Abstract: A medical device applies localized heat to a site in a patient's body by irradiation with light and by conduction. The device includes a radiant energy transmitting conduit, typically an optic fiber, that carries radiant energy, typically high intensity light such as laser, into a body cavity, typically the uterus, from an energy source, typically a laser source, that is located exterior to the body. At the operative head of the device within the body cavity a portion of the transmitted radiant energy is absorbed and converted to heat. This heat is radiated or conducted from the device head substantially omnidirectionally in order to aid in destruction of tissue, Meanwhile, another portion of the transmitted radiant energy is emitted through an aperture in the device head as light energy suitable for more localized and intense heating and destruction of tissue or other organic matter. This light emission is preferably directionally transverse to an elongate body of the device head.

Abstract: A minimally-invasive surgery apparatus for causing the lumen of a vein to collapse to prevent blood flow through the vein, e.g., a varicose vein or a side branch of the saphenous vein, includes an electrode which is electrically connected to a power source, and the electrode is percutaneously advanced into the vein. Then, the power source is activated to energize the electrode and thus the blood vein until the blood vein sufficiently collapses to block the lumen of the vein. A feedback loop is also provided for sensing electrical impedance of the tissue within the vein being energized and for deenergizing the electrode when the impedance reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: A minimally-invasive surgery apparatus for causing the lumen of a vein to collapse to prevent blood flow through the vein, e.g., a varicose vein or a side branch of the saphenous vein, includes an electrode which is electrically connected to a power source, and the electrode is percutaneously advanced into the vein. Then, the power source is activated to energize the electrode and thus the blood vein until the blood vein sufficiently collapses to block the lumen of the vein. A feedback loop is also provided for sensing electrical impedance of the tissue within the vein being energized and for deenergizing the electrode when the impedance reaches a predetermined value. The apparatus can also be used to block a fallopian tube.

Abstract: A minimally-invasive surgery apparatus for causing the lumen of a vein to collapse to prevent blood flow through the vein, e.g., a varicose vein or a side branch of the saphenous vein, includes an electrode which is electrically connected to a power source, and the electrode is percutaneously advanced into the vein. Then, the power source is activated to energize the electrode and thus the blood vein until the blood vein sufficiently collapses to block the lumen of the vein. A feedback loop is also provided for sensing electrical impedance of the tissue within the vein being energized and for deenergizing the electrode when the impedance reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: A medical device applies localized heat to a site in a patient's body by irradiation with light and by conduction. The device includes a radiant energy transmitting conduit, typically an optic fiber, that carries radiant energy, typically high intensity light such as laser, into a body cavity, typically the uterus, from an energy source, typically a laser source, that is located exterior to the body. At the operative head of the device within the body cavity a portion of the transmitted radiant energy is absorbed and converted to heat. This heat is radiated or conducted from the device head substantially omnidirectionally in order to aid in destruction of tissue. Meanwhile, another portion of the transmitted radiant energy is emitted through an aperture in the device head as light energy suitable for more localized and intense heating and destruction of tissue or other organic matter. This light emission is preferably directionally transverse to an elongate body of the device head.

Abstract: A medical device applies localized heat to a site in a patient's body by irradiation with light and by conduction. The device includes a radiant energy transmitting conduit, typically an optic fiber, that carries radiant energy, typically high intensity light such as laser, into a body cavity, typically the uterus, from an energy source, typically a laser source, that is located exterior to the body. At the operative head of the device within the body cavity a portion of the transmitted radiant energy is absorbed and converted to heat. This heat is radiated or conducted from the device head substantially omnidirectionally in order to aid in destruction of tissue. Meanwhile, another portion of the transmitted radiant energy is emitted through an aperture in the device head as light energy suitable for more localized and intense heating and destruction of tissue or other organic matter. This light emission is preferably directionally transverse to an elongate body of the device head.

Abstract: A plastic stent for a prosthetic trileaflet heart valve consisting of a cylindrical body portion terminating at one end in three apical, spaced commissure posts, and at the other end, in a skirt comprising three arcuate extensions, each extension being provided with an interrupted channel adjacent the outer edge thereof. An optional metal ring may be mounted over the skirt adjacent the body portion. A cloth cover is secured to the stent by stitching directly through the skirt in the area of reduced thickness resulting from the interrupted channel.

Abstract: A plastic band is secured around the outside of a prosthetic heart valve adjacent the sewing cushion to protect the valve leaflet material against inadvertent needle punctures and tears while sutures are being placed through the sewing cushion. The band is held in place by a single retention suture which passes through the band and sewing cushion of the valve and extends across the valve orifice. The protector is especially desirable for use with pericardial tissue valves having the tissue mounted on the outside of the valve stent where the tissue is particularly exposed and susceptible to needle damage.

Abstract: A method for preparing an aortic heart valve for implantation wherein the area of the septal shelf of the right coronary cusp extending into the valve orifice is substantially reduced. The excised value is prepared for fixation by pressurizing the valve to close the valve cusps, and thereafter inverting the aortic vestibule tissue over a valve stent or other cylindrical form circumscribing the valve. As the vestibule tissue is inverted, the septal shelf muscle is pulled toward the outside wall of the valve. When the septal shelf has been displaced to the maximum extent possible while maintaining coaption of the valve leaflets, the valve is fixed with a tanning solution. The resulting valve, after being trimmed and mounted for implantation, has improved flow characteristics.