Abstract: A dual operation grasping forceps for use with an endoscope includes an elongated tube having a control mechanism along a first end, and a grasping section along a second end. The grasping section includes a plurality of resilient wire members each having a loop along a distal end. A cable is positioned through the loops to form a circular or triangular shape snare. The grasping members are independently connected to the control mechanism by a first operating wire, and the cable is independently connected to the control mechanism by a second operating wire. The control mechanism selectively moves the grasping section between a retracted position, an extended position and a closed position.

Abstract: A gynecological suction module (1) comprising a hollow rod (20) and a suction chamber (10) connected to the hollow rod by a hole (H) for fluid connection, the aforesaid suction chamber being configured to engage the surface of the vaginal portion of the cervix, the aforesaid suction chamber (10) being delimited by a concave wall W defined by an edge (P) having a C shape and comprising an external portion (P1), an internal portion (P2) and two end portions (P3, P3?), wherein said internal edge P2 is out of the plane defined by said external portion P1.

Abstract: A medical instrument according to the present disclosure includes: a contact portion configured to contact body tissue; a drive unit configured to generate drive force for causing the contact portion to contact the body tissue; and a limiter mechanism configured to impose restriction on transmission of the drive force to the contact portion, in accordance with contact force of the contact portion with respect to the body tissue. This configuration makes it possible to restrict force applied to body tissue during surgery, and to reduce failure risk, with a simple configuration.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a handle assembly and an elongate portion extending distally from the handle assembly. An end effector disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongate portion includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly, wherein at least one of the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly is movable with respect to the other to move the end effector between an open configuration where the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly are substantially spaced and a closed configuration where the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly are closer together. The end effector also includes a clamping assembly including a first clamping surface deployable to extend laterally from the anvil assembly, and a second clamping surface deployable to extend laterally from the cartridge assembly such that, when deployed, the first and second clamping surfaces oppose one another when the cartridge assembly is in the closed position.

Abstract: Minimally invasive methods and devices are provided for positioning a spinal fixation element in relation to adjacent spinal anchors. In an exemplary embodiment, the device is a percutaneous access device that can be coupled to a spinal anchor, and the method includes the step of positioning a spinal fixation element through at least one sidewall opening of at least two percutaneous access devices such that the spinal fixation element extends in a lengthwise orientation that is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of each percutaneous access device. The spinal fixation element can then be advanced in the lengthwise orientation to seat the spinal fixation element in or adjacent to the receiver heads of at least two adjacent spinal anchors. A fastening element or other closure mechanism can then be applied to each spinal anchor to engage the spinal fixation element within the receiver heads of the adjacent anchors.

Abstract: A subaxillary traction device having an elongated body portion with a first end and a second end, at least one receptacle member disposed on the first end defining a cavity to receive a fingertip, a handle opening disposed adjacent or near the first end and a handle opening disposed adjacent or near the second end, the handle openings being of sufficient size to receive at least one finger there through, whereby the body portion is positionable under the posterior axilla of a fetus experiencing shoulder dystocia such that traction may be applied allowing delivery of the posterior arm affecting the safe delivery of the baby.

Abstract: A surgical device for treating shoulder dystocia having a first arm having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a first curved surface, a second arm having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a second curved surface and a shoulder engagement section positioned at least between the distal portion of the first and second arms and connecting the first and second arms. The engagement section has an atraumatic surface and is configured to contact and press down on the baby to reposition the baby upon manipulation of the first and second arms.

Abstract: An obstetric device has a head piece having a flexible peripheral rim and a floor spaced from the flexible peripheral rim defining a cavity. One or more support lugs extend upwardly from the floor of the cavity; and an air communication aperture is provided in the floor of the cavity. Typically the device is formed a distal end piece having an orientation mark; and a tube interconnecting the head piece and the distal end piece.

Abstract: A surgical device for treating shoulder dystocia having a first arm having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a first curved surface, a second arm having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a second curved surface and a shoulder engagement section positioned at least between the distal portion of the first and second arms and connecting the first and second arms. The engagement section has an atraumatic surface and is configured to contact and press down on the baby to reposition the baby upon manipulation of the first and second arms.

Abstract: Extraction devices adapted to grasp, hold and move a variety of biological materials. The extraction devices include a sheath with an interior passage and legs slidably received within the passage of the sheath. The legs are adapted to move outwardly away from each other when deployed from the sheath to establish a deployed position, and to move inwardly toward each other to collapse within the sheath and define a stowed position. Each leg has a transverse cross-sectional shape defined by a first surface that is concave and an oppositely-disposed second surface that is convex. The legs have adjacent distal ends that define a grasping and holding feature when the legs are moved between their deployed and stowed positions. Each distal end has an arcuate portion and defines a distal surface that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the corresponding leg thereof when the legs are in the stowed position.

Abstract: A device to extract elements contained in a cavity, additional to patent of invention P060105329, and of preferable application to assistance at childbirth and/or extraction of elements seated in cavities of the human body, facilitating the task of medical professionals. Said device is comprised of a bag having one of its ends open, through which it is possible to introduce the element to be extracted, in which, in a first embodiment and on the outer surface of the bag and along all its circumference line, there is at least one air chamber being able to get in contact with the element to be extracted when receiving inner pressure, being said chamber connected to a pressure generating means; and in a second embodiment, an outward fold is defined on said bag, forming an annular cavity at the time it gets in contact with the cavity containing the element to be extracted.

Abstract: In various cases, an obstetrical device is provided for assisting a cesarean section delivery of a neonate having a fetal presenting part well seated within the mother's pelvis. Generally, the device comprises a tubular tail having an internal lumen and a hollow head extending from a distal end of the tail and having an internal chamber fluidly connected to the lumen. The head includes at least one aperture extending through an exterior wall. The device is operable to position the head near or in contact with the fetal presenting part to provide air into an area near and/or between contact surfaces of the fetal presenting part and a vagina and/or a cervix of the mother. Providing the air will reduce or release a suction formed between the contact surfaces such that the well seated fetal presenting part can be easily separated from the vagina and/or the cervix.

Abstract: A pygmy goat and small breed livestock birthing aid to assist in the positioning of the newborn during the birthing process. The birthing aid includes a flexible cable, at least one flexible sleeve, and a cable clamp. The flexible cable is slideably inserted into the at least one flexible sleeve, such that there is a loop portion and a handle portion of the flexible cable opposite each other along the at least one flexible sleeve. The loop portion is placed over the neck of the newborn in the birthing process and the user pulls gently on the handle portion tightening the loop portion about the newborn. After gently guiding the newborn into the correct birthing, the user removes the birthing aid and manually assists the birthing process if necessary.

Abstract: A birthing glove exposes portions of the finger and thumb, which may be covered by a regular surgical glove. The birthing glove has a trank having an inner wall covering the palm and backhand of the birthing practitioner. Four finger sleeves and a thumb sleeve extend from the trank and terminate over the first phalanx of each finger. A cuff extends from the trank for covering at least a portion of the practitioner's forearm and an inflatable bladder is disposed over the inner wall of the trank adjacent to the back of the hand for inflation in order to expand behind the exposed fingers and thumb of the practitioner in order to dilate the birth canal and provide access to the head of the infant.

Abstract: The invention provides a forceps system comprising a pair of forceps members and force measurement means operable to measure compressive and traction forces exerted by the forceps when in use, and to output measurement signals indicative of such forces. Also provided is a method of measuring the compressive and traction forces exerted by a forceps system when in use.

Abstract: A device to extract elements contained in cavities that uses a bag for their extraction that folds onto itself and an applier provided with an air chamber, which bag has pockets into which tentacles of the applier are introduced; and that is provided with means to pull from same; an applier that is comprised by a first piece called outer tube, that is hollow and of rigid material which, at its distal end, turns into at least two tentacles that allow its radial flexibility, and in its proximal end, means are provided to fix the second piece, called inner tube, which is a hollow tube, open at its ends, that slides into the body of the outer tube and that provides a funnel at its distal end. The device may have grade scale either on the tentacles, the inner tube as well as on the bag. Additionally, this provides two rings used as reference, on each of the folds of the bag.

Abstract: A surgical device for treating shoulder dystocia having a first arm having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a first curved surface, a second arm having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a second curved surface and a shoulder engagement section positioned at least between the distal portion of the first and second arms and connecting the first and second arms. The engagement section has an atraumatic surface and is configured to contact and press down on the baby to reposition the baby upon manipulation of the first and second arms.

Abstract: An obstetrical instrument includes an elongated handle and a fetal head support portion coupled with a distal end of the elongated handle.

Abstract: An apparatus used for treating shoulder dystocia is provided. The apparatus is a Scapuloblade device with a handle, and a blade section including a first curved side and a flat second side opposite the first side. The curved first side is configured to fit the curvature of a mother's birth canal. The flat side may be bare, may include a friction padding, or may include diaphragm that applies a suction force. The device may be used to rotate the shoulders by applying torque on the scapula region of a baby's anterior shoulder with the flat side of the blade. The elongated handle, which may be an integral continuation of the blade, may facilitate the user to apply a rotational force to dislodge the impacted anterior shoulder so that the shoulders will be aligned with the widest diameter of the inlet of the birth canal of the mother for delivery.

Abstract: A method to allow an easy delivery of a fetus during a Cesarean Section when the fetal head is deeply wedged in the female pelvic cavity using a unique surgical device. The device consists of inflatable portion to lift the fetal head, the inflatable portion being attached to a foldable base plate that can be folded along with the inflatable portion for insertion of the device into the female vagina below the fetal head. The inflatable portion is inflated by injecting a biocompatible fluid with a pressurizing device such as a syringe, pressure bag, hand pump or powered pump. The device may also be utilized in other situations like abdominal delivery of a premature or small baby and when cord prolapse has occurred.

Abstract: In order to assist in a cesarean section delivery of a human fetus, an elongated, flexible member having a pocket centrally located is used by the surgeon by placing it under the head of the fetus. The ends of the planar member remain outside of uterus and are pulled in order to help the surgeon guide and dislodge the head of the fetus and to position the fetus so that the head can be flexed through the uterine incision and the fetus delivered.

Abstract: A system for assisting and controlling the movement of a portion of a body, such as the head or head and neck is disclosed. The system and the methods of using and controlling the system can be effective in preventing and treating various conditions relating to the movement and positioning of the body or parts of the body. As such, the system can be effective in preventing and treating occipital flattening, plagiocephaly, cervical muscle tightening, torticollis, and other conditions.

Abstract: A birth delivery device (10, 30) including one or more engaging elements (18, 32) shaped to engage a fetal head, one or more handles (19, 40) connected to the one or more engaging elements (18, 32) that manipulate the one or more engaging elements (18, 32), and one or more position sensors (20) placed on a portion of at least one of the engaging elements (18, 32) and the handles (19, 40), the position sensors (20) being in communication with a processor (22) that processes data from the position sensors (20) to determine positional information related to the fetal head.

Abstract: A birthing glove exposes portions of the finger and thumb, which may be covered by a regular surgical glove. The birthing glove has a trank having an inner wall covering the palm and backhand of the birthing practitioner. Four finger sleeves and a thumb sleeve extend from the trank and terminate over the first phalanx of each finger. A cuff extends from the trank for covering at least a portion of the practitioner's forearm and an inflatable bladder is disposed over the inner wall of the trank adjacent to the back of the hand for inflation in order to expand behind the exposed fingers and thumb of the practitioner in order to dilate the birth canal and provide access to the head of the infant.

Abstract: Surgical device to allow an easy delivery of the fetus during a Cesarean Section when fetal head is deeply wedged in the female pelvic cavity. The device consists of inflatable portion to lift the fetal head attached to foldable base plate that can be folded with the inflatable portion for insertion of the device into the female vagina below the fetal head. The inflatable portion is inflated by injecting biocompatible fluid by pressurizing device such as syringe, pressure bag, hand pump or powdered pump. The device can also be of use in other situations like abdominal delivery of a premature or small baby and when cord prolapse has occurred.

Abstract: A birthing glove exposes portions of the finger and thumb, which may be covered by a regular surgical glove. The birthing glove has a trank having an inner wall covering the palm and backhand of the birthing practitioner. Four finger sleeves and a thumb sleeve extend from the trank and terminate over the first phalanx of each finger. A cuff extends from the trank for covering at least a portion of the practitioner's forearm and an inflatable bladder is disposed over the inner wall of the trank adjacent to the back of the hand for inflation in order to expand behind the exposed fingers and thumb of the practitioner in order to dilate the birth canal and provide access to the head of the infant.

Abstract: The invention consists of a new obstetrical vacuum extractor which includes a bell-shaped fetal contact cup made of flexible material, with a hollow and substantially rigid stem, a pull-sensing handle grip attached to the end of the stem, and a tube connected with one end to the cup stem and with the other to a vacuum source. The pull-sensing grip contains electronic hardware whose purpose is to reduce the risk of fetal trauma caused by frequent cup detachment (“pop-off”) and excessive traction force, during a vacuum-assisted delivery.

Abstract: The invention consists of an axis-traction handle with a pull-sensing grip (4) for the obstetrical forceps, whose object is to reduce the risk of injury to the fetus, caused by excessive traction force during a forceps delivery. The grip contains electronic hardware which include a strain gauge to measure the pull exerted on the axis-traction handle, and thus on the fetal head, during a forceps delivery, a sounder to alert the doctor when the pull exceeds preset safety limits, and a transceiver for the wireless transmission of the pull data to a receiver connected to a lap-top computer with specific software, which generates a graphic representation of such data.

Abstract: The invention consists of an obstetrical forceps with a pull-sensing handle grip containing electronic hardware, whose purpose is to reduce the risk of injury to the fetus and mother caused by excessive traction force. The hardware includes a strain gauge to measure the traction force applied to the forceps during a delivery, an announcer to alert the doctor when the traction force exceeds preset safety limits, and a transceiver for the wireless transmission of the traction data to a receiver connected to a lap-top computer, which generates a graphic representation of such data.

Abstract: Provided herein are calibrated obstetrical forceps and methods for using the same. The forceps include two elongate members, each having a fetal engaging end, a handle end, and a shank connecting the two. On at least one of the shanks are calibration markings that may be used to determine the amount of force being applied to the fetal skull. Such markings can be used by birth attendants to gauge the success or failure of an assisted delivery.

Abstract: A vacuum assisted fetal extraction apparatus and a monitoring device for use in conjunction therewith. The monitoring device includes a circuit including a timer operably coupled with a switch, which may comprise a differential pressure sensor. The switch is configured to be actuated by the formation of a vacuum to secure the fetal extractor to a fetus. At least partial release of the vacuum releases the switch to stop or pause the timer. The timer may be configured to be reset such that it only records or displays the duration of a specific application of the vacuum device, or it may be configured to record or display a cumulative duration based upon multiple applications of the vacuum device in an absolute sense or during a defined time period. Magnitude as well as the cumulative number of applications of an applied vacuum may also be measured and, optionally, displayed, as may the number of times traction force is applied to an infant during delivery.

Abstract: Disclosed is an obstetric forceps for grasping a baby during childbirth, the forceps having blades which are approximately adapted to the shape of a baby's head, are made of a rigid material and have contact surfaces for grasping the baby's head, the contact surfaces being provided with at least one device for detecting the pressure prevailing between the contact surfaces and the baby's head.

Abstract: A device for assisting childbirth, preferably made of separate sheets of loosely knitted polypropylene loops. Each sheet has a control end, an opposite mouth end, and a pair of insertion arms attached to the edges of the sheets. The insertion arms of each sheet slidingly engage one another. Thus, one sheet may be inserted between the fetal head and the birth canal wall until it is properly placed about the fetal head. The second sheet can then engage the first sheet, sliding into position around the fetal head as well, thereby forming an elongated gripping member completely encircling the fetal head. A drawstring may be provided to assist in initiating traction. Thereafter, pulling on the gripping member will cause the loops to lengthen longitudinally and compress in their transverse dimension, causing the circumference of the gripping member to decrease and thereby grip the fetal head.

Abstract: A vacuum extractor for use in childbirth is described. The vacuum extractor includes a handle and a vacuum cup with a force sensor coupled to the vacuum extractor. The force sensor measures the traction force applied between the vacuum cup and the handle for assisting the birthing attendant in applying an appropriate traction force. The force sensor may also include a slipping mechanism which causes the length of the force sensor to distinctly increase if the applied traction force exceeds a certain level such as twenty pounds. Thus, the birthing attendant may feel the slipping and thus determine that the traction force has exceeded the certain value.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of an infected area within a body. The method comprises applying a electrically conductive biocide composition to an infected area within a body that has been exposed during surgery. Then, an electric field is applied to the biocide composition. The electric field strength and duration of application may be sufficient to produce killing of microorganisms in the infected area.

Abstract: An obstetrical vacuum extractor is disclosed herein which comprises: a vacuum cup having an interior; an elongated hollow stem having a longitudinal axis, a first open end fixedly joined to the cup so as to communicate with the cup interior, and an opposing second open end; and a handle having first and second handle portions on opposite sides of the stem longitudinal axis, the handle being mounted on the stem to allow rotation of the stem and cup with respect to the handle and substantially prevent axial movement of the handle on the stem.

Abstract: A hand-held fetal vacuum extractor combines a pump and handle into a single hand-held unit. This enables a single operator, such as a doctor, to control vacuum using a vacuum pump, and apply traction to a fetus using a single hand. A handle, having a surface for gripping, is connected to a fetal vacuum cup for being suctioned onto a fetal head. A vacuum pump is connected to the handle and includes an activation surface for activating the vacuum pump. The vacuum pump is fluidly coupled to a the vacuum cup and fetal head. The grip surface of the handle and the activation surface of the pump are in such proximity, during operation, that a single human hand can simultaneously grasp the grip surface and contact the activation surface.

Abstract: The fetal contact cup portion of a fetal vacuum cup has an inside surface which, when applied to a fetal head, defines a fetal contact chamber with the fetal head. One end of a tube is attached to the fetal contact cup such that vacuums within the tube are applied within the fetal contact cup. The other end of the tube can be connected with a vacuum source and with a handle. The tube has a very small average outside diameter compared with conventional fetal vacuum tubes. Thus the fetal vacuum cup is less intrusive during insertion and is more easily maneuverable, especially when the fetus is malpresenting in, for example, the high occipitoposterior or high occipitolateral positions. The average outside diameter of the tube may be, for example, less than 150 mils and has a finger grip that compression fits into a recess defined by the outer surface of the fetal contact cup for a lower profile and easy positioning of the fetal contact cup onto the flexion point of the fetal head.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ablation catheter which controls the temperature and reduces the coagulation of biological fluids on a tip of a catheter, prevents the impedance rise of tissue in contact with the catheter tip, and maximizes the potential energy transfer to the tissue, thereby allowing an increase in the lesion size produced by the ablation. The ablation catheter includes a catheter body. The ablation catheter also includes a tip for monitoring electrical potentials, and applying electrical energy to a biological tissue. A fluid source is positioned at one end of the catheter for supplying a fluid flow through the catheter to the tip means. Passages are positioned within the tip in a variety of manners for directing the fluid flow through the tip means to the exterior surface of the tip to control the temperature and form a protective fluid layer around the tip. Monitoring structure is also positioned within the tip structure for measurement of the electrical potentials in a biological tissue.

Abstract: The obstetrical vacuum extractor includes a vacuum cup molded of a first, relatively rigid material, with a lip of a second, relatively soft material secured along the basal opening. An elongated hollow stem which may be coupled to a vacuum source communicates with the interior and, accordingly, the basal opening of the vacuum cup. The first, relatively rigid material of the cup is preferably substantially transparent so that the physician may readily monitor the condition of the fetal scalp throughout delivery.

Abstract: An electrode tip assembly attachable to the end of a catheter for supporting a tip electrode for percutaneous insertion into a living body having a steering mechanism includes an elongated body bendable in response to external forces to steer the tip electrode. The body is connected at its distal end to the tip electrode. At least one steering wire is attached to the elongated body for transmitting bending force to the body from a remote control mechanism. An movable stiffening member, preferably in the form of a sleeve or rod provides a variable fulcrum for bending of the body in response to an applied bending force. A control stylet or sleeve extends through the catheter and is attached to the stiffening member for moving the stiffening member in a distal/proximal direction or for rotating it relative to the body.

Abstract: A device to assist in removing a fetus from a woman's birth canal during childbirth is provided. The device includes a pliable, elongated member having a mouth adapted to fit over the head of a fetus, an insertion wand or applicator for positioning the elongated member over the head of the fetus, and a drawstring attached at the mouth. The elongated member is constructed so that as it is pulled longitudinally from the end opposite the mouth, the elongated member will axially grip the head of the fetus in much the same way that the novelty item, "Chinese handcuffs," grip the finger of a user. Once the elongated member has axially engaged the head of the fetus, the elongated member may be used to extract the fetus from the birth canal.

Abstract: Obstetric forceps have a pair of elongated members, each having a blade at one end, a handle at an opposite end and a shank connecting the blade and handle. The members pivotally engage each other at a pivot point intermediate their ends and freely moveable when so engaged. The blades and shanks of each of the members are resiliently constructed to exert a traction force within a preset margin of safety and to slip when the preset margin of safety is exceeded.

Abstract: A vacuum extractor for extracting a fetus from a birth canal during childbirth is provided. The vacuum extractor includes a cup, a substantially rigid stem, and a handle. The cup is provided with a flexible closed top end to enable the stem to be selectively moved from an operational position wherein the stem extends from the closed top end of the cup in substantial axial alignment with a vertical axis of the cup to an insertion position wherein the stem is angularly disposed relative to the vertical axis of the cup and a portion of the stem is recessed into the flexible closed top end of the cup to permit insertion of the cup into the birth canal. The handle has a first end, a second end, and a passageway extending therethrough from the first end to the second end. The handle is connected to the stem such that the first and second ends of the handle extend substantially laterally from the stem and the passageway of the handle in fluid communication with the vacuum cup.

Abstract: A vacuum extractor for use in childbirth which enables the baby's head to be easily maneuvered during delivery. The extractor comprises an open cup with an elongated stem having an opening through which a vacuum may be provided within the cup, and a pair of elongated arms coupled to the cup along substantially opposite sides of the cup. The arms are coupled to the cup by living hinges which allow at least one of the arms to be positioned against the rear, closed portion of the cup such that the extractor presents a relatively low profile for facilitating insertion of the extractor during childbirth. Once in position on the baby's head within the womb, the handles provided at the opposite ends of the arms may be used to maneuver the baby's head during delivery.

Abstract: A vacuum extractor for extracting a fetus from a birth canal during childbirth is provided. The vacuum extractor includes a cup, a stem, and a handle. The handle has a first end, a second end, and a passageway extending therethrough from the first end to the second end. The handle is connected to the stem such that the first and second ends of the handle extend substantially laterally from the stem and the passageway of the handle in fluid communication with the vacuum cup. The first end of the handle is adapted to be connected to a vacuum source, and the second end is adapted to receive a vacuum release valve.

Abstract: The invention is to a two part instrument used in removing fecal impaction. The two parts each include a handle and a spoon shaped member attached to each handle. One handle has a tongue and the other a groove which are placed to gather to hold the handles secured together during removal. The handles have ridges or a textured surface to provide a non-slip grip.

Abstract: Obstetrical forceps fabricated from a flexible material, preferably a low residue polyurethane elastomer, to facilitate safe delivery of a fetus.

Abstract: The invention consists of novel, scissors-like forceps in combination with optical monitoring hardware for measuring the extraction forces on a fetal head. The novel features of the forceps together with knowledge of real time forces on the fetal head enable a user to make a much safer delivery for mother and baby.

Abstract: A device to assist in removing a fetus from a woman's birth canal during childbirth is provided. The device includes a pliable, elongated cylinder with at least one end to fit over the head of the fetus, insertion wands for positioning the cylinder over the head of the fetus, wand sheaths which hold the insertion wands in place, and a drawstring attached at the open end. An insertion sleeve is used to compress the open end of the cylinder so that the cylinder can be inserted into the mother. An application cone is provided for spreading the open end of the cylinder and guiding it over the head during application. The cylinder is constructed so that as it is pulled from the end opposite the open end, the cylinder will axially grip the head of the fetus and extract the fetus from the mother. A method of using the device is also described.