Abstract: A device for clearing obstructions from a medical tube includes an elongated guide member residing at least partially with the medical tube. In a resting state, clearance members positioned along the guide member are in a low-profile configuration and allow a substantially unobstructed flow through a lumen of the medical tube. In use, the clearance members are in an enlarged-profile configuration to break up and clear obstructions from within the lumen of the medical tube.

Abstract: A needle 10 for a surgical instrument for removal of diseased or unwanted tissue comprises a hollow elongate needle shaft 12 having a needle tip 14 for cutting tissue at a distal end of the needle shaft 12. The needle tip 14 is flared in at least one plane and has a flattened posterior lip 16 and a curved anterior lip 18 to produce a substantially D-shaped tip mouth 20 in a plane that is substantially orthogonal to a central longitudinal axis C—O—C? (the needle axis) of the needle 10. A major axis A-A? of the tip mouth 20 is larger than an outer diameter of the needle shaft 12 and a minor axis B—B? is smaller than the major axis A-A?. The asymmetry of the tip mouth provides improved cutting action during phacoemulsification.

Abstract: A cutting tool includes a blade assembly with two retractable, opposing blades in a handle shaped for comfortable gripping. The blades may be closed and stowed by being partially retracted into the handle with a continuous motion of a single hand. The blades may similarly be extended and deployed for use with a continuous motion of a single hand. Each blade is formed with a shearing edge and a lever arm. Each lever arm is formed with a slot for engaging a blade locking tab joined to a cover for the handle. When the blade assembly is retracted into the handle, the shearing edges of the blades remain safely closed when the lever arms are released by a person using the tool. The cutting tool includes a retractable tether for preventing loss or damage to the tool should it be dropped.

Abstract: A sticking knife arrangement for withdrawing blood from slaughter animals is provided for a sticking knife which has a hollow handle. One of the end hollow handle is connectible to a hose. The other end has a blade. The arrangement includes a knife retainer for engaging the body of the animal, when the sticking knife has been stuck into the animal, and an operator connected to the knife retainer to move it between a sticking position and an engaging position. The knife retainer includes at least one arm which is pivotably mounted adjacent the handle and is formed with a hook-shaped end for engagement with the body of the animal, the arm extending, in the sticking position, substantially in parallel with the geometric axis of the sticking knife.