Abstract: A transseptal needle for use in a transseptal puncture procedure includes a needle portion connected to a dilating portion. A sheath portion enclosing the needle body includes a relatively compressible transition portion. The transition portion slides back into a receiving portion in the dilating portion during the procedure. The relatively compressible material and shape of the transition portion aids in easing the dilation of the initial puncture in the interarterial septum to accommodate the diameter of the sheath.

Abstract: A device for applying pressure to a pocket and for preventing hematoma after surgically implanting a medical device in the pocket. The device may have first and second portions for contacting the front and back sides of a patient, respectively, and a device for applying pressure to the pocket. The device may have cushions or padding for comfort. The pressure may be adjustable. The device allows a patient to ambulate with constant pressure on the pocket. The device may have a clamp, hinge, clasp, clip, spring, piston, pneumatic or inflatable device, band or any other device that applies pressure to the pocket.

Abstract: A stripe for magnetically receiving encoded information; the stripe is bonded and adhered to any type of document having a paper substrate onto which the magnetic stripe is deposited, usually in the form of a narrow rectilinear strip, which is raised above the original surface of the paper substrate by embossing the latter during deposition of the magnetic stripe. Basically the invention entails the provision of a flexible sheet for use in forming a magnetic recording medium in the form of a magnetic stripe on a paper substrate, e.g. a document such as a bank passbook. The sheet includes a first layer of magnetic-particle-free thermoplastic material, which is bonded to the paper substrate by application of high temperature and pressure to a local narrow rectilinear area thereof. Above the first layer and permanently bonded thereto is a middle layer of magnetizable material consisting of a plurality of discrete magnetizable particles dispersed in a matrix.