Abstract: A device is described that can be used quickly and accurately by surgeons to provide uniform facial tissue planes that are tunnel-free and wall-free thus optimizing face lifting, tightening, and implant delivery. The device is comprised of a shaft with a substantially planar tip further comprised of relative protrusions and energized relative recession lysing segments. Forward motion of the device precisely divides and energizes various tissue planes causing contraction, especially via the fibrous tissues. Other forms of energy and matter can be delivered down the shaft to further enhance desirable tissue modification and contraction.

Abstract: A device is described that can be used by surgeons to provide quick and accurate face-lifting maneuvers that minimize the amount of tissue that has to be removed. The device is comprised of a shaft with a relatively planar but possibly lenticulate and even slightly curved tip that can divide and energize various tissue planes causing contraction especially via the fibrous tissues. Various forms of energy can be delivered down the shaft to heat and cause desirable tissue contraction. The device can also include a temperature sensor that can be used to control power output.

Abstract: A series of unique biochemical tests are combined to enable unskilled law enforcement and private investigation personnel to rapidly perform sex crime investigations on skin swipes and body fluid residues deposited on specific articles of clothing. The invention also allows spouses to privately identify and monitor infidelity activities of their mate through the application of this test kit to personal clothing and other areas where body fluids may be found.

Abstract: Chemical or isotopic labels are added to, e.g., a potentially lethal drug formulation, to generate a unique chemical fingerprint. Combinations of chemical additives are mixed with the drug to aid in their isolation and identification, especially when such drugs are used for illicit purposes. When stable isotopes are incorporated into lethal drugs, the labeling process conveys a very unique internal chemical signature and greatly aids in the identification of the parent drug in body fluids and tissues. When heath-care providers become aware that certain drugs can now be easily tracked and identified in a victim, individuals may be reluctant to utilize these agents for ill purposes.

Abstract: Biocompatible materials are propelled at the skin with sufficient velocity to cause desired resurfacing of tissue to the desired penetration depth. The materials, such as dry ice or water ice, are harmonious with the human body and thus eliminate foreign body reactions. Various materials may be used in combination, including local anesthetics and vasoconstrictors in solid or liquid form. The biocompatible solid or liquid particles are suspended in a cold carrier fluid and propelled through an insulated delivery system to the surface of the skin. The treatment of diseased skin lesions may be accomplished using the present invention as a drug delivery system.

Abstract: A medical device is described that can be used to detect in stent restenosis. This invention consists of a stent of current or modified technology, an electromagnetic wave transmitter to excite the stent and an acoustic sensor to detect stent acoustic oscillations.

Abstract: A noninvasive medical device and diagnostic system is disclosed that can be used to determine the degree of viability, flow and stenosis of a graft within the human body. This invention incorporates a sensing element in or near an AV graft. As stenosis occurs within or near the graft, the change in pressure within the graft can be detected by the sensors and provide the physician with information about the location of the stenosis. This information can than be used to provide the best course of treatment for the patient.

Abstract: Tissue resurfacing is accomplished by propelling biocompatible, non-toxic materials at the tissue with sufficient velocity to cause destruction or loosening of tissues to a desired depth. The biocompatible materials are generated by abrading a solid frozen unit and propelling the abraded material onto the surface of the skin or tissue to be treated. A vacuum line near the delivery tip may used to remove excess materials or reaction by-products that build up on the surface of the skin. The treatment system generally consists of a control unit, a handheld particle generator and a cable that connects the control unit to the particle generator. The control unit can include user controls to select particle temperature, particle flux, particle velocity and vacuum. The handheld particle generator contains a mechanism to push the frozen biocompatible material against a rotating grinding wheel that produces small particles, which are propelled against tissue being treated.

Abstract: A device is described that can be used by surgeons to provide accurate tissue-lifting and tightening maneuvers that uses minimal external incisions, enhances accuracy, reduces inadvertent consequences while speeding the procedure. The device is comprised of a shaft with a relatively planar but possibly lenticulate or even slightly curved tip that can divide and energize various tissue planes causing net contraction via the fibrous tissue modification. Various forms of energy can also be delivered to cause desirable tissue alterations.

Abstract: A sensor guided needle to be used for the delivery of medication or placement of indwelling catheters, angiocatheters, spinal or epidural catheters, central lines, arterial lines, intraneoplastic, pediatric lines. The needle is comprised of an outer metal sheath with a biocompatible inner core containing sensor or signal elements. The measurements collected by the sensors are analyzed by a control unit to determine tissue type and possibly tissue state.

Abstract: A device is described that can be used by surgeons to provide quick and accurate face-lifting maneuvers that minimize the amount of tissue that has to be removed. The device comprised of a hollow undermining shaft with specially designed tip that can safely separate tissue planes and lyse fibrous tissue. Thermal radiation can be delivered down the shaft to heat and cause tissue contraction. The device can also include a temperature sensor that can be used to control the thermal radiation. Optionally, the device can also use ultrasound or electro surgical energy to improve tissue lysing.

Abstract: A device is described that can be easily used to warn an asthmatic or allergen reacting patient of irritant levels which may trigger an asthma or allergy attack for that person. The device continually monitors and records irritants in the air, and when the concentration exceeds the predefined level the device generates an alarm signal for the user. The recorded data can be downloaded to a computer, and this information can be used by the patient and the physician to identify irritants, guide treatment, and determine threshold levels.

Abstract: A medical device is described that can be used to detect in stent restenosis. This invention consists of a stent of current or modified technology, an electromagnetic wave transmitter to excite the stent and an acoustic sensor to detect stent acoustic oscillations.

Abstract: A multi layered artificial spinal disc that can be surgically implanted to replace a damaged natural spinal disc. The top and bottom layers being comprised of bone permeable material that when implanted would fuse to the vertebrae and form a permanent bond. The middle layer is a polymer with mechanical properties similar to natural spinal discs.

Abstract: A device is described that can be easily used to warn an athlete of potential risk of hyperthermia due to an elevated core body temperature. The mouth guard device continually monitors the users internal or core body temperature and emits an alarm signal when body temperature exceeds a preset value. This invention can protect the physical well being of an athlete as well as improve overall team performance.

Abstract: A device is described that can be easily used by surgeons to measure and monitor changes before, during, and after a liposuction procedure and assist in producing symmetrical body contours. The device comprises a remote control and data processing unit, a handheld ultrasound transducer, a display monitor and means for marking anatomical points to be measured.

Abstract: A device is described that can be used by surgeons to provide quick and accurate face-lifting maneuvers that minimize the amount of tissue that has to be removed. The device comprised of a hollow undermining shaft with specially designed tip that can safely separate tissue planes and lyse fibrous tissue Thermal radiation can be delivered down the shaft to heat and cause tissue contraction. The device can also include a temperature sensor that can be used to control the thermal radiation. Optionally, the device can also use ultrasound or electro surgical energy to improve tissue lysing.

Abstract: A prosthetic spinal disc may include a nucleus and an annulus that together may be optionally shaped, using a computed tomography (CT) scan, ultrasound imaging and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The nucleus includes a central area having a material density that is different than the material density of the annulus. The nucleus may alternately include an area for the introduction of a central supporting fluid or gel. An optional fiberoptic carriage may be used to provide tissue ingrowth from the supported vertebrae and optional internal baffling provides additional stabilization.

Abstract: A medical device is described that can be used to emulsify and remove atherosclerotic plaque from blood vessels. The device uses a high frequency ultrasound transducer and conical tip to enhance the generation of shear waves that can safely and efficiently emulsify plaque.

Abstract: The human face is efficiently and precisely dissected while radioifrequency energy is applied to controllably release target tissue bonds and alter surrounding tissues in such a fashion that these facial tissues contract and tighten in response to the energy application while automatically excluding vital nerves and vessels. Tightening will be most dramatic in younger patients between 45 and 55 years of age such that the surgeon may not have to cut-out or stretch skin for a desirable effect in most of this population. The device is inserted through only 3 relatively small 1 cm incisions allowing energy to be applied to the upper subcutaneous, lower dermal and platysmal face-lift layers. The procedures take less than 15 minutes following anesthesia and the effects will last for at least several years.