Abstract: A tissue surface treatment apparatus includes a housing having a proximal end, a distal end including a tissue contacting surface, an interior defined by the housing and a handpiece coupled to the housing. The contactinc surface has a plurality of apertures. An energy delivery device including an electrode is positionable in the housing interior. The electrode includes a tissue penetrating distal end in substantial alignment with an aperture. The electrode is configured to be advanced from the housing interior through the aperture and into a target tissue site to define an ablation volume at least partly bounded by a tissue surface. An advancement device is coupled to the energy delivery device and is at least partly positionable within at least one of the housing or the handpiece. The advancement device is configured to advance the electrode from the housing interior into the target tissue site and withdrawal the electrode into the housing interior.

Abstract: An energy delivering probe is used for thermally coagulating and/or constricting hollow anatomical structures (HAS) including, but not limited to, blood vessels such as perforator veins. The probe includes a shaft and at least two electrodes where at least one of the electrodes has a perimeter that increases as it extends proximally.

Abstract: An anchoring fastener is adapted for attaching an elastic cable to a substrate, and is suitable for use in stabilizing and fixating a bony fracture with an elastic cable having known diameter and elastic properties. The invention includes: a generally annular collar, a deformable centering ring seatable inside the annular collar, and an anchor post adapted to be passed through the annular collar and ring. A loop or bight of cable passed around a shoulder of the anchor post is retained under compression in a defined annular void defined between a shoulder of the post and a cylindrical bore in the annular collar.

Abstract: This invention relates to implants formed from donor bone for use in lumbar interbody fusion procedures and instruments for performing such procedures. The implants are formed to include a concave surface formed from a portion of the medullary canal of a long bone. The concave surface defines a recess in the implant that serves as a depot for osteogenic material. Specific instruments for inserting the implants prepared according to this invention and for preparing the intervertebral space to receive the implants are also provided.

Abstract: Systems for stabilizing the spine and facilitating placement of stabilization devices on the spine include one or more holding elements positionable in corresponding ones of one or more cannulated auxiliary elements of the stabilization device. The holding elements can be configured to manipulate and/or maintain alignment of the corresponding auxiliary element relative to the stabilization device. A driving tool engaged to the holding element facilitates remote manipulation. The systems can further be provided with blocking members engageable to the cannulated auxiliary elements to enhance engagement of the stabilization device with the spine and to facilitate revision surgery.

Abstract: An instrument is provided for use in orthopedic surgery for reduction of a connecting member such as a spinal rod toward an implant such as a bone screw. An embodiment of the instrument includes handle portions that are pivotable relative to each other and biased apart, and arm portions pivotable relative to each other and to the handle portions. Distal portions of the arm portions, which are offset from the arm portions, provide structure for engaging a connecting member and an implant. Squeezing the handle portions force the distal portions of the arm portions together, forcing together the connecting member and the implant. A toothed bar and pawl may be provided to retain the instrument in a squeezed state.

Abstract: An instrument in particular suitable for being inserted into the cavity within a vertebra, which instrument features a collapsed position and an expanded position, in which collapsed position the instrument can be inserted into the cavity through an opening in the vertebral wall. The instrument includes a first upper elongated contact element and a second lower elongated contact element, and member for moving said elements apart in a direction substantially transversely to their contact surfaces to a particular end position, in which the elements are locked in position relative to each other.

Abstract: A guide assembly for positioning one or more bone engaging fasteners in a bony segment includes at least one guide tube and an extension extending distally from a distal end of the at least one guide tube. The extension is contactable with at least one of the plate and the bony segment with a passage of the guide tube aligned with a bone fastener hole through the plate and the distal end of the guide tube spaced from the plate.

Abstract: Instruments for inserting an implant in a space between adjacent bony portions include upper and lower guide members separated by a spreader with the implant positioned forwardly of the spreader. The spreader is movable forwardly between the guide members with a drive member to position the implant in a space between the bony portions. The spreader contacts the adjacent bony portions to facilitate withdrawal of the inserter instrument when the implant is positioned in the space.

Abstract: In one embodiment, there is disclosed a surgical instrument for inserting an implant, the surgical instrument including an inserter assembly and a distractor assembly.

Abstract: Anatomically contoured anterior cervical plates with bone ingrowth surfaces, providing for intersegmental compressive preloading, and a rigid and locked interface to all of the bone screws, with those engaging the vertebrae deployed in highly convergent pairs. The bone screws have a tapered self-tapping leading end, an increasing root diameter with a generally constant outer diameter with a thread that is narrow and sharp throughout and an enlarged head portion capable of an interference fit to the receiving holes of the plate. Instrumentation consists of plate holders, a compression apparatus and a pilot hole forming device that interlocks with the plate. Methods for spinal compression and bone hole preparation are provided.

Abstract: The movement of a catheter through a medium, which may be living tissue such as a human brain, is controlled by mechanically pushing a flexible catheter having a magnetic tip through the medium and applying a magnetic field having a magnitude and a direction that guides the mechanically-pushed catheter tip stepwise along a desired path. The magnetic field is controlled in a Magnetic Stereotaxis System by a processor using an adaptation of a PID (proportional, integral, and derivative) feedback method. The magnetic fields are applied by superconducting coils, and the currents applied through the coils are selected to minimize a current metric.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical manipulator which capable of manipulating a surgical or medical tool in up to six degrees of freedom. The manipulator has a relatively lightweight, compact design as a result of the use of high force to mass ratio actuators. The manipulator includes a mounting fixture which permits the manipulator to be fixed relative to a portion of a body of a patient.

Abstract: A portable and disposable device is provided for processing harvested dermal tissue. The device includes a housing presenting a handle having a gripping surface and a cutting head attached to the handle. A cutting assembly is supported by the cutting head and includes a plurality of spaced cutting blades that are rotatable with respect to the housing. A receptacle is disposed downstream of the cutting assembly and receives the sliced tissue from the cutting blades. The device is thus operable to slice harvested tissue into strips, and further into fine particles, that can be used for transplantation onto a wound site.

Abstract: The present invention regards an apparatus for selectively and accurately deploying one or more sequentially positioned medical appliances from a portable medical device. The apparatus includes a body having a channel, a string passing through the channel, and a mechanism for moving the string predetermined distances to deploy medical appliances. The medical appliances may be, but are not limited to, ligation bands.

Abstract: A medical suturing tool 10 is composed of an insertion puncture needle 13 having an insertion hole 13a, a retrieval puncture needle 14 disposed in parallel with the insertion puncture needle 13, a lock part 15, and a surgical suture 16. A vertically elongated opening 18 is formed on the side surface of the insertion puncture needle 13, and an engaging groove 19 including a wide upper portion 19a and a narrow lower portion 19b on the side surface of the retrieval puncture needle 14 at a position slightly lower than the portion opposing to the vertically elongated opening 18. The lock part 15 is composed of a spherical portion 15a which can pass through a wide upper portion 18a and cannot pass through a narrow lower portion 18b and a rod-shaped portion 15b which can pass through the narrow lower portion 18b.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device and method for securing a passed surgical suture in a manner similar to a tied knot. The suture securing device comprises a male piece having a top portion, a center shaft having one end connected to the top portion, and an end member having a capturing feature connected to another end of the center shaft; and a female piece having a top end and a bottom end comprising a column being generally cylindrical in shape and forming a hollow opening along its length, wherein the opening slidingly receives the center shaft and a suture to be captured and held by the capturing feature, the suture being secured in place between the column and the center shaft. The assembled male and female pieces are irreversibly interlocked and form a lightly compressed, convoluted or tortuous pathway. The capturing feature is formed to engage and obliquely capture the suture from different angles.

Abstract: A surgical system that is able to sense the onset of an occlusion or other surgical event as well as the instant an occlusion breaks. To help avoid overheating of the tip, the system determines an approximate temperature of the eye using an irrigation flow rate and reduces the power to the handpiece automatically if an overheating situation is predicted. Alternatively or in addition, the system monitors the power drawn by the handpiece, which is indicative of the cutting load on the tip, and automatically adjusts the power or stroke of the tip to compensate for increased loads on the tip.

Abstract: An embolic protection filter. In some embodiments, the device includes an elongate shaft, a filter coupled to the shaft, and a proximal stop coupled to the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides a removable vena cava filter for capturing thrombi in a blood vessel. The filter comprises a plurality of primary struts having first ends attached together along a longitudinal axis. Each primary strut includes an arcuate segment having a first tensile strength. The arcuate segment extends from the first end to an anchoring hook. The anchoring hook is integral with the arcuate segment and having the first thickness and first tensile strength. The filter further comprises a plurality of secondary struts freely spaced between the primary struts and having connected ends attached together along the longitudinal axis. Each secondary strut freely extends from the connected end to a free end avoiding contact with other secondary struts and primary struts. Each secondary strut has a second tensile strength.

Abstract: An orthopaedic ratcheting forceps, especially for fixation of fractures, comprises two handles, wherein a first catching element is mounted pivotally with one handle and wherein a complementary catching element is mounted in the other handle. The forceps can assume only two stable settings which can be switched with a single hand, one closed setting within which the jaws of the forceps can only be further closed and an open setting within which the handles of the forceps are freely movable so that the forceps can be opened as well as closed. In one handle a leaf spring is provided and biased between two mounting points which spring is mounted between abutting side walls within said handle. Furthermore a lever end connected with one of the catching elements engages the spring and through movement of the activation element the lever end and/or the spring is switchable between the closed setting and the open setting.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for closing a puncture wound. In one exemplary embodiment, a puncture closure device is provided having an elongate tubular body that is disposable through a puncture in tissue and that includes proximal and distal portions. The proximal portion can be adapted to expand to form proximal wings upon rotation of the elongate tubular body, preferably in a first direction. The distal portion can be adapted to expand to form distal wings upon rotation of the elongate tubular body, preferably in a second, opposite direction. The proximal and distal portions can also be adapted to be moved toward one another as they expand upon rotation. As a result, the proximal and distal wings can engage tissue therebetween.

Abstract: A posterior vertebral stabilizer has a resilient member such as a linear spring, which operates in tension and compression. The resilient member may be kept straight by a stabilization rod extending through the spring, or by a telescoping assembly that encases the resilient member. The ends of the stabilizer are attachable to pedicles of adjacent vertebrae so that the stabilizer adds stiffness to control flexion and extension of the vertebrae. Two such stabilizers may be used, and may be connected together by a crosslink designed to limit relative rotation of the stabilizers. Thus, the stabilizers may restrict axial rotation and lateral bending between the vertebrae, while permitting stiffened flexion and extension. Such stabilizers help provide the stiffness of a healthy intervertebral disc. In the event that fusion of the joint becomes necessary, a set screw or other component may be used to further restrict flexion and extension.

Abstract: The forces exerted on a spinal implant by one or more coupling assemblies are controlled to facilitate the use of the implant in spinal stabilization and other procedures. The coupling assemblies are structured to distribute the forces exerted on the implant while engaging the implant to the coupling assembly and providing at least one of a rigid, semi-rigid or variable engagement of the coupling assembly with one or more anatomical structures of the spinal column.

Abstract: A bone screw has a flexible shaft which prevents relative movements in the direction of tension, but permits smaller movements in all other directions. The bone screw is configured as a screw insertable into medullary cavities having a curved surface, where the screw adapts to the given contour.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an upper capture structure, a head and a multi-piece retainer, articulation structure. The geometry of the retainer structure pieces corresponds and cooperates with the external geometry of the capture structure to frictionally envelope the retainer structure between the capture structure and an internal surface defining a cavity of the head. The head has a U-shaped cradle defining a channel for receiving a spinal fixation or stabilization longitudinal connecting member. The head channel communicates with the cavity and further with a restrictive opening that receives retainer pieces and the capture structure into the head but prevents passage of frictionally engaged retainer and capture structures out of the head. The retainer structure includes a substantially spherical surface that mates with the internal surface of the head, providing a ball joint, enabling the head to be disposed at an angle relative to the shank body.

Abstract: In order to later identify the location of a biopsy or surgery, various means and methods for permanently and non-surgically marking selected tissue in the human body are used. Later visualization of the markers is readily accomplished using state-of-the-art imaging systems.

Abstract: Endoprosthesis, such as a stent, includes at least one annular element defined by a first set of strut members interconnected to define apices proximate opposite sides of the annular element. The annular element further includes a foot extension extending between at least one pair of circumferentially-adjacent strut members. The foot extension has first and second foot portions extending circumferentially from corresponding ends of the circumferentially-adjacent strut members, and are contoured to provide at least two areas of flexure. The first and second foot portions are joined at a toe portion of the foot extension, and define a circumferentially-directed apex between the pair of circumferentially-adjacent strut members. Preferably, at least one or more additional annular elements, each defined by interconnected strut members, are provided. The annular elements are generally expandable between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration.

Abstract: Implantable frames for use in body passages are provided herein. The implantable frames can include a plurality of hoop members joined by a plurality of longitudinal connecting members to form a tubular frame defining a cylindrical lumen. The plurality of longitudinal connecting members may include one or more pairs of closely-spaced longitudinal connecting members aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the implantable frame. The circumferential distance between the closely-spaced longitudinal connecting members preferably subtends an angle less than (2?/n) radians, where (n) is an integer equal to the total number of longitudinal connecting members connecting two longitudinally adjacent hoop members.

Abstract: A method and device for implantation into a curved vessel is described. The device may be a stent with a generally curved configuration in its radially expanded state. The stent may have a first series of linkages located along a first side of the stent and a second series of linkages located along a second side of the stent. Both series of linkages interconnect structural elements of the stent. During deployment of the stent into a vessel, the second series of linkages undergo longitudinal expansion sufficient to produce a stent having a longer second side than a first side. This difference in longitudinal length between the second side and first side of the stent creates a curved configuration which conforms to the curvature of the vessel which it is implanted into.

Abstract: Endoprosthesis, such as a stent, includes at least one annular element defined by a first set of strut members interconnected to define apices proximate opposite sides of the annular element. The annular element further includes a foot extension extending between at least one pair of circumferentially-adjacent strut members. The foot extension has first and second foot portions extending circumferentially from corresponding ends of the circumferentially-adjacent strut members, and are contoured to provide at least two areas of flexure. The first and second foot portions are joined at a toe portion of the foot extension, and define a circumferentially-directed apex between the pair of circumferentially-adjacent strut members. Preferably, at least one or more additional annular elements, each defined by interconnected strut members, are provided. The annular elements are generally expandable between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration.

Abstract: A system for treating a vascular condition includes a conduit having an inner wall and at least one locking member positioned within the inner wall of the conduit. The system also includes a stented valve positioned in contact with the locking member within the inner wall of the conduit. A method for treating a vascular condition includes inserting a conduit with a stented valve into a target region of a vessel, positioning a contact portion of the stented valve against a locking portion of the conduit and preventing migration of the stented valve within the conduit based on the positioning.

Abstract: A surgical procedure is described for the restoration of eyelid function in individuals suffering from ptosis or upper eyelid droop syndrome that makes a patient unable to voluntarily fully raise an eyelid. The surgical procedure includes implantation and suturing of eye drop (pH) activated and actuated fibrous contractile and expansive artificial muscles such as pH active hydrogels of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) artificial muscles that are surgically implanted and sutured under the superior palpebral conjunctiva in a serpentine parallel configuration with respect to the tarsal (meibomian) glands of the upper eyelid and anchored to the tissues of superior fornix.

Abstract: An implantable soft tissue prosthesis comprising a hollow shell formed of a flexible elastomeric envelope, the shell having an inner volume and an exterior surface, when the inner volume is filled with an elastomeric silicone tubing that is preshaped conforming to the inner volume of the shell, the prosthesis being adapted to be surgically implanted in a human breast.

Abstract: A prosthetic joint kit, particularly well suited for an elbow, transmits load through the prosthetic joint through a pair of spherically shaped bearing surfaces so as to transmit load over a relatively large area rather than at a point or over a line of contact. The prosthetic joint kit may be configured in a modular manner wherein a plurality of interchangeable stem structures, bearing structures and/or bearing inserts of various types are available. Construction in this manner enables a surgeon to configure the prosthetic joint to best suit the needs of the patient. For example, the surgeon may employ a modular flange for compressing a bone graft, a tissue fastener for securing soft tissue to a portion of the prosthetic joint, a cam for limiting the amount by which the prosthetic joint articulates or a bearing insert for tailoring the degree of varus/valgus constraint.

Abstract: A tibial prosthesis has tibial articular surfaces including a medial articular surface in a medial compartment and a lateral articular surface in a lateral compartment. The medial articular surface follows a first arcuate track having a first radius of curvature and a first posterior segment extending along a posterior aspect of the medial compartment to a first superior-interior location. The lateral articular surface follows a second arcuate track having a second radius of curvature and a second posterior segment extending along a posterior aspect of the lateral compartment to a second superior-inferior location. The second posterior segment has a slope extending in an inferior direction along the posterior aspect of the lateral compartment such that the second superior-inferior location is spaced a predetermined distance in an inferior direction from the first superior-inferior location.

Abstract: A wrist implant requires minimal resection of the distal radius and preserves the sigmoid notch and articulation with the head of the distal ulna. The wrist implant generally includes a radius portion, a carpal portion and a carpal ball. The wrist implant includes a primary articulation and a secondary rotational articulation. The primary articulation occurs between the radius portion and the carpal ball. The secondary articulation occurs between the carpal ball and the carpal portion.

Abstract: A fixed-bearing ankle prosthesis may include tibial and talar components whose articulating surfaces directly contact one another. The tibial component defines medial and lateral concave condylar facets separated by a convex central portion. The talar component includes medial and lateral convex condyles separated by a concave central portion. The condyles each have a single radius of curvature in a medial-lateral plane such that each condyle has a circular-arc cross-section continuously extending from the respective medial or lateral edge of the talar component to the concave central portion. The medial-lateral radii of the condyles are smaller than corresponding radii of the condylar facets.

Abstract: A stent for delivering a therapeutic dose of the immnuosupressant tacrolimus is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for preparing an insecticidally treated textile having improved properties. A novel combination of an insecticide and certain polymeric binder(s) or dye fixatives is used to coat and/or impregnate fabric via a combination of application methods used in the textile industry. The insecticide-binder or insecticide-dye fixative combination and the method by which it is applied to the textile yield a coated fabric and, ultimately, finished goods with improved wash durability of the insecticide over several launderings and prolonged insecticidal efficacy.

Abstract: Present invention is related to oxidative hair coloring composition comprising yogurt powder for improving combability of hair.

Abstract: Alumina-containing dust is agglomerated into granules by mixing the dust with an organic binder to form a mixture; feeding the mixture into a rotating drum; adding water to the mixture while the drum is rotating; stirring the mixture with a rotor hastening agglomeration of the dust particles into granules; collecting moist granules from an open end of the drum; and drying the moist granules. Granules produced by the process are suitable feedstock material for production of aluminum by electrolysis of alumina in a cell containing a molten salt bath, anodes, and a cathode.

Abstract: A reactor intended to carry out partial oxidation reactions starting from liquid feedstocks that can go from GPL to gas oil for the purpose of producing synthesis gas is characterized by finely controlled hydrodynamics and a high degree of thermal integration, and comprises an elongated jacket along an axis of any orientation, means (12) for supplying a preheated gas that contains oxygen and optionally water vapor, means (9) for supplying a hydrocarbon feedstock, means (11) for evacuation of a hydrogen-rich effluent, a first internal chamber (5) inside of which is carried out an essentially isothermal partial oxidation reaction that is connected to means (9) for supplying the hydrocarbon feedstock and to means (12) for supplying preheated gas, gas turbulizing means that are suitable for creating a perfect mixing flow, means (8) for linking first chamber (5) to a second chamber (7) with a suitable volume for carrying out a piston flow, linking means (8) that comprise at least one orifice, and second chamber (7

Abstract: The strainer comprises an unitary body having a main section and a collar section located around the main section. The collar section has a substantially outwardly-projecting portion located around the main section and an upstream projecting portion located around the substantially outwardly-projecting portion.

Abstract: An inlet device to a separator including a generally tubular outer wall and a generally tubular inner wall. The walls define at least a part of a first annular path between them. An inlet opening provides for the passage of a fluid through the outer wall into the first annular path. At least one communication channel provides for the passage of a fluid from the first annular path into the second annular path. At least one movable closing element provides for at least partial closure of the fluid passage from the first path into the second path. The communication channel(s) is/are arranged to extend along the outside of the inner wall downwards from the first path into the second path, wherein the second path is arranged below the first path.

Abstract: A filter screen structure includes a filter screen having air vents distributed thereon, and one or more layers of impedance material attached to the filter screen to increase an impedance of the filter screen and reduce the speed of air flowing through the filter screen. Through proper attachment of the impedance material to the filter screen in predetermined manners, the speed of air flown through the filter screen may be effectively adjusted to thereby regulate the volume of air flown through the filter screen.

Abstract: A pleated fluid filter having a pair of spaced longitudinally extending flanks is formed by at least one layer of a fluid filter media. A spacing member is integral with one of the flanks and extends outwardly in contacting relation with an adjacent flank.

Abstract: An air filter arrangement, an air cleaner assembly including the air filter arrangement and methods of assembly and use are described. An air filter arrangement comprising a serviceable filter cartridge is described. The typical cartridge includes a recessed first flow face and an opposite outwardly projecting second flow face, with a central apex. Features of the cartridge, and an air cleaner for installation into the cartridge, are described.

Abstract: Copper metal powders, methods for producing copper metal powders and products incorporating the powders. The copper metal powders have a small particle size, narrow size distribution and a spherical morphology. The method includes forming the metal particles in a continuous manner.

Abstract: Novel forms of molybdenum metal. Novel forms of molybdenum metal are characterized by a surface area of substantially about 2.1 m2/g to substantially about 4.1 m2/g. Novel forms of molybdenum metal are also characterized by a relatively uniform size.