Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is disclosed surgical methods and apparatus for accessing and stabilizing the heart. The methods and apparatus facilitate access to an anastomosis site, allows various instruments or devices to be maneuvered and secured in place, and provide stabilization of the heart. In particular, the apparatus involves a retractor assembly having a pair of opposing blades having a channel adapted to engage an incision in a patient. The retractor blades may have features to cooperatively engage an instrument mount. The instrument mount may hold an instrument, such as a tissue stabilizer, and allows the instrument to be easily maneuvered. The retractor blades may have a number of suture locks for securing sutures used during surgery. The retractor system is particularly useful in accessing, positioning and stabilizing the beating heart for coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is disclosed surgical methods and apparatus for accessing and stabilizing the heart. The methods and apparatus facilitate access to an anastomosis site, allows various instruments or devices to be maneuvered and secured in place, and provide stabilization of the heart. In particular, the apparatus involves a retractor assembly having a pair of opposing blades having a channel adapted to engage an incision in a patient. The retractor blades may have features to cooperatively engage an instrument mount. The instrument mount may hold an instrument, such as a tissue stabilizer, and allows the instrument to be easily maneuvered. The retractor blades may have a number of suture locks for securing sutures used during surgery. The retractor system is particularly useful in accessing, positioning and stabilizing the beating heart for coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Abstract: A device and method for its use in diagnostic assays are provided. The device comprises at least one assay path, where an assay path includes a main flow path and at least one side reagent channel. The main flow path begins at a sample addition port, continues through a main reagent area into an incubation area and ends in a waste area. In fluid communication with the main flow path is at least one side reagent channel that begins at a liquid addition port, continues through a side reagent area and ends in said main channel at a region between the main reagent and waste areas, usually upstream from the incubation area. Agitation means may be included in at least one of the main and side reagent areas and/or the incubation area. At least one fluid interruption means located at various positions along the main and side reagent channels upstream from the incubation area provide for control over reagent interaction and fluid flow through the device.

Abstract: An introducer cartridge for an embolization device for use with a delivery catheter having a proximal end with a hub mounted thereon and having a conical recess therein. The introducer cartridge includes a flexible elongate tubular member formed of a clear plastic and has a flow passage extending therethrough and has proximal and distal extremities. The distal extremity is tapered and a hub formed of clear plastic is secured to the proximal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member. The hub of the introducer cartridge has a conical recess therein having proximal and distal extremities. The distal extremity of the conical recess has a diameter which is slightly less than the diameter of the flow passage in the elongate tubular member.

Abstract: An introducer cartridge for an embolization device for use with a delivery catheter having a proximal end with a hub mounted thereon and having a conical recess therein. The introducer cartridge comprises a flexible elongate tubular member formed of a clear plastic and has a flow passage extending therethrough and has proximal and distal extremities. The distal extremity is tapered and a hub formed of clear plastic is secured to the proximal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member. The hub of the introducer cartridge has a conical recess therein having proximal and distal extremities. The distal extremity of the conical recess has a diameter which is slightly less than the diameter of the flow passage in the elongate tubular member.