Abstract: A non-linear electrosurgical electrode extender is disclosed. The extender includes a shaft at a proximal end thereof, a receiver at a distal end thereof, and a curved body portion extending between the shaft and the receiver. The shaft fits in an electrosurgical handpiece that defines a handpiece central axis. The receiver receives the electrosurgical electrode. The curved body portion is disposed outside the handpiece central axis and positions the receiver at a converging angle relative to the handpiece central axis such that when the electrosurgical electrode is disposed in the receiver, a surgically active distal end of the electrode intersects the handpiece central axis. The electrode extender is adapted for use with wire loop gynecologic electrosurgical electrode in gynecologic procedures. The extender maintains the tactility and control of a straight electrode extender while permitting the handpiece to be disposed outside the cervix view axis.

Abstract: A balloon tamponade catheter for controlling uterine postpartum hemorrhage has an elongated body with a balloon at a marginal distal end of the elongated body for insertion into the uterus. The balloon preferably has a pear-shaped appearance. The balloon may have a first hemisphere that is located on the catheter distal to second, smaller hemisphere. The first hemisphere has a plane of maximum diameter that is larger than the second hemisphere's plane of maximum diameter. Between the two planes of maximum diameter, the balloon comprises a transition section. In some cases, the transition section bows inward towards the elongated body when the balloon is uninflated and/or inflated. Additionally, the elongated body preferably does not extend distally past the distal end of the first hemisphere.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable medical-examination light. Specifically, the invention relates to a disposable light for use with a speculum. Generally, the disposable light includes a casing with an interior and an exterior. The casing interior may be adapted to hold at least one battery. The casing exterior may include a proximal surface and a distal surface. A protrusion may extend from the proximal surface, and at least one light-emitting diode (“LED”), such as a white and/or green light producing LED, may be substantially disposed at a proximal end of the protrusion. Additionally, a gripping mechanism may extend from the casing's proximal surface. The disposable light may also comprise electrical components for connecting at least one battery to at least one LED. Furthermore, the disposable light may also include a switching mechanism that may be configured to close an electrical circuit between an LED and a battery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable medical-examination light. Specifically, the invention relates to a disposable light for use with a speculum. Generally, the disposable light includes a casing with an interior and an exterior. The casing interior may be adapted to hold at least one battery. The casing exterior may include a proximal surface and a distal surface. A protrusion may extend from the proximal surface, and at least one light-emitting diode (“LED”), such as a white and/or green light producing LED, may be substantially disposed at a proximal end of the protrusion. Additionally, a gripping mechanism may extend from the casing's proximal surface. The disposable light may also comprise electrical components for connecting at least one battery to at least one LED. Furthermore, the disposable light may also include a switching mechanism that may be configured to close an electrical circuit between an LED and a battery.

Abstract: This application relates generally to a trans-cervical balloon catheter. The catheter may have an elongated body for insertion into the uterus. Located distally on the elongated body, the catheter may have a balloon that has a substantially conical-shaped proximal end when inflated. The balloon may comprise a proximal origin and a distal origin with a longitudinal midpoint located midway between the origins. The balloon may have a plane of maximum diameter located between the distal origin and the longitudinal midpoint. The proximal end of the balloon may taper from the plane of maximum diameter towards the proximal origin of the balloon in any manner that gives the proximal end of the balloon a conical-shaped appearance.

Abstract: Lockable enteral feeding adapters are disclosed. A female adapter has a female tapered cavity having a circular sidewall, a tapered inner surface and an external surface. The female tapered cavity has an external opening at a proximal end thereof that does not form a liquid-tight connection with a standard male Luer conical fitting. One or more threads are disposed on the external surface of the tapered cavity. A male adapter has a male tapered cone is sized to mate with the female tapered cavity. The male tapered cone is too large to form an effective connection with a standard female Luer conical fitting. An internally threaded locking ring is mounted around the male tapered cone. Rotation of the locking ring relative to the one or more threads locks the male adapter to the corresponding female adapter to prevent unintentional disengagement of the male and female adapters.

Abstract: Lockable enteral feeding adapters are disclosed. A female adapter has a female tapered cavity having a circular sidewall, a tapered inner surface and an external surface. The female tapered cavity has an external opening at a proximal end thereof that does not form a liquid-tight connection with a standard male Luer conical fitting. One or more threads are disposed on the external surface of the tapered cavity. A male adapter has a male tapered cone that is sized to mate with the female tapered cavity. The male tapered cone is too large to form an effective connection with a standard female Luer conical fitting. An internally threaded locking ring is mounted around the male tapered cone. Rotation of the locking ring relative to the one or more threads locks the male adapter to the corresponding female adapter to prevent unintentional disengagement of the male and female adapters.

Abstract: An improved electrosurgical cutting device for connection to an electrosurgical generator has a non-conductive support member with a peripheral edge and a conducting member in the form of a wire electrode, distinct from the support member, disposed along at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the support member. The conducting member is electrically connected to an electrosurgical generator suitable for transmitting sufficient high frequency electrical energy to the conducting member, thereby enabling the conducting member to cut body tissue. The support member has a configuration that facilitates the manipulation of body tissue either with or without the presence of electrical energy at the conducting member.

Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient and cost effective device for applying electrical stimulation to a body cavity. Preferred embodiments of the invention also provide the function of measuring the pressure exerted by the body cavity. The present invention is particularly useful when treating urinary incontinence in females. By providing electrical stimulation to the vagina, the present invention strengthens the pelvic floor muscles to improve urinary continence. The preferred embodiments of the invention which provide the function of measuring the pressure exerted by the body cavity convey to a user in a humanly perceptible manner the pressure exerted by the body cavity in order to provide feedback on the strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles. Most advantageously, a carrier structure which is inserted into the body cavity is fabricated from a low cost material, such as an injection molded thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A digital amniotome with a directional indicator, having an elastomeric finger sheath configured to fit over a user's finger, and a membrane rupturing unit having a sharp-tipped element extending from a base. The sharp-tipped element is directionally oriented, such that it has a cutting edge for rupturing an amniotic membrane and a smooth edge. In one embodiment, the base is secured to the interior surface of the distal end of the finger sheath such that the sharp-tipped element passes through the opening in the distal end of said finger sheath. The base and/or the opening of the finger sheath are shaped to facilitate visual identification of the directional orientation of the sharp-tipped element. The finger sheath is color contrasted with the base to further facilitate visual identification of directional orientation of the sharp-tipped element.

Abstract: An electrosurgical cutting device for excising a tissue specimen from a uterine cervix having a substantially constant section. The electrosurgical cutting device including a conducting member operably disposed in relation to a non-conductive support assembly. The support assembly is formed comprising an operative tip having a size sufficient for insertion into a uterine cervical canal and an extension member disposed substantially outward from the axis of an intermediate body portion of the support assembly. Extending arcuately away in a radial direction from a point of substantial tangency to the intermediate body portion of the support assembly, the extension member includes a surface facing facilitating a structural stop for limiting the insertion depth of the operative tip through the cervical canal. The conducting member is formed of a material suitable for conducting high frequency electrical energy for cutting body tissue.

Abstract: A subcutaneous radiation reflection probe for measuring oxygen saturation in living tissue includes an elongate drive shaft on one end of which is detachably coupled a mounting cup. The mounting cup includes a hollow for receiving and holding a base element on which is mounted a spiral needle which coils outwardly from the mounting cup to terminate in a pointed end. A window is formed in the spiral needle near the pointed end thereof for receiving and holding a radiation emitter, such as a light emitting diode. A radiation detector is disposed on the base element within the coil of the spiral needle. The probe may be used to measure oxygen saturation in living tissue, such as a fetal scalp, by inserting the mounting cup and drive shaft through an introducer into a woman's vagina until the spiral needle contacts the fetal scalp.

Abstract: An improved electrosurgical cutting device for connection to an electrosurgical generator has a non-conductive support member with a peripheral edge and a conducting member, distinct from the support member, disposed along at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the support member. The support member extends from a bendable shaft which may be manipulated to create an angled device. The conducting member is in electrical communication with an electrosurgical generator suitable for transmitting sufficient high frequency electrical energy to the conducting member, thereby enabling the conducting member to function as the active outlet in a monopolar circuit. The support member has a configuration that facilitates the manipulation of body tissue either with or without the presence of electrical energy at the conducting member.

Abstract: An apparatus for sampling blood through an intravenous or intraarterial tube which does not interfere with normal operation of an infusion operation or a direct pressure monitoring operation. A needleless sampling site at which fluid can be removed is connected to the tube. A chamber is provided which is connected to the tube such that fluid can be interchanged between the tube and the chamber. A plunger is provided for drawing the fluid from the tube into the chamber and for expelling the fluid from the chamber into the tube. In its normal position, the plunger blocks the interconnection between the tube and the chamber. When in its sampling position, the plunger creates a vacuum in the chamber causing the fluid in the tube to be aspirated into the chamber. The aspirating action causes fluid in the patient to be drawn up to the sampling site. An actuator, which can be operated by a single hand of a medical practitioner, imparts an appropriate feel to the system operation.

Abstract: A system for intrauterine detection of one or more biological substances, such as meconium or blood, is described. The presence in amniotic fluid of such biological substances indicates an abnormal condition which justifies intervention on the part of a medical practitioner supervising the labor and delivery. A flexible cable which can be inserted into the uterus is provided which includes at least two lumens. The first lumen is used to draw amniotic fluid through the lumen into an observation chamber outside of the uterus and at the an end of the first lumen. The fluid is visually observed by a medical practitioner for the presence of a biological substance or the biological substance can be detected by any one several described instruments. It is preferred that if an instrument is used to detect the biological substance that a transparent visual observation chamber also be included so allow visual detection also.

Abstract: An improved electrosurgical cutting device for connection to an electrosurgical generator has a non-conductive support member with a peripheral edge and a conducting member in the form of a wire electrode, distinct from the support member, disposed along at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the support member. The conducting member is electrically connected to an electrosurgical generator suitable for transmitting sufficient high frequency electrical energy to the conducting member, thereby enabling the conducting member to cut body tissue. The support member has a configuration that facilitates the manipulation of body tissue either with or without the presence of electrical energy at the conducting member.

Abstract: A subcutaneous radiation reflection probe for measuring oxygen saturation in living tissue includes an elongate drive shaft on one end of which is detachably coupled a mounting cup. The mounting cup includes a hollow for receiving and holding a base element on which is mounted a spiral needle which coils outwardly from the mounting cup to terminate in a pointed end. A window is formed in the spiral needle near the pointed end thereof for receiving and holding a radiation emitter, such as a light emitting diode. A radiation detector is disposed on the base element within the coil of the spiral needle. The probe may be used to measure oxygen saturation in living tissue, such as a fetal scalp, by inserting the mounting cup and drive shaft through an introducer into a woman's vagina until the spiral needle contacts the fetal scalp.

Abstract: A hand-held gynecologic instrument for use in manipulating a uterus comprises an elongate body and a handle with a contour. An actuating lever used to control uterine movement is operable by the same hand that grips the handle. A uterus manipulation member pivotally connected to the elongate body comprises a tube formed with a shallow curve and fitted with an elastomeric tip and an irrigation conduit. The tube is releasably connected to a pivot block which has a tapered bore. A tapered bushing which mates with the bore is disposed about the tube. The tube and bushing are releasably secured by a nut to permit alteration of the effective length and rotational position of the tube to accommodate different uteruses. The pivot block is pivotally connected to the elongate body and to one end of a rod. The rod's other end is pivotally connected to the actuating lever to translate movement of the actuating lever into pivotal movement of the pivot block and hence into rotation of the tube about the anteverting axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for clamping, cutting, and collecting a blood sample from an umbilical cord is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing for receiving and entrapping a section of umbilical cord. The housing is formed by a lid and a handle connected at a hinge. Upon closing the lid, the umbilical cord is clamped with a clamp removably connected to the housing. A slidable blade assembly cuts the umbilical cord using a slicing motion. A blood collection chamber located in the handle collects blood from the cut umbilical cord. A fluid passageway connects the blood collection chamber to one or more blood containers. An absorbent gasket surrounds the blood collection chamber in the handle for collecting and retaining excess blood that may exceed the capacity of the collection chamber. A placenta clamp is provided for gripping or clamping the placenta side of the umbilical cord after it has been cut.

Abstract: A composition for determining pH of a solution comprises a fluorescent carbazine dye covalently bound to a solid support. A method of determining pH of a solution comprises placing the composition in the solution, contacting the composition with a selected wavelength of light to excite fluorescence by the carbazine dye, measuring intensities of the fluorescence at two selected wavelengths, calculating a ratio of fluorescence intensities at the two selected wavelengths, and correlating the ratio with a predetermined relationship of such ratios to pH. A fiber optic system for measuring pH of a solution with the carbazine-dye-containing composition is also disclosed.