Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reconstructing a 3D image from 2D X-ray images acquired with an X-ray imaging system, said method comprising the steps of: a) receiving a set of 2D X-ray images of a region of a patient with said X-ray imaging system, b) computing an initial 3D image within the coordinate system of the X-ray imaging system by using at least part of said 2D X-ray images with their respective projective geometry data; c) projecting said initial 3D image on at least part of said 2D X-ray images and adjusting the respective projective geometry data of said images, said adjustment comprising registration of said images with the projection of the initial 3D image using an image-to-image registration technique; d) computing an updated 3D image using the complete set of 2D X-ray images with their respective adjusted projective geometry data.

Abstract: A method for correcting a CT scan image is provided. A target image including a target region to be corrected is extracted from an original CT scan image. A target projection range corresponding to the target region is obtained by orthographically projecting the target image, and target projection data within the target projection range is corrected. Noise of the corrected target projection data is adjusted to generate noise-adjusted target projection data to improve noise consistency between target region and the rest of the CT scan image. A corrected CT scan image is reconstructed based on the noise-adjusted target projection data.

Abstract: A method for generating material hardening effect data is provided. Actual X-ray attenuation values of a universal phantom corresponding to different angles at each of channels may be obtained. Equivalent filtration thicknesses corresponding to each of the channels may be determined according to theoretical X-ray attenuation values and the actual X-ray attenuation values corresponding to different angles at each of the channels. Hardening effect data corresponding to a material may be generated according to a predetermined length of the material, a number of sampling points and the equivalent filtration thicknesses corresponding to each of the channels.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for quantitative and qualitative determination of heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output, and central fluid volume. Phonocardiography based technique using multiple transducers and multi-sensor processing algorithms provides a non-invasive method of evaluating the output of the heart. This basic system coupled with additional sensor elements provides a wide range of potential capabilities. A system comprising these techniques in a wearable form provides a non-invasive method of determining hydration status and blood volume status. Phonocardiography augmented with multi-sensor signal processing techniques improves signal quality to analyze heart sounds and associated features (e.g. S1 and S2, amongst others). Noise compensation and cancellation techniques for phonocardiography further improve signal to noise ratio to reject external disturbances.

Abstract: An infrasonic stethoscope for monitoring physiological processes of a patient includes a microphone capable of detecting acoustic signals in the audible frequency bandwidth and in the infrasonic bandwidth (0.03 to 1000 Hertz), a body coupler attached to the body at a first opening in the microphone, a flexible tube attached to the body at a second opening in the microphone, and an earpiece attached to the flexible tube. The body coupler is capable of engagement with a patient to transmit sounds from the person, to the microphone and then to the earpiece.

Abstract: A CMUT transducer cell suitable for use in an ultrasonic CMUT transducer array has a membrane with a first electrode, a substrate with a second electrode, and a cavity between the membrane and the substrate. The CMUT is operated in a precollapsed state by biasing the membrane to a collapsed condition with the floor of the cavity, and a lens is cast over the collapsed membrane. When the lens material has polymerized or is of a sufficient stiffness, the bias voltage is removed and the lens material retains the membrane in the collapsed state.

Abstract: There is set forth herein a uterine probe having one or more transducer for detecting a uterine parameter. The one or more parameter can be a fetal heart rate. The one or more parameter can be uterine contraction. In one embodiment a uterine probe can include a transducer operative to emit sound waves for detection of a fetal heart rate (FHR). In one embodiment a uterine probe can include a transducer operative to emit sound waves for detection of a uterine contraction. The one or more transducer can be of a common technology or can be of different technology. In one embodiment a uterine probe can include one or more transducer that is operative to be driven in different signaling configurations. A first signaling configuration can be a signaling configuration for detection of a fetal heart rate. A second signaling configuration can be a signaling configuration for detection of uterine contraction.

Abstract: A portable ultrasound system having a thumb controller is disclosed herein. A portable ultrasound system configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a transducer device and a hand-held base unit removably coupled to the transducer device. The base unit is configured to perform an ultrasound scan and to produce a split screen display. The split screen display includes an active image area at which images of a patient obtained from ultrasound signals received by the transducer device are displayed. The split screen display also includes a thumb control area that is accessible by a user's thumb when holding the portable ultrasound system. For example, the thumb control area can include a thumbwheel having one or more controls that can be selectively activated by the user's thumb when holding the portable ultrasound system and are rotatable on and off of the thumb control area.

Abstract: A medical system includes an operation panel provided with an LCD touch panel and an ultrasound observation apparatus connected via a cable. When a comment receiving section of the operation panel receives comment information from a comment transmitting section of the ultrasound observation apparatus, an LCD image processing section changes a comment on the LCD touch panel according to the comment information, an operation control section sends out information about the change to an apparatus control section, and the ultrasound observation apparatus changes a comment display of a predetermined portion on a diagnosis monitor.

Abstract: Sub-performing elements of an ultrasound transducer array are detected. The power, such as current, used by or provided to the transmit driver is measured. By driving each element or group of elements separately, defective elements or groups of elements are detected from the amount of power used.

Abstract: A process for realising a device (1) for collecting and transferring samples for molecular biology, the device including at least: a support body (2) having at least a first portion (2a), and a plurality of fibers (6) attached and arranged on the first portion (2a) of the support body (2) by flocking, such as to define a flocked collecting portion (3) destined to collect, on the said collecting portion, (3) a quantity of the sample for molecular biology, the process including at least a step of pre-treating the plurality of fibers (6) with a surfactant, the step of pre-treating the plurality of fibers (6) with a surfactant being performed after application of the fibers on the support body (2) by flocking and/or before application of the fibers (6) on the body (2) by flocking and/or wherein the surfactant is added to the fiber (6) during production of the fiber (6).

Abstract: Among other things, there is disclosed a biopsy needle system in which the needle is capable of obtaining more than one length of sample. Generally, the needle includes an inner stylet, an outer cannula, and a handle connected to the stylet and cannula. The stylet has a notch that is extendable from the cannula to accommodate a tissue sample. An insert member is provided for attachment to the handle to make the amount of exposed notch smaller. Consequently, when the insert member is not attached to the handle, the needle can obtain a larger sample of tissue, and when the insert member is attached to the handle, the needle can obtain a smaller sample of tissue.

Abstract: An aspiration apparatus includes a barrel having a needle receiving end and a piston receiving end. The barrel has an inner diameter and an outer diameter. The piston receiving end of the barrel has substantially the same inner diameter as the inner diameter of the barrel. The barrel has an opening therein through a sidewall of the barrel. The opening is between the needle receiving end and the piston receiving end. The opening is distant from the needle receiving end. The aspiration apparatus also includes a needle sealingly attached to the needle receiving end of the barrel, and a piston having an end which substantially seals to the inner diameter of the barrel. The piston is capable of a number of positions including a first position near the needle receiving end, a third position past the opening in the barrel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an endoscope including multiple lumens for tissue acquisition and removal and related methods of use.

Abstract: A system further comprises a processing unit functionally associated with the display, wherein the processing unit comprises an image processing module. The system further comprises a camera functionally associated with the processing unit via a communication channel for transferring images from the camera to the processing unit and configured to obtain images of a biopsy sample obtained from the body of the patient. The processing unit is configured to receive image data from an imaging modality capable of obtaining images of internal patient's body parts not directly visible from outside the body, and to display to a user on a display images related to the image data. The processing unit is further configured to generate, from at least one image of a biopsy sample and using the image processing module, a processed image related to the biopsy sample, and to display the processed image on the display.

Abstract: A spray assembly for dispensing a mixture is provided. The spray assembly includes a connector configured for operable engagement with a first and second source of component and a source of pressurized fluid, and a tip operably connected to the connector. The tip includes an opening and defines a mixing chamber between the connector and the opening of the tip, and an insert member configured to be received in the mixing chamber. The insert member includes a plurality of radially extending slots on at least one end of the insert. The plurality of radially extending slots is configured to mix the first and second components prior to the mixture exiting the opening in the tip.

Abstract: A surgical retractor and method for retracting tissue in a patient is anatomically designed for particular muscles and includes a light source the light beam of which is positionable relative to the surgical retractor. The surgical retractor has a pair of retraction blades carried on separate retraction portions held open by ratchet assemblies. Blades are manually retracted and held open by automatically engaging ratchet fingers and are designed to match muscle curvature, minimizing various risks and incision size. The first retraction portion carries the first blade and includes tines each with ratchet grooves, while the second retraction portion carries the second blade on a carriage that is movably carried on the tines. Resilient spring actuated fingers associated with the carriage has ratchet grooves that co-act with the ratchet grooves of the tines to provide the ratchet assemblies between the retraction portions that regulates movement of the carriage and the second blade relative to the first blade.

Abstract: Devices and methods for sternal retraction that reduces bleeding from the cut edges of a sternum and reduces fracturing of the sternum during retraction. The devices and methods involve the use of sternal retractor blades having a certain geometry and inserts placed inside the sternal retractor blades during retraction of the sternotomy incision. The blades and inserts act to tamponade the blood flow from the cut sternal edge and reduce fracturing of the sternum during retraction.

Abstract: Retractor blade assemblies, retractors, kits, and methods of using the same. The retractor blade assembly may include a retractor blade, a pedicle screw, and a shim that connects the pedicle screw to the retractor blade. The retractor blade may have a proximal end configured to engage a retractor body and a distal end configured to retract soft tissue. The pedicle screw may have a head portion removably connected to the distal end of the retractor blade and a shaft portion configured to engage the pedicle of a vertebra. The shim couples the pedicle screw to the retractor blade. For example, the shim may include an extension portion configured to engage the retractor blade and a connection portion configured to receive and temporarily lock the pedicle screw to the retractor blade.

Abstract: A suture anchor system and method including a suture anchor and a suture anchor drive. The suture anchor is positionable on a rod of the suture anchor drive. The rod defines an awl for forming a hole in a bone. The suture anchor drive further has an impactor for moving the suture anchor along the rod between a retracted position and an advanced position so as to implant the suture anchor in the bone with the awl positioned in the bone.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing a suture to a bone, the apparatus comprising an elongated body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal and proximal ends, the lumen comprising a distal section and a proximal section, the distal section having a wider diameter than the proximal section; an elongated element extending through the lumen; and a locking element mounted to the distal end of the elongated element and disposed in the distal section of the lumen; whereby, when the elongated body is disposed in bone, and a suture extends through at least a portion of the lumen, and the locking element is thereafter moved proximally, proximal movement of the locking element causes the elongated body to capture the suture to the elongated body, whereby to secure the suture to the bone.

Abstract: A suturing end effector includes a first jaw member, a second jaw member, and a helical needle. The first and second jaw members are moveable relative to one another between open and closed configurations. Each of the first and second jaw members defines a first row of wells that define a helical path when the first and second jaw members are in the closed configuration. The helical needle is rotatable through the helical path between retracted and extended positions. The helical needle is configured to draw a suture through tissue between the first and second jaw members when the helical needle is rotatably advanced through the helical path and configured to be independently moveable relative to the suture when retracted from the advanced position to the retracted position.

Abstract: A medical implement for transport of a suture shuttle, comprising a handle including a proximal portion configured for manual gripping by a user, a distal portion, an internal passageway for a suture shuttle, extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the handle; an intermediate portion formed with a thumb depression facing a first direction; the proximal portion comprising a slot extending from the internal passageway to a lateral face of the handle for enabling side-loading of a suture shuttle into a proximal portion of the internal passageway, the slot facing a second direction; the slot extending longitudinally from a proximal end of the handle to an intersection with the thumb depression, wherein at the intersection the slot is exposed in the first direction, and a roller rotatably mounted at the thumb depression.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling a soft tissue implant into a locking cavity formed within a bone is disclosed. The apparatus includes a member to pull the soft tissue implant into a femoral tunnel. The member includes a suture having first and second ends which are passed through first and second openings associated with the longitudinal passage to form a pair of loops. A collapsible tube is positioned about the suture. Application of tension onto the suture construction causes retraction of the soft tissue implant into the femoral tunnel and the collapse of the tube to form an anchor.

Abstract: A surgical fastener for use with an anastomosis of two tissues includes a base leg and an upright leg. The base leg is selectively deformable and includes a traumatic tip for piecing tissue. The surgical fastener also includes at least one capillary disposed on the base leg which has a reservoir defined therein for retaining a liquid, e.g., bioadhesive, bonding agent, medicament, etc. Each of the capillaries is ruptureable upon deformation of the surgical fastener to dispense the liquid to the anastomosis site.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly for use with a surgical instrument including a cartridge, a longitudinal channel, a first row of slots, and a second row of slots. The cartridge has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The longitudinal channel extends between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The first row of slots is disposed on a first side of the longitudinal channel. At least one slot in the first row of slots is empty. The second row of slots is disposed on a second side of the longitudinal channel. At least one slot in the second row of slots has a staple disposed therein.

Abstract: Mechanisms for altering the shape of a cell or chamber of a shaft or an actuation drive of an instrument are provided. The mechanisms may selectively rigidize the shaft of surgical or diagnostic instruments. The shaft assembly includes a shaft operatively connectable to a control member, at least one cell or a set of cells defined within the shaft, a shape altering material contained within the cell or cells, and, an activation link operatively connectable to a source of activation energy for delivering activation energy to each cell for activating the shape altering material to selectively rigidize or unrigidize the shaft. An actuator for producing work is also provided that includes an element within a housing that defines a cell or a set of cells. The shape altering material is contained within the cells, and a source of activation energy operatively connected to each cell for activating the shape altering material to expand or contract the cell.

Abstract: An end effector for a surgical instrument comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw is configured to receive a staple cartridge. The second jaw is movable relative to the first jaw and is configured to provide an anvil for forming staples. The anvil has staple forming pockets. Each staple forming pocket comprises first and second staple forming surface regions configured to receive respective first and second staple legs. The first and second staple forming surface regions each have a respective length that is greater than half of the length of the staple forming pocket. The staple forming surface regions may include convex surfaces that drive staple legs laterally. The pocket minimizes re-entry of staple leg tips into tissue.

Abstract: Stents and methods of using stents are provided. Stents of the invention provide external support structure for a blood vessel segment disposed within, wherein the stents are capable of resilient radial expansion in a manner mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. The stent may be formed of a knitted or braided mesh formed so as to provide the needed compliance properties. A venous graft with the stent and a vein segment disposed within is provided, wherein graft is capable of mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. Methods of selecting stents for downsizing and methods of using the stents of the invention in downsizing and smoothening are provided. Methods of replacing a section of an artery with a venous graft including a stent of the invention are provided. Methods of reducing intimal hyperplasia in implanted vein segment in a venous graft using stents of the invention are provided.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a handle assembly, an elongated body portion, a head portion and an elongated channel. The elongated body portion extends distally from the handle assembly. The head portion is disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongated body portion and includes an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The elongated channel includes a proximal opening and a distal opening. The proximal opening is disposed distally of a proximalmost end of the handle assembly and proximally of the shell assembly. The distal opening is disposed on the shell assembly.

Abstract: A vascular occluder includes a tubular support element and a sleeve of occluding material disposed within the support element. The sleeve is twisted in the support creating a constriction which closes the lumen of the sleeve. The lumen of the sleeve can nevertheless be opened by a guide wire or cannula for over the wire delivery. Once the guide wire or cannula are withdrawn from the sleeve, the sleeve will close again by the action of blood pressure thereon. Blood pressure will act to maintain closing pressure on the sleeve, thereby avoiding or reducing the risk of recanalization.

Abstract: A hand-operable surgical clip applicator (10) including a barrel (12) having a first end (14) and a second end (16), the second end formed to accommodate a surgical clip, a crimping lever (20) pivotally connected at the second end of the barrel, and a trigger (28) co-located with the barrel, the trigger being operable to pivot the crimping lever, the pivoting movement of the crimping lever causing the surgical clip to be urged from an open position to a closed position, wherein the trigger has an operating portion on either side of the barrel.

Abstract: Tissue compression devices with a combination of fixation and tension straps and methods of using the same are described herein. The tissue compression devices include a combination of fixation and tension straps that are used together to fix or attach the tissue compression device over selected tissue at a selected location on a patient and to apply pressure to the selected tissue. In one or more embodiments, the fixation straps are used to fix or attach the tissue compression device and the tension straps are used to provide tension that is converted to pressure on the selected tissue.

Abstract: An alignment guide includes a main body sized and shaped to contact the proximal end of a tibia, and a retaining guide coupled to the main body. The retaining guide includes guide surfaces and is adjustable relative to the main body such that an operator can intra-operatively adjust the position of the guide surfaces relative to the main body to capture the anterior and posterior cruciate ligament between the guide surfaces.

Abstract: A disposable kerrison rongeur. A base includes a handle portion, a body portion and a shaft portion. The shaft portion is made of a metal material and includes a male mold-on interlock portion configured to non-removably interlock with an over-molded plastic material. The body portion is made of plastic material and includes an over-mold interlock portion that is over-molded onto and non-removably fixed onto the mold-on interlock portion of the shaft portion. A slide shaft includes a distal portion and a proximal portion. The distal portion is made of a metal material and includes a male mold-on interlock portion configured to non-removably interlock with an over-molded plastic material. The proximal portion is made of a plastic material and includes an over-mold interlock portion that is over-molded onto and non-removably fixed onto the mold-on interlock portion of the distal portion.

Abstract: A surgical drilling instrument with a Curved Burr Attachment having an adapter removably coupled to a drill motor and a burr attachment coupled to said adapter. The burr attachment includes a tube with a wire shaft supported therein and a coil wire surrounding said wire shaft and having each of the coils touch the outer periphery surface of the wire shaft and the inner peripheral surface of said tube to enhance cooling of said outer periphery of said tube from the heat generated by said wire shaft and attenuate vibrations while allowing said burr attachment to be bent without kinking.

Abstract: An orthopedic reamer connector includes a holder section shaped to allow for connection of an orthopedic reamer, the holder section including a connection surface and two pairs of holders associated with the connection surface, each of the two pairs of holders having a first holder and a second holder that forms an acute angle relative to the first holder, the first holders being opposed to each other by about 180 degrees and the second holders being opposed to each other by about 180 degrees; and a stop section mechanically interlocked with the holder section so as to prevent relative rotation therebetween and including a pair of stops associated with each of the two pairs of holders, each of the pair of stops having a first stop associated with the first holder and a second stop associated with the second holder.

Abstract: The present application relates to a coupling device for a handle (3) of a medical tool (1) or medical power-tool chuck (30). The coupling device comprises a coupling-body (2) including a bore (6), a working axis (X) extending along said bore (6) and a seat (4) arranged at a first end (8) of said bore for receiving a tool-insert (10) with a central axis (Y) at an angle in reference to the working axis (X). The coupling-body (2) further comprises a protrusion (7) arranged within said bore (6), said protrusion (7) being configured to engage a groove (13) of the tool-insert (10) upon alignment of the central axis (Y) with the working axis (X). The engagement of the protrusion (7) with said groove (13) locks the tool-insert (10) within said coupling body (2).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for use in tissue repair. The system includes a cannulated guide, an obturator configured for insertion through the guide, a drill configured for insertion through the guide, and an anchor delivery tool configured for insertion through the guide.

Abstract: A surgical instrument assembly includes a metallic hemispherical component and a driver component removably coupled to the hemispherical component. The metallic hemispherical component has a convex outer surface configured to engage a patient's natural acetabulum, a concave inner surface positioned opposite the outer surface and defining a cavity in the hemispherical component, a plurality of cutting teeth extending outwardly from the outer surface, and a plurality of apertures defined in the inner surface. The driver component has a shank and a plurality of ribs secured to, and extending outwardly from, the shank. Each rib has a tab that is received in a corresponding aperture of the hemispherical component to secure the driver component to the hemispherical component.

Abstract: The invention relates in particular to a system for attaching a first bone segment to a second bone segment, the two segments belonging to the same bone, in which the first and second segments are held together via a hinge resulting from the partial transverse cutting of said bone, characterized by the fact that said system comprises: two targets suitable for attaching to the two segments of said bone; a navigation system suitable for acquiring the three-dimensional positions and orientations of the targets; —a processing system suitable for calculating, based on the data sent from the navigation system, the angles corresponding to the three-dimensional alignment of said two segments; a display unit suitable for displaying the information to the surgeon; at least one milling guide; a plurality of implants of different sizes.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for making femoral resections for seating a femoral implant on a distal femur, the instrument configured for orientation relative to an intramedullary rod. The instrument includes a medial distal cut guide having a cut guide portion, the cut guide portion having a cut slot therein for use in resecting a medial distal condyle of the femur. A medial distal cut paddle supports the medial distal cut guide. The medial distal cut paddle is configured to mount on the intramedullary rod to orient the medial distal cut slot substantially along an anterior-medial slope of the medial distal condyle when the medial distal cut paddle is mounted on the intramedullary rod to thereby define an anterior-medial approach for making a medial distal resection of the medial distal condyle.

Abstract: A tissue grasping tool includes: a longitudinal-axis member; a first member and second member; a manipulation member; a first wire-shaped member protruding from the first member and being formed a first loop; and a second wire-shaped member protruding from the second member and being formed a second loop; the first wire-shaped member and the second wire-shaped member extend in a direction which gradually approaches with each other as it goes toward the distal side from a proximal side of the first and second loops; in a state of which the first member and the second member come close with each other, the second wire-shaped member passes through an inside of the first loop; and a distance between distal end portions of the first and second loops is increased according to an operation in which the first member and the second member approach.

Abstract: A two phase method for reducing the formation of biofilm includes an evacuation of ambient air from a region about the surgical or treatment site, to extract airborne or aerosolized bacteria ejected from the site by the treatment. The extracted bacteria are prevented from settling back onto the cleansed tissue surface, thus at least reducing colonial bacteriological growth and concomitantly exuded biofilm material. A second phase involves the attachment of one or more ultrasonic transducers to the patient over or near a surgical treatment site after the surgery is terminated. Each applied ultrasonic transducer is used to vibrate the patient's tissues at the treatment site to disrupt biofilm formation.

Abstract: A device for capturing and removing an obstruction in a bodily duct of a patient. The device includes a cylindrical body having a circumference and a longitudinal axis. According to some implementations the cylindrical body is comprised of a plurality of closed cell structures arranged in diagonal rows around the longitudinal axis. At least some of closed cell structures have substantially the same shape and size. According to some implementations at least some of the closed cell structures of substantially the same shape and size occupy a same circumferential location in the cylindrical body and are longitudinally separated from one another by no less than two, three, four or more diagonal rows of closed cell structures. According to other implementations the closed cell structures include diagonally extending struts having at least a curve portion and a straight portion.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises a handle assembly having a closure trigger, a closure actuator coupled to the closure trigger at a first pivot, and a closure spring. The closure actuator moves proximally on a longitudinal axis in response to actuation of the closure trigger. The closure spring applies a force vector to the closure spring tangential to the longitudinal axis. A shaft assembly is coupled to the handle assembly. An end effector is coupled to a distal end of the shaft assembly. The end effector comprises a jaw assembly comprising a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The first jaw member is pivotally moveable with respect to the second jaw member. At least one of the first and second jaw members are operatively coupled to the closure actuator.

Abstract: A medical device for diagnosis or treatment of tissue is disclosed. The device includes an electronically-controlled tool configured for diagnosis or treatment, an electrical connector, and a computer readable memory. The electrical connector is configured for connection with an electronic control unit and configured to receive control signals, including signals concerning the operation of the tool, from the electronic control unit. The computer readable memory is accessible through the connector. The memory can include a set of programming instructions for control of the tool, and the programming instructions can be configured to be downloadable from the memory upon connection of the electrical connector with the electronic control unit. A system is also disclosed in which the electronic control unit is configured to transmit a data log from memory in the electronic control unit to the memory in the medical device upon the occurrence or detection of a predetermined event.

Abstract: A device and a method for delivering a solution to tissues and/or organs is described. The solution contains at least one solvent and at least one solute. The device includes at least one chamber which contains sodium 2-mercaptoethanesulfonate in powder form. The method includes the steps of dissolving the solute in the solvent inside the device. The resulting solution is delivered immediately to tissues and/or organs to facilitate dissection.

Abstract: A tubular structure comprising multiple overlapping layers surrounding a lumen has flexibility and structural integrity by allowing portions of the layers to slip relative to each other. One embodiment includes a support layer having a wired coil, braid or weave support element underlies at least one overlying layer. The support layer is fixed to the overlying layer at a bonding point and the remaining portion of the support layer is not fixed to the overlying layer, i.e. “free portion”. The support layer is permitted to slip at the free portion of the support layer, relative to the overlying layer. Further flexibility may be provided by a coil element of the support layer having substantial gaps between the loops of the coil to impart high flexibility of the tubular structure.

Abstract: In an embodiment, there is a safety scalpel having a handle, and a replaceable blade cartridge assembly that is releasably attached to the handle. The handle comprises a first end and a second end. The blade cartridge assembly comprises a housing that can be slideably mounted onto the second end of the handle, a blade holder that can be disposed within the housing, and a blade that can be attached to the blade holder. The safety scalpel has a resilient lock member that prevents the cartridge assembly from being detached from the handle during use.