. The bone anchor has an anchor body that extends between a distal and a proximal end. A bore is formed axially in the anchor body and opens at the proximal end. One or more pins are fixed within the bore of the anchor body. One or more sutures can be looped on the pins for anchoring soft tissue to bone. The anchor body has a socket within the bore for receiving a driver tool. The distal end of the anchor body forms a non-threaded extension, which stabilizes the bone anchor, and helps prevent lateral movement during use. In one embodiment, the anchor body has coarse threads for engaging soft bone tissue and fine threads for engaging hard bone tissue.

Abstract: A double-jointed bone bolt for use in an apparatus for maintaining vertebra in a desired relationship. The apparatus has a rod that extends substantially along the spine and one or more bone bolts. At least one of the bone bolts is double jointed. The double-jointed bolt has a mounting portion with a hook or coarse threads to engage a vertebra, and the mounting portion is attached to a pivot post in a manner that allows the pivot post to be rotatable about a common axis in respect to the mounting portion. The pivot post of the bone bolt is then pivotally attached to a connector portion of the bone bolt that has machine threads upon which a surgeon may attach a clamp. The clamp has a second bolt and an arm. The second bolt holds the rod and the arm to the clamp. The second bolt has a first channel to attach to the rod, while the arm has a second channel to attach the double-jointed bone bolt.

Abstract: Anchoring plate for a device for osteosynthesis of the vertebral column, including means for connecting it to one or more rods or to a plate. Its lower face is configured to match the shape of a contact zone situated to straddle two vertebrae, and it has openings for the passage of screws. The device for osteosynthesis of the vertebral column includes one or more rods or plates connected to vertebrae by way of connectors and anchoring plates. At least one of the anchoring plates is of the above type described above.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw includes a head member and a shank member. The shank has a capture end and an opposite threaded end for threaded insertion into a vertebra. The head has a U-shaped cradle for receiving a spinal fixation rod and a central bore for receiving the capture end of the shank. An expandible retainer ring with a radial split is snapped onto the capture end of the shank to retain it within the head. The retainer ring has a spherical outer surface which forms a ball joint with a spherical socket cavity within the head to enable the head to be angled relative to the shank. A threaded closure plug is tightened within the cradle to clamp the rod into engagement with a knurled dome on the capture end of the shank to secure the rod relative to the vertebra.

Abstract: A position-adjustment device having particular applicability for surgical instrumentation. The system comprises a body connected to an elongate member in such an arrangement as to have interchangeable locked and unlocked states. In the unlocked state, the body is free to move along the elongate member, and in the locked state the body is prevented from moving along the elongate member.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant assembly is presented which has 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: A bone plate for stabilizing adjacent vertebrae or ends of a bone has a span for extending across the discontinuity. The span has brackets for attaching to the bone. The brackets have countersunk apertures terminating through which bone screws are placed in the bone. An eccentric cam bore is located between the countersunk apertures and, upon rotation of an eccentric cam, wedge grip shoes are slid into the countersunk apertures and frictionally engage the spherical heads of the bone screws. To prevent back-out of the bone screws, the eccentric cam is locked into the wedge grip shoes.

Abstract: The surgical saw according to the present invention comprises an arm fixed by mounting the rear end portion thereof in a jaw of a handle; and a double saw blade part connected with the front end portion of the arm and having two saw blades arranged side by side in a certain distance. In case that the surgical saw is used in surgeries for cutting off cheek bones, the surgical saw can precisely cut off portions of the cheek bones in a width set in advance by precisely cutting off two positions of the cheek bones in a precise cutting-off length at the same time so that the portions of cheek bones can be conveniently cut off, the periods of time for surgeries can be reduced, and an occurrence frequency of surgery aftereffects due to different cutting-off widths for the left and right cheek bones can be reduced.