Abstract: A rapid ex balloon dilation catheter includes a catheter shaft with a proximal tubular member defining a proximal inflation/deflation lumen for conveying fluids therethrough with a distal portion of the bore of proximal tubular member filled with a fluid-impervious barrier, a distal body extending from the fluid-impervious barrier to the distal end of the shaft, a plurality of distal tubular members defining distal inflation/deflation lumens in fluid communication with the proximal inflation/deflation lumen and extending through the fluid-impervious barrier and the distal body to the distal end of the shaft distal portion, a guidewire tubular member having a bore extending from a side aperture formed in the distal body through the distal body alongside the distal tubular members in a multi-lumen arrangement, and a plurality of stiffening members extending from within the fluid-impervious barrier into the distal body to a point within the shaft distal portion.

Abstract: A medical access device provides needleless access to patient fluid lines such as intravascular catheters. A preformed crimp ring is attached around a septum and the top end of the housing of the medical access device. The crimp ring is configured to hold the septum in place. The septum provides access for a tubular portion of a medical device such as a male luer taper of a syringe. The crimp ring is then attached by mechanical attachment and/or chemical adhesion to the housing to minimize axial and rotational movement between the septum and the housing.

Abstract: A balloon catheter may be provided with multiple balloons. At least one of the balloons may include at least one blade. The multiple balloons may be inflated by a common inflation lumen, or by separate inflation lumens. In some embodiments, a predilation balloon may be provided to predilate a lesion prior to placement of a bladed balloon within the lesion.

Abstract: A catheter and a guidewire exchange system includes a catheter and a guide member. The catheter includes a lumen extending through the shaft and sized to receive the guidewire, and a longitudinal guideway enabling transverse access from the shaft exterior surface to the lumen. The guide member includes a housing, a catheter passageway extending through the housing and adapted to slidably receive the catheter, a guidewire passageway extending from one end of the housing into the catheter passageway and including a tube adapted to merge the guidewire transversely through the guideway and into the first lumen, a rigid nose cone attached to the housing and having an aperture extending therethrough that is continuous with the catheter passageway and adapted to slidably receive the catheter, and a first gasket positioned in line with the catheter passageway and tightenable to impede catheter movement through the catheter passageway.

Abstract: A device, together with a method for its use, for ensuring that a patient's limb is maintained in a steady, predetermined oriented relative to the torso of the patient during an entire exercise routine. The device is versatile and, through particularly adapted to benefit shoulder rehabilitation and strengthening therapy, may potentially also be utilized for many other types of therapy related to any limb. The device comprises a first member for supporting the extremity of the patient, a second member for engaging the torso of the patient, and a third member for connecting the first and second members. In its preferred embodiments, the third member comprises a telescoping shaft, which is adjustable to a plurality of potentially desirable lengths. The second member preferably comprises a tubular structure having an arcuate configuration, being generally “C”-shaped and having a convex side and a concave side, wherein the concave side thereof is adapted to engage the torso of the patient.

Abstract: A translational exercise machine with horizontal free planar motion, has a base frame, supporting an optional upper horizontal frame with seat and backrests supporting the user, and supporting an intermediate wheeled horizontal frame, supporting an upper wheeled frame. A vertical frame with horizontal handlebar with hand/foot grips is provided, which frame is optionally attached to the upper horizontal frame, or to the upper wheeled horizontal frame. With hand or foot use of the hand/foot grips, the user can propel self and wheeled frames in any horizontal motion. Exercise is caused by acceleration of the user and wheeled frame masses in a horizontal plane, and by braking assemblies between frames.

Abstract: An improved dental flossing tool comprising a single flossing rod or tool is provided, containing a supply of dental floss therein and from which a strand of floss extends, and two hands are used, one to grip the flossing rod or tool, and the other to hold the free end of the floss strand at the proper angle and with the proper tension, with the second hand holding the free end of the floss strand. The floss tool of the present invention is preferably hollow, with a supply of dental floss mounted therein, and has a hollow, narrow tip through which the floss strand is routed internally to project from the end of the tip for use. A locking device is provided for selectively blocking the feeding of the floss strand in lengths which may be varied as desired and a restricting device is provided for restricting movement of the floss strand and for preventing moisture from entering the interior of the tool.

Abstract: A dental fiberoptic handpiece hose assembly comprises a flexible aspetic outer tubing that contains internally a plurality of conduits and wires for the drive air, exhaust air, coolant water and "chip" air, as well as a fiberoptic bundle and a sensing cable. The outer surface of the tubing is quite smooth and regular without any crevices that would trap bacteria. The outer surface tubing is made from an oil resistant material to discourage cracking and to improve the useful life of the hose assembly. The fiberoptic bundle comprises an acrylic material that is lightweight and flexible. The connection between the handpiece and the hose assembly is a swivelable construction that is quite simple to fabricate. A specially designed adapter is mounted inside the swivel connection and is utilized to connect the conduits of the drive air, exhaust air, chip and and coolant water as well as the fiberoptic bundle and the sensing cable to the handpiece.