Abstract: A disposable valve assembly configured for use with an endoscope is disclosed. The disposable valve assembly may include a stem comprised of thermoplastic material, a spring stanchion configured to receive the stem and allow movement of the stem in an upward and downward position relative to the spring stanchion, a spring configured to contact that spring stanchion and the stem. In some embodiments, a lubricant is disposed on the stem, the spring stanchion and/or the spring. The disposable valve assembly may also include an antimicrobial agent disposed in the lubricant, or in the thermoplastic material and/or can be coated thereon. A method for manufacturing the disposable valve assemblies for use with an endoscope may include several steps.

Abstract: Techniques for determining print quality for a 3D printer are disclosed. An example method includes obtaining an image of a stream of material jetted from a nozzle of the 3D printer, and binarizing the image to distinguish background features from foreground features contained in the image. The method also includes identifying elements of jetted material in the foreground features, and computing statistical data characterizing the identified elements. The method also includes generating a quality score of jetting quality based on the statistical data and controlling the 3D printer based on the quality score. The quality score indicates a degree to which the elements of jetted material form droplets of a same size, shape, alignment, and jetting frequency.

Abstract: A catheter system for accessing the central venous system through an occlusion in the neck region.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a hypodermic needle, a blood vessel dilator connected to the hypodermic needle, and an actuator connected to the blood vessel dilator in such a way that the actuator expands the blood vessel dilator. The blood vessel dilator helps mitigate blood vessel collapse.

Abstract: An echogenic needle may have at least one V-shaped spiral groove formed at its distal portion adjacent to its patient end. The walls of the groove are orthogonal to each other. The groove is titled at a given angle from a neutral position toward the proximal end of the needle so that when the needle is inserted into the patient at an insertion angle under ultrasound imaging, the ultrasound wave emitted from the ultrasound transducer is reflected in a substantially reverse direction back to the transducer by at least one wall of the spiral groove. A pair of crisscrossing grooves may be spirally wound about the distal portion of the needle with each groove being tilted to the given angle to enhance echogeneity. The echogeneity of the needle may also be enhanced by increasing the pitch density of each groove while maintaining the crisscrossing groves at their neutral position.

Abstract: An insertion needle structure includes a needle sharp and a needle body. The needle body is integrally connected to the needle sharp and has a receiving space for receiving a biosensor. The needle body includes a base wall, two side walls and two slope sections. The side wall has a first inner edge and a first outer edge. The first inner edge is near the receiving space, and the first outer edge faces away from the receiving space. The slope section is connected between the side wall and the needle sharp. The slope section has a second inner edge connected to the first inner edge, and a second outer edge connected to the first outer edge. The first inner edge, the second inner edge, the first outer edge and the second outer edge are curved. A condition of R11>R12 is satisfied.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cutting tool for surgical procedures. More specifically, the present cutting tool is suitable for bi-directional cutting and removal of soft and hard tissues for surgical procedures. The cutting tool includes a substantially rigid shaft having a shaped end portion. The shaped end portion includes a plurality of shaped talons; each talon including a body bent to retain tissue, and each talon including a cutter end. The cutter end includes both acute and obtuse cutting surface relief angles for diverse cutting action with respect to hard and soft tissues.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intravenous catheter apparatus comprising: a catheter hub arranged at a proximal end of a catheter tube, the catheter hub having an inner surface defining a chamber; a needle defining an axial direction and having a needle tip, the needle extending through the chamber and the catheter tube when in a ready position; a needle guard slidably arranged on the needle and at least partially received in the chamber when the needle is in the ready position, the needle guard including a base portion and first and second arms extending from the base portion, wherein the first arm is deflected radially outwards by the needle against a restoring force when the needle is in the ready position whereby the needle guard is brought into retaining contact with the catheter hub; and wherein the catheter apparatus includes a valve which separates a distal space arranged in distal direction from the valve from a proximal space arranged on proximal direction from the valve.

Abstract: A puncture needle includes a shaft part, a needle tip part disposed at a tip of the shaft part, and a plurality of processed parts that are arranged on an outer peripheral part of the shaft part along a length direction of the shaft part and form a geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2 in which arrangement intervals gradually decrease toward the needle tip part, in which a distance between a reference point which is located on a needle tip part side from a first processed part closest to the needle tip part among the plurality of processed parts and is located at a predetermined distance from the needle tip part and the first processed part is equal to an arrangement interval between the first processed part and a second processed part which is second closest to the needle tip part.

Abstract: A method of treating an ectopic pregnancy without compromising the pregnancy includes inserting a surgical device trans-vaginally to a position outside a uterus such that a portion of the surgical device is positioned adjacent a gestational sac, including an embryo, that is disposed outside the uterus. The method further includes atraumatically capturing the gestational sac with the surgical device, atraumatically moving the surgical device to relocate the captured gestational sac to a position within the uterus, atraumatically releasing the gestational sac from the surgical device within the uterus, and withdrawing the surgical device.

Abstract: Provided is an anesthetic composition for locally administering a local anesthetic agent to a subject in need thereof. The anesthetic composition has a lipid based complex prepared by hydrating a lipid cake containing a local anesthetic agent and a lipid mixture with an aqueous buffer solution at a pH higher than 5.5. Also provided is a method to prepare an anesthetic composition using a simpler and more robust for large-scale manufacture and for providing a high molar ratio of local anesthetic agent to phospholipid content as compared to the prior art. This anesthetic composition has a prolonged duration of efficacy adapted to drug delivery.

Abstract: The present invention provides an implantable microneedle and a manufacturing method therefor. An implantable microneedle according to the present invention comprises a coating layer for covering at least one part of the surface of a tip part of the microneedle. When exposed to moisture, the coating layer can be separated from the tip part of the microneedle and thus be implanted.

Abstract: Provided are conformable light delivery devices for increasing light penetration depth and related methods. The device comprises a tissue penetrating member having a distal end and a proximal end, the tissue penetrating member configured to penetrate the tissue of the patient to be inserted into the tissue, wherein the tissue penetrating member is at least partially optically transparent along a surface of the tissue penetrating member positioned between the distal end of the tissue penetrating member and the proximal end of the tissue penetrating member to provide optical transmission of at least a portion of the light through the surface of the tissue penetrating member, thereby allowing at least the portion of the light to be delivered into the tissue of the patient when the tissue penetrating member is inserted into the tissue; and a substrate that supports the tissue penetrating member.

Abstract: In some embodiments provided herein is a method of treating hip pain in a subject, the method comprising administering into the subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising: a) a multivesicular liposome comprising: at least one amphipathic lipid, and at least one neutral lipid; and b) an aqueous phase comprising bupivacaine phosphate, wherein the aqueous phase is encapsulated within the multivesicular liposome.

Abstract: In some embodiments provided herein is a method of treating hip pain in a subject, the method comprising administering into the subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising: a) a multivesicular liposome comprising: at least one amphipathic lipid, and at least one neutral lipid; and b) an aqueous phase comprising bupivacaine phosphate, wherein the aqueous phase is encapsulated within the multivesicular liposome.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical system having a cartridge and an inserter. The cartridge includes a housing having an interior volume with a first guide within the interior volume. A cradle is disposed within the interior volume and is configured for mounting a medical appliance. The cradle includes a subcutaneous element and an insertion needle. The insertion needle is configured for being actuated to insert the subcutaneous element into a subject. The inserter includes a second guide configured to mate with the housing of the cartridge, and the first guide and second guide are configured to cooperate to guide the inserter into the interior volume along a guiding path defined by the first guide. The inserter is configured to removably attach to the cradle when guided into the interior volume. An insertion assembly is provided for actuating the insertion needle to insert the subcutaneous element into the subject.

Abstract: Provided is an anesthetic composition for locally administrating an amide-type anesthetic into a subject in need thereof. The anesthetic composition has multilamellar vesicles with entrapped amide-type anesthetic prepared by hydrating a highly entrapped lipid structure comprising an amide-type anesthetic and a lipid mixture with an aqueous buffer solution at a pH higher than 5.5. Also provided is a method to prepare an anesthetic composition using a simpler and more feasible process for large-scale manufacture and for providing a high molar ratio of amide-type anesthetic to phospholipid content as compared to the prior art. This anesthetic composition has a prolonged duration of efficacy adapted to drug delivery.

Abstract: Medicinal fluid delivery devices and methods for advancing and retracting needles are disclosed. According to an aspect, a medicinal fluid delivery device includes a tube that defines an interior space that extends between a first and second openings. The device includes a needle including a proximal end and a distal end that substantially align in a first direction. A portion of the distal end is biased to extend in a second direction different than the first direction. A mechanism is attached to the proximal end and configured to position the distal end between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the portion of the distal end is constrained by the interior wall such that is does not extend in the second direction. In the second position, the distal end is not constrained by the interior wall such that it extends in the second direction.

Abstract: Injector devices and methods for using them to deliver medicament into a patient's body, e.g., sub-retinally within an eye, are provided. The injector includes an injector cannula having a soft injector tip. A retractable tip protector tube is slidably disposed on the flow cannula between an extended position in which the tip protector tube covers the entire injector tip, and a retracted position in which the tip protector tube is retracted proximally thereby exposing at least part of the injector tip. Accordingly, the tip protector tube protects the injector tip from being damaged while advancing the injector tip to a target injection site.

Abstract: A method of delivering a therapeutic agent to a nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc is provided. The method comprises inserting a delivery tool containing the therapeutic agent through an anterior portion, a lateral portion, or an anterolateral portion of an annulus fibrosus and into the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc; and delivering the therapeutic agent to the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc. Devices and kits are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments include a cryogenic device for alleviating pain by cryogenically treating a nerve, the cryogenic device including a handpiece; a needle coupled to a distal end of the handpiece, the needle including a needle lumen, the needle being configured for insertion into a skin of a patient along an insertion axis at a site laterally displaced from a treatment zone proximate to the nerve. The needle is configured to resiliently bend after insertion away from the insertion axis, such that at least a portion of the needle is adapted to traverse a skin layer laterally toward the treatment zone. The device includes a cooling fluid supply tube extending distally into the needle lumen; and a cooling fluid source, wherein the cooling fluid source is coupled to the cooling fluid supply tube to direct cooling fluid into the needle lumen.

Abstract: A device includes a syringe, which has a tip, plunger, and barrel containing a fluid. The device also includes a needle electrode coupled to the tip of the syringe, a release component, and a control component configured to receive electrical measurements made by the needle electrode, determine impedance values from the electrical measurements, and identify a target tissue based on the impedance values. In response to the identification, the control component generates instructions to reposition a release component. A method includes receiving electrical measurements from a needle electrode, determining impedance values based on the electrical measurements. A target tissue is identified based on the impedance values, and a release component is repositioned in response.

Abstract: A syringe assembly for a drug delivery device. The syringe assembly includes a syringe barrel having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis. A needle assembly is operatively coupled to the syringe barrel and includes a needle hub and a needle attached to the needle hub. A flexible connection is disposed between the syringe barrel and the needle hub and forms a fluid pathway between the syringe barrel and the needle. The flexible connection enables the needle assembly to be moveable from a filling position, in which a longitudinal axis of the needle assembly is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the syringe barrel, to an assembled position, in which the longitudinal axis of the needle assembly is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the syringe barrel.

Abstract: A puncture apparatus includes: a needle member having a tubular shape and comprising a flexible portion that is deformable; and a puncture assisting member that is movable or deformable in an axial direction of the needle member between: a restricting position in which the puncture assisting member is located outside the flexible portion of the needle member in a radial direction of the needle member, and thereby restricts deformation of the flexible portion, and a permissive position in which the puncture assisting member is not located outside the flexible portion in the radial direction, and thereby permits deformation of the flexible portion. The puncture assisting member is configured to move or deform from the restricting position to the permissive position in conjunction with an operation of inserting the flexible portion into a living body at a time of puncturing the living body with the needle member.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for fabricating microneedle arrays that includes electrospun fibers preferentially disposed within the microneedles of the array. Providing the electrospun fibers preferentially in the microneedles allows for more of a drug or other substance present in the fibers to be deposited into tissue or to provide other benefits. A mold for forming the microneedle arrays includes an insulating surface layer. The insulating surface layer affects the electric field during electrospinning such that electrospun fibers are deposited preferentially within the microneedle cavities of the mold relative to the surface of the mold. A bulk material can then be applied to the mold to form the bulk of the microneedles with electrospun fibers embedded within and a backing layer to which the microneedles are attached.

Abstract: The present specification describes systems and methods that enable the automatic detection, analysis and calculation of various processes and parameters associated with electromyography. The methods of the present specification include the automated modulation of analytical or recording states based on the nature of the signal, optimal reference fiber selection, modulating a trigger level, and determining firing parameters.

Abstract: A microneedle chip and manufacturing method. The method comprises injecting, into a female mold, a fluid needle liquid, wherein forming cavities matching the shapes of needles of a microneedle chip are provided at the female mold and form a cavity array, injection inlets are provided at a surface of one side of the female mold, and air ejection openings are provided at a surface of another side of the female mold to form an air ejection surface; covering the air ejection surface of the female mold using a breathable film, and during injection, passing a gas through the breathable film so as to retain the liquid inside the forming cavities; curing the fluid needle liquid to form the microneedle chip, and demolding to obtain the same. By employing the air ejection openings and the breathable film, a liquid is retained while ejecting a gas, providing a favorable micro-injection effect.

Abstract: A drug delivery device includes a blunt cannula and a reservoir. The blunt cannula has a cylindrical wall that defines an axial passage between a first end and a second end of the blunt cannula. The wall has at least a first tapered region at the first end to define an opening in fluid communication with the axial passage and adapted at the first end to resist interruption of fluid flow through the axial passage and out of the first end of the blunt cannula. The reservoir is connected to the second end of the blunt cannula.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for transseptal access of septa within a patient. The device can be advanced to a septum, e.g., towards a fossa ovalis. Instead of applying positive pressure to “tent” the septum, a negative pressure is applied to a lumen within a sheath, e.g., within an elongated member slidable within the sheath, via a negative pressure source such as a syringe on the proximal end of the sheath. This results in the septum pulling inward. The sheath employs a stationary needle-like central core component contained within the lumen of the sheath that punctures the septum when the same is pulled passed it by the negative pressure. The stationary needle-like central core component may be hollow and may form a portion of the elongated member or may be coupled to a distal end thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a subject suffering from dry eye syndrome, comprising: administering to said subject a pharmaceutical composition for treating dry eye syndrome, comprising an effective amount of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and the pharmaceutical composition is administered to the eye topically in the form of eye drops.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical system for displaying and recording injection sites of patients. After patient identification based on the patient's vein patterns, the system can retrieve and display previous injection sites (e.g., for blood draw or injection) of the patient as overlaid at actual positions of the injection sites. The system can determine potential new injection sites based on the locations of the previous injection sites. The system can also ensure workflow compliance by displaying and tracking procedures performed by the healthcare professional.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a nanoparticle comprising a copolymer comprising a polyethylene glycol polymer, a polyhydroxylated polymer, and a peroxide-sensitive pendant group; a glucose-responsive agent; and a therapeutic agent; wherein the copolymer encapsulates the glucose-responsive agent and the therapeutic agent. Also disclosed herein is a method of delivering a therapeutic agent to a subject comprising administering to the subject a nanoparticle comprising a copolymer comprising a polyethylene glycol polymer, a polyhydroxylated polymer, and a peroxide-sensitive pendant group; a glucose-responsive agent; and a therapeutic agent; wherein the copolymer encapsulates the glucose-responsive agent and the therapeutic agent; and releasing the therapeutic agent from the nanoparticle in the presence of hyperglycemic levels of glucose.

Abstract: The disclosure belongs to medical devices and particularly to soluble microneedle patches and small dose medical injection devices for transdermal injections of medical and cosmetic materials to patients. It also belongs to micro-electro-mechanical systems technology (MEMS). The materials can include vitamins, proteins, glycerides, vaccines, mono-, oligo- or polysaccharides, organic acids and its salts, as well as combinations of the said materials and their derivatives. The disclosed micro-needle patch can be used for medical purposes in hospitals, outpatient and home conditions.

Abstract: A blood glucose detection device includes a carrier body, a flow-guiding actuator, a microneedle patch, a sensor and a controlling chip. The carrier body has a liquid guiding channel, a compressing chamber and a liquid storage chamber. The flow-guiding actuator seals the compressing chamber. The microneedle patch is attached on the carrier body and has plural hollow microneedles. The sensor is disposed within the liquid storage chamber. The controlling chip is disposed on the carrier body. The plural hollow microneedles puncture the skin of a human subject with minimal invasion. The controlling chip controls the flow-guiding actuator to actuate and the tissue fluid is sucked into the liquid storage chamber through the plural hollow microneedles, whereby the sensor detects the blood glucose of the tissue fluid to generate and transmit the measured data to the controlling chip. The controlling chip can generate monitoring information by calculating the measured data.

Abstract: A patient access site securement system includes a housing with an inlet, an outlet and an internal fluid path between the inlet and the outlet. The housing also has a connecting portion that connects to a catheter and/or a fluid line attached to the catheter. A contact surface is located on an underside of the housing and positions the patient access site securement system on the patient. A first reservoir with an interior holds a liquid and transitions from a first state to a second state. The interior is in fluid communication with the inlet when the reservoir is in the second state to allow the liquid to flow from the inlet, through the internal fluid path and exit the outlet. The liquid interacts with the contact surface and/or the patient to alter a level of securement between the catheter and the patient.

Abstract: Provided herein are microneedle particles, compositions that include microneedle particles, methods of treating skin, and methods of delivering a substance of interest. The microneedle particles may include one or more microneedles, and the microneedle particles may be configured to prevent the entire microneedle particle from penetrating the biological tissue. The microneedle particles may be dispersed in a liquid medium to form a composition. A biological tissue may be contacted with the microneedle particles to pre-treat the biological tissue, and a substance of interest may be applied to the pre-treated biological tissue.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes: a catheter having an inner cavity extending along a center axis of the catheter, the catheter comprising, on a distal side, a tapered portion that is tapered in a distal direction; and an inner needle retractably located in the inner cavity. The inner needle comprises, on a distal side, a blade surface that is inclined with respect to a center axis of the inner needle. The tapered portion covers a proximal end portion of the blade surface in an assembled state in which the inner needle is located in the inner cavity, and an inner shape of a distal-most end of the tapered portion conforms to the blade surface.

Abstract: A percutaneous catheter provides an adjustable diameter in order to reduce pressure loss, maintain a required flow, and avoid increasing a load to the patient. A catheter tube is formed of braided wires in an intersecting manner and extends in an axial direction. A distal tip is affixed to a distal side of the catheter tube and is configured to engaged a distal end of a dilator. The catheter tube includes a non-coated portion on a proximal side of the distal tip and a coated portion embedded in a resin material. An inner diameter of the non-coated portion is larger than an outer diameter of the dilator. When the dilator is fully inserted through the percutaneous catheter, the non-coated portion expands in the axial direction, reducing its in inner diameter so that an inner surface of the non-coated portion comes into tight contact with an outer surface of the dilator.

Abstract: A method in which a location is determined on the skin that is proximate to a sensory nerve that is associated with a painful condition. At least one needle of a cryogenic device is inserted into the location on the skin such that the needle is proximate to the sensory nerve. The device is activated such that the at least one needle creates a cooling zone about the sensory nerve, thereby eliminating or reducing severity of the painful condition.

Abstract: A method and assembly are disclosed for interfacing between a drug cartridge and a drug delivery device. Optionally, the drug delivery device includes a compartment that retains the cartridge during drug delivery and/or a stopper pushing assembly mounted to the device behind (proximal to) the compartment. In some embodiments, the cartridge may be inserted laterally into the compartment in front of the pushing assembly. For example, the delivery device may include a moving cartridge bay. The cartridge is optionally inserted into the bay and/or the bay and cartridge optionally move into the cartridge compartment. Alternatively or additionally, the cartridge compartment may have a proximal opening into which the cartridge is inserted and/or the pushing assembly may be moved into position after insertion of the cartridge. In some embodiments the cartridge may have a distal seal that is broken by a longitudinal movement.

Abstract: A device for delivery of material to a biological subject, the device including a base and a number of projections extending from the base, each projection including a tip for penetrating tissue of the biological subject, at least a portion of at least one of the projections being coated with a non-liquid coating including the material. At least the tip of at least one of the coated projections may have a convex effective profile. The device may be for delivery of material to a dermal layer of the biological subject. In another aspect an applicator for applying the device to the biological subject applies a preload force to the tissue such that the force at least partially compresses a subcutaneous tissue layer of the biological subject prior to application of the device, and applies the device with a predetermined velocity, wherein tissue stiffness is maintained and/or the projections penetrate the tissue to a predetermined depth.

Abstract: Disclosed is a biopsy needle, medical device incorporating the biopsy needle, and method of using the biopsy needle and medical device. The biopsy needle and medical device is used to obtain a sample of tissue for further analysis and testing. The biopsy needle includes an inner stylet that is slidably engaged with an outer coaxial sheath and at least part of the distal portion of the stylet is bent or curved relative to the longitudinal axis of the coaxial sheath.

Abstract: Provided is a method of producing a microneedle array unit which is capable of suppressing damage to a microneedle array.

Abstract: A functional polymeric cutting edge structure and methods for manufacturing cutting edge structures using polymeric materials are provided. A razor blade for use in a razor cartridge or a blade box for assembly in a razor cartridge frame may be formed using the present invention.

Abstract: A suture capturing device configured to attain multiple preset orientations, comprising: a handle; a hollow shaft coupled to said handle; a rigid needle element configured with a hook for catching a suture and where the needle element is operatively coupled to the hollow shaft opposite the handle and configured to be slidable in a first direction to assume an open orientation where the hook is exposed relative to the hollow shaft and in a second direction to assume a closed orientation where the hook is not exposed relative to the hollow shaft.

Abstract: A skin treatment can include applying a microneedle device to a region of the skin so that microneedles of the device penetrate the stratum corneum. The arrangement of microneedles can have first microneedles with a first length and second microneedles with a second length, different from the first length. The first and second microneedles can be formed from a mixture of a polymeric material and an active agent beneficial to skin. After the device is applied to the skin, the first and second microneedles can be released below the skin surface, followed by dissolution of the first and second microneedles.

Abstract: A piercing part for a medical infusion system includes a piercing mandrel through which at least one channel extends and which has a mandrel tip whose first jacket surface part is tapered, relative to a central longitudinal axis, towards a front end. An opposite second jacket surface part has an inclined cutting face interrupted towards the front end. The piercing part can be used for medical transfusion and infusion appliances.

Abstract: A phacoemulsification needle (100, 100A, 100B, 1000, 100D, 200, 200A) is provided for emulsifying body tissue. The needle (100, 100A, 100B, 1000, 100D, 200, 200A) is adapted to be attached to a phacoemulsification handpiece that imparts a vibration to the needle (100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 200, 200A). The needle (100, 100A, 100B, 1000, 100D, 200, 200A) has a body (104, 220, 220A) with a distal end (99), a proximal end (106), and an aspiration passage (124) extending between the proximal and distal ends (99, 106). The aspiration passage (124) defines a longitudinally-extending central body axis (110, 110A, 110B, 1100, 110D). The aspiration passage (124) is enlarged at the distal end (99) to define a tip (102, 102A, 102B, 1020, 102D, 210, 210A).

Abstract: A microneedle or microneedle device includes a microneedle body extending from a base to a penetrating tip formed from a silk fibroin based material, which is easy to fabricate and highly biocompatible. The microneedle device can include one or more microneedles mounted to a substrate. The silk fibroin can include active agents to be transported into or across biological barriers such as skin, tissue and cell membranes. The silk fibroin microneedles can be fully or partially biodegradable and/or bioerodible. The silk fibroin is highly stable, affords room temperature storage and is implantable. The silk fibroin structure can be modulated to control the rate of active agent delivery.

Abstract: A rongeur including a base, which 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 of the rongeur 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.