Abstract: A medical apparatus includes a trocar assembly including a cannula and a trocar, wherein (1) the cannula has a working channel defined therein through which medical instruments may be advanced, (2) the cannula includes a fluid delivery channel which is distinct from the working channel, and (3) the fluid delivery channel has an exit port. The medical apparatus also includes a chemical container having an interior void defined therein for receiving the biologically active compound. The interior void of the chemical container is in fluid communication with the exit port through the fluid delivery channel, whereby the biologically active compound may be delivered through the fluid delivery channel to an outer surface of the cannula. An associated medical procedure for dispensing a biologically active compound is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention is directed to novel methods for gynecologic embolotherapy. The methods directly access the blood vessels to be embolized transcervically rather than arterially. The methods provide precise directed delivery of embolizing compositions, and are particularly suited for treating uterine fibroids. Kits containing one or more devices for transcervical injection and an embolizing composition are also provided. In a preferred embodiment, fluid embolizing compositions are used. In a more preferred embodiment, these fluid embolic compositions comprise a biocompatible polymer, a biocompatible solvent and a biocompatible water insoluble contrast agent. In a most preferred embodiment, the contrast agent is characterized by having an average particle size of about 10 .mu.m or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stiffening member, which is a stylet, that helps increase the fluid flow area within a catheter. In a preferred embodiment, the stylet is made of a single piece of flat rectangular stock that can be twisted to provide equal rigidity in all directions. A cross-section of the stylet reveals that the substantially flat rectangular shape of the stylet permits maximum fluid flow between the stylet and the catheter. This results in increased ease in manipulating and removing the stylet from the catheter. In addition, because the preferred embodiment of the stylet comprises a single element, it is easier to manufacture and should result in lower manufacturing costs. Moreover, the use of the present invention should also result in lower overall health-care costs.

Abstract: An aortic occlusion catheter has a blood return lumen for returning oxygenated blood to a patient and an occluding member for occluding the patient's ascending aorta. The blood return lumen has openings on both sides of the occluding member for infusing oxygenated blood on both sides of the occluding member.

Abstract: The method for automatic dosing of drugs utilizes a microdelivery device which may be implanted in or otherwise administered to an animal or human. A microdelivery device is configured to have at least one compartment containing at least one drug so that a plurality of doses of the drug(s) are held within the device. In accordance with the present invention, the microdelivery device selectively actuates a compartment to selectively release doses of the drug(s) to provide an efficacious dosing pattern. One primary function of the present invention is to release two or more pesticides in such a pattern that parasites are effectively controlled while preventing the development of tolerance to the drugs within the parasites. Preferably, the microdelivery device is programmable to effectuate the release of the drug(s) at a desired time to maintain efficacious levels of the drug while minimizing the amount of drug which must be used.

Abstract: A sample delivery module for use in conjunction with a particle acceleration apparatus includes a fitting for connecting the sample delivery module to the apparatus. The sample delivery module provides a particle acceleration path which includes a portion adapted to receive a sample of particles coated with a biological material, a particle acceleration chamber coaxial with, and in fluid communication, with the cartridge chamber, and a substantially conical exit nozzle coaxial with and in fluid communication with the particle acceleration chamber. In use, a gas stream causes sample particles to be entrained therein and accelerated through the particle acceleration chamber and the exit nozzle toward a target.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter having an elongated tubular body with a proximal portion, a distal portion and a lumen extending therebetween. The tubular body is formed with polymeric materials, preferably containing no radiopaque filler, and metallic reinforcing braiding configured to provide the catheter with radiopaque properties and/or kink resistance.

Abstract: In a laparoscopic surgery or the like, access is provided to an opening in a body cavity that contains insufflation gas at an insufflation pressure. The flow of insufflation gas from the body cavity through the opening is limited in response to the sensed insufflation pressure in the cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for modifying a liquid enteral nutritional product. The apparatus includes a feeding set having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is constructed for fluid connection to a supply container. The feeding set defines an interior space. The apparatus further includes a canister disposed in the interior space defined by the feeding set. The canister includes a wall portion that defines an aperture therethrough. The canister is constructed to receive one or more beneficial agents in an interior chamber defined therein. At least one beneficial agent disposed in the interior chamber defined by the canister.

Abstract: A steering mechanism including a steering shaft coupled to a controller which includes a handle and apparatus for manipulating the distal end of the steering shaft. The steering shaft includes a flexible coiled spring having a lead spring fixed in position with respect to a distal end thereof in the distal end of the steering shaft. One or more steering wires is affixed at the distal ends thereof to the lead spring. The steering wires extend through the steering shaft to the controller, and the steering apparatus of the controller is used to place tension on one or both of the steering wires. The attachment of the distal ends of the steering wires to the lead spring may be opposite one another or may be offset for providing greater maneuverability.

Abstract: A safety vein syringe with retractable special needle, including a syringe barrel, a plunger, an injection needle and a guiding mechanism formed between the needle holder and the plunger. By means of the guiding mechanism, the plunger can be only axially moved within the barrel without rotation and two needle pulling members can be easily aligned with each other and latched together. The first needle pulling member is formed on the needle holder or the plunger, having at least one rotatable click. The second needle pulling member is formed on the plunger or the needle holder, having a detent. When the piston of the plunger is pushed to the bottom, the detent is easily and firmly engaged and hooked with the click. Thereafter, the injection needle and the needle holder can be together pulled into the barrel with the tip of the injection needle positioned under the shoulder section of the barrel.

Abstract: A catheter balloon for use in dilation procedures, such as angioplasty, has multiple pleats formed therein, preferably six such pleats, that may be folded, or wrapped, circumferentially around the catheter to provide a minimized outer diameter when the balloon is deflated. The balloon pleats form six wings in the balloon and each of the balloon wings has a length such that it overlaps a portion of an adjoining wing and each wing extends about one-quarter of the circumference of the catheter shaft. A device for forming such folds in a balloon includes a forming chamber and a plurality of forming elements radially disposed around the balloon.

Abstract: In an ampoule for a medicament the space accommodating the medicament is defined by an ampoule wall (1) a pierceable seal (5) closing one end of the ampoule and a piston (7) closing the other end of the ampoule. A metal containing fixation element (8) is secured to one of the parts defining the medicament accommodating space. A mixing element (9, 10) also containing a metal and having a density larger than 1,0 g/cm.sup.3 is movable in medicament accommodating space. At least one of the elements, the fixation element (8) and the mixing element (9, 10), can be attracted by a magnet, and at least one of these elements is a magnetic element, the magnetic strength being so that the mixing element (9, 10) can during normal handling of the ampoule be fixed relative to this ampoule by the magnetic attraction between the fixation element (8) and the mixing element (9, 10) but may be released from its fixed position by manual operation.

Abstract: A system for enhancing and improving the transcutaneous or transdermal delivery of topical chemicals or drugs. A disposable container contains a substantially sterile unit dose of an active agent adapted for a single use in a medical treatment. The unit dose is formulated to enhance transport of the active agent through mammalian skin when the active agent is applied to the skin and the skin is exposed to light and/or ultrasound defined by at least one specific parameter.

Abstract: In the performance of vascular anastomosis, in order to improve and simplify the making of the connection between the vessels, a surgical instrument is proposed which is characterized by a tubular shaft closed at the front end thereof, with an outer diameter which enables introduction into one of the vessels, with suction openings in the wall of the shaft in the area of the front end thereof, and with a suction connection on the shaft at a distance from the front end thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mixing system for an active agent delivery device. The device comprises an elongate tubular member having first and second ends and a mixing system. The mixing system enables the entire dose of active agent to be entrained in a liquid. In use, liquid is drawn into the first end of the device, the mixing system mixes the liquid and active agent within the device and the active agent entrained in the liquid is drawn out of the second end of the member and into the patient's mouth.

Abstract: A sleeve for introducing a surgical instrument (e.g., a lipoplasty probe) into the body via a wound pierced in the skin, and an insertion device for making the wound and inserting the sleeve therethrough are provided. The sleeve reduces the transmission of friction and heat (e.g., caused by the highly repetitive in-and-out and rotational movements and ultrasonic vibration of the lipoplasty probe) to the skin of the patient. In addition, the size of the hole associated with insertion of the sleeve is significantly smaller and more uniform in shape than that associated with a traditional scalpel incision. By piercing the skin, rather than making an incision with a scalpel, and by reducing friction and heat transmission to the skin, the irritation, inflammation, flowering (i.e., curling up of the skin at the edges of an incision), and scarring associated with lipoplasty are minimized, and the cosmetic result of the procedure is improved.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions effective for the cleansing of mammalian soft tissue optionally attached to bones, and particularly the removal of blood deposits and bone marrow therefrom. The compsotions are composed of an aqueous solution containing as its essential ingredients a detergent having a functionality of the nature of a polyoxyethylene-23-lauryl either, a detergent having a functionality of the nature of exyethylated alkylphenol, and water, where the compositions are free from any membrane stabilizers. The present invention is also directed to a method and composition for cleaning cadaveric soft tissue optionally attached to bone to produce soft tissue grafts optionally attached to bone suitable for transplantation into a human. The present method involves removing bone marrow elements, blood deposits and any bacteria, virus or fungi contamination, from the donor bone and/or associated soft tissues.

Abstract: A hemostasis valve assembly adapted for use within a catheter introducer is disclosed. The valve assembly includes first, second and third sealing members wherein the second sealing member comprises a guide wire seal. The guide wire seal includes a plurality of lip members defining two pairs of diametrically opposed slits and an aperture intersecting at least one of the slits. The aperture is adapted to sealing engage a small diameter guide wire for preventing fluid flow out of the catheter introducer through the valve assembly, while the slits allow for the passage of a large diameter elongated member or catheter. Two pairs of diametrically opposed pre-load ribs extend radially towards the aperture for pressing the lip members together in sealing engagement. A substantially spherical inner surface is provided for guiding the guide wire to the aperture.

Abstract: A low profile gastrostomy feeding device having a bolster portion, a balloon member, and tubular member extending between the bolster portion and the balloon member. The bolster portion includes an anti-reflux valve, a closure member, an inflation valve housing, and a cap retainer portion. An inflation lumen and a feeding lumen are provided by the tubular member. The inflation lumen curves as it passes through the bolster portion from the tubular member to the inflation housing.