Abstract: The present invention is directed to a syringe that includes a gas driven piston to force liquid medication from a syringe cartridge through a variety of injection nozzles. The syringe may be mechanically operated for loading or aspirating the syringe.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods and compositions for enhanced iontophoretic delivery of active agents. The compositions are pharmaceutically acceptable compositions for iontophoretic delivery comprising a delivery enhancing amount of a vasodilator and active agent. Methods comprise adding a delivery enhancing amount of a vasodilator to an active agent and delivering by iontophoresis.

Abstract: The several embodiments include a hypodermic needle with a hollow member positioned over a portion of the needle, thus covering that portion of the needle. Prior to and during use, the hollow member is held away from the piercing end of the needle to allow it to be used in the normal manner. After the needle has become contaminated, a simple action by the user places the hollow member in a position covering the piercing end of the needle, and the hollow member is supported in this position against rearward pressure. The hollow member is similarly kept from sliding off the end of the needle.

Abstract: Apparatus including a receptacle mounted on the handpiece of ultrasonic apparatus which utilizes ultrasonic energy for removing cores of thermoplastic material such as bone cement used to implant prostheses. The receptacle is placed in fluid communication with an acoustical conductor extending through the apparatus and a tubular tip provided at the end of the conductor which tip is vibrated ultrasonically to remove the cores, for example of bone cement. The receptacle is connected to a source of suction, and the cores are drawn or aspirated through the tubular tip, the acoustical connector, and into the receptacle. A filter may be provided in the receptacle to assure that cores received in the receptacle are not drawn or aspirated out of the receptacle through flexible tubing which interconnects the receptacle to a source of suction.

Abstract: A catheter introducer has a tubular sheath with a relatively rigid tubular body and a soft flexible tubular tip for reducing sheath buckling tendencies.

Abstract: An iontophoretic agent delivery device, having a layered structure and peripheral insulation, wherein ion transport occurs through two opposing surfaces of said device. The device is especially suited to agent delivery through body surfaces exposed to body fluids. A method of delivering an agent through a body surface exposed to body fluids is also disclosed.

Abstract: Fatty tissue involved in a liposuction procedure is treated with microwave energy (also known as RF). In a particular embodiment of the invention, the microwave energy is applied by means of a catheter including a suction lumen, an electromagnetic transmission line, and an antenna coupled to the distal end of the transmission line. A microwave generator coupled to the distal end of the transmission line causes radiation from the antenna into the fatty tissue adjacent to the distal suction port of the suction lumen, which tissue is thereby heated and softened. The softened fatty tissue is more readily detached from the adjacent tissue than in the absence of heat, and less mechanical force is required for removal. In another embodiment of the invention, the transmission line is formed so that the electromagnetic field extends into the suction lumen, so that the fatty tissue being removed therethrough continues to be heated.

Abstract: An infusion pump assembly (20) is provided which employs electrochemistry to selectively control the delivery rate of a dispensing fluid (21) from a dispensing reservoir (24) by selectively controlling the flow rate of a driving fluid (19) from a driving reservoir (23) to a receiving reservoir (33). A partition (25), separating the driving reservoir from the receiving fluid reservoir, includes at least one aperture (28) which permits flow communication therebetween. As the receiving reservoir increases or expands in size due to receipt of the driving fluid, a barrier member (32) communicates with the dispensing reservoir to expel the dispensing fluid therefrom. The infusion pump assembly includes a disposable infusion pump unit (36) and a separate and remote programming unit (37) operably coupled to a plug member (30), blocking the aperture, for control of the driving fluid flowing through the aperture.

Abstract: A balloon catheter having an inflatable balloon in which the outer surface of the inflatable balloon is surrounded by an elastomeric sleeve. The sleeve is attached throughout at least a majority of its area to the balloon outer surface to provide pin hole and abrasion resistance. Preferably, the inflatable balloon is made of a flexible material of less elasticity than the material of the elastomeric sleeve. Thus the balloon expands to a generally limited maximum transverse dimension, while the collapse of the balloon is facilitated by the elastomeric sleeve.

Abstract: A dry-state iontophoretic drug delivery device (10, 70, 80) is provided. The device has drug and electrolyte reservoirs (15, 16) which are initially in a non-hydrated condition. A liquid-containing pouch (21, 22) is provided. In certain embodiments the liquid is contained in breakable capsules within the pouch. Water or other liquid can be released from the capsules in the pouch by squeezing or flexing the pouches (21,22). Alternatively, the liquid can be released from the pouches (21,22) using pouch piercing pins (36,37). The liquid released from the pouches (21,22) hydrates the drug and electrolyte reservoirs (15, 16) and activates the device. In another embodiment, the device (20, 20a) has liquid-containing gel layers (31,32) which are initially separated from their respective electrode assemblies (8, 9). Liquid-wicking pathways (27,28) are provided to carry the liquid from the gel layers (31,32) to the drug and electrolyte layers (15, 16).

Abstract: A drug delivery apparatus and method for delivering a drug locally to internal body tissue. The invention contemplates positioning a drug delivery device in a body passageway or within body tissue and then selectively introducing a selected drug so that it is transported across a drug transport wall of the device for direct contact with the passageway wall or body tissue. A further aspect of the present invention involves treating a dilated vessel in the area of a stenotic lesion with a fixative or other drug to render the vessel biologically inert and to form a biological stent or prevent restenosis using specifically selected drugs. A still further aspect of the present invention involves treating a tumor or local or regional tissue mass with antitumor sensitizing agents, biological modifiers, antibiotics or other types of drugs by delivery of the drug to the tumor or tissue area directly or through the passageway wall.

Abstract: A thin-walled sleeve of polymeric or similar material is heat shrunk or otherwise closely fitted over a flexible torque-transmitting shaft in an angled rotary surgical instrument. The sheath primarily provides a seal to maintain aspiration or suction through the porous flexible shaft, and also provides an additional bearing surface on the distal end of the flexible shaft, facilitates insertion and removal of the flexible shaft, and provides a low friction surface between the flexible shaft and outer sheath of the instrument.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for removing a cataract from a patient's eye including a hollow vibrating needle surrounded by two hollow infusion sleeves. The outer sleeve conforms to the incision in the eye and the inner sleeve prevents the outer sleeve from collapsing onto the hollow, vibrating needle.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD) by means of a closed-loop drug delivery system that delivers an exercise simulating agent, including novel exercise simulating agents which elicit both acute and adaptive cardiovascular responses similar to those elicited by aerobic activity are provided. The acute responses to the exercise simulating agent are used to diagnose and evaluate CAD in lieu of the acute responses to aerobic exercise. Due to their adaptive responses these compounds may be used to treat CAD in lieu of the adaptive responses caused by aerobic exercise training or to treat other conditions where the adaptive responses caused by aerobic exercise are desirable.

Abstract: A vitreous-cutting surgical device is provided which includes a tubular sleeve having a port in a side wall thereof, proximate to a closed distal end of the tubular sleeve. A vacuum is used for drawing a portion of the vitreous to be cut f rom a body of vitreous into the port and a cutter sleeve, disposed within the tubular sleeve, is provided for cutting the vitreous drawn into the port. Cutting surfaces and a window in the cutter sleeve enable a preferably constant vacuum to be applied to the body of vitreous being cut during cutting thereof to eliminate, or substantially reduce, agitation of the remaining vitreous.

Abstract: A drug delivery apparatus and method for delivering a drug locally to internal body tissue. The invention contemplates positioning a drug delivery device in a body passageway or within body tissue and then selectively introducing a selected drug so that it is transported across a drug transport wall of the device for direct contact with the passageway wall or body tissue. A further aspect of the present invention involves treating a dilated vessel in the area of a stenotic lesion with a fixative or other drug to render the vessel biologically inert and to form a biological stent or prevent restenosis using specifically selected drugs. A still further aspect of the present invention involves treating a tumor or local or regional tissue mass with antitumor sensitizing agents, biological modifiers, antibiotics or other types of drugs by delivery of the drug to the tumor or tissue area directly or through the passageway wall.

Abstract: An infusion sleeve for an ultrasonic tissue removal surgical tool includes a sleeve designed to surround the ultrasonically driven tip of the surgical tool and create an irrigation fluid channel thereinbetween. The sleeve includes a flexible portion which permits retraction of the distal end thereof to permit contact between the tip of the surgical tool and body tissue to be destroyed or removed. The infusion sleeve also includes a rigid portion which is designed to prevent collapse of the sleeve around the ultrasonically driven surgical tip and prevent blockage of irrigating fluid flow and subsequent overheating of the tip and damage to adjacent body tissue.

Abstract: A composition and method of applying a composition of (a) between about 10 and 15 percent vitamin C, plus or minus 10 percent, by weight to volume, (b) a viscosity agent, and (c) water as the remainder of the composition to healthy surface tissue overlying unhealthy tissue to be treated by radiation therapy for thereby abating dermatitis, mucositis, and esophagitis normally attendant with radiation therapy, the method comprising the steps of identifying the healthy surface tissue in the path of a radiation beam proposed to treat the unhealthy tissue, the identified healthy tissue being pretreated with vitamin C to increase the concentration of ascorbic acid in the identified healthy tissue; applying the composition to the identified healthy tissue; waiting a period of time of about at least one hour prior to radiation therapy so as to allow the vitamin C of the composition to increase the concentration of ascorbic acid in the healthy tissue whereby free radicals from ensuing radiation therapy are scavenged by

Abstract: A medical instrument comprises an elongate tube provided essentially along its entire length with a channel and further provided within a distal end region with a plurality of longitudinally and circumferentially spaced apertures communicating with the channel. A pressurized source of irrigation fluid is operative connected to the tube for feeding fluid through the channel and out through the apertures with an essentially uniform radial distribution. The tube is thin enough to fit down the biopsy channel of an endoscope.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating on the human eye detects changes in load, more specifically, mechanical impedance, of the transducer and controls aspiration based on the load changes. A change from a lower load to a higher load indicates that harder tissue is being encountered and accordingly causes aspiration amount to increase. Conversely, a change from a higher load to a lower load indicates that aspiration amount should be quickly decreased since the tissue which is being encountered is softer. One way to detect the impedance is by a sensor, e.g., a piezoelectric element coupled to the operating needle detecting the movement thereof.