Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for the removal of waste products, such as smoke and tissue particles, arising during the ablation of biological tissue by means of laser irradiation. According to the invention, discharge openings for a flushing gas are provided, which are arranged such that the gas flows meet above the ablation region at an angle of ca. 100° and stratify to give a gas flow taken up by a suction opening.

Abstract: The portable aspiration pump unit of the invention, for the aspiration of bodily fluids, has a pump assembly housing (1) with a pump assembly (6) and at least one secretion or fluid collection reservoir (2) detachably connected to this pump assembly housing (1). The pump assembly housing has a front wall (11), a rear wall (10), and a side wall (16) arranged between these two walls, while the front wall and the rear wall each have one wall edge (100, 110) projecting beyond this side wall, and the fluid collection reservoir is held between these wall edges. In this way, the fluid collection reservoir can be secured easily to the pump assembly housing, yet be held firmly and protected inside it. This aspiration pump unit enables a simple and secure replacing of the fluid collection reservoir and affords the patient a heightened mobility.

Abstract: A waste management system includes a waste transport device, a waste collection device, and an insertion device. The waste transport device includes a collection member with a distal end opening having a first cross-sectional area and a proximal end opening having a second cross-sectional area less than the first cross-sectional area, and a retention cuff disposed about an outer surface of the collection member. The insertion device is positioned about the collection member and retention cuff to retain the collection member and retention cuff in a collapsed configuration.

Abstract: A controlled evacuation ostomy appliance comprises a membrane that is urged into sealing engagement with a stoma, by the generation of radial tension in the membrane. A tensioning device applies tension, with respect to the stoma, at one or more positions that are (i) outboard of the periphery of the projecting portion of the stoma, and/or (ii) between the level of the peristomal skin and the level of the most projecting part of the stoma. Tension limiting means are disclosed. The membrane may be gas-permeable to allow flatus to be vented.

Abstract: Disposable pant like garments are disclosed. Pant like garments of the present invention generally comprise a main absorbent portion and a pair of side portions. One or more sections of the pant-like garments are provided with one or more cohesive areas which allow for cohesive fastening and refastening of portions of the garment. The cohesives chosen may have the same properties or may be of the selective adhesive type. Pant like garments may be provided with cohesive fasteners and not other types of refastening means. In other variations, cohesive fasteners may be supplemented with one or more frangible bonds. Also disclosed are side portions having cohesive areas which may be converted in use from an abutting facing relationship to an overlapping facing relationship. Multiple cohesive areas of varying types for providing differential bond properties during use are also disclosed.

Abstract: Liquid drug transfer devices including a vial adapter designed for failsafe correct snap fitting on a medicinal vial for ensuring flow communication with the vial's interior. The vial adapters include at least two non-adjacent vial retention flex members for snap fitting over a vial opening for vial retention purposes and at least two non-adjacent vial guidance flex members longer than their counterpart vial retention flex members for guiding a vial adapter with respect to a vial prior to snap fitting the vial adapter thereon.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing an improved apparatus and packaging system to more expeditiously hydrate or reconstitute medical grafts and to effectively and uniformly seed the medical grafts with biological components and cultured cells. The systems generally comprise a container comprising entry port, at least one substrate cavity, and top, side and bottom walls defining an inner surface. The entry port is configured to receive the biological solution. The cavity is in communication with the entry port and includes the porous substrate maintained under negative pressure. The container volume is substantially the same as a volume of the porous substrate. The side and bottom walls are configured to promote a laminar flow of the biological solution received through the entry port.

Abstract: A medical device is provided which includes a shield system and a syringe which is coupled to the shield system. The shield system includes a syringe holder and a shield which is slidably coupled to the holder. A spring resiliently urges the shield from a retracted position to an extended position. Stop members are provided on the holder and shield for maintaining the shield in the retracted position. The syringe is slidably coupled to the holder, and extends within the shield. Axial movement of the syringe with respect to the holder causes disengagement of the stop members, allowing the spring to move the shield to the extended position. Detents are provided on the holder for maintaining the shield in the extended position.

Abstract: The system for controlling body fluids overcomes the limitations of the prior art by automatically infusing diuretic and/or other drugs into a human patient. In one approach, the rate of infusion of the diuretic is adjusted based on the measured weight of the patient. For example, this weight can be transmitted wirelessly to a portable diuretic infusion device attached to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for attachment of an endoluminal gastrointestinal device, such as an artificial stoma device, a gastrointestinal bypass sleeve device or an attachment cuff, within a patient's digestive tract for treatment of obesity.

Abstract: A nasal aspiration device for clearing nasal passages is provided. The nasal aspiration device comprises a housing having a proximal end and a distal end. A plurality of slots are formed in the proximal end of the housing. A fan is mounted within the housing and a power mechanism powers the fan. An activation mechanism activates the power means. A nose cone is removably connectable to the distal end of the housing, the nose cone having an opening wherein upon powering the fan, air travels into the opening in the nose cone, through the housing, and out of the housing the slots.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for infusing medication into a patient's body using a medication chamber referenced to ambient pressure. The apparatus includes a medication chamber enclosed by a peripheral wall which includes a movable portion configured to transfer exterior ambient pressure into the chamber. Means are provided for exerting a negative bias force acting on the movable portion in a direction opposed to the ambient pressure force. Thus, the resultant pressure in the chamber will be negative with respect to ambient pressure, reducing the risk that the chamber can be overpressurized and produce an unintended medication discharge.

Abstract: A method for cardiac surgical intervention relies on sealing or fusing heart valve leaflets without requiring implanted materials such as sutures or staples. The method provides a forceps having at least one shaft and an end effector assembly attached thereto. The end effector assembly includes a pair of opposing jaw members configured to move from an open, spread position to a closed, grasping position; creating at least one opening in the patient for inserting the forceps therein; inserting through the opening and manipulating jaw members of the forceps to grasp a portion of a first heart valve leaflet and a portion of a second heart valve leaflet therebetween; activating the forceps to close the jaw members about the leaflet portions under a working pressure, applying radiofrequency energy to the jaw members to seal the portion of the first heart valve leaflet to the portion of the second heart valve leaflet.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale (PFO) provide for applying energy to tissues adjacent the PFO with a catheter device to substantially close the PFO acutely. Apparatus generally includes a catheter device having at least one energy transmission member at or near its distal end configured to apply energy to PFO tissues to acutely, substantially close the PFO. Applied energy may be monopolar or bipolar radiofrequency energy or any other suitable energy, such as laser, microwave, ultrasound, resistive heating or the like. Some embodiments of a catheter device further include one or more tissue apposition members near the distal end for helping bring PFO tissues together, such as a PFO covering member, a vacuum applying member and/or the like. PFO closure via energy-based approaches of the invention may help prevent stroke, treat migraine headache, and possibly treat or prevent other medical conditions.

Abstract: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing having a shaft affixed thereto, the shaft including jaw members at a distal end thereof. The shaft includes a longitudinal axis defined therethrough and the jaw members are adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. The forceps also includes a drive assembly which moves the jaw member relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members are closer to one another for manipulating tissue. A movable handle is included which is rotatable about a pivot to force the drive assembly to move the jaw members between the first and second positions. The pivot is located a fixed distance above the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An improved anterior cervical plating system and methods of cervical fusion using such a system are provided. The cervical plating system includes an interlocking mechanism that integrated into each of the plates such that any two plates may cooperatively engage through the interlocking mechanism such that a new cervical plate can be interconnected with a pre-existing plate during revision surgery without removal of the pre-existing plate.

Abstract: A tunnel notcher and guidewire delivery device is provided for creating a notch and positioning a guidewire within a bone tunnel. In general, the device includes an elongate member having proximal and distal ends with an inner lumen extending therebetween that is adapted to receive a guidewire. The device also includes a cutting element disposed on a distal portion of the elongate member that is adapted to remove bone within an opening of a bone tunnel. In use, the device 10 can be at least partially positioned within a bone tunnel containing a bone plug, and it can be manipulated to form a notch within or adjacent to an opening of the bone tunnel using the cutting element 18. The device 10 is also effective to deliver a guidewire 16 to the bone tunnel at a location adjacent to the notch.

Abstract: Systems for positioning a connecting element adjacent the spinal column in minimally invasive procedures include installation instruments that guide the connecting element from a location remote from one or more anchors to a location proximate to the one or more anchors. The installation instruments include extensions mountable to anchors engageable to the spinal column or other bony structure, and inserters mountable to the anchor extensions for positioning the connecting element adjacent the anchors.

Abstract: A method of preparing a joint for a prosthesis in a patient. The method includes obtaining scan data associated with the joint of the patient, preparing a three-dimensional image of the joint based on the scan data, preparing a pre-operative surgical plan based on the scan data, and preparing an image of a patient-specific alignment guide, and intra-operatively modifying the surgical plan.

Abstract: The present invention relates in certain embodiments to medical devices for treating osteoplasty procedures such as vertebral compression fractures. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to instruments and methods for controllably restoring vertebral body height by controlling the geometry of fill material introduced into cancellous bone. An exemplary system utilizes Rf energy in combination a conductive bone fill material for polymerizing the surface of the inflow plume to control the geometry of the fill material and the application of force caused by inflows of fill material. In another embodiment, method of treating bone includes injecting a volume of fill material into a bone and selectively modifying a viscosity of a selected portion of the bone filler to control the direction of flow of the fill material within the bone.

Abstract: Surgical instrumentation for use in placing an implant into a disc space between a pair of spinal vertebrae may include: (a) a distractor having a distal end that may be placed into the disc space between the pair of spinal vertebrae; (b) an inserter for use in moving the implant toward the disc space between the pair of spinal vertebrae; and, (c) a distractor/inserter rail/groove interconnection that interconnects the distractor and the inserter for relative movement thereby.

Abstract: A method for providing joint arthroplasty includes providing a gauge for making a measurement of the contour of a long bone, making a measurement of the contour of a long bone with the gauge, providing a plurality of joint prostheses, selecting one of the plurality of joint prostheses based upon the measurement of the contour, resecting a long bone, and implanting the selected one prosthesis onto the long bone. A kit is also provided for selecting one of a plurality of joint implants for use in joint arthroplasty on a bone. The kit includes a first gauge and a second gauge.

Abstract: A polyp removal tool and method of use is disclosed. The tool includes a main body, an elongated hollow conduit fixed to the body, a handle, a cable assembly, a suction assembly and an irrigation system. The handle is used to actuate a snare at the end of a cable for transecting of polypoid tissue. The suction assembly is used in pre-conditioning the tissue for cutting and in polyp retention after cutting. The irrigation system is included for tissue recovery after transection. The tool may include a screen for capture of tissue within the device.

Abstract: An identification tag applicator is provided, which is especially suited to applying identification tags to animals. The applicator includes a body (12) which has a driving rod housing (20) in which a driving rod (24) is slidably engaged. The driving rod (24) has a driving surface (28) adapted to receive a tag (60) which is to be applied. The applicator also has a trigger member (14) which is pivotably attached to the body (12). The trigger member (14) includes a connecting pin (46) which is adapted to selectively engage the trigger member (14) with the driving rod (24). A release mechanism automatically returns the driving rod (24) to a retracted position when the driving surface (28) of the rod (24) reaches a predetermined distance from the housing (20). The release mechanism ensures that the driving rod (24) is immediately retracted out of the way as soon as the tag is applied.

Abstract: Improved devices for removing tissue, for example nasal hair using natural wax. One embodiment uses telescoping tubes and there is wax or glue located in the inner tubes or between the tubes, whereby the tubes are located so that the inner one can extend or retract relative to the outer tube. Following heating the wax or glue for softening purposes, the same is applied to the inner part of the nasal cavity by emplacing the same in a desired naris and through application of force and wax extrusion through a cloth boot or otherwise, in combination with mild external pressure, removal is accomplished.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a surgical device including an end effector. The end effector may include a first jaw member defining a first groove and a second jaw member defining a second groove. The first jaw member and the second jaw member may be selectively pivotable between an open position and a closed position. Also, the first groove and the second groove may align to form a combined helical groove when the first jaw member and the second jaw member are in the closed position. In addition, the first jaw member may define a wire opening aligned with the first groove. Further, the first jaw member may define a beveled edge directed distally and substantially parallel to a distal portion of the wire opening.

Abstract: A clipping instrument for an endoscope is provided. The clipping instrument includes a flexible sheath, an operation wire, at least one detachable clip assembly, including a pair of openable and closable clipping arms and a fastening ring, the clipping arms being configured to be projected forward to open and to be closed according to forwarding and retracting movements of the fastening ring through the operation wire, a withdrawal stopper and an advancement stopper, which are provided in the vicinity of the distal end portion of the flexible sheath. The withdrawal stopper restricts the fastening ring from being retracted rearward into the withdrawal stopper once the fastening ring is forwarded to penetrate through the withdrawal stopper. The advancement stopper restricts the fastening ring from being forwarded further to penetrate out of the advancement stopper once the fastening ring is forwarded to penetrate through the withdrawal stopper.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for extracting vessel occluding material are provided. An embodiment of a vessel occluding material extractor includes a host structure, a plurality of expandable members, a slide mechanism, and a circumferential member. The host structure has an elongate axis. The expandable members are connected to the host structure arrayed radially around the elongate axis. The slide mechanism is connected to the expandable members and adjacent the host structure, and is slidable in the direction of the elongate axis. The circumferential member is connected to the expandable members between the connection of the slide mechanism and the host structure to the expandable members.

Abstract: The devices and methods generally relate to treatment of occluded body lumens. In particular, the present devices and method relate to removal of the occluding material from the blood vessels as well as other body lumens.

Abstract: Described are packages and systems for conveniently dispensing tongue cleaning devices. The packages include containers containing a plurality of tongue cleaning devices. The package and devices are arranged in such a fashion that the tongue cleaning devices are presented individually for dispensing from the container. Arrangements for achieving convenient dispensing include strips containing a plurality of tongue cleaning devices attached to one another and wound around a spindle within the container. The strip exits an opening in the container and conveniently presents devices sequentially which can be separated from one another at relatively weak points along the strip and/or using cutting elements on the container. Additional embodiments include a plurality of tongue cleaning devices in a stacked relationship in a container, and presented individually for sequential dispensing from the container.

Abstract: A microkeratome that includes a latch assembly that couples a head to a hand piece. The latch assembly allows the head to be readily detached from the hand piece and sterilized. There is no need to also sterilize the hand piece. The microkeratome also has a ring assembly that is coupled to the head and the hand piece. The ring assembly may include a fastener that can be unfastened to allow the hand piece and head to be detached from the ring, even while the ring assembly is fixed to a cornea. The hand piece includes a motor that moves the blade across the ring. The microkeratome may have an aspiration connector with a collar that limits the travel of the blade the and thickness of a resulting lamella flap. The aspiration connector can be replaced with a collar of a different diameter to produce a flap with a different thickness.

Abstract: A method for treating a brain tumor includes providing a surgical instrument having an inner member and an outer member. The outer member has a distal region forming a cutting window. The inner member is rotatably received within the outer member, and has a cutting tip that is exposed at the window. The cutting tip and the distal region of the outer member combine to define a cutting implement. An opening is created through the patient's skull to provide access to a brain tumor target site. The cutting implement is delivered through the opening to the target site. The cutting tip is placed into contact with the tumor and operated to cut the tumor. The target site is selectively aspirated to remove cut tumor tissue.

Abstract: A skin pricking apparatus includes a casing 1, a lancet 19 located within the casing, and a firing mechanism 5,13,31 for causing a needle tip 22 of the lancet 19 to be driven through an opening 14 in the casing to prick the skin of a user. The firing mechanism including a mechanical interlock 6,27 which is released by substantially simultaneous external pressure applied separately to two spaced apart components 5,13 of the firing mechanism by a user.

Abstract: An optical penetrating adapter for mounting to a surgical portal to permit visualization through the surgical portal includes an adapter member defining a longitudinal axis and having a transparent window adapted to penetrate tissue and to permit visualization therethrough and means for coupling the adapter member to the surgical portal. The transparent window may have various shapes and configurations adapted to penetrate, dissect, resect or separate tissue in a non traumatic manner. Alternatively, the transparent window may incorporate structure such as cutting edges blades, points, etc to pierce, cut or incise tissue.

Abstract: Implantable devices, instruments, kits and methods for treatment of obesity. One or more devices can be implanted adjacent to or in contact with the stomach to occupy a space to prevent the stomach from expanding into that space as food is taken into the stomach. Alternatively, one or more devices may be implanted and expanded to displace at least a portion of the wall of the stomach to decrease the internal volume of the stomach that is available to receive food. Devices may be anchored to one or more internal structures at one or more locations without piercing through the wall of the stomach. Devices can be implanted using minimally invasive methods, such as percutaneous or laparoscopic methods. Delivery instruments are also provided. An intra-gastric sizing device is provided to facilitate implantation of an extra-gastric device in some method embodiments.

Abstract: An embolic protection filter having an inverted membrane with improved blood perfusion characteristics is disclosed. An embolic protection filter in accordance with the present invention comprises a filter frame disposable about a guidewire, a support hoop coupled to a plurality of expandable struts, and an inverted membrane for filtering embolic debris. The inverted membrane has a tapered proximal section and an enlarged diameter distal section. Features of the present invention permit the perfusion of blood through the filter irrespective of embolic debris entrained therein.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical access device comprises a first frame and a second frame having relative axial positions. A flexible and resilient iris valve is connected to the first and second frames and has a closed position and an opened position based on the relative angular position of the first and second frames. A lock is connected to the first and second frames, the lock being selectively operative to prevent relative rotational movement in a first rotational direction. One embodiment uses a ratchet and pawl mechanism operable with a control ring. Another embodiment uses a ratchet and pawl mechanism operable with a button. Yet another embodiment uses a wedge track and ball mechanism.

Abstract: An ambidextrous locking clamp system for providing a user the ability to use the right or left hand to engage and disengage a ratcheting means on the clamp. The locking clamp has a hingedly connected first and second elongated member each with a finger engaging member, and a working head. At least two inter-engaging latching members are attached to the first and the second elongated members. The latching members each have a ratcheting head adapted to interact with each other, and are removably or fixedly attached to their respective finger engaging members. At least one of the latching members can have a flexible arm.

Abstract: A device for closing an aperture in a vessel wall comprising a covering member having a longitudinal axis and positionable inside the vessel against the internal opening of the aperture and a first spherical retainer positionable external of the vessel. The covering member has a dimension to prevent egress of fluid through the aperture.

Abstract: A medical closure screen device for a separation of first and second tissue portions is provided, which includes a mesh screen comprising tubular vertical risers, vertical strands with barbed filaments, and horizontal spacers connecting the risers and strands in a grid-like configuration. An optional perimeter member partly surrounds the screen and can comprise a perimeter tube fluidically coupled with the vertical risers to form a tubing assembly. Various input/output devices can optionally be connected to the perimeter tube ends for irrigating and/or draining the separation according to methodologies of the present invention. Separation closure, irrigation and drainage methodologies are disclosed utilizing various combinations of closure screens, tubing, sutures, fluid transfer elements and gradient force sources. The use of mechanical forces associated with barbed strands for repositionably securing separated tissues together is disclosed.

Abstract: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.

Abstract: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.

Abstract: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.

Abstract: This invention relates to a spinal facet cap for treating scoliosis, the facet cap comprising a shim portion for inserting into a facet joint of a spine, and an alignment portion for maintaining alignment of the shim portion within the facet joint. The invention also provides a method for treating scoliosis, comprising implanting at least one spinal facet cap into at least one facet joint of a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: Systems and method in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can includes an implant having an initiating piece and a distraction piece. The initiating piece can include a lower distraction element, a second wing, a lower portion of a spacer, and a lower portion of a first wing. The initiating piece can be positioned such that an interspinous ligament of the targeted motion segment is disposed between the first and second wing. The distraction piece can include an upper distraction element, an upper portion of the spacer, and an upper portion of the first wing, and can be mated with the initiating piece by mating a rail of the distraction piece with a slot of the initiating piece, thereby disposing the implant between adjacent spinous processes.

Abstract: A percutaneous interspinous process device for treating spinal conditions includes a first section, a second section, and a locking mechanism. The first section defines a first lateral surface, a first medial surface and a first lumen extending from the first lateral surface to the first medial surface. The second section defines a second lateral surface, a second medial surface and a second lumen extending from the second lateral surface. The locking mechanism includes an elongate member protruding from the first medial surface of the first section and a medial recess defined in the second medial surface of the second section. The medial recess is configured for securely receiving at least a portion of the elongate member. The elongate member is configured to define a space between adjacent spinous processes and maintain a predetermined distance between adjacent spinous processes.

Abstract: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an offset connection assembly that can be used to securely connect a spinal implant to a bone anchor. In particular, the present invention preferably provides a variable angle connection assembly that is able to securely connect the spinal implant to the anchors even when there is a variance in the angle and position of the anchors with respect to the spinal implant. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a connection assembly that will not inadvertently lock the components of the connection assembly preventing the relative movement of the components.

Abstract: An implant is insertable onto a vertebral facet joint includes a body with an inner surface that mates with one or both articular processes of the facet joint. The inner surface may define an interior cavity that accepts at least a portion of an inferior articular process and a superior articular process forming the facet joint. The body may be constructed of a bone growth material that fuses with the articular processes. The implant may help retain bone growth promoting substance that is inserted between or on articulating surfaces of the facet joint. A receiving portion of an exterior surface of one or both articular process may be prepared to stimulate bone growth. The implant may be placed onto the receiving portion to cover an exterior junction between or on the articulating surfaces of the facet joint. The implant may be secured to one or both of the articular processes.

Abstract: Various methods and devices for replacing damaged, injured, diseased, or otherwise unhealthy posterior elements, such as the facet joints, the lamina, the posterior ligaments, and/or other features of a patient's spinal column, are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the methods and devices are effective to mimic the natural function of the spine by allowing flexion, extension, and lateral bending of the spine, while substantially restricting posterior-anterior shear and rotation of the spine.