Abstract: A pad for cushioning a compression device, e.g., an x-ray plate, of a mammography unit. The pad includes a radiolucent central region, e.g., including radiolucent orientation markings, that is secured adjacent a contact surface of the x-ray plate. The pad includes a pair of side regions secured along respective side surfaces of the x-ray plate including a slot for inserting an x-ray cassette into the x-ray plate. The pad also includes a front region securable along a front surface of the x-ray plate. A double coated tape may be attached to the pad that includes a pressure sensitive adhesive for removably attaching the pad to the x-ray plate. Alternatively, the side regions may extend around the compression device and connect to one another to secure the pad or the pad may be a sleeve that is slidably received around at least a portion of the compression device.

Abstract: The invention provides a wire guided aperture creating apparatus, an over-the-wire kit, and a method for creating a hole in adjacent portions of first and second anatomical conduits during a surgical procedure. The apparatus includes an elongated element having a guidewire lumen and an aperture creating assembly disposed near the distal end of the elongated element. In a further embodiment the device may include first and second elongated elements coupled via a coupler and an aperture creating assembly disposed between the elements. At least one of the elements includes a passage-defining element permitting passage therethrough of a first guidewire. In addition to the devices identified above, the kit includes a first guidewire for insertion into a lumen of the first vessel to an initial cutpoint and then through adjacent portions of sidewalls of the first and second vessels into a lumen of the second vessel.

Abstract: A method is provided for delivering a drug to a selected tissue region within a patient's body with a catheter having a deployable puncturing element, a drug delivery element and an orientation element on a distal portion thereof. The distal portion of the catheter is percutaneously introduced into a blood vessel, and directed endovascularly to a vessel location adjacent to the selected tissue region. The puncturing element is oriented towards the selected tissue region, and deployed to access the selected tissue region. A drug is delivered with the drug delivery element to the selected tissue region.

Abstract: A cargo tie-down includes an enlarged head on a first end of a shaft a ring, and a “T” shaped foot on a second end of the shaft. A housing is slidably mounted to the shaft that is biased to move away from the head for engaging a rail between the housing and the foot. A track includes a pair of rails defining a slot extending along a longitudinal axis, and spaced-apart notches within the slot. The foot is inserted into the slot with the foot parallel to the longitudinal axis, the head is depressed, the tie-down is rotated until the foot is oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis, and the head is released. The tie-down is slid along the rail member until the foot is received in notches, thereby securing the tie-down to the rail member.

Abstract: A plastically deformable stent for implantation within a body passage includes a plurality of cylindrical segments, and a plurality of connectors extending between adjacent segments. Each segment has an alternating pattern of curvilinear elements extending about its circumference, including first and second sets of curvilinear elements having different resistances to expansion, and preferably defining “U” shapes with alternating lengths that are connected to one another to define a substantially sinusoidal pattern. The connectors define a sinusoidal shape adapted to extend and compress axially substantially evenly when the adjacent segments are subjected to bending. The stent may be delivered on a device including an elongate member with a nose cone, an expandable member, and a proximal shoulder thereon, and an outer sheath for slidably receiving the elongate member therein. The outer sheath and/or nose cone may have perfusion holes for allowing continued perfusion of fluid during stent delivery.

Abstract: According to the present invention, improved methods and apparatus are provided for providing cushioning and other ergonomic surfaces on devices requiring the patient or tissue to be compressed, such as radiography machines, fluoroscopy units, mammography units and the like. In particular a radiolucent pad element is provided for releasable attachment to at least one surface of a compression device to be used under x-ray, for example, during mammography. The pad element of the present invention can be disposable or constructed to be reusable and in some cases may be applied directly to the patient's breast. Furthermore, a cushioned paddle is provided wherein the compression paddle and the cushion can be separately or integrally formed.