Abstract: The present invention is a hybrid stent design using half-slot circumferential sets of strut members with short (<1.5 mm) slot length that has minimal fish scaling and excellent stent retention and flexibility. These half-slot circumferential sets of strut members are connected one to the other with helical connectors similar to those of the Palmaz stent. One important difference in the design of the stent of the present invention is that the helical connectors are attached to every other crown (rather than connected to every crown) to further improve stent flexibility. By appropriately varying the strut width of both the connected and unconnected curved crowns to be greater at the center than at their ends, an increased radial strength can be provided for a given maximum strain that is imparted to the stent when it is expanded to its maximum diameter.

Abstract: The present invention is a hybrid stent design using half-slot circumferential sets of strut members with short (<1.5 mm) slot length that has minimal fish scaling and excellent stent retention and flexibility. These half-slot circumferential sets of strut members are connected one to the other with helical connectors similar to those of the Palmaz stent. One important difference in the design of the stent of the present invention is that the helical connectors are attached to every other crown (rather than connected to every crown) to further improve stent flexibility. By appropriately varying the strut width of both the connected and unconnected curved crowns to be greater at the center than at their ends, an increased radial strength can be provided for a given maximum strain that is imparted to the stent when it is expanded to its maximum diameter.

Abstract: A system and method for collection of fluids, as may be used in evaluation of drag dose delivery completeness after parenteral injection by measuring fluid volume leakage from the injection site is provided. The system and method optionally separate the collection and measurement steps, which make the system and method easy to use in multi-site clinical trials, and for batch weighing operations.

Abstract: A cardiac support system includes a ventricular assist device adapted to be extended over a portion of a patient's heart to assist the ventricles of the heart to properly contract. One or more stimulating electrodes are mounted on the ventricular assist device in selected locations such that when the ventricular assist device is extended over the heart, the stimulation electrodes are in close proximity to the surface of the heart. The system further includes one or more external pick-up electrodes that receive externally applied energy and conduct that energy to the one or more stimulating electrodes via conductive leads. The external pick-up electrodes may be mounted on the outer surface of the ventricular assist device, or can be located at some other location inside the patient's body. The externally-applied energy will typically be supplied by standard defibrillation paddles located outside of the patient's body.

Abstract: Improved plastic laryngoscope blade providing increased resistance to torsional deformation and for being coupled to a laryngoscope handle, the blade includes a plastic body including a generally curved spatula portion, a web portion extending outwardly from an edge portion of the spatula portion, and a flange portion extending inwardly from an outer portion of the web portion and residing at least partially over a portion of the spatula portion, and a coupling provided on an end of the spatula portion for coupling the blade to the handle.