Abstract: A targeting system, which provides an adjustable optical assembly, for use with imaging systems having a penetrating beam source, a penetrating beam receiver. The optical assembly has a targeting marker in the path of a penetrating beam emitted by the source. The targeting marker is at least partially opaque to the penetrating beam emitted by the source, and the targeting marker indicates a targeting point on a target axis. The optical assembly further includes a sensible targeting beam device that is capable of providing a sensible targeting beam coaxial and collinear with the target axis. In addition, there is provide a method of aligning the targeting system, such as the system described above, and a method of targeting an area of interest. One advantage of the system and method is that it requires only a two point alignment.

Abstract: A method and system for the application of molecular sieves to the removal of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide from the patient expired gases during anesthesia. The system is especially useful in anesthesia using any of the halogenated ether inhalation anesthetic agents. The expired gases are dried using a non-reactive desiccant to remove water, passed through a filter capable of removing particles larger than 0.3 microns, passed through a bed containing either natural or synthetic molecular sieves capable of removing carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide and then returned to the breathing circuit for recirculation to the patient.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of sevoflurane which comprises (a) providing a liquid mixture of (CF3)2CHOCH2Cl, hydrogen fluoride, and an amine and (b) reacting the mixture, to form (CF3)2CHOCH2F.

Abstract: A targeting device defines a direction of approach to a subsurface target under guidance of imaging equipment such as a computer tomograph or a magnetic resonance imaging machine. The targeting device is positioned relative to the target in such a way that the optimal direction of approach avoiding vital internal structures can be selected by reference to the images displayed on the imagine equipment. The device projects a visible light beam, such as a laser beam, on a region of a patient, indicating the point of entry and the angle of approach to the subsurface target.

Abstract: An embodiment of the targeting system includes a penetrating beam emitter, a penetrating beam receiver, and a targeting assembly. The targeting assembly is adjustable. The targeting assembly has a targeting marker in a path of a penetrating beam provided by the emitter. The targeting marker is at least partially opaque to a penetrating beam emitted by the emitter, and the targeting marker indicates a targeting point on a target axis. The targeting assembly further includes a targeting beam device capable of providing a targeting beam along the target axis.

Abstract: A sterile drape serving to preserve the sterile integrity of an operating field is disclosed. The drape has a rigid optically clear window which allows a visible light beam, such as a laser beam, to exit a targeting device without refraction or distortion that could result in misalignment of the visible light beam relative to a targeted object. The rigid optically clear window is made of a material having an ability to transmit light and which ability remains substantially unchanged after the drape has undergone a gamma radiation sterilization process. The drape is positioned so that the optically clear window is located across the device window. The optically clear window is adjusted with respect to the device window so that a secondary light beam caused by distortion due to misalignment of the windows disappears and only the visible light beam travels toward the targeted object.

Abstract: A laryngoscope constructed of materials including metal components having very low magnetic susceptibilities is described. The battery powering the laryngoscope lamp is a lithium battery also constructed of materials having low magnetic susceptibilities. The battery further includes a unique terminal configuration that prevents the inadvertent use of other batteries, including non-magnetic batteries, in the laryngoscope. A unique lamp retaining mechanism provides for quick and easy replacement of the lamp.

Abstract: A sterile drape serving to preserve the sterile integrity of an operating field is disclosed. The drape has a rigid optically clear window which allows a visible light beam, such as a laser beam, to exit a targeting device without refraction or distortion that could result in misalignment of the visible light beam relative to a targeted object. The rigid optically clear window is made of a material having an ability to transmit light and which ability remains substantially unchanged after the drape has undergone a gamma radiation sterilization process.

Abstract: A device and method for verifying positional alignment between a visible light beam and an x-ray beam by providing a radio-opaque body that is to be positioned in the center of the visible light beam in the x-ray field. The image of the radio-opaque body provides an indication of whether the position of the visible light beam is colinear and coincident with the central ray of the x-ray beam of an imaging system.

Abstract: A sampling device and method of retrieving a sample are disclosed. The device includes a cannula having a first end and a second end. The first end has a threaded section. The method includes providing a stylet, providing a cannula having an axial channel, and inserting the stylet into the axial channel. Then, the stylet is connected to the cannula to form an assembly, and the assembly is inserted into a body to place an end of the cannula proximate to a sample location. Next, the stylet is disconnected, and the cannula is twisted to engage an end of the cannula in a part of the body. The stylet is removed from the axial channel, and a core collector is inserted in place of the stylet. Once the core collector is connected to the cannula, the cannula is twisted to further engage the end of the cannula in the part of the body, and to embed a portion of the core collector in the part of the body, so that a sample to be retrieved resides in the core collector.

Abstract: A measuring and gauging device for ruling the depth of penetration of the needle of an invasive instrument into a patient's body is also used to fit over the needle and the needle tip to protect against needle damage, accidental sticking of the user's fingers and puncture of the package within which the invasive instrument is stored and shipped.

Abstract: The present invention provides an instrument adapted for alignment with a light beam, which instrument includes an instrument body having a point of entry of the light beam, a light conducting channel, and a sensing element carried by the instrument and being spaced from the point of entry of the light beam. The sensing element serves to provide indication of alignment or misalignment between the instrument and the light beam. The light beam travels inside the instrument along the light conducting channel extending from the point of entry to the sensing element. One or more light guiding devices are disposed inside the light conducting channel to increase precision of alignment between the instrument and the light beam. The light guiding device has a wall forming a guiding passage inside the guiding device.

Abstract: A penlight constructed of materials including metal components having very low magnetic susceptibilities is described. The battery powering the penlight lamp is a lithium battery also constructed of materials having low magnetic susceptibilities. The penlight is particularly useful in the vicinity of the strong magnetic field of an MRI scanner.

Abstract: A laryngoscope constructed of materials including metal components having very low magnetic susceptibilities is described. The battery powering the laryngoscope lamp is a lithium battery also constructed of materials having low magnetic susceptibilities. The battery further includes a unique terminal configuration that prevents the inadvertent use of other batteries, including non-magnetic batteries, in the laryngoscope. A unique lamp retaining mechanism provides for quick and easy replacement of the lamp.

Abstract: An invasive instrument, such as a biopsy needle, syringe or drill, is adapted to be guided by an energy beam such as a laser beam along a predefined line of sight path toward a subsurface target. The instrument is adapted for use in conjunction with an energy beam targeting and directing system which directs an energy beam in a line of sight path toward a target. The instrument includes a portion for percutaneously accessing a subsurface target, an energy conducting portion and an energy responsive means interposed between the means for percutaneously accessing a subsurface target and the energy conducting portion. In use of the instrument, whereby an operator monitors the energy responsive component for a visual indication of alignment of the instrument with the predefined line of sight path, while advancing the portion for percutaneously accessing the subsurface target along the line of sight path toward the target.