Abstract: A female voiding assist device for partial insertion in the bladder of a person. The device is a flexible catheter having a proximal end and a distal end and openings along the length thereof. The proximal end is set in a curl and is adapted to be inserted within the bladder. At least a portion of said device is positioned within the urethra of a person. An actuation device extends from a point adjacent the distal end to a point adjacent the sphincter whereby the actuation device is urged outwardly of the sphincter to permit voiding the bladder.The method of facilitating female voiding involves inserting within a female person the aforesaid catheter.

Abstract: The bone saw guide of this invention allows precise perpendicular or angular cutting of a bone with a conventional bone saw. An inverted U-shaped blade guide portion positions the blade and an upstanding saw guide portion guides the neck of the saw. A plate connects the two portions. The invention allows a bone segment to be removed and the cut ends to be compressed together to shorten the bone.

Abstract: A ureteral stent is nominally straight, but is provided with a coil adjacent one end to prevent migration. The coil portion is straightened upon insertion into the ureter on a guide wire, and is supposed to coil after insertion to prevent migration. An electronic signal is provided when such coiling does take place, and is applied to externally human descernable structure such as a meter. Various embodiments of the invention are disclosed, and may include a metallic cylinder embedded in the end of the stent and disposed adjacent a coil within the straight portion of the stent for inductive relation when the coiled portion has properly coiled following insertion.

Abstract: A cannula for extension through a tissue into a cavity and having: a cylindrical sleeve defining a hollow passageway through which a surgical instrument can be directed, with the sleeve having a) a proximal end to be manipulated by a user in directing the sleeve into an operative position through the body tissue into the body cavity, b) a distal end which projects into the body cavity with the sleeve in its operative position, and c) a cylindrical outer surface; expandable structure at the distal end of the sleeve for preventing withdrawal of the sleeve from the tissue with the expandable structure in an expanded state, the expandable structure being collapsible from its expanded state, wherein it projects radially beyond the outer surface of the sleeve sufficiently to prevent passage of the distal end of the sleeve and expandable structure thereon through an incision having a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the outer cylindrical surface of the sleeve, to a collapsed state in which the expanda

Abstract: A back support (10) for providing abdominal and lumbosacral support has a waistband (11) of substantially unstretchable construction. An elastic band (30) is operatively connected to the outer surface of the waistband (11). The waistband has a generally V shape, wherein the waistband resists riding up on a wearer. The elastic band is preferably releasably connected to the outer surface of the waistband (11). The support (10) may also have a tool belt (50) operatively connected thereto.

Abstract: A flow control device for use in a subcutaneously implanted physiological shunt system includes a relatively rigid base and a resiliently flexible encasement which defines a fluid flow path therethrough from an inlet to an outlet. Two valves for controlling the flow of fluid through the device are situated within the fluid flow path between the inlet and the outlet. The fluid flow path includes a first fluid conduit which directs fluid through both valves, and a second fluid conduit which bypasses the first valve and directs fluid only through the second valve. The first valve is constructed to provide a greater resistance to flow through the device than the second valve, and when the second fluid conduit is unobstructed, fluid will tend to flow through the second fluid conduit and bypass the first valve. A pivotable plug is provided within the encasement for selectively occluding a portion of the second fluid conduit.

Abstract: A method for whitening the teeth of a person, comprises the steps of a retainer made of a plastic material adapted to be moldable when heated for conforming to the shape of one of the upper and lower teeth of the person; heating the retainer until soft and moldable without losing its basic shape; fitting the retainer around one of the upper and lower teeth; applying a layer of tooth whitening composition inside the retainer; wearing the loaded retainer for several hours each day until the teeth to be whitened have become whiter; replacing the tooth whitening composition every 1-2 hours; and repeating the above steps with another retainer for the other of lower and upper teeth.

Abstract: A suction metering and mixing device is disclosed for collecting body fluids such as blood and simultaneously mixing an anticoagulant therewith. The device includes a suction passage having an inlet end and an opposite end for connection to a vacuum supply. A chamber is provided for controlling the flow of anticoagulant and includes a movable passage for conveying anticoagulant into the chamber and a diaphragm dividing the chamber into first and second portions wherein the movable passage may be moved from a position spaced from the diaphragm to a use position in contact with the diaphragm to prevent flow of anticoagulant into the first chamber portion. A fluid connection is provided between the suction passage and the second chamber portion whereby a vacuum may be supplied to the second chamber portion from the suciton passage and the diaphragm is drawn away from the movable passage to allow anticoagulant to flow into the first chamber portion.

Abstract: An implantable bone drain for relieving intraosseous pressure is formed of a bio-compatible material and has an outer surface shaped to prevent or limit movement of the drain out of position after implantation and there may be provided other means for retaining the bone drain in the chosen implanted position. There may be a plurality of drain apertures along the length of the drain. The implantable drain may be used in the treatment of bone pain in a range of arthritic and other orthopaedic disorders and may also retard degenerative disease.

Abstract: A blood reservoir serves to suppress generation of air bubbles in blood in an extracorporeal blood circulation circuit. The blood reservoir includes a blood storage chamber for temporarily storing the blood, the blood storage chamber having blood inlet and outlet ports, and a fluid-permeable blood spouting inhibitor disposed over the blood inlet port. Since the blood flows into the blood storage chamber through the blood spouting inhibitor, the blood is prevented from being spouted into the blood reservoir, so that air bubbles are prevented from being generated in the blood.

Abstract: The invention concerns the collection of a biological fluid specimen. Both an apparatus and method of collection are described. The apparatus includes an optically transparent plastic bag having a sealable collection port. The bag may be sealed into at least two separate subcompartments. After sealing, the subcompartments are to contain substantially identical fluid specimens. The bag further includes a displaceable element for selectively dispensing and drawing fluid into the system.

Abstract: This invention is a protective eye shield that indexes to an inhalation gas providing nose hood and the hood's hoses to provide secure eye protection to a patient wearing such a hood during the performance of dental procedures. The shield further indexes to the temples and forehead of the wearer to provide secure and comfortable positioning of the shield. The shield cooperates with the inhalation hood in providing a shield against materials reaching the patients eyes.

Abstract: A scope and stent system, the scope providing visibility not only through the urethra but also through the ureter during the insertion and placement of a ureteral stent. The scope is in the form of a fiber optic bundle having an appropriate provision for lighting and lensing thereof, and preferably having a video camera and monitor responsive to the image formed at the opposite end of the scope for viewing during the scope insertion process. The fiber optic bundle itself is made sufficiently small so that the entire scope may be fabricated with the appropriate dimensions of a typical stent guide wire and made sufficiently flexible for negotiating a tortuous path as required.

Abstract: A method for mixing blood with anticoagulant in conjunction with an autologous blood transfusion system employs a mixing tube for directing the blood to the bottom of a blood bag.

Abstract: A system for delivering oxygen to a gas permeable membrane oxygenator is disclosed. The system may include an integral source of gas under pressure and a source of vacuum. A first mass flow controller is connected to the source of gas upstream in the gas flow from the gas exchange device. A pressure valve is positioned in the gas flow between the first mass flow controller and the membrane oxygenator. An atmospheric vent is positioned between the pressure valve and the first mass flow controller. A second mass flow controller is positioned downstream from the gas exchange device and is connected to the source of vacuum. A central controller commands the pressure valve to maintain the pressure at the inlet of the gas exchange device at a subatmospheric pressure. The second mass flow controller is commanded to maintain a rate of flow which is desired through the gas exchange device.

Abstract: A combined cardiotomy and venous reservoir with filtration for autotransfusion of cardiotomy blood and venous blood during surgery and for postoperative wound site pleural drainage of shed blood for continued autotransfusion using the same unit. Vacuum regulation in the form of a manometer combined with a water seal are integral with the unit.

Abstract: A cantilever mounted table for an X-ray patient undergoing procedures requiring tilting the table head to foot or canting the table about its longitudinal axis allows a medical team free axis to one side and an end of the patient, and provides an improved collision sensing switch in the event the table stikes an obstruction below.

Abstract: A bacteriocidal virocidal sponge containing iodine and a surfactant which can be used as a contraceptive and as therapy for vaginitis. It consists of a polyurethane open cell foam impregnated with a surfactant and iodine. A bactericidal tampon containing an iodophor does not induce toxic shock syndrome.

Abstract: A flow control device for use in a subcutaneously implanted physiological shunt system includes a relatively rigid base and a resiliently flexible encasement which defines a fluid flow path therethrough from an inlet to an outlet. Two valves for controlling the flow of fluid through the device are situated serially within the fluid flow path between the inlet and the outlet. The fluid flow path includes a first fluid conduit which directs fluid through both valves, and a second fluid conduit which bypasses the first valve and directs fluid only through the second valve. The first valve is constructed to provide a greater resistance to flow through the device than the second valve, and when the second fluid conduit is unobstructed, fluid will tend to flow through the second fluid conduit and bypass the first valve. A plug is integrally formed with a portion of the encasement, for occluding the second fluid conduit.

Abstract: Plastic blood bag system including a bag having a generally longitudinal seal extending from the top of the bag and between two blood bag ports downwardly to at least the lower half of the bag but not to the bottom of the bag, thereby leaving the sole passageway within the bag and between two ports located in the lower half of the bag.