Abstract: A catheter with a radially self-expanding cylindrical vascular support made of a permeable mesh of crossed stiff fibers is disclosed. The catheter has a tubular outer catheter shaft and an inner catheter to which the vascular support is fixed. The tubular outer catheter shaft is axially movable with respect to the inner catheter.

Abstract: A handle for a laparoscopic instrument is provided for manipulating a distal laparoscopic tool. The handle includes a casing, a pivot handle pivotally attached to the casing, and an actuating shaft mechanism extending outward from the casing. Attached at the distal end of the actuating shaft opposite the casing is the laparoscopic surgical tool. The actuating shaft mechanism is longitudinally movable in a first direction by a pivotal movement of the pivot handle for manipulating the laparoscopic tool. A detent carried by the casing allows movement of the shaft longitudinally in the first direction while restraining longitudinal movement of the shaft in a second opposite direction. A thumb wheel attached to the actuating shaft mechanism allows the actuating shaft mechanism to be rotated for further manipulating the laparoscopic tool.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved guarded surgical scalpel having a movable guard that can be retracted to expose the blade and that can be extended to cover the sharp cutting edge of the blade. The guard is telescopically mounted inside the blade handle and includes a deflectable top wall portion that holds a detent pin. This detent pin engages a slot having upturned ends that is formed in at least one side wall of the blade handle. The detent pin is biased upwardly into the upturned ends to hold the guard in the retracted or extended position.

Abstract: An intravascular stent including a cylindrical sheet having overlapping edges that interlock. The edges have a series of protrusions and apertures that interlock and ratchet as the stent expands to an open position to support a section of arterial wall. The stent may be expanded by a balloon catheter or it may be self-expanding. The stent is biocompatible, may be bio-erodible, and capable of localized drug delivery. A plurality of retaining members to keep the stent open are disclosed. In one embodiment a buckle fastening member is used, while in another embodiment a helical seam containing projections is employed. The stent may be wound in such a manner that during expansion of the stent one side of the sheet desires to return to its original shape, creating a bias. In addition, a variety of reticulated structure stents are disclosed, with novel geometric patterns that aid in increased flexibility while preserving radial strength and also allow blood-tissue interaction and side branch access.

Abstract: A method of treating arterial disease at the intersection of two arteries using both a graft and stent. The graft is placed at the intersection of two arteries by the use of a balloon catheter. A device is used to make an opening in the graft at a point corresponding to the intersection of the two arteries. A stent is inserted into the graft and through the graft opening; the stent having an attachment mechanism to attach one end of the stent to the opening in the graft whereby the flow of blood at the intersection of the arteries is ensured.

Abstract: A surgical cutting head includes an outer tube rotatably housing an inner tube. At the distal end of the inner tube is curled cutting wings characterized by a portion of the wall of the inner tube being radially displaced inwardly. The distal end of the inner tube also has v-shaped cutting notches. The distal end of the outer tube has a projecting guard having a poriton which overlies the cutting wings and the distal edge of the inner tube.

Abstract: A catheter system adapted for dilating a preselected stenosed region of a blood vessel having a first branch and a second branch includes an inflatable member having a first branch portion and a second branch portion. In use, the inflatable member is inserted into the blood vessel and routed to the stenosed region through the blood vessel. The first portion and the second portion are positioned in the first branch and the second branch, respectively, and then inflated, whereby the vessel is dilated facilitating blood flow therethrough. The first and second portions of the member may be inflated simultaneously.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a surgical handle assembly including an elongate cylindrical sheath having a proximal end, a distal end, and a central lumen therebetween. A chuck member is slidable within the sheath lumen, with the chuck member having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is threaded, and a set of at least two prongs are disposed at the distal end. A threaded end element is provided for mating with the proximal threaded end of the chuck member such that rotation of the end element relative to the chuck member proximally translates the chuck member within the lumen to translate the prongs toward each other as the prongs engage the distal end of the cylindrical shaft.

Abstract: A device for automating hair transplant procedures. The device includes a part for puncturing the scalp, a part for containing the hair grafts to be transplanted, a part for ejecting the hair grafts from the containing means, a part for actutating the the ejecting means and a part for delivering the hair grafts into the transplant site.

Abstract: An expansible laparoscopic tunneling apparatus for creating an anatomic working space. The apparatus provides laparoscopic observation both during tunneling operations, when the apparatus is advanced bluntly to a desired location within the body of a patient, and during subsequent tissue dissection when a balloon associated with the apparatus is inflated to create the working space. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a hollow tunneling member and an inflatable balloon disposed at the distal end of the tunneling member to cooperatively form a blunt tipped obturator. The tunneling member has a bore sized to accept a conventional laparoscope, and a blunt distal end to facilitate tunneling. A trocar can be inserted into the incision to provide access back to the previously created space where the surgical procedure is to be performed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a holder for retaining a pacifier in a baby crib in a position which is readily accessible to a child. The pacifier holder is preferably made of rubber material, and includes a mounting and a pacifier holder. The mounting mounts the pacifier holder to a vertical bar of a baby crib and is either a wrap around flap partly covered with VELCRO.TM. material, or a clip-on tubular member. In both embodiments a friction of the rubber material against the crib bar retains the pacifier in place on the bar. Furthermore, the mounting of both embodiments is adaptable to crib bars of different sizes and shapes. The pacifier holder includes a flexible upper finger and a flexible lower finger, defining a holding slot for retaining a pacifier therein. The upper finger is optionally curved upwardly in the shape of a hook for retaining a variety of baby articles.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a pacifier shaped teether with an internal bladder filled with food grade propalyne glycol which can be brought to freezing temperatures while maintaining it's liquid nature. There is a hollow portion in the mouth guard of the pacifier which is connected to a hemispherical chamber allowing room for expansion of the bladder into the chamber as the nipple is being sucked. One or more pacifier shaped teether(s) may be stored in a portable, insulated, gel ice filled storage container thereby keeping the pacifiers cold for several hours.

Abstract: A trocar is formed from a cannula and an interfitting obturator for penetrating body cavity walls in laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery. The obturator is provided with an improved piercing tip having a pointed blade and an improved double locking blunt nosed shield design. Hydrophilic coatings or components are also employed on the shield and cannula to facilitate quicker shield action covering the pointed blade and ease of entry of the cannula tube through the body cavity wall. The cannula also has an improved inexpensive flexible flapper valve and can be manufactured with a reusable cannula tube but disposable flapper valve assembly to minimize cost. The shield locks in a partially retracted position whereby the point of the blade is covered, but sharp lateral portions are exposed.

Abstract: A stereotactic frame and localization method incorporating localization frames which is operable without the use of head pins or screws. Initially, using the localization frames, natural reference points, lines, and planes are established and aligned in relation to a patient's head. These natural references provide cranial landmarks for proper attachment and alignment of the stereotactic frame. This stereotactic frame includes a means for positioning and locking the frame as well a multiplicity of adjustable elements which are adjusted according to the determined values of the variables such that localization of a target point within a patient's head is possible.

Abstract: A balloon dissection apparatus for forming an anatomic working space alongside an elongate vessel in a body having a tunneling shaft having proximal and distal extremities. A flexible elongate substantially cylindrical balloon is carried by the tunneling shaft and has proximal and distal extremities. The balloon has at least a portion of the distal extremity folded inwardly into the balloon to shorten the length of the balloon so that the folded balloon has a length which is not substantially greater than the length of the tunneling shaft. An inflation tube is coupled to the balloon for inflating the balloon to cause the distal folded extremity to evert and roll outwardly to provide an inflated balloon having a length greater than the length of the tunneling shaft.

Abstract: A mechanical lift system for use in laparoscopic surgery includes a plurality of suspension members which support the abdominal wall such that the abdominal wall may be mechanically lifted to create a cavity for the scope and the laparoscopic surgery. The suspension members preferably allow bending movement in a first direction, which will be vertically upwardly during the surgical operation, but restricts bending movement in the opposed direction. In this way, the suspension members allow bending movement to conform to the shape of the abdominal wall, but will restrict any such bending movement when the abdominal wall is being lifted by the suspension members. In one preferred embodiment, the suspension members include a flexible strap with a plurality of blocks placed on one face of the strap. When the suspension member is bent with the strap moving away from the blocks, bending is allowed.

Abstract: An infants pacifier and medicine administering unit having a generally shield-shaped body having first and second sides and having an aperture extending therethrough around a generally transverse axis. The aperture is defined by a wall of the body. A flexible nipple having an inlet end and sucking orifice spaced therefrom, and a fluid dispenser having an outlet end, are mounted on opposite sides of the body with the inlet and the outlet being juxtaposed for fluid communication with each other whereby fluid in the dispenser can be injected under pressure into the nipple.

Abstract: A hollow lumen coil for a surgical instrument is made from a continuous helically wound filament which is wound with different preload tension at different portions of the coil. When a relatively high preload tension is applied to the filament as the coil is wound, the coil will be relatively stiff. When a relatively low preload tension is applied to the filament as the coil is wound, the coil will be relatively flexible. By varying the preload tension applied to the filament while winding the coil, the coil is provided with areas of different stiffness and flexibility. The preload tension may be varied gradually or abruptly and may be varied several times along the length of the coil. Surgical instruments incorporating the coil are also disclosed. The coil is preferably made from stainless steel Type 304 wire having a diameter of approximately 0.021 inches and is wound with tensions ranging from nil to several pounds.

Abstract: The invention is a spoon-shaped device for removing ticks from pets and other hosts. The outer or leading edge of the spoon bowl has a beveled V-shaped notch of a size to permit the bowl to be passed between the tick and the skin of the host until the scoop engages the tick underneath its body on three sides. A further forward sliding motion of the notched area along the skin releases the tick entirely.

Abstract: A laparoscopic device allowing for the quick attachment and removal of interchangeable, detachable distal tips on its distal end. The device includes concentrically-arranged inner and outer cannulae having distal ends which are dimensioned to simultaneously cooperate with the detachable distal tip whereby the tip may be selectively locked against rotational and axial motion. The tips may include a variety of surgical tools which are preferably disposable, while the remainder of the device is easily disassembled for sterilization and cleaning.