Abstract: An improved catheter device includes an elongate shaft having a distal portion adapted to be disposed with the abdominal aorta and a plurality of expandable members disposed thereon. One expandable member is dimensioned and configured so that it rests within the iliac bifurcation when expanded. At least two expandable members are spaced apart from the one expandable member and configured to selectively occlude blood flow to different abdominal/pelvic arteries when expanded. Preferably, the distal-most and the proximal-most expandable members are spaced apart at a distance more than 20 cm and less than 40 cm (and most preferably on the order of 30 cm). The expandable members are preferably realized by four inflatable balloons controlled by fluidic pressure supplied thereto via corresponding inflation lumens in the shaft. The catheter device can be fixated within the abdominal aorta and manipulated in order to quickly and efficiently identify and isolate a hemorrhage flowing from an abdominal artery.

Abstract: An improved catheter device includes an elongate shaft having a distal portion adapted to be disposed with the abdominal aorta and a plurality of expandable members disposed thereon. One expandable member is dimensioned and configured so that it rests within the iliac bifurcation when expanded. At least two expandable members are spaced apart from the one expandable member and configured to selectively occlude blood flow to different abdominal/pelvic arteries when expanded. Preferably, the distal-most and the proximal-most expandable members are spaced apart at a distance more than 20 cm and less than 40 cm (and most preferably on the order of 30 cm). The expandable members are preferably realized by four inflatable balloons controlled by fluidic pressure supplied thereto via corresponding inflation lumens in the shaft. The catheter device can be fixated within the abdominal aorta and manipulated in order to quickly and efficiently identify and isolate a hemorrhage flowing from an abdominal artery.

Abstract: A blood vessel occluding device including a plug and an insertion device to temporarily occlude a blood vessel. In one embodiment, the plug has an axially symmetric shape and is made of a biocompatible material such as Silicone. The plug is inserted axially into the blood vessel and is gripped firmly by the walls of the blood vessel. A filament is attached to an inner surface of the plug. Pulling the filament exerts compressive force on the plug, causing the plug to collapse and facilitating the removal of the plug. The blood vessel occluding device allows the blood vessel to be occluded quickly and effectively. The insertion device is a spring loaded device that has a spring activated needle; this insertion device provides the axial force to insert the plug into the blood vessel.

Abstract: An improved surgical retraction apparatus (and corresponding method of operation) includes a plurality of rigid retraction members disposed about a central axis that move radially with respect to the central axis between a closed state and an open state. In the closed state, the retraction members form a central opening that is adapted to closely fit around the tubular section of a surgical port device. In the illustrative embodiment, a planetary gear train, cable assemblies, lever arms or two annular slotted plates used to control radial movement of the retraction members with respect to the central axis.

Abstract: A blood vessel occluding device including a plug and an insertion means to permanently occlude a blood vessel. In one embodiment, the plug has a tapered shape and is made of a biocompatible material such as Silicone. The plug is inserted axially into the blood vessel and is gripped firmly by the walls of the blood vessel. The insertion device is a spring loaded device that has a spring activated needle; this insertion device provides the axial force to insert the plug into the blood vessel. The blood vessel occluding device allows the blood vessel to be occluded quickly and effectively.

Abstract: A ski caddy includes a telescoping shaft coupled to a pair of wheels at one end and a handle at the other. The wheels are preferably dish shaped. A generally U-shaped cup resides between the wheels for holding the butt end of a pair of skis. A generally W-shaped member is provided beneath the handle to support the skis in the space the skis in the space between the front and rear boot bindings. Two cutouts, adapted to receive the upper portion of a pair of ski poles, are provided on each opposite side of the W-shaped member and allow the poles to be rotated and crossed into a tripod-like configuration with the shaft. A pair of pole receiving sleeves are provided on opposite sides of the U-shaped cup for receiving the sharp ends of the ski poles. The ski caddy moves easily through snow and on hard surfaces, and can be maintained in an upright position on virtually any surface.

Abstract: A foot mobility device includes a base, a foot rest hingedly coupled to the base, and an inflatable lifting bladder between the base and the foot rest. The footrest preferably has a massage sock which contains a plurality of inflatable massage bladders. Each of the bladders is provided with a pressure sensor and is selectively coupled to a pressure source (including an air pump) by an electrically operated valve. A control circuit is electrically coupled to the valves, the sensors, and the pump. The control circuit selectively inflates and deflates the bladders according to a cycle which raises and lowers the foot rest and inflates/deflates the massage bladders. The control circuit is preferably provided with a synchronization link which is used to electrically couple two foot mobility devices (one for each foot) such that they operate in an alternating rhythm.

Abstract: A blood vessel occluding device including a plug and an insertion device to temporarily occlude a blood vessel. In one embodiment, the plug has an axially symmetric shape and is made of a biocompatible material such as Silicone. The plug is inserted axially into the blood vessel and is gripped firmly by the walls of the blood vessel. A filament is attached to an inner surface of the plug. Pulling the filament exerts compressive force on the plug, causing the plug to collapse and facilitating the removal of the plug. The blood vessel occluding device allows the blood vessel to be occluded quickly and effectively. The insertion device is a spring loaded device that has a spring activated needle; this insertion device provides the axial force to insert the plug into the blood vessel.

Abstract: A blood vessel occluding device including a plug and an insertion means to permanently occlude a blood vessel. In one embodiment, the plug has a tapered shape and is made of a biocompatible material such as Silicone. The plug is inserted axially into the blood vessel and is gripped firmly by the walls of the blood vessel. The insertion device is a spring loaded device that has a spring activated needle; this insertion device provides the axial force to insert the plug into the blood vessel. The blood vessel occluding device allows the blood vessel to be occluded quickly and effectively.