Abstract: A design and method of manufacture is disclosed for an insulated electrode used during surgical procedures. The electrode includes a durable electrical insulation element that can withstand the range of temperatures generated during an electrosurgical procedure. Such insulation characteristics include resistance to meltback and manufacturability to ensure the device is biocompatible and non-toxic so as to prevent adverse reactions in both patients and users of the device. The insulated electrode further includes properties that reduce the incidence of scope damage caused by the intensity of heat generated during the cutting and coagulation cycles.

Abstract: A design and method of manufacture is disclosed for an insulated electrode used during surgical procedures. The electrode includes a durable electrical insulation element that can withstand the range of temperatures generated during an electrosurgical procedure. Such insulation characteristics include resistance to meltback and manufacturability to ensure the device is biocompatible and non-toxic so as to prevent adverse reactions in both patients and users of the device. The insulated electrode further includes properties that reduce the incidence of scope damage caused by the intensity of heat generated during the cutting and coagulation cycles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging a fluid containing prosthesis adapted to be implanted in a sterile condition involves filling a closable, permeable fluid containing housing within the prosthetic device with a fluid. The prosthetic device is then enclosed within a substantially fluid impenetrable enclosure that is filled with a fluid with activities which substantially match the activities of the fluid within the prosthetic device. Thus, even where the prosthetic device contains a physiological solution, by incorporating a solution of equal solute concentration within the enclosure that surrounds the prosthetic device, the tendency for osmosis to occur across the barrier defined by the walls of the prosthetic device can be adequately controlled. The enclosure may then be enclosed within an outer bag which may be handled by a non-sterile nurse, preparatory to implantation by a surgeon.

Abstract: The urethral catheter puller described in this application provides a convenient apparatus for performing urological diagnostic procedures such as urethral pressure profilometry and urethral electromyographic profilometry. In practice, a urethral catheter is mounted on catheter supports attached to the boom of the puller. The boom is equipped with positioning apparatus so that the catheter supports may be positioned in close proximity to the patient. The puller allows the catheter to be pulled in a horizontal or vertical direction, thus allowing the patient to stand or lie in a bed during the diagnostic procedure. The catheter supports are equipped with suitable structures to control the motion of the catheter as it is withdrawn from the urethra of the patient. A variable speed drive is provided to control the rate at which the catheter is withdrawn.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for diagnostic evaluation of the urinary tract. The method comprises the steps of generating a urethral pressure profile and simultaneously monitoring and recording electrical signals derived from the urinary tract thereby generating an electrical or electromyographic profile. As fluid is inputted into the urethra the catheter is mechanically withdrawn therefrom at a constant velocity. Fluid pressure within the urethra is derived and recorded thereby providing a urethral pressure profile. Simultaneously, urethral electrical signals derived from one or more electrodes mounted on the catheter are amplified and graphically displayed, thereby plotting urethral electrical activity and urethral fluid pressure at given points along the urethra. The apparatus comprises an interface unit for withdrawing the catheter and for enabling measurement of the various diagnostic parameters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing micturition disturbances are provided. The apparatus comprises a gas cystometry system for monitoring bladder detrusor reflexes and an electromyographic monitoring system which, in the preferred form of this invention, are combined within a unitary enclosure. The cystometry system further compromises a catheter for injecting fluid interiorly of the bladder and associated electronic circuitry for deriving interior bladder pressure. The electromyographic system comprises one or more electrodes for sensing sphincter electrical activity and electronic circuitry interconnected with the electrodes for amplifying sphincter electrical outputs. A dual trace strip chart recorder interconnected with the cystometry apparatus and the electromyography apparatus provides simultaneous display of bladder detrusor reflexes and related sphincter electrical activity for correlated analysis by the attendant physician.