Abstract:
The disclosure provides a system and method for a programmable medical wire that can be preprogrammed, and controlled and reshaped upon command. The system can include a power supply, a controller, and a multilayered wire assembly. The wire assembly includes a core conductor, actuator conductors coupled to the core conductor, selective conductors formed adjacent the core conductor and the actuator conductors, and a protective biocompatible shield around the layers. The selective conductors can be energized to activate the actuator conductors and cause the actuator conductors to bend or twist in a preprogrammed manner. By selectively controlling the direction of movement of the actuator conductors, the wire assembly can be remotely guided through body passageways to the target. Auxiliary equipment such as sensors, micro cameras, detectors, cutters, and other equipment can also be coupled to the wire assembly, and controlled and communicated with through one or more of the selective conductors.
Abstract:
Detachment of an implant (20) from a delivery assembly (12) can be electrolytic and provide an electrical current pathway through a fluid (170) within a portion of a delivery system (10) containing the delivery assembly (12). After the implant (20) is located at a target location within a patient, a voltage potential is applied between (i) a delivery electrode (82) electrically connected to an electrolytic detachment zone (30) and (ii) an infusion electrode (80) disposed outside of the patient and electrically connected to the electrolytic detachment zone (30) via a fluid (170) from a fluid source (150) disposed outside of the patient. While applying the voltage potential, the fluid (170) can be flushed from the fluid source (150) past the detachment zone (30).
Abstract:
A surgical retractor for retracting tissue in a surgical field in a patient includes a retractor blade formed from a material so that the retractor blade is non-magnetic, electrically non-conductive, radiolucent, sterilizable and reusable. The material may be a glass filled polymer. A handle may be coupled to a proximal portion of the retractor blade. Additionally an illumination element such as an optical waveguide or light emitting diodes may be coupled to the retractor blade for illuminating the surgical field.
Abstract:
Methods and surgical tools for treating back pain using a spinal facet debridement tool with cautery and denuding action and a minimally invasive protocol that can denude and cauterize soft tissue associated with a synovial capsule of the spinal facet joint.
Abstract:
An electrical insulator is applied to a bone anchor, for instance of a bone implant, such as an external fixation frame, so as to prevent undesirable temperature increases in the bone anchor and surrounding anatomical tissue when subjected magnetic resonance imaging.
Abstract:
Conventional vasectomy techniques suffer from a number of disadvantages, including, for example, a substantial risk for the development of hematomas and swelling, a potential for spontaneous regeneration and undesired resumption of fertility, a need for a highly skilled surgical professional, as well as a long recovery period, accompanied by severe limitations on post-surgical activity. The invention disclosed herein overcomes the disadvantages and deficiencies of the prior art by providing a rapid, reliable, less invasive male sterilization procedure as well as a vasectomy device and kit for use therewith.
Abstract:
An illuminated surgical retractor that comprises a blade portion having a top surface and a bottom surface, and having a proximal end and a distal end, the blade portion comprising an operative portion at the distal end, a saddle portion at the proximal end, and a barrel portion connecting the operative portion and the saddle portion; a handle portion connected to the saddle portion; and an illumination assembly. An end cap assembly coupled to an open bottom end of the handle portion and accommodating an activation device and the at least one battery of the illumination assembly therein.