Abstract: A balloon catheter having a micromanometer connected to the catheter and also a fluid-filled transducer system for adjusting micromanometer pressure measurements.

Abstract: A protective sleeve for a catheter having a distal end capable of (i) being disposed within and engaging a majority of existing hemostatic valves; and (ii) capable of being partially inserted into a patient, thus, securing the sleeve to the patient in a sheathless catheter insertion procedure.

Abstract: An intra-aortic balloon pump system having a leak detector comprising a processor, a pressure sensor, and optionally a temperature sensor. Gas leaks from the intra-aortic balloon pump system are detected by comparing shuttle gas pressure readings, taken just prior to IAB inflation, with similar thermodynamic histories, i.e. similar equilibrium times.

Abstract: A method and device for increasing the horizontal resolution of both a color flat panel display and a cathode ray tube (CRT) display. The method involves fine horizontal positioning of pixels according to information encoded in the color. Since pixel size is not changed, the display and processing bandwidth requirement is not increased. For the case of the color flat panel display, the fact that each pixel is constructed of a horizontal stripe of 3 primary color sub-pixels is utilized. Complex color information is spread across adjacent pixels to increase the apparent horizontal resolution by a factor of three. For the case of the CRT, a clock multiplier is used to multiply the video clock frequency by three. The apparent horizontal resolution of the CRT is increased by a factor of three by delaying pixels a varying multiple of this high clock speed.

Abstract: An intra-aortic balloon catheter having a variable diameter inner tube.

Abstract: An intra-aortic balloon catheter having an ultra-thin stretch blow molded balloon membrane. The balloon membrane is made from thermoplastic elastomeric and/or semicrystalline materials such as but not limited to polyurethane and polyetheramid.

Abstract: An improved method and device for measuring transthoracic impedance through an ECG cable and electrodes, in which the measurement accuracy is substantially unaffected by shunt capacitance and series resistance within the cable, said device comprising a means for repetitively injecting alternating polarity impulses of charge into the ECG cable and electrodes, a demodulator, and a low pass filter. The measurement performed by integration of the transient voltage induced by the injected charge responds primarily to the resistive components of the cable and patient impedance, and substantially rejects the effects of the shunt capacitance.

Abstract: An improved intra-aortic balloon catheter system comprising an insertion sheath, having an expandable distal end, and a tapered balloon membrane capable of being removed through said insertion sheath upon completion of therapy. The outer diameter of the balloon membrane in a wrapped state is smaller than the outer diameter of the outer tube.

Abstract: An intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) having improved automated electrocardiogram (ECG) based intra-aortic balloon deflation timing. Said IABP capable of automatically determining to either deflate the intra-aortic balloon upon the detection of the next cardiac cycle (non-predictive deflation) or at an earlier point derived from predicting the occurrence of the next cycle (predictive deflation). This automated determination is based upon a quantitative assessment of the performance of the intra-aortic balloon pump in predicting the prevailing cardiac rhythm. The accuracy of deflation based upon beat-to-beat interval prediction is scored relative to actual beat-to-beat interval. Once the cumulative prediction score of a predetermined number of historic beat-to-beat intervals reaches a predetermined threshold for non-predictive deflation, the non-predictive deflation mode is automatically activated. Scoring of beat predictions continues in this mode to signal when to switch back to predictive deflation.

Abstract: A hemostatic plug for sealing wounds in blood vessels comprising a tubular or spring-like body capable of buckling or collapsing upon application of a threshold axial force and having a fretted distal end. A collapsed portion of the plug lodges into the tissue tract and thus acts as a foothold allowing the plug to maintain continuous pressure on the puncture site necessary for a quick effective closure of the wound. Furthermore, collapse of the plug minimizes the chance of arterial penetration.

Abstract: A foldable monitor bedrail mount comprising a pair of U-shaped brackets pivotally connected on one end to a surface of the monitor and pivotally connected on the opposite end to a connecting rod. The U-shaped brackets pivot relative to the monitor and connecting rod between an open position, in which the monitor may be mounted on a bed rail, and a folded position, in which the mount assembly lies compactly against the rear surface of the monitor.

Abstract: An intra-aortic balloon catheter system comprising an intra-aortic balloon catheter having a reduced gas path length, a protective sleeve, and a Y-fitting connector connecting the proximal end of the catheter to an intra-aortic balloon pump. The protective sleeve is disposed about at least a portion of the connector between a proximal and distal end of the connector.

Abstract: An intra-aortic balloon catheter having an ultra-thin stretch blow molded balloon membrane. The balloon membrane is made from thermoplastic elastomeric and/or semicrystalline materials such as but not limited to polyurethane and polyetheramid.

Abstract: An intra-aortic balloon pump condensation prevention system comprising a water vapor extracting element. In one embodiment, the water vapor extracting element may comprise a Nafion tube. Said Nafion tube absorbs water vapor in the intra-aortic balloon catheter shuttle gas. The water is then extracted from the Nafion tube by means of a vacuum supply or a dry purge gas. In another embodiment, the water vapor extracting element may comprise a cooled coiled section of tubing. Water vapor which condenses in said coiled section of tubing migrates towards a sump as a result of the intermittent one-way flow of shuttle gas through the water vapor extraction element.

Abstract: An instrument for achieving rapid hemostasis at the conclusion of a catheterization procedure comprising a hemostatic agent injection device for use with a conventional introducer sheath used to gain access to the blood vessel. The injection device includes an elongated tubular member having ejection ports proximate its distal end. A hub member includes an elongated groove or track located in its surface with a transparent cover. The enclosed track is sealed from the lumen extending through the tubular member with a compliant membrane and filled with a predetermined amount of fluid. After the catheterization procedure, the device is inserted into the introducer sheath. Blood flows into the lumen of the device and pulsates against the compliant membrane. The fluid in the track pulsates within the enclosed track, clearly indicating that the ports are located in the blood vessel and subjected to variations in blood pressure.

Abstract: A hemostatic plug for sealing wounds in blood vessels comprising a tubular or spring-like body capable of buckling or collapsing upon application of a threshold axial force and having a fretted distal end. A collapsed portion of the plug lodges into the tissue tract and thus acts as a foothold allowing the plug to maintain continuous pressure on the puncture site necessary for a quick effective closure of the wound. Furthermore, collapse of the plug minimizes the chance of arterial penetration.

Abstract: A reduced diameter stent/graft deployment catheter and a method of insertion for said catheter. The delivery sheath portion of the catheter, i.e. the distal portion of the catheter containing the stent/graft, has a larger outer diameter than the remaining proximal portion of the catheter. The reduced outer diameter of the body of the catheter allows for the use of a smaller diameter introducer sheath. The method of inserting said catheter comprises the following steps: First, the delivery sheath portion of the catheter is inserted into the patient. Next, an introducer sheath, with an outer diameter which is no larger than the outer diameter of the delivery sheath, is disposed about the catheter and its distal portion inserted into the patient. The catheter is then advanced into the patient and the stent/graft deployed.