Abstract: A transseptal guidewire and methods for perforating the intra-atrial septum of the heart are disclosed. The transseptal guidewire has an elongated body, an end section biased in a curved configuration to define a proximal curve, and a distal section biased in a curved configuration to define a distal curve, the distal curve being oriented in a direction generally opposite that of the proximal curve.

Abstract: A catheter anchoring or securement device and system in combination with or for securing a catheter system to a patient's skin in a fixed position, the invention having a flexible anchor sheet member having an adhesive backing that adheres the flexible anchor sheet member to the patient's skin, a compressible catheter receiving pad mounted to the flexible anchor sheet member, and releasable securing strap covering the compressible catheter receiving pad, wherein the compressible catheter receiving pad is provided with a cavity or recess, the peripheral configuration of which corresponds to the footprint configuration of the catheter body member. The cavity has an axially-oriented channel extending the full width of the flexible anchor sheet member and opposing sets of retention walls defining lateral recesses, the combination of which precludes relative movement of the catheter fitting in all lateral directions.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a syringe, a needle, and a guard is described. In some versions, the apparatus may comprise an adapter and a biasing element. The biasing element may be used to urge the guard in a distal direction. In some versions, the apparatus may comprise a spring in communication with the guard. In some versions, the apparatus may comprise a passive release mechanism. In some versions, the apparatus may comprise an adapter that has a hinge. The hinge may be used to engage the guard.

Abstract: A dosing unit for an ambulatory infusion device and a method of operation are disclosed. The dosing unit includes a stationary member, a movable member, and a plunger. The movable member and the stationary member, together, make a charging valve and a discharging valve. The plunger is located, at least in part, in a metering cavity of the movable member and the movable member is adapted to selectively couple and decouple a driving unit, such that, by operating the driving unit with the movable member being coupled with the driving unit, the movable member moves with the plunger to maintain a position of the plunger relative to the movable member along a displacement axis, and by operating the driving unit with the movable member being decoupled from the driving unit, the plunger is displaced while the position of the movable member is maintained.

Abstract: A device for administering a product dose, the device including a display drum for displaying the product dose, a housing, a first conveying member moveable relative to the housing in a conveying direction, a second conveying member moveable relative to the housing in and counter to the conveying direction, the second conveying member in a first threaded engagement with the first conveying member while being rotationally movable relative to the housing and the first conveying member and being translationally movable relative to the first conveying member counter to the conveying direction, a metering apparatus by which the product dose can be adjusted and which encompasses the display drum, the display drum being rotationally movable relative to the housing while being translationally movable in and counter to the conveying direction in a second threaded engagement, and a coupling element which interconnects the first conveying member and the display drum in a torsion-resistant manner in a coupling engagement

Abstract: Systems and methods for the delivery and monitoring of a medication, such as insulin, to a recipient are provided. An exemplary feature-rich system comprises an infusion pump with a control system for controlling medication delivery by the infusion pump and a bolus estimator for estimating an appropriate amount of medication for delivery by the control system with the infusion pump. Estimating the appropriate amount of medication for delivery is based upon one or more settings which each vary according to a setting profile. In other embodiments, the control system comprises a suspend function for temporarily suspending medication delivery by the infusion pump, an alarm profile function for programming a variable alarm volume of the alarm and a simplified menu for controlling the dual wave bolus delivery function.

Abstract: There are disclosed devices and methods for protecting a user from a sharp tip of a medical needle. In an embodiment, a device includes a central body portion, a medical needle having a sharp tip, a pair of wings in attachment to the central body portion, and a mechanical fastener disposed on at least one of the wings, the mechanical fastener configured to selectively attach the wings together with the medical needle positioned between the wings so as to protect a user from the sharp tip of the medical needle. In another embodiment, a method includes withdrawing a sharp tip of a medical needle from a patient, closing a pair of wings with the medical needle positioned between the wings, and fastening the wings together with the medical needle positioned between the wings so as to protect a user from the sharp tip of the medical needle.

Abstract: A wound packing for use with suction is provided. The wound packing comprises a plurality of nonabsorbent synthetic polymeric fibers coupled together to form a nonabsorbent material suitable for placement in the wound of a mammal. A method for treating the wound in a mammal using the disclosed wound packing is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the analysis apparatus capable of collecting the body fluid such as urine or blood, for embodiment urination and measuring or calculating the specific constituent from the collected body urine, and the apparatus for collecting body fluid capable of using by connecting to the analysis apparatus and its related article, in which the apparatus for collecting and analyzing for the body fluid of a patient consists of the body fluid collecting part and the collecting part case, the apparatus for collecting body fluid consists of the body fluid collecting part, the total tube and adapter, the collecting part is constructed with the absorbing tube, the sensor tube, the cleansing tube and the passage and is attachable/detachable connected to the collecting part, a diaper and pants exclusive for a patient are provided as the related article such that it is convenient to possess and has effects in the urination having no relations to the intention of a patient or in case of unable to use

Abstract: Various implementations of a fluid collection system having a flexible liner are disclosed. In one exemplary variation, the fluid collection system may include a container having a top opening, a lid configured to close the top opening, and a flexible liner attached to the lid. The liner may be interposed between the lid and the container when the lid closes the top opening. The liner and the lid may define a substantially sealed interior space therebetween. The lid may include an access port through which the interior space receives fluid. The flexible liner may also be configured to controllably collapse as the fluid is removed from the interior space.

Abstract: A drainable ostomy pouch includes a collection portion and a drain chute extending from the collection portion having a discharge opening for permitting emptying of contents from the pouch. The drain chute is foldable between an open condition in which the drain chute is extended from the collection portion, and a closed condition in which the drain chute is folded towards the collection portion; and a pocket for receiving at least a portion of the drain chute when the drain chute is in its closed condition.

Abstract: A compact portable container apparatus holds urine or other fluids safely and hygienically. Specifically, a container is provided that traps urine or other fluids when deposited therein. The container has one or more seals that allows the container to be sealed after use so that leakage of the container after use is minimized or eliminated. Moreover, the container has a generally horizontally disposed downwardly sloping passageway for the passage of urine or other fluids and an angled or arcuately-shaped wall for directing a flow or spray of urine or other fluids into a reservoir for holding the same. Moreover, the container has a window for viewing the contents of the container to determine the quantity of fluids contained therein. Alternatively, the container includes an absorbent material for absorbing the urine or other fluids. The container may be made from a soft, resilient thermoplastic material.

Abstract: An absorbent article that is worn by a user, including: a main body section of the absorbent article; an absorbent body that includes an absorbent member absorbing liquid, that has a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction, that is superposed on a user side of the main body section, whose one end section of the longitudinal direction is joined to the main body section at a first joined section, and whose another end section of the longitudinal direction is joined to the main body section at a second joined section; and a restricting member that is disposed between the first joined section and the second joined section in the longitudinal direction, and that restricts relative shifting between the main body section and the absorbent body when the main body section and the absorbent body that are superposed are folded.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a belt member defining front and rear waist regions and a liquid-absorbent structure defining a crotch region wherein the belt member includes a peripheral edge of a waist-opening and this peripheral edge includes two segments associated with the front and rear waist regions spaced from and opposed to each other in an anteroposterior direction Y. Front and rear belt sections of the belt member include, in the front and rear waist regions, see-through regions for the article wearer's skin having a total light transmittance of about 55% or higher and occupying 40% or more of the front and rear waist regions. The front and rear belt sections are provided along the peripheral edge of the waist-opening with a reinforcing elastic member extending in a transverse direction X.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a closure tape tab for an absorbent article, particularly for a disposable diaper, for fastening the article on the body of a person. The closure tape tab comprises a proximal end portion and a distal end portion being connected by an inner tab portion, wherein the inner tab portion has a first major surface and a second major surface. The proximal and distal end portions are connected to the inner tab portion and the first major surface thereof such that opposing ends of the proximal and distal end portions are spaced apart from each other. The distal end portion is folded over toward the proximal end portion such that at least a part of the first major surface of the inner tab portion in the space is covered. The proximal end portion is preferably not folded. The present invention furthermore relates to a prelaminated closure tape, preferably in a stable roll, from which such closure tape tabs can be cut.

Abstract: A kit for collecting blood, preferably peripheral blood, for the production of pluripotent stem cells comprises at least a first container, able to contain the blood taken, which contains an anticoagulant and the substance MCSF (Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor).

Abstract: IMDs and methods are provided for electroporation treatment of subcutaneous tumors. In some embodiments, IMDs of the present invention may store and introduce chemotherapy drugs into the body prior to electroporation therapy. High frequency stimulation of tissue in or around the tumor may also be provided to increase tissue temperature prior to electroporation therapy. Still further, delivery of the electroporation therapy may be synchronized with cardiac qRs complex to avoid impeding normal cardiac rhythm. Algorithms to suspend therapy in the event of edema may also be incorporated.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a system or method for treating heart tissue can include a catheter device that provides a user with the ability to perform a number of heart treatment tasks (before, during, and after a cardiac surgery or a percutaneous coronary intervention). In particular embodiments, the catheter device can be used to (i) precondition heart muscle tissue before the heart is isolated from the circulatory system, (ii) deliver cardioplegia into the coronary sinus during the cardiac surgery when the heart is isolated from the circulatory system, and (iii) control the blood flow through the heart after the heart is reconnected with the circulatory system. In some embodiments, the catheter device can perform some or all of: (i) intermittently occluding the coronary sinus, (ii) delivering a treatment fluid into the coronary sinus, and (iii) monitoring a flow rate of blood passing from the coronary sinus to the right atrium.

Abstract: Fluid communication to an end of a catheter is afforded through a connection hub selectively attachable thereto. The connection hub includes a catheter receiving element and a fluid coupling element that are relatively rotatable coaxially between a catheter receiving condition and a catheter capture condition of the connection hub. The catheter capture condition, a compressible sealing sleeve disposed interior of the connection hub between a pair of clamping jaws projecting from the catheter receiving element is urged into sealing engagement with the exterior of the catheter, catheter is gripped mechanically through the sealing sleeve by the clamping jaws. The exteriors of each of the catheter receiving element and the fluid coupling element are formed into planar actuation handles that facilitate relative rotation of the catheter receiving element and the fluid coupling element into coplanar alignment in the catheter capture condition of the connection hub.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a connection interface between a reservoir or syringe, infusion set tubing, and an infusion pump is provided. A base is provided which is adapted to receive a reservoir. The base has a base engagement member, such as a detent, projecting therefrom. A cap is provided which is adapted to receive the base. The cap includes a first cap engagement member, such as a detent opening, which is adapted to removably engage the base detent. The cap further includes a second cap detent opening which is adapted to removably engage the base detent. A piercing member, such as a needle, is disposed in the interior of the cap in such a manner that the needle is separated from the reservoir septum when the base detent is in the first cap detent opening, and the needle pierces the reservoir septum when the base detent is in the second cap detent opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connection piece for an enteral transfer system and to an enteral transfer system with such a connection piece, and also to an arrangement composed of such a transfer system and of an enteral feed probe. The connection piece according to the present invention comprises a distal attachment piece for attachment of a connection piece of a probe tube of an enteral feed probe, and a proximal attachment piece for attachment of the connection tube of a transfer system. The distal attachment piece of the connection piece is conical or is designed in stepped fashion with several portions of different diameter. The distal attachment piece can therefore be releasably connected to the funnel-shaped connection pieces of different diameter of the probe tubes of the known feed probes. The connection piece according to the present invention can be used universally in this respect.

Abstract: A system and method for performing tissue therapy may include applying a reduced pressure to a tissue site of a patient. A fluid parameter associated with applying a reduced pressure to the tissue site may be sensed. An audible fluid leak location sound may be generated in response to sensing the fluid parameter. The audible fluid leak location sound may be altered in response to sensing that the fluid parameter changes. By altering the audible fluid leak location sound in response to sensing a change of the fluid parameter, a clinician may detect location of a fluid leak at the drape by applying force to the drape. The force applied to the drape may be a clinician pressing a finger onto an edge of the drape.

Abstract: A catheter support comprising a pliant tubular structure of rigidity greater than the penis including a region surrounding the penis shaft, a region surrounding the penis head, and a substantially closed end having an aperture aligned with the penis terminal opening through which the catheter is received. The catheter support limits or eliminates catheter movement substantially radial to the axis of the catheter and thus radially against the inner opening if the penis head, substantially reducing or eliminating abrasion or other insult to the penis surfaces and tissue that interface with the catheter. One embodiment comprises 2 substantially identical elongated halves having longitudinal recesses and hinged together to close around the penis end and catheter providing the catheter support in a structure having improved comfort and wearability.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for delivering therapy for a cardiac disorder, wherein the system comprises a source for supplying a protein formulation containing a protein that is otherwise deficient in cardiac cells in a patient with a cardiac disorder, and a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end for delivering the protein formulation to the pericardial sac region of a human heart.

Abstract: A medical manipulator is provided. The medical manipulator includes an end effector that is configured to perform motions with respect to at least two different axes, and that is inserted in a body cavity during operation of the medical manipulator. The medical manipulator also includes at least two cylindrical motors that each include a longitudinal axis and that drive at least a part of the end effector. The motors remain outside a living body during operation of the medical manipulator and the motors are mounted on at least one bracket. A shaft interconnects the bracket and the end effector. A longitudinal axis of the shaft extends substantially parallel to each of the longitudinal axes of the motors.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a method for a set-up arm of a robotic surgical system is disclosed. The method includes balancing a linkage structure with a balancing mechanism to support a load; moving the linkage structure varying a moment at a pivot point due to the load at the end of a link of the linkage structure; and changing a path length of one or more cables over a plurality of pulleys in the balancing mechanism to compress or decompress a spring to respectively increase or decrease tension in the one or more cables to balance the variance in the moment.

Abstract: There is provided a device for use as an interface between a laser surgery device and the eye of a patient. The device is filled with a liquid that matches the index of refraction of the eye. The device further has a curved lens that follows the curvature of the outer surface of the patient's eye. In this manner the interface device, through which the laser beam must travel, has essentially the same index of refraction as the eye.

Abstract: System and method for making incisions in eye tissue at different depths. The system and method focuses light, possibly in a pattern, at various focal points which are at various depths within the eye tissue. A segmented lens can be used to create multiple focal points simultaneously. Optimal incisions can be achieved by sequentially or simultaneously focusing lights at different depths, creating an expanded column of plasma, and creating a beam with an elongated waist.

Abstract: A laser system for ophthalmic surgery includes a laser engine to generate a pulsed laser beam, and an XY scanner, to receive the generated pulsed laser beam, and to output a scanning laser beam, the XY scanner including an X scanner, including two X scanning minors, and a Y scanner, including two Y scanning minors. The XY scanner can modify essentially independently an angle the outputted scanning laser beam makes with an optical axis, and a position at which the outputted scanning laser beam intersects a subsequent reference plane perpendicular to the optical axis.

Abstract: A portable electrosurgical system (100) for treating biological tissue with microwave radiation (e.g. having a frequency between 500 MHz and 60 GHz) is disclosed. The system comprises a hand-held microwave sub-assembly (102) which generates and amplifies a microwave signal (which may be continuous or modulated) for treatment and includes a treatment antenna (116) for delivering the radiation. Diode detectors (120, 122) in the sub-assembly (102) may detect forward and reflected power levels to enable determination of net delivered power. A dynamic impedance matching system may be provided to match energy developed by amplifiers (110, 112) in the sub-assembly (102) to the biological tissue load. A tuning filter (144) and couplers (146, 148, 150, 152) for extracting magnitude and phase information from the microwave signal are thus provided in the sub-assembly.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system including a sharpened electrosurgical electrode, which can have a coated surface, and an automatically adjusting electrosurgical wave generator is disclosed. The automatically adjusting wave generator and the sharpened electrode tip provide or enhance the properties, attributes and/or characteristics of the electrosurgical system and prevent tissue damage and reduce incidences of post-operative complications, thereby quickening the healing process. The wave generator detects various circuit parameters and automatically adjusts the output settings, such as the output power level, based on the various circuit parameters, such as tissue impedance, to prevent undesirable tissue damage.

Abstract: A surgical system comprises a device adapted to deliver a plurality of surgical instruments to a site within a patient's body, a first surgical instrument comprising an active electrode probe, a second surgical instrument for performing a non-electrosurgical procedure, a conductive shield surrounding the active electrode probe of the first surgical instrument and connected to a reference potential, and a cold instrument monitor connected to the second surgical instrument and to the reference potential.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device includes a plurality of electrodes arranged to form a tissue treatment surface and a power supply. The power supply is configured to deliver a first drive signal with a first phase to at least a first one of the plurality of electrodes and a second drive signal with a second phase to at least a second one of the plurality of electrodes such that an electric field extends from the tissue treatment surface, where the first phase and the second phase are different. The power supply is further configured to receive an input from an operator of the electrosurgical device, and adjust the first phase or the second phase such that an aspect of the electric field extending from the tissue treatment surface changes in response to the input from the operator.

Abstract: A catheter enables real-time light measurements from tissue while performing RF ablation. The tip design isolates illumination and collection paths such that light exits the tip and travels through the tissue before returning to the tip. The catheter has a tip electrode having an exterior shell, an inner layer and a hollow cavity. The inner layer is configured to transmit light outside the tip electrode, and the hollow cavity is configured to receive light. An inner surface of the inner layer has an opaque coating to isolate light injected into the inner layer from light collected in the hollow cavity. A first optical waveguide extends between the catheter body and tip electrode to inject light into the inner layer and illuminate the tissue, and a second optical waveguide extends between the catheter body and tip electrode to collect the recaptured light in the hollow cavity.

Abstract: An ablation catheter includes a flexible elongated shaft having a flexible electrode at its distal end. The flexible electrode includes an inner, flexible, electrically-conductive element and an outer, flexible, electrically-conductive polymer layer in electrical contact with the inner, flexible, electrically-conductive element. The catheter further includes an electrically insulative sheath surrounding at least a portion of the flexible electrode and a linear displacement mechanism capable of adjusting at least one of the electrically insulative sheath and the flexible electrode to vary a length of the flexible electrode exposed at the distal end of the shaft. Also disclosed is an adjustable length ablation electrode and methods of ablating tissue.

Abstract: Systems and methods for endometrial ablation. The systems include a handle and elongated introducer sleeve extending to an expandable working end having a fluid-tight interior chamber. A thin dielectric wall surrounds at least a portion of the interior chamber and has an external surface for contacting endometrial tissue. The thin dielectric wall surrounds a collapsible-expandable frame and receives an electrically non-conductive gas. First and second polarity electrodes are exposed to the interior and exterior of the chamber, respectively. A radiofrequency power source operatively connects to the electrode arrangement to apply a radiofrequency voltage across the first and second electrodes, wherein the voltage is sufficient to initiate ionization of the neutral gas into a conductive plasma within the interior chamber, and to capacitively couple the current in the plasma across the thin dielectric wall to ablate endometrial tissue engaged by the external surface of the dielectric structure.

Abstract: A steerable catheter sheath for use in directing a catheter into a desired position is provided. The sheath includes an elongated member configured to receive the catheter therein. The distal end of the elongated member is steerable in two directions, each direction having a different bent configuration, e.g., a sharp curve in one direction and an open arching curve in the other direction. A resilient structure having different bending properties in each of its lateral sides is carried in the distal portion of the elongated member and causes the asymmetric bending. In one embodiment, the resilient structure includes a hypotube with a plurality of notches and slits in the sides. In another embodiment, the resilient structure is covered in an outer coating having different durometer portions. The sheath is particularly useful for accessing left and right pulmonary veins when a transeptal entry approach is used into the left atrium.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for ablating cartilage while limiting collateral damage includes a non-conducting head with a small electrically conductive surface. The head of the instrument is coupled to a shaft by a flexible portion. The flexible portion biases the electrically conductive surface towards a tissue surface. The head is pivotably coupled to the shaft such that the electrically conductive surface is oriented substantially parallel to the tissue surface as the head slides across the tissue surface. A method of performing electrosurgery includes positioning the electrically conductive surface adjacent to the tissue surface, and sliding the shaft across the tissue surface with the head pivoting such that the electrically conductive surface is oriented substantially parallel to the tissue surface.

Abstract: A treatment method for a living tissue using energy includes a first step of outputting energy to a grasped living tissue and raising a temperature of cells of the grasped living tissue, a second step of, after the first step, outputting high-frequency energy to the grasped living tissue and destroying cell membranes of the grasped living tissue to discharge proteins in the cells to the outside of the cells, and a third step of, after the second step, outputting heat energy to the living tissue and welding the proteins to each other while dehydrating the grasped living tissue.

Abstract: A treatment method for a living tissue using energy includes a first step of outputting high-frequency energy to grasped living tissues to destroy cell membranes of the grasped living tissues, allowing proteins to flow out of cells and joining the living tissues to each other, and a second step of, after the first step, outputting heat energy to the grasped living tissues to dehydrate the grasped living tissues.

Abstract: A bone plate assembly utilizing at least one bone screw for fixation of adjacent bones of a spine including a base plate having at least one aperture extending therethrough and screw retaining mechanism mounted and movable on the plate between locked and unlocked positions relative to the aperture for preventing the bone screw from backing out from the base plate.

Abstract: An electromagnetic pedicle awl utilizes a tightly focused time-varying magnetic flux to create a localized electromotive force (EMF) near the tip. The localized EMF creates localized eddy currents in nearby nerves which excite ionic nerve channels, the excitation being detected by an electromyographic recording device. The awl only excites nerves directly in front of and directly to the side of the tip. The awl is comprised of a tapered awl or drill tip in combination with a solid core surrounded by a solenoid. A pulsed electric current source drives the solenoid to create a time-varying magnetic field in the vicinity of the tapered tip. The awl or drill tip may be stationary with respect to the solenoid or it may rotate. The awl in combination with an EMG detector connected to a patient is sensitive to the pedicle hole position with respect to adjacent nerves and reduces false placement failure.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a securing device that is used to secure a fixation device to two bone portions to promote healing between the two bone portions. The bone portions commonly include a skull bone portion and a skull bone flap or implant, and the fixation device is commonly a cranial clamp. The securing device provides for securing the fixation device in a uniform, single movement as opposed to currently available products. The securing device has two handles pivotably connected, and a gripping means moveably associated with one handle. As the handles are activated, the gripping means travels proximally along the one handle and grips an elongated section of the fixation device and exerts a tensioning force along the shaft of the elongated section prior to the cutting means cutting the elongated shaft to secure the fixation device in place.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and tools for repairing, replacing or otherwise treating bone ligaments using devices designed from patient-specific information, including without limitation, surgical alignment instruments that have a surface that conforms to at least a portion of a patient's bone, cartilage or other component of the joint or ligament being treated.

Abstract: Alignment clamps, extension caps, and systems, with associated methods, for pedicle screw extension alignment in an orthopedic patient are described. An alignment clamp for alignment of pedicle screw extensions includes a clamp having a hollow interior. The clamp can receive a pedicle screw extension through the hollow interior. The clamp includes opposing open ends in communication with the hollow interior. A straightening rod receptacle is on a side of the clamp. The straightening rod receptacle is oriented to receive a straightening rod therethrough. The straightening rod receptacle can be substantially perpendicular to a direction of the clamp through which the pedicle screw extension is receivable.

Abstract: A method of positioning an S-shaped elongated tool in an intervertebral disc or a vertebral body. The S-shaped elongated tool has shape memory properties and retains its predetermined arcuate shape when no pressure or force is applied to it.

Abstract: A surgical jig for determining an axis extending into the end of a bone (2). The jig comprises a platform (10) arranged to be supported upon a resected surface (4) at an end of a bone (2), first and second clamps (16) and an alignment guide (18). The first and second clamps (16) are coupled to the platform (10) and are arranged to engage first and second portions of a bone lip (6) extending around at least part of the resected surface (4) to secure the platform (10) to the resected surface (4). The alignment guide (18) defines an axis extending into the end of the bone (2), the alignment guide (18) being pivotally coupled to the platform (10). A method of determining an axis extending into the end of a bone (2) using the surgical jig is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cap used during the insertion of an acetabular cup prosthesis. The cap includes impaction plate having an upperside and an underside. The impaction plate includes a plurality of separate sectors mutually connected at a connection point on the impaction plate by flanges. Each sector includes interlocking elements which in use enable the impaction plate to be connected to an introduction tool. The cap also includes at least one lug extending downwardly from the underside of each sector. The lug is located at the portion of the underside of the impaction plate which will in use enable the lug to be interconnected with a corresponding recess on an internal wall, an external wall or a rim of a prosthesis.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aiming device (100) for boring a hole in a region of a bone (300) that lies in the vicinity of a joint. Said device consists of a U-shaped bow (110) comprising at least one contact element (120) on one end and on the other end of the bow (110) a screw spindle (130) that can be displaced in the direction of, or in the opposite direction to the contact element (120), said spindle comprising a rotary grip (132) for clamping the device (100) on the region in the vicinity of the joint. The device also comprises a bore bushing (140), which can be placed on and removed from the end comprising the contact element (120). The compression of the bone that is generated by the bow (110) is maintained after the removal of the bore bushing (140) for the insertion of the bone screw.

Abstract: A novel coplanar X-ray guided method and aiming arm device for insertion of distal locking screws in intramedullary bone nails. Radiopaque target markers in the aiming arm enable the easy positioning of an X-ray source such that an X-ray beam is coplanar with the aiming arm transverse holes. After the X-ray source is accurately oriented, a single X-ray snapshot is enough to assess the exact distortion of the implanted intramedullary nail. The X-ray beam need not be coaxial with the nail holes. The aiming arm includes a mobile portion and a fixed portion fastened to the nail, and the aiming arm can be adjusted, displacing the mobile portion over the fixed portion, to compensate for the distortion of the intramedullary nail caused by implantation in bone.