An apparatus for disrupting tissue in the intervertebral disc space that includes a barrier member having a first configuration for insertion into the disc space and a second configuration when deployed within the disc space. The second configuration of the barrier member is adapted to at least partially define a perimeter of a working region within the disc space. The apparatus also includes a tissue disruption tool configured for insertion into the working region.

An elongate tool with a cutting end. In some embodiments the end is bendable. Optionally, the end is bendable between two cutting edges. Optionally or alternatively, the end includes both a forward cutting edge and a side cutting edge. The tool may be sized for hand-held use, with control from outside the body, for treating a spinal stenosis.

A cannula assembly for use in laproscopic surgery includes a cannula having a proximal end for use in orientating the assembly into an abdominal cavity, a distal end for insertion into a patient, and a passage through which surgical instruments can be inserted. An expandable feature in the form of an anchor is located toward the distal end of the cannula and is selectively expandable and collapsible. The feature in its expanded state prevents withdrawal of the cannula. A collar is pushed distally until it releasably cinches to the outside of the abdominal cavity thereby creating an airtight seal and stabilizing the assembly. The collar has a friction fit with the cannula designed to prevent excessive force against the cavity walls.

A dissector including a body, a first arm, a second arm, and a string. The first arm extending from the body towards a distal end thereof and the second arm extending from the body towards a distal end thereof. One end of the string is coupled to the first arm adjacent the distal end thereof and the other end of the string is coupled to the second arm adjacent the distal end thereof. The first and second arms have an expanded configuration such that the string is taut and have a collapsed configuration such that the string is slack. The string is configured to dissect tissue when the first and second arms are in the expanded configuration. The string may oscillate to dissect tissue. The distal ends of the first and second arms may atraumatically dissect tissue.

In the field of minimally invasive or laparoscopic surgery, in there exists several devices for the purposes of removing large tissues from the abdomen through the use of only small holes. All of these devices, to date, to the knowledge of the inventor have involved morcellation, or the breaking apart of these tissues into small pieces. The surgical device, through the use of a unique engulfing sheet or engulfing bag, has the capability of removing a tissue from the abdomen through small minimally invasive or laparoscopic incisions without the use of morcellation. The device relies upon mechanical energy to force a large object through a smaller hole without the necessity to break the object down into smaller pieces.

An apparatus for disrupting tissue in the intervertebral disc space that includes a barrier member having a first configuration for insertion into the disc space and a second configuration when deployed within the disc space. The second configuration of the barrier member is adapted to at least partially define a perimeter of a working region within the disc space. The apparatus also includes a tissue disruption tool configured for insertion into the working region.

An elongate tool with a cutting end. In some embodiments the end is bendable. Optionally, the end is bendable between two cutting edges. Optionally or alternatively, the end includes both a forward cutting edge and a side cutting edge. The tool may be sized for hand-held use, with control from outside the body, for treating a spinal stenosis.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to devices and methods for preparing an existing, implanted prosthetic aortic valve for subsequent prosthetic aortic valve implantation. To prepare the existing valve, a valve preparation device is delivered to the valve and valve leaflets are severed either via mechanical cutting or electrodes so that the leaflets cannot obstruct a blood flow path once a prosthetic valve is subsequently implanted within the valve. Similarly, in alternate embodiments, devices and methods of the disclosure can be used for preparing a native aortic valve for delivery and implantation of a prosthetic valve.

A wire for cutting human soft tissue and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. The method includes at least: forming a first stranded wire using a plurality of element wires; forming a second stranded wire using the first stranded wires; washing the second stranded wire with acetone and alcohol; mounting the second stranded wire, subjected to the third step, in a vacuum arc deposition system equipped with a cathodic arc source; forming a vacuum level of 10.sup.?6 Torr or less in the vacuum system; cleaning the second stranded wire, subjected to the fourth step, in the vacuum system; and forming a hard coating layer of a compound containing titanium nitride (TiN) on the surface of the second stranded wire 3 at 400? C. in the vacuum system.

A device for treatment of varicose veins includes a catheter (1), which can be inserted into a vein to be treated. There is a balloon (2) with at least one cutting element (3) for cutting at least part of an inner wall of the vein arranged on a proximal end (1a) of the catheter. The catheter has side openings (7a-7c), through which a sclerosing agent can be introduced into the vein. The at least one cutting element includes a cutting edge configured to cut intima and media of the vein when withdrawing the balloon from the vein after treatment with the sclerosing agent.