Abstract: A shunt has a housing and a base. The base has a first set of electrodes extending across the base. A catheter is connected to the housing. The catheter has a longitudinal length, a proximal end, and a distal end. The catheter has a second set of electrodes extending along the longitudinal length of the catheter. At least two of the electrodes of said first set are electrically connected to two of the electrodes of the second set. The housing including a self sealing, needle penetrable outer housing wall. The system includes a probe assembly that is selectively penetratable through an outer housing wall.

Abstract: In accordance with a currently preferred exemplary embodiment, the present invention involves an electro-surgical bipolar forceps having a first member, a second member, and a tip assembly. The first member has a first insert tube extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof. The second member has a second insert tube extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof. At least one of the first and second insert tube has an inner surface, a portion of which is covered with an electrically insulating material. The first tip assembly has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the first tip assembly is selectively engageable with one of the first and second insert tubes. The first tip assembly includes an electrically conductive tip disposed at the distal end of the first tip assembly.

Abstract: Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy catheter probe comprising a permanent magnet arrangement (1,2,3,4) for generating a static magnetic field of suitable intensity and homogeneity for analysing a sample of fluid flowing into a catheter (6) traversing the permanent magnet arrangement. The probe further comprises an arrangement of electronic circuits (8,9) responsible for the excitation and detection of the nuclear magnetic resonance signal and at least one coil (7) to expose the fluid sample to the excitation signal and to collect the returned nuclear magnetic resonance signal.

Abstract: An implantable nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer for measuring the chemical composition of a fluid or for measuring the flow rate of the fluid. The spectrometer includes a housing and a catheter traversing across the housing so that a fluid external to the housing may flow through the catheter within the housing. A permanent magnet is disposed within the housing and generates an intense homogenous magnetic field in the vicinity of the catheter. An electronic circuit is disposed within the housing for detecting and formatting a nuclear magnetic resonance excitation signal. An excitation coil is connected to the electronic circuit and is disposed about the catheter to expose the fluid within the catheter to the excitation signal and to collect the nuclear magnetic resonance excitation signal.