Abstract: A catheter having an elongated shaft with an inflation lumen and a guidewire lumen, a balloon on a distal shaft section, and a proximal intermediate port proximal to the balloon and a distal intermediate port distal to the balloon, the intermediate ports being in communication with the guidewire lumen and being configured to slidably receive a guidewire therethrough so that the guidewire extends into or out of a proximal section of the guidewire lumen through the proximal intermediate port, extends along an outer surface of the balloon, and extends into or out of a distal section of the guidewire lumen through the distal intermediate port. The balloon is inflated in a patient's blood vessel to perform a medical procedure, with the section of the guidewire extending along an outer surface of the balloon providing improved balloon retention at the desired location in the blood vessel during inflation of the balloon.

Abstract: These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in a body fluid sampling system for use on a tissue site that includes a single drive force generator. A plurality of penetrating members are operatively coupled to the force generator. The force generator moves each of the members along a path out of a housing with a penetrating member exit, into the tissue site, stops in the tissue site, and withdraws out of the tissue site. A flexible support member couples the penetrating members to define a linear array. The support member is movable and configured to move each of the penetrating members to a launch position associated with the force generator. A user interface is configured to relay at least one of, penetrating member performance or a penetrating member setting.

Abstract: A device and method for permitting multi-modal treatment of vascular lesions are disclosed. The device includes an outer delivery catheter, an inner delivery catheter, and a guidewire. The catheter is designed to pass through the inner lumen of the outer delivery catheter, and the guidewire is designed to pass through the inner lumen of the inner delivery catheter. A stent may be loaded inside the outer delivery catheter, with the distal tip of the inner delivery catheter abutting against the proximal end of the self-expanding stent, for pushing the stent distally through the outer delivery catheter.

Abstract: These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in a body fluid sampling system for use on a tissue site that includes a voice coil based penetrating member driver. A plurality of penetrating members are included. A transport mechanism is configured to engage the cartridges. Each of the cartridges is operatively engaged with the penetrating member driver when moved into position by the transport mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement in connection with a feedback control system, the arrangement comprising a controllable device (10), a measuring device (7), a controlling device (9) and a user interface by which the controlling device (9) can be monitored by means of set values. The measuring device (7) is adapted to measure a measuring value (8) from a measuring point, which measuring value is dependent on the operation of the controllable device and the controlling device (9) is adapted to monitor the controllable device (10) on the basis of the measuring value and set values. To improve safety, the arrangement comprises means (15a, 15b, 15c) adapted to feed a reference signal (16) to the measuring device (7) periodically.

Abstract: A surgical tool for performing anastomosis may include a staple holder; a clip detachably connected to the staple holder; a length of suture, wherein a portion of the length of suture is held securely between the clip and the staple holder; and a needle connected to the suture. An incision may be made at one end of the graft vessel to form a flap. The needle may penetrate the wall of the graft vessel proximal to the incision, and the graft vessel may then be parachuted down the suture toward engagement with the clip. In this way, graft loading onto the clip is facilitated.

Abstract: In a link device for surgical tool and a surgical tool suitable for used with an endoscope, the diameter of an insertion section can be made narrow. A multi-free forceps (surgical tool) is used as a soft surgical tool for use with an endoscope. The multi-free forceps comprises a link device for surgical tool that is inserted into a human cavity. The link device for surgical tool comprises a pipe-like insertion section, a surgical section that connects to a tip of the insertion section, and a control section that controls the surgical section. A base side of a deviating link member is securely connected to a first control axis member, and a base side of the deviating link member that forms the surgical section side extends in parallel to the first control axis member at a position that is further to the inside than the outer peripheral face of the insertion section, while deviating further to the outside of the diameter direction than the central axis of the first control axis member.

Abstract: Various obesity treatment tools and methods are described herein, as well as treatments for other gastric-related diseases, e.g., GERD. Treatment includes reducing the size of the stomach pouch to limit the caloric intake as well as to provide an earlier feeling of satiety. This may be done by creating a smaller gastric pouch within the stomach directly from the interior of the stomach itself. The smaller pouches may be made through the use of individual anchoring devices, rotating probes, or volume reduction devices. A pyloroplasty procedure may also be performed to render the pyloric sphincter incompetent. A gastric bypass procedure may additionally be performed using atraumatic magnetic anastomoses devices so that sugars and fats are passed directly to the bowel while bypassing the stomach. Many of these procedures may be done in a variety of combinations. Treatment may create enforced behavioral modifications by discouraging the ingestion of high-caloric foods.

Abstract: A pacifier rattle toy, with duel, gripped handles. There are gears at the end of the handles that are placed in the rattle. There are corresponding flappers to the said gears in the rattle to make a clicking noise. A feature of this pacifier toy would be a pacifier that has the capability of being locked down, and also taken off. This is useful for cleaning. Another function of this unique feature would be; if the parent chooses, for teething, the pacifier could be filled with water, and frozen. By having a pacifier on a handle you are giving the child the choice of when he/she would like to use a pacifier. This freedom encourages self-confidence. This new pacifier toy encourages fine motor skills and three of the five senses. This pacifier toy is to also include a stand by which the pacifiers may stably sit in the freezer while they are freezing.

Abstract: An anastomotic device for use in the joining of a first tubular structure and a second tubular structure is provided. The anastomotic device includes a cylindrical sleeve configured and dimensioned for placement at least partially within the first tubular structure, the cylindrical sleeve defining a bore therethrough; an inverting member configured and dimensioned for placement at least partially within the second tubular structure, the inverting member defining a bore therethrough which is configured and dimensioned to selectively receive the cylindrical sleeve therein; and a constricting member selectively positionable on the inverting member and movable onto the cylindrical sleeve when the cylindrical sleeve is at least partially positioned within the bore of the inverting member.

Abstract: An anastomosis system for connecting a graft vessel to a target vessel includes an elongated anvil arm for insertion into the target vessel. The anvil arm includes a contact surface that contacts the inner surface of the wall of the target vessel. The anvil arm includes a channel through which a cutting element translates, and a opening that extends between the channel and the contact surface of the anvil arm. The cutting element is translated along the channel, and is controlled to extend through the opening and make an incision in the wall of the target vessel at a selected location. The incision is made at a location spaced apart from the penetration site at which the anvil arm is inserted into the target vessel, resulting in a tissue bridge between the incision and the penetration site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ophthalmic surgery device comprising a handle presenting, at one of its ends, a first active part and, at the other of its ends, a second active part, characterized in that removable protection means are associated with at least one of the active parts. Therefore, the functional zones of the device thus protected do not risk being altered before use.

Abstract: A permanent blood clot filter which may be retrieved is provided. The blood clot filter includes a filter section and an alignment section. The filter section includes a filter hub and a set of filter legs whose downstream ends are connected to the filter hub. The filter legs extend axially and radially outwardly from the filter hub to form a conical configuration. The alignment section includes an alignment hub and a set of alignment ribs whose downstream ends are connected to the alignment hub and whose upstream ends are connected to the filter legs. The alignment ribs extend from the alignment hub radially outwardly and then further extend radially inwardly to provide centering of the filter.

Abstract: Systems and methods convey a closure material into a catheter, e.g., to seal a puncture site in a blood vessel. The closure material comprises a mixture of first and second components, which, upon mixing, undergo a reaction to form solid closure material composition. The first component may be a lyophilized polyethylene glycol (PEG) material contained within a vial. The second component may be a buffered albumin solution plus water contained within a syringe. An applicator provides easy and effective mixing of the components and delivery of the mixture to the puncture site.

Abstract: A sliding gas-tight seal on an access port promotes insufflation of an anatomical space formed in tissue at a surgical site only during insertion of an endoscopic instrument through the access port into the anatomical space, and promotes deflation of the inflated space upon removal of the endoscopic instrument from within the access port. An inflatable balloon disposed about the port near the distal end may be selectively expanded to seal and anchor the access port within an incision through which a surgical procedure with insufflation is to be performed. Multiple resilient seals may be attached to the body of the port, and an auxiliary resilient seal may be inserted within the aperture of a seal attached to the body to accommodate a wide range of endoscopic instruments of various exterior dimensions inserted through the seals.

Abstract: A medical instrument including a ductal access device comprising a low profile, ergonomic manifold hub usable to introduce fluids into a breast duct and collect ductal fluid samples including ductal epithelial cells and clumps of ductal epithelial cells from within a breast duct. The ductal access device also comprises an elongated access catheter having a distal end, one lumen and dimensions which permit introduction of the distal end through a ductal orifice so that a distal end of the catheter may be positioned distal to the ductal sphincter of a human breast. The medical instrument may also include and activate valve and a Nitinol introducer.

Abstract: The present invention is a “rescue” catheter that is designed to be placed over a fixed wire stent delivery catheter after angiography reveals that an intimal dissection has occurred typically as an edge dissection either just proximal or just distal to the stent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a breathing disorder and, more particularly, a method and apparatus for providing a pressurized air flow to an airway of a patient to treat congestive heart failure in combination with Cheyne-Stokes respiration and/or sleep apnea or other breathing disorders. A positive airway pressure ventilator is utilized in combination with an algorithm that adjusts IPAP and EPAP in order to counter a Cheyne-Stokes breathing pattern. Cheyne-Stokes respiration is detected by monitoring a peak flow of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides an air-purifying respirator facepiece with a removable, one-piece filter element connector. It also has a removable component housing in the lens as well as a nosecup without inhalation valves that prevents fogging of the portion of the lens used for viewing.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are for extraction of follicular units. A dermal biopsy punch is utilized in combination with a suction device for extraction purposes. The use of suction to extract the follicular unit allows for distribution of the forces over a large area of the unit, helping to keep the unit intact. A perforating device, affixed to the punch, is utilized to weaken the structural integrity of the extraction area. The perforating device, having a plurality of spike members which surround the follicular unit and are inserted into the skin at a small, previously determined depth, reduces the holding tissue around the unit. The small number of relatively thin spikes of the perforating device help keep the follicular unit undamaged. Because suction is utilized to extract the follicular unit, the distal end of the apparatus may have a guard which functions to prevent the extracted follicular units from being vacuumed further therein.