Abstract: An electro-acupuncture device for controlling nausea. The device includes a base unit which is includes a wrist-watch like housing, circuitry for generating electro-acupuncture stimulus disposed within the housing, and a strap for securing the housing to the wrist. The base unit has a standardized construction. The device also includes a releasably attachable electrode assembly. The electrode assembly attaches to the base unit of the device. The electrode assembly includes a pair of electrodes and connectors for connecting the electrodes to the circuitry of the base unit. The output of the device is dependent upon the circuitry of the electrode assembly. Thus various electrode assemblies can be made. The circuitry of the base unit modifies the output of the device depending upon which electrode assembly is attached to the base unit.

Abstract: A device and method of use for securing and coring of tumors within the body during a biopsy of the tumor, specifically breast tumors. An adhesion probe for securing the tumor is described. The probe secures the tumor by piercing the tumor and providing a coolant to the distal tip to cool the tip. The cooled tip adheres to the tumor. A coring instrument adapted for cutting a core sample of the tumor is described. The instrument is provided with a cannula that can cut a core sample of the tumor. The instrument is adapted for use with the probe with the probe fitting within the cannula. The instrument can be used in conjunction with the probe to secure and core a sample of the tumor for biopsy.

Abstract: A drug delivery catheter suited for cardiac procedures including transmyocardial revascularization. The catheter includes a distal helical coil or other fixation and penetrating element, which can be operated from the proximal end of the catheter to engage and penetrate the myocardium. Once delivered to the inside of the heart, the catheter can be used to created several helical wounds in the myocardium, and also inject small doses of therapeutic agents to the wounds. The TMR accomplished by the procedure provides for large wound to penetration ratio, and limits the potential of perforating the heart wall.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an AC/DC converting control circuit, which is used in transformerless AC/DC converting apparatuses. The control circuit primarily includes a current-switch circuit, a duty-control circuit and a load-current limiting circuit. When electrically connecting with a load and a voltage source in series, the control circuit of the present invention reduces the oscillation during on/off switching and provides a stable output current.

Abstract: A surgical device and method allows simultaneous application of suction or vacuum to body tissue and application of energy to the body tissue drawn into a cannula. The device may be inserted laparoscopically into the body, and operated to suck body tissue into the cannula, and heat or electrical energy may be applied to the tissue, and irrigation fluid may also be supplied to surrounding tissue to flush debris and cooling the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A device and method of use for securing and coring of tumors within the body during a biopsy of the tumor, specifically breast tumors. An adhesion probe for securing the tumor is described. The probe secures the tumor by piercing the tumor and providing a coolant to the distal tip to cool the tip. The cooled tip adheres to the tumor. A coring instrument adapted for cutting a core sample of the tumor is described. The instrument is provided with a cannula that can cut a core sample of the tumor. The instrument is adapted for use with the probe with the probe fitting within the cannula. The instrument can be used in conjunction with the probe to secure and core a sample of the tumor for biopsy.

Abstract: A method of reducing pre-menstrual syndrome in a patient utilizing a non-invasive nerve stimulation device applied over acupuncture points and nerves in the ankle or calf of the patient.

Abstract: The multi-person stereo display system permits several independent viewers to see different stereo images on a single projection surface. This is accomplished through the innovative use of video multiplexing, software, control electronics, and special viewing glasses. The system is particularly useful in situations where the viewers see computer generated images from their own independent perspectives.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a stent or other medical device by creating a free standing thin film of metal.

Abstract: A hand-held suction pump for creating a vacuum in a container (2) provided with a suction valve (3), comprising an elongated outer casing in which an electric motor (7) and a piston pump (14, 15) driven by the motor (7) are accommodated, wherein the pump chamber (14) of the piston pump is connected by an inlet valve and a suction duct (28) to a hollow tip (34) at the free end of the casing for direct coupling with the suction valve of the container, the pump chamber being further connected by an outlet valve to an exhaust duct (29) having a duct opening on the outer surface of the wall of the outer casing for porting an exhaust flow to the exterior of the outer casing. In order to reduce noise caused by the exhaust flow, the duct opening of the exhaust duct (29) is overlapped by a baffle (38) which is separated by a gapped distance from the outer surface of the wall of the outer casing so as to deflect the exhaust flow exiting the duct opening by a substantial angle.

Abstract: An improved ostomy face plate. The improved face plate includes a ring seal of silicone foam, a blotter ring disposed between the ring seal and the barrier seal, and an improved barrier seal compound with a low isobutylene content.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering a drug to a target site within a patient's body. The system and method include a steerable guide catheter and a drug delivery catheter. The steerable guide catheter has a first extension tube and a second extension tube that are joined together and form a shoulder. The delivery catheter has a distal docking segment and a proximal docking segment. The guide catheter is inserted into the patient's body, then the delivery catheter is inserted into the guide catheter. The distal docking segment engages the first extension tube, the proximal docking segment engages the second extension tube, and the shoulder limits the distance the delivery catheter can be inserted into the guide catheter. Also, once the delivery catheter is inserted it can be rotated to attach the helical tip to the target site. The guide catheter also includes a steering mechanism as well as a friction mechanism which controls the tension on the steering mechanism.

Abstract: A method of treating the heart and other body tissues by injecting a compound comprised of microsphere encapsulated macromolecule therapeutic agents into the myocardium, such that the microsphere size inhibits capillary transport of the compound but may permit lymphatic transport of the compound, and the compound releases therapeutic agents upon degradation of the microsphere. The compounds may be used in a method of treating the coronary arteries in which lymphatic transportable therapeutic agents are injected into the myocardium at a location distal to a target site in the coronary artery, after which they are taken up by the lymphatic vessels and transported proximally relative to the coronary artery, and migrate from the lymphatic vessel to the coronary blood vessel.

Abstract: A minimally invasive device for performing direct cardiac massage including an inflatable bladder mounted on a rigid inflation tube. The rigid inflation tube is used to push the bladder into the sternocostal space through an incision in the upper abdomen just below the xiphoid process. After insertion into the sternocostal space, the bladder is repeatedly inflated and deflated to massage the heart and provide blood flow.

Abstract: A device for diagnosis and treatment of tumors and lesions within the body. A cannula adapted to apply suction through the lumen of the catheter to the tumor or lesion is described. The lumen has a self sealing valve through which a cryoprobe is inserted while the suction is being applied. The cryoprobe is then inserted into the lesion, and operated to ablate the lesion.

Abstract: A catheter for injecting a thermally sensitive gelation material to remote sites within a patient's body by maintaining the thermally sensitive gelation material in a liquid state until it is delivered to a target area within the body.

Abstract: Catheter systems and methods for implanting helical or dart-like implants into the myocardium or other body tissue. The catheter system includes a helix for fixing the distal end of the catheter to the myocardium, an implant held by the helix, mechanisms for driving the fixation helix into the myocardium, and mechanisms for driving the implant into the myocardium, removing the fixation helix and leaving the implant behind. The implant may be coated, filled, or made of a drug or drug eluting compound, or drug delivery matrix of any composition.

Abstract: A laparoscopic technique for harvesting the inferior epigastric artery and removing it from the body. The harvested inferior epigastric artery may be used as a bypass graft in a coronary or peripheral bypass operation.

Abstract: A soap assembly comprising a transparent soap, an embedded toy, figurine or the like, and an embedded image layer. The soap assembly could also comprise a transparent soap with an embedded dissolvable image layer.

Abstract: A system for performing chest compression and abdominal compression for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. The system includes a motor and gearbox including a system of clutches and brakes which allow for controlling and limiting the movement of compressing mechanisms operating on the chest and the abdomen of a patient.