Abstract: An instrument for suction and electrosurgery has an elongate body molded of a polymer. A main flow passage extends through the length of the body. A hollow metal aluminum tube extends from the body and attaches to electrosurgical power and is in fluid communication with the passage. The tube extends from the body to the patient passing energy thereto. An open distal end on the body receives the tube on a shelf thereacross to engage and hold the tube. The shelf has opposed tapered camming surfaces and an edge axially spaced proximally within the opened distal end. The edge engages with a spade connector on an insulated cable coupled to the power during insertion of the tube to fold back the spade connector as the tube is received.

Abstract: A mapping and ablating catheter having a short distal tip electrode comprising a bio-compatible outer surface and a thermal dissipating mass for dissipating heat received by the electrode. The outer surface may be formed by plating a thin layer of gold or platinum on the dissipating mass, or the entire electrode may be formed of a homogenous material such as a gold alloy that is bio-compatible thereby forming the outer surface with the mass itself. An alloy having a thermal conductivity greater than pure platinum is used so that the ablation procedure can be completed before exceeding the temperature limits. In one case, the entire electrode was formed of a 88% gold 12% nickel alloy. The electrical feed to the electrode is oversized to also dissipate heat received by the electrode. The electrode is no greater than five mm in length yet produces an ablation volume equal to or greater than longer electrodes. One or more band electrodes may also include thermal dissipating masses.

Abstract: A high-frequency signal generator generates a signal passing from the subcutaneous fat layer toward both the deep and shallow tissue areas. A second high-frequency signal generator generates a signal that passes primarily toward the deeper tissue. Frequency switch unit is used to select a signal of one of the frequencies. This signal is applied across whichever two of electrodes are selected by electrode switch unit 32a. The impedance across the two limbs in contact with those electrodes is measured using the electrical potential derived at whichever two of the electrodes have been selected. From the impedance values and personal data such as weight and height, the visceral fat mass, subcutaneous-to-visceral fat ratio and other useful indicators are calculated.

Abstract: A conductivity sensor for measuring hematocrit and a sensor housing for a blood analysis instrument using the conductivity sensor are described. The conductivity sensor includes a seven-electrode conductivity measurement cell in which three symmetric pairs of electrodes are arranged on opposite sides of a central electrode. The central electrode is connected to an AC source and the outermost pair of electrodes, which provide a return path for the current, are maintained at a ground or reference potential. The two inner pairs of electrodes measure the voltage drop along the current flow path. This arrangement confines the measurement current and potential within the sensor chamber, thereby preventing the sensor from interfering with other electrochemical sensors that may be provided in the blood analysis instrument. The sensor housing provides a linear arrangement of flow cells defining a fluid flow path through the housing.

Abstract: An implantable device for sensing in vivo the level of at least one blood constituent in mammalian vascular tissue has at least one source of radiation from infrared through visible light, arranged to direct the radiation at the tissue where it is affected by interaction with the tissue, and a plurality of detectors. Each detector has associated with it a filter transparent to a discrete narrow band of radiation, and each detector provides an output signal representative of detected radiation in that narrow band. The detectors are located with respect to the tissue to receive radiation affected by the tissue.

Abstract: This is an artificial occlusion kit for implanting and retaining an artificial occlusion device in a body space adjacent to and extending from a body lumen in a mammal. The includes at least one occlusion device and a retaining device for blocking the migration of the occlusion device out of the occlusion site. The retaining device is radially expandable at a retaining site adjacent the body space to be occluded to a diameter that is sufficient to engage the body lumen wall at the retaining site and form a barrier across the entrance zone of the body space to be occluded. The expanded retaining device also forms a lumen for flow through body lumen at the retaining site. At least one semi-penetrable space may also be provided in the retaining device, allowing introduction of occlusion devices into the body space to be occluded, but preventing subsequent migration of the occlusion devices out of the body space.

Abstract: Apparatus for thermal coagulation having an improved circulation assembly and heating assembly. The apparatus includes a balloon catheter secured to and in fluid communication with a handle for inserting the apparatus into a human uterus. A distensible bladder is secured to the distal end of the catheter and encloses a heating assembly having a tubular core configured with a spiral groove which retains a heating filament. An impeller having at least two blades is positioned distal of the heating assembly and includes a cable having a distal end secured to the impeller. The impeller cable is partially disposed in the handle, in the elongate tubular member and in the core of the heating element, such that axial rotation of said cable rotates the blades of said impeller. During use of the apparatus, the distensible bladder is inflated with a fluid to a desired pressure and rotation of the impeller blades is initiated.

Abstract: An electrical conductor and a biomedical electrode using the electrical conductor are disclosed. The electrical conductor has a flexible, non-conductive film and two different carbon-containing coatings on a major surface of the film. The electrical conductor coatings are a low porous carbon-containing coating and a high porous carbon-containing coating. The low porous carbon-containing coating contacts the film and the high porous carbon-containing coating contacts the low porous carbon-containing coating. A tab/pad style of biomedical electrode using the electrical conductor has a field of ionically conductive media containing electrolyte contacting the high porous carbon-containing coating. The electrolyte diffuses into the high porous carbon-containing coating for electrochemical advantages.

Abstract: A thrombus is generated in an aneurysm, arteriovenous malformation or fistula by means of a catheter having an insulated heating coil coupled to an insulated delivery wire. In one embodiment, two delivery wires are coupled to heating coils to provide a closed circuit. The heating coils may be in the form of a double helix or a single helix in combination with a straight heating coil. The heating coils are permanently connected to the delivery wires. Alternatively, a single insulated heating coil may be attached to a single insulated delivery wire with a uninsulated coil attached to the tip of the insulated heating coil. The electrical circuit is then made through the heating coil and non-insulated electrode coil into the vascular system and to a body electrode. A catheter may also be used for heating blood within the vascular system which is directly flowed into a tumoral mass for the purposes of thermal treatment of cancer.

Abstract: A laser treatment method and apparatus is provided which facilitates the grafting of hairs on the skin of a living human. The methodology involves a carefully designed treatment protocol utilizing a modified optical apparatus. The apparatus is a modified erbium-based laser system, designed for optimal therapeutic selectivity.

Abstract: A device for diagnosing sleep apnea by identifying desaturation and resaturation events in oxygen saturation of a patient's blood. The slope of the events is determined and compared against various information to determine sleep apnea.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aerodynamic toy particularly of the type for manually launching into the air. The toy includes a disc shaped body having a plurality of airfoil shaped sections, and a plurality of slots in the body. Light emitting devices and sound generating devices may also be included to enhance the amusement value of the toy. It is believed that airfoil shaped disc sections, depressions in the bottom of the disc body, and slots in the body improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the toy enabling it to remain in the air for a longer period of time when thrown, and cause the toy to tend to level itself while airborne.

Abstract: A medical laser probe to be used as a laser irradiation unit in laser treatment that is performed by irradiating a living body with laser light. The laser probe irradiates laser light uniformly, utilizing laser light effectively by concentration thereof, achieving limited irradiation of laser light and taking countermeasures against stains forming on the probe. The laser probe is provided with (1) a transparent light diffuser for radiating laser light received by a light-guide fiber in the direction along the longitudinal axis of the light diffuser and in radial directions from this axis to the peripheral side surface thereof and (2) a detachable protective diffusion tube for further diffusing laser light radiated from the transparent light diffuser. A reflector may be provided between the light diffuser and the diffusion tube. Further, shielding plates may be provided on the protective diffusion tube.

Abstract: A system is provided for interactively assisting a patient. The system includes a speech synthesizer and recognition unit coupled to a programmed computer. The computer can keep track of a medication and diagnostic testing schedule. The system also includes diagnostic testing equipment coupled to the computer along with medication dispensing equipment. In accordance with a predetermined schedule, the system verbally communicates with the patient, prompts the patient through the various steps necessary to carry out the diagnostic testing and further prompts patient at appropriate times for taking medication. The medication is also provided in combination with the verbal prompts. The system also provides access to a telecommunications link in response to verbal requests of the patient and in one embodiment can move in a limited area adjacent the patient.

Abstract: A method of targeting and ablating cardiac tissue wherein an ablation catheter is directed and positioned at a potential ablation site, and is energized to a catheter tip temperature of approximately 50 degrees centigrade while observing whether AP block occurs. If block occurs, the site is confirmed and treatment is then initiated at a higher ablation level, either immediately or at a later time. On the other hand, if block does not occur within a first time interval T.sub.1, illustratively five or ten seconds, at the lower targeting energy, the catheter is repositioned and another site evaluated.

Abstract: A bioinstrumentation device utilizes an optical fiber for measuring biological parameters such as heart rate and breathing rate of a human subject. The device utilizes an optical fiber as a sensing element for sensing minute load variations resulting from the heart beating and breathing of the human subject and therefore indicative of the heart rate and the breathing rate. The device includes a base and a movable member movable relative to the base. The movable member is connected to a support structure for the human body and receives the minute load variations from the living body so as to vibrate in response thereto. Disposed between the base and the movable member is the optical fiber which is capable of resiliently deforming with changing characteristic of its internal reflectivity. A light source is disposed adjacent to the input end of the optical fiber to feed a light through the optical fiber.

Abstract: A process for the mapping and/or ablating of accessory pathways around the mitral valve using a retrograde approach by use of ablating and/or mapping catheters guided by a guiding introducer system. Also disclosed are shapes for an inner and outer guiding introducers which comprise the guiding introducer system.

Abstract: A retinal disease analyzer processes data obtained by processing a color retinal image and measured visual field data provided by a perimeter to detect the condition of the optic disc and defects in the nerve fiber bundles for the clinical analysis of the condition of the optic disc and the defects in the nerve fiber bundles, and combines detected information on a fundus coordinate system taking into consideration the arrangement of the nerve fiber bundles for the comprehensive analysis of the condition and the degree of progress of glaucoma. The detected information is analyzed on the basis of the distribution pattern of the nerve fiber bundles or the corresponding fundus coordinate system to integrate all the data for analysis. The condition and the degree of progress of glaucoma can be determined on the basis of the integrated data.

Abstract: A biocompatible osteosynthesis plate operable for being enhanced in a substantially secured relation to a plurality of adjacent bone portions is provided. The biocompatible osteosynthesis plate includes an elongated section having a top face and a bottom face, at least one fastener opening disposed between the top face and the bottom face, and means disposed upon elongated section to permit the formation of additional fastener openings therethrough during a surgical procedure. The osteosynthesis plate is in a first configuration at a first thermochemical state and is operable to be converted to a second thermochemical state so that it may be deformed prior to fixation. The osteosynthesis plate may further include means disposed upon the elongated section for enhancing structural rigidity, which may be provided as one or more raised surfaces, or rails, disposed upon the top face of the osteosynthesis plate.

Abstract: A method of diagnostics of living organism state and an apparatus for its realization, comprising the steps of (i) illuminating living organism surface (1) with electromagnetic radiation from source (2) of optical wavelength range from 0.3 to 2.0.mu., (ii) receiving transmitted through or back scattered by the living organism radiation by detectors (3 and 4), (iii) with the help of sequentially connected commutator (5), analog-to-digital converter (6) and input-output controller (7), spatial distribution of at least one parameter, characterizing transmittance and/or back scattering by living organism radiation in the computer system (8) is performed sequentially and continuously in time. At the above mentioned spatial distributions, spatial regions are revealed, differing from each other by at least one parameter, characterizing their temporal changes, and the revealed regions are recorded as a functional map of physiological processes taking place in living organism.