Abstract: A barbed surgical suture is configured to grip the tissue through which it is inserted. The suture has a generally flat and elongated suture body with a multiplicity of barbs located along one or both of the lateral edges. The barbs are of sufficient size and appropriate geometry for fastening the tissue and achieving closure of an incision or wound without the need for tying knots in the suture. The barbed surgical suture may be configured as a single-ended suture with all of the barbs aligned to allow the suture to move through tissue in one direction only. Alternately, it may be configured as a double-ended suture with the barbs on a first end portion aligned to allow the suture to move through tissue in a one direction and the barbs on a second end portion aligned to allow the suture to move through tissue in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A headphone support element for securing a headphone connector to a headphone connector interface, the headphone support element coupled with the headphone connector interface, wherein the headphone support element having a first receptacle for engaging and securing the headphone connector, wherein the headphone connector cannot move or rotate when connected to the headphone connector interface. Each side of the headphone support element extends perpendicular to the first receptacle, thereby preventing the headphone connector from moving within the first receptacle when the headphone connector is connected to the interface. The headphone support element further comprises a second receptacle for engaging and securing a headphone connector wire, the second receptacle having a third side and a fourth side, wherein each side extends substantially perpendicular to the second receptacle. The headphone support element is made of an elastic material.

Abstract: An electronic device having a first surface positioned adjacent to an article worn by a person and a second surface substantially perpendicular to the first surface, the electronic device having a headphone connector interface for accepting a headphone connector, the electronic device comprising a clip coupled with the electronic device, the clip having a first segment positioned adjacent to the first surface and a second segment configured at a predetermined angle with respect to the first segment, wherein pressing the second segment toward the second surface rotates the first segment away from the first surface; the clip further comprising an adapter coupled with the first segment of the clip, the adapter positioned between the first segment of the clip and the first surface of the object and having an adapter length.

Abstract: A probe including an elongate body defining a distal region adapted to be bent into a loop and an inflatable tissue coagulation body supported on the elongate body distal region.

Abstract: A channel system for use with a conventional endoscope is provided. The system comprises a collapsible access channel that is connected to a first distal end of the endoscope. The collapsible channel includes an access opening communicating between the two ends of the collapsible channel. The endoscope may be provided with a protective sheath and/or an endcap that is integral with the collapsible channel. The collapsible access channel allows a physician to insert functional instruments such as a biopsy device or tubes for supplying air, water, suction and irrigation.

Abstract: A system for the display of transparencies including a first transparency receiving tray, a second transparency receiving tray, and a staging system connected at one end to the first transparency receiving tray and at the other end to the second transparency receiving tray. This staging system includes a transfer belt extending across a staging area so as to move a transparency across the staging area, a motor drivingly connected to the transfer belt so as to selectively rotate the transfer belt in various directions, and an actuating guide positioned adjacent to the first transparency receiving tray so as to direct the transparency from the first tray to the transfer belt. A controller is connected to the motor so as to actuate the motor for moving a transparency across the staging area in a desired direction. A lift plate is mounted in the receiving trays so as to support a plurality of transparencies thereon.

Abstract: A protective covering for a medical instrument, such as an endoscope, is described. The covering includes an elongated hollow sheath having a wall of flexible material. The sheath is substantially gas and water impervious. The sheath further includes auxiliary access tubes associated with the sheath for providing a variety of functions, such as instrument manipulation, and fluid removal. The distal end of the sheath is provided with a cap having an optically clear window to allow the lens portion of the medical instrument to operate.

Abstract: A protective covering for a medical instrument, such as an endoscope, is described. The covering includes an elongated hollow sheath having a wall of flexible material. The sheath is substantially gas and water impervious and includes a channel for the medical instrument. The sheath further includes auxiliary access channels associated with the sheath for providing a variety of functions, such as instrument manipulation, and fluid removal. The distal end of the protective covering is provided with a cap having an optically clear window to the allow the lens portion of the medical instrument to operate.

Abstract: A catheter placement cannula is disclosed having a passageway therethrough to receive a catheter. The cannula is made up of a substantially tubular body portion and a tip portion made of pliable material. The tip portion has a shape retaining memory such that the end of the tip is naturally flattened in shape to provide a seal for preventing the backflow of blood or other fluids when the cannula is in place in a body.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of use for removing specified dialyzable components from a complex reference fluid such as, for example, blood. The invention includes a semi-permeable tubular dialysis membrane, which is inserted into the reference fluid. An equilibration fluid is injected into the tubular membrane and allowed to equilibrate with the outside reference fluid. The equilibrated fluid is then removed for analysis.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of use for removing specified dialyzable components from a complex reference fluid such as, for example, blood. The invention includes a semi-permeable tubular dialysis membrane, which is inserted into the reference fluid. An equilibration fluid is injected into the tubular membrane and allowed to equilibrate with the outside reference fluid. The equilibrated fluid is then removed for analysis.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of use for removing specified dialyzable components from a complex reference fluid such as, for example, blood. The invention includes a semi-permeable tubular dialysis membrane, which is inserted into the reference fluid. An equilibration fluid is injected into the tubular membrane and allowed to equilibrate with the outside reference fluid. The equilibrated fluid is then removed for analysis.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of use for removing specified dialyzable components from a complex reference fluid such as, for example, blood. The invention includes a semi-permeable tubular dialysis membrane, which is inserted into the reference fluid. An equilibration fluid is injected into the tubular membrane and allowed to equilibrate with the outside reference fluid. The equilibrated fluid is then removed for analysis.