Abstract: The invention provides for a method of making more than one punchout from a single dried blood spot. The method comprising the steps of making a first punch and sequentially making at least a second punch in the dried blood spot. The second punch comprises boundaries which are at least partly outside of the boundaries of the first punch. The surface areas of the first punch and second punch are together equivalent to the minimum surface area required for testing of the dried blood spot.

Abstract: A stent with axial flexibility, in a preferred embodiment, has a longitudinal axis and comprises a plurality of longitudinally disposed bands, wherein each band defines a generally continuous wave along a line segment parallel to the longitudinal axis. A plurality of links maintains the bands in a tubular structure. In a further embodiment of the invention, each longitudinally disposed band of the stent is connected, at a plurality of periodic locations, by a short circumferential link to an adjacent band.

Abstract: The present invention relates to magnetic field sensors used to detect the position and orientation of medical probes within the body of a patient. The sensors of the present invention are especially adapted for use as independently positionable reference transducer assemblies.

Abstract: This invention relates to a substantially circular tablet dispenser component system which may be adapted for a variable day start of a prescribed periodic tablet regimen. Also provided are a tablet dispenser kit, a tablet packge adapted for filling the tablet dispenser system, methods of filling the tablet dispenser of the invention and methods of administering a prescribed regimen of medication using the tablet dispenser system of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved surgical stapler that prevents refiring of a spent staple cartridge. More specifically, this invention includes a simple, inexpensive mechanical locking mechanism which prevents refiring of a spent staple cartridge by blocking the path of the firing and/or cutting means of the stapler.

Abstract: Implantable apparatus for measuring a fluid flow in the body of a subject, including a stent, having a generally cylindrical radial outer wall and a central lumen. A flow parameter sensor is fixed to the stent, and measures a parameter relating to a rate of blood flow through the stent. A transmitter transmits signals responsive to the measured parameter to a receiver outside the body.

Abstract: This invention relates to a substantially circular tablet dispenser component system which may be adapted for a variable day start of a prescribed periodic tablet regimen. Also provided are a tablet dispenser kit, a tablet package adapted for filling the tablet dispenser system, methods of filling the tablet dispenser of the invention and methods of administering a prescribed regimen of medication using the tablet dispenser system of the invention, with both "any day start" (i.e., start of the therapy on any day of the week) and "any therapy package" (i.e., not only contraceptives).

Abstract: A stent with axial flexibility, in a preferred embodiment, has a longitudinal axis and comprises a plurality of longitudinally disposed bands, wherein each band defines a generally continuous wave along a line segment parallel to the longitudinal axis. A plurality of links maintains the bands in a tubular structure. In a further embodiment of the invention, each longitudinally disposed band of the stent is connected, at a plurality of periodic locations, by a short circumferential link to an adjacent band. Further, a pair of bifurcated stents is disclosed.

Abstract: What is described herein is a endovascular tube or bifurcated prosthesis used for the repair of aneurysms or other vessel disease. This can be soft or hard occlusive disease. This prosthesis is constructed by fabricating a structure that consists of a textile or other polymeric material and through which is threaded a superelastic metal wire such as a nitinol, a ductile wire or other filament material. The textile can be a polymeric material. The wire provides the self-expandability of the current device. Ideally, the thickness of the device should be minimized, so that it can be delivered to the diseased site using a percutaneous procedure.

Abstract: A stent with axial flexibility, in a preferred embodiment, has a longitudinal axis and comprises a plurality of longitudinally disposed bands, wherein each band defines a generally continuous wave along a line segment parallel to the longitudinal axis. A plurality of links maintains the bands in a tubular structure. In a further embodiment of the invention, each longitudinally disposed band of the stent is connected, at a plurality of periodic locations, by a short circumferential link to an adjacent band.

Abstract: This invention relates to a substantially circular tablet dispenser component system which may be adapted for a variable day start of a prescribed periodic tablet regimen. Also provided are a tablet dispenser kit, a tablet packge adapted for filling the tablet dispenser system, methods of filling the tablet dispenser of the invention and methods of administering a prescribed regimen of medication using the tablet dispenser system of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catheter comprising a tube-like basic body with a distal end and a proximal end and at least two balloon members received at the distal end at a certain distance from each other, wherein an ultrasonic probe has been received between the balloon members. The ultrasonic probe comprises a series of piezo crystals and at least one multiplexer which can activate the piezo crystals in a phased manner.

Abstract: A display device is described which indicates the number of heatings performed, especially for the purpose of autoclave sterilization. The display device comprises a temperature-sensitive mechanical element which essentially reversibly transforms from a first spatial state to a second spatial state when the temperature-sensitive mechanical element is heated in excess of a predetermined temperature. The temperature-sensitive mechanical element is coupled to the actuating element of a counter mechanism and upon the transformation to the second spatial state effects movement of the actuating element into an actuation position.

Abstract: A stent with axial flexibility, in a preferred embodiment, has a longitudinal axis and comprises a plurality of longitudinally disposed bands, wherein each band defines a generally continuous wave along a line segment parallel to the longitudinal axis. A plurality of links maintains the bands in a tubular structure. In a further embodiment of the invention, each longitudinally disposed band of the stent is connected, at a plurality of periodic locations, by a short circumferential link to an adjac6ent band.

Abstract: This invention related to a catheter comprising a tube-like basic body with a proximal and a distal end and a high-frequency generator associated with the catheter used for the purpose of generating high-frequency mechanical vibrations at the distal end of the catheter. The catheter comprises a lumen to be filled with liquid which is connected at the proximal end to an area inside of which a high-frequency movable member of the high-frequency generator is located and wherein at the distal end of the catheter a guide have been arranged for deflecting high frequency longitudinal waves traveling through the liquid inside the lumen in a lateral direction.

Abstract: A stent is placed in a tubular structure of the anatomy such as the vascular or respiratory system by advancing a probe bearing the stent into the body. The disposition of the probe, and hence the disposition of the stent are monitored using a system which transmits non-ionizing fields between a transducer or transducers on the probe and external transducers. The disposition of the stent relative to the tubular structure is depicted showing a representation of the stent superposed on an image of the tubular structure. This provides accurate placement, particularly for complex stents with features such as one or more branches which must be aligned with anatomical features.

Abstract: The present invention includes: an expandable, tubular shaped prosthesis having first and second ends and a wall surface disposed between the first and second ends, the wall surface being formed by a plurality of intersecting elongate members; and a catheter, having an expandable, inflatable portion associated therewith and including means for mounting and retaining the expandable tubular shaped prosthesis on the expandable, inflatable portion, whereby upon inflation of the expandable, inflatable portion of the catheter, the prosthesis is formed radially outwardly into contact with the body passageway. The articulation in the form of a rounded wire frame loop connects similar stent bodies. Also, rounded open connectors and shortened cells in the stent allow for greater flexibility.

Abstract: The present invention addresses two previously unresolved problems simultaneously. First, the question concerning the amount of heparin applied to a stent is resolved. That is, the invention set forth herein will demonstrate that by varying the amount of heparin, the practitioner can actually more adequately determine whether in fact the patient will receive the correct dosage to address the problem, and at the right time in which to address the problem. Second, the problem of applying the heparin coating to a stent is addressed. There, specifically, the invention turns to the fashion in which to apply multiple layers of heparin coating to the stent, and to thereby variably adjust the dosage applied to the patient at the lesion site. The present invention does so by providing a method and device for coating a stent with multiple layers of heparin coating. By so doing, the heparin coating is absorbed by the body in a degree which varies with the amount of heparin applied.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument with a remotely articulated staple head assembly on a rotatable support shaft. A joy stick mounted to the shaft of the instrument near the handle allows for remote articulation of the staple head assembly. The staple head assembly includes a narrow contour for insertion between adjacent rib pairs without rib spreading. The staple head assembly further includes a reloadable staple cartridge which may be replaced with differently sized staples of a second cartridge. A closure trigger clamps tissue prior to stapling and cooperates with a second trigger that performs the staple firing operation. The triggers include a safety lock mechanism for preventing premature staple firing.