A syringe propellable by propellant that boils at a predetermined temperature, the syringe including a barrel having an outlet at a front end, and a stopper axially moveable in the barrel. The stopper separates a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber being axially forwards of the stopper and being configured for containing a medicament, and the second chamber being axially rearwards of the stopper and being configured to receive propellant for acting on the stopper to move the stopper axially forwardly in the barrel to expel medicament through the outlet upon actuation of the syringe. The syringe further includes a third chamber for containing propellant. Upon actuation of the syringe, liquid propellant is released from the third chamber and boils outside of the third chamber at or above the predetermined temperature to provide an increasing vapor pressure in the second chamber that causes the stopper to move axially forwardly and begin to expel medicament through the outlet. At least one trigger for triggering an action is provided, the trigger activated in response to the pressure in the second chamber satisfying a predetermined condition.

Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for applying laser energy having desired pulse characteristics, including a sufficiently short duration and/or a sufficiently high energy for the photomechanical treatment of skin pigmentations and pigmented lesions, both naturally-occurring (e.g., birthmarks), as well as artificial (e.g., tattoos). The laser energy may be generated with an apparatus having a resonator with the capability of switching between a modelocked pulse operating mode and an amplification operating mode. The operating modes are carried out through the application of a time-dependent bias voltage, having waveforms as described herein, to an electro-optical device positioned along the optical axis of the resonator.

An electronic cigarette includes a liquid supply including liquid material, a heater operable to heat the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material and form an aerosol, a wick in communication with the liquid material and in communication with the heater such that the wick delivers the liquid material to the heater, at least one air inlet operable to deliver air to a central air passage upstream of the heater, and a mouth end insert having at least two diverging outlets. The electronic cigarette can also include an air flow diverter which directs incoming air away from a heating zone of the heater.

A medical tube has a tube wall, a first end and a second end. At least one heater wire is wrapped around the wall. Near or at one of the first end or the second end, there is at least one recess in an outer surface of the wall. The heater wire passes over the at least one tube recess such that the wire does not contact the wall in the area of the tube recess. Also disclosed are methods of making the tube and components used in making the tube.

An acetabular hip implant and method includes an acetabular shell component having a first feature and a first insert having a second feature that cooperates with the first feature of the acetabular shell component and further includes a third feature. The implant further includes a second insert having a fourth feature that cooperates with the third feature of the first insert and further includes a fifth feature. A femoral head component includes a sixth feature that cooperates with the fifth feature. Interaction between the first and second features, between the third and fourth features, and between the fifth and sixth features mechanically constrains the acetabular hip implant to prevent dislocation of the femoral head during rotation.

An implant delivery system for delivering a sheet-like implant is disclosed. The implant delivery system includes a distal guidewire port for receiving the proximal end of guidewire after the guidewire distal end has been affixed to a first point on bone or other tissue. The implant delivery system is tracked over the guidewire to a selected position defined by the guidewire attachment. The device includes an implant spreader assembly disposed proximate the distal end of a delivery shaft. The implant spreader assembly includes a first arm and a second arm. The arms are coupled to the delivery shaft such that the first arm and second arm are moveable between a closed position and an open position. When pivoting to the open position the distal end of each arm travels in a generally transverse direction to spread a sheet-like implant.

The present disclosure describes a surgical retractor system and method. The surgical retractor includes an elongate element defining an operational axis, a first blade secured to the elongate element and comprising a blade face, a second blade moveably secured to the elongate element, wherein the second blade defines a reference point located thereon, and wherein a movement of the second blade moves the reference point in a linear direction parallel to the operational axis and orthogonal to the blade face. A guide element may be removably located within an opening located on either the first blade or the second blade.

A dynamic bone anchor includes an anchor member having a tubular body with a first end and a second end, the anchor member defining an anchor axis including a plurality of barb elements, and being made at least partially of a nickel-titanium (Ni—Ti) based shape memory alloy. The dynamic bone anchor also including a core member configured to be inserted from the first end through the second end such that a first portion of the tubular body extends out from the first end, and a second portion of the tubular body extends out from the second end. The anchor member and the core member are configured such that when assembled, the first portion of the core member is spaced apart from the anchor member and movable with respect to it, and the second portion of the core member is fixed to and movable together with the anchor member.

Circular stapling instruments and anvil assemblies. The anvil assemblies may have collapsible anvil support members that may be inserted through an opening in a patient and then expanded to be attached to an anvil plate assembly that has a staple-forming surface thereon. The anvil support member is attachable to the anvil plate assembly in such a way that when the anvil assembly is coupled to the stapling head of a circular stapler, the staple-forming surface is in substantial registry with the staples supported in the stapling head. A variety of different anvil support members and anvil plate assemblies are disclosed.

A bowel retractor device comprising a flexible endless collar member, a plurality of discrete first flexible fingers, and a plurality of discrete second flexible fingers is disclosed. The flexible endless collar member comprises an inner wall that defines a central open area. The plurality of discrete first flexible fingers protrude from a first portion of the inner wall. The discrete first flexible fingers are spaced from each other to define a first space therebetween. The plurality of discrete second flexible fingers protrude from a second portion of the inner wall that faces the first portion of the inner wall. Each discrete second flexible finger comprises a second end that extends into a corresponding first space. At least one of the discrete first flexible fingers and at least one of the discrete second flexible fingers each comprise a ball-shaped feature formed on an end thereof.