Abstract: An apparatus, for laser irradiating and vaporizing the nucleus pulposus of the lumbar intervertebral disc, comprises a hollow needle member; an optical fiber for transmitting a laser light; a lead for detecting the temperature of the nucleus pulposus. The optical fiber and the temperature detecting lead are disposed such that they pass through the needle member adjacent the nucleus pulposus. Insertion is confirmed by ultrasonic diagnosis.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing surgery within a hollow-body organ are provided. A catheter is provided having a longitudinal axis and an end region carrying an end effector, the end region movable to a series of positions along the longitudinal axis and with an selectable orientation relative to the longitudinal axis. The catheter includes elements for stabilizing the end region of the apparatus within a hollow-body organ, and for counteracting reaction forces developed during actuation of the end effector. The end effector provides for tissue cutting and aspiration of severed tissue from a treatment site.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus includes a rotary, tissue affecting device in the form of one or more rotating blades, a rotating drill, or a rotating shaving/abrading device that serves as an active, energy delivering electrode. The active electrode effectively cuts tissue at the surgical site without relying solely upon the mechanical cutting action of the tissue affecting device. The rotary surgical device can be in a form such that it is suitable for use in open or closed surgery.

Abstract: An astigmatism reducing device includes an alignment tool having a bore, extending through said alignment tool, for enabling centering of said alignment tool by observation of a cornea limbus. A handle is provided for enabling placement of said alignment tool onto a cornea and sclera of an eye and a bottom curvature on the alignment tool engages and conforms to the cornea. A lid retractor including a channel adjacent said bottom curvature is provided for separating eyelids from said cornea and sclera and enabling a portion of the bottom curvature to be disposed thereunder. Tubular cornea cutter, having an outside diameter sized for insertion into the alignment tool bore means is provided for supporting at least one cutting blade for rotation within the alignment tool bore, the cutting blade being disposed with a longitudinal axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tubular cornea cutter.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a proximal actuation handle and a flexible guiding catheter having a channeling lumen, a suction lumen, and a control lumen. The guiding catheter has a slit opening into the control lumen at its distal end. A hollow cutting member extends through the channeling lumen and is moveable distally relative to the guiding catheter with a cutting actuation mechanism. The cutting member is preferably a section of thin walled hypodermic tubing having a sharpened distal end and is provided with a first proximal connector for coupling the cutting member to a first pressure regulator. A flexible control wire extends through the control lumen and is movable distally and rotatably relative to the guiding catheter with a control actuation mechanism. The control wire is sufficiently flexible to buckle with each contraction of the heart and has a foot at its distal end located beyond the distal end of the guiding catheter and movable relative thereto by movement of the control wire.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing surgery within a hollow-body organ are provided. A catheter is provided having a longitudinal axis and an end region carrying an end effector. The end region is movable to a series of positions along the longitudinal axis with a selectable orientation relative to the longitudinal axis. The catheter includes elements for stabilizing the end region of the apparatus within a hollow-body organ, and for counteracting reaction forces developed during actuation of the end effector. The end effector provides for tissue cutting and aspiration of severed tissue from a treatment site.

Abstract: An irrigation surgical tool system comprises a motorized handpiece, a tool for insertion in the handpiece, a console including a mounting plate and peristaltic pump rotor and a tube set including a cassette installable on the console for peristaltic pumping of irrigation liquid to the tool. Passages in the tool allow irrigation liquid flow, between a fixed outer tube and rotating inner tube of the tool, to a surgical site, through windows in the tool inner and outer tubes. Application of suction to the tool enables withdrawal through the inner tube of irrigation and surgical debris from the surgical site.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an elongate tubular member, an end effector at the distal end of the tubular member, a linkage rod slidably disposed within the tubular member, a distal connector fixed to the proximal end of the tubular member, a proximal connector fixed to the proximal end of the linkage rod, at least one resiliently flexible actuating member, and a lever pivotally to the proximal connector. The lever generally overlies and contacts the actuator member. Pivoting of the lever toward the flexible actuator member causes the linkage rod to move a movable jaw of the end effector. The surgical instrument has a relatively larger actuator surface for easier manipulation, and better balance. The actuator member also has a point of maximum leverage closer to the distal end, than other surgical instruments of the same general type.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a quick connection device for driving various rotary tools by use of a drive shaft surrounded by a housing. Each tool includes a shank with a groove and a coupling projection. A rotary tool holder tube is mounted on bearings in a supporting tube and is provided with a first quick connection snap coupling which includes balls surrounded by a resilient sleeve and which are capable of engaging the groove in the tool shank. The shank is coupled to the drive shaft by the coupling projection and a slot in the drive shaft. Engagement of the second quick connection coupling joining the supporting tube to the housing simultaneously blocks the resilient sleeve. The quick connection coupling device is used in a surgical instrument which enables a variety of rotary cutting tools to be operated at varying distances from the drive shaft by use of a set of intermediate spindles of various lengths having the same structure as the quick connection device.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for cauterization having a handle including a body and a shaft rotatably mounted on the body. A motor is operatively coupled to the shaft to cause rotation thereof. The surgical instrument further includes a selectively operable control switch and a programmable control circuit operatively connected to the motor and to the control switch. The control switch having programmed instructions stored in a memory thereof. The control circuit being responsive to a plurality of distinct patterns of actuations of the control switch to cause the motor to operate according to respective ones of the programmed instructions.

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 cutting head can also have a blade on the outer perimeter of the head. The matter is removed and further reduced as the cutting head is rotated at the surgical site. The geometry of the cutting head and entry tip can be varied for particular surgical procedures. The cutting device can also include a cannula or drill guard.

Abstract: The present invention is generally characterized in an angled rotary tissue cutting instrument including an outer blade assembly, having a rigid tubular member with proximal and distal portions connected by a bend, and an inner blade assembly rotatably disposed within the outer blade assembly and including a tubular drive shaft at a proximal end, a cutting tip at a distal end, and a flexible coupling disposed between the drive shaft and the cutting tip. The drive shaft and cutting tip include neck portions which are disposed telescopically within proximal and distal ends of the coupling.

Abstract: A powered surgical tool includes a battery-operated motor that has an eccentrically mounted drive wheel for engaging a longitudinally movable drive wire that operates to incrementally rotate a ratchet wheel. A work wheel in the form of a cutting blade or a grinding wheel is mounted for rotational movement with the ratchet wheel at the distal end of the surgical tool. In another version, the cutting blade has a periphery of cutting teeth, which are driven directly by the longitudinally movable drive wire. A grinding wheel version discloses two grinding wheels that are incrementally driven in opposite angular directions by a pair of longitudinally movable drive wires.

Abstract: A powered handpiece for driving a surgical blade to cut anatomical tissue includes a reusable handpiece body having a distal end for being coupled with a surgical blade, a drive shaft in the handpiece body for rotatably driving the surgical blade, a motor assembly for being installed in the handpiece body to rotatably drive the drive shaft and a suction channel in the handpiece body including a portion extending through the drive shaft parallel to a longitudinal axis of the motor assembly for evacuating anatomical tissue cut by the blade from the handpiece body for external collection. The surgical blade is for use with the powered handpiece and carries a sealing arrangement facilitating irrigation and suction. The handpiece body is capable of being sterilized to medical standards prior to each use.

Abstract: A biopsy device and method are provided for removing samples of tissue from a patient's body. The device comprises a hollow outer needle with an opening, a rotatable inner needle with a cutting surface and a driving mechanism within a handle assembly. The needles are inserted into the patient's body and the inner needle is rotated so as to expose the cutting surface. The driving mechanism is activated and the inner needle is oscillated along its longitudinal axis at a desired frequency. The inner needle is then rotated and tissue is pinched between the cutting surface and the outer needle. The combination of the pinching force and the oscillating motion severs a uniform sample of tissue. The tissue is captured between the cutting surface of the inner needle and the inner surface of the outer needle. The driving mechanism is then deactivated and the device is removed from the patient's body. The needle portion of the device may be removed from the handle assembly and discarded.

Abstract: A method of and instrumentation for implanting a spherical prosthesis in a joint between a first bone and a second bone. The method includes the steps of exposing a joint between a first bone and a second bone; forming a semispherical cavity in the proximal surface of the first bone; forming a semispherical cavity in the distal surface of the second bone; and inserting a spherical prosthesis into the semispherical cavities in the proximal surface of the first bone and in the distal surface of the second bone.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises an inner tube which rotates within an outer tube and carries a surgical tool that includes a burr for cutting tissue exposed to the burr through an opening in the outer tube. The instrument includes several features which enhance the efficiency at which tissue fragments severed by the burr are aspirated through the inner tube, and which enable the burr to effectively cut relatively soft tissue as well as harder tissue such as bone. For example, the burr includes a proximal shank having a wall that has an aperture therein with a substantial width relative to an outer diameter of the wall for conveying tissue fragments cut by the burr into an interior chamber of the shank, and thence into a passage in the inner tube. The opening in the outer tube is axially elongated sufficiently to expose a major portion of the aperture.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for extracting and collecting bone marrow from the jawbone of a patient before, during, or after dental procedures. The method and apparatus further provides a readily accessible, and easily harvested, source of bone marrow without the drawbacks of current extraction methods.

Abstract: A surgical instrument has a housing which contains a motor that drives a spindle. A tool bit is attached to the motor by a holder that includes a body with a first end portion connected to the spindle, a central portion with a cavity therein, and a second end portion having an aperture through which a shaft of the tool bit passes into the cavity. A pair of lock pawls are pivotally mounted in the cavity with each one having a first tab that enters a slot in the shaft when the lock pawls are in a first position to hold the tool bit in the instrument. The first tabs retract from the slot when the lock pawls are in a second position for changing the tool bit. The lock pawls have second tabs that engage a restrainer only in the second position to prevent the body from rotating. A ring extends around the body and pivots the lock pawls between the first and second positions when the ring moved longitudinally along the body.

Abstract: An atherectomy device for removing tissue from an artery. The device includes a flexible, elongated drive shaft rotatable about a guide wire, the drive shaft having an enlarged diameter tissue removal section. The drive shaft and the enlarged diameter tissue removal section are comprised of helically wound wire. Wire turns of the proximal portion of the tissue removal section have diameters that gradually increase distally at a generally constant rate thereby forming generally the shape of a cone. Wire turns of the distal portion of the enlarged diameter tissue removal section have diameters that gradually decrease distally thereby forming a generally convex distal portion. At least part of the tissue removal section includes an external coating of an abrasive material to define an abrasive segment of the drive shaft.

Abstract: The invention provides a handle for a rotational atherectomy device, the handle including a guide wire clamp and a turbine brake operatively interconnected with the guide wire clamp so that the brake automatically prevents rotation of the turbine when the guide wire is unclamped. The brake is movable from a brake-released position to a brake-engaged position, in which position the brake prevents rotation of the turbine. A manual override is also provided, permitting unclamping of the guide wire independent of the position of the brake.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for removing veins in a venous system of a patient. One device includes an elongated shaft having a first end and a second end, the second end of the first elongated shaft sized for insertion into an incision of a patient and a cutting head associated with the second end of the elongated shaft and being movable in response to electrical energy, the cutting head being constructed to cut veins into small pieces of a patient that are exposed to the cutting head. A method of removing varicose veins is also provided. The method includes the steps of making at least one incision through the skin layer of a patient in close proximity the undesired veins, inserting a distal end of a surgical instrument having a cutting element, and advancing the cutting element end of the surgical instrument to a position adjacent to a selected vein.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for cutting and storing sections of body tissue is provided comprising a housing having a handle assembly, an elongated outer tube extending from the handle assembly, and a cutting tube positioned within the outer tube and movable in response to actuation of the handle assembly between a retracted position and a distal position to cut body tissue. The cutting tube has a chamber formed therein for storing the cut tissue sections. A removable plug assembly is mounted on the proximal end of the cutting tube. A release lever is engagable with the trigger and is movable from a blocking position to a release position to release the trigger and allow the cutting tube to be removed from the outer tube. An anvil is positioned at a distal end of the outer tube for forcing each cut tissue section proximally into the chamber of the cutting tube as the cutting tube is advanced to cut the body tissue. A locking member is engagable with a rotation knob to prevent rotation of the knob.

Abstract: A cervical punch has a hollow cylindrical circular morcellator tube, which is provided with a cutting region having an all-round wave grinding pattern around the distal opening. The morcellator tube, which can also be referred to as the basic body, receives a guide rod along which is possible an axial and/or rotary movement of the morcellator tube in a direct or indirect manner by a guide cylinder.

Abstract: A surgical knife especially suited for surgical procedures such as a tympanoplasty comprises a handle having a proximal and a distal end, with a curved blade rotatably carried on a post on the distal end of the handle. The blade extends radially outward from the post and beyond the end of the post in roughly an "S" shape. The cutting edge of the blade is on the end of the "S" and is thus spaced apart from and beyond the end of the post, where it can swivel about the axis of the post. When cutting, the blade will follow the direction the handle is moved, swiveling into alignment with that direction by the pressure of the tissue it is cutting.

Abstract: The catheter connected to a drive unit has, at its front end a cutting tool which consists of a stator and rotor. Cutting edges arranged on the circumference of the rotor and stator interact in a shearing action. The rotor is an external rotor. The detached deposits are conveyed through a tubular sheath and into a collecting container via a discharge chamber. A rotary catheter of this kind is used for carefully removing blood clots and stenoses from narrowed blood vessels such as arteries and veins.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for cutting and storing sections of body tissue is provided comprising a housing having a handle assembly, an elongated outer tube extending from the handle assembly, and a cutting tube positioned within the outer tube and movable in response to actuation of the handle assembly between a retracted position and a distal position to cut body tissue. The cutting tube has a chamber formed therein for storing the cut tissue sections. An anvil is positioned at a distal end of the outer tube for forcing each cut tissue section proximally into the chamber of the cutting tube as the cutting tube is advanced to cut the body tissue.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus includes a body configured for insertion into a bore of a surgical handpiece and a latch that includes a resilient member connected to the body. The resilient member has a latching structure configured to latchingly engage a surface of the surgical handpiece within the bore.

Abstract: A cutting device for the cutting and reduction of matter from a surgical site having a cutting head having an entry tip and three or more cutting blades 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 cutting head can also have a blade on the outer perimeter of the head. The matter is removed and further reduced as the cutting head is rotated at the surgical site. The geometry of the cutting head and entry tip can be varied for particular surgical procedures. The cutting device can also include a cannula or drill guard.

Abstract: A surgical instrument (10) includes a handle (12), a rigid stem section (20) extending from the handle, and a flexible stem section (24) extending from the rigid stem section. A surgical tool (30) connected with a distal end of the flexible stem section (24) includes a movable part (34). The flexible stem section (24) comprises a bendable outer tubular member (50) and a bendable inner tubular member (90) slidable within the outer tubular member. The inner tubular member (90) has a neutral axis of bending (100) spaced apart from the neutral axis of bending (68) of the outer tubular member (50). The flexible stem section (24) is movable between a plurality of orientations relative to an axis (48) in response to relative sliding movement between the inner and outer tubular members (90, 50).

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an external drive with a plurality of removably mounted disposable surgical hand cutting assemblies including a housing control unit with a plurality of motors, each of the motors being capable of driving each surgical hand cutting assembly at a different range of rotational speeds.One disposable surgical hand cutting assembly is capable of debriding soft tissue at a first speed and high torque, and a second disposable hand cutting assembly is capable of debriding hard tissue at a second higher speed.A plurality of flexible shafts for transmitting the torsional force from a selected motor to a selected surgical hand cutting assembly provided with a quick connect mechanism disposed on the end of each flexible shaft to quickly connect the surgical hand cutting assembly to one of the motors.

Abstract: An atherectomy device is used for removing a restriction in a blood vessel. The atherectomy device includes a cutting portion having a lumen therein, the lumen being sized to track over a guidewire, wherein an outer surface of the cutting portion comprises a cutting surface. An elongate shaping member is cooperable with the cutting portion and is disposed generally longitudinally relative to the cutting portion. The shaping member has an insertion conformation and an expanded conformation. The expanded conformation is radially expanded relative to the insertion conformation. The shaping member is configured to deform the cutting portion from an insertion shape into a cutting shape as the shaping member moves from the insertion conformation to the expanded conformation. A drive shaft is coupled to a proximal end of the cutting portion and is configured to be rotationally driven.

Abstract: A skin perforating member for an insulin patch, which is for disposing a human skin before administering insulin transdermally. By a pressure sensing arrangement instailed on both sides of a skin perforating member, a user can learn whether scarring a skin is properly going on at the sight of a pilot lamp. When not used, this device deposits the skin perforating member in its main body to shield perforating needles.

Abstract: An ultrasonically driven phaco tip and an interocular procedure for emulsifying a lense of an eye. The tip includes a flat distal end which has a pair of adjacent shoulders. The flat end creates a more efficient cutting surface. The shoulders provide a relatively large surface area that focuses ultrasonic pressure waves into the bubbles of an irrigation fluid that surrounds the tip. The focused pressure waves induce cavitation within the fluid and emulsification of the lense tissue. A lense may be emulsified by inserting the phaco tip into the anterior chamber of an eye and sculpting a bowl in the center of the lense. The tip is then rotated to a vertical position and used to cut a groove in the lense. The groove may be widen by another pass of the phaco tip so that the tip and a splitting instrument can be inserted into the widen groove. The tip and instrument are then pulled in opposite directions to crack the lense.

Abstract: A centrifugal chuck for a surgical handpiece is adapted to automatically engage a surgical instrument so it may be driven by the handpiece. The centrifugal chuck comprises a pivotable trunnion body situated within a hollow drive shaft, the trunnion body having a throughbore coaxially aligned with the axis of the hollow drive shaft in order to receive the shaft of the surgical instrument. The trunnion body is secured to a pair of lever arms symmetrically situated about the exterior of the drive shaft, the lever arms extending in opposite proximal and distal directions from the pivotable attachment of the trunnion body to the drive shaft. Rotation of the drive shaft causes radially outward movement of the lever arms thereby misaligning the throughbore of the trunnion body relative to the drive shaft in order to frictionally engage the shaft of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A disposable, bone graft harvester having a clear, graduated plastic tube tipped with a bone cutting head at one end and a handle or other torque supplying connection at the other end.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a first member extending distally from a proximal end and having an opening in a distal region for admitting tissue, and a second member disposed within the first member for moving a cutting implement and causing it to cut tissue that is exposed to the implement through the opening. A knob is attached to the proximal end of the first member and is mounted in rotatable engagement with a hub of the instrument to rotate the first member and selectively change a rotational orientation of the opening with respect to the hub. The knob is axially movable with respect to the hub to a locked position in which the knob nonrotatably engages the hub.

Abstract: A replaceable rotary patient tissue working tool and a high speed rotational surgical handpiece having a centrifugal chuck for axial push-in chucking and pull-out release of such a tool includes a chuck including a centrifugal locking member with a mass portion located on one side of a rotational axis of a drive shaft. The centrifugal locking member is pivoted on an axis transverse to the drive shaft axis and has a leg extending past said rotational axis. The leg has tool gripping structure on the opposite side of such rotational axis for receiving a tool rear shank rearward axially therepast and for more strongly radially gripping such a tool shank in response to faster rotation of the drive shaft. The invention, in another aspect, includes a tool having an elongate shank, patient tissue working structure at a front end of the shank and mounting structure at the rear end of the shank. The mounting structure includes a radially depressed plateau engageable by such centrifugal locking member.

Abstract: A surgical guide tool has an axis and a cylindrical housing with a central bore, an upper cylindrical wall and a flange that are aligned with the axis. The tool has adjustable legs with a sharp conical point and a guide disk with a cylindrical body that lands within the wall. The guide disk has an eccentric bore that extends through the guide disk. A cylindrical cap encloses the guide disk within the tool. The upper end of the guide disk protrudes through a central hole in the cap and a lever is secured to the upper end of the guide disk. The guide disk is free to rotate within the tool. After a starter hole is made in a human skull, the tool is placed over the starter hole with the legs landing on the skull. A conventional surgical cutting implement with a footed attachment is inserted into the guide disk bore. The footed attachment is placed in the starter hole beneath the skull.

Abstract: To reduce damage to surrounding tissue while fragmenting some tissue such as for example not damaging the capsular wall while removing the lens during cataract removal surgery or not damaging artery or vein walls during bypass surgery while freeing the artery or vein to be transplanted, an incision is made for the insertion of surface--discriminating, rotating, fragmenting handpiece. The surface--discriminating fragmenting handpiece fragments and permits aspiration of the tissue without damaging the surrounding wall by fragmenting surfaces of higher inertia material but moving at a rate of speed and having openings between them of such a size that the more integrated lower mass, more flexible and smoother tissue is moved away from the fragmenting zone and the higher mass, lower flexibility or rougher tissue is fragmented.

Abstract: An operative element mover (22) is used as a part of an ultrasound imaging or other catheter system (2) including a hollow sheath (6) and a case (16) housing a rotary driver (10). A drive cable or other connecting member (8) is disposed within the sheath with a transducer (24) at its distal end (26) and its proximal end (12) coupled to the rotary driver. The rotary driver rotates the transducer about the longitudinal axis (14) of the sheath. A hemostasis valve (50) anchors the sheath to the patient where the sheath enters the patient. The transducer mover (22) is used to move the drive cable along the longitudinal axis and includes a body (38) fixedly mountable to and dismountable from the case and a movable anchor post (40). The anchor post is clipped to the sheath and is moved by a sheath anchor drive (46) to translate the sheath from or toward the case. This causes the transducer to move within the sheath in a proximal or distal longitudinal direction (52).

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel aortic punch having a cutter on the end of a hollow body member. The hollow body member is slidable along a non-rotating shaft. On the end of the shaft is an anvil, and helical drive structure is provided between the hollow body member and the shaft or another non-rotating element adjacent the hollow body member. The helical drive structure comprises a flange receivable in a slot such that when a thumb button is pushed into a finger grip, the hollow body slides along, and rotates relative to, the shaft. This movement of the hollow body causes the cutter on the end of the hollow body to rotate relative to the anvil located on the end of the shaft as the cutter slides past the anvil. This rotation of the cutter provides that the aortic punch can be used to achieve a clean and accurate cut to the wall of an aorta during heart surgery.

Abstract: A device is disclosed that dynamically seals the collet of a high-speed surgical or dental drill from the ingress of contaminating substances with which the tool or collet of the drill comes into contact, such as blood, saliva, saline, tissue, bone chips, and tooth particles. The dynamic seal comprises an impeller and a bearing that rotatably supports both the impeller and a surgical tool; furthermore, the seal may be disposed within a burguard that is mounted on the distal end of a surgical drill. The spinning impeller has a disc portion that imparts a centrifugal force to the flow of contaminating substances and thereby pumps the flow entering through the tool opening radially outward through discharge holes in the burguard housing. The dynamic seal further includes an O-ring for sealing against the tool shaft and blocking the contaminating substances from continuing up the tool bore and into the collet of the surgical drill. A backring retains the O-ring in place.

Abstract: An ultrasonic avulsing liposuction handpiece including a handle portion and a cannula portion. In one embodiment, the cannula portion includes an auger rotatably mounted within an apertured outer tube. An independently controllable source of vibration housed within the handpiece causes the auger to vibrate at a desired frequency as the auger rotates. A portion of the rotary auger underlying an aperture in the wall of the outer tube includes a helical flange which has an elastically deformable outer tissue-contacting edge. When the outer tube is inserted within fatty tissue, the tissue-contacting edge avulses or tears apart fatty tissue protruding inwardly through the aperture in the outer tube when the auger is rotating. The mechanical vibration imparted to shaft of the rotating auger enhances the mechanical transport of avulsed tissue to a vacuum aspirator port within the handpiece for removal. The handpiece is relatively easy to use, rendering the procedure less tiring for the surgeon.

Abstract: A method for morselating and removing the morselated tissue through a small incision comprising in general inserting a tissue container into the body cavity of a patient through an incision, placing resected tissue in the vessel, inserting a morselator having a rotatable electrode thereon through the incision and into the vessel, morselating the tissue and removing the tissue from the containment vessel and the body. An apparatus for morselating and removing tissue through a small incision within the body cavity of a patient is also disclosed and may comprise a tissue container having an inner chamber for containing resected tissue, and a morselator having a proximal end and a distal end carrying an electrode wherein the distal end is insertable into the body cavity and containment vessel for morselating resected tissue.

Abstract: An arthroscopy instrument for debriding tissue also includes an electrocautery electrode for effecting hemostasis in the surgical site. The drive motor for the debriding instrument is placed remotely from the instrument's handle and provision is made for electrically insulating the handle from the drive motor and associated power supply even though the arthroscopic surgery is taking place under saline.

Abstract: A surgical instrument system for the use in minimal invasive surgery is adaptable to all surgical tasks by interchangeable instrument heads with different surgical tools. The instrument holder includes a handgrip, a tube extending therefrom and a shaft. The shaft is slidably received in the tube and selectively engaged with the trigger handle of the handgrip. At a distal tie-in point different interchangeable instrument heads are connected tensile resistent to the shaft and their function is actuated with the trigger handle via the same shaft. With the aid of a grip member provided at its proximal end, the shaft is operated to set its tie-in points in function.

Abstract: A device for puncturing cortical bone. The device consists of a cannula and inside of it an axially movable needle. The distal end of the needle has an eccentrically shaped tip which, by drilling, forms a hole, larger than the outer diameter of the needle, through corticalis, whereupon the enclosing cannula can be inserted into the drilled hole. In this way the cannula's position in the bone is secured and the cannula functions as a fixed anchored guiding channel for further sampling or treatment.

Abstract: The present invention is a device and a method for boring a perfusion channel into the myocardial tissue of a patient. Structurally, the present invention includes a positioning catheter and a cutting catheter. The positioning catheter is formed with an inflation lumen and a deployment lumen and has an inflatable balloon mounted at its distal end. The cutting catheter has a sharpened distal end and is advanceable through the deployment lumen of the positioning catheter. Advancement of the cutting catheter through the deployment lumen causes the distal end of the cutting catheter to be directed radially outward from the positioning catheter. In use, the positioning catheter is positioned within a target vessel. The inflatable balloon is then expanded to anchor the distal end of the positioning catheter.

Abstract: A medical instrument, such as a surgical drill, includes a battery-powered handpiece and a booster. The handpiece includes an electrical device, such as a motor, having an operating characteristic responsive to changes in DC voltage and a battery that applies a first DC voltage to the electrical device. The booster is disposed externally of the handpiece body and includes a DC power source and a cable for connecting the DC power source with the battery in the handpiece to apply a second DC voltage to the electrical device. The operating characteristic of the electrical device, e.g., speed, is modified by selectively coupling or decoupling the booster from the handpiece.