Abstract: Systems and methods for multi-lateral wellbore construction and stimulation from cased parent wellbores. Methods and apparatus are provided to facilitate the creation of casing exit openings in the casing of parent wellbores. Methods and systems are provided for azimuthally and longitudinally aligning drilling assemblies through openings in a parent wellbore casing are provided to allow for drilling multiple lateral wellbores extending outwardly from a parent wellbore. A method of stimulating one or more subterranean zones intersected by multiple lateral wellbores extending outwardly from one or more patent wellbores includes the steps of: simultaneously injecting a stimulation fluid into the lateral wellbores; and stimulating the zones intersected by the lateral wellbores in response to the stimulation fluid injecting step.

Abstract: A mesh to repair a hole in a muscle wall includes a resilient mesh body and fortifying structure such as mesh portions of thicker weave than other portions, or strengthening members that can be engaged with the mesh and then removed from the mesh once the mesh is place over the hole. The same principles can be applied to a plug that is engaged with the mesh for filling the hole.

Abstract: An arcuate nitinol splint with a rounded cross-section has two ends facing each other and spaced from each other. The splint is advanced through the mouth into the esophagus by an introducer device. By means of the device the splint is implanted completely into the wall of the esophageal sphincter to strengthen the sphincter. Materials other than Nitinol may be used.

Abstract: A compression ring to grip and compress body structure such as diverticulum, hemorrhoids, and tissue adjacent a hole. A resilient ring-shaped body defines a compression channel, and one or more axially rigid elongated spikes extend from the body into the channel. The body defines a first axial segment surrounding the compression channel and a second axial segment surrounding the compression channel, with the spike being engaged only with the second axial segment. The first axial segment more tightly compresses the body structure than the second axial segment.

Abstract: A working cannula is advanced through the urethra into the bladder. Gas is infused through the cannula into the bladder, pressurizing the bladder. A fenestrating shunt catheter is then advanced through the urethra into the bladder and against the wall of the bladder, fenestrating it. A distal segment of the shunt catheter is then advanced through the wall into the peritoneal space, while a more proximal segment of the shunt catheter remains in the bladder. Shunt holes are formed in both the distal segment and more proximal segment so that gas from the pressurized bladder flows through the shunt holes into the peritoneal space, insufflating the peritoneal space.

Abstract: An outer tube for natural orifice surgery. The outer tube can have interchangeable inserts to establish a desired size and number of lumens. A distal tapered soft plastic plug may be provided to cover the distal end of the tube. Different segments of the tube may have different stiffness characteristics.

Abstract: A plug is closely received in the open distal end of an outer tube for natural orifice surgery and is proximally removable from the tube. Various means are provided for deforming the plug to permit the plug to be retrieved through the outer tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting/redistributing a flow of liquid descending in an exchange column containing a layer of packing that includes: a plurality of horizontally spaced longitudinal members, each member having an inner side and an upper end adjacent a bottom of the layer of packing; at least one plate vertically spaced from the bottom of the layer of packing, each plate adapted to collect a portion of the flow of the descending liquid and having opposing ends connected to the inner sides of a pair of the longitudinal members; and at least one vapor riser in fluid communication with the plate and adapted to receive and transmit at least a portion of a stream of a vapor ascending in the exchange column from below to above the plate, each vapor riser having a cap vertically spaced apart from the bottom of the layer of packing.

Abstract: A brush-like element can be housed within a vacuum sleeve for advancement through a natural orifice to tissue, such as an appendix or gall bladder or diverticulum, to be inverted pursuant to resolution of a malady associated with the tissue. The brush is advanced out of the sleeve into the tissue and if desired rotated, and vacuum may also be drawn through the sleeve to further grip the tissue. The brush is then retracted into the sleeve to clamp or trap the tissue for inversion or other manipulation.

Abstract: The system of subterranean wells includes a subsurface flow line 20 having at least a portion within or underlining one or more subterranean formations 12. One or more drainage wells 26, 28, 30, 32, and 34 each extend from the surface and intercept at least one of the subterranean formations at a respective interception location. A lower portion of each drainage well is in fluid communication with the subsurface flow line. A recovery well 42 extends from the surface and is also in fluid communication with the subsurface flow line, so that fluids entering the drainage well flow into the subsurface flow line and then into the recovery well.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing and tensioning wire from a coil, the apparatus comprising a frame (1) for attaching to a vehicle, means (19) for mounting at least one coil of wire for rotation, a lever arm member (21) pivotally mounted with respect to the frame and having a guide (27, 29) co-operable with the wire in use, and a play-out path for the wire defined between an abutment (13) of the frame and an abutment (33) carried by the lever arm member, the lever arm having a first operative position in which the respective abutments are spaced apart to allow play-out of the wire around said guide, and the lever arm having a second operative position in which it is moveable pivotably about said pivot point to cause wire to be trapped between the respective abutments.

Abstract: A space in a muscle wall such as the inguinal canal is dilated to break up fibrotic bands by divulsion. While the space is dilated a dynamic plug is advanced into it, with the plug expanding and contracting with the space. Shields may be placed against opposite sides of the wall surrounding the space.

Abstract: The system of subterranean wells includes a subsurface flow line 20 having at least a portion within or underlining one or more subterranean formations 12. One or more drainage wells 26, 28, 30, 32, and 34 each extend from the surface and intercept at least one of the subterranean formations at a respective interception location. A lower portion of each drainage well is in fluid communication with the subsurface flow line. A recovery well 42 extends from the surface and is also in fluid communication with the subsurface flow line, so that fluids entering the drainage well flow into the subsurface flow line and then into the recovery well.

Abstract: A platter for use in a forced air/microwave combination oven, the platter comprising an upper surface and a lower surface and incorporating a plurality of apertures passing through the thickness of the platter; wherein one or both of the surfaces of the platter incorporate a recess substantially surrounding at least one of the apertures. The invention also provides a platter incorporating an indentation shaped to receive an item of cookware, the indentation being positioned to align the cookware with microwave radiation in the oven in use. Additionally, the invention provides a platter incorporating apertures distributed over substantially the entire surface area of the platter, and also a platter comprising a central region substantially devoid of apertures, and one or more apertures at substantially the edge of the platter. Preferably the platter is made of a polymer material, particularly preferably a liquid crystal polymer resin such as DuPont (RTM) Zenite (RTM) 7130.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for the inversion of gastro intestinal diverticula and repair of associated intestinal wall tissue by means of endoscopy through a natural orifice such as the mouth or anus without making incisions in the abdominal wall or opening the peritoneal cavity.

Abstract: A method of discharging a fluid flow with suspended microparticles from a fluidic microsystem (10) is described, whereby the fluid flow converges with at least one output flow to form a discharge flow at the end of a discharge channel (14) of the microsystem, and the discharge flow is delivered through a conduction element (19). A microsystem with a flow output device for implementation of this method is also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for ablation of the gall bladder and appendix through a natural orifice.

Abstract: An article of cookware for use in an oven, wherein the artiste of cookware comprises a base having an upper surface, wherein at least a first region of the upper surface incorporates a plurality of upward protrusions, and wherein the uppermost regions of said protrusions are substantially coplanar for supporting a food product for cooking. Preferably the upper surface between said protrusions is inclined relative to the uppermost regions of said protrusions. A gutter may be provided around at least part of said first region, arranged such that liquid released from a foodstuff during cooking flows into the gutter. The invention further provides a method of cooking using an oven and such an article of cookware.

Abstract: To close a translumenal hole made in the stomach (or colon, etc.) pursuant to natural orifice surgical treatment of tissue in the peritoneal cavity, one or more guides are engaged with the hole, and the guides can be pulled to purse together tissue on opposite sides of the hole. A closure device is then advanced along the guides over the pursed tissue to adhere the tissue together using heat, staples, sutures, etc.

Abstract: A transuterine cannula through which an endoscope can be advanced into the peritoneal space to provide visualization of tissue cutting in the peritoneal space pursuant to a vaginal hysterectomy.