Abstract: The need for a venous reservoir in a heart-lung machine is obviated by using a vacuum-purged negative-pressure air filter in the venous return line ahead of the main blood pump. The purging vacuum for the venous air filter can also be used to purge air from the cardiotomy reservoir if a backflow-preventing valve is used on the venous air filter.

Abstract: A suction assisted ablation device having a support surface, suction elements disposed adjacent the support surface, at least one electrode and at least one suction conduit is provided. The device may further include fluid openings, which allow fluid to irrigate target tissue and aid in ablation. A method for ablating tissue using suction is also provided.

Abstract: A method of making a tissue-derived implantable medical device that includes contacting the tissue with a composition comprising at least one oxidizing agent prior to implantation of the medical device.

Abstract: A heat exchanger, or the heat exchanger component of a multi-function device, comprising a polymeric heat transfer material. The heat exchanger exhibits reduced voltage-induced breakdown of the polymeric material, which can lead to cross-contamination of the two fluids. Either or both of two approaches may be employed. The first approach modifies the polymeric material to increase its resistance to breakdown. The second approach employs at least one electrical bridge between the fluids in the two sides of the heat exchanger, thus placing the two fluids into electrical equilibrium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a virtual electrode to ablate bodily tissue. The surgical apparatus includes an inner tube and an outer tube. The inner tube defines a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion forms an orifice for distributing a conductive solution from the inner tube and further forms an electrode. The outer tube coaxially receives the inner tube such that the outer tube is slidable relative to the inner tube. With this configuration, the outer tube selectively blocks flow of conductive solution from the orifice. During use, conductive solution distributed from the orifice is subjected to a current from the electrode, thereby creating a virtual electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for producing a virtual electrode within or upon a tissue to be treated with radiofrequency alternating electric current, such tissue including but not limited to liver, lung, cardiac, prostate, breast, and vascular tissue and neoplasms. An apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a radiofrequency alternating electric current source and a radiofrequency ablating a fluid source. A surgical instrument is connected to both the current source and the fluid source for delivering a fluid and a current to a first portion of tissue to be ablated. The apparatus also includes a protective fluid source and a delivery system connected to the protective fluid source for delivery of protective fluid to a secondary portion of tissue whose ablation is not desired.

Abstract: A device for ablating tissue is provided. The device comprises a conductive element with a channel for irrigating fluid formed therein, which is in contact with a non-conductive microporous interface. All or a portion of the interface may be removable. When the interface is removed, a portion of the conductive element is exposed for use in ablating tissue. Methods of using the device and of removing the interface are also provided.

Abstract: A method of performing a medical procedure, such as surgery, is provided. The spinal cord is stimulated in order to control at least one physiological function. The medical procedure is performed and stimulation of the spinal cord is stopped.

Abstract: An intravascular device is provided. The device comprises a sealing member, the member including a mesh material and a gripping element operatively attached to the sealing member, the gripping element operatively adapted to allow a user to position the sealing member to seal a blood vessel. Methods of using the device are also provided.

Abstract: An electrocautery instrument is provided with a hollow electrode having a source of conductive fluid coupled to a proximal end thereof. Conductive fluid is communicated through said electrode and expelled out of the distal end thereof during electrocautery, forming a “virtual electrode.” The infused conductive liquid conducts the RF electrocautery energy away from the conductive electrode, thereby displacing the region of thermal generation and reducing the extent of burns and perforations caused by conventional electrocautery electrodes. In one embodiment, the electrode is partially disposed within and extends distally out of a retractable suction tube, such that smoke and fluid are aspirated from the electrocautery site. When the suction tube is fully advanced, the electrode is concealed therein, enabling suction without electrocautery to be performed.

Abstract: An endoscopic stabilization device is provided. The device includes first and second support elements positioned opposite each other, a plurality of linkages, each linkage including a first end portion attached to the first support element and a second end portion attached to the second support element; and a cable operatively attached to the linkages at a first end to allow a user to pull a second end of the cable to move the first support element in a direction away from the second support element. Methods of using the device to stabilize and immobilize components in the body are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for temporarily immobilizing a local area of tissue. In particular, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for temporarily immobilizing a local area of heart tissue to thereby permit surgery on a coronary vessel in that area without significant deterioration of the pumping function of the beating heart. The local area of heart tissue is immobilized to a degree sufficient to permit minimally invasive or micro-surgery on that area of the heart. The present invention features a suction device to accomplish the immobilization. The suction device is coupled to a source of negative pressure. The suction device has a series of suction ports on one surface. Suction through the device causes suction to be maintained at the ports. The device further is shaped to conform to the surface of the heart. Thus, when the device is placed on the surface of the heart and suction is created, the suction through the ports engages the surface of the heart.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for positioning, manipulating, holding, grasping, immobilizing and/or stabilizing a heart including one or more tissue-engaging devices, one or more suction sources, one or more fluid sources, one or more energy sources, one or more sensors and one or more processors. The system and method may include an indifferent electrode, a drug delivery device and an illumination device. The system's tissue-engaging device may comprise a tissue-engaging head, a support apparatus and a clamping mechanism for attaching the tissue-engaging device to a stable object. The system may be used during various medical procedures including the deployment of an anastomotic device, intermittently stopping and starting of the heart, ablation of cardiac tissues and the placement of cardiac leads.

Abstract: An inline electromagnetic flow probe, and its corresponding flow transducer, incorporate mutually compatible features that permit a single transducer to identify which of a plurality of types of flow probes has been inserted into the transducer.

Abstract: An electrosurgery medical device is enhanced with unique solution-assistance, and comprises, in combination, co-operating device jaws including jaw portions for manipulating tissue, and a plurality of solution infusion openings defined and spaced along each of the jaw portions, for receiving electrolytic solution and infusing the solution onto and into tissue to be manipulated, along said jaw portions. As preferred, the device further comprises at least one, and most preferably, many, longitudinal groove(s) along at least one and most preferably, both, of the jaw portions, with the solution infusion openings located in the groove or grooves. The solution is energized with RF energy and contributes to the functions and beneficial effects of the instrument. The solution exits the openings in the grooves at sufficient flow rates to separate substantially all the operative surfaces of the device from tissue, thereby substantially completely preventing adherence between the operative surfaces and tissue.

Abstract: An electrosurgery medical device is enhanced with unique solution-assistance, and comprises, in combination, co-operating device jaws including jaw portions for manipulating tissue, and a plurality of solution infusion openings defined and spaced along each of the jaw portions, for receiving electrolytic solution and infusing the solution onto and into tissue to be manipulated, along said jaw portions. As preferred, the device further comprises at least one, and most preferably, many, longitudinal groove(s) along at least one and most preferably, both, of the jaw portions, with the solution infusion openings located in the groove or grooves. The solution is energized with RF energy and contributes to the functions and beneficial effects of the instrument. The solution exits the openings in the grooves at sufficient flow rates to separate substantially all the operative surfaces of the device from tissue, thereby substantially completely preventing adherence between the operative surfaces and tissue.

Abstract: An obturator prevents the tips or flaps of a duck-bill valve from self-adhering during storage or during sterilization procedures. The obturator holds the tips apart until the end-user is ready to use the valve. The duck-bill valve is used as an air outlet valve in blood reservoirs.

Abstract: A coating for microporous hollow fiber membrane blood oxygenators increases the resistance of the fibers to passage of blood plasma through the micropores. The coating comprises alkoxysilane/alkylsilane copolymer, preferably aminoalkylsiloxane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for modifying a pyrolytic carbon surface to improve adhesion between it and a subsequently added polymer and/or a bio-active compound. In particular, plasma depositing an oxygen-containing, silicon-containing film forming monomer on a pyrolytic carbon surface improves adhesion of a polymer thereto, wherein the modified pyrolytic carbon surface and silicone rubber has a wet adhesion peel force greater than the wet adhesion peel force between an unmodified pyrolytic carbon and silicone rubber as measured by ASTM D 903-49 after 28 days in an aqueous environment, typically, at least 10 times greater.

Abstract: A supported bioprosthetic heart valve is provided. The valve includes a stent and a bilogical valve member. The stent has an annular frame defined by a support rail. The support rail is formed to define a triad of axially-projecting circumferentially-spaced commissure posts, each post having an inverted U-shaped configuration and a pair of legs. Each of the pair of legs has an upper end and a lower end. The lower end of each leg merges smoothly with the lower end of a leg of an adjacent commissure post. A sleeve having an inflow end and an outflow end is fitted around the annular frame. The biological valve member is defined by a tubular wall and three leaflets, the three leaflets being attached to the tubular wall and axially converging along three commissures. The biological valve member has a shape which fits the contour of the support rail and is disposed under the support rail. The biological valve member is sutured to the support rail and the outflow end of the sleeve.