Abstract: A medical instrument for cutting tissue has a tubular outer shaft, which comprises at least one window in the region of its distal end. The medical instrument further comprises a tubular inner shaft which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis and housed in the outer shaft and which has at its distal end a window arranged in the region of the at least one window of the outer shaft and provided with at least one cutting element. The medical instrument has a fixing element for unrotatably holding of the inner shaft relative to the outer shaft in a preset position. The fixing element is irreversibly detachable through rotational movement of the inner shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for making a circular incision in a surface. The apparatus includes a handle and an elongated blade assembly extending from the handle. The blade assembly includes a rotor. The rotor includes a bar having an elongated axis, with at least one blade extending from the bar. The rotor is adapted to rotate about an axis substantially parallel to the blade, the blade being substantially perpendicular to the elongated axis of the bar. The blade assembly is adapted to extend the blade for making the circular incision and to retract the blade. In the retracted state, the bar is aligned with the blade assembly, preventing direct contact between the blade and the surface.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for preparing a space in bone of a human body to receive an insert at least in part therein. The method is performed with a device having a mid-longitudinal axis and a rotatable abrading element having an abrading surface. The method includes the steps of: activating the device to cause the abrading surface to move; contacting the abrading surface of the abrading element against the bone to remove bone therefrom to form a surface on the bone to create the space; rotating the abrading element about an axis different from the mid-longitudinal axis of the device; removing the abrading surface from the space; and positioning an insert into the space created in the bone.

Abstract: A rotatable thrombectomy wire for breaking up thrombus or other obstructive material including an inner core composed of a flexible material and an outer wire surrounding at least a portion of the inner core. The outer wire has a sinuous shaped portion at a distal region. The inner core limits the compressibility of the outer wire. The outer wire is operatively connectable at a proximal end to a motor for rotating the wire to macerate thrombus.

Abstract: An endoscopic rotary abrader allowing for increased burr size while maintaining the required minimum clearance between the burr and the hood. This is accomplished either by an offset configuration of non-concentric inner and outer tubes, where the inner tube is shifted laterally away from the hood, or by employing an enlarged hood.

Abstract: A flexible inner member for rotation within an angled outer tubular member of a rotary tissue cutting instrument to cut anatomical tissue includes a flexible region for conforming to the configuration of an angled region of the outer tubular member. The flexible region comprises a cut having convoluted path areas formed through a cylindrical wall of a tubular body of the inner member. The convoluted path areas are rotationally spaced on the tubular body in alternating sequence with connecting path segments of the cut. The cut follows a convoluted path in the convoluted path areas forming the wall of the tubular body into a pair of complementary, mating hook formations of opposed curvature. The connecting path segments extend rotationally along the tubular body between the convoluted path areas.

Abstract: A flexible inner member for rotation within an angled outer tubular member of a rotary tissue cutting instrument to cut anatomical tissue includes a flexible region for conforming to the configuration of an angled region of the outer tubular member and formed of a labyrinthine cut through a cylindrical wall of a tubular body of the inner member. The labyrinthine cut includes a plurality of labyrinthine areas rotationally spaced on the tubular body and in which the labyrinthine cut defines a labyrinth configuration including minor curves of opposed curvature respectively arranged within major curves of opposed curvature, with each of the minor curves being continuous with a major curve of opposed curvature thereto.

Abstract: A surgical tissue cutting instrument having an irrigation system comprises an elongate tubular outer member having a proximal end, a distal end and an opening at the distal end, an elongate inner member rotatably disposed within the outer member and having a proximal end, a distal end and a cutting element at the distal end exposed from the opening, a handpiece mounted to the proximal ends of the outer and inner members, and an irrigation system comprising an irrigation channel composed of a first irrigation passage within the handpiece and a second irrigation passage within the thickness of the annular wall of the outer member, and a sleeve having a rearward end disposed over a front end of the handpiece and a forward end disposed over the outer member adjacent an outlet opening of the second irrigation passage near the distal end of the outer member.

Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument including two coaxially arranged tubular members. The first tubular member has a cutting tip and is co-axially disposed within the second tubular member, which in turn has a cutting window to expose the cutting tip to tissue and bone through the cutting window. Movement of the tubular members with respect to each other debrides soft tissue and thin bone presented to the cutting window. The second (outer) tubular member has one or more features which contribute to reduced clogging of the cutting tip as a whole.

Abstract: An Anterior Capsule Remover (“ACR”) device allows an ophthalmologist to safely and efficiently remove an anterior portion of the lens capsule at the beginning of cataract surgery. The device allows the surgeon to safely, efficiently and consistently create a circular central opening of a predetermined diameter in the top of the lens capsule. An exemplary anterior capsule remover apparatus includes a handle and a distal shaft that holds a blade or cutter. One or more o-rings attached to a thumbwheel and to the blade allow the surgeon to easily create a circular, central opening in the anterior capsule of predetermined diameter.

Abstract: Device and method for rapid extraction of body tissue from an enclosed body cavity. Hollow entry cannula with optional core element provides entry into body tissue space such as bone marrow. Aspiration cannula is inserted through cannula into body tissue and is manipulated to advance directionally through body cavity. Optional stylet within aspiration cannula aids in advancing aspiration cannula through body tissue and is removed to facilitate extraction of body tissue through the aspiration cannula. Inlet openings near distal tip of aspiration cannula allow tissue aspiration, with negative pressure source at proximal end of aspiration cannula providing controlled negative pressure. Aspiration cannula may be withdrawn and its path adjusted for multiple entries through the same entry point, following different paths through tissue space for subsequent aspiration of more tissue.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide method and apparatus for facilitating stretching of a bio-logical tissue by forming a plurality of micro-slits in the tissue. Each micro-slit can be less than about 2 mm or less than about 1.5 mm long, or even less than about 1 mm, such that small gaps that can heal quickly can be formed when the tissue is stretched. The micro-slits can be formed using a plurality of cutting arrangements or an ablative laser. The micro-slits can be formed in various patterns, including staggered rows, circular or spiral patterns, or random patterns.

Abstract: A flexible inner tubular member for rotation within an angled outer tubular member of a rotary tissue cutting instrument includes a distal end having a cutting element, a proximal end connectible with a powered surgical handpiece, and a flexible coupling between the distal end and the proximal end for transmitting torque to rotate the cutting element while conforming to the angled configuration of the outer member. The flexible coupling comprises inner, middle and outer spiral members, each formed of a flat strip of material, alternately wound in opposite rotational directions. The strips of material that form the inner and outer spiral members have a width intentionally and measurably different from the width of the strip of material that forms the middle spiral member.

Abstract: A rotary cutting system for use with a surgical stapling device. The rotary cutting system generally includes a knife blade and a mainspring for imparting rotary motion to the circular knife blade. A hammer member is provided and is configured and adapted to engage the knife blade.

Abstract: An auger is axially fixed to and positioned within a cutter. The auger and cutter advance at the same time relative to a contact structure placed against a vessel, penetrating the wall of the vessel and cutting a tissue plug. When the auger and the cutter are retracted from the vessel wall, the tissue plug is retained by the auger and cutter and removed from the vessel wall. The auger and the cutter thus create an opening in the vessel wall, without the need for a prior incision in that wall.

Abstract: Device and method for rapid extraction of body tissue from an enclosed body cavity. Hollow entry cannula with optional core element provides entry into body tissue space such as bone marrow. Aspiration cannula is inserted through cannula into body tissue and is manipulated to advance directionally through body cavity. Optional stylet within aspiration cannula aids in advancing aspiration cannula through body tissue and is removed to facilitate extraction of body tissue through the aspiration cannula. Inlet openings near distal tip of aspiration cannula allow tissue aspiration, with negative pressure source at proximal end of aspiration cannula providing controlled negative pressure. Aspiration cannula may be withdrawn and its path adjusted for multiple entries through the same entry point, following different paths through tissue space for subsequent aspiration of more tissue.

Abstract: A cutting accessory for use with a powered surgical tool includes an elongated outer tube with an outer hub attached to the proximal end for releasably securing the cutting accessory within the powered tool. An elongated inner member is received within the outer tube and has an inner hub adapted to be driven by the surgical tool. The dimensions of the outer tube and inner member are such as to form an annular channel therebetween for the passage of irrigating fluid. The inner member carries a cutting tool, such as a burr, at its distal end, the tool being accessible through an aperture in the outer tube. A bearing member is located in the annular channel between the inner member and the outer tube, and a bypass channel runs external to the outer tube to carry irrigating fluid to the cutting tool bypassing the bearing member. An aperture through the outer tube connects the annular channel with the bypass channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for forming a hole in a wall of a hollow organ. The applicator includes a hole forming element for forming a hole in the wall of the organ, a positioning means for positioning the hole forming element, and a retractor element. In addition, the applicator includes a sequencing means for coordinating the relative movement of the retractor element and the hole forming element in a sequential manner to thereby carry out a procedure for forming a hole in the wall of the hollow organ. The sequencing means may further include a safety latch element operatively coupled to the retracting means and the hole forming element. The safety latch of the invention keeps prevents damage to the internal surface of the organ during the formation of the hole.

Abstract: An rotary shaver having an attachment device for coupling a flexible transmission shaft to rigid ends. In at least one embodiment, the rotary shaver may be a curved rotary shaver. The inner shaft may be formed from rigid ends connected together with the flexible transmission shaft via an attachment device. The attachment device may include a collar protruding from an outer surface to penetrate an inner surface of the flexible transmission shaft. The attachment device may also include one or more grooves or protrusions for the transmission of torque.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating disc herniation or degeneration, disc degeneration, and vertebral body fracture include surgical and endoscopic access and removal of disc tissue. The tissue removal devices that may be used include rotatable blade devices having flow control surfaces that may be inserted into a vertebral disc and rotated to pulverize the disc material and facilitate its removal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical instrument for cutting biological and especially human tissue, having a hollow cutting tube that can rotate by means of an engine around its longitudinal axis, on whose distal end at least one blade is mounted, as well as with a handle in which the cutting tube is mounted for control purposes. In order to produce a medical instrument for cutting biological and especially human tissue in which the powering of the cutting tube is of simple construction and involves minor losses of capacity, it is proposed with the invention that the engine is configured as a hollow-shaft engine mounted on the cutting tube.

Abstract: A surgical device is described. The surgical device may comprise a rotatable cutter configured to cut tissue for insertion of a cannula, and a first driver configured to be driven by a motor arrangement and to rotate the cutter. The surgical device may further include, for example, the cannula, at least one of the rotatable cutter and the first driver being disposed in a bore of the cannula. In one embodiment, the rotatable cutter may include an auger having a cutting thread. In another embodiment, the rotatable cutter may include a disk-shaped blade.

Abstract: A vascular treatment device may include (1) a handle having a motor, a trigger, and a male coupling, and (2) a cartridge, engageable to the handle, having a female coupling, a wire, and a sheath fixed to the cartridge. When the female coupling is not engaged to the male coupling, the sheath may cover the distal end of the wire, allowing safe advancement of the device into the patient's vasculature, and when the female coupling is engaged by the male coupling, the distal end of the wire may be exposed from the sheath and used.

Abstract: A method for excising a portion of an articular surface using a retrograde procedure. An access tunnel is provided extending through a bone and to the articular surface. A central shaft is inserted through the access tunnel to the articular surface and a cutter is coupled to the central shaft. The cutter is coupled to the central shaft to allow the cutter to rotate with the central and to allow the cutter to be tiltable relative to the central shaft. The cutter is rotated and a retrograde force is applied to the cutter to urge the cutter into the articular surface.

Abstract: An atherectomy system having a variably exposed cutter wherein a distally located positionable tip closely associated with the cutter and a high pressure fluid jet emanator can be variably and angularly deployed about a hinge mechanism subsequent to entry into the vasculature. The fixed cutter slices or parts atheromatous material and/or thrombotic material from a blood vessel for interaction with high pressure jets to macerate, break up or otherwise reduce the materials for evacuation from the site.

Abstract: A surgical cutting device and method for performing surgery using such is provided. The surgical device includes a handpiece or other, a stationary outer cannula connected to the base, a rotatable inner cannula connected to the base, an inner elongated shaft member connected to a distal interior surface of the lumen of the outer cannula, and a tissue cutting opening. The inner cannula includes a plurality of blades that interact with a plurality of ridges on the inner elongated shaft upon rotation of the inner cannula facilitating maceration of tissue within the lumen to prevent clogging of the device.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a cutting member with an implement for cutting tissue, and a drive coupled to the cutting member to simultaneously rotate and translate the cutting member in response to a force applied to the drive. A method of cutting tissue includes positioning an outer member such that tissue is located within the outer member, engaging the tissue with an inner member, and simultaneously rotating and translating the inner member to cut the tissue. A tangential cutting force is applied to the tissue with the inner member to mechanically cut the tissue. The inner member is mechanically driven to undergo simultaneous rotation and translation.

Abstract: A system and method may be used for accessing an articular surface and for preparing an implant site on the articular surface. The method may include locating a portion of the articular. An access passage may be drilled towards the articular surface though bone behind the articular surface. An implant site may be excised in the articular surface relative to an axis defined by the access passage.

Abstract: A debrider apparatus is disclosed. The debrider includes a first tubular member that is adapted to connect to a first potential of an electrosurgical generator. A second tubular member is at least partially disposed within the first tubular member and is adapted to connect to a second potential of the electrosurgical generator. At least one tubular member is selectively movable relative to the other. A first set of teeth is disposed around at least a portion of a distal periphery of the first tubular member. A second set of teeth is disposed around at least a portion of a distal periphery of the second tubular member. At least one switch is operably coupled to at least one of the tubular members and activates movement of one tubular member and supplies respective electrical potentials to the tubular members.

Abstract: Catheter for aspiration, fragmentation and removal of removable material from hollow bodies, in particular of thrombi and emboli from human blood vessels, comprising a working head, a flexible transport screw, a flexible tube, and a cutting tool. The working head is independently displaceable along a guide wire, is arranged at the distal end of the catheter, and has at least one lateral opening. The flexible transport screw can be rotated at a distance by means of a rotary drive of a drive unit. The flexible tube surrounds the transport screw, is connected to the working head, and is intended for removing the detached thrombi and emboli fragments. The transport screw forms a shearing cutting tool in cooperation with the lateral opening of the working head, in order to comminute the detached thrombi and emboli between peripheral borders of the transport screw and borders of the lateral opening.

Abstract: A cutting accessory for use with a powered surgical tool. The accessory includes a drive shaft to which an outer hub is attached. Internal to the outer hub is a self-contained transponder formed from an RFID chip and a coil of electrical conductor embedded within a solid substrate or encapsulated within a plastic enclosure. The transponder wirelessly communicates one or more pieces of information concerning the identity and operation of the accessory to the surgical tool when the accessory is attached to the surgical tool.

Abstract: A flexible inner member for being rotatably disposed in an angled outer tubular member of a rotary tissue cutting instrument has a flexible region composed of a series of partial circumferential cuts formed through the wall of a tubular body of the inner member. Each cut extends along an arc that defines part of the external circumference of the tubular body. The cuts are uniformly longitudinally spaced in succession along the length of the tubular body corresponding to the flexible region. The cuts are parallel to one another and perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of the tubular body. The cuts are grouped in duplicative patterns that repeat along the length of the flexible region, there being at least two successive cuts in each pattern. The cuts of each pattern are rotationally offset in succession in a rotational direction about the central longitudinal axis of the tubular body.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for making incisions in the sclera of an eye to form a scleral pocket to receive a scleral prosthesis. The system and method comprises a surgical tool comprising a surgical blade for making incisions in the sclera of an eye. When a surgeon places the surgical blade on the sclera of the eye a pressure sensor in the surgical tool determines whether there is sufficient pressure between the surgical tool and the sclera of the eye for the surgical tool to operate properly. The surgeon activates the surgical tool to cause the surgical blade to advance through the sclera to form an incision having dimensions to receive a scleral prosthesis. When the incision is complete the surgical blade is rotated back out of the incision. The incision has the exact dimensions to receive a scleral prosthesis.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a hollow tube (18) having a cutting window (16) at the distal end portion. An inner tube (15) is disposed within the tube (18) and is mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis. A cutting tool (17) is located at the distal end of the tube (15), and is positioned adjacent to the cutting window (16). An outer tube (14) is provided over the tube (18). A motor (5) is provided for rotating the inner tube (15), and saline is fed to the cutting window (16) via a passageway (25) between the tubes (15) and (18). The inner tube (15) has a central lumen (24) through which tissue cut by the cutting tool (17) is removed under the action of a source of suction (12). The outer surface of the tube 18 is covered with an electrically insulating layer (22) and coagulating RF signals are supplied between the tube (18) and the outer tube (14) so as to coagulate tissue at the cutting window (16).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disk needle roller (100) for forming micro-holes in a surface of skin by using micro-needles (220) to stimulate and assist regeneration of the skin. The disk needle roller (100) includes a handle (110) having one pair of supporting bars (120) extended therefrom, and a roller (200) including a plurality of circular spacers (232, 233) placed on a rotation shaft (130) having opposite ends supported on the supporting bars (120) of the handle (110), a plurality of circular disks (210) each between adjacent circular spacers (232, 233) so that the circular disks (210) are rotatable around the rotation shaft (130) independent from one another, a plurality of needles (220) projected from an outside circumference of each of the disks (210) in a radial direction, each with a tip formed sharply for forming micro-holes in skin of a human body.

Abstract: An atherectomy catheter includes an outer tube; an inner tube which is inserted into the outer tube rotatably about an axis thereof and axially movably; a removing member fixed to a distal portion of the inner tube and accommodated in the outer tube to drill and remove an occlusive material which stenoses or occludes a lumen of a blood vessel; and a guide member mounted on the inner tube in penetration therethrough so that the guide member functions as the axis of the inner tube when the inner tube rotates. The removing member has a developed state in which a distal end of the removing member unfolds when the removing member is projected from a distal portion of the outer tube and radially expands owing to an elastic restoring force thereof, and the removing member can drill said occlusive material in the developed state by rotating about the guide member functioning as an axis of said removing member and moving the removing member toward a distal end of the atherectomy catheter.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for making incisions in the sclera of an eye to form a scleral pocket to receive a scleral prosthesis. The system and method comprises a surgical tool comprising a surgical blade for making incisions in the sclera of an eye. When a surgeon places the surgical blade on the sclera of the eye a pressure sensor in the surgical tool determines whether there is sufficient pressure between the surgical tool and the sclera of the eye for the surgical tool to operate properly. The surgeon activates the surgical tool to cause the surgical blade to advance through the sclera to form an incision having dimensions to receive a scleral prosthesis. When the incision is complete the surgical blade is rotated back out of the incision. The incision has the exact dimensions to receive a scleral prosthesis.

Abstract: A rotatable thrombectomy wire for breaking up thrombus or other obstructive material comprising an inner core composed of a flexible material and an outer wire surrounding at least a portion of the inner core. The outer wire has a sinuous shaped portion at a distal region. The inner core limits the compressibility of the outer wire. The outer wire is operatively connectable at a proximal end to a motor for rotating the wire to macerate thrombus.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, a medical device is provided, which comprises the following: (a) a hollow elongate body (e.g., a elongate cylinder, such as a needle) having distal and proximal ends; and (b) a rotatable member comprising a tissue morselizer and an elongate shaft (e.g., an auger-like tissue-drilling bit). The device (i) advances material (e.g., morselated tissue) toward the proximal end of the hollow elongate body when the shaft is rotated in a first direction, and (ii) advances material (e.g., a therapeutic agent and/or a bulking agent) toward the distal end of the hollow elongate body when the shaft is rotated in a second direction that is opposite the first direction. The invention also provides a method of treatment for morselizing and removing tissue from within the patient and creating a void within the patient and introducing a therapeutic agent and/or a bulking agent into the void.

Abstract: A rotary surgical instrument includes an outer member having an aperture in a distal portion thereof, and an inner member for being rotatably disposed within the outer member to move a cutting element on the inner member past the aperture to cut anatomical tissue. The inner member has an aperture, and the cutting element comprises first and second rows of cutting teeth extending longitudinally along opposite sides of the inner member aperture. Each cutting tooth is convexly curved, the cutting teeth of one row curving in opposition to the cutting teeth of the other row. The rows of cutting teeth have their tips staggered.

Abstract: A surgical cutting accessory that includes inner and outer tubes. A cutting feature is attached to the inner tube. The proximal end of the inner tube is connected to an inner hub. The inner hub has features for engaging a drive shaft integral with a handpiece to which the accessory is attached. The outer hub has features that facilitate the removable coupling of the hub to the handpiece. The outer hub is formed with a bore through which the inner tube extends. The outer hub also has an inlet port that extends from an outer surface of the hub to the main bore. Irrigation fluid can be flowed through this port into the annular space between the inner and outer tubes. A seal is located adjacent the inlet port.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for cutting out and removing tissue cylinders from a tissue located within a cavity of the body or a joint and/or in or on a wall section thereof. Said apparatus comprises at least two, especially two cutting devices (12, 12?), each of which has a hollow cylindrical base (14, 14?), a distal opening (18, 18?) at a distal end (16, 16?) of the base (14, 14?), and a cutting element (20, 20?) that surrounds the distal opening (18, 18?). The at least two cutting devices (12, 12?) are disposed inside each other and can be rotated relative to one another. The apparatus further comprises at least one driving device (22) for rotating the respective base (14, 14?) of the at least two cutting devices (12, 12?) about the longitudinal axis (24, 24?) of the base (14, 14?). The invention also relates to the use of said apparatus.

Abstract: A method of closing an open wound in a body part, comprising making a plurality of spaced incisions in the skin adjacent to or near the wound sufficient to enable the skin to be stretched over the wound. Thereafter, the skin is stretched over the wound and secured in place over the wound to close it. Also, in accordance with a new method of decompression for fasciotomies, spaced incisions may be made in the skin overlying the muscle compartment to be decompressed to allow for adequate drainage and decompression of the swollen, tense and compromised muscle compartment, and preserve the integrity of the overlying skin to minimize or eliminate the need for skin grafting. A new and improved circular surgical scalpel may be used to make the spaced incisions in the skin.

Abstract: A surgical micro-burring instrument including an outer tubular member coaxially maintaining an inner tubular member. The outer tubular member defines a proximal section, a distal section, and a central lumen extending from the proximal section to the distal section. The distal section forms a pocket and an elevator tip. The pocket has a bottom wall and an opposed upper opening. The elevator tip extends distal the pocket. The inner tubular member forms a bur received within the pocket. Upon final assembly, at least a portion of the bur is exposed relative to the outer tubular member via the upper opening of the pocket. The elevator tip is configured to facilitate lifting of soft tissue, such as mucosa, while positioning the bur, via the pocket, in an appropriate location for cutting contacted harder tissue, such as turbinate bone or septal bone/cartilage.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for macerating and removing tissue. In general, a maceration device is provided that can be distally advanced into a body in a minimally invasive surgical procedure and positioned proximate to tissue desirable for removal from the body. The maceration device can include an elongate shaft having a cutting element positioned on the shaft's side (i.e., not located on a distal tip of the elongate shaft). The cutting element can rotate to macerate tissue. When being introduced to the body, an elongate axis of the elongate shaft and a longitudinal axis of the cutting element can be substantially parallel to each other. When the cutting element rotates, the elongate axis of the elongate shaft and longitudinal axis of the cutting element can not be parallel during at least a portion of the cutting element's rotation.

Abstract: A surgical device 20 for attaching staples 40 to a portion of a body comprising an anvil 23; a smart memory material (SMM) 50, 75 capable of going from one physical state to another physical state; a supply of staples in communication with the smart memory material and placed near the anvil; and an activating apparatus 21 which is in communication with the smart memory material and which can cause the change in the physical state of the smart memory material, which change in state causes the movement of the staples against the anvil thereby securing the staples 40 to the desired body portion. The device utilizes a source of electricity which when activated causes the SMM to expand in volume thereby moving an individual staple from the supply of staples. The device may also contain a surgical knife 62 to cut a body portion wherein a SMM is in communication with the knife whereby when the SMM expands it engages the knife causing the knife to cut the desired body portion.

Abstract: A prostate therapy system is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can access a prostate lobe transurethrally. Another feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can deliver condensable vapor into the prostate to ablate the prostate tissue. Another feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can aspirate tissue from the prostate. Yet another feature of the prostate therapy system is that it includes a cutter that can rotate during delivery of vapor and aspiration of tissue. Methods associated with use of the prostate therapy system are also covered.

Abstract: A corneal punch comprising a base unit having a first annular mating surface surrounding a well in which a donor cornea may be located, and a separate guide unit including an inner annular guide shaft and an outer locating ring connected to the guide shaft and having a second annular mating surface. The base unit and the guide unit may be releasably positioned in registration with each other by way of the first and second mating surfaces such that the guide shaft is substantially coaxial with the well.

Abstract: A precision adjustable surgical tool holder/driver is provided which is easily disassembled for cleaning and precisely reassembled. The holder/driver has a positionable handle allowing adjustment of the position of the handle about the spindle of the holder to enable the “handedness” of the holder to be changed in order to accommodate a user while operating from the left or right side of the patient, standing behind or in-front of the patient, or for use in different surgical methods. The holder/driver includes a “limited-play” capture mechanism, which connects the drive end of the housing to its locking sleeve via a limited-play locking device. The limited-play locking device utilizes a disengageable, precision fitted bayonet pin and seat combination in part to accomplish the precision reassembly feature of the present invention.

Abstract: A biopsy device and method are provided for obtaining and storing multiple tissue samples. The device permits the tissue samples to be stored in an end to end configuration. The device can include a sample tube having a sample lumen and a generally parallel vacuum lumen. A movable member, such as rod, can be advanced to uncover a predetermined number of fluid passageways between the sample lumen and the vacuum lumen as each sample is severed.