Abstract: The invention is directed to an appliance for the epilation of the human skin, having a housing to accommodate a motor and a drive mechanism for driving at least one clamping device (43) by which the user's hairs can be extracted. Moreover, a stimulation mechanism is provided to reduce the sense of pain during epilation. This mechanism includes at least one element (55) that is movable toward and away from the skin when the appliance is placed in epilating position on the user's skin. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the at least one element (55) has a free end (56) and is arranged adjacent to the side of the rotary clamping device (43). In consequence, the user perceives at least subjectively a reduced sense of pain during epilation. Still further, a method for epilation and a method for the use of the appliance of the present invention are described.

Abstract: Disclosed is an adjustable occlusion device for use in a body lumen such as the left atrial appendage. The occlusion device is removably carried by a deployment catheter. The device may be enlarged or reduced to facilitate optimal placement or removal. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sealing clip for sealing or holding punctures or openings in tissue closed is applied from the inner surface of the tissue. In one embodiment, the clip has piercing members for penetrating the tissue from an inner surface thereof adjacent the opening. A delivery apparatus is used to releasably hold the clip in one configuration for introduction of the clip through the puncture or opening and expand the clip to a more open configuration for pulling the clip through the tissue as the delivery apparatus is retracted. Further retraction of the delivery apparatus causes the edges of the tissue surrounding the opening to move along the clip and come together after which the clip is released and closed to hold the tissue edges of the opening together. In the case where the clip has a memory set closed shape, the clip returns toward that shape after being released to hold the tissue edges of the opening together, thereby holding the opening closed.

Abstract: An expansible tunneling apparatus and associated methods for creating an anatomic working space for a surgical procedure. Various embodiments of one and two piece apparatus that permit laparoscopic observation both during tunneling and during subsequent balloon dissection are disclosed. In a disclosed one piece embodiment, a tubular member has a bore extending therethrough and an open distal end. A lip is formed in the distal end of the tubular member to capture the distal tip of a laparoscope that is inserted into the tubular member to permit observation of the procedure both during tunneling to a desired location and during subsequent balloon inflation. An elongated neck of the balloon is secured to the tunneling member. The elongated neck permits the tubular member to be withdrawn slightly from the balloon after inflation to facilitate observation.

Abstract: A facial mask includes a mask body that is adapted to be coupled to a patient's face. A valve system is coupled to the mask body to permit the inflow of respiratory gasses into the mask body and to permit the outflow of respiratory gasses from the mask body. A metronome is coupled to the mask body to produce a repeating chest compression signal to facilitate the performance of regular chest compressions when performing cardio pulmonary resuscitation. The metronome may also produce a ventilation signal to facilitate the proper ventilation of the patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device and method for facilitating air flow in the nasal passage of a domestic animal. The nasal support device (NSD) disclosed herein is useful for facilitating air flow during rest, physical exertion, respiratory ailment, etc. The NSD secures to the nose of a domestic animal to support the unsupported lateral vestibular walls of the nasal passages by lifting or stenting.

Abstract: A stent or other intraluminal medical device may be constructed utilizing multiple, individual, independent, self-expanding stent segments which are designed to interlock when constrained within a delivery sheath and uncouple upon deployment. The individual segments are releasably connected by a series of bridging elements and receptacles.

Abstract: A one time use disposable blood sampling device comprises a case defining a shoot chamber with a lancet-exiting hole, and a lancet disposed slidably in the shoot chamber with a puncturing tip pointed to the lancet-exiting hole. The sampling device further comprises a locking and shooting structure formed of an elastic arm button and an elastic arm. The button engaging end of the elastic arm button faces a locking hole on a side wall of the case. A free end of the elastic arm engages with the locking hole in a locking state. Upon pressing of the elastic arm button, the elastic arm disengages from the locking hole, and the lancet moves under spring action inside the shoot chamber causing the elastic arm to contact a bevel. A root portion of the elastic arm is notched or has a shrink neck which causes the elastic arm to automatically self-break upon contact with the bevel.

Abstract: A surgical scalpel assembly includes a handle having at least one attachment element and at least one guide element. The assembly also has a guard including at least one guide member configured to engage the at least one guide element of the handle such that the guard is movably connectable with the handle. The guard includes a first biased arm having a first boss and a second cantilevered arm having a second boss. The assembly also includes a blade having an attachment groove configured to engage the attachment element of the handle. The blade includes a first hole configured to receive the first boss when the blade is connected to the guard and a second hole configured to receive the second boss when the blade is connected to the guard.

Abstract: A surgical instrument positioning system, comprising: at least one support; a cross member having at least one curved end portion, the at least one curved end portion being held by the at least one support such that the cross member is rotatable about an axis extending through a center of curvature of the at least one curved end portion of the cross member; and at least one surgical instrument holder suspended from the cross member. A laser alignment system for an image intensifier, comprising: at least one laser source which emits planar laser beams in first and second intersecting planes.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical blade, and an instrument, having a gain step. The blade body has, in any half wave length of the ultrasonic-surgical-blade body, a first vibration antinode, a vibration node, a second vibration antinode, and a gain step. The gain step is located between the second vibration antinode and the first vibration antinode. The gain step is spaced apart from the vibration node by a gain-step distance greater than 5% of the distance between the second vibration antinode and the first vibration antinode. The instrument includes the blade, a handpiece having an ultrasonic transducer, and an ultrasonic transmission rod whose proximal end is operatively connected to the ultrasonic transducer and whose distal end activates the blade. In one option, the first vibration antinode is the distal tip, and the gain step is located between the vibration node and the distal tip, resulting in an increased active length of the blade.

Abstract: A skin incision device has a casing having a bottom surface with a slot formed therein, a cover positioned on the casing and slidable in a direction toward the bottom surface, a blade positioned in the casing adjacent the slot, an actuator cooperatively positioned between the cover and an interior of the casing, and a carriage element. The actuator engages the blade by its horizontal displacement triggered by the slidable movement of the cover toward the bottom surface of the casing. The carriage element guides the movement of the blade between a pre-actuated position and a post-actuated position. The blade moves outwardly through the slot, cuts with a horizontal movement, and returns inwardly through the slot.

Abstract: To avoid a maximum displacing force being exceeded in the case of a device for pushing together a thread loop which is formed by a slip knot at the distal free end of the thread which can be displaced along the thread, with a displacing element which can be displaced on the thread in the direction of the loop, it is proposed that the displacing element or the proximal portion of the thread disposed at the end of the displacing element remote from the loop has connected to it a gripping element which releases the connection between itself and the displacing element or the proximal portion of the thread when a specific holding force is exceeded.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a threaded suture anchor for use in securing tissue to bone. The present invention further relates to the combination of a suture anchor and a suture without the need to tie a knot in the suture.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument used to form an artificial valve for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Abstract: Disclosed is an adjustable occlusion device for use in a body lumen such as the left atrial appendage. The occlusion device is removably carried by a deployment catheter. The device may be enlarged or reduced to facilitate optimal placement or removal. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The radially expandable frame utilized during catheterization includes a guide wire, a radiopaque radially expandable frame with distal and proximal frame ends wherein the guide wire freely passes through the proximal frame end, an elongated actuation sleeve having a flexible distal end piece (coil strain relief) through which freely passes the guide wire, and a friction locking mechanism located at the proximal end of the system which is defined by the proximal ends of the actuation sleeve and guide wire. The expandable frame includes radiopaque frame struts and has a closed, radially compact form and an open, radially expanded form. The actuator flexible end piece is a coil which enables the system to flex in excess of 90 degrees. The actuator sleeve, at its proximal end, includes a friction locking mechanism having locking members with respective locking surfaces.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an appliance for the epilation of the human skin, having a housing to accommodate a motor and a drive mechanism for driving at least one clamping device (5; 43) by which the user's hairs can be extracted. Moreover, a stimulation mechanism is provided to reduce the sense of pain during epilation. This mechanism includes at least one element (16; 55) that is movable toward and away from the skin when the appliance is placed in epilating position on the user's skin. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the at least one element (16; 55) has a free end (56) and is arranged adjacent to the side of the rotary clamping device (5; 43). In consequence, the user perceives at least subjectively a reduced sense of pain during epilation. Still further, a method for epilation and a method for the use of the appliance of the present invention are described.

Abstract: An endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument includes a distal tool, a rigid or flexible elongated shaft that supports the distal tool, and a proximal handle or control member, where the tool and the handle are coupled to the respective distal and proximal ends of the elongated shaft via bendable motion members. The tool and the tool motion member are coupled to the handle and the handle motion member via cables and a push rod in such a way that the movement of the handle with respect to the elongated shaft in any direction is replicated by the tool at the distal end of the shaft. The magnitude of the tool motion with respect to the handle motion may be scaled depending on the size of the handle motion member with respect to that of the tool motion member.

Abstract: A humidifier and humidity sensor is disclosed for use with a breathing assistance apparatus. The humidity sensor preferably includes means to sense absolute humidity, relative humidity and/or temperature at both the patient end and humidifier end. The humidifier may also include provision to both control independently the humidity and temperature of the gases. Further, a chamber manifold is disclosed to facilitate easy connection of the humidifier to various outlets, inlets and sensors. A heated conduit is described which provides a more effective temperature profile along its length.