Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for killing and/or debilitating pathogenic microorganisms, such as the H. pylori bacteria within a patient's body. A light source is provided that emits electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths within the visible spectrum. The light source can be internal and/or external to the patient's body. For embodiments having a light source external to the body, a light guide is provided for transferring electromagnetic radiation from the light source to a location within the patient's body. The light guide has a proximal end optically coupled to the light source and a distal end dimensioned for insertion into a patient's body. A delivery element is also provided to optically couple electromagnetic radiation from the light to a location with a patient's body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a devices and methods for killing and/or debilitating pathogenic microorganisms in or on a patient's body, such as light-sensitive bacteria including helicobacter pylori and/or propionibacterium acnes. A chemiluminescent light source provides electromagnetic radiation having predetermined wavelengths in the visible spectrum. The light wavelengths are selected for absorption by naturally-occurring photosensitive chemicals produced by the patient's body.

Abstract: A supporting structure for a ligating band dispensing device adapted to be coupled to a distal end of an endoscope comprises a rigid substantially cylindrical, transparent outer support surface adapted to receive a plurality of ligating bands thereon, wherein the support surface includes a distal portion extending from a distal end thereof proximally to a distal-most ligating band receiving area. A channel extends axially through the support surface from the distal end to a proximal end thereof, wherein an abutting surface is formed along at least a portion of a circumference of the channel to define a distal-most point of penetration of an endoscope received therein. A gripping surface extending around at least a portion of a circumference of the proximal end of the channel is sized so that, when an endoscope extends into the proximal end of the channel, the gripping surface frictionally couples the support surface to the endoscope.

Abstract: The present invention provides the ability to treat acne with a device that can be worn by a patient for extended time periods. The device can, for example, enable the delivery of light for time periods that are longer than one might want to sit still in front of a stationary light source. The device is a flexible container that may be fitted to parts of the body to be treated. An example of such a flexible container is a mask for the face. The mask covers the face and has a strap to hold it to the face. The mask is located relative to a light source generating light by chemiluminescence. The mask is worn for a period of time needed to provide the desired amount of light energy to the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for killing and/or debilitating pathogenic microorganisms, such as the H. pylori bacteria within a patient's body. A light source is provided that emits electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths within the visible spectrum. The light source can be internal and/or external to the patient's body. For embodiments having a light source external to the body, a light guide is provided for transferring electromagnetic radiation from the light source to a location within the patient's body. The light guide has a proximal end optically coupled to the light source and a distal end dimensioned for insertion into a patient's body. A delivery element is also provided to optically couple electromagnetic radiation from the light to a location with a patient's body.

Abstract: The present invention provides the ability to treat acne with a device that can be worn by a patient for extended time periods. The device can, for example, enable the delivery of light for time periods that are longer than one might want to sit still in front of a stationary light source. The device is a flexible container that may be fitted to parts of the body to be treated. An example of such a flexible container is a mask for the face. The mask covers the face and has a strap to hold it to the face. The mask is located relative to a light source generating light by chemiluminescence. The mask is worn for a period of time needed to provide the desired amount of light energy to the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a devices and methods for killing and/or debilitating pathogenic microorganisms in or on a patient's body, such as light-sensitive bacteria including helicobacter pylori and/or propionibacterium acnes. A chemiluminescent light source provides electromagnetic radiation having predetermined wavelengths in the visible spectrum. The light wavelengths are selected for absorption by naturally-occurring photosensitive chemicals produced by the patient's body.

Abstract: A supporting structure for a ligating band dispensing device adapted to be coupled to a distal end of an endoscope comprises a rigid substantially cylindrical, transparent outer support surface adapted to receive a plurality of ligating bands thereon, wherein the support surface includes a distal portion extending from a distal end thereof proximally to a distal-most ligating band receiving area. A channel extends axially through the support surface from the distal end to a proximal end thereof, wherein an abutting surface is formed along at least a portion of a circumference of the channel to define a distal-most point of penetration of an endoscope received therein. A gripping surface extending around at least a portion of a circumference of the proximal end of the channel is sized so that, when an endoscope extends into the proximal end of the channel, the gripping surface frictionally couples the support surface to the endoscope.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument that combines cutting, coagulating and suctioning functionality in a single hand-held instrument. The instrument provides a combination suction-coagulation device that can selectively deliver electrical energy through either a blunt suction coagulation end or a “sharp” needle or blade end and a convenient means for a surgeon to alternate between these two modalities. A cooling medium in a sealed cavity may be incorporated either (i) as a heat-pipe within one side of electrode wall around the suction lumen, (ii) as a second coaxial lumen within the circumscribing electrode wall, (iii) in an adjacent but thermally coupled heat-sink pipe attached either external or internal to (but not fully occluding) the suction lumen, or (iv) in a heat-pipe far proximal to the electrode ring but thermally coupled.

Abstract: A supporting structure for a ligating band dispensing device adapted to be coupled to a distal end of an endoscope comprises a rigid substantially cylindrical, transparent outer support surface adapted to receive a plurality of ligating bands thereon, wherein the support surface includes a distal portion extending from a distal end thereof proximally to a distal-most ligating band receiving area. A channel extends axially through the support surface from the distal end to a proximal end thereof, wherein an abutting surface is formed along at least a portion of a circumference of the channel to define a distal-most point of penetration of an endoscope received therein. A gripping surface extending around at least a portion of a circumference of the proximal end of the channel is sized so that, when an endoscope extends into the proximal end of the channel, the gripping surface frictionally couples the support surface to the endoscope.

Abstract: A supporting structure for a ligating band dispensing device adapted to be coupled to a distal end of an endoscope comprises a rigid substantially cylindrical, transparent outer support surface adapted to receive a plurality of ligating bands thereon, wherein the support surface includes a distal portion extending from a distal end thereof proximally to a distal-most ligating band receiving area. A channel extends axially through the support surface from the distal end to a proximal end thereof, wherein an abutting surface is formed along at least a portion of a circumference of the channel to define a distal-most point of penetration of an endoscope received therein. A gripping surface extending around at least a portion of a circumference of the proximal end of the channel is sized so that, when an endoscope extends into the proximal end of the channel, the gripping surface frictionally couples the support surface to the endoscope.

Abstract: A ligating band dispenser for attachment to the distal end of a ligating device having proximal and distal ends with a lumen extending therebetween and being adapted for supporting a plurality of ligating bands includes a support for attachment to the distal end of the ligating device and for carrying the plurality of ligating bands and having a passage communicating with the lumen; and a dispenser including a first displacement element looped about each of the bands in series attached to the support and extending through the passage and lumen whereby proximal motion of the operator element from the proximal end of the ligating device transfers individually the most distal ligating band off the distal end of the support.

Abstract: A supporting structure for a ligating band dispensing device adapted to be coupled to a distal end-of an endoscope comprises a rigid substantially cylindrical, transparent outer support surface adapted to receive a plurality of ligating bands thereon, wherein the support surface includes a distal portion extending from a distal end thereof proximally to a distal-most ligating band receiving area. A channel extends axially through the support surface from the distal end to a proximal end thereof, wherein an abutting surface is formed along at least a portion of a circumference of the channel to define a distal-most point of penetration of an endoscope received therein. A gripping surface extending around at least a portion of a circumference of the proximal end of the channel is sized so that, when an endoscope extends into the proximal end of the channel, the gripping surface frictionally couples the support surface to the endoscope.

Abstract: The present invention relates to catheters for use with subcutaneous access ports for continuous or intermittent infusion therapy. These catheters utilize a pretensioned, helical coil which is incorporated into a flexible cannulated portion. This feature allows the flexible cannula to be bent without kinking under normal use. This flexibility provides a great deal of comfort to the patent. These catheters also incorporate a puncture needle which is positioned axially down the length of the catheter such that the sharp point at the distal end of the needle extends beyond the distal end of the catheter. This combination of a pretensioned, flexible catheter and a puncture needle achieves a stiffness sufficient to penetrate the tough, self-sealing septum used in subcutaneous access ports, yet, once the puncture needle is removed the patient is left with a comfortable alternative to commonly used hypodermic needles.

Abstract: A subcutaneous safety catheter assembly includes a flexible catheter having an inner wall including a hollow stiffening member which is stiff in the longitudinal direction and flexible laterally; a needle having a sharp point at one end and a grip at the other and being adapted to being disposed in the hollow stiffening member with the sharp point extending beyond the distal end of the member; and a needle guard at the proximal end of the member for securely engaging the needle and shielding the sharp point of the needle upon its withdrawal from the catheter.

Abstract: A catheter connection system is defined by a rigid, tubular stem attached at a proximal end thereof to a medical device. The stem has a plurality of comparably configured engagement barbs encircling and radially, outwardly extending on an exterior surface of the stem. A locking barb also encircles and radially, outwardly extends on the surface of the stem between the medical device and the engagement barbs. A rigid first locking sleeve is provided for inwardly compressing a portion of a body wall of a silicone catheter against the locking barb on the stem when the stem is received in the lumen of the silicone catheter to create a mechanical joinder and liquid-tight seal between the silicone catheter and the stem. In the alternative, a compression sleeve housed within a rigid second locking sleeve is provided for compressing a body wall of a polyurethane catheter against the engagement barbs on the stem to create a mechanical joinder and liquid-tight seal between the polyurethane catheter and the stem.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in the diagnosis and treatment of strictures in a biliary duct, urinary tract or pancreatic tract. The apparatus includes a dual lumen catheter device. One lumen size is sized to accommodate a guidewire. A second, parallel lumen has a non-circular cross-section and carries a cytology brush at one end that couples through an operator to a manipulator at another end. The cytology brush has an effective diameter that is greater than the diameter of the catheter device. Brush cytology samples are obtained without removing the guidewire from a stricture and without introducing any relative motion between the guidewire and the catheter. As the cytology brush is retracted into the non-circular lumen, its bristles compact around the operator for storage within the lumen. A predetermined arrangement of markers at the distal end of the catheter facilitates the measurement of stricture length by direct endoscopic visualization.

Abstract: A medical device and a method for its manufacture. The function of the medical device requires exposure of the device to the tissue of a patient. The device has a tissue-exposed portion constructed to release an agent that inhibits adverse reaction to the presence of the device defined by a polymeric surface-layer overlying in a supported manner a polymer defining a reservoir. The reservoir incorporates the agent in a manner that permits substantially free outward release of the agent from the reservoir and the overlying layer defines metering outward passages constructed to control the outward migration of the agent to enable prolonged release of the agent from the surface of the medical device to prevent the adverse reaction due to the presence of the device.

Abstract: A catheter and a method for making the same, the catheter having a radiopaque marker ring placed within a tube, whereby the radiopaque ring is inserted into an expanded section of the tube, followed by the relaxation of the tube to its original dimensions, where the ring inner-diameter is equal or greater than the tube inner-diameter, and the ring outer-diameter is less than the tube outer-diameter, such that said inner surface of said ring is exposed to said lumen of said tube such that said inner surface provides a pathway through which other devices pass through said tube without obstruction, and said outer surface of said ring is embedded within said tube, under conditions such that the bump on the outer surface of said tube which would otherwise be present is reduced to allow said tube to pass through other devices without obstruction, said embedding condition also minimizing the overall thickness of said tube.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a plurality of ligating bands individually and sequentially. A support, attached to the distal end of an endoscope, carries the plurality of ligating bands at axially spaced positions along an exterior surface. The distal ends of each set of independent displacement filaments each ligating band releasably attach to the distal edge of the dispenser. Each filament loops around the corresponding ligating band and returns past the distal edge of the dispenser and through the endoscope to the proximal end thereof. When a physician pulls a set of filaments proximally, the loop in each filament advances the corresponding ligating band off the distal edge of the dispenser.