Abstract: Soft tissue implants can be constructed by forming an outer membrane into a closed pouch and filling material in that pouch. A composition for use as a filler material in such a soft tissue implant may include elastin and collagen. The filling material has collagen as a component thereof, and this collagen can be cross-linked or not cross-linked. Methods of making such implants are described.

Abstract: A guidewire delivery assist device including a cylindrical body, having a lumen extending axially therethrough from a proximal end to a distal end thereof, for receiving a guidewire, and an integral grip. The grip includes a plurality of flexible grip members extending longitudinally through at least a portion of the cylindrical body and forming a plurality of internal surface portions defining a portion of the lumen of the cylindrical body. The grip members and interior surface portions are flexibly collapsible in a radial direction of the cylindrical body and a guidewire resident in the lumen of the cylindrical body is frictionally engageable by the internal surface portions.

Abstract: An active compression/decompression CPR device includes two pressure members mounted on a common beam. When placed on the victim with one member on the chest and the other on the abdomen, pressure on one end of the beam causes compression of the thorax and decompression of the abdomen. Conversely, when pressure is applied to the other end of the beam, the abdomen is compressed and the thorax is decompressed.

Abstract: A device is proposed for inserting hemostatic material through a tissue channel and against the outside wall of a blood vessel of a patient, wherein the blood vessel wall has a puncture therein adjacent the tissue channel. The device includes a charge of hemostatic material and a hollow sheath adapted to pass through the tissue channel, the sheath having a cross sectional profile larger than the puncture. The device places the hemostatic material in the hollow sheath and advances the hemostatic material through the sheath to the outside of the vessel wall around the puncture.

Abstract: A preassembled PBY circuit includes a blood pump, an oxygenator, a blood line, a filter/trap, a cannulae line subassembly, and a return line. The blood pump, oxygenator, blood line, filter/trap, cannulae line subassembly, and return line are serially arranged in a closed loop configuration, and a prime line is attached in fluid communication with the circuit. The cannulae line subassembly includes a first cannula line attached to the return line, a second cannula line attached to the filter/trap, and a removable connector for connecting the first and second cannulae lines in fluid communication. Each of the cannulae lines is prearranged in a helical configuration. The circuit is arranged for suspension, such that, when suspended, the filter/trap is located at a high point of the circuit, and the prime line is attached at a low point of the circuit.

Abstract: Injectable implant compositions for soft tissue augmentation comprise elastin and collagen and a biocompatible carrier. An injectable implant composition for soft tissue augmentation is derived from the ligamentum nuchae which has been treated to remove non-collagenous and non-elastinous proteins. Methods of making an injectable implant composition for soft tissue augmentation from the ligamentum nuchae are described.

Abstract: An active compression/decompression CPR device capable of providing both complete cardiopulmonary support and cardiopulmonary assistance includes two or more thoracic compressors, preferably inflatable bladders, positioned so that the chest can first be flattened and compressed, increasing the pressure in the chest, and then circularized and decompressed, decreasing the pressure in the chest. When inflatable bladders are used, they can be surrounded with a rigidifying vest which resists outward bladder expansion. Compression and decompression can be performed along with abdominal compression, and the device is capable of shifting between support and assist modes when the patient's condition so requires.

Abstract: A system and method for connecting a first fluid carrying tube and a second fluid carrying tube or tube fitting includes a first tube having a lumen therethrough and an open end, and a second tube or tube fitting having a lumen therethrough and an open end. The first tube and second tube (or tube fitting) are connected by connecting means, including a bubble elimination chamber, in a first position, wherein the lumen of the tube, the lumen of the connecting means and the lumen of the tube fitting form a fluid-tight circuit and the bubble elimination chamber is open to the circuit, to permit elimination of any bubbles in the fluid circuit to the bubble elimination chamber. The first tube, connecting means and second tube (or tube fitting) then are connected in a second position, wherein a continuous, fluid-tight, bubble-free fluid circuit is formed, and the bubble elimination chamber is closed to the fluid circuit. The connecting means may include a soft connector alone or in combination with a connector tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved device for inserting collagen or other hemostatic materials into a puncture wound made during a percutaneous procedure. The device permits precise location of the collagen relative to the artery wall and also enables insertion of the collagen at the outset of the percutaneous procedure, when the area is anaesthetized.

Abstract: A pump and pump/oxygenator system including a generally cylindrical pump housing, a tube arranged in a helical turn within the pump housing, and a rotor assembly rotatably mountable in the housing for pumping fluid through the tube by peristaltic action. The tube may be preformed with a D-shaped cross-section, a helical turn of about 380.degree. and a compression portion having a decreasing volume per unit length in a direction from the proximal end to the distal end thereof. In one aspect, the rotor assembly includes a cam operated occlusivity adjusting mechanism for translating the drive roller in a radial direction of the rotor assembly from a non-occluding storage position to a tube-occluding operative position. In another aspect, the housing includes a door forming an arcuate portion of the sidewall of the housing.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided which involve an improved intra-aortic balloon structure. A safety balloon or safety membrane is mounted within an extension catheter. Helium contained in the safety balloon or membrane can be driven into and out of an intra-aortic balloon by forcing driving fluid into and out of the extension catheter, thereby compressing and decompressing the safety balloon or membrane. A variety of structures are suggested for insuring that the balloon or membrane does not inadvertently block the helium or drive fluid as it moves.

Abstract: Guide wire extension connecting means are described in which a stretchable tube acts as the connecting element. The stretchable tube has a lumen or recess into which the guide wire is inserted. As withdrawal of the guide wire is attempted, the connecting element stretches and collapses, thereby grabbing the guide wire and resisting withdrawal.

Abstract: Hematomas and false aneurysms can be treated using a device and method which locate and the provide access to the hematoma or aneurysm. Hemostatic material is then introduced into the hematoma or aneurysm through a new puncture in such a fashion that the hemostatic material does not project into a blood vessel. This can be done by passing a guide wire through a hollow needle, removing the needle, passing a dilator over the guide wire, passing a sheath over the dilator, and then removing the dilator and passing hemostatic material through the sheath into the hematoma or false aneurysm.

Abstract: A device is proposed for inserting hemostatic material through a tissue channel and against the outside wall of a blood vessel of a patient, wherein the blood vessel wall has a puncture therein adjacent the tissue channel. The device includes a charge of hemostatic material and a hollow sheath adapted to pass through the tissue channel, the sheath having a cross sectional profile larger than the puncture. The device places the hemostatic material in the hollow sheath and advances the hemostatic material through the sheath to the outside of the vessel wall around the puncture.

Abstract: A pneumatic compression supplies both positive and negative pressure for operating a medical device. The pulsing sounds generated by the compressor are attenuated by connecting the inlet of the positive pressure side of the compressor and the outlet of the negative pressure side of the compressor to a common resonating chamber. A port in the resonating chamber acts as an outlet for the discharge of excess air in the chamber and an inlet for the entry of make-up air. By adjusting the diameter of the port with respect to the volume of the resonating chamber, sound attenuation can be optimized. In a compact design, the compressor housing serves as the resonating chamber.

Abstract: A pump and pump/oxygenator system including a generally cylindrical pump housing, a tube arranged in a helical turn within the pump housing, and a rotor assembly rotatably mountable in the housing for pumping fluid through the tube by peristaltic action. The tube may be performed with a D-shaped cross-section, a helical turn of about 380.degree. and a compression portion having a decreasing volume per unit length in a direction from the proximal end to the distal end thereof. In one aspect, the rotor assembly includes a cam operated occlusivity adjusting mechanism for translating the drive roller in a radial direction of the rotor assembly from a non-occluding storage position to a tube-occluding operative position. In another aspect, the housing includes a door forming an arcuate portion of the sidewall of the housing.

Abstract: A system and method for connecting two fluid carrying tubes includes a first tube having a lumen therethrough and an open end, and a bubble elimination port proximate the open end and in fluid communication with the lumen, and a second tube having a lumen therethrough and an open end. The first and second tubes are connected in a first position, wherein the lumen of the first tube and the lumen of the second tube form a fluid-tight circuit and the bubble elimination port is open to the circuit, to eliminate any bubbles in the fluid circuit. The first and second tubes then are connected in a second position, wherein the lumen of the first tube and the lumen of the second tube form a continuous, fluid-tight circuit and the bubble elimination port is closed to the fluid circuit.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for inserting hemostatic material through a channel of a laparoscopic cannula, and for directly applying the material to an internal tissue site, includes a hollow sheath having a cross-section and configuration that permits sliding passage thereof through the channel of the laparoscopic cannula. The sheath is charged with hemostatic material, and the hemostatic material is advanced through the lumen of the sheath and mechanically applied at the tissue site by an applicator. The hemostatic material may be in the form of compressed loose fibers, a sponge, a powder, a paste, a sheet, or a combination thereof, and may be composed of resorbable collagen.

Abstract: A cannula for performing two or more medical procedures either individually, seriatim or simultaneously, for example, combined percutaneous PBY and IAB procedures, which cannula includes a body having a common leg and two or more access port legs (e.g. a Y-shaped body), one access port for performing one procedure, a second access port for performing a second procedure, and hemostasis structure. A smooth continuous blood flow path is formed by a common lumen of a common leg of the cannula body and a primary lumen formed in a primary access port leg of the cannula body. The secondary access port legs are provided with secondary lumens that communicate with the common lumen.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting damage to a balloon catheter and presence of a contaminant within the balloon catheter by irradiating a reflector located toward the distal end of the catheter tube and measuring reflectivity. By detecting a change in the reflected radiation, it is possible to identify the presence of a contaminant and the occurrence of leakage. The method and system of the present invention also permits the operator to determine deterioration of the parts of the system that detect the presence of a contaminant.