Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining an intravascular access device in position at an access point on a limb of a patient includes a needle immobilizing unit engaging the needle member and preventing it from dislodgement from the blood vessel, a tube locking member locking the connecting tube in place and preventing it from being separated from the needle member, and a strap which supports the needle immobilizing unit and the locking member immovably on the limb of a patient. For further support of the apparatus in place, a splint assembly is provided which includes two splint members, forearm splint member which is secured to the forearm part of the limb and arm/hand splint member which is securable to either the arm or hand of the limb. The splint members can be used separately or coupled to each other; joint between the splint members has a latching mechanism allowing to adjust the angle between the forearm and arm/hand splint members.

Abstract: A female incontinence device made of a soft semi-collapsed hollow tube that can be easily inserted into the bladder by a patient or a healthcare professional. The proximal end can open diagonally within the bladder to retain the catheter in the proper position, and can be easily removed without the use of special tools. A valve system which is pressure-sensitive is provided at the distal end such that it can be manually activated to empty the bladder.

Abstract: A device for coagulating, vaporizing, resecting, and removing prostate and bladder tissue. The resectoscope uses the standard diathermy electrical units available at hospitals. The resectoscope uses a rotating cutting/coagulation element to cut, coagulate and vaporize tissue at a much higher speed compared to the linear motion of currently available resectoscopes, allowing the operator to perform these procedures more efficiently, and also allowing the operator to retrieve most of the excised tissue for histological examinations.

Abstract: A resectoscope for laser coagulation and cutting of prostatic or bladder tissue. The resectoscope also uses a mechanical cutting element having sharp blades rotating at high speed to further cut the coagulated lased tissue. The combination of coagulating/cutting using the laser energy with further cutting by mechanical means allows the surgeon to perform this procedure more quickly and efficiently, and permits retrieval of the resected tissue for pathological examination.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining an intravascular access device in position at an access point on a limb of a patient includes a needle immobilizing unit engaging the needle member and preventing it from dislodgement from the blood vessel, a tube locking member locking the connecting tube in place and preventing it from being separated from the needle member, and a strap which supports the needle immobilizing unit and the locking member immovably on the limb of a patient. For further support of the apparatus in place, a splint assembly is provided which includes two splint members, forearm splint member which is secured to the forearm part of the limb and arm/hand splint member which is securable to either the arm or hand of the limb. The splint members can be used separately or coupled to each other; joint between the splint members has a latching mechanism allowing to adjust the angle between the forearm and arm/hand splint members.

Abstract: A collapsible hollow elastomeric tube catheter for draining the urinary bladder. The wall of the collapsible catheter is constructed of minimally distensible, or non-distensible, biocompatible rubber material. Fluid may be injected in the catheter wall to cause stiffening of the catheter when desired, such as during insertion into the bladder. The proximal end of the catheter has a retaining mechanism within the urinary bladder without the use of a balloon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resectoscope and a method for lasing, coagulating, resecting, removing and retrieving prostate tissue. The resectoscope of the invention includes an interstitial laser fiber as a laser directing system and a unique configuration of an extensible and retractable plurality of thin blades which are capable of forming a plurality of elliptical shapes. Laser radiation sources are to be used with the device. This combination provides a more efficient and safer surgical method and provides the additional benefit without impairing the cellular integrity of the tissue. Thus, the retrieved tissue is preserved for histological analysis.