Abstract: Continuous performance monitoring and an automated alert system are provided for a postoperative fluid drainage procedure. The system uses an automated controller in communication with at least one sensor that monitors the amount of liquid collected during the procedure. The controller compares current collection data with historical collection data to identify trends that can be indicative of problems in the patient's recovery or in system drainage. Upon identifying such trends, the controller automatically provides an alarm to alert the care provider so that the system can be checked and remedial action taken.

Abstract: An apparatus for irrigating a local irrigation site includes a suction/irrigation tip that is removably connected to a suction/irrigation handpiece. The tip has an irrigation tube for directing irrigation liquid to the irrigation site, and a suction tube coaxially aligned within the irrigation tube. The handpiece pumps irrigation liquid from an external reservoir, through the annular space between the irrigation tubes and the suction tube to the irrigation site. Suction is applied to the site through the central suction lumen which has a large unobstructed opening to reduce clogging. A flexible splash shield, slidably mounted to the tip, is conically shaped and extends distally from a collar to a rim. The rim is sized to fit around and about the local site.

Abstract: A spiral drive system for threaded fasteners includes driver-engageable surfaces on the head end of the fastener in which at least some of the driver-engageable surfaces are defined by a spiral segment configured to maximize torque transmission while spreading the driving load over a broad driver-fastener interface to reduce the risk of development of high stress regions. Drivers and related tooling also are disclosed.

Abstract: The stent appears as a prismatic cage (3) of which the flat faces consist in a corresponding number of modular elements (2) linked one to the next in sequence, each comprising a pair of first mutually parallel tubular elements (4), fashioned in a biocompatible material, and a pair of filiform spacer elements (5), likewise biocompatible, which are inserted into the first tubular elements (4) in such a way that the assembled modular element (2) assumes a closed quadrangular configuration; each of the spacer elements (5) is deformable along its own longitudinal axis (X) so that the distance (D) separating the pair of first tubular elements (4) can be varied between a non-operative position of minimum clearance, in which the spacer elements (5) are collapsed and folded, and a stable operating position in which the first tubular elements (4) are spread fully apart with the spacer elements (5) at right angles to them.

Abstract: A handle is provided for attachment to a medical endoscope for advancing instrumentalities through the instrument channel of the endoscope. The handle is adapted for use with instrumentalities requiring multiple longitudinal strokes to be performed in a predetermined sequence. A detent mechanism is provided to assure that a first stroke is completed before the next succeeding stroke begins. The invention as disclosed is used to operate an endoscopic sewing machine.

Abstract: An autotransfusion system for collecting blood from a patient and reinfusing the blood back into the patient is disclosed. The system includes a collection unit, a manually operable portable suction evacuator removably connected to the collection unit, and a blood reinfusion bag removably connected to the collection unit. The collection unit includes a collection chamber that is oversized relative to the volume of blood that the unit is intended to contain, and an airflow port located and oriented in the collection chamber to prevent blood from leaking into the port when the collection unit is oriented upright or on its side. When connected to the patient, the collection unit and portable suction evacuator are maintained free of blood by enclosing them within a substantially transparent, flexible envelope. The envelope enables the unit and evacuator to be connected and set-up for proper operation while preventing blood from contacting the outer surfaces of the unit and evacuator.

Abstract: A self-sealing hemostatic valve for use in a catheter apparatus is disclosed, comprising a proximal valve element having a sealing hole, a distal valve element having a flap and biasing means to enhance the force with which the flap bears against the distal side of the proximal valve element to normally seal the hole. The sealing hole seals about an instrument passed through the valve and the flap seals the valve when no instrument is present. The proximal face of the proximal valve element is provided with discontinuities that increase the flexibility of the proximal valve element in a distal direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for withdrawing an indwelling over-the-wire catheter from an indwelling guidewire in which the guidewire is of a conventional length and is maintained in its indwelling position as the catheter is withdrawn. The position of the guidewire is maintained by constraining a segment of the catheter shaft and its included guidewire in a non-linear configuration such that the guidewire remains in its position as the catheter is withdrawn. The invention may be used to perform catheter exchanges without requiring the use of exchange wires, extension wires, rapid exchange catheters or special devices to connect the guidewire to the guide catheter.

Abstract: A short backloading wire is provided to facilitate the backloading of a catheter onto a guidewire that has a tubular connector. This backloading wire is preferably shorter than the guidewire and at least one end is engageable with the hypotube connector at the proximal end of many guidewires. The free end of the backloading wire has a reduced diameter making easier to insert into the distal tip of a catheter during backloading.

Abstract: A self-priming pulsatile surgical irrigation device is disclosed. The irrigation device comprises a housing, a variable volume pumping chamber liquid pump contained within the housing, and a self-priming valve system operatively associated with the liquid pump. The self-priming valve system, which facilitates the priming of the device, includes a valve housing, a liquid inlet to admit liquid into the valve housing and a liquid outlet to emit liquid from the housing. The housing is configured to define a flow path that directs liquid from the liquid inlet into the pumping chamber. The flow path ensures that the pumping chamber is maintained full during operation of the pump.

Abstract: A sewing device is provided for passing a thread through a substrate portion, particularly a portion of a patient's tissue. The device comprises a hollow needle movable between a first position in which it is out of the substrate portion and a second position in which it passes through the substrate portion. A thread carrier is attached to the thread and can be moved from a position being within the hollow needle to a position outside it.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of butt-welding together sheet metal plates, in particular those having different sheet metal thicknesses, by means of an edge preparation that mills the edges of the sheet metal plates while they are clamped in a sheet metal stack. For this purpose, an appropriate apparatus is provided having supporting and clamping mechanisms.

Abstract: A device is provided for cutting threads, particularly curing surgery carried out using an endoscope. The device has a cutting member having at least one aperture extending therethrough of a size sufficient to permit the surgical thread to slide therethrough, the aperture having a thread-cutting edge. In use, the cutting member is located at the distal end of an endoscope.