Abstract: A filter arrangement comprises a switching element coupled to a filter input, wherein the switching element is controllable by a reference clock signal. The filter arrangement further comprises an input storage element, an output storage element, and a first and a second auxiliary storage element. The first and the second auxiliary storage element can each be connected in parallel to the input storage element or to the output storage element depending on a switching signal. The output storage element is coupled to a filter output. The filter arrangement can be used as a loop filter in an analog-to-digital converter, wherein the output signal of the filter arrangement is quantized to provide an output word. Respective feedback signals can be generated from the output word and be provided to the storage elements.

Abstract: Stapler, in particular for hemorrhoidal use, includes a body, an elongate, fixed jaw part connected to the body and including a curved anvil defining staple-forming pockets and a curved portion defining an opening bound on lateral and longitudinal sides, an actuating jaw part including a curved staple driver and optionally a cutting knife, a trigger coupled to the body for actuating the actuating jaw part and an adjustment mechanism for moving the actuating jaw part to vary a longitudinal dimension of the opening defined between a staple cartridge and the anvil. When the actuating jaw part is actuated by the trigger, the staple driver forces staple blanks in the staple cartridge into staple-forming pockets of the anvil to form staples in tissue retained in the opening, while the cutting knife, when present, amputates the tissue.

Abstract: Viscera retainer which facilitates wound closure, for example, in the abdominal region, includes a body portion containing a tear seam. The body portion is inserted into the wound prior to closure to act as a physical barrier between the peritoneum and the viscera. A free extension of the body, or an attachment to the body, remains accessible outside the wound while a membranous layer of the abdominal wall is closed. When that closure is almost complete, the body portion is withdrawn from the abdomen by extracting it as a continuous ribbon through an opening. As the ribbon is withdrawn, the body tears along the tear seam generating free ribbon and shrinking the size of the residual body, until the entire body is removed from the abdominal cavity. The closure is then completed. A surgical drain has a planar body portion formed from a wound or wrapped tubular form having perforations in the body portion.

Abstract: Anastomotic leak tester for testing for leaks in a gastrointestinal anastomosis in a patient including an air introduction system adapted to be inserted into the patient's gastrointestinal tract through a natural body orifice of the patient and enabling air flow therethrough into the gastrointestinal tract and a regulating mechanism arranged in connection with the air introduction system for regulating air pressure in the patient's gastrointestinal tract. The regulating mechanism may include a pressure relief valve having an inlet communicating with an interior space of the air introduction system communicating with the patient's gastrointestinal tract and which allows air to be released from the patient's gastrointestinal tract when air pressure in the patient's gastrointestinal tract exceeds a predetermined pressure. The pressure relief valve may generate an audible indication when air pressure in the patient's gastrointestinal tract exceeds the predetermined pressure.

Abstract: Stapler, in particular for hemorrhoidal use, includes a body, an elongate, fixed jaw part connected to the body and including a curved anvil defining staple-forming pockets and a curved portion defining an opening bound on lateral and longitudinal sides, an actuating jaw part including a curved staple driver and optionally a cutting knife, a trigger coupled to the body for actuating the actuating jaw part and an adjustment mechanism for moving the actuating jaw part to vary a longitudinal dimension of the opening defined between a staple cartridge and the anvil. When the actuating jaw part is actuated by the trigger, the staple driver forces staple blanks in the staple cartridge into staple-forming pockets of the anvil to form staples in tissue retained in the opening, while the cutting knife, when present, amputates the tissue.

Abstract: Colonic lavage device including a tubular body having a forward portion with an opening at a front end and a rearward portion including an integral seal defining an opening. A side tube includes an outlet for fecal matter discharge thereby defining a passage from the opening at the front end of the forward portion to the outlet. An integral nipple or end cap closes the seal opening. The forward portion is inserted into a patient's bowel and an irrigating tube is passed through the seal, once the nipple or end cap is cut off, to a position beyond the front end of the forward portion and in the bowel. Irrigating fluid is passed through the irrigating tube to cleanse the bowel and fecal matter from the bowel flows through the tubular body and is discharged therefrom through the side tube outlet, e.g, to a discharge tube leading to a container.

Abstract: Colorectal lavage device including a drain assembly, and a colonic tube assembly including an inflow tube, a flow control mechanism to control flow through the inflow tube, an outflow tube and a flow control mechanism to control flow through the outflow tube. The drain assembly has a tubular body defining an interior space and having a proximal portion insertable into an anus of a person to cause the anus to constrict around the proximal portion and thereby seal the proximal portion against the anal wall, a distal portion including a distal end having an opening in line with an opening in the proximal portion and a side tube arranged at an angle to the proximal portion. The inflow tube passes through the tubular body and has a tip with one or more apertures through which the lavage fluid operatively flows. The outflow tube is connected to the side tube.