Abstract: The invention relates to a catheter comprising a tube-like basic body with a proximal and a distal end, marking means made of a material opaque to X-radiation arranged close to the distal end. The marking means may be formed by at least one tube-like marker sleeve made of a plastic material opaque to X-radiation arranged around the basic body. At the distal end a balloon member may have been arranged and the marker sleeve may substantially extend over the effective length of the balloon member.

Abstract: A balloon element for use in a catheter has a multi-layered single-walled structure and a compliance characteristic exhibiting a first, non-compliant region at low operating pressures and a secondary compliant region at higher operating pressures. The properties of the balloon element permit it to serve for both dilatation of bodily vessels and stent delivery and implantation. A method of manufacturing the balloon element involves extrusion of a tube of material, such as PEEK, which serves as an inner wall layer of the finished balloon element and provides the desired strength and compliance characteristics of the balloon element, and a post-extrusion over the first tube, which provides an outer wall layer in the finished balloon element imparting abrasion resistance and other desirable mechanical properties.

Abstract: Generally, this invention relates to dosage containers. More specifically this invention relates to dosage containers which help identify a daily regimen of dosages, or a particular time period of dosages in a day. Most specifically, this invention relates to a dosage container which provides dosages in a linear fashion in a one-to-one relationship for the date or timing of dosages, where such dosages are contained on a card, with a blister package holding the dosages.

Abstract: A flexible endoscopic surgical port comprises a trocar tube or cannula made partially or entirely of flexible material which can be inserted into a body wall at an intercostal location to allow the insertion and manipulation of endoscopic surgical instruments within the thoracic cavity. The surgical port includes a hollow tubular body which is inserted through an intercostal opening in the body wall extending into the thoracic cavity with an annular flange at one end of the tubular body projecting radially outward and engaging the body wall adjacent to the opening. The flange is able to flex relative to the tubular body whereby the surgical instrument inserted in the tubular body can be manipulated over a wide range of motion inside the thoracic cavity. A retainer ring can be installed at the end of the tubular body opposite to the flange to secure the surgical port in the body wall. Improved obturators are provided for installation of the flexible surgical port.

Abstract: A surgical stapler is provided which is insertable through an endoscopic tube to enable a surgeon to staple a hernia patch to tissue inside a body cavity. The endoscopic surgical stapler includes a staple cartridge pivotally mounted on the distal end of a support tube extending from a handle provided with an actuator mechanism for actuating a staple forming mechanism inside the staple cartridge to fasten staples to the tissue. The staple cartridge is adjustable to different angular orientations relative to the support tube. The staple actuator mechanism is operable to actuate the staple cartridge in any of the angular orientations. The support shaft is rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the handle to adjust the rotational orientation of the support shaft and the staple cartridge. The staple cartridge is rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the support shaft to adjust the rotational position of the staple cartridge relative to the support shaft.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for performing endoscopic surgical procedures. In one embodiment, the instrument includes a knife that remains unexposed until initiation of a cutting sequence, and returns to an unexposed position at the conclusion of the cutting sequence, minimizing the risk of injury to the person handling the instrument. In another embodiment, the instrument includes a flexible neck for articulating a surgical head assembly with respect to the shaft of the instrument. In another embodiment, a device for locking the articulated head at an angle of articulation is provided. In yet another embodiment, a mechanism for opening and closing an anvil assembly is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter catheter. This catheter comprises a tube-like basic body with a proximal and a distal end, a filter element arranged at the distal end formed by a number of strips arranged spaced out around the circumference, which are connected with both ends to the basic body. The relatively distal ends of the strips are connected in a detachable manner to the basic body by connecting member.

Abstract: A stent delivery system including a stent delivery catheter, a stent dilatation balloon sealingly affixed to the catheter and adapted for inflation by a pressurized fluid introduced into the catheter, and an expandable stent surrounding the balloon and adapted for implantation into a bodily vessel upon inflation of the balloon. The system also includes structure integral with the balloon and possibly the catheter for resisting movement of the stent relative to the balloon throughout all phases of a stent delivery and implantation operation prior to deflation and withdrawal of the balloon from the stent following implantation of the stent.

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: A surgical instrument is provided which is insertable through an endoscopic tube to enable a surgeon to perform a surgical technique inside a body cavity. The surgical instrument includes a shaft with a pivotally mounted tip attached thereto, the shaft extending from a handle for gripping the instrument for insertion to the body cavity. The tip of the shaft is adjustable to different angular orientations relative to the support shaft and is rotatable at any angular orientation of the tip. The support shaft may be rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the handle, or it may be fixed with respect to the handle, in which case the handle may be rotated to rotate the shaft inside the body cavity. In one embodiment, the surgical instrument comprises an endoscopic stapling device and the tip of the instrument comprises a staple cartridge which is rotatable 360.degree. about its axes after the cartridge has been articulated with respect to the support shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disposable electronic diagnostic instrument designed for use in an Over-the-Counter (OTC) cholesterol test kit for measuring cholesterol levels of blood. The instrument is designed and calibrated specifically for use with diagnostic test strips supplied with the OTC cholesterol test kit.

Abstract: A stent which may be emplaced into the lumen of the body. The stent has an expandable first section with a first diameter and an expanded second diameter larger than its first diameter. There is also a second section connected to the first section, the second section contains a third diameter and an expanded fourth diameter which is larger than the third diameter. Finally, the second diameter is different from the fourth diameter. Thus, the device may be emplaced between lumens of different sizes. Ideally, this stent can be placed at the junction at the aorta and the iliac arteries, where the size of the lumens are typically different. In use, therefore, the device provides the surgeon with a useful tool to holding open junctions of various sized lumens.

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 proximal and a distal end and an expandable balloon member arranged close to the distal end to the basic body. The balloon member comprises a number of relatively stiff sections extending on a small diameter in a longitudinal direction of the basic body and relatively pliable sections extending inbetween, wherein the relatively pliable sections form lobes in an expanded state of the balloon member. The invention furthermore relates to a method for manufacturing a catheter according to the invention, wherein a piece of tube-like basic material is provided and, by blow molding, a balloon member is made in a mold, which is arranged to the bias material. The balloon member is manufactured in the mold cavity of a mold, the cross-section of which is lobated, by receiving a tube-like partial manufacture inside it and deforming it by blow molding into a shape corresponding to that of the shape of the mold cavity.

Abstract: In contrast to typical machines though, the present invention discloses a device which allows the plate to "float" within the mechanism, so that any inaccuracies in dimensional tolerances between plate and knife are absorbed in a damping of the plate or bed of the mechanism. In this situation, the depth of the cut of the score line can be very reliably controlled, which results in the repeatable manufacturing of a child resistant, yet senior effective package. There is used a spring pre-load for this plate, which is such that cutting takes place yet, as the tool closes, the plate and package come in "metal to metal" contact, assuring "near perfect" cuts of the blister package. Extremely high tolerances are maintained, assuring packages which pass all levels and types of QA testing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a catheter. This method includes the manufacturing of a tube-like basic body with a proximal and a distal end, the arranging of a connecting member to the proximal end, and the finishing of the distal end, wherein for the basic body at least partially material has been used which forms cross links when irradiated and wherein the basic body is exposed to controlled radiation.

Abstract: An improved surgical instrument is provided for applying surgical fasteners, such as staples, to human tissue which is particularly suited for applying one or more rows of fasteners across a tissue lumen. The surgical instrument can be used in thoracic and abdominal surgical procedures where access to the surgical site is restricted. The surgical instrument includes an articulated fastener applying assembly mounted on a rotatable and flexible support shaft assembly to provide more convenient access to restricted surgical sites. The fastener applying assembly has a compact construction including a fixed jaw which supports a fastener cartridge and a movable jaw which supports an anvil for clamping the tissue therebetween. The fastener applying assembly includes a pin placement mechanism which is actuated by the movable jaw to control the movement of a tissue retaining pin on the fixed jaw.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disposable electronic diagnostic instrument designed for use in an Over-the-Counter (OTC) cholesterol test kit for measuring cholesterol levels of blood. The instrument is designed and calibrated specifically for use with diagnostic test strips supplied with the OTC cholesterol test kit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for determining characteristics of peripheral arterial volume and compliance. A blood pressure cuff is inflated and deflated around a limb of the body and pressure measurements are taken. The volume of air removed from the cuff is determined in a quantifiable manner, such as by expelling air through an orifice of known characteristics or by means of a volume of known characteristics. The detected pressures and volume of air removed are used to compute oscillation volume, which in turn is used to display arterial capacity and compliance as a function of transmural pressure and time. Arterial capacity may be displayed in terms of arterial radius, arterial cross-sectional area, or arterial volume. Also, systolic and pulse pressures are determined using only these determined values.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for performing endoscopic surgical procedures. In one embodiment, the instrument includes a knife that remains unexposed until initiation of a cutting sequence, and returns to an unexposed position at the conclusion of the cutting sequence, minimizing the risk of injury to the person handling the instrument. In another embodiment, the instrument includes a flexible neck for articulating a surgical head assembly with respect to the shaft of the instrument. In another embodiment, a device for locking the articulated head at an angle of articulation is provided. In yet another embodiment, a mechanism for opening and closing an anvil assembly is disclosed.