Abstract: A system and method of detecting and displaying parameter interactions. A medical device system has a medical device and a programming interface, wherein the medical device includes a plurality of features which can be programmed via the programming interface. A plurality of icons is defined, wherein the plurality of icons includes a first icon, a second icon and a third icon, wherein the first icon indicates correctness, wherein the second icon warns of a parameter interaction and wherein the third icon warns of impermissible parameter settings. Parameter interactions between feature parameters are identified and each of the parameter interactions is associated with one of the plurality of icons. A parameter value is accepted and examined to determine if it causes a parameter interaction. If the parameter value causes a parameter interaction, the icon associated with the parameter interaction is displayed.

Abstract: A retractable surgical blade includes a handle defining a channel and a surgical blade member. The handle has a front portion and a back portion. The front portion defines a channel which confines the surgical blade member. The back portion includes a front wall and may be solid. The surgical blade member includes a slider to which is secured a surgical blade. The slider has a portion which engages the channel so that the surgical blade member can move from a cutting position in which the surgical blade projects from the handle and can be employed in a surgical procedure to a parked position in which the surgical blade is disposed in the channel. When in the parked position, the surgical blade is unable to cut or stab persons associated with the surgical procedure. The device may include a locking device to lock the surgical blade member in the parked position. An associated method of performing a surgical procedure is also disclosed.

Abstract: An acupuncture device consists of an acupuncture needle and a guide tube having a longitudinal slot or notch at the upper end of the tube, which is wider than the diameter of the needle handle. A practitioner can easily secure the upper portion of the handle in this notch by pressing on the handle of the needle with an index finger. In the case of angular insertions, the practitioner can maintain a desirable diagonal position of the needle inside the guide tube. The acupuncture operation is facilitated by making a larger portion of the needle handle projecting from the guide tube through the notch. According to another embodiment, the device is provided with a sleeve of a C-shaped configuration, which is fit onto the upper end of the guide tube. When the open part of the C-shaped configuration does not coincide with the aforementioned notch, and the handle of the needle stays inside the guiding tube, the whole device can be used in a conventional fashion.

Abstract: A stent to be used in angioplastic procedures including a parabolically extending support member; and several hyperbolic transverse members. The parabolically extending support member includes several through openings through which the hyperbolic transversed members are mounted. In the contracted state, the main branch and both secondary branches extend parallel to each other. When expanded, the stent defines two secondary branches and one main branch. The junction of the two secondary branches are protected in the same fashion as a pair of pants or a horse saddle.

Abstract: A surgical implement employs first, second and third like elongated thin vertical closely spaced apart cutting blades. Each blade terminates at its upper end in an arrow head type point. All of these points lie in a common horizontal plane. Connection apparatus is integral with and forms a common base with the lower ends of all of these blades.