Abstract: A coating for microporous hollow fiber membrane blood oxygenators increases the resistance of the fibers to passage of blood plasma through the micropores. The coating comprises alkoxysilane/alkylsilane copolymer, preferably aminoalkylsiloxane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for temporarily immobilizing a local area of tissue. In particular, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for temporarily immobilizing a local area of heart tissue to thereby permit surgery on a coronary vessel in that area without significant deterioration of the pumping function of the beating heart. The local area of heart tissue is immobilized to a degree sufficient to permit minimally invasive or micro-surgery on that area of the heart. The present invention features a suction device to accomplish the immobilization. The suction device is coupled to a source of negative pressure. The suction device has a series of suction ports on one surface. Suction through the device causes suction to be maintained at the ports. The device further is shaped to conform to the surface of the heart. Thus, when the device is placed on the surface of the heart and suction is created, the suction through the ports engages the surface of the heart.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system wherein a drug or other fluid to be delivered to a specific desired location within the body is stored in a reservoir that is directly displaced by a force to infuse the drug from the device into the patient. Several specific methods are used to displace the reservoir, including, generally, hydraulic displacement, mechanical screw-type displacement, and spring force displacement of the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: A temporary cardiac electrical stimulating lead comprises a stimulating electrode mounted in or on a biodegradable electrode mounting pad disposed at a distal end of the lead. The electrode mounting pad is capable of biodegradably dissolving over time in human body fluids and is loaded with a drug for therapeutically treating a medical condition of a patient's heart. The electrode mounting pad may be loaded with any of a variety of different drugs, such anti-arrhythmia or anti-inflammatory drugs. When the lead body is pulled away from the electrode mounting pad and removed from the patient, any portion of the electrode mounting pad remaining within the patient dissolves over time and disappears.

Abstract: A fenestrated surgical drape has a panel having at least two portions and a centrally located fenestration. The two portions each have a deployment tab located on a portion distal end and the portions are folded near or on the fenestration so that the deployment tab is accessible and adapted to deploy the portion away from the fenestration. The portions are folded over the fenestration so that the inner surface surrounding the fenestration is unobstructed for ease in locating the fenestration over a patient application site.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for temporarily immobilizing a local area of tissue. In particular, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for temporarily immobilizing a local area of heart tissue to thereby permit surgery on a coronary vessel in that area without significant deterioration of the pumping function of the beating heart. The local area of heart tissue is immobilized to a degree sufficient to permit minimally invasive or micro-surgery on that area of the heart. The present invention features a suction device to accomplish the immobilization. The suction device is coupled to a source of negative pressure. The suction device has a series of suction ports on one surface. Suction through the device causes suction to be maintained at the ports. The device further is shaped to conform to the surface of the heart. Thus, when the device is placed on the surface of the heart and suction is created, the suction through the ports engages the surface of the heart.

Abstract: The present invention discloses techniques for preventing a possible onset of a seizure using a sensor, a signal generator and at least one implantable electrode. The electrodes are positioned to stimulate the olfactory nervous system. The sensor senses a parameter of the body indicative of the possible onset of a seizure. The sensor generates a sensing signal which is processed and an algorithm is utilized to determine whether the sensing signal shows a pattern indicative of a possible seizure onset. If such a pattern is recognized, the signal generator provides electrical stimulation via electrodes to generate an olfactory sensory stimulus. The patient is thereby alerted, the electrical activity of the brain is desynchronized and the likelihood of a seizure occurring is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for modifying a pyrolytic carbon surface to improve adhesion between it and a subsequently added polymer and/or a bio-active compound. In particular, plasma depositing an oxygen-containing, silicon-containing film forming monomer on a pyrolytic carbon surface improves adhesion of a polymer thereto, wherein the modified pyrolytic carbon surface and silicone rubber has a wet adhesion peel force greater than the wet adhesion peel force between an unmodified pyrolytic carbon and silicone rubber as measured by ASTM D 903-49 after 28 days in an aqueous environment, typically, at least 10 times greater.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for temporarily immobilizing a local area of tissue. In particular, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for temporarily immobilizing a local area of heart tissue to thereby permit surgery on a coronary vessel in that area without significant deterioration of the pumping function of the beating heart. The local area of heart tissue is immobilized to a degree sufficient to permit minimally invasive or micro-surgery on that area of the heart. The present invention features a suction device to accomplish the immobilization. The suction device is coupled to a source of negative pressure. The suction device has a series of suction ports on one surface. Suction through the device causes suction to be maintained at the ports. The device further is shaped to conform to the surface of the heart. Thus, when the device is placed on the surface of the heart and suction is created, the suction through the ports engages the surface of the heart.

Abstract: A device and method for aseptically filling high pressure reservoirs in medicament pumps is disclosed. The device preferably includes a filter, a connector having a one-way valve and a filling tube with a terminal needle. The filter is connectable to a pharmacy prepared syringe containing a drug to be transferred to the reservoir of the IDIP. The filter is connected to the connector. The connector has a first and a second inlet port fluidly connected to an outlet port. A one-way valve is located in the connector “upstream” of the point where the two inlet ports connect to the outlet port. The filling tube is connectable to the outlet port. In use, a pharmacy syringe is connected to the first inlet port. A filling syringe is connected to the second inlet port. The filling tube is connected to the outlet port. The terminal needle of the filling tube is passed through the patient's skin and into the IDIP.

Abstract: An electrocautery device is disclosed. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the electrocautery electrode/tip is provided with a hollow, conductive tube terminating at its distal end in a ball point type tip. Fluid, preferably conductive fluid, is applied to the proximal end of the hollow electrode/tip, and expelled from the distal end thereof during electrocautery. The ball point distal tip allows the distal tip to be directly applied to the tissue and “rolled” or slid along the tissue. This allows the distal tip to be moved across the tissue without dragging or snagging on the tissue. In addition, the conductive fluid expelled from the distal tip further lubricates the distal tip as it moves across the tissue. If conductive fluid is used, the conductive fluid emanating from the electrode/tip conducts the RF electrocautery energy away from the distal tip so that it is primarily the fluid, rather than the distal tip that actually accomplishes the cauterizing of tissue.

Abstract: Described is a data processing unit for the telemetric adjustment of an implant and for telemetric communication between the implant and a data device. The data device comprises a control unit for processing the data entered, a memory unit for saving the data supplied, an entry unit for entry of data, a display unit for display of data, a telemetry unit for transfer of data to the implant or vice versa; and at least one reading device to read and/or write on a first and second data carrier, whereby, on the first data carrier, one can store the status data transferred to the implant, and, on the second data carrier, the administrative data pertaining to the implant.

Abstract: A supported bioprosthetic heart valve is provided. The valve includes a stent and a bilogical valve member. The stent has an annular frame defined by a support rail. The support rail is formed to define a triad of axially-projecting circumferentially-spaced commissure posts, each post having an inverted U-shaped configuration and a pair of legs. Each of the pair of legs has an upper end and a lower end. The lower end of each leg merges smoothly with the lower end of a leg of an adjacent commissure post. A sleeve having an inflow end and an outflow end is fitted around the annular frame. The biological valve member is defined by a tubular wall and three leaflets, the three leaflets being attached to the tubular wall and axially converging along three commissures. The biological valve member has a shape which fits the contour of the support rail and is disposed under the support rail. The biological valve member is sutured to the support rail and the outflow end of the sleeve.

Abstract: A system and method of programming an implantable medical device is disclosed. The system includes a causal model coupled to an implantable medical device and capable of identifying at least one cause of an abnormal condition associated with the implantable medical device or the patient. An abductive inference engine is coupled to the causal model and is capable of identifying a suggested updated setting for the implantable medical device to alleviate the abnormal condition. A display is coupled to the causal model and displays the abnormal behavior and the suggested updated settings to the clinician such that the clinician may implement the suggested updated settings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for temporarily immobilizing a local area of tissue. In particular, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for temporarily immobilizing a local area of heart tissue to thereby permit surgery on a coronary vessel in that area without significant deterioration of the pumping function of the beating heart. The local area of heart tissue is immobilized to a degree sufficient to permit minimally invasive or micro-surgery on that area of the heart. The present invention features a suction device to accomplish the immobilization. The suction device is coupled to a source of negative pressure. The suction device has a series of suction ports on one surface. Suction through the device causes suction to be maintained at the ports. The device further is shaped to conform to the surface of the heart. Thus, when the device is placed on the surface of the heart and suction is created, the suction through the ports engages the surface of the heart.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for temporarily immobilizing a local area of tissue. In particular, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for temporarily immobilizing a local area of heart tissue to thereby permit surgery on a coronary vessel in that area without significant deterioration of the pumping function of the beating heart. The local area of heart tissue is immobilized to a degree sufficient to permit minimally invasive or micro-surgery on that area of the heart. The present invention features a suction device to accomplish the immobilization. The suction device is coupled to a source of negative pressure. The suction device has a series of suction ports on one surface. Suction through the device causes suction to be maintained at the ports. The device further is shaped to conform to the surface of the heart. Thus, when the device is placed on the surface of the heart and suction is created, the suction through the ports engages the surface of the heart.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for temporarily immobilizing a local area of tissue. In particular, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for temporarily immobilizing a local area of heart tissue to thereby permit surgery on a coronary vessel in that area without significant deterioration of the pumping function of the beating heart. The local area of heart tissue is immobilized to a degree sufficient to permit minimally invasive or micro-surgery on that area of the heart. The present invention features a suction device to accomplish the immobilization. The suction device is coupled to a source of negative pressure. The suction device has a series of suction ports on one surface. Suction through the device causes suction to be maintained at the ports. The device further is shaped to conform to the surface of the heart. Thus, when the device is placed on the surface of the heart and suction is created, the suction through the ports engages the surface of the heart.

Abstract: A temporary cardiac electrical stimulating lead is disclosed where the lead body thereof may be removed from inside a patient through the application of a simple pulling force exerted on its proximal end. An electrode mounting pad is located at the distal end of the lead and has a stimulating electrode mounted thereon or therein. A distal end of the electrical conductor may serve as the stimulating electrode. The electrode mounting pad is preferably capable of biodegradably dissolving or otherwise dissociating over time in human body fluids. Thus, the lead body may be detached from the electrode mounting pad through the application of a simple pulling force and removed from the patient while the electrode mounting pad remains within the patient and dissolves or otherwise dissociates over time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for temporarily immobilizing a local area of tissue. In particular, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for temporarily immobilizing a local area of heart tissue to thereby permit surgery on a coronary vessel in that area without significant deterioration of the pumping function of the beating heart. The local area of heart tissue is immobilized to a degree sufficient to permit minimally invasive or micro-surgery on that area of the heart. The present invention features a suction device to accomplish the immobilization. The suction device is coupled to a source of negative pressure. The suction device has a series of suction ports on one surface. Suction through the device causes suction to be maintained at the ports. The device further is shaped to conform to the surface of the heart. Thus, when the device is placed on the surface of the heart and suction is created, the suction through the ports engages the surface of the heart.

Abstract: There is provided an implanted system and method for delivering subsonic mechanical waves to one or more selected patient areas, said areas including the patient's heart and/or lungs. The mechanical waves are delivered for the purpose of treating fibrillation or like arrhythmias, for enhancing lung gas exchange, enhancing cardiac muscle fiber relaxation, and enhancing coronary perfusion. Mechanical waves are generated in a frequency range of about 1,100,000 Hz, and preferably 1-50,000 Hz. The waves may be delivered continuously for short or long time periods, or may be controlled in timing either with respect to detected portions of a patient's heartbeat signal or in response to a detected event such as fibrillation. In one preferred embodiment, the implantable system includes a defibrillation shock generator and control for responding to a defibrillation event by first delivering a sequence of mechanical waves and then delivering an electrical defibrillation shock.