Abstract: A device is described that can be used by surgeons to provide quick and accurate face-lifting maneuvers that minimize the amount of tissue that has to be removed. The device comprised of a hollow undermining shaft with specially designed tip that can safely separate tissue planes and lyse fibrous tissue. Thermal radiation can be delivered down the shaft to heat and cause tissue contraction. The device can also include a temperature sensor that can be used to control the thermal radiation. Optionally, the device can also use ultrasound or electro surgical energy to improve tissue lysing.

Abstract: A liposuction apparatus and method optionally having a sonic or ultrasonic source with an axial lumen passage in which the shaft can be made to reciprocate (oscillate) in a non-rectilinear fashion. The apparatus may also contain the concomitant use of rectilinear reciprocation motion in addition to ultrasonic motion or energy along the shaft of the apparatus. The advantages of the liposuction apparatus are as follows: 1) non-rectilinear single shaft reciprocating cannula, 2) sonic or ultrasonic energy delivered to the distal tip, 3) rectilinear reciprocating cannula with ultrasonic energy along the shaft from the handle, and 4) any of the above reciprocating components powered by excess unused vacuum capacity in the liposuction aspirator (suction engine) apparatus.

Abstract: A device is described that can be easily used to warn an asthmatic or allergen reacting patient of irritant levels which may trigger an asthma or allergy attack for that person. The device continually monitors and records irritants in the air, and when the concentration exceeds the predefined level the device generates an alarm signal for the user. The recorded data can be downloaded to a computer, and this information can be used by the patient and the physician to identify irritants, guide treatment, and determine threshold levels.

Abstract: A liposuction apparatus and method optionally having a sonic or ultrasonic source with an axial lumen passage in which the shaft can be made to reciprocate (oscillate) in a non-rectilinear fashion. The apparatus may also contain the concomitant use of rectilinear reciprocation motion in addition to ultrasonic motion or energy along the shaft of the apparatus. The advantages of the liposuction apparatus are as follows: 1) non-rectilinear single shaft reciprocating cannula, 2) sonic or ultrasonic energy delivered to the distal tip, 3) rectilinear reciprocating cannula with ultrasonic energy along the shaft from the handle, and 4) any of the above reciprocating components powered by excess unused vacuum capacity in the liposuction aspirator (suction engine) apparatus.

Abstract: A laminated glass panel suitable for use in frameless glass structures includes a sheet of untempered glass such as art glass and can be held by conventional frameless glass mounting hardware. The panel remains held by the mounting hardware should the panel crack.

Abstract: A medical device is described that can be used to detect in stent restenosis. This invention consists of a stem of current or modified technology and a microwave transmitter/receiver to detect stent performance in-situ.

Abstract: A medical device is described that can be used to detect in stent restenosis. This invention consists of a stent of current or modified technology, an electromagnetic wave transmitter to excite the stent and an acoustic sensor to detect stent acoustic oscillations.

Abstract: Highly flexible liposuction cannulas are constructed of metal and plastic, with the metal cannulas having diameters of between 2.0 and 3.5 mm, and with the plastic cannulas having diameters greater than 3.5 mm (i.e., 3.5 to 9.0 mm). These long shaft flexible cannulas, when utilized in combination with a reinforced neck, allow the cannula point of entry to act as a fulcrum (with an optional interposed insert) and in concert with the surgeon's guiding hand to deflect the cannulas. The cannula tip is preferably highly beveled with an adjacent set of three openings, and the cannula easily penetrates fibrous fat and may reach fast deposits relatively distant from the entrance wounds. The long shaft, highly flexible, reinforced swan neck cannulas move in an easily controllable manner within the subcutaneous tissue below the dermal envelope in an arciform fashion. Benefits include a reduced need to move a patient's body position intraoperatively.

Abstract: A package which comprises a hazardous chemical dissolved or dispersed in a liquid or gel contained in a water soluble or water dispersible laminated film. The laminated film construction provides improved resistance to puncture or breakage thereby providing an improved containerization system for toxic or hazardous products.

Abstract: A multi layered artificial spinal disc that can be surgically implanted to replace a damaged natural spinal disc. The top and bottom layers being comprised of bone permeable material that when implanted would fuse to the vertebrae and form a permanent bond. The middle layer is a polymer with mechanical properties similar to natural spinal discs.

Abstract: A device is described that can be easily used to warn an athlete of potential risk of hyperthermia due to an elevated core body temperature. The mouth guard device continually monitors the users internal or core body temperature and emits an alarm signal when body temperature exceeds a preset value. This invention can protect the physical well being of an athlete as well as improve overall team performance.

Abstract: A device is described that can be easily used by surgeons to measure and monitor changes before, during, and after a liposuction procedure and assist in producing symmetrical body contours. The device comprises a remote control and data processing unit, a handheld ultrasound transducer, a display monitor and means for marking anatomical points to be measured.

Abstract: A device is described that can be used by surgeons to provide quick and accurate face-lifting maneuvers that minimize the amount of tissue that has to be removed. The device comprised of a hollow undermining shaft with specially designed tip that can safely separate tissue planes and lyse fibrous tissue Thermal radiation can be delivered down the shaft to heat and cause tissue contraction. The device can also include a temperature sensor that can be used to control the thermal radiation. Optionally, the device can also use ultrasound or electro surgical energy to improve tissue lysing.

Abstract: A prosthetic spinal disc may include a nucleus and an annulus that together may be optionally shaped, using a computed tomography (CT) scan, ultrasound imaging and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The nucleus includes a central area having a material density that is different than the material density of the annulus. The nucleus may alternately include an area for the introduction of a central supporting fluid or gel. An optional fiberoptic carriage may be used to provide tissue ingrowth from the supported vertebrae and optional internal baffling provides additional stabilization.

Abstract: A liposuction apparatus and method that uses a rotating or rotationally oscillating cannula. The advantages of the liposuction apparatus are as follows: reduced need for surgeon's arm motion and stress, reduced operating time, and increased fat volume removal per unit of instrument time use.

Abstract: A medical device is described that can be used to emulsify and remove atherosclerotic plaque from blood vessels. The device uses a high frequency ultrasound transducer and conical tip to enhance the generation of shear waves that can safely and efficiently emulsify plaque.

Abstract: A device is described that can be used by surgeons to provide accurate tissue-lifting and tightening maneuvers that uses minimal external incisions, enhances accuracy, reduces inadvertent consequences while speeding the procedure. The device is comprised of a shaft with a relatively planar but possibly lenticulate or even slightly curved tip that can divide and energize various tissue planes causing net contraction via the fibrous tissue modification. Various forms of energy can also be delivered to cause desirable tissue alterations.

Abstract: The human face is efficiently and precisely dissected while radioifrequency energy is applied to controllably release target tissue bonds and alter surrounding tissues in such a fashion that these facial tissues contract and tighten in response to the energy application while automatically excluding vital nerves and vessels. Tightening will be most dramatic in younger patients between 45 and 55 years of age such that the surgeon may not have to cut-out or stretch skin for a desirable effect in most of this population. The device is inserted through only 3 relatively small 1 cm incisions allowing energy to be applied to the upper subcutaneous, lower dermal and platysmal face-lift layers. The procedures take less than 15 minutes following anesthesia and the effects will last for at least several years.

Abstract: A device is described that can be used by surgeons to provide quick and accurate face-lifting maneuvers that minimize the amount of tissue that has to be removed. The device comprises of a hollow undermining shaft with specially designed tip that can safely separate tissue planes and lyse fibrous tissue. Laser light can be delivered down the shaft to heat and cause tissue contraction. Device can also include a temperature sensor that can be used to control laser power. Optionally the device can also use ultrasound or electrosurgical energy to improve tissue lysing.

Abstract: A device is described that can be easily used to warn an asthmatic or allergen reacting patient of irritant levels which may trigger an asthma or allergy attack for that person. The device continually monitors and records irritants in the air, and when the concentration exceeds the predefined level the device generates an alarm signal for the user. The recorded data can be downloaded to a computer, and this information can be used by the patient and the physician to identify irritants, guide treatment, and determine threshold levels.