Abstract: Described are equipment, a system, a kit and a method for the performance of a minimally-intensive body access, such as cardiac access. Epicardial Access Surgery (EAS) is disclosed. EAS does not need general anesthesia or extracorporeal circulation nor does it need a chest opening, which is very advantageous for various aspects. For instance an operation of a coronary artery bypass is created by creating a direct path of flow from one body artery into a coronary artery with the aid of catheter-based minimally-invasive EAS based bypass surgery. In addition, various medical devices are used, such as a special partially flexible needle, a special partially covered stent, and a special partially flexible port.

Abstract: The invention relates to an occluder for closing a passage in a circulatory system comprising an expandable fixation unit for fixing the occluder on the passage, wherein the occluder can be transferred in the passage from a compact appearance into an expanded appearance. The occluder has a distal and a proximal axial part, in which the fixation unit is pivotally held. According to the invention, the fixation unit comprises distal fixation arms and proximal fixation arms, wherein the distal fixation arms are pivotally held in the distal axial part and the proximal fixation arms are pivotally held in the proximal axial part. The distal and the proximal fixation arms have free ends, which are interconnected by means of connecting members that can be moved relative to the fixation arms, wherein in each case a distal fixation arm is connected to a proximal fixation arm located diagonally opposed thereto. Said occluder is suited in particular for closing a ventricular septal defect (VSD).

Abstract: A device for measuring the blood flow of a body tissue comprises a catheter having a catheter head for the insertion into the inside of a body tissue and a center piece having a light emission surface, out of which an optical conductor leads, and having a reflection surface, which is disposed opposite of the light emission surface and oriented obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the optical conductor. The optical conductor is disposed such that an emitted light beam is directed at the reflection surface, the emitted light beam can be deflected at the reflection surface and reflected into the body tissue, and a reflected light beam can be reflected out of the body tissue at the reflection surface and fed into the optical conductor. The catheter head is divided into an insertion region and a connecting region, wherein the insertion region comprises a plurality of recesses on the surface thereof. In the direction of the connecting region, the insertion region has an increasing diameter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for isolating progenitor cells from a human body, inclusive of all cells with stem cell-like characteristics, in particular pluripotent or multipotent progenitor cells, wherein such cells are directly or indirectly derived from human mammary secretion, be it colostrum, mature milk, or dry period secretion from males or females, of said human body during at least one of the following periods: non-pregnant period, pregnant period, lactating period, involuting period. The present invention furthermore relates to preferred uses of such isolated cells.

Abstract: An occluding device for closing a body passage comprises an occluding body (1), a first position control element (2) and a second position control element (3). The occluding body (1) is a balloon made of a flexible and fluid tight material without shape memory property. The occluding body (1) comprises a proximal chamber (10) and a distal chamber (11) and a connecting Channel (12) connecting these two chambers (10, 11). The occluding body (1) is compressible into a first longitudinal shape. A proximal end of the occluding body (1) is attached to the first position control element (2) and the distal end of the balloon is attached to the second position control element (3). The first position control element (2) and the second position control element (3) are two matching parts of a fluid tight closure of the balloon. No additional stiffening means for stiffening the balloon in its third radially extended but longitudinally compressed State are arranged within the occluding body (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a scale having a base plate (1), a bed plate (2) located at a distance above the base plate (1) for supporting an object to be weighed, and elastic spacing elements (3) located between the base plate (1) and the bed plate (2). Said scale further comprises a weighing means for determining the weight of the object, said weighing means being at least one inductive proximity sensor (10, 20, 4). Said scale is robustly constructed and allows great flexibility in the external design of the scale.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stent that comprises a single sinus section and is preferably provided at the proximal end thereof with a native vessel valve (26). The stent comprises a first and a second hollow-cylindrical section (10, 11) having a first and a second diameter each, and a third section (12) disposed therebetween having a third maximum diameter. The third maximum diameter is greater than the first and second diameters and forms the sinus section. The stent according to the invention with the single sinus has an increased functionality. Particularly when used with a graft with a sinus and vessel valve, the functionality of the stent is secured and the wear is diminished. The stent is particularly suitable for native valves and particularly as a pulmonary valve replacement.

Abstract: The invention relates to scales comprising a bearing surface for supporting a load to be weighed, an electroconductive sensor plate, a flat coil arranged at a distance from the sensor plate and used for the inductive measurement of a distance between the sensor plate and the flat coil, a housing surrounding the sensor plate and the flat coil, and a push-button which protrudes out of the housing and is connected to the sensor plate. The inventive scales are easy to assemble but also versatile.

Abstract: A device (1), e.g. an intravascular device, for removing an element, e.g. vascular occluding element (33), from within a lumen, e.g.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for adjustably displacing the distal end of a flexible catheter tube (1). Said device comprises a spring-elastic guide wire (2) with a spiral end section (2?) which can be displaced inside the tube (1) until the desired angle of displacement is obtained.

Abstract: An implant for occluding a passage in a circulatory system is provided. The implant in one form includes a plurality of thin wire-like members each having a proximal and a distal end and a first holder to which the distal ends of the members are attached. The proximal ends of the members are attached to a second holder. The implant includes an expansible occluding body attached to the members at a point intermediate the first and second holders. A carrier rod is releasably attached to the first holder and upon which the second holder is slidably received. A driving implement is located on the carrier rod, the driving implement contacting the second holder and movable toward the first holder along the carrier rod.

Abstract: An implant for occluding a passage in a circulatory system is provided. The implant in one form includes a plurality of thin wire-like members each having a proximal and a distal end and a first holder to which the distal ends of the members are attached. The proximal ends of the members are attached to a second holder. The implant includes an expansible occluding body attached to the members at a point intermediate the first and second holders. A carrier rod is releasably attached to the first holder and upon which the second holder is slidably received. A driving implement is located on the carrier rod, the driving implement contacting the second holder and movable toward the first holder along the carrier rod.