Abstract: An intraluminal stent includes pluralities of first and second wire segments made from a soft malleable alloy formed into a cylindrical structure. Each of the wire segments is defined by a series of sinusoidal bends formed over the length of each segment, with the initial unformed length of each second wire segment being larger than that of each first wire segment. Each of the first and second wire segments include the same number of sinusoidal bends with the amplitude of the of the sinusoidal bends of the second wire segments being larger than that of the sinusoidal bends of the first wire segments. Adjacent wire segments are conjoined by welds at apices of each sinusoidal bend to form the cylindrical or tubular structure.

Abstract: A secondary caries detection device includes a current generating device configured to generate a current having the form of a sinusoidally varying signal with a frequency chosen from the range of frequencies from 200 Hz to 100 kHz and a chosen amplitude from the range of 50 mV to 5 V. The secondary caries detection device also includes a plurality of preamplifiers of high sensitivity and linearity with phase-sensitive measuring components sensitive to the chosen frequency and integral multiples of the chosen frequency. The secondary caries detection device further includes a microprocessor control unit connected to the current generating device and the plurality of preamplifiers.

Abstract: A device for secondary caries detection characterized in that it contains a current generating block in its casing (6), advantageously equipped with the high linearity amplifiers, the current having the form of sinusoidally varying signal, advantageously with one frequency chosen from the range of frequencies from 200 Hz to 100 kHz and amplitude from 50 mV to 5 V; a block of preamplifiers (4), advantageously of high sensitivity and linearity with phase-sensitive detectors measuring components, advantageously with one frequency chosen from the range of frequencies from 200 Hz to 100 kHz as well as its multiples, advantageously integral in principle; microprocessor control unit (5), advantageously with a miniature keyboard and display unit, and at least one fixed electrode (2) placed on mucous membrane of the oral cavity and at least one moveable electrode to be mounted on a tooth (1).

Abstract: Prodrug compounds which metabolize into 5-ASA or analogs thereof, and taurine or analogs thereof, in the colon site are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions including the compounds, and methods of treatment using the compounds, are also disclosed. Such compounds have utility for treating or preventing gastrointestinal disorders, including colon cancer, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Abstract: Prodrug compounds which metabolize into 5-ASA or analogs thereof, and taurine or analogs thereof, in the colon site are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions including the compounds, and methods of treatment using the compounds, are also disclosed. Such compounds have utility for treating or preventing gastrointestinal disorders, including colon cancer, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Abstract: An angiographic catheter having an elongated flexible insertion tube having a cylindrical inflatable sheath circumferentially mounted thereon. The sheath contains a series of discharge ports at its distal end. A fluid is introduced into the proximal end of the sheath under sufficient pressure so that the sheath is fully inflated and fluid is discharged into a desired target area within the patients body.

Abstract: This invention involves a radially expandable stent that has wire wound circular sections that are cojoined to create a cylinder by a series of single strand wire hinges. The hinges are situated to provide the stent created by the expanded sections with enhanced flexibility without sacrificing the overall support strength of the stent.

Abstract: A balloon catheter having a safety feature for protecting a patient during a medical procedure in the event the inflated balloon ruptures during the procedure. The catheter contains an outer balloon attached to the distal end of an insertion tube and a second inner balloon totally enclosed within the outer balloon. A vacuum is drawn on the outer balloon to evacuate the interior of the balloon and the inner balloon is then inflated to a desired operating pressure. In the event the inner balloon ruptures while inflated, the inflation fluid is fully contained within the outer balloon as well as any inner balloon fragments that are released due to the rupture.

Abstract: A hollow metallic needle for guiding a balloon catheter into a fetal vessel or cavity. The needle initially contains a removable obturator which is removed after the needle is generally positioned within the fetus and is replaced by a balloon catheter. A plastic sleeve is mounted upon the distal end of the needle and sufficient air is entrapped within pockets formed in the sleeve to provide an enhanced ultrasonic image return so that a more accurate placement of the balloon is obtainable. The plastic sleeve extends beyond the distal end of the needle and serves to guide the balloon when deflated back into the needle and thus protects the balloon from snagging upon the edge of the needle.

Abstract: A percutaneous implanted device for temporarily sustaining a patient awaiting a heart transplant. The device includes a radially expandable stent mounted upon the balloon section of a balloon catheter. A venous biological valve is mounted at each end of the stent and an inflatable annular-shaped diaphragm is secured to the stent between the valves, which permit the flow of blood in one direction and prevent the flow of blood in the opposite direction. The diaphragm is attached to a pump which inflates the diaphragm after the stent is implanted in a blood vessel in relation to the heart's rhythm to assist the heart in moving blood through the patient's circulatory system.

Abstract: A system for percutaneously inserting a prosthesis containing a biological replacement for a defective valve into an implantation site through a body lumen. The system contains a balloon catheter upon which a collapsable stent containing a venous valvular replacement is mounted. A protective shield is slidably mounted upon the catheter that is movable between a closed position over the balloon and an open position wherein the balloon can be inflated to expand the stent. A central lumen runs through the catheter that is formed of stainless steel. The central lumen provides a one to one torque ratio between the proximal end of the catheter and the distal end to enhance the steerability of the catheter. The vein of the replacement is reduced in thickness between 50% and 90% of its original size thereby considerably reducing the size of the replacement package when the stem is collapsed upon the balloon of the catheter.

Abstract: A prosthesis device for percutaneous implantation that includes an expandable stent and a biological venous valvular replacement for a defective valve mounted inside the expanded stent. The wall thickness of the vein is reduced to a diameter that is about equal to the inside diameter of the expanded stent and is sutured to the inside of the expanded stent so that the vein is supported in a fully opened circular configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed are occluders and methods of their use. The occluders comprise shape-memory polymeric materials which, when heated above their crystalline melting temperatures, may be deformed from a first configuration into a second configuration. The occluder is then held in the deformed shape until it cools to a temperature below its crystalline melting temperature (Tm) whereby it holds the deformed shape of the second configuration by virtue of the recrystallization of the polymeric occluder material. Upon reheating the occluder above its Tm, the occluder will resume its original shape. In this manner, an occluder which has been deformed to reduce its diameter may be inserted into and positioned within a target lumen in the body and then allowed to warm to body temperature whereby it resumes its original diameter and results in the occlusion of the lumen. The occluders, according to preferred embodiments, may be used for reversible sterilization of mammals, among other surgical and non-surgical uses.

Abstract: A radially expandable stent which is formed from a fine wire bent into a serpentine flat ribbon which is wound around a mandrel into a cylindrical sleeve for mounting on a balloon catheter for transluminal insertion in a vessel. The wire forming the stent comprises an alloy selected from the group consisting of Pt--Ir or Au--Ni, and where the alloy exhibits a tensile strength of about 155,000 to 175,000 PSI.

Abstract: A radially expandable stent for implantation in a body blood vessel includes a pair of cylindrically shaped end portions made from a malleable metal and formed in a radially expandable fashion. According to the invention, the end portions are joined by a plurality of individual longitudinal wire members such that upon radial expansion of the stent, such as through use of a balloon catheter, the stent expands radially with a minimum of lateral shrinkage. Preferably, the longitudinal wire members are wrapped to the end portions to form flexible hinging sites upon expansion.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing a stent upon a balloon catheter. The apparatus has a tubular housing that is open at each end for containing a balloon catheter in a deflated state upon which is mounted a stent. An inflatable cylindrical membrane is mounted inside the housing and sealed at both ends to provide a fluid tight chamber between the membrane and the housing. A pressurized fluid is introduced into the chamber to inflate the membrane into pressure contact with the stent to urge the stent into gripping engagement with the balloon.

Abstract: A device for implanting a radially expandable stent that includes a balloon catheter having a balloon formed of a material having a memory so that when inflated to a first pressure the two end sections of the balloon expand to a first diameter as the waist therebetween expands to a lesser diameter. The stent is mounted over the waist section of the balloon and is thus locked between the two end sections during initial inflation to the first pressure. Once locked in place, the pressure inside the balloon is raised to a second higher level whereby the entire balloon expands to a larger diameter thus radially expanding the stent.

Abstract: There is disclosed a radially expandable stent for intravascular implantation comprising a distensible frame and an impermeable deformable membrane interconnecting portions of the frame to form an impermeable exterior wall. The membrane is formed of a synthetic non-latex, non-vinyl polymer, and the frame comprises a fine wire of annealed platinum. The comprises a plurality of helically aligned circumferential sections including two end sections and a plurality of intermediate sections that define a cylinder having a longitudinal axis, the cylinder being formed of a continuous wire with the circumferential sections being spaced along the axis in abutting contact. Each of the circumferential sections have expandable segments that impart radial expandability to the sections.

Abstract: There is disclosed a balloon catheter wherein the balloon is fabricated of a high pressure, ultra-thin wall modified polyethylene terephthalate copolymer, and has a desired memorized shape. In a preferred embodiment the balloon has a central waist-like configuration suitable for valvuloplasty. The polymer can be heat-shaped and retains or memorizes a desired shape thereafter. The balloon is blow-molded and attached to a catheter for inflation through a lumen thereof. When inflated to a first low pressure it assumes the desired shape, and rounds out after a second inflating pressure is achieved.

Abstract: Tissue extracting forceps are disclosed which have been designed for use in laparoscopic surgery. The forceps firmly grasp tissue or organs which are to be moved or removed during the procedure. The grasping members of the forceps are aligned such that fragmentation damage to the grasped tissue is minimized. The mechanical layout of the forceps allows the user to manipulate the working end for a distance, so that the user's fingers do not get in the way of the surgical procedure. The working end of the forceps is adaptable to be used with grasping members of different shapes, or with disposable cutting instruments. Any of these working ends may be incorporated in the same overall mechanical design.