Abstract: A medical needle or cannula for stimulation or ablation includes a rigid bent tip for simplified placement at target sites within a patient's anatomy. The curved tip or shaft is used to steer the device within the patient's body and to avoid critical anatomical structures. The device is partially insulated and has a tip that is at least partially electrically exposed; a connection to an external signal generator provides electrical stimulation or high-frequency heating of the patient's tissue proximal to the exposed tip. The device includes a longitudinal passage to facilitate the injection of fluids or the insertion of instruments through the cannula or needle.

Abstract: An implantable medical lead for spinal cord, peripheral nerve or deep brain stimulation comprises a lead body which includes a deformable sigma segment preferably in the shape of a sine wave and a lead paddle coupled to the lead body at the distal end thereof. The lead body at its proximal end may be coupled to an implantable pulse generator, additional, intermediate wiring or other stimulation device. The lead paddle may comprise a plurality of electrode contacts for providing electrical stimulation to targeted human tissue. The lead body, which defines the sigma segment, in a plane, couples the lead paddle and pulse generator. The sigma segment provides flexing and bending of the wire when a patient shifts or moves, and especially provides longitudinal extension between the pulse generator and lead paddle.

Abstract: A constant pressure tourniquet has an interior chamber formed therein by a continuous wall surface. The wall of the tourniquet is made of an expansible elastomeric material. The chamber is inflated with a suitable fluid to a pressure in excess of the threshold pressure provided by the elastomeric material. The tourniquet preferably is of annular or rectangular configuration, and can be adjustably arranged to effectively form a toroidal void within which a pressure producing fluid is contained. The tourniquet is made in various different sizes and configurations, and includes overlapping marginal ends which are fastened together and thereby provides a suitable inside diameter for proper placement about one's limb, such as a finger, arm, or leg, for example. The physical characteristics exhibited by the elastomer are selected to provide the required internal pressure for preventing bleeding.

Abstract: A belt for supporting the back and especially for bracing and supporting the lower spinal column, is often referred to as the "small" of the back. The lower marginal end of the spinal column, located at the small of the back, appears to be the first part of a person's back which tires or becomes uncomfortable when a person is driving a vehicle for an extended length of time. This back fatigue also occurs when a person is improperly standing or improperly lifting and carrying heavy objects from one to another location. The present invention is for a belt which adjustably reinforces the small of the back in a manner to reduce fatigue and discomfort, such as referred to above. The belt has a relatively small front belt which girdles the stomach and a relatively large rear belt which is superimposed over the small of the back. The rear belt has a centrally located pad which includes a chamber. The chamber is filled with open cell sponge-like material.

Abstract: A tennis training aid that also operates to reduce the likelihood of developing tennis elbow. The training aid is comprised of a flexible strap that extends from a fitting on the head of the player's racquet to a member engaging his wrist. The fitting is attached to the racquet head at approximately its widest transverse point. The connecting strap is an aid in establishing a desired angular relation between the player's arm and the longitudinal axis of the racquet. At the same time, the connecting strap minimizes the possibility of stretching or overextending the extensor muscles of the players's forearm which stretching frequently leads to the injury known as tennis elbow.