Abstract: Generally described, the invention is a graphical method for creating an embedded database, or List Object, within a spreadsheet program, wherein the List Object is made up of a number of individual records, which in turn are made up of a number of data fields. The method is a multi-step process that uses a graphical interface to create the List Object, also known as a List. In the first step of the process, the user must define where the data for the List is coming from and where the List will be stored in the spreadsheet program. Specifically, the user must identify whether any pre-existing data will be used to populate the List or whether the List will be populated from scratch. Next, the user must define the data fields in the list, which includes naming each field and defining the data type for each field. Finally, in the last step of the process, the List is created in the spreadsheet program in such a manner that each field in each record is logically associated to every other field in the record.

Abstract: A thin wall catheter introducer system for penetrating through intravascular tissue walls and for facilitating the introduction of a catheter through the tissue wall is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a sheath having a thin wall tubular member and a wire braid positioned about the tubular member for reinforcing the tubular member. The wire braid may include at least two intertwined wires wound about the tubular member. In another embodiment, the system includes a dilator for penetrating through an incision in an intravascular wall of a patient. The dilator may include a first tubular member and a reinforcing member which is positionable about the first tubular member to substantially inhibit buckling or kinking of the first tubular member. In yet another embodiment, the system includes a vascular access system for use in dilating and penetrating through an incision in an intravascular tissue wall and for facilitating introduction of a catheter into the incision.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for suturing an incision in a tissue wall of a patient with a suture material. The assembly comprises a carrier member, a distal member interconnected to the carrier member, and a guide member positioned about and moveable along the carrier member. The guide member guides an access device through the tissue wall at two or more different locations adjacent to the incision in the tissue wall such that suture material is threadable through and into the tissue wall at a first location and through and back out of the tissue wall at a second location.

Abstract: A catheter lab imaging apparatus for imaging a heart region of a patient positioned thereon. The apparatus includes a catheter lab table, an x-ray imager positioned about the table and including a transmitter and a receiver, the transmitter being pivotable relative to the table to image the patient along predetermined imaging axes, a catheter lab table pad for supporting the patient on the table. The pad includes a top radiolucent layer defining a top surface of the pad and bottom radiolucent layer defining a bottom surface of the pad, the bottom layer being joined to the top layer around the periphery thereof to define at least one sealed chamber for supporting the patient. The pad may further include at least one interior seam positioned within the chamber to limit separation between the top layer and the bottom layer, wherein each of the interior seams is positioned such that each of the predetermined imaging axes avoids intersection with all of the interior seams when a patient is positioned on the pad.

Abstract: A sheath introducer apparatus and method which includes a unique headed introducer/dilator that protects the leading edge or tip of the sheath from damage during insertion and which includes a sheath which is expandable along its longitudinal length.