Abstract: A device which can be implanted in the body and comprises an electrically conducting support covered with a layer of electrically conducting polymer, to which layer is attached at least one biologically active substance of an anionic or cationic nature. The deposition of the polymer is carried out, in a first stage, by electropolymerization directly directly on the support or, according to an alternative form, by deposition of the polymer in solution on the support. In a second stage, electrochemical oxidation or reduction is conducted and the biologically active substance with an anionic or cationic nature is attached to the polymer.

Abstract: There is disclosed a stent for implanting in the body. The stent is formed of a tube having a patterned shape which has first and second meander patterns having axes extending in first and second directions. The first meander patterns can be formed into even and odd first meander patterns. The even and odd first meander patterns are 180 out of phase with each other and the odd patterns occur between every two even patterns. The second meander patterns are intertwined with the first meander patterns. The first and second directions can be orthogonal to each other. The second meander patterns can also be formed of even and odd patterns.

Abstract: A vascular filter guide wire is disclosed for directing precision placement of a cur proximate a blood vessel lesion and filtering particulate matter dislodged by treatment of the vessel. The guide wire includes an actuating mechanism, an elongated flexible core wile having a proximal end mounted to the actuating mechanism and a distal end for insertion through a vasculature to a position downstream of the restriction. A tubular flexible shaft is slidably disposed telescopically along the core wire and includes a proximal portion affixed to the actuating mechanism in movable relation to the core wire. The guide wire includes a collapsible filter at its proximal end to the distal portion of the shaft and, at its distal end, to the core wire. The filter deploys radially in response to axial moment of the core wire relative to the shaft so that it can trap particulate matter arising from treatment of the lesion.

Abstract: A medical instrument adapted for disposition a relative to an orifice defined in a body wall or for disposition in a passage in a body is provided. The medical instrument includes an elongate tube portion having a handle disposed at one end thereof, and an expandable section disposed near the other end thereof. The expansion member is expandable to form a seal between the expansion member and a surface of the body wall orifice or the body passage around substantially an entire circumference of the expansion member.

Abstract: There is disclosed a stent for implanting in the body. The stent is formed of a tube having a patterned shape which has first and second meander patterns having axes extending in first and second directions. The first meander patterns can be formed into even and odd first meander patterns. The even and odd first meander patterns are 180° out of phase with each other and the odd patterns occur between every two even patterns. The second meander patterns are intertwined with the first meander patterns. The first and second directions can be orthogonal to each other. The second meander patterns can also be formed of even and odd patterns.

Abstract: The intravascular snare is formed with a central shaft which is attached to the proximal ends of a plurality of loops. The loops are connected together at joinder points spaced from both the distal and proximal ends of the loops to maintain the relative geometry of the loops in both an expanded and compressed condition. The loops include a material which provides radiopacity.

Abstract: Laparoscopic instruments and trocars are provided for performing laparoscopic procedures entirely through the umbilicus. A generally C-shaped trocar provides increased work space between the hands of the surgeon as well as S-shaped laparoscopic instruments placed through the trocar when laparoscopic instrument-trocar units are placed through the umbilicus. In order to facilitate retraction of intra-abdominal structures during a laparoscopic procedure, an angulated needle and thread with either one or two sharp ends is provided. Alternatively, an inflatable unit having at least one generally C-shaped trocar incorporated within the unit's walls can be placed through the umbilicus following a single incision. Generally S-shaped laparoscopic instruments may be placed through the generally C-shaped trocars to facilitate access to intra-abdominal structures.

Abstract: A medical apparatus is disclosed. The medical apparatus includes a trocar assembly having a cannula and a trocar, wherein (1) the cannula has (i) a lumen defined therein and (ii) a length L1, (2) the trocar is positionable between a first trocar position and a second trocar position, (3) the trocar is positioned within the lumen of the cannula when the trocar is positioned at the first trocar position, and (4) the trocar is completely removed from the lumen of the cannula when the trocar is positioned at the second trocar position.

Abstract: A bifurcated or straight intravascular folded tubular member is deliverable percutaneously or by small cutdown to the site of a vascular lesion. Its inserted state has a smaller nondeployed diameter and a shorter nondeployed length. The intravascular tubular member has a folded tubular section that is unfolded following insertion into the blood vessel. The length of the intravascular folded tubular member is sized in situ to the length of the vessel lesion without error associated with diagnostic estimation of lesion length. The folded tubular member is self-expandable or balloon-expandable to a larger deployed diameter following delivery to the lesion site. An attachment anchor can be positioned at the inlet or outlet ends of the intravascular folded tubular member to prevent leakage between the tubular member and the native vessel lumen and to prevent migration of the tubular member. The attachment anchor has a short axial length to provide a more focal line of attachment to the vessel wall.

Abstract: A perfusion-type dilatation catheter which can be rapidly exchanged for another catheter without the need for exchange wires or guidewire extension wire. The dilatation catheter has an elongated catheter body with a distal guidewire port in the distal end of the catheter and a proximal guidewire port at least 10 cm but not more than 50 cm from the distal port. The catheter body has a first inflation lumen which extends from the proximal end of the catheter body to the interior of a dilatation balloon adjacent the distal end of the catheter body. A second, much shorter inner lumen is disposed between the proximal and distal guidewire ports and is adapted to slidably receive a guidewire.

Abstract: A retractor for use in arthroscopic surgery. The retractor has a mechanical expanding portion for expanding against sub-surface tissues when the retractor is in use. The retractor also has a fluid-operated expanding portion, which may be independently controllable, for expanding against sub-surface tissues when the retractor is in use. The retractor is inserted through a small percutaneous opening, expanded in sub-surface tissues without significantly damaging the tissue, then collapsed after use for removal. The retractor can be manipulated to allow the surgeon to push or pull or lever on tissue. The retractor can be hollow like a cannula to permit the passage of one or more surgical devices through the retractor, with a side portal into the center of the retractor.

Abstract: A stent deployment device (10) includes a catheter (12), a stent (14) positioned on the catheter (12), and a sleeve (16) carried on the catheter (12). The sleeve (16) has a portion (18) extending fully over and containing the stent (14). The stent deployment device (10) also includes a mechanism (20) for splitting at least the portion (18) of the sleeve (16) extending over the stent (14) and, preferably, for splitting the entire sleeve (16). Splitting of the sleeve portion (18) permits expansion of the stent (14). The mechanism (20) can include an inflatable, nondistending balloon (22) carried on the catheter (12), the stent (14) and the sleeve portion (18) being positioned over the balloon (22). The stent (14) can be self-expanding or can be expanded by the balloon (22) itself. Alternatively, the mechanism (20) can include a bulbous end (24) on the catheter (12).

Abstract: A medical device is described for use in removing material from a body. The removal of material is accomplished by slidably contacting a cutting edge of a cutter member with the inner wall of a sleeve, where the cutting edge cooperates with the inner wall of the sleeve to capture and cut the material. The cutter member may be hollow and may be in fluid communication with a chamber for collection and removal of cut material from the cutter member. The distal tip of the cutter member may extend beyond, or be enclosed within, the sleeve, while the proximal end of the cutter member is mounted on a rotatable shaft.

Abstract: There is disclosed a stent for implanting in the body. The stent is formed of a tube having a patterned shape which has first and second meander patterns having axes extending in first and second directions. The first meander patterns can be formed into even and odd first meander patterns. The even and odd first meander patterns are 180 out of phase with each other and the odd patterns occur between every two even patterns. The second meander patterns are intertwined with the first meander patterns. The first and second directions can be orthogonal to each other. The second meander patterns can also be formed of even and odd patterns.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a surgical instrument such as, for example, an ultrasonic surgical cutting and coagulating device, wherein the gripping movement of the surgeon is mechanically translated into lateral movement for actuating, for example, an actuating rod. One embodiment of the present invention includes a camming pivot for use in surgical instruments, wherein the camming pivot comprises an actuation mechanism, including; a lever arm; a first cam at a distal end of the lever arm; and a second cam positioned distally from the first cam.

Abstract: A clot and foreign body removal device is described which comprises a catheter with at least one lumen. Located within the catheter is a clot capture coil that is connected to an insertion mandrel. In one embodiment, the clot capture coil is made out of a solid elastic or superelastic material which has shape memory, preferably nitinol. The elasticity or superelasticity of the coil allows it to be deformed within the catheter and to then reform its original coil configuration when the coil is moved outside of the catheter lumen. In another embodiment the coil is a biphasic coil which changes shape upon heating or passing an electric current. Once the coil configuration has been established, the coil can be used to ensnare and corkscrew a clot in a vessel. A clot is extracted from the vessel by moving the clot capture coil and catheter proximally until the clot can be removed or released into a different vessel that does not perfuse a critical organ.

Abstract: A balanced ultrasonic surgical instrument is described wherein the balanced ultrasonic surgical instrument includes an ultrasonic transmission rod and an ultrasonically actuated blade attached to the distal end of the ultrasonic transmission rod. According to the present invention, the ultrasonically actuated blade includes a treatment portion and a balance portion. The treatment portion has a functional feature such as, for example, a curved blade which makes the treatment portion asymrnetric. The balance portion includes at least first and second asymmetric balance features designed and positioned to balance out any undesirable torque generated by the treatment portion. The balance portion further extends generally from a node point on the ultrasonic transmission rod to the proximal end of the treatment portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to ultrasonic surgical clamping instruments and, more particularly, to a multifunctional curved shears blade for an ultrasonic surgical clamping instrument. Disclosed is an ultrasonic surgical instrument that combines end-effector geometry to best affect the multiple functions of a shears-type configuration. The shape of the blade is characterized by a radiused cut to form a curved and potentially tapered geometry. This cut creates a curved surface including a concave surface and a convex surface. The convex surface transitions into a short, straight, flat surface. The length of this straight portion affects, in part, the acoustic balancing of the transverse motion induced by the curved shape. Relative to straight blade tips, the tip curvature of the present design provides improved visibility of the transection site and improved access to targeted tissues.

Abstract: A stent for occluding the human ductus arteriosus comprises a length of wire of shape memory effect or superelastic material which is expandable from a relatively straightened state for introduction into the patient to an occluding state wherein the wire defines an occluding anchor part and a spiral anchor part and a straight linking part connecting the two wherein the wire has a series of turns extending over the cross-sectional area of the occluding anchor part.

Abstract: A probe element with helical grooves is dimensioned to be inserted into the ear canal and stop short of the ear drum, the element being made of soft compressed cotton. A bulbous flexible plastic handle has an interior rod and a clutch for releasably receiving the element. Depressing the handle at the rod location forming an ejection button displaces the rod and an interior-coupling member for ejecting the probe element. The rigid smooth handle is rotated a quarter turn to remove wax from the ear canal. The element extends from the handle a predetermined length to not engage the eardrum, the handle having a blunt tip acting as a stop for the element during insertion.