Abstract: A nonallergenic synthetic rubber elastomer having physical qualities equal to or superior to natural rubber latex is provided. The synthetic rubber elastomer is composed of at least one high molecular weight hydrogenated tri-block thermoplastic elastomer (HTPE), at least one low molecular weight HTPE and a crosslinkable cyclic unsaturated polyolefin crystalline polymer. Articles are formed from the synthetic rubber elastomers and then exposed to crosslinking agents. The articles thus formed possess physical qualities equal to or superior to natural rubber latex and improved biocompatability.

Abstract: A vascular access device is provided that has a device lumen valve and a safety valve feature to prevent leakage of blood from a lumen of such device. The vascular access device includes a sheath which may have an outer tube and structure defining a device lumen located therein. The access device further includes a detachable device valve which provides sealing of the device lumen. In addition, a non-detachable hemostasis safety valve is provided on the proximal end of the device lumen to seal the device lumen when no device valve is present. The device valve attaches to and simultaneously opens the proximal end of the hemostasis safety valve. In one embodiment, the device valve includes a distal projection that pierces an elastomeric valve member of the hemostasis safety valve. The elastomeric valve member of the hemostasis safety valve is stiffer than an elastomeric valve member of the device valve, and prevents introduction of guidewires and highly flexible catheters therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention provides functionally modified thermoplastic elastomeric compounds composed of at least one polystyrene hard domain, at least one polyolefin rubber domain and at least one cross-linkable compound interspersed within one or more of the domains. Methods for making and using these thermoplastic elastomeric compounds are also provided as are articles made from these compounds along with methods for making such articles.

Abstract: The method, device and system for electrical sealing of a puncture opening in a blood vessel wall. In a first embodiment, a vascular sealing probe has two bipolar electrodes formed thereon, is insertable to a position whereat the bipolar tip is adjacent the blood vessel puncture site to effect electrocauterization or electrocoagulation of the puncture site. In a second embodiment the bipolar vascular sealing probe has a first electrode formed thereon and an electrode-guide wire has the second bipolar electrode formed thereon. The electrode-guide wire is passable through a lumen formed in the probe such that the second electrode on the electrode-guide wire is positioned close enough to the first electrode positioned on the probe to permit electrical current to pass therebetween.

Abstract: A surgical knife which provides improved multi-sided incisions and is preferably allows for a substantially cruciate, or cross-shaped incision. The surgical knife includes a handle and a multi-bladed portion located at one end of the handle. The handle is sized and configured to maximize grip and surgical manipulation thereof. The multi-bladed portion is formed from a primary blade and a secondary blade. The primary blade is configured with two exemplary primary blade members. The primary blade members are formed with sharpened edges which combined to form a sharpened distal point of the primary blade. The secondary blade is formed with sharpened edges and cooperates with the primary blade. The coupling of the primary blade and the secondary blade is such that the distal end of the secondary blade is located at a distance from the sharpened distal point of the primary blade.

Abstract: A blood filter is disclosed which actively removes unwanted particles from the blood without using passive elements such as a cartridge. The blood filter includes a housing having a blood inlet area for receiving blood to be filtered, a blood outlet area for providing filtered blood to a patient, and a blood return area for returning blood having unwanted particles to a reservoir. A plurality of independent blood paths extend from the inlet area to the outlet area of the housing for separate flows of blood therethrough. An array of detectors is placed adjacent the exterior of each blood path for detecting unwanted particles in the blood flowing therethrough. An array of valves is placed in operable relationship with the blood paths to close selected ones of the blood paths when unwanted particles are detected. Blood return conduits open to divert the particle-containing blood to a reservoir. Several arrays of detectors and valve combinations may be provided for redundancy.