Abstract: A surgical instrument and method for freeing tissue in a nerve decompression operation. Tissue is freed from the area surrounding a nerve with use of the blunt tip on one jaw of the instrument. The freed tissue is then cut with the bladed region of the instrument and removed from the area surrounding the nerve while leaving the nerve untouched. The instrument includes a pair of pivotally connected arms. Each of the arms is elongated and has a free end and a handle end, the free end of each having a blade, the handle end of each having a finger loop for the surgeon to grasp. One of the free ends is longer than the other, with a blunt, rounded tip and edge for freeing tissue without cutting. The pivot between the two arms separates the two sections and allows the arms to move with respect to each other within a plane of pivotal movement so that the tissue is selectively cut along the extent of the overlap of the arms.

Abstract: A spreading instrument includes instrument fingers which can be spread to partially define a cylindrical passage between the instrument fingers. A rounded groove on the interior surface of each instrument finger is tapered lengthwise, becoming shallower towards the distal end of the finger. When the fingers are spread, the opposing grooves partly define a cylindrical passage adapted to receive a tubular structure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to tissue removal devices and methods. A tubular element having an open distal end is advanced into tissue so that tissue enters the tubular element. The tissue which entered the tubular element is cut to separate the tissue from the surrounding tissue. The tissue is then transported proximally by the cutting element or a separate transport element.

Abstract: An improved cutting assembly for use with a surgical instrument is provided and includes a pair of cutting blades pivotally mounted on a yoke and a drive member engageable with the cutting blades to move the cutting blades between an open position substantially spaced apart from each other to a closed position wherein the cutting blades are in close cooperative alignment to cut tissue. One or more biasing members are provided adjacent the cutting blades to prevent the cutting blades from splaying or separating during the cutting of tissue.

Abstract: A laparoscopic scissor instrument can include a scissor assembly pivotally coupled to an elongate shaft. The scissor assembly can be formed of scissor blades having pivot posts thereon. The pivot posts can engage apertures on the elongate shaft, thus eliminating the need for a through-pinned pivot connection of the scissor blades. The scissor blades can also include actuation posts thereon. An actuation mechanism can include a slot to engage the actuation posts and open or close the blades of the scissor assembly. The scissor assemblies described herein can have a relatively low operational height such that they do not extend beyond a diameter of the elongate shaft during opening and closing of the scissor assembly.

Abstract: An anchor for maintaining a portion of a therapy delivery element within a desired location of a patient has (i) a first opening, (ii) a second opening, (iii) a body member formed of elastic material disposed between the first and second opening, (iv) and a lumen extending though the body member from the first opening to the second opening, and (v) a retention element secured to or integrally formed with the body member for retaining the anchor within a tissue location of a patient. The therapy delivery element has an outer diameter and an outer surface about which the anchor is disposable. The body member has a first inner diameter defined by the lumen in a relaxed state and a second inner diameter defined by the lumen in a radially stretched state. The first inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the therapy delivery element, which is smaller that the second inner diameter. The lumen is configured to be disposed about at least a portion of the therapy delivery element.

Abstract: A medical instrument has a handle arranged at the proximal end, a shank extending distally proceeding from the handle, and a movable jaw part arranged at the distal end of the shank. The shank is designed to be rigid and includes at least one proximal bend region and at least one distal bend region, in which the extension direction of the shank changes. A section of the shank in which the distal bend region is situated may be rotated about the longitudinal axis relative to a section of the shank in which the proximal bend region is situated. The jaw part is rotatable relative to the shank about its distal longitudinal axis at the distal end.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter describes acid-derivatized perfluoropolyether (PFPE) materials and their use as coatings, sealants, and flexible fillers for devices, apparatuses, and structural parts for a variety of medical applications, and as coatings, sealants, flexible fillers, and structural parts for vessels, structures, and machinery exposed to a marine environment.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a pin and slot design where the driving slots are moved from the tips to the actuation rod in one aspect of the invention. As a result, the back end of each blade or tip can be dramatically reduced in area so that during full deflection, very little or no part of the blade or tip extends beyond the outside diameter of the shaft. This ensures that nothing catches on the blades or tips during grasper use and the shrink tubing found on the scissors would not be deformed. This can be done because the area for the slots is not needed. Moreover, the usable area for the drive slots on the blade or tip of the actuation rod is maximized to the overall diameter of the outer tube or shaft which provides additional leverage to the blades or tips. In addition, the depth of each slot can be varied such that during actuation, increased tension can be put on the blades or tips throughout the cut.

Abstract: The application discloses devices, systems, kits and methods for treating biliary disease. Device comprise, for example, a component configured for deployment to a lumen of a gallbladder or gallbladder duct which has a proximal end and a distal end with a lumen extending therethrough and a fluid or gas delivery apparatus at its distal end.

Abstract: In order to improve a surgical instrument comprising a clamping device for holding and/or clamping tissue, a severing device for severing tissue and a handling device for actuating the clamping device and/or the severing device, the clamping device comprising at least one clamping member having a clamping surface and a clamping member opening, and the severing device comprising a severing member movable at least partially into the clamping member opening, so that short circuits can be reliably prevented between the at least one clamping member and the severing member, it is proposed that a severing member guide device be provided for guiding the severing member in the clamping member opening and for maintaining a spacing from inner side surfaces of the clamping member opening.

Abstract: A method for extracting a tissue sample includes altering the pressure inside the lumen of a cannula to facilitate extraction of a tissue sample from the cannula. One aspect of the invention includes a biopsy apparatus comprising a valve for controlling the pressure inside the lumen of the cannula. In one variation, the pressure/vacuum generating device is connected to a cannula with a closed distal end and an orifice located on a circumferential surface of said cannula. A cutting sheath is slidably disposed over said cannula. The valve may be provided between the pressure/vacuum generating device and the cannula to control the pressure within the lumen of the cannula.

Abstract: A surgical scissors or forceps for use where the operative field is greatly reduced and the instrument is elongated with a low profile and having convexity of the shanks in order to measurably increase the beam strength of the device. The instrument is further provided with interchangeable handle inserts that provide additional weight at the back end of the instrument.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical instrument, in particular an endoscopic instrument, with an instrument shaft, a tool positioned on the distal end of the instrument shaft, and a handle, which can be secured on the instrument shaft so that it can be moved in an axial extension of the instrument shaft. In order to create an instrument which makes possible a comfortable, safe, and reliable handling even with the most varied application purposes, it is proposed with the invention that the handle can be secured on the instrument shaft so that it can be moved by at least one degree of freedom with respect to the instrument shaft.

Abstract: A surgical device (101) for grasping and severing body tissue comprises a housing (140) which defines a proximal end (102) and a distal end (104), a user operating handle (160) at the proximal end (102), and two blade elements (110, 120) at the distal end (104). The user operating handle (160) may be activated to pivot the blade elements (110, 120) about two parallel grasping pivot axes to grasp a piece of body tissue which is located between the blade elements (110, 120). The user operating handle (160) may also be activated to pivot the blade elements (110, 120) about a severing pivot axis to sever a piece of body tissue which is located between the blade elements (110, 120).

Abstract: A harvesting apparatus is disclosed for harvesting anatomical structures such as tendons, fine muscles, nerves and blood vessels, where the apparatus includes an elongate member having two longitudinally extending tubes or tubular apertures extending from the member's proximal end to its distal end. The distal end includes opposing heads and an arcuate base. The anatomical structure is placed on the arcuate base and a flexible cutting member is threaded through one tube over the anatomical structure and into and through the other tube. The elongate member is then directed into an animal or human body along the structure to a position where the anatomical structure is to be cut. Then the cutting member is pulled back and forth at the distal end causing into to cut the anatomical structure at the distal head.

Abstract: A surgical device (101) for grasping and severing body tissue comprises a housing (140) which defines a proximal end (102) and a distal end (104), a user operating handle (160) at the proximal end (102), and two blade elements (110, 120) at the distal end (104). The user operating handle (160) may be activated to pivot the blade elements (110, 120) about two parallel grasping pivot axes to grasp a piece of body tissue which is located between the blade elements (110, 120). The user operating handle (160) may also be activated to pivot the blade elements (110, 120) about a severing pivot axis to sever a piece of body tissue which is located between the blade elements (110, 120).

Abstract: The present invention comprises a sterilized disposable suture cutter worn preferably on the small finger of the same hand used to hold the needle holder. The device can cut by pulling the cutting edge against a somewhat taut suture material in a slicing fashion. Alternatively, the small finger can be flexed causing the cutting edge to be drawn against an opposing flat surface in a chopping motion. This second chopping method would be useful in cutting sutures where it would be difficult or impossible to place tension onto the suture. When not being used, the device does not interfere with the normal motions necessary to place sutures.

Abstract: Improved angular shear or scissors comprising two mated scissor elements, each of which comprises a blade section, a shank section and a handle section, said elements being pivotally united at a position between blade and shank whereby cutting action can occur when handle sections are manipulated. Other standard scissors feature is a blunt tip that prevents piercing as a safety measure. Medical procedures require a greater range of mechanical assistance than these scissors can provide—mostly related to gripping action. The object of the present invention is to provide gripping ability to significantly increase the usefulness of these scissors by practitioners. The grip provided by the utility created by this modification can be used to grip-in-order-to-twist (rotating motion), grip to hold (stationary), or grip to insert or extract (straight motions). The grooves must be fine in order to prevent cutting manipulated items, maintaining safety of original unmodified scissors.

Abstract: A manipulator has a working unit in which when at least a first end effector finger and a second end effector finger are maximally closed on each other, at least the distance between a third joint axis and a first joint axis is greater than the distance between the first joint axis and a distal end of the second end effector finger, or the distance between the third joint axis and the first joint axis is greater than the distance between third joint axis and a second joint axis, or the angle formed between a direction from the third joint axis to the first joint axis and a direction from the third joint axis to the second joint axis is not ?.

Abstract: A medical punch includes a longitudinally dividable anvil with a reduced cross-sectional dimension facilitating insertion of the anvil into the vessel wall to achieve a clean aperture in the vessel wall by cooperative shearing action of a cutting edge and an anvil edge. In another embodiment, the instrument incorporates a measuring device for determining the thickness of a vessel wall between an anvil and a distal end of a cylindrical structure which together form a caliper, and the measuring device can also constitute a medical punch by cooperative shearing action of a cutting edge and an anvil to achieve a clean aperture in the vessel wall.

Abstract: A scissors for cutting, holding, and then releasing an elongated piece of string. The scissors includes a pair of conventional scissors with a spring-clip attachment. The spring-clip has a long leg, a short leg, and a semi-circular bottom portion attaching the legs together. The short leg is rigidly mounted to a first blade arm of the conventional scissors. While the blade arms pivot toward one another, a portion of the string is retained within the attachment after it is cut and then released from the attachment upon opening of the blade arms.

Abstract: A pair of scissors has two elements that are cross-wise rotationally movably assembled in a hinge, each of said elements consisting of a blade and an arm. The arms each terminate in a ring for a user's finger. The general direction of the blades and the arms in a closed position of the scissors is making an angle large enough to place both rings on the same side of an extension line of the general direction of the blades. The blades are curved and have different lengths and heights, the upper blade being the shorter and higher and optionally provided with a protruding nose part, and the lower blade is relatively narrow and provided with a bulb shaped tip and a chamfered and/or rounded inner edge said distal end of said back edge of said upper blade has a nose part protruding a distance (n1) from the distal end of the cutting edge of the upper blade and having a distance (n2) from the cutting edge of the lower blade in a closed position of the scissors.

Abstract: An arteriotomy scissors for a surgical system including a sleeve, a fixed blade fixedly mounted to a distal end of the sleeve, a movable blade pivotally mounted to the fixed blade and the distal end of the sleeve, and an actuation rod extending through the sleeve. The movable blade is mounted to a distal end of the actuation rod. The actuation rod is driven in a reciprocal manner within the sleeve to drive the movable blade between a fully open cutting position and a fully closed cutting position with respect to the fixed blade.

Abstract: A surgical instrument of the present invention comprises a tool section provided at a distal end of the insert section, having first and second tool pieces connected to each other by a first opening/closing pivot axis, and a manipulating section provided at a proximal end of the insert section, having first and second manipulating bodies connected to each other by a second opening/closing pivot axis wherein the first opening/closing pivot axis is positioned at a first side relative to the longitudinal center axis of the insert section, the second opening/closing pivot axis is positioned at a second side relative to the longitudinal center axis of the insert section, and the first side and second side are established to obtain a positional relationship which is substantially symmetrical to each other relative to the longitudinal center axis of the insert section.

Abstract: A cutting instrument configured as scissors has a housing formed as a handle with a functional unit disposed therein; supported in the functional unit is a probe configured as a hollow needle which co-axially supports a rod projecting from the probe in axial direction and which comprises at its distal end a cutting device and wherein the cutting device has two cutting members provided with cutting blades that can be configured in an arc-shape or a straight shape, wherein from an open position the cutting blades correspond to each other at an acute angle, they are brought into engagement with each other to a closed position for a cutting action by means of a sliding movement of the probe relative to the scissors tip.

Abstract: A cutting device for use in a medical procedure includes a housing having a housing cavity and defining a first cutting surface. An actuator is positioned within the housing cavity and has a first cam member. A cutting member is positioned with the housing cavity and has a second cam member. The cutting member defines a second cutting surface. Movement of the actuator within the housing cavity causes the first cam member to cooperate with the second cam member so as to rotate the cutting member relative to the housing. Rotation of the cutting member relative to the housing causes the second cutting surface to move relative to the first cutting surface to effectuate a cutting operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a forcep-like surgical element comprising lip profiles, which are provided at one end, can be guided in relation to one another, and which delimit a clamping mouth or form a pair of scissors. According to the invention, two handle elements, which can be moved in relation to one another, are provided as an actuating unit. Each handle element is joined to at least one of the lip profiles via a cord element. The handle elements or handle parts are scissor handles, which can pivot relative to one another and each have a holding eye or similar implements that define an angle with the surface of their cord element, said surface delimiting the clamping mouth. This angle is formed in a variable manner on each of the scissor handles for moving the lip profiles.

Abstract: In scissors, in particular, for surgical purposes, comprising two branches pivotable relative to one another, each of which has a cutting section with a cutting edge at the front end thereof and a handle section at the rear end thereof, in order to simplify manufacture thereof, it is proposed that at least one of the branches be joined in its cutting section on its inner surface facing the other branch to a metal foil lying flat thereon and extending at least at the cutting edge end of the inner surface as far as this cutting edge end or projecting slightly over this, with the edge of the metal foil arranged at this end of the inner surface forming the cutting edge of this inner surface.

Abstract: An instrument for clamping and cutting a deformable flexible tube includes handles and jaws pivotally coupled together on opposite sides of a pivot member, a fixed cutting blade on the jaws, integrally hinged lockable V-clamps with ratcheted inner gripping surfaces mounted in the jaws with the edge of the cutting blade positioned above the ratcheted surfaces of the V-clamps, and a device to push the V-clamp axially forward in the jaws. When the handles are pressed together to an intermediate position, the jaws are closed only partially locking the arms of the V-clamps while leaving the edge of the cutting blade distanced from the center of the clamp and from the tube, and when the handles are pressed further to a cutting position, the locked V-clamp is pushed forward in the jaws simultaneously closing the jaws completely and bringing down the cutting blade.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided having a shaft with a handpiece at a proximal end and a grasping device at the distal end. The grasping device has a first jaw element and a second jaw element pivotably coupled thereto and selectively pivotable between open and closed positions. The instrument also includes a cutting device having a first cutting element and a second cutting element pivotably coupled to the first cutting element. The cutting device is movable between a retracted position wherein it is positioned within the shaft and an extended position wherein it is disposed at the distal end of the shaft. When in the extended position, the cutting elements are coupled to the respective jaw elements for movement therewith between open and closed positions. Also provided is a method for surgically manipulating tissue using such a device.

Abstract: Apparatus to achieve percutaneous entry to a blood vessel includes several coacting combinations of coacting instruments, some capable of independent action, as well as enabling clear visualisation of the operative area, precise location of the operative site, capture and immobilization of the vessel, and guidance in the positioning and insertion of the puncturing needle Additionally, apparatus is provided for the placement of a sponge directly on the entry wound in the vessel to reduce bleeding. The present invention also sets forth a method for vascular puncture and more particularly for the arterial puncture procedure. The line of maximal pulsation is ascertained, and a small incision in the skin is made. A dissecting-retracting tool (100) is then employed to create a skin-to-vessel channel. The vessel is inspected through the spread fingers. A tubular access conduit (300), mounted on an obturator-carrier (400), is inserted until it rest upon the vessel.

Abstract: A cuticle cutting instrument has tubes rotatably disposed in each other and forming two working endings, cutting elements provided on the endings, handles fixed on the tubes, a return spring installed between the handles, and a tubing connection for communicating with a vacuum source.

Abstract: A cutting device for trimming a coiled strand, such as an arterial, urinary or other intraluminal stent made from metal or plastic wire, has a pair of articulating arms connected at a pivot joint. One of the arms has a holding jaw for holding the coiled strand. A second of the arms has a jaw with a cutter. The holding jaw has a passageway through which the coiled strand may be threaded to aid in holding the coiled strand for cutting by the cutter. The holding jaw preferably has a guide channel formed by a pair of tapered walls that slide between adjacent turns of the coiled strand. In accordance with a method of the invention, an end of the coiled strand is introduced through the passageway in the holding jaw. The coiled strand is rotated to advance the coiled strand through the passageway until the coiled strand is positioned beneath the cutting jaw at the selected location. The lever portions and the jaw portions are then urged together, cutting the coiled strand at the selected location.

Abstract: Biliary sphincter scissors, used in a sphincterotomy, include a stationary blade and an actuated blade having dimensions which allow the scissors to pass through a channel in an endoscope. The biliary sphincter scissors include a flexible arc-shaped curvature in the distal end to allow for creation of an incision in a sphincterotomy.

Abstract: A surgical instrument has a pair of opposed jaws constructed and arranged to open and close relative to one another. Each jaw has a proximal end connected to part of the surgical instrument, an opposite jaw tip end, and a confronting surface arranged facing the opposite jaw. A perimeter defines a boundary of the respective confronting surface and jaw tip end for each jaw. At least a first cutting edge portion is provided on a part of each jaw perimeter whereby that part defines the jaw tip end. Each first cutting edge portion is oriented extending toward the corresponding first cutting edge portion of the opposite jaw. Each first cutting edge portion is curved concavely inward toward the proximal end of the respective jaw. The curved first cutting edge portions are oriented precisely as desired relative to the longitudinal axis of the instrument.

Abstract: An ultrasonic dissection and coagulation system for surgical use is provided. The system includes an ultrasonic instrument, a control module, and a remote actuator. The ultrasonic instrument has a housing and an elongated body portion extending from the housing. An ultrasonic transducer supported within the housing is operatively connected to a cutting jaw by a vibration coupler. The vibration coupler conducts high frequency vibration from the ultrasonic transducer to the cutting jaw. The cutting jaw has a blade surface which is curved downwardly and outwardly in the distal direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body portion along its length such that an angle defined by a line drawn tangent to the blade surface and the longitudinal axis of the elongated body portion varies between 5 degrees and 75 degrees.

Abstract: A dual-use medical instrument is disclosed. In one embodiment, the instrument has a first handle pivotally attached to a second handle through a mortise and tenon joint to define opposing jaws at the distal end of the surgical instrument, each of the opposing jaws including a distal gripping portion, at least one longitudinally disposed cutting edge situated between the distal gripping portion and said mortise and tenon joint, wherein at least one longitudinal cutting edge is adjacent to said mortise and tenon joint. The instrument can function as a combination needle holder and surgical scissors.

Abstract: Surgical scissors include a pair of scissor blades mounted at a distal end of an elongated flexible body and a housing attached to the proximal end of the elongated body. An actuator is coupled with mechanical advantage to the scissor blades for manually controlling shearing movement of the blades in response to finger movement on the actuator back and forth along the housing. Electrical conductors are provided through body and housing from a connector to the scissor blades. The housing is configured to be assembled in mating shells with components assembled in and confined by attached shells that facilitate rapid and accurate fabrication.

Abstract: A surgical scissors includes a shaft having a pair of rings on one end and a pair of tips on the opposite end. The scissors further have an offset portion located in the rings half of the shaft so that a user has an unobstructed view down the shaft to the tips during use.

Abstract: Biliary sphincter scissors, used in a sphincterotomy, include a stationary blade and an actuated blade having dimensions which allow the scissors to pass through a channel in an endoscope. The biliary sphincter scissors include a flexible arc-shaped curvature in the distal end to allow for creation of an incision in a sphincterotomy.

Abstract: An endoscopic apparatus for harvesting blood vessels includes a endoscopic barrel including a plurality of lumens, one of the lumens being dimensioned for receiving an endoscope, a handle disposed at a proximal end of the endoscopic barrel, and at least one integrated member for dissecting and cauterizing a blood vessel. The at least one integrated member includes two fingers having distally curved ends. Movement of each of the fingers is independently controlled by a control mechanism disposed within the handle. More specifically, a control rod extends between the handle and each of the fingers such that movement of the control mechanism between a first position and a second position produces a predetermined movement of the respective finger.

Abstract: In an endsocopic treatment instrument, a distal end of a manipulating wire extending from the distal end of a sheath is provided with a large-diameter portion that is large enough to be incapable of passing through an engagement through-hole in the plate portion of an actuating member. The manipulating wire is passed through the engagement hole until the large-diameter portion contacts one end of the engagement hole, and is bent back toward the distal end of the sheath at the other end of the engagement hole.

Abstract: A medical instrument with a hollow shaft (2) having at its proximal end a handle (3) consisting of at least two gripping members (3a, 3b) and at its distal end a tool (4) consisting of at lest two jaw members (4a, 4b), where at least one jaw member (4a) of the tool (4) is adjustable in relation to the at least one other jaw member (4b) of the tool (4) for purposes of opening and closing by means of one rotatably shaped gripping member (3b) of the handle (3), and the at least one adjustable jaw member (4a) and the corresponding gripping member (3b) of the handle that serves to adjust the jaw member (4a) are connected to one another by means of two push-pull rods (5).

Abstract: A micro-surgical forceps having a handle and integral spring arms that are interconnected at the end of the forceps remote from said blades in a tongue and groove arrangement that allows for operation of the forceps with a minimum of finger pressure. Plastic covers for the handle for securing the forceps blades is a further embodiment of the invention. The forceps are fabricated of a non-heat treatable metal and the gripping platforms are manually adjustable. A scissors having sharpened curved blades that form an arc across one another and are fabricated of non-heated metal that is flexible.

Abstract: A surgical instrument has a pair of opposed jaws constructed and arranged to open and close relative to one another. Each jaw has a proximal end connected to part of the surgical instrument, an opposite jaw tip end, and a confronting surface arranged facing the opposite jaw. A perimeter defines a boundary of the respective confronting surface and jaw tip end for each jaw. At least a first cutting edge portion is provided on a part of each jaw perimeter whereby that part defines the jaw tip end. Each first cutting edge portion is oriented extending toward the corresponding first cutting edge portion of the opposite jaw. Each first cutting edge portion is curved concavely inward toward the proximal end of the respective jaw.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating drug-filled pockets within muscle tissue, such as myocardium of the heart for increasing angiogenesis. More particularly, the apparatus has an excising assembly with a dilator tip for penetrating and advancing through the surface and body of a muscle or organ, such as the heart. Preferably, the dilator tip has a low level laser optical fiber emission to ease the passage of the excising assembly and provide thermal damage which also stimulates angiogenesis. More preferably, the dilator tip also disperses a pharmacologically active substance as the apparatus is passed through the tissue and/or creates pockets. The excising assembly is connected to a hand-held control device from which the operator pushes a switch to activate a punching mechanism within the excising assembly. The punching mechanism cuts a discrete piece of muscle tissue and traps it within the excising assembly leaving a pocket in the remaining muscle tissue.

Abstract: A surgical trimming tool includes first and second handles pivotally attached to one another. A first cutting jaw extends from a first end of the first handle, and a second cutting jaw extends from a first end of the second handle. The first and second cutting jaws are configured to cut an object when closed towards one another. A resiliently flexible clip is attached to either the first or second cutting jaw. The clip is configured to flex upwardly as the object is cut to retain the object between the clip and the closed jaws until the first and second jaws are separated or the object is forceably removed from the clip. The clip is typically S-shaped, with the first end thereof attached to the associated cutting jaw, and a second end having a sharp edge extending over a cutting edge of the associated jaw.

Abstract: Instruments including a pair of scissors (1) for removing the bump from an aquiline nose, wherein the scissors have cutting blades (5,6), with mutually facing concave cutting edges (7,8) matching the shape of the bump, as well as a clamp with two cutting blades each having a double curvature in two perpendicular planes so that the clamp fits the lateral bones of the nose. The clamp enables lateral osteotomy of the nose once the bump has been removed by means of the scissors (1), whereby the surgeon can reconstruct the shape and profile of the nose. The number of instruments needed may thus be reduced considerably relative to the prior art, while the reliability, accuracy and safety of the operation may be substantially enhanced.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle, a first stem section having a longitudinal axis and extending from the handle, and a tissue engaging member for engaging tissue. A second stem section, connected between the first stem section and the tissue engaging member, has a portion which is bendable and supports the tissue engaging member for movement between a plurality of orientations relative to the axis and to the first stem section. The surgical instrument includes a system for bending the bendable portion of the second stem section to change the orientation of the tissue engaging member relative to the axis and to the first stem section from a first orientation to a second orientation. The bendable portion of the second stem section includes a member for enabling bending movement of the bendable portion to locate the tissue engaging member at the same angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the first stem section at more than one location along the length of the bendable portion.