Abstract: An annuloplasty ring and ring holder combination includes a generally triangular-shaped ring and a generally T-shaped holder. The ring holder has a base portion forming the top of the T shape and engaging against a first segment of the ring, with a radial arm extending from the base portion and forming the post of the T. The radial arm engages against a junction between two segments of the ring. The invention includes placements of suture holes and cutting wells which, in combination with the improved ring holder shape, afford the user improved access and visibility to the surgical site, the ring, and to the suture that is used to retain the annuloplasty ring to the holder.

Abstract: A mitral annuloplasty ring that has a saddle shape with an upward bow in both an anterior segment and a posterior portion, with the upward bow being more pronounced in the anterior segment. The ring defines a closed ring body with a rounded isosceles triangular shape and the anterior segment along a long side. The posterior portion bulges outward to create a minor-major axis dimension ratio of between about 3.3:4 to 4:4. An inner ring body is made of a generally rigid material such as titanium that will substantially resist distortion when subjected to the stress imparted thereon after implantation in the mitral valve annulus of an operating human heart. The outward and upward posterior bow of the annuloplasty ring corrects for pathologies associated with mitral valve prolapse, as seen with Barlow's syndrome for instance, in which the leaflets tend to be elongated or floppy.

Abstract: An annuloplasty ring and ring holder combination includes a generally triangular-shaped ring and a generally T-shaped holder. The ring holder has a base portion forming the top of the T shape and engaging against a first segment of the ring, with a radial arm extending from the base portion and forming the post of the T. The radial arm engages against a junction between two segments of the ring. The invention includes placements of suture holes and cutting wells which, in combination with the improved ring holder shape, afford the user improved access and visibility to the surgical site, the ring, and to the suture that is used to retain the annuloplasty ring to the holder.

Abstract: A process gas to a reactor volume of a semiconductor processing reactor is provided through gas injector ports of a gas ring. The process gas flows horizontally from the gas injector ports across a principal surface of a rotating susceptor to exhaust ports of the gas ring. The spent process gas is removed from the reactor volume through the exhaust ports.

Abstract: An annuloplasty ring holder includes an angled post for improved visibility and access by the surgeon. The post may be configured to be adjusted in angle and rotation. The ring holder can include a relatively open lower template, including relatively narrow extending radial arms with short, generally arcuate ring-retaining distal portions. The invention includes placements of suture holes and cutting wells which, in combination with improved suture routing, afford the user improved access to cutting the suture that is used to retain the annuloplasty ring to the holder.

Abstract: An intubation device comprises an imaging conduit including an illumination conduit for delivering illumination to a distal end of the device and an image-receiving conduit for communicating images from the distal end of the device to the proximal end of the device. The device also comprises a flushing conduit for delivery of fluids and/or gases to the distal end of the device. The image conduit and the flushing conduit are attached at the distal end of the device. The distal end of the device can be manipulated by advancing the imaging conduit in an axial direction while maintaining the flushing conduit fixed in place. Furthermore, a length adjustment member is provided for adjusting the extent to which the distal end of the device extends beyond a distal end of an endotracheal tube which is inserted over the imaging and flushing conduits. The illuminating conduit and the image-receiving conduit terminate in separate ports at the distal end of the device.