Abstract: Systems and methods for the intravascular treatment of clot material within a blood vessel of a human patient are disclosed herein. A method in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, engaging an interventional device of a catheter system with clot material in a blood vessel and withdrawing the interventional device and the portion of the clot material through a guide catheter. In some embodiments, the catheter system can include an attachment/valve member coupled to a proximal portion of the guide catheter, and the method can include unsealing the attachment/valve member to facilitate withdrawing the interventional device through the attachment/valve member without significant retention of clot material within the attachment/valve member. The method can further include resealing and aspirating the guide catheter before advancing another interventional device to the clot material to again engage and remove clot material from the blood vessel.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for at least partial occlusion of uterine blood vessels during surgery involving the uterus and a method for using the same is provided. The surgical instrument comprises an elongated, flexible tourniquet having a first end and a second end. A lashing member is disposed at or proximate to the first end while a portion of the tourniquet proximate to the second end defines a series of successive holes configured to releasably and even adjustably maintain the lashing member in place so that the tourniquet may form a secure loop. The surgical instrument may further comprise an introducer formed as a flexible yet resilient sheath configured to aid placement of the tourniquet around a lower uterine segment and uterine vessels. In accordance with the method, once the tourniquet is placed and lashing member is secured, the sheath may be removed from the tourniquet, and operation may proceed.

Abstract: A detachable vertical cutter for insertion into a cylinder or tube is formed as a single unitary structure. The single blade has a pair of tool attachment end portions and a cutting blade extending in a loop between the attachment ends. The cutting blade is inclined vertically relative to a longitudinal axis of a cylinder or tube into which the attachment ends can slide into. The cutting blade has a cutting edge, a portion of which when extended free of the cylinder or tube will extend a distance greater than the tube outside diameter. The cutting edge when pushed inwardly and pulled outwardly between adjacent vertebrae scrapes and cuts disc material. When retracted the cutting blade deflects into the cylinder or tube for insertion or extraction into or from the disc space.

Abstract: A biopsy system for harvesting larger volumes of tissue as compared to standard core biopsy needles. The system has a needle with a lumen, an aperture disposed at the distal end of the needle and connected to the lumen, and a cutting mechanism adapted to cut tissue. When the needle is rotated after it is inserted into a target tissue, the cutting mechanism cuts from the tissue and directs the cut tissue portions into the lumen. Multi-bioimpedance measurements are used to guide a needle and direct the application of electricity for cauterizing tissue.

Abstract: Provided herein is a clamp device that can be used in minimally invasive procedures, including surgeries such as laparoscopic surgeries, for clamping a tissue or an organ or a portion of a tissue or organ. Also provided herein are methods of clamping a tissue or an organ or a portion thereof during minimally invasive surgery using the clamp device provided herein. Also provided are systems for performing a minimally invasive surgery that include the clamp device for minimally invasive surgery provided herein and an injection device configured to access an endoscopic port for the minimally invasive surgery.

Abstract: A spinal implant template includes a shaft extending along an axis between a proximal end and a distal end. An engagement portion is configured for insertion between vertebrae of a patient. The engagement portion includes a rod extending from the distal end at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis to facilitate ease of entry around a spinal cord of the patient. Systems, surgical instruments, spinal implants and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A swab comprises a support structure, a first cap and a second cap. The support structure has a first end, a central portion and a second end. The first cap has a first cap end and a first open end, wherein the first cap end includes a first end outer surface, a first end inner surface and a first plurality of protrusions protruding from the first end outer surface. The second cap has a second cap end and a second open end, wherein the second cap end includes a second end outer surface and a second end inner surface. The support structure is insertable into the first open end such that the first end contacts the first end inner surface and is insertable into the second open end such that the second end contacts the second end inner surface.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first member defining an axis and including a cutting surface. A second member includes a cutting surface that is rotatable relative to the first member. A third member includes an outer surface. The cutting surface of the second member is rotatable relative to the outer surface to transfer the cut tissue along the axis. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for joint preparation and fusion are disclosed. The system includes a cutting device having a handle, and rigid blade member. The blade member may include cutting edges on first and second sides, and may be curved in one or more planes. The blade member may be deployed to project outside of an outer tube, and the cutting device may be rotated to create a circular cavity. In a method of use, a cannula provides access to a procedure site such as a joint. A pathway to the joint is created, and the cutting device is inserted and deployed to undercut a cavity in the joint. A fusion device may be implanted across the joint to provide compression and fuse the joint. The system may also include instrumentation for creating access to a joint, bone graft insertion and implant insertion.

Abstract: Devices and methods for removing an intravaginal drug delivery ring are shown and described. In one embodiment, the device is an integral one-piece moisture impermeable structure that includes a closed end finger cot and a substantially rigid hook. Typically, the closed end finger cot includes a finger opening, a compression band, and an expandable sleeve. In some examples, the distal end of the hook is aligned substantially parallel to an axis of the finger cot to properly position the user's finger with the intravaginal drug delivery ring in the vaginal canal. The result is devices and methods to improve removal of intravaginal drug delivery rings and similar contraception prevention units.

Abstract: Improvements for curettes currently used in debridement and removal of skin, tissue, and necrotic debris from wound beds comprising a pinchable cap and a circular metal cutting end, wherein an individual may preferably apply pressure to the cap, preferably covering the metal cutting end, in order to manipulate the cutting end into a shape to preferably debride narrow or smaller portions of a wounds such as a narrow oval. The surgical instrument also preferably includes a measurement scale, a depth probe that also acts as a packing tool, and finger grips. There can be an optional LED or LEDs included in or on the curette.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first member defining an axis and including a cutting surface. A second member includes a cutting surface that is rotatable relative to the first member. A third member includes an outer surface. The cutting surface of the second member is rotatable relative to the outer surface to transfer the cut tissue along the axis. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A wax applicator is provided for applying epilation wax to nasal cavities, comprising a stem for handling the wax applicator, a nipple at one end of the stem, and a collar disposed around the stem at a base of the nipple, wherein the nipple has a contoured surface that narrows at its base where it meets the collar, operatively to achieve formlock with hardened epilation wax following cooling of hot epilation wax applied to the nipple, and thereby allowing removal from their roots of hairs set in the hardened epilation wax.

Abstract: A detachable vertical cutter for insertion into a cylinder or tube is formed as a single unitary structure. The single blade has a pair of tool attachment end portions and a cutting blade extending in a loop between the attachment ends. The cutting blade is inclined vertically relative to a longitudinal axis of a cylinder or tube into which the attachment ends can slide into. The cutting blade has a cutting edge, a portion of which when extended free of the cylinder or tube will extend a distance greater than the tube outside diameter. The cutting edge when pushed inwardly and pulled outwardly between adjacent vertebrae scrapes and cuts disc material. When retracted the cutting blade deflects into the cylinder or tube for insertion or extraction into or from the disc space.

Abstract: A detachable vertical cutter for insertion into a cylinder or tube is formed as a single unitary structure. The single blade has a pair of tool attachment end portions and a cutting blade extending in a loop between the attachment ends. The cutting blade is inclined vertically relative to a longitudinal axis of a cylinder or tube into which the attachment ends can slide into. The cutting blade has a cutting edge, a portion of which when extended free of the cylinder or tube will extend a distance greater than the tube outside diameter. The cutting edge when pushed inwardly and pulled outwardly between adjacent vertebrae scrapes and cuts disc material. When retracted the cutting blade deflects into the cylinder or tube for insertion or extraction into or from the disc space.

Abstract: An adjustable, disposable dermal curette is structured to allow a user-practitioner to ergonomically grip a handle and manipulate an adjustable slider with a digit of their hand in order to change the diameter size of the flexible blade formed in an adjustable loop to the useful range of diameter sizes required. The user-practitioner can lock and unlock the slider in place quickly without the need to interrupt their procedure. The adjustable curette solves the problem of requiring multiple curette loop sizes for a procedure and results in improved quality of care and a savings of time and healthcare dollars.

Abstract: A system, devices, and methods for providing a personalized search library based on continual concept correlation include a client computing device and a personalized content server. Content events representing content accessed or manipulated by a user of the client computing device are continually generated. Content associated with the content events is continually parsed and analyzed to extract main concepts. The extracted concepts are correlated and weighted into a concept model, based on the order of the content events. The concept model parallels the structure of the user's memory. Data sources are continually searched for content relevant to a current context of the concept model. Relevant content is indexed according to the concept model. The relevant content may be made available to the user upon request or proactively. Relevant content may be cached for future use by the user. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A device operative having a rotating cleaning tip for cleaning a narrow channel, such as an ear canal. In one embodiment, the tip is coupled to a handle with a motor that rotates the tip. The rotating tip has a plurality of strips that bow outwardly, scraping debris from the walls without debris accumulating and impacting along a channel wall. The bowing strips provide entry slits to capture debris into the tip, the strips closing after capture, removing debris when the tip withdraws from the channel. The device has a safety ring disposed around the tip, the safety ring operative for limiting penetration into a narrow canal when cleaning.

Abstract: A device for removing mucus (dried or wet) from a nostril of a subject or for removing earwax (dry or wet) from an ear canal of a subject includes a handle portion or grip portion to facilitate manipulation of the device, at least one of a bowl or a loop at an end of the handle portion, and a stop located between the handle portion and the bowl or loop. The bowl or loop is sized and configured for insertion into a nostril or an ear canal of the subject, and the stop is sized to prevent insertion of the stop into the nostril or ear canal and to limit the extent that the bowl or loop can be inserted into the nostril or ear canal, thereby reducing or eliminating the potential for accidental injury or extreme discomfort to the subject during use.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods and devices are provided for removing abnormalities from bone. In general, the methods and devices can be used to allow excess bone to be scraped from a bone surface. In an exemplary embodiment, a scraper tool is provided that includes an elongate shaft having a plurality of blades movably disposed therein. The blades can be configured to move as a unit between a retracted configuration, in which the blades can be entirely disposed within the elongate shaft, and an advanced configuration, in which at least a portion of the blades can extend distally from the elongate shaft and/or flare away from one another. A distal portion of each of the blades can have a radius of curvature corresponding to a radius of curvature of the bone to be scraped.

Abstract: A needle cover is disclosed which includes a site preparation tip at a distal end of a needle cover body. The tip may be configured with rounded and/or beveled edges in order to facilitate material removal from a cannulation site. The proximal end of the needle cover body may include features to facilitate handling, removal of the needle, and operation of the needle cover in removing material, such as a scab, from a cannulation site.

Abstract: A multi-blade curette tool for use in spinal surgery. The curette tool includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A handle is disposed at the first end. A curette head is disposed at the second end. The curette head is generally tapered toward the first end and the second end. The curette head includes a convexly-shaped and generally tapered nose portion, a base portion, and a plurality of blades. Each blade extends between the base portion and the nose portion, and each of the plurality of blades is provided with at least one cutting element. A drive stem connects the handle and the curette head. At least one cutting element of each blade is adapted to remove spinal disk material upon rotation of the curette tool in at least one direction.

Abstract: Surgical instruments are disclosed that utilize high-pressure liquid jets to perform a variety of useful functions. In certain embodiments, surgical instruments are described incorporating one or more liquid jets utilized to contact tissue excised by a non-liquid jet tissue-cutting component of the surgical instrument. In certain embodiments, a liquid jet of a surgical instrument can be utilized for the purpose of excising tissue of a patient immobilized and/or manipulated by the surgical instrument. Also described are surgical devices of the type characterized by curettes, rongeurs, bone punches, bone cutting forceps, morcellators, surgical micrograspers, with functionality and performance supplemented by the integration of a liquid jet. Also disclosed are methods of using certain liquid jet-containing surgical instruments for performing surgical procedures, for example surgical procedures on the spinal column of a patient.

Abstract: A two piece, adjustable angle handle for a surgical instrument, capable of easy adjustment to a number of angles, permitting the handle of the instrument to be grasped with one hand, and the other hand to guide the operating end of the instrument, said handle permanently affixed to an instrument, or capable if attachment to a number of different instruments by means of a firm but releasable fastening to the shaft of the instrument, as with a Hudson fitting; the adjustable angle fastening comprising a radial array of teeth as in a ratchet wheel and a reverse scissor pawl.

Abstract: A massage device includes a support, a grip or gripping means firmly attached to the support and capable of being grasped in order for a user to handle the massage device, and at least two massage members rotatably mounted on the support around respective axes of rotation. The two massage members each typically include a roller that extends along a main axis of elongation, and massage components configured to bear against a skin surface, the massage components including free ends that project outwardly relative to the roller and that are arranged along at least one helix around the main axis of elongation of the roller, the massage components being distributed around at least one turn of the helix, said helix including an irregularity relative to the roller.

Abstract: A system for accessing a spine from a curved postero-lateral approach may include a curved cannula positioned along a curved path from an opening in the skin to a location proximate the spine. A targeting post may be inserted adjacent the spine to determine the location. A peritoneal retractor and a guide member may be first inserted to establish the path between the tissues and fascia, and one or more intermediate cannulas may be temporarily inserted over the guide member to dilate the tissues prior to insertion of the main cannula. An interbody device may be implanted in an intervertebral space through the cannula. An endoscope may be inserted through the targeting post or the cannula. The system may include instruments with shafts which are flexible or are curved to match the curve of the curved cannula, including a rongeur, curette, rasp, distractor, trial implant, probe, tamp, and implant inserter.

Abstract: Robotic devices, systems, and methods for use in robotic surgery and other robotic applications, and/or medical instrument devices, systems, and methods includes both a reusable processor and a limited-use robotic tool or medical treatment probe. A memory the limited-use component includes machine readable code with data and/or programming instructions to be implemented by the processor. Programming of the processor can be updated by shipping of new data once downloaded by the processor from a component, subsequent components can take advantage of the updated processor without repeated downloading.

Abstract: A flexible debridement device is disclosed and can include a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. A debridement tool can be coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The flexible debridement device can be moved between a straight position and a plurality of bent positions. Additionally, the flexible debridement device can automatically return substantially to the straight position after a bending force is removed from the flexible debridement device.

Abstract: The invention is a curette that includes a tip and shaft that detachably join together to form a working tool member. The shaft has a threaded receiving end that is sized to receive a mating end of the tip. The mating, or proximal, end of the tip includes a corresponding threaded section and a smaller-diameter outwardly extending elongated section that is flattened on one or more sides. To attach the tip to the shaft, a user partially fills the receiving end of the shaft with epoxy. The user then inserts the mating end of the tip into the receiving end of the shaft, such that the epoxy surrounds the elongated section of the mating end and fills or partially fills the threads. The user then screws the tip and shaft together, to interlock, or self-lock, the threads. When the epoxy thereafter hardens, the tip is firmly held against rotation relative to the shaft both by the epoxied and interlocked threads and the flattened-sided section that, because of its shape, resists rotation within the hardened epoxy.

Abstract: A biopsy needle scrapes tissue of cellular size from a lesion during repeated proximal-to-distal thrusts of the needle along its longitudinal axis of symmetry. A first sharp edge, formed by a beveled distal end of the needle, scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. A second sharp edge is provided by a transversely disposed slot formed in the needle near the first sharp edge. The second sharp edge also scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. The second sharp edge may be coincident with an exterior surface of the needle, elevated with respect to the exterior surface, or recessed with respect to the exterior surface. Another embodiment includes a hinge for enabling pivotal movement of the second sharp edge.

Abstract: A dual action biopsy needle scrapes tissue of cellular thickness from a lesion during forward and rearward reciprocations of the needle along its longitudinal axis of symmetry. A first sharp edge, formed by a beveled distal end of the needle, scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. A second sharp edge is provided by a transversely disposed slot formed in the needle near the first sharp edge. The second sharp edge scrapes tissue during distal-to-proximal travel of the needle. In a first embodiment, the second sharp edge is coincident with an exterior surface of the needle. In a second embodiment, the second sharp edge is elevated with respect to the exterior surface and in a third embodiment the second sharp edge is recessed. Additional embodiments include a second slot, a channel, and a hinge for enabling pivotal movement of the second and third sharp edges.

Abstract: A biopsy needle scrapes tissue of cellular thickness from a lesion during repeated proximal-to-distal thrusts of the needle along its longitudinal axis of symmetry. A first sharp edge, formed by a beveled distal end of the needle, scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. A second sharp edge is provided by a transversely disposed slot formed in the needle near the first sharp edge. The second sharp edge also scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. The second sharp edge may be coincident with an exterior surface of the needle elevated with respect to the exterior surface, or recessed with respect to the exterior surface. Another embodiment includes a hinge for enabling pivotal movement of the second sharp edge.

Abstract: A debridement extension including a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end being adapted for connection to both an irrigation source and a suction source. The debridement extension includes a fitting adjacent the proximal end which includes both an irrigation port and a suction port. An inner cannula and an outer cannula are both attached to the fitting of the debridement extension and are, respectively, in fluid communication with the irrigation port and the suction port. A debridement tip is affixed to the distal end of the debridement extension and is independently in fluid communication with both the irrigation path and the suction path formed by the inner and outer cannulas, respectively.

Abstract: A dual action biopsy needle scrapes tissue of cellular thickness from a lesion during forward and rearward reciprocations of the needle along its longitudinal axis of symmetry. A first sharp edge, formed by a beveled distal end of the needle, scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. A second sharp edge is provided by a transversely disposed slot formed in the needle near the first sharp edge. The second sharp edge scrapes tissue during distal-to-proximal travel of the needle. In a first embodiment, the second sharp edge is coincident with an exterior surface of the needle. In a second embodiment, the second sharp edge is elevated with respect to the exterior surface and in a third embodiment the second sharp edge is recessed. Additional embodiments include a second slot, a channel, and a hinge for enabling pivotal movement of the second and third sharp edges.

Abstract: A dual action biopsy needle scrapes tissue of cellular thickness from a lesion during forward and rearward reciprocations of the needle along its longitudinal axis of symmetry. A first sharp edge, formed by a beveled distal end of the needle, scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. A second sharp edge is provided by a transversely disposed slot formed in the needle near the first sharp edge. The second sharp edge scrapes tissue during distal-to-proximal travel of the needle. In a first embodiment, the second sharp edge is coincident with an exterior surface of the needle. In a second embodiment, the second sharp edge is elevated with respect to the exterior surface and in a third embodiment the second sharp edge is recessed. Additional embodiments include a second slot, a channel, and a hinge for enabling pivotal movement of the second and third sharp edges.

Abstract: A dual action biopsy needle scrapes tissue of cellular thickness from a lesion during forward and rearward reciprocations of the needle along its longitudinal axis of symmetry. A first sharp edge, formed by a beveled distal end of the needle, scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. A second sharp edge is provided by a transversely disposed slot formed in the needle near the first sharp edge. The second sharp edge scrapes tissue during distal-to-proximal travel of the needle. In a first embodiment, the second sharp edge is coincident with an exterior surface of the needle. In a second embodiment, the second sharp edge is elevated with respect to the exterior surface and in a third embodiment the second sharp edge is recessed. Additional embodiments include a second slot, a channel, and a hinge for enabling pivotal movement of the second and third sharp edges.

Abstract: A spatula for taking cell samples for histological examination formed with a body portion and a head portion, in which the spatula is formed from a non-absorbent plastics material and includes a frangible zone between the body and the neck portions whereby the head portion can be broken away from the body portion by relative bending about a lateral axis in the frangible zone. The frangible zone preferably has sufficient strength to resist fracture under rotational forces about the longitudinal axis of the spatula during use.

Abstract: A dual action biopsy needle scrapes tissue of cellular thickness from a lesion during forward and rearward reciprocations of the needle along its longitudinal axis of symmetry. A first sharp edge, formed by a beveled distal end of the needle, scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. A second sharp edge is provided by a transversely disposed slot formed in the needle near the first sharp edge. The second sharp edge scrapes tissue during distal-to-proximal travel of the needle. In a first embodiment, the second sharp edge is coincident with an exterior surface of the needle. In a second embodiment, the second sharp edge is elevated with respect to the exterior surface and in a third embodiment the second sharp edge is recessed. Additional embodiments include a second slot, a channel, and a hinge for enabling pivotal movement of the second and third sharp edges.

Abstract: An adenoid curette that includes a shank, a handle, and a cutting head. The shank has a pin, male threads, and a collar. The cutting head is a loop that is continuous and has a groove, a slot, and a neck. The shank is placed in the groove and in the neck, and the pin is positioned in the slot. The collar is threaded onto the male threads, captures the neck during threading, and abuts against the cutting head during threading so as to force the pin further into the slot until the collar can no longer rotate indicating that the pin is fully seated in the slot and thereby causing the cutting head to be captured between the pin and the collar and thereby interchangeably retaining the cutting head on the shank.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for removing deposits from an interior of a vessel comprising a rotatable shaft and a rotatable tip mounted to the rotatable shaft which is rotatable about its longitudinal axis upon rotation of the shaft to remove deposits from the interior of the vessel. The tip has a distal portion, a proximal portion and an intermediate portion between the distal and proximal portions. The intermediate portion is defined by a plurality of transverse cross-sectional areas, wherein each transverse cross-sectional area defines first and second axes substantially perpendicular to each other to define a width dimension along a first axis and a height dimension along the second axis. The height dimension is greater than the width dimension.

Abstract: The invention is a curette that includes a tip and shaft that detachably join together to form a working tool member. The shaft has a threaded receiving end that is sized to receive a mating end of the tip. The mating, or proximal, end of the tip includes a corresponding threaded section and a smaller-diameter outwardly extending elongated section that is flattened on one or more sides. To attach the tip to the shaft, a user partially fills the receiving end of the shaft with epoxy. The user then inserts the mating end of the tip into the receiving end of the shaft, such that the epoxy surrounds the elongated section of the mating end and fills or partially fills the threads. The user then screws the tip and shaft together, to interlock, or self-lock, the threads. When the epoxy thereafter hardens, the tip is firmly held against rotation relative to the shaft both by the epoxied and interlocked threads and the flattened-sided section that, because of its shape, resists rotation within the hardened epoxy.

Abstract: A disposable dermal curette for scraping lesions from the surface of a patient's skin, comprising a generally cylindrical plastic handle having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion and a mid-section portion therebetween. The curette has a substantially flattened annular working element attached to the handle, the working element having a hoe-shape, substantially planer configuration and arcuate walls projecting therefrom to the handle and attached thereto. The arcuate walls extend from the planar cutting surface having a radius sufficient to minimize gouging as the cutting surface is moved along the skin to remove lesions therefrom.

Abstract: A spatula for sampling comprises an elongated stem (10) having a flat scraper at least at one end of the stem. According to the invention said scraper is perforated.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for endoscopically harvesting an elongate structure such as a blood vessel or nerve from a patient's body. A harvesting head defines a channel for receiving a blood vessel or the like and an outer surface for dissecting and retracting connective tissue surrounding a vessel received in the channel. The head may have a substantially ovate shape and may depend from an extended handle. The head has at least one slot that extends between the outer surface and channel for receiving side branches of the vessel. The slot contains a blade for cutting the side branches and electrocauterizing plates for sealing the cut ends of the side branches. An opening may be provided for application of a ligation device to the side branch. The apparatus may be inserted into an incision in a patient's body and advanced along the length of a vessel to endoscopically dissect, ligate and transect the side branches to harvest the main trunk of the vessel to support subsequent surgical procedures.

Abstract: The improved medical instrument is adapted to remove obstructions from ear canals, nostrils and endotracheal tube airways. It includes an elongated handle with an elongated hollow tube connected to the front end thereof and an elongated flexible wire extending from the front end of the tube. The front end of the wire is curved to form a scoop for removing obstructions from a lumen. In one embodiment the wire and tube are removable as a replaceable unit from the front end of the handle. In another embodiment the handle has a central cavity therein communicating with the cavity in the tube and through both of which the wire extends. The wire is connected to a spring which extends out of the handle. The spring biases the wire into the tube. When the wire is manually depressed the front end of the wire extends out of tube and curves into the desired scoop configuration. The instrument can include a light which is switched on when the wire extends out of the tube and which is used to light the lumen.

Abstract: A tongue scraper system comprising a handle having a pair of forks extending from a distal end of the handle wherein the forks are constructed of resilient flexible material with a spring loaded notched adjuster provided between the two forks which allows a user to adjust spacing between the distal ends of the forks. A blade notch is provided in the distal ends of each fork while a plastic or metal flexible tongue scraping blade is designed to be held in a curved configuration by the fork ends. A sure grip extended handle provides easy gripping.

Abstract: A disposable, loop-form surgical curette blade formed as an integral unit from a single elongated blank so as to have the loop-form cutter formed by one sharpened end portion of the blank and a shank formed by the balance of the blank and extending from the loop-form cutter. A method of manufacturing such a blade is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cutting device for the cutting and reduction of matter from a surgical site having a cutting head having an entry tip and a cutting blade positioned on opposed leading edges of a window formed through the interior of the cutting head. The window includes angled walls extending from each cutting blade along the circumference of the window. The cutting head is attached to a shaft for mounting the cutting device to a rotary surgical drill. The matter is removed and further reduced as the cutting head is rotated at the surgical site. The main shaft also includes depth markings for identifying the depth of the device in the surgical site. The geometry of the cutting head and entry tip can be varied for particular surgical procedures.

Abstract: A dual-use tongue scraper is described, which can be used for routine oral hygiene maintenance and also research collection, quantification and analysis of plaque deposited on a subject's tongue. The scraper includes structure such as protuberances, apertures and porous bodies which collect plaque as it is scraped from a subject's tongue. In some embodiments such structure also arrays the plaque in a manner for visual quantification. The plaque may also be removed from the device for direct measurement and analysis. The method of the device's use for collection, quantification and analysis of plaque, as well as the method of its use for application of compositions to a subject's tongue, are also described.

Abstract: A hygienic applicator having a combination of moist and/or dry swab end sections made of absorbent material. The moist end section is pre-moistened with baby oil, cleaning solution, medicant, or any desired liquid. The dry end section can also be moistened with a preferred liquid and then dried, leaving this section impregnated with a desired residue. The end sections can be encapsulated with an easily removable wrap to prevent contamination. The wrap can be moisture-impermeable to retain the moisture of the wetted end sections. Wraps are incorporated for quickly unravelling the end sections just prior to use.