Abstract: In a manual control part of the present invention, a transverse section of a grip is formed in such a manner that two arches with centers inside the grip and with different radii of curvature are connected with each other. The radius of curvature of one arch the finger pads of an operator touch is larger than that of the other arch the palm of the operator touches. In addition, a part of the grip formed by the arch the finger pads touch is thinner than a part formed by the arch the palm touches.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for use in controlling subject's body temperature during a medical procedure comprises a flexible garment adapted for enveloping portions of the subject's body surface with dedicated sections for enveloping different body parts. Defined within the garment is a continuous, fluid tight space, wherein a flow path for heat-control fluid is defined between fluid inlet and fluid outlet. The inner faces of the garment's internal and external layers are made of a heat-weldable material and are point-welded to one another at a plurality of locations throughout the garment with a distance between two adjacent points being between about 8 to about 20 mm.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a human or animal body, while selectively cooling weight-bearing areas of the body in order to prevent or reduce damage from ischemia includes a cooling layer that is partitioned into a plurality of zones, and a surface disposed over the cooling layer to support the body. Each zone of the cooling layer is disposed for cooling a respective portion of the surface. Means are provided to selectively operate one or more zones of the plurality of the zones to cool a portion of the surface that receives pressure from a weight-bearing surface of the body being supported.

Abstract: In joining an angle section with an elongated flexible body of an endoscopic insertion instrument, a connector ring on the side of the angle section and a connector ring on the side of the flexible body are connected by fitting engagement, one connector ring on the outer side of the other connector ring. A number of inwardly projecting ridges are provided on the inner periphery of the inner connector ring, and screw holes are bored radially through the inwardly projecting ridges. On the other hand, a number of perforations are provided in the outer connector ring at positions corresponding to the screw holes in the inner connector ring. Screw members are threaded into the respective screw holes of the inner connector ring through the perforations in the outer connector ring. Further, a screw anchor ring is slidably fitted on the outer connector ring.

Abstract: The bra with hot/cold inserts is a therapeutic device in the form of a vest-like elastic garment adapted to be worn on the human upper torso. The device includes front panels having pockets therein for retaining gel packs. The device is effective in providing warm or cold therapy to the chest and rib areas. The garment can be used by humans of both genders.

Abstract: The transurethral dissection electrode has a shank and an electrode head located at the distal shank end. The electrode head essentially consists of at least one distally tapering truncated cone body with two oppositely lying flattenings.

Abstract: An ablation catheter is provided which comprises an elongated catheter body, a plurality of electrodes, and a thermal monitoring circuit. The thermal monitoring circuit is comprised of a plurality of thermocouples joined in series. The thermocouples thermoconductively coupled to the electrodes. The thermal monitoring circuit will require only two wires to travel through the elongated catheter body in order to monitor a plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: A warming catheter for use during cryosurgical ablation of the prostate having a warming section with diffuser ports promoting even warming of the prostatic urethra; the warming catheter is also provided with a short monorail lumen, monorail tip lumen, or a full length monorail lumen.