Abstract: A dermabrasion apparatus operates by a flow of air and reducing substances conveyed to a patient through a handpiece. The apparatus includes an oval-shaped mixing bottle that has a first enclosed region for holding reducing substances. The mixing bottle includes a cap that has two tubes extending therefrom, for coupling to respective input and output legs of the handpiece. The mixing bottle also includes a second enclosed region for holding one of the two tubes that provides an air-tight coupling between the output leg of the handpiece and a collecting bottle. The mixing bottle is oval-shaped so that a user can readily manipulate the handpiece so as to move the handpiece coupled to the mixing bottle in a desired direction. This is especially useful for small handpieces that are hard to hold onto by themselves.

Abstract: A needle guide system comprises a base adapted for non-pivotal connection to an imaging device, an arm pivotally connected to the base, and a needle guide pivotally connected to the arm at a point distal from the arm-base connection. The needle guide is adapted to receive at least one needle. The length of the arm extending between the base and the needle guide is adjustable. Methods for positioning a needle relative to an imaging device employ the needle guide system.

Abstract: Self-expandable, woven intravascular devices for use as stents (both straight and tapered), filters (both temporary and permanent) and occluders for insertion and implantation into a variety of anatomical structures. The devices may be formed from shape memory metals such as nitinol. The devices may also be formed from biodegradable materials. Delivery systems for the devices include two hollow tubes that operate coaxially. A device is secured to the tubes prior to the implantation and delivery of the device by securing one end of the device to the outside of the inner tube and by securing the other end of the device to the outside of the outer tube. The stents may be partially or completely covered by graft materials, but may also be bare. The devices may be formed from a single wire. The devices may be formed by either hand or machine weaving.

Abstract: An endovascular prosthesis (10) includes a first end (16) a furcated second end (18), and an anchoring means (20). The first end has a longitudinally extending central lumen (32) and means (40) for laterally supporting the first end. The furcated second end (18) includes at least two branches (64) that extend from an intersection of the furcated second end. Each of the branches (64) includes a longitudinal support means (84) and a branch lumen (78) in fluid communication with the central lumen (32) of the first end (16). The anchoring means (20) secures the first end (18) within a vasculature.

Abstract: A stent delivery system is disclosed that has an outer assembly and an inner assembly that accommodates a stent. The inner assembly further has an external assembly contact area projecting from its surface that frictionally contacts an inner surface of the outer assembly. The contact area is positioned at one end of the inner assembly, proximal to the stent accommodating area. Also disclosed is a method of using the stent delivery system.

Abstract: An improved multi-bite bone cutting rongeur with an ultrathin foot plate and a disposable cutting element and storage chamber unit is disclosed. The present invention has an integrated cutting element and storage chamber unit that is truly disposable, rather than merely replaceable. The present invention requires the use of no tools or special assembly. The chamber is simply placed onto the shaft whereby it is immediately locked into place by the use of the instrument.

Abstract: An expandable intraluminal stent having a strut pattern made from a plurality of triangular cells is disclosed. Each triangular cell is formed from at least two V struts of different magnitudes aligned in phase and joined at opposite ends forming two opposed vertices of the triangle. A series of triangular cells are joined at the vertices to form a ring. The series of triangular cells may be arranged to form peaks in the ring, peaks and valleys in the ring, or a combination thereof. A plurality of the rings are aligned coaxially and joined by connecting elements to form a tubular shape. Use of the double V strut formation in the rings increases vessel wall coverage, reduces gap sizes, and does not impair the compressability of the stent for a small profile for delivery.

Abstract: A removable, low profile, vascular filter system for capture and retrieval of emboli while allowing continuous perfusion of blood, comprising a guidewire having proximal and distal markers, a filter delivery and deployment system, having an outer member and an inner member, and a filter removably attached near the distal end of the inner member. The filter comprises proximal and distal basket sleeves which position the filter between the proximal and distal markers on the guidewire, after the guidewire is in position past the vessel occlusion. The guidewire placement prior to filter delivery may facilitate access to the interventional site, especially through tortuous anatomy. Also, retrievability of the filter from the wire may avoid loss of guidewire position, which may occur following removal of filters permanently attached to guidewires.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an automatic lancing device for withdrawing a blood sample, comprising a pushing member positioned at a back end of a body and a rotatable cap combined with a front end of the body for regulating the combination length of the body and the ejection length of a lancet, thereby obtaining a blood sample exactly at a desired position without misoperation and adjusting the penetration length of lancet according to depth of the skin.

Abstract: A self-inflating, intragastric balloon device is activated by addition of an activating liquid into an acid or water soluble vessel located within the balloon. After an approximately pre-determined time period post-activation, the activating liquid breaches the vessel wall and causes contact between an acid in liquid form and an emissive substance within the balloon, causing it to inflate. The device is conveniently provided to medical personnel as part of a kit that further contains a syringe and the activating liquid. The device also can have acid or pepsin degradable portions that cause it to deflate after residing in the stomach for a prolonged period of time during which it imparts a feeling of satiety in the patient.

Abstract: A supportless atrioventricular valve intended for attaching to a circumferential valve ring and papillary muscles of a patient comprising a singular flexible membrane of tissue or synthetic biomaterial, wherein a minimally invasive delivery system is provided through a percutaneous intercostal penetration and a penetration at the cardiac wall into a left atrium of the heart.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided an expandable medical device having, a plurality of elongated beams, the plurality of elongated beams joined together to form a substantially cylindrical device which is expandable from a cylinder having a first diameter to a cylinder having a second diameter. A plurality of hinges connecting the elongated beams have a hinge width, wherein the hinge width is smaller than the beam width. A pawl is disposed adjacent to and substantially parallel to the hinge prior to expansion of the medical device and a plurality of teeth are adapted to receive the pawl. The present invention additionally provides the benefit of limiting the amount of recoil of an expandable device by engaging a locking mechanism, thereby retaining the expanded diameter of the device.

Abstract: Surgical device (1) is for use in minimally invasive surgery using an inflated body cavity (2) accessible to a surgeon through an access port defined by a sleeve (4) passing through an incision in a patient's abdominal wall (3). The device is held in position by a distal ring (5) and a proximal ring (6). The device (1) is sealed by cuff valve (8), self sealing valve (18), spring valve (28) or snap open/snap shut valve (38).

Abstract: A stent comprises a plurality of segments including a first balloon expandable segment which is not self-expanding, a second balloon expandable segment which is not self-expanding and a first self-expanding segment. The first self-expanding segment is disposed between the first and second balloon expandable segments. The segments are axially displaced from one another.

Abstract: A tubular implantable prosthesis is formed of porous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. The tubular prosthesis includes a substantially continuous ePTFE tubular first body and perimetrically non-continuous second tubular body. A circumferentially deformable support structure is interposed between the inner and outer tubular bodies. The second tubular body is formed of a plurality of elongate PTFE strips. The strips are secured to the first body and arranged longitudinally in a non-overlapping relationship. The prosthesis provides for both axial and radial compliance.