Abstract: A vacuum-assisted microscale cutting instrument applies a vacuum pressure to pull an area of tissue towards a microknife. The cutting instrument can be configured to make one or more stabbing cuts or a slicing cut, and the housing of the instrument is shaped to address any of a variety of tissue geometries to allow a vacuum seal to be created therewith. To achieve a consistent cut depth in the tissue, a depth stop may be used to prevent the knife from cutting deeper than a predetermined depth.

Abstract: A device for acquiring a blood sample comprising a lancet, a puncture drive having a drive rod coupled on the lancet, and a compression spring, which propels it is disclosed. A flywheel mass, which is mounted as to make it movable, is coupled to the drive rod. The flywheel mass can absorb kinetic energy during a propulsion phase and cause retraction of the lancet after reaching a maximum piercing depth. The flywheel mass can be a flywheel connected via a connecting rod to the drive rod and is set into rotation during propulsion of the lancet. After overcoming a dead center defining the maximum piercing depth, rotational energy stored in the flywheel causes the retraction of the lancet. At a specific angle, the rotation of the flywheel is stopped and the residual piercing depth is defined.

Abstract: Provided herein is an apparatus useful for transection of one lateral vessel in the bleeding model of hemophilic specimen, which is to mimic the venous bleeding in hemophiliac patients, for evaluating the efficacy of potential procoagulant therapeutics.

Abstract: A puncturing system has a carrier tape carrying multiple lancets, a device housing comprising a conveying facility for moving the lancets into a usage position consecutively by moving the carrier tape in a conveying direction, a puncturing drive for accelerating one of the lancets that is positioned in the usage position in a puncturing motion, an opening in the device housing for touching against a body part in which a puncture is to be made by the puncturing motion of one of the lancets, an actuation facility for driving the conveying facility, and an unlockable interlock comprising a stop that blocks further transport of the carrier tape as soon as one of the lancets has reached the usage position.

Abstract: A vascular incision apparatus is composed in part of a needle for puncturing a blood vessel and a cutter for making an incision in the blood vessel. The apparatus easily, rapidly and reliably creates a vascular incision of the desired length by employing an incision length controlling means to control the length of penetration by the needle into the blood vessel, or by controlling the distance between the respective needle points on first and second needles which face each other across a given distance, one of which needles is movable relative to the other.

Abstract: A lancing device for sampling blood or other body fluid of a subject includes a reusable housing and a disposable cassette. The cassette contains a plurality of lancets held in a storage plane. An active lancet is moved transversely from the storage plane into a firing plane, into engagement with a drive mechanism for actuation to lance the subject's skin. After actuation, the used lancet is returned to the storage plane. Each lancet includes a protective endcap that is removed from the lancet just prior to use and then is replaced onto the lancet after use.

Abstract: A guarded surgical knife handle includes a handle portion with a blade holder, a chamber within the handle portion, and a slot. The guarded surgical knife handle also includes a guard having an open distal end slidably mounted within the handle portion that can slide longitudinally between an unguarded position and a guarded position. The guard is sized to surround the blade in the guarded position. The guarded surgical knife handle also includes a latch that latches the guard when the guard is slid into the guarded position and a first button that disengages the latch. The guarded surgical knife handle includes a bias member that forces the guard in a proximal direction to an unguarded position when the latch is disengaged along with a second button extending through the slot used to slide the guard in a distal direction into the guarded position.

Abstract: A lancing device comprises a lancet drive to cause a lancet to effect a puncturing movement, a housing that encloses the lancet drive, and a touching element with an opening for applying a part of a body in which a prick wound is to be produced, the touching element being movable relative to the lancet drive for the purpose of adjusting the puncturing depth in a puncturing direction. The touching element is connected rotatably by means of a screw thread to an intermediate piece and is movable in the puncturing direction, while the intermediate piece is rotatable and movable relative to the housing. A guide prevents rotation of the touching element relative to the housing, and the touching element is enclosed by the intermediate piece at least over part of its length.

Abstract: A localization mechanism, or fixture, is used in conjunction with a breast coil for breast compression and for guiding a core biopsy instrument during prone biopsy procedures in both open and closed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines. The localization fixture includes a three-dimensional Cartesian positionable guide for supporting and orienting an MRI-compatible biopsy instrument, and in particular a sleeve, to a biopsy site of suspicious tissues or lesions. A depth stop enhances accurate insertion, prevents over-insertion or inadvertent retraction of the sleeve. The sleeve receives a probe of the MRI-compatible biopsy instrument and may contain various features to enhance its imagability, to enhance vacuum and pressure assist therethrough, etc.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use in releasing soft tissue within the human body. The surgical instrument has a handle with proximal and distal ends with a tube connected to the distal end. The surgical instrument also includes a blade member that slidingly engages the tube moving along the length of the tube to cut soft tissue. Further included in the surgical instrument is a guard member that is attached to the blade member. The guard member has a hood portion and a capture portion. The hood portion is connected to the blade member with the distally positioned capture portion acting to displace surrounding tissue while capturing certain soft tissue structures resulting in the blade member being in operative position to cut and release the soft tissue. A surgical instrument kit including a plurality of modular surgical instruments and method for releasing soft tissue using the surgical instrument are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for the injection of therapeutic and other agents at a target site within a patient's body. A catheter including a first elongated shaft having a distal end and a proximal end and a lumen extending therebetween. The catheter also including a second elongated shaft slidingly disposed in the first elongated shaft, the second elongated shaft having a distal end and a proximal and a lumen extending therebetween. The catheter further including a third elongated shaft disposed in and attached to the second elongate shaft, the third elongated shaft to move in a one-to-one relationship with the first elongated shaft and the second elongated shaft to maintain a predetermined needle deployment length as each are subjected to various bend configurations.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems for frameless guidance of image-based medical procedures such as stereotactic radiotherapy and surgery. Devices including custom fitting subject-specific articles include contoured surfaces that provide spatial reference to the location of target regions within the subject. The devices are attached exclusive of fasteners anchored to the tissue of the subject and reside on the front of a head of the subject when attached. The devices and articles can be fabricated using computer-directed fabrication technology.

Abstract: A device (1) for indicating on an object to be cut the cutting depth of a cutting tool, the device comprising: a first arm (2) having a first end (3) and a second end (4), a second arm (5) having a first end (6) and a second end (7), wherein the first arm (2) and the second arm (5) are joined together such that the distance between the first end (3) of the first arm (2) and the first end (6) of the second arm (5) is equal to the length of the cutting tool so that when, in use, the device (1) is aligned with an object to be cut the device indicates the cutting depth of the cutting tool. A method of indicating on an object to be cut the cutting depth of a cutting tool using such a device.

Abstract: A method for safely penetrating the tissue of a gastric wall includes deploying a tissue puncture assembly including a suction device proximate the gastric wall tissue, applying a vacuum source to the suction device to draw a portion of the gastric wall tissue thereto and extending a needle through the portion of gastric wall tissue drawn into contact with the suction device. A device for safely penetrating the tissue of a gastric wall includes a tissue puncture assembly including a suction device in the form of a cup with suction ports therein and an open end. A needle is surrounded by the cup and extends through the cup toward the open end.

Abstract: A scalpel enabling both safe blade engagement or disengagement and safe passing among personnel during surgical procedures. The blade arm assembly of the scalpel is positionable in three positions, including a retracted position, an operational extended position and a fully extended position for engagement and disengagement of the blade.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a guided tissue cutter configured to receive a cutter adapted to cut a target, and an elongate channel along the length of the tissue cutter adaptable to slide or rotate along or around an elongate member, The elongate member can be a medical device. The tissue cutter can comprise one or more stop members that permit the cutter to penetrate a predetermined region of a target tissue to a predetermined depth and to inhibit further penetration of a tissue beyond the predetermined region of the target tissue. The tissue cutter can be configured to clip or snap on and off of the elongate member.

Abstract: A scalpel blade protector comprises an inner housing friction fit onto a scalpel handle and an outer housing or blade guard slidably mounted on the inner housing for movement between positions exposing and shielding the scalpel blade. The blade protector is attached to conventional scalpel handles. Some embodiments show a blade protector for a flat scalpel handle. Some embodiments show a blade protector for a round or hexagonal scalpel handle. The blade guard and inner housing include a latch mechanism so the blade guard is latched in the position exposing the scalpel blade and in the position shielding the scalpel blade.

Abstract: In a surgical knife, a slider has an operating part through which the slider is operated. A surface of the operating part is exposed through a window hole of a guide groove and an arresting device for arresting the slider is released by urging the operating part linearly in a direction to be moved. The slider is moved by applying a forward or backward force to the operating part such that a cutter blade of the surgical knife can be moved between its projected position and its withdrawn position with respect to the holder when the holder is held by one hand. Accordingly, a user does not feel pain on his or her finger's when operating the cutter blade.

Abstract: A body fluid sampling system for use on a tissue site includes a single drive force generator. A plurality of penetrating members are operatively coupled to the force generator. The force generator moves each of the members along a path out of a housing with a penetrating member exit, into the tissue site, stops in the tissue site, and withdraws out of the tissue site. A flexible support member couples the penetrating members to define a linear array. The support member is movable and configured to move each of the penetrating members to a launch position associated with the force generator.

Abstract: A scalpel shield system for a scalpel that has a handle and a blade with a sharp cutting edge. The system is mountable on the scalpel and provided with a blade guard member having a pivot component engagable with a pivot component on the blade or the handle. The blade guard member is manually pivotable relative to the scalpel between a guard position for preventing injury by the sharp cutting edge and a retracted position for exposing the sharp cutting edge.

Abstract: Devices and methods for varying the size of a tissue sample in a biopsy device are disclosed. The biopsy device includes a needle with a tissue aperture and an inner cutter which translates within the needle. The inner cutter may be controlled to selectively block the aperture thereby varying the sample size. A half cylindrical sleeve may be resiliently attached to the exterior of the needle in order to block the aperture. The sleeve includes gripping flanges on its bottom surface, and a beveled distal tip configured to avoid damage from the inner cutter. The distal tip may include an inner metallic guide or may be heightened to avoid contact with the cutter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biopsy instrument with improved needle penetration for piercing dense tissue. The device may comprise a needle slidably retained in a housing. The device may further comprise an actuation member that may be adapted to communicate longitudinal motion to the needle in a first direction. The device may further include a propulsion element that provides the needle with return motion in a second direction. The device may be fired multiple times to create repeating reciprocal motion. In one version, the device may reciprocate several times as a result of a single engagement of the actuation member.

Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument which has an ultrasonic reflective coating and gradations thereon is used in association with an adjustable stop ring on the surgical cutting instrument for internal surgical procedures guided by ultrasonic scanning. The surgical cutting instrument is inserted into the introducer and the stop ring stops the surgical cutting instrument at a desired protruding distance of the cutting instrument into the area of the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A device for excising tissue and closing a wound that results from excision of the tissue includes structure defining an aperture into which tissue to be excised is exposed. The device also includes a cutting member for excising the tissue, a closure member for closing the wound, and an actuatable drive member associated with the structure. The drive member is actuatable to move the cutting member relative to the aperture for excising the tissue that is exposed in the aperture and for closing the wound with the closure member.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments, a Counting Device Assembly is capable of counting a number of times a surgical implement causes an incision during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A method for producing a surgical knife of a very small size for use in ophthalmic surgery under a microscopic environment having a sharp edge without causing reflection of lights. The surgical knife comprises a handle, and a blade attached to the handle. The blade has a sharp polished cutting edge, a rough machined surface provided inside of the cutting edge having a relatively rough surface area, and an inner flat area. An anti-reflection treatment is provided on an upper and lower surfaces of the blade except for the cutting edge, thereby prohibiting reflection or emission of lights from the knife.

Abstract: Lancing devices are provided for use with a lancet. The lancing device includes a housing and a carriage assembly slidably disposed within the housing. A depth adjustment mechanism is coupled to the carriage to move the carriage and lancet carrier forward and backward in response to user movement of the depth adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tools and methods for cutting the annulus of a spinal disc. The cutting tools of the invention may be cannulated for use in conjunction with a guide wire. A stop surface of the cutting tool is configured to contact the annulus during cutting to prevent further longitudinal movement of the surgical blade(s) into the annulus, thus limiting the size of the incision(s).

Abstract: A tissue morcellating device (1) is provided for morcellating tissue within a body cavity of a patient. The morcellating device (1) comprisies a hollow tube (3) having a distal end portion, and tissue cutting means (5) located at the distal end of the tube, such that, when relative movement is initiated between the tube and the tissue, a core of severed tissue is formed within the tube for removal from the body cavity of the patient through the hollow tube. The hollow tube (3) is provided with a stop mechanism (7) which is longitudinally adjustable with respect to the hollow tube (3), the stop mechanism being provided with a shoulder (8) for limiting the longitudinal insertion of the tube into the patient's body.

Abstract: A scalpel guide system for any bladed surgical instrument. A pair of wire guides attach to a scalpel, for controlled travel of the scalpel along the wire. The wire guides of the scalpel guiding system are especially useful as an enhancement to the “Seldinger technique,” a common surgical procedure employed for the percutaneous placement of elongated, tubular devices, with the aid of a guidewire or a wire. The scalpel can be any knife-like surgical device, conventionally including a blade attached to a handle. The scalpel guiding system preferably includes a pair of wire guides, each extending from the blade of the scalpel, or alternatively the handle of the scalpel. The scalpel can be disposable, as can the blade, independent of the scalpel. The wire can be any guidewire or filament, as conventionally employed in surgical techniques that involve the insertion of such a wire or strand. The wire is engageable by the scalpel mounted pair of wire guides.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for deploying percutaneous probes. An apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a housing and a percutaneous probe having a sharp end and positioned within the housing. The percutaneous probe is movable relative to the housing between a stowed position and at least one of a first deployed position and a second deployed position. The percutaneous probe can project from the housing by a first distance when in the first deployed position and a second distance greater than the first distance when in the second deployed position. A depth control device can operatively couple to the percutaneous probe and can have a first configuration to allow the percutaneous probe to be moved to the first deployed position and a second configuration to allow the percutaneous probe to be moved to the second deployed position.

Abstract: Devices and methods for delivering conduits into the wall of a patient's heart to communicate a coronary vessel with a heart chamber. The devices are passed through the coronary vessel and the heart wall to place the conduit and establish a blood flow path between the vessel and the heart chamber. Additional devices and methods are provided for removing tissue from a coronary vessel or the heart wall to establish a flow path between the coronary vessel in communication with the heart chamber.

Abstract: A vascular incision apparatus is composed in part of a needle for puncturing a blood vessel and a cutter for making an incision in the blood vessel. The apparatus easily, rapidly and reliably creates a vascular incision of the desired length by employing an incision length controlling means to control the length of penetration by the needle into the blood vessel, or by controlling the distance between the respective needle points on first and second needles which face each other across a given distance, one of which needles is movable relative to the other.

Abstract: Soft tissue biopsy apparatus for obtaining a tissue specimen comprises a compact handle functioning as a housing having an opening at a front end thereof through which a tubular cannula is arranged to pass. Disposed in the lumen of the cannula is a stylet having a notch formed near its distal end in which a tissue sample is to be captured. First and second springs are operatively coupled individually to the cannula and stylet and a cocking slide incorporating a force reducing mechanism is used to compress the springs while establishing the size of the specimen to be collected in the notch. A trigger mounted on the cocking slide can be used to release the compressed springs in close succession to first advance the end of the stylet beyond the end of the cannula whereby tissue to be extracted flows into the notch and then the spring driving the cannula is released forcing the cannula forward and severing the piece of tissue contained in the notch from surrounding tissue.

Abstract: Lancet device that includes a body. A trigger is mounted to the body. A front cover has a skin engaging end that includes a lancet opening through which a lancet needle extends. A holding member is movably mounted within the body and includes a front end a rear end. The front end can be configured to receive a lancet. A stop surface moves with the holding member. A cam wheel includes cam surfaces which can be contacted by the stop surface. The cam wheel is configured to rotate at least partially. The cam wheel rotates about an axis that is parallel to an axis running through at least one of the lancet opening and the holding member.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical procedure on a patient, and more particularly, a novel and unique endoscopic surgical procedure known as an endoscopic gastrocnemius tenotomy to relieve posterior heel cord contracture tending to cause foot and ankle deformities.

Abstract: An ophthalmic shunt implantable in an eye having an elongate body and a conduit for conducting aqueous humor from an anterior chamber of the eye to the suprachoroidal space of the eye. The elongate body has a forward end and an insertion head that extends from the forward end. The insertion head defines a shearing edge suitable for cutting eye tissue engage thereby. The forward end and the insertion head of the body define a shoulder surface. The conduit has a first end defined on a portion of a top surface of the insertion head. The conduit also extends through the body from the forward end to a back end thereof. The first end of the conduit is spaced from the shearing edge and, in one example, from the shoulder of the body.

Abstract: A kit (10) for resection of bone (12) for use in implantation of a joint prosthesis (14) is provided. The kit (10) includes a guide (16), a tool (26) and a stop (32). The guide (16) defines an opening (20) through the guide (16). The guide (16) is in cooperation with the bone (12). The tool (26) may be constrained within the opening (20) of the guide (16). The tool (26) includes a cutting edge (30) for resection of bone (12). The stop (32) cooperates with the guide (16) and the tool (26) to limit the movement of the tool (26) within the guide (16) so that the position of the cutting edge (30) with respect to the bone (12)m may be controlled. The stop (32) includes a plurality of positions (34) with respect to the tool (26) and the guide (16).

Abstract: The invention of the present disposable adjustable lancet involves an assembly which has a body and a cap. A lancet holder fits in the body and has a base portion having a pair of upstanding retainer-disabling tines, one of the tines is longer than the other to block the reinsertion of the lancet. A selector tip assists in engaging a clicker position in the selector tip. The method involves selecting positions by means of a female and a male position clicker which provide an audible signal. The position of the lancet can be determined in three manners: visually observing the degree of rotation, audibly denoting the click, and physically rotating the member which, in turn, results in a reaction on the finger while the adjustment is being made.

Abstract: A lancing device and method for self-collecting a sample of body fluid by penetrating a body tissue at a sampling site. The invention includes a housing geometry configured for ease of use at different sampling sites on the body, even by persons having reduced dexterity and/or poor vision. Depth of penetration is selectively controlled by adjusting the stroke range of a spring-driven lancet carrier. A pressure applicator is included for stimulating flow of the body fluid. A transparent portion permits observation of the sampling site.

Abstract: A device perpendicularly aligns an axis to a tangent plane at a point on a nonplanar surface. The device includes an annular cutting surface and a port. The annular cutting surface is centered on the axis and rotatable about the axis. The port is centered on the axis. An insertion instrument inserted through the port is perpendicular to the tangent plane when the annular cutting surface cuts into the nonplanar surface.

Abstract: An arrangement of interfitting components for adjusting the penetration depth of a lancet and for stimulating an area surrounding an incision formed by penetration of a surface of the skin by the lancet, thereby facilitating the extraction of a sample of bodily fluid with a minimally invasive incision, the arrangement includes: a bottom end adapted to be applied to the surface of the skin, and a top end opposite the bottom end; a longitudinally moveable lancing member having a sharp end; a stop member setting a longitudinal travel distance of the lancing member; a bottom surface adapted to be applied to the surface of the skin, and an opening in the bottom surface through which the lancing member projects; a penetration depth defined by the distance between the end of the lancing device and the bottom surface; an adjusting mechanism for changing the penetration depth; and a stimulation mechanism for stimulating the area surrounding the incision and facilitating the extraction of the sample of bodily fluid.

Abstract: A shield for use with wound debridement systems. The shield of the present invention includes a radially extending region terminating in a distal opening. The radially extending portion joins a neck having a proximal opening formed therein. A plurality of raised ribs extend into the proximal opening. The raised ribs are sized to create a press fit with a debridement tip inserted therein, with vent apertures being formed between adjacent ribs to prevent the formation of a vacuum and the resultant attachment of the shield to the tissue being debrided. The shield is manufactured from a substantially clear flexible plastic and with a generally flat surface, thereby facilitating assessment of the debridement procedure by a health care professional. Because a flexible plastic is utilized, the shield may be flexed and manipulated to fit the form of the patient and further allows for movement of a debridement tip operably positioned in the shield independent of movement of the shield.

Abstract: A device comprising of a plurality of microprojections for piercing the outermost layer of skin is provided for increasing transdermal agent flux. The device includes penetration depth limiters for ensuring uniform depth of piercing by the microprojections, thereby preventing over penetration and undesirable bleeding and pain. The microprojections have a length (L1) which is substantially greater than the intended penetration depth (L2). The microprojection penetration depth limiters allow for more uniform penetration for optimum agent delivery or fluid sampling.

Abstract: A surgical knife device includes a tubular shaft, a blade guide at the distal end of the shaft, an actuation wire extending through the shaft, a blade coupled to the distal end of the wire, and a handle which moves the wire relative to the shaft to effect extension and retraction of the blade from the guide. The blade height is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the distal end of the shaft and the blade guide to provide a large cutting surface. Movement of the blade is effected with a knob rotatably coupled to the handle and which provides fine longitudinal movement of the blade. The device is also preferably steerable such that it may be controllably articulated about a flexible distal portion of the shaft.

Abstract: Tool for use by brain operation comprising a guiding/support-tool (1) provided for mounting on the head of a patient over an operation aperture as for example a probe may be inserted into the brain of the patient, along with system to determine the depth of the insertion and coordinate of the insertion tool for use by brain operation. Said tool (1) having fastening means for a pointing device, which is connected with an image processing unit for calculation of the insertion depth of the probe, the coordinate and direction of the probe/insertion tool may be ovelaid the visualized image respectively images of the brain. Further said tool (1) has adjusting means (7, 21) for adjusting the tool (1) in desired direction of the probe.

Abstract: A kit including a patch laden with topical anti-fungal medication and a set depth nail notcher for cutting a notch of predetermined depth in a nail plate comprising a handle having a smooth flat surface, a longitudinal cutting edge protruding from the smooth flat surface to a height equal to the predetermined depth of the notch. A method for treating nail, especially toenail, fungus comprising cutting a notch to a predetermined depth in a nail or a toe of finger infected with fungus and applying a topical anti-fungal medication to the toe or finger from a patch through the notch.

Abstract: This multi-bladed scalpel addresses the problem of making many small incisions in very close proximity (as close as 0.030″/0.75 mm) to each other, to facilitate hair transplantation. With this device, it is possible to make multiple incisions in such proximity. With the blades mounted parallel to each other, at the desired spacing, each incision does not intersect neighboring incisions, so the follicles placed in each incision will be surrounded by the maximum amount of undisturbed tissue to promote revascularization—capillary growth to provide a blood supply to each transplanted follicle. CNC machining techniques are used to create the blade holders with blade mounting sites created at the desired proximity. Medical grade epoxy is used to mount the blades, which are mounted parallel to each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for preparing a femur to receive a modular prosthetic femoral component. A distal reamer having a plurality of sets of depth marks is utilized to prepare the distal femoral canal. The sets of depth marks on the distal reamer correspond in number to the number of distal femoral stems available for use with the particular modular prosthetic femoral implant set. Each set of depth marks comprises a plurality of indicator rings corresponding in number to the number of proximal bodies adapted for utilization with the prosthetic femoral component set. Prior to distal reaming, the appropriate set of depth marks and indicator ring is chosen corresponding to the modular components the surgeon wishes to utilize. Reaming then takes place until the chosen indicator ring is aligned with a reference point (e.g., the top of the greater trochanter). Upon reaching the appropriate reaming depth, the distal reamer is left in place in the femoral canal.

Abstract: The stop element is set forth for solving a problem of the clinician only being able to visualize a depth marking on a drill bit or a similar tool. The detachable stop element limits the penetration of the drill bit beyond a predetermined axial distance on the drill bit. The stop element consists of a connecting portion and an extending portion, both having an inner wall defining a bore extending entirely through the connecting portion and extending portions. The connecting portion has a surface that contacts the drill bit for restricting the axial movement of the stop element relative to the drill bit. The extending portion terminates in a lower end for engaging the bone surrounding the bore to limit the penetration of the drill bit. The stop element may include a plurality of grooves for altering its length so that the penetration depth of the drill bit can be altered.