Abstract: A medicament for the amelioration and treatment of vascular disease consisting of aspirin administered in combination with one or more of the vitamins including vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, and niacin. Alternative embodiments include the administration of aspirin in combination with one or more trace element including selenium, zinc, copper, iron, cobalt, and manganese as well as combinations of aspirin, at least one vitamin and at least one trace element.

Abstract: An inhaler indicator for a dispenser of an inhaled medicament, for example an asthma medicine. An inhaler body is releasably attached to the dispenser and includes a port through which air is drawn when a user of the inhaler inhales preparatory to the administration of a dose of the medicament as is required for proper administration of such medicaments. The flow of air through the port activates an audio or visual signal generator, such as a whistle or a flag, that signals to the user that the user is inhaling and that conditions are appropriate for the administration of the medicament. In an alternative embodiment, an indicator for releasable attachment to a conventional metered dose inhaler includes a passageway through which air is drawn during an inhalation of a user prepatory to the discharge of medicament. A whistle in the passageway creates an audible tone when the conditions are appropriate for discharge of the medicament. The indicator is useful as a trainer of proper technique.

Abstract: A catheterization system for embedment in a patient includes a sharp edged needle at the proximal end portion of the catheter. A protective sheath is received about the needle for relative slidable movement thereon between a first position wherein the sharp edge of the needle extends beyond the protective sheath and a second position wherein the blunt leading proximal edge of the protective sheath extends beyond and covers the sharp edge of the needle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing a weakened section of a vessel. A pair of expandable stents are placed at either end inside a prosthetic graft of a length sufficient to span the weakened section. The graft and stents are inserted into the vessel. The stents are positioned on either side of the weakened section and expanded to a stable, increased diameter for securing by friction the graft in situ inside the vessel.

Abstract: An intralumenal graft for the repair of damaged or weakened sections of the vascular system. The graft consists of a semi-rigid, resilient tube made of a material suitable for long-term residence inside a vessel. The tube has a relaxed, smaller diameter and is expandable to a larger diameter which is maintained by a retaining ledge or teeth on the inside of the graft. Repair of a vessel is attained by insertion of the graft in its relaxed condition into the vessel at a site which may be remote from the damaged section. The graft is positioned and expanded to its larger diameter by a balloon catheter. Once expanded, the graft is retained in position by friction with the inner wall of the vessel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing inside the body a damaged section of a blood vessel, including an occlusion catheter which is inserted into the vessel at an incision site remote from the damaged section. An umbrella-like stopper at the proximal end of the occlusion catheter is positioned upstream of the damaged section whereupon it is opened to block the flow of blood through the damaged section. A prosthetic graft is inserted into the vessel around a balloon catheter. The outer periphery of the graft is coated with a contact adhesive which is brought into contact with the healthy walls of the vessel on either side of the damaged section by inflation of the balloon catheter. The graft adheres permanently to the walls of the vessel thereby replacing the damaged section while leaving the normal circulatory pathways intact.

Abstract: An intralumenal graft for the repair of damaged or weakened sections of the vascular system. The graft consists of a semi-rigid, resilient tube made of a material suitable for long-term residence inside a vessel. The tube has a relaxed, smaller diameter and is expandable to a larger diameter which is maintained by a retaining ledge or teeth on the inside of the graft. Repair of a vessel is attained by insertion of the graft in its relaxed condition into the vessel at a site which may be remote from the damaged section. The graft is positioned and expanded to its larger diameter by a balloon catheter. Once expanded, the graft is retained in position by friction with the inner wall of the vessel.