Abstract: A laparoscopic technique for harvesting the inferior epigastric artery and removing it from the body. The harvested inferior epigastric artery may be used as a bypass graft in a coronary or peripheral bypass operation.

Abstract: A soap assembly comprising a transparent soap, an embedded toy, figurine or the like, and an embedded image layer. The soap assembly could also comprise a transparent soap with an embedded dissolvable image layer.

Abstract: A system for performing chest compression and abdominal compression for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. The system includes a motor and gearbox including a system of clutches and brakes which allow for controlling and limiting the movement of compressing mechanisms operating on the chest and the abdomen of a patient.

Abstract: A method of treating the heart and other body tissues by injecting a compound comprised of microsphere encapsulated macromolecule therapeutic agents into the myocardium, such that the microsphere size inhibits capillary transport of the compound but may permit lymphatic transport of the compound, and the compound releases therapeutic agents upon degradation of the microsphere.

Abstract: A computer system and computer-implemented method for rendering images in real-time with a three-dimensional appearance. Using a database including at least one pair of texture maps uses as a stereo pair behind a portal to simulate a scene. An input database can be processed to generate a processed database by performing texture mapping to replace at least one portion of the input data representing a view (or object) by data indicative of a pair of texture maps and an associated polygon or polygons. One of the texture maps represents the view (object) from a left-eye viewpoint; the other represents the view (object) from a right-eye viewpoint. In some embodiments, to generate the texture map pairs, the input database analyzed to produce the images. In other embodiments the images are from photographs or other sources.

Abstract: A truck bed extension that is convertible into a pair of ramps. The truck bed extension is comprised of a left truck bed extension and a right truck bed extension, each truck bed extension comprising a back wall section, a side wall extension section and a ramp lip. The side wall extension, ramp lip and back wall section are hinged together to allow the truck bed extensions to be straightened when detached from the truck bed and used as a dual ramp.

Abstract: A stent and stent catheter for intra-cranial use. The stent is a rolled sheet stent and is releasably mounted on the distal tip of the catheter with a low profile retaining tab. The stent is rolled tightly on the distal tip of the catheter and flexibility of the tightly rolled stent is promoted by ribbed or slatted construction (or, alternatively, slotted construction) in which the various layers of the stent are provided with numerous slats which counter align when the stent is expanded to form an imperforate wall from a plurality of perforate layers.

Abstract: Devices for welding suture segments in lieu of tying knots in sutures applied during endoscopic surgery. The devices provide for snaring loose suture ends and drawing the suture ends into a space between heating surfaces, and provide for closing the heating surfaces.

Abstract: A drug delivery catheter suited for cardiac procedures. The catheter includes a distal helical coil or other fixation and penetrating element which can be operated from the proximal end of the catheter to engage and penetrate the myocardium. Once delivered to the inside of the heart, the catheter can be used to inject small doses of therapeutic agents to the myocardium. The drug delivery system of the catheter allows for precise control of the dose injected into the heart wall.

Abstract: An inflatable shoe with a deflation valve designed to limit inadvertent operation of the valve and thereby limit inadvertent deflation of the shoe. The deflation valve has a shortened plunger, a collar to prevent tilt of the plunger, and a conformable ring on the valve face.

Abstract: An inflatable shoe with a deflation valve designed to limit inadvertent operation of the valve and thereby limit inadvertent deflation of the shoe. The deflation valve has a shortened plunger, a collar to prevent tilt of the plunger, and a conformable ring on the valve face. The plunger is provided with a groove sized and dimensioned to partially receive the inner surface of the ring.

Abstract: A stent fabricated from a rolled sheet. The sheet is perforated with wave form perforations to provide flexibility during insertion and in the body.

Abstract: An expandable stent has a sheeted material which is expanded from a compacted configuration to an expanded configuration. The sheet is maintained in the compacted configuration at least in part by operation of a dynamic force, and the expansion occurs at least in part by removal of the dynamic force. In preferred embodiments, a biocompatible sheeted material is wrapped around a retaining wire to produce a compacted configuration, and the retaining wire is rotated to maintain the compacted configuration during insertion of the stent into a patient. The rotation is continued while the stent is positioned, and then the rotation is stopped or slowed to permit expansion of the sheet.

Abstract: An endoscope having an autoclavable replaceable sealed optical assembly without moveable parts. The sealed optical assembly is placed into an insertion tube of the endoscope. A focusing device is attached to the proximal end of the sealed optical assembly. The opposite end of the focusing device may be connected to an appropriate image-receiving device such as a CCD camera. The endoscope differs from conventional optical devices of this type in that its focusing is performed by shifting the image-receiving plane of the CCD camera with respect to an immobile plane of a image produced by optical elements of the sealed optical assembly.

Abstract: A system for performing chest compression for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. The system includes a motor, drive spool and associated couplings which allow for controlling and limiting the movement of the compressing mechanism and includes a control system for controlling the operation and interaction of the various components to provide for optimal automatic operation of the system.

Abstract: A system for resuscitation of a heart attack victim. The system includes CPR device which compresses the victim's chest, a defibrillator which may be used to defibrillate the patient, and an identification system for identifying the person operating the system. Depending on the identity of the operator, the system permits varying degrees of access to components and enablment of the functions of the various subsystems.

Abstract: A compliant structure which includes a means for sensing translation and rotation of a top plate is disclosed. The structure is composed of a base plate and three supporting legs. The legs are compliant. The deflections of the structure are substantially in a plane and the translation and twist of the top platform may be measured by the gimbaled sensor assembly attached to one of the legs.

Abstract: A method of controlling the blood pressure in a patient with high blood pressure or low blood pressure utilizing a non-invasive nerve stimulation device applied to the wrist.

Abstract: Chest compressions are measured and prompted to facilitate the effective administration of CPR. A displacement detector produces a displacement indicative signal indicative of the displacement of the CPR recipient's chest toward the recipient's spine. A signaling mechanism provides chest compression indication signals directing a chest compression force being applied to the chest and a frequency of such compressions. An automated controller and an automated constricting device may be provided for applying CPR to the recipient in an automated fashion. The automated controller receives the chest compression indication signals from the signaling mechanism, and, in accordance with the chest compression indication signals, controls the force and frequency of constrictions.

Abstract: A soluble capsule, fairing or adherent material for a stent catheter or other device to inserted into the human body. The capsule, fairing or adherent material is made of a material which dissolves within the body in a convenient time, for example ten or fifteen minutes, allowing a convenient time for placement of the device and protecting the blood vessel from any sharp surfaces of the device.