Abstract: A cryopreservation device for storing reproductive biological material is provided. The device comprises an elongate first member includes an elongate first member extending between a distal end and a proximal end, a first bulge portion disposed around a circumference of the first member, and a trough defined within the first member, the trough being configured to receive a reproductive biological sample thereon. A second member includes a second member with a lumen defined therethrough. The second member is configured to slide over the first member and the inner diameter of the second member is similar to an outer diameter of the bulge portion to form a seal between the first and second members.

Abstract: A medical device is provided. The device includes a cannula with a lumen defined therethrough and an upper portion, a right side portion, a bottom portion, and a left side portion each substantially equally spaced from their respective neighboring portion around the circumferential surface of the cannula. The cannula additionally includes a plurality of apertures disposed through the distal end portion to provide communication from the lumen and a visually perceptible indicator that is configured to allow the cannula to be positioned at an appropriate rotational position within the patient.

Abstract: A retrieval device is provided for capturing and retrieving stones, calculi, and other objects from a body. The retrieval device includes an irrigation orifice to irrigate a passageway. Irrigating the passageway helps to keep the viewing area free from debris and particulate matter.

Abstract: A medical device includes an elongate member extending between a first end portion and a second end portion and a brush disposed upon the elongate member between the first end portion and the second end portion. A first aperture is disposed proximate the first end portion and a second aperture disposed proximate the second end portion. A first suture is disposed through the first aperture and tied upon itself to form a first loop, and a second suture is disposed through the second aperture and tied upon itself to form a second loop, wherein each of the first loop and the second loop are configured to receive an implantable material.

Abstract: A device and method for delivering a bioactive to the uterine wall. In one embodiment, the device comprises a balloon having the bioactive present within the material of the balloon or on an outside surface of the balloon. Another embodiment provides a method comprising inserting the balloon into the uterus, inflating the balloon so that the outside surface of the balloon exerts pressure on uterine wall and delivering the bioactive to the uterine wall.

Abstract: A device is provided that includes an implantable conduit with first and second ends and a first retainer coupled to the first end by a first joint. A second retainer is coupled to the second end by a second joint, wherein the first and second joints are each configured to allow movement of the implantable conduit relative to the respective first and second retainers.

Abstract: A stent is made from a coiled wire and is very smooth along its length and as well its ends. The stent is thus highly atraumatic to patients, and because of its smooth surfaces, it presents a surface to which it is difficult for microbes to cling. The stent may be used in a minimally invasive procedure, such as for a ureteral stent, and may also be used percutaneously. Similar stents may be used in other body areas, such as in draining the biliary tract, the gastro-intestinal tract, hepatic procedures, and in vascular procedures as well.

Abstract: An apparatus and method used in a urological procedure. The apparatus includes a sheath capable of insertion into a passageway within a patient. A filter is provided that includes a mesh that retains any particulate matter that is entrained with the liquid and allows the liquid to pass therethrough. The filter may be removeably attached to receive flow from an outlet of the sheath.

Abstract: An implantable medical device having an outer elongated member, an inner elongated member positioned within the outer elongated member and at least one intermediate layer positioned between the outer elongated member and the inner elongated member. At least one of the outer elongated member, the inner elongated member and the at least one intermediate layer contains channels incorporating a pharmacologically active ingredient.

Abstract: A handle is provided that can removeably support a medical device. The handle features a grip with a cavity that communicates with the environment outside the grip through two apertures. A compressed flat spring is inserted into the cavity and can be operated by the user to position the spring into one of two positions. The spring contains at least one aperture through which a portion of the medical device is inserted. The medical device is rigidly held within the grip when the spring is in the first position and is removable when the spring is in the second position.

Abstract: An ovum collection device (20) includes a handle (4) and a collection needle (3) extending from the handle. The collection needle has a sharpened tip (44) for insertion into a follicle of an ovary. A collection duct (5) in fluid communication with the collection needle extends from the handle to a collection bottle (6). A heating arrangement (14) is used to maintain the collection needle at a selected temperature to prevent damage to an oocyte. The heating arrangement may be associated with a needle guide (72) on an ultrasonic probe such as a transvaginal ultrasonic probe (70).

Abstract: A rigid extractor is revealed, a rigid device for use in percutaneous procedures to remove kidney stones directly from the kidneys. The rigid extractor uses an outer rigid cannula and an inner cannula to control a basket retriever for removing kidney stones and calculi from a kidney of a patient. The extractor is desirably used with a fluoroscope, in which the surgeon maneuvers the extractor with the aid of a view of the operating field provided by the fluoroscope. The surgeon then maneuvers the extractor to grasp the kidney stones and remove from the patient. The extractor may also be used with a nephroscope. The device may also be used with a retrieval assembly other than a basket, such as a pair of jaws, or a pair of scissors.

Abstract: A cellular transfer catheter (10) is provided for implantation of cellular material into the uterus of a patient. The catheter includes a first component (11, 13) of a first material (26) which has a passageway (16) extending therethrough, and a second component (12) of a second material (27) having a higher durometer than the first material and suitable for assisting passage of the first component (11, 13) through a cervix and into the uterus of the patient. The first component (11, 13) includes a region (20) closely adjacent its distal end (18) having an ultrasonic reflectivity detectably different from the reflectivity of adjacent parts.

Abstract: An embryo transfer catheter that uses a very low transfer volume and a very soft tip is revealed. The use of a very small volume reduces the possibility of flushing and washing of the embryo from the uterus, while the very soft tip of the catheter reduces trauma to the endometrium in the event that the catheter is inserted too far into the uterus. There is an unexpectedly high rate of pregnancy in women receiving embryos from the new catheter.

Abstract: A medical retrieval device is provided which includes an elongated cylindrical member having a passage extending therein and having a metallic proximal and distal portions. The proximal and distal portions are formed as separate pieces and connected at a junction. The elongated cylindrical member has an area of substantially constant inner and outer diameters extending at least from a portion of the proximal portion closely adjacent to the junction through the junction and to a portion of the distal portion closely adjacent to the junction.

Abstract: A replaceable handle for side loading the proximal end of a medical device therein, which is typically inserted with the operating lumen of an endoscope. The replaceable handle can side-load the proximal end of the device into the handle for added manipulation of the distal end such as in removing a stone from the kidney or ureter leading therefrom. An inner housing is rotatable within an outer housing of the handle to secure the medical device in the housing passageway, and is spring biased to then move proximally with respect to the outer housing, moving the inner control rod of the medical device proximally to withdraw the stone basket mostly into the outer cannula and capture the stone for removal from the patient. A push button in the proximal end portion of the inner housing is depressible to permit insertion or withdrawal of the proximal end of the inner control rod of the stone retriever within the inner housing, and is releasable to secure the inner control rod in the handle.

Abstract: A medical device 10 for collecting both endocervical cells and exocervical cells from a human or veterinary patient includes an elongate handle 12 having first and second handle ends 14 and 16, an elongate foam portion 18 carried by one of the handle ends 14 or 16, and a disk-like foam portion 19 carried by either the same or the opposite handle end 14 or 16. The device 10 includes at least one base plate 30 or 32 connected to the handle 12, to which the elongate and disk-like foam portions 18 and 19 are affixed. The elongate foam portion 18 can be cylindrical in shape, while the disk-like portion 19 can be a convex disk 20 or a generally flat disk 60 or 80. The first foam portion 18 is positioned about a tip 40 or 48 carried by the first handle end 14, for example, connected to the first base plate 30. The first and second foam portions 18 and 19 can be carried on opposite ends 14 and 16 of the handle 12, or can be unitarily formed as a single foam portion 22 carried by the first handle end 14.

Abstract: A brachytherapy device 10 for exposing to radioactivity a patient includes an elongate member such as a needle or cannula 12 adapted for introduction into the patient and also includes a stylet 14 slideably receivable in a longitudinal throughbore 16 in the needle 12. The device 10 also includes a portion 64 near either the proximal end 18 of the needle 12 or the distal end 24 of the stylet 14 which provides a local, defined amount of friction between the needle 12 and the stylet 14. The device 10 further includes an anti-static handle 34 connected to the needle 12. The handle 34 has an interior ramp surface 40 in communication with the throughbore 16 of the needle 12, frustoconical in shape and possessing an included apical angle of at least about 16°. The localized friction portion 64 can be a crimp or flange 48 on the stylet 14, or a crimp 44 or deformation 46 in or of the needle 12.

Abstract: A method of automated prolonged slow release artificial intrauterine insemination is disclosed wherein motile sperm are introduced into the uterus in a programmed, organized and metered pattern over an extended period of time. A catheter is inserted into the uterine cavity and aliquots of sperm containing medium are injected at a rate of 10 to 20 mm/hr (approximately every 30 seconds) for between 4 to 6 hours. The motile sperm content of each aliquot is between 8,000 to 75,000. Preferably, the method is carried out with the use of a novel delivery device. The device of the present invention comprises a flexible catheter having a delivery channel, a first end attachable to a pumping means, and a second end (uterine end) adapted to pass through the cervix and into the uterine cavity. The catheter is provided with an inflatable balloon adjacent the second end. Upon inflation of the balloon, the catheter is immobilized in the vagina.