Abstract: A device for transluminal implantation of a substantially tubular, radially expansible stent. The device includes a central tube surrounded by an outer tube axially displaceable relative to the central tube, with the radial dimensions of the tubes being such as to form an annular space therebetween capable of accommodating the stent in an unexpanded state. The outer tube is axially displaceable relative to the central tube. In one embodiment of the device, the central tube, at a distal end thereof, is provided with a section of reduced diameter at the proximal end of which there is an undercut groove forming a circumferential flange within which a proximal end of the stent rests until release of the stent by rearward displacement of the outer tube. In a modification of the device, the central tube, at its distal end, includes a sleeve slidably positioned therearound for capturing at least a proximal portion of the stent restraining the proximal portion against movement until stent deployment.

Abstract: A prostatic stent and method of manufacture. The stent has an elongate body defining a passage therethrough and includes a distal section, a mid-section and a proximal section. The elongate body has a length sufficient to extend distally from a bladder neck to a position somewhat short of the external sphincter. The proximal section has a shape conforming to the neck of the urinary bladder.

Abstract: A device for transluminal implantation of a substantially tubular, radially expansible stent. The device includes a central tube surrounded by an outer tube axially displaceable relative to the central tube, with the radial dimensions of the tubes being such as to form an annular space therebetween capable of accommodating the stent in an unexpanded state. The outer tube is axially displaceable relative to the central tube. In one embodiment of the device, the central tube, at a distal end thereof, is provided with a section of reduced diameter at the proximal end of which there is an undercut groove forming a circumferential flange within which a proximal end of the stent rests until release of the stent by rearward displacement of the outer tube. In a modification of the device, the central tube, at its distal end, includes a sleeve slidably positioned therearound for capturing at least a proximal portion of the stent restraining the proximal portion against movement until stent deployment.

Abstract: A device for transluminal extraction or implantation of a substantially tubular, radially expansible stent. The device includes a central tube surrounded by an exterior tube axially displaceable relative to the central tube and a plurality of axially extending gripping members coupled to the central tube at a distal end thereof. The gripping members are substantially evenly distributed around the periphery of the central tube and capable of outward expanding action of their distal ends when the central tube is displaced relative to the exterior tube. The gripping members are arranged in at least two concentric sets with a first set being radially displaced relative to a second set so as to substantially cover the gaps between adjacent gripping members of the first and second sets when in an expanded position. The sets of gripping members form a substantially closed distal end periphery when in the expanded position permitting a substantially continuous circumferential engagement around the stent.

Abstract: A catheter device having, in coaxial arrangement, an insertion catheter, a dilation catheter and an occlusion catheter. By means of the occlusion catheter a vessel carrying body fluid is closed off in the direction of flow following a stricture. By means of the dilation catheter, the stricture is treated by dilation. The occlusion catheter positioned beyond the stricture prevents an embolism due to detached particles flowing off. After treatment of the stenosis, vessel fluid together with any detached particles is removed by suction and washed out through the insertion catheter.

Abstract: A device for providing access to a living body. The device, in one embodiment, includes a slotted needle dimensioned and configured to receive, in fluid tight engagement, a catheter or a guidewire introduced into the needle through the slot. The device, in another embodiment, includes a sharpened, slotted first tube, a second tube piercable by the first tube for receipt therein of at least a potion of both the first tube and the slot, and an elongated element passing into the second tube, through the slot and into the first tube. The device might further include a third tube slidably positioned around the second tube.

Abstract: A hose or tubular guide catheter which accommodates and guides a balloon catheter through a portion of the vascular system to a site where the balloon catheter can be employed for the dilatation of coronary arteries. The wall of the catheter, in the region of its anterior end, is set back from the edge over a portion of the circumference. If the end of this guide catheter has passed only a little way into the entrance of a coronary artery, blood from the aorta can enter through the large flow section into the catheter and into the coronary artery. Hence the blood supply of the coronary artery is assured. By further advance of the guide catheter, the recess is closed off by the wall of the entrance opening of the coronary artery, so that injected contrast medium will enter full into the coronary artery and cannot pass into the aorta.

Abstract: The dilatation catheter has a shaft which consists of two separately produced shaft portions. Both portions have a first lumen for a guide wire and a second lumen for a pressure liquid. The two portions overlap at a connection point and are preferably welded to one another at this point. The proximal portion consists of two coaxial tube portions and the distal portion consists of an extruded two-lumen tube piece. The proximal portion is stiffer than the distal portion, which permits an optimal adaptation to a non-straight course of a blood vessel. The dilatation catheter according to the invention is particularly suitable for the treatment of arterial occlusions, which are situated in or downstream of a vessel curve.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying a cap member to a receptacle or container. The apparatus and method are particularly suitable for use in placing the cap member, including a bail, snugly onto the end of a receptacle adapted to contain a pharmaceutical agent.

Abstract: An angioplasty balloon catheter wherein the balloon thereof has connected to its wall a plurality of laser light guides which are inlaid in the balloon wall so that the distal ends of the light guides can be moved radially outwardly and inwardly by changing pressure within the balloon.

Abstract: A dilatation catheter intended in particular for treatment of strictures in the carotid artery has at its front end a dilatation balloon, which is inserted in the folded state into the carotid artery and is inflated in order to widen the stricture. In front of the dilatation balloon a sealing balloon is arranged which serves to seal off the carotid artery downstream of the stricture, in order thereby to prevent a migration of any stricture material which may become detached during treatment, and thus to avoid the risk of an embolism. Between the dilatation balloon and the sealing balloon there is a draw-off and inlet opening through which, after widening and with the sealing balloon inflated, detached stricture material can be drawn off or washed away.

Abstract: An artificial anus includes a hollow tubular support member, having a cylindrical body portion and a pair of radially-extending flanges at the two opposed open ends of the body portion, and a releasable plug for sealingly closing the hollow support member. The support member is suitable for implantation within an opening in the abdominal wall of the patient, with one of the radially-extending flanges lying upon the dermis or subcutaneous tissue, the other of the flanges lying on the fascia or peritoneum, and the end of the patient's colon received within the support member. Inner and outer layers of at least a portion of the cylindrical body portion are capable of receiving soft tissue ingrowth. A pressure transducer of electrical contact is provided on the support member and connected to an electrode in contact with the patient's skin, so that when the colon becomes pressurized the patient is signalled that the plug should be released.

Abstract: A device, suitable for use in repairing a lacerated or severed tendon, particularly a hand flexor tendon, having a flat band body with opposite ends of the body designed to anchor connecting sutures. The device also finds applicability in the repair of lacerated or severed ligaments. Also disclosed is a method of repairing a severed tendon by implanting a flat band device suturing together the device and the tendon to effect an anastomosis along approximated ends of the severed tendon. Further disclosed is a method of repairing a lacerated or severed ligament.

Abstract: An intraoperative blood recovery system and method for salvaging operative blood while simultaneously delivering previously collected blood to a reinfusion system. A blood collection and transfer reservoir, having multiple compartments which can be separated by vacuum or pressure barriers, is designed to maintain a continuous suction for blood inflow while blood previously collected can be simultaneously transported through the reservoir to achieve the uninterrupted flow of blood into and delivery of blood out of the reservoir.

Abstract: A reservoir outlet control device for controlling fluid flow from a reservoir. The device is particularly suitable for controlling fluid outflow from a blood collecting and blood delivery reservoir.

Abstract: A device, suitable for use in repairing a lacerated or severed tendon, particularly a hand flexor tendon, having a flat band body with opposite ends of the body designed to anchor connecting sutures. The device also finds applicability in the repair of lacerated or severed ligaments. Also disclosed is a method of repairing a severed tendon by implanting a flat band device suturing together the device and the tendon to effect an anastomosis along approximated ends of the severed tendon. Further disclosed is a method of repairing a lacerated or severed ligament.

Abstract: An artificial anus includes a hollow tubular support member, having a cylindrical body portion and a pair of radially-extending flanges at the two opposed open ends of the body portion, and a releasable plug for sealingly closing the hollow support member. The support member is suitable for implantation within an opening in the abdominal wall of the patient, with one of the radially-extending flanges lying upon the dermis or subcutaneous tissue, the other of the flanges lying on the fascia or peritoneum, and the end of the patient's colon received within the support member. Inner and outer layers of at least a portion of the cylindrical body portion are capable of receiving soft tissue ingrowth. A pressure transducer or electrical contact is provided on the support member and connected to an electrode in contact with the patient's skin, so that when the colon becomes pressurized the patient is signalled that the plug should be released.

Abstract: A drainage device, particularly adapted for use in medical procedures for draining fluids from a body cavity of a patient, incorporating a suction control chamber dimensioned and configured to provide an enhanced air and liquid flow pattern within the chamber. The suction control chamber might also include a baffle plate for air and noise control. The drainage device might further include a seal chamber and an improved high negativity relief valve. The present invention also includes a device, having an integral sampling or injection port, for coupling tubing.

Abstract: A support stand, particularly suitable for use in securing an article against overturn, being coupled to the article in a locked article stabilizing position. Preferably, the stand is rotatively coupled to the article for selective location of the stand in either an inoperative position or in a locked operative article stabilizing position.