Abstract: As an example, in some embodiments is a dressing that may comprise a manifold, a bioresorbable component, and a degradation-modulating component. The degradation-modulating component may cover two or more surfaces of the bioresorbable component. The degradation-modulating component may be further configured to modulate degradation of the bioresorbable component.

Abstract: A negative pressure wound therapy device can include a negative pressure source and a controller configured to activate the negative pressure source for a first duration of time to attempt to reduce pressure under the wound dressing to approximately a negative pressure set point, subsequent to expiration of the first duration of time, deactivate the negative pressure source after pressure under the wound dressing is reduced to approximately the negative pressure set point, activate the negative pressure source for a second duration of time to attempt to reduce pressure in the fluid flow path, the second duration of time subsequent to the first duration of time, determine a pressure change in a fluid flow path over the second duration of time, and, in response to determining that the pressure change in the fluid flow path over the second duration of time indicates reduction in pressure, provide indication of a blockage.

Abstract: A balloon pulling device, comprising a core tube (11) portion and a balloon (12) portion, wherein the core tube (11) portion may inflate and deflate the balloon (12) portion by using a fluid; the present invention is characterized in that the balloon (12) portion comprises a plurality of expansion segments (13), the expansion segments (13) being larger than the remaining portion of the balloon (12) after being inflated with a fluid such that the entire balloon (12) forms a curved contour. A simple and reliable balloon pulling device capable of retracting at a long distance while being finely adjusted is achieved.

Abstract: A pouch for transporting and/or processing a biopharmaceutical fluid, the pouch comprising a flexible wall, the flexible wall comprising a shape memory material being adapted to change shape when induced by an external stimulus, so that the pouch can be alternately in a collapsed state and in an unfolded state, the wall of the pouch in the unfolded state delimiting a closed internal cavity adapted to contain the biopharmaceutical fluid.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus for providing negative pressure wound therapy to multiple wounds includes a negative pressure source configured to couple via a plurality of fluid flow paths to a plurality of wound dressings. The plurality of flow paths includes a plurality of calibrated leaks. The apparatus also includes a controller configured to determine a total rate of flow in the plurality of fluid flow paths and compare the total rate of flow to a plurality of thresholds associated with the plurality of calibrated leaks to determine one or more operating conditions, such as a blockage in one or more of the plurality of flow paths. An indication of the operating condition can be provided.

Abstract: A surgical instrument configured to cut tissue includes an outer member and an inner member at least partially received within the outer member. The outer member includes a cutting window near a distal end thereof. A driving assembly is coupled to the inner member and configured to cause the inner member to rotate around and move along a longitudinal axis of the outer member. A controller is configured to control the driving assembly to control at least one of an angular position, an angular velocity, or an angular acceleration of the inner member according a plurality of piecewise continuous profiles. The initial and final angular velocities of the inner member are zero, and the inner member cuts tissue extending into the cutting window.

Abstract: A retraction device, e.g., a programmable stiffness state tissue displacement device, for providing increased visibility during an operation is provided. The device includes one or more strips of compliant jammable layer components connected in parallel, and encapsulated within a flexible envelope such that each of the one or more strips of compliant jammable layer components are pneumatically connected. The device further includes a negative pressure pump coupled to the flexible envelope, such that the application of negative pressure to the flexible envelope by the negative pressure pump causes the one or more strips of compliant jammable layer components to jam and thereby transition the retraction device from a malleable state to a rigid state.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a negative pressure wound therapy system can detect and classify one or more operational conditions, including detection of a wound bleeding. The system can react to detection of blood by providing an indication, reducing the intensity or stopping therapy, releasing negative pressure, etc. In certain embodiments, the system can detect one or more additional operational conditions, such as change in vacuum pressure, gas leak rate change, exudate flow rate change, water flow rate change, presence of exudate, presence of water, etc. The system can detect and distinguish between different operational conditions and provide indication or take remedial action.

Abstract: An elongated steerable system for guiding a catheter or an endoscope, comprising: an elongated flexible member including, along at least a part of its longitudinal axis, at least one projection which, in transversal section, projects from the elongated flexible member; the at least one projection having a distal end and a proximal end, and defining, in transversal section, two lateral sides projecting from the elongated flexible member; and a wire; wherein the at least one projection includes at least one transverse retaining and passing element near the distal end of the projection, the retaining and passing element extending transversely to the lateral sides of the projection; and the wire passes through the retaining and passing element alternatively from one lateral side of the projection to the other lateral side of the projection, where adherence between the wire and the retaining and passing element retains the wire.

Abstract: An embodiment of a uterine hemorrhage controlling system comprises a suction module including a suction end coupleable to a pump by a connecting tube, and a sealing module coupled to the suction module. The system may further comprise the pump and a filter coupled to the suction module. A uterine hemorrhage controlling method comprises: shielding a suction module that has been delivered into a uterus; sealing an entrance into the uterus while the suction module is situated within the uterus; applying a negative pressure within the uterus upon activation of a pump; and maintaining the negative pressure within the uterus to induce uterine contraction. The method may further comprise delivering the suction module into the uterus; transmitting bodily fluids, out of the uterus through the suction module, and filtering the bodily fluids.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods of and for an ophthalmic illuminated infusion line are provided. An example ophthalmic illuminated infusion line may include an infusion arrangement having a first flexible elongate member and a flow tube. The first flexible elongate member may have a lumen configured to deliver a fluid to an eye of a patient during a surgical procedure. The flow tube may be sized to penetrate the eye of the patient and deliver the fluid to an interior of an eye to maintain intraocular pressure during a surgical procedure. The ophthalmic illuminated infusion line may also include an optical fiber coupled to the infusion arrangement and configured to penetrate the eye of the patient with the flow tube and transmit light to illuminate the interior of the eye during the surgical procedure at the same time that the flow tube delivers the fluid to the interior of the eye.

Abstract: An intravascular fluid movement device that includes an expandable member having a collapsed, delivery configuration and an expanded, deployed configuration, the expandable member having a proximal end and a distal end, a rotatable member disposed radially and axially within the expandable member, and a conduit coupled to the expandable member, the conduit at least partially defining a blood flow lumen between a distal end of the conduit and a proximal end of the conduit, the conduit disposed solely radially inside of the expandable member in a distal section of the expandable member.

Abstract: An obturator assembly includes an obturator at least partially positionable within a lumen of a device. The obturator has a distal end with a tip portion and an opposing proximal end. A sensor assembly is at the tip portion. The sensor assembly is configured to sense one or more environmental characteristics and to generate one or more signals representative of the one or more environmental characteristics. A hub is operatively coupled to the obturator. The hub is also operatively coupled to electronic circuitry that is coupled in signal communication with the sensor assembly. In certain embodiments, the electronic circuitry is configured to receive the one or more signals from the sensor assembly and transmit the one or more signals to remote reception circuitry and/or display a datum representative of the one or more environmental characteristics on a display of the hub.

Abstract: A urinary catheter is readily removed and replaced with a second urinary catheter without introducing foreign matter or contaminants into the bladder. The first urinary catheter includes an extra lumen that houses a sheath, which sheath seals the extra lumen from introduction of fluids. The sheath seals an opening hole at or near the tip of the catheter. After the sheath is extracted from the catheter, a guidewire is threaded through the extra lumen and into the patient's bladder. The first urinary catheter is withdrawn from the patient, leaving the guidewire in the patient. A second urinary catheter is inserted into the patient over the guidewire, with the guidewire present in the urine lumen of the second urinary catheter. The guidewire then is extracted from the patient. The second urinary catheter may also have an extra lumen and a sheath with a break-away seal so that the second urinary catheter may be removed and replaced in like manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drainage tube introducer wherein while a drainage tube is fitted over an introducing end portion (42) protruding through a pin hole (32) and is introduced through an incision portion (4) into an infected portion (2) in cooperation with the introducing end portion (42), a stop block (52) is pressed by pushing a sleeve (70) frontward, which bends an operating lever (50) made of an elastic material to release the stop block (52) from a stop hole (38). Accordingly, a pin (40) is moved rearward by an elastic member (60) to withdraw the introducing end portion (42) protruding through the pin hole and to separate the drainage tube introduced into the infected portion (2) from the introducing end portion (42).

Abstract: The present disclosure illustrates a nasal aspirator with a lighting function. The nasal aspirator includes a main body, a power supply unit, a sucking unit, air extracting unit, and a lighting unit. The power supply unit is disposed in the main body. The sucking unit is coupled with and extended out of the main body and configured to insert into a nasal cavity. The air extracting unit is disposed in the main body and electrically coupled with the power supply unit, and configured to enable the sucking unit to generate suction. The lighting unit is disposed in the sucking unit, and the power supply unit is configured to drive the air extracting unit and the lighting unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hemostatic composite sponge comprising oxidized cellulose and an essentially gelatin-free bioadhesive material stably associated with said sponge and present in an organized pattern on said sponge.

Abstract: The subject invention provides materials methods for reducing infections in subjects. The materials methods utilize chlorhexidine, which has been found to be surprisingly non-toxic. The lack of toxicity facilitates the use of chlorhexidine in contexts that were not previously thought to be possible.

Abstract: A trap bottle assembly for mounting on a suction regulator or controller is disclosed. The trap bottle assembly includes a mounting adaptor for mounting on the suction regulator and a disposable trap bottle for releasable mounting on the mounting adaptor. The mounting adaptor includes a tubular connector and a body member having a peripheral sidewall from which a pair of pins extends. The threaded tubular connector connects the mounting adaptor to the suction regulator or controller. The trap bottle includes an annular flange for tightly engaging an undersurface of the body member to form a good fluid tight interface therebetween. The trap bottle includes a pair of recesses for receipt of the pair of pins, to enable the trap bottle to be releasably secured to the mounting adaptor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a peripheral nerve fixing apparatus, which includes: a suction unit configured to provide a negative pressure to a peripheral nerve at an end portion thereof to fix the peripheral nerve; and a negative pressure generating unit having a vacuum pump for generating a negative pressure and connected to the suction unit so that the negative pressure is provided to the suction unit, wherein at one surface of the end portion of the suction unit, the suction unit includes: a fixing unit provided to contact the peripheral nerve to keep a stable fixed state; and a suction hole formed in the fixing unit so that the negative pressure is provided to the peripheral nerve therethrough.

Abstract: A device guide (30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130) includes a distal portion configured for insertion through a guide catheter (20) into a blood vessel (24) and having a semi-tubular shape chosen so as to guide an intravascular device (32) inserted through the guide catheter into the blood vessel.

Abstract: A nasal air filtration device for filtering air inhaled by a user is disclosed. The nasal air filtration device includes a pair of nostril tubes including a filter at one end and an ionic plate at other end. Each of the nostril tubes includes a cup having a plurality of openings. The nasal air filtration device includes a base tube coupled to the nostril tubes. The base tube includes an exhaust channel. The base tube includes a first housing having a battery and a second housing having a fan. In order to filter the air inhaled by a user, the nostril tubes are placed inside nostrils of the user. When the user inhales, the fan is operated to draw the air into the base tube, and the air is made to pass through the filter and the ionic plate provided at the nostril tubes into the nostrils via the openings. When the user exhales, the air is released into the atmosphere through the exhaust channel via the nostril tubes.

Abstract: Example embodiments may include an apparatus for providing negative-pressure therapy with a push-to-release actuator. The actuator may be a key insertable through a keyway in the apparatus to engage a movable barrier, such as a piston. The actuator may also be used to lock the barrier in a primed position. Pressing on the actuator can release the barrier and activate the apparatus for negative-pressure therapy. In some examples, the actuator may comprise a shaft, a latch, and a spring biasing the latch toward the shaft. The latch may comprise an opening toward a proximal end of the shaft. The apparatus may comprise a receptacle for receiving the actuator, and a keeper may disposed within the receptacle for coupling to the latch. In some embodiments, the keeper may comprise a base protruding from the wall, and a ledge extending from the base toward the second aperture.

Abstract: An access system for endoscopic operations includes of a trocar, a cover that is fittable on the trocar and at least one spreading element having a retaining portion and an effector portion, wherein the access system has, between the trocar and the cover in the fitted state, a receiving region for the retaining portion of the at least one spreading element. Furthermore, the access system can include an extraction bag which is expanded by the effector portion of the at least one spreading element.

Abstract: Foley type catheter embodiments for sensing physiologic data from a urinary tract of a patient are disclosed. The system includes the catheter and a data processing apparatus and methods for sensing physiologic data from the urinary tract. Embodiments may also include a pressure sensor having a pressure interface at a distal end of the catheter, a pressure transducer at a proximal end, and a fluid column disposed between the pressure interface and transducer. When the distal end is residing in the bladder, the pressure transducer can transduce pressure impinging on it into a chronological pressure profile, which can be processed by the data processing apparatus into one or more distinct physiologic pressure profiles, for example, peritoneal pressure, respiratory rate, and cardiac rate. At a sufficiently high data-sampling rate, these physiologic data may further include relative pulmonary tidal volume, cardiac output, relative cardiac output, and absolute cardiac stroke volume.

Abstract: A portable pump is provided for negative pressure wound therapy for drawing a vacuum from a wound site via a tube. The pump includes an inlet configured to attach the tube from the wound site; a canister in fluid communication with the inlet for collecting fluids drained from the wound site; and a manually-actuated pump mechanism for creating the vacuum. The pump mechanism includes a vacuum chamber in fluid communication with the canister; a piston disposed in the vacuum chamber; and a pump handle coupled to the piston to move the piston in the vacuum chamber between first and second positions to create the vacuum. The pump handle moving between a retracted position and an extended position. The piston is in the first position when said pump handle is in the retracted position and is in the second position when said pump handle is in the extended position.

Abstract: A tympanostomy tube applicator has a hand-held housing and a stem extending from the housing and having a shape arranged for engagement in the ear canal. A tympanostomy tube inserter has a user actuator, a rod having a tip to pierce a patient's tympanic membrane and to support a tympanostomy tube through the membrane where it is pierced. The inserter inserts a collapsed tympanostomy tube through the membrane and expands the tube in situ to provide a distal flange in the tympanostomy tube. A myrongotomy tip expands the tube to a final state having a distal flange as it is retracted.

Abstract: A thrombectomy device for removing thrombus from a body lumen comprises an elongated catheter member (2) having a distal part and a proximal part, a thrombus blocking body (5) disposed on the distal part of the catheter member and radially expansible between a contracted orientation and an expanded, thrombus-blocking, orientation, a thrombus capture body (3) disposed on the distal part of the catheter member in an axially spaced-apart relationship to the thrombus blocking body, and radially expansible between a contracted orientation and an expanded, thrombus-capture, orientation, deployment means actuable to deploy and retract the thrombus capture body and thrombus blocking body; and an elongated control arm operably connected to the thrombus capture body. The thrombus capture body is a cage having an inwardly tapering leading end, the elongated control arm is operably connected to the leading end of the cage, and a thrombus extractor or macerator mechanism is disposed within the cage.

Abstract: Embodiments of a negative pressure wound therapy systems and methods for operating the systems are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system includes a pump assembly, canister, and a wound dressing configured to be positioned over a wound. The pump assembly, canister, and the wound dressing can be fluidically connected to facilitate delivery of negative pressure to a wound. The pump assembly can present graphical user interface screens for controlling and monitoring delivery of negative pressure. The system can be configured to efficiently deliver negative pressure and to detect and indicate presence of certain conditions, such as low pressure, high pressure, leak, canister full, and the like. Monitoring and detection of operating condition can be performed by measuring one or more operational parameters, such as pressure, flow rate, and the like.

Abstract: A guide extension catheter includes a push member and a distal shaft coupled to and extending distally from the push member. The distal shaft includes a shaft wall and a passageway. The shaft wall includes a helically-shaped proximal end and a distal end. The helically-shaped proximal end coils helically about a first central longitudinal axis of the passageway of the distal shaft. The helically-shaped proximal end of the shaft wall defines a helically-shaped entry port of the distal shaft. The distal shaft may include a helically-shaped collar coupled to the helically-shaped proximal end of the distal shaft, the collar defining the helically-shaped entry port of the distal shaft.

Abstract: A collector-analyzer apparatus for urine has a urine collecting tube joined with a urine receiving canister. Suction is produced in the collecting tube to join the tube with a penis or to the exterior surface of a female urethra orifice. Once suction is achieved the collecting tube stays in place by suction action. When urine flows into the urine collecting tube a sensor triggers a vacuum pump to produce a higher level of suction to flush the urine into the canister where a level sensor determines the quantity of urine received or resident within the canister. Various sensors in the canister determine levels of non-urine partials such as occult blood, drugs, salt, and other substances. When urine is no longer detected within the urine tube, the vacuum pump is turned off and a low-level vacuum remains to assure interconnection between the urine tube and the urethra.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for automatically forming an incision in a tympanic membrane of an ear and placing a tympanic membrane pressure equalization tube into the incision. The systems include a housing with a shaft extending therefrom. A mechanism is disposed within the housing. A distal end of the shaft is placed against a tympanic membrane, and the mechanism is triggered to causes the tympanic membrane to be automatically incised and dilated and a tympanic membrane pressure equalization tube to be placed in the dilated incision.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for providing a fluid communication path to a wound site through a drape. The apparatus comprises a body portion having a lower surface and an upper surface, at least one connection port, at least one suction port and at least one fluid communication passageway between the connection port and the suction port. A connector at an end of at least one tubular conduit is locatable through the drape into an orifice in the connection port to thereby provide a fluid communication path through the drape between the tubular conduit and the wound site.

Abstract: A portable negative-pressure device including a housing, a piston, a barrier layer and a spring means for forming a first collection chamber and a second collection chamber having a variable volume to form a pressure-reducing region is provided. In the situation of that the exudates have been stored in the first collection chamber, the portable negative-pressure device can still maintain a sufficient negative pressure by continuously compressing the piston, and the second collection chamber will provide an additional liquid storage space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dialyzer, in particular to a peritoneal dialyzer, comprising at least one compressor and comprising at least one pneumatic consumer which is in communication with the compressor such that it can be acted on by compressed air from the compressor, wherein the dialyzer communicates or can communicate with at least one blood pressure cuff such that the blood pressure cuff can be supplied with compressed air by the compressor of the dialyzer.

Abstract: A multiple-firing crimp device comprises crimps, a shaft, a crimp movement assembly, and a snare. Each crimp has an internal hollow. The shaft has a distal crimping location, an exterior surface, and an interior with the clips stacked therein, the crimps moving therein along a longitudinal axis. The shaft defines a lateral opening proximal to the crimping location and communicates the interior to the environment outside the exterior surface. The crimp movement assembly within the shaft delivers the first crimp to the distal crimping location by moving the first crimp longitudinally from a first proximal position into the distal crimping location and returning to a second proximal position without the first crimp. The snare pulls at least one cord from distal of the first crimp through the first crimp and through a portion of the shaft and out the side of the shaft through the lateral opening.

Abstract: A rotary unit includes a first taper tubular portion which is contiguous to a first axial direction side of a unit main body portion and in which a first unit end of the rotary unit is positioned, an outer diameter of the first taper tubular portion becoming smaller toward the first axial direction. The rotary unit includes a first projecting portion extended on an outer peripheral portion of the first taper tubular portion with projecting toward an outer peripheral direction and wound toward a first around-axis direction as the first projecting portion extends from the first axial direction toward a second axial direction.

Abstract: A balloon suction catheter may be used to remove clots and increase blood flow to obstructed vessels such as a cerebral artery in a stroke patient. The catheter may be used to apply suction on the clot while providing flow arrest, embolic protection, and optionally flow reversal. The same catheter may also be used to provide for a flow modulation procedure known as post-conditioning to potentially reduce any damage from the sudden reintroduction of blood flow reperfusion injury.

Abstract: A surgical snare is provided having an operating wire and an outer sheath having a lumen extending therethrough, wherein the operating wire is disposed within the lumen and is longitudinally movable within the lumen. The surgical snare also has a first locking member attached to the operating wire and a second locking member attached to the outer sheath. The first locking member is frictionally engageable with the second locking member by sliding the outer sheath longitudinally along the operating wire until the first locking member contacts the second locking member. The operating wire is prevented from moving longitudinally with respect to the outer sheath when the first locking member is frictionally engaged with the second locking member.

Abstract: A tool is described for deploying a sutureless vascular anastomosis connection, including a body, a sheath configured to house a connector, the connector being configured to couple a graft vessel to a main vessel, the sheath being removably coupled to a distal end of the body, a dial disposed on a proximal end of the body, a spring disposed within the body and coupled to the dial, a shaft extending from the distal end of the body into the sheath, the shaft having a shaft cannula, a plunger having a plunger head configured to be coupled with the spring at one end, the plunger coupled to the shaft at an opposite end, and a retractable needle coupled to the dial using a retraction mechanism, the retractable needle configured to fit within the shaft cannula, the retractable needle having a sharp end.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for applying negative pressure to a wound site. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a source of negative pressure, a processing element, and a memory comprising instructions configured to, when executed on the processing element, cause the apparatus to attempt to generate, via the source of negative pressure, a desired negative pressure at the wound site. If the desired negative pressure has not been generated after a first predetermined period of time, the instructions cause the apparatus to: deactivate the source of negative pressure for a second predetermined period of time, and subsequently attempt to generate the desired negative pressure at the wound site.

Abstract: The invention relates to a snare device for catching an object, in particular for catching objects or foreign bodies in a human or animal body, comprising a hollow element, in particular a catheter, and a snare of a flexible elastic shape-memory material, wherein the snare can be moved relative to the hollow element and can be pulled into the hollow element and can be pushed out of the hollow element, and wherein the snare has a memorized original shape, to which the snare returns, when the snare is pushed out of the hollow element, by means of the material stresses caused when the snare is pulled in, and the hollow element has an outlet opening, which is arranged laterally on the hollow element and which is set back from the distal end of the hollow element and through which the snare can be pushed out of the hollow element and can be pulled into the hollow element.

Abstract: A dual lumen cannula includes a first tube defining a return lumen and having a proximal end, a mid-portion and a distal end, wherein the distal end includes a return aperture. A second tube is coaxial with the first tube and has a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the second tube is fixedly attached to the mid-portion of the first tube and wherein the distal end of the second tube includes a drainage aperture. A drainage lumen is defined by a space between the first tube and the second tube. A connector is attached to the proximal end of the second tube. The connector includes a reservoir for receiving a fluid from the proximal end of the second tube. The first tube extends through the connector and does not attach directly with the second tube at the connector, and the first tube remains substantially coaxial with the second tube throughout a length of the second tube.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of new and useful systems and methods for reduced-pressure therapy are described. One example embodiment is a manually-actuated pump for applying reduced-pressure therapy. The pump generally comprises a charging chamber, a regulated chamber, and a regulator passage between the charging chamber and the regulated chamber. A valve body controls fluid communication through the regulator passage, and a regulator spring may be engaged with the valve body to bias the valve body against a differential between a pressure in the regulated chamber and an ambient pressure. The regulator passage may have a bore size adapted deflect the valve body to cause an audible indication of a leak.

Abstract: An arthroscopic resection device is disclosed. The device includes an outer member including a hub, an inner member including a hub, the inner member housed within the outer member, a tube coupled to the outer member, and means for allowing longitudinal movement of the outer member relative to the inner member, the means coupled to the tube. A method of tissue repair and other arthroscopic resection devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing a medical procedure within a patient's body that involves a thoracic duct including an ostium communicating with the patient's venous system. A distal end of a catheter is introduced through the patient's venous system into a body lumen adjacent the ostium of the thoracic duct. An expandable member on the distal end of the tubular may be expanded adjacent the ostium, e.g., within the body lumen or the thoracic duct itself, and used to isolate the thoracic duct from the body lumen, whereupon a medical procedure may be performed via the thoracic duct. For example, lymphatic fluid may be removed from the thoracic duct through a lumen of the tubular member and/or one or more agents may be introduced into the thoracic duct through the tubular member.

Abstract: A catheter includes a catheter body defining first and second lumens, and a wire having first and second segments each with a greater stiffness, and a middle segment with a lesser stiffness. The wire is in an elastically deformed access state where the middle segment extends from an opening to the first lumen to an opening to the second lumen and forms a smaller loop. The wire is adjustable via sliding the first and second segments in opposed directions to an elastically deformed treatment state where the first segment extends from the opening to the first lumen to the opening to the second lumen and forms a larger loop.

Abstract: An anesthesia delivery device with a syringe receiving chamber, a cannula joint, a thin resilient tubular member, a string member and a string retaining member. The thin tubular member is attached to one end of the syringe receiving chamber. The tubular member includes a plurality of small apertures for allowing anesthesia out to surrounding tissue. The cannula joint is attached at the proximal end of the thin tubular member. A syringe can be attached to the cannula joint. The tubular member includes a pair of opposing tabs that each include an aperture for allowing the string member to pass through to form a loop that can surround the shaft of a tendon harvesting tool. The string member ends can be held in place by the string retaining member. A preferred embodiment includes the thin tubular member is approximately twenty-seven centimeters long and includes a plurality of distance identifying markings.

Abstract: A retrieval snare for entrapping and retaining a foreign object located in a body and a method for manufacturing of the snare are provided. The snare comprises a structure having a proximal portion and a distal portion and includes a plurality of filaments. The filaments extend from an end of the proximal portion towards the distal portion and return to the end of the proximal portion to form a plurality of loops. The loops are not interconnected at the distal portion, but each side of each loop are connected to a side of an adjacent loop in the proximal portion at more than one point, thereby providing structural rigidity and dilatation ability to the snare.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating the brain comprises an implantable fluid exchange device coupled to a control unit to periodically alternate a delivery of a therapeutic agent with a removal of cerebrospinal fluid from a cranial subarachnoid space to prevent local inflammatory host-products from blocking a transmeningeal diffusion of the therapeutic agents into the cerebral cortex and thereby allow an effective treatment of cerebral cortical disorders by the delivery therapeutic agents.