Abstract: Multifunctional instrument for ultrasound surgery having an applicator 2 for a dissection of biological tissue, as well as a device for cutting and/or coagulating of the tissue. At the instrument end separate from the ultrasound applicator 2 at least one RF-current applicator 16 or a laser applicator 15 is arranged in a lateral distance from the distal end 3 of the ultrasound applicator 2, whereby an adjustable arrangement is provided. Each applicator 2, 6, 15 is movable in longitudinal direction in a common applicator housing 9. The applicators may be provided in a revolver unit, which is arranged at the instrument and can be rotated around its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A pull push device for removing a clot. The device includes an elongate tubular member having a suction port and an irrigation or fluid pressurization port respectively connectable to a vacuum source and a pressurizable fluid reservoir. The tubular member also has a clot intake port positionable through a patient's skin inside a clogged vascular vessel. The vacuum source enables clot suction into the clot intake port for severing while liquid pressure supplies fluid for clot ejection and device clearance. A single piece rotating or reciprocating cutter and intake closure component is mounted inside the tubular member for closing the clot intake port upon each small vacuum assisted severing of clot mass by the cutting element. By simultaneously severing the clot and closing the intake port by the closure component, the device automatically converts from a suction to a pressure mode, thus ejecting any clot through the suction port.

Abstract: A sinus debrider apparatus comprising a housing, a motor mounted in the housing and a cutter head mounted to the housing. The cutter head frustum conical shaped and defines an interior chamber, a suction passageway and a fluid passageway. A blade holder is mounted to the head and axially aligned with the interior chamber with a blade member being rotatably mounted in the blade holder. A coupling member is mounted in the interior chamber and connects the motor and the blade member to transmit motion from the motor shaft to the blade member. A manifold member defining separate passageways communicates with the suction passageway and the fluid passageway of the head and forms a connection section to hold a flexible tube providing suction and fluid to the cutter head.

Abstract: A dilation catheter for use in performing angioplasty procedures. The catheter includes a relatively long catheter shaft which has two lumens. A relatively short guidewire receiving tube is thermally bonded to the distal end of the shaft, with its lumen approximately aligned with one of the lumens of the catheter shaft and a stiffening wire positioned therein. A dilation balloon, preformed with a shape that enables it to be used in an offset configuration, is thermally bonded to the distal and proximal ends of the tube, with its lumen aligned with the remaining lumen of the catheter shaft. The balloon and tube together define channels for the perfusion of blood past the balloon, which channels remain open even when the balloon bears against the tube during the inflation thereof.

Abstract: A low profile catheter comprising a flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and having a guide wire lumen and at least one balloon inflation lumen extending from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity, said at least one balloon inflation lumen being offset eccentrically with respect to said guide wire lumen, the distal extremity of said flexible elongate tubular member having at least one inflatable balloon formed thereon and having an interior in communication with said at least one balloon inflation lumen, said guide wire lumen extending through said at least one inflatable balloon and being offset eccentrically with respect to said at least one inflatable balloon.

Abstract: A pressure plate for use with a peristaltic pump having a base with a plurality of ribs attached to one surface of the base, each rib having a bottom surface, a top surface and an angled surface extending at an angle from the bottom to the top surface. Each rib being attached to the base such that the angled surface of each rib is oppositely disposed from the angled surface of another rib so that a channel is formed between each pair of oppositely disposed ribs. A securing mechanism is attached to the pressure plate to secure a compressible tube and an attachment mechanism is provided for attaching a pump mechanism to the pressure plate. One securing mechanism includes two clamps at opposite ends of the pressure plate with spaced apart retaining lips. Adhesive attachment of the tube to the pressure plate is also provided.

Abstract: Catheter and method of manufacturing such catheter. The catheter includes an elongate shaft having an interior lumen extending therethrough. The interior surface of the lumen is geometrically configured to reduce friction and increase catheter performance. Additionally, the geometrically configured inside surface allows dye or blood to perfuse past the distal end of the catheter when engaged in the coronary artery. The catheter may also include a geometrically configured outer surface at its distal end having perfusion channels to allow blood to perfuse past the distal end of the catheter during catheter engagement.

Abstract: Apparatus for supplying liquid to a body cavity during an endoscopic procedure includes a feedback loop-controlled liquid supply device inherently capable of supplying liquid at a substantially constant pressure substantially independent of the flow rate of liquid delivered by the liquid supply device within a relatively wide range of flow rate. Also disclosed are a disposable plastic pump cassette having an inflow pump in a housing, and an operative cannula. The surgical procedure is performed with continuous control over the body cavity pressure, regardless of the outflow flow rate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ablation catheter which controls the temperature and reduces the coagulation of biological fluids on a tip of a catheter, prevents the impedance rise of tissue in contact with the catheter tip, and maximizes the energy transfer to the tissue, thereby allowing an increase in the lesion size produced by the ablation. The ablation catheter includes a tip for applying electrical energy to biological tissue. Passages are positioned within the tip in a variety of manners for directing a fluid flow through the tip to the exterior surface of the tip to control the temperature and form a protective fluid layer around the tip. Monitoring structure is also positioned within the tip for measurement of the electrical potentials in a biological tissue. Ablation electrode structure is also positioned within the tip for application of ablative energy to the biological tissue.

Abstract: A syringe instrument for particular use in medical balloon inflation procedures comprises a fluid chamber and a plunger arranged to displace fluid from the chamber for delivery to inflate the balloon, and incorporates control structure arranged to provide a series of releasible space limits for respective displacements of the plunger within the chamber. The control structure allows the fluid in the chamber to be pressurized at selective predetermined pressure levels governed by the releasable limits for the plunger displacements. A reverse drive structure is provided for reverse-displacement of the plunger from the fluid chamber to enable self-aspiration of fluid into the chamber from the balloon in order to simplify balloon deflation and removal from the patient. The reverse drive structure is manually activated with the same hand which depresses the plunger, for single handed operation of both the forward and reverse plunger motions.

Abstract: An infusion apparatus includes a pump and a fluid delivery set. The infusion apparatus is adapted to monitor the fluid delivery set for insuring proper placement in relation to the pump. The infusion apparatus further includes a sensor which operates to detect the proper alignment of the fluid delivery set and also the proper operating position of the infusion apparatus. The infusion apparatus includes a cover which is adapted to be in a closed position when the infusion apparatus is in proper operating position. The cover operates to secure the fluid delivery set within the mounted position in the infusion apparatus.

Abstract: A family of variously configured, new, improved and universally compatible infusion sites and medical connectors that employ a cannula and which function to interconnect uniquely configured T sites, Y sites, heparin locks and the like with a liquid source, such as an I.V. source.

Abstract: A clamp for clamping a body structure in a patient. The clamp includes a flexible cable housed within a sheath. The cable and sheath extend between a clamp and a handle. The cable actuator. The cable extends through a sheath which is anchored at the clamp and the actuator for actuating jaws from a proximal end of the clamp. A malleable positioner is provided for positioning the clamp about the body structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable sideholes catheter, comprising an inlying catheter having multiple sideholes on its distal side; and an outlying catheter having an irrigation port on its proximal side. Further described are uses for an adjustable sideholes catheter.

Abstract: A method for making an intravascular stent by applying to the body of a stent a therapeutic substance and then overcoating the therapeutic substance with a porous polymer. The inclusion of a porous polymer in intimate contact with a drug on the stent allows the drug to be retained on the stent during expansion of the stent and also controls the administration of drug following implantation. The adhesion of the coating and the rate at which the drug is delivered can be controlled by the selection of an appropriate bioabsorbable or biostable polymer.

Abstract: A catheter for non-surgical entry into the cervical canal or the uterus, comprising an elongated tubular catheter body. An inflatable balloon manufactured from a polyurethane material is disposed proximal to the distal end of the catheter body. The polyurethane inflatable balloon can be progressively inflated into an elliptical shape which enables the balloon to be used within the cervical canal. Additional inflation pressure inflates the polyurethane inflatable balloon to a spherical shape which enables the balloon to be used within the uterus.

Abstract: An indwelling urinary catheter having a palpitatable multiaxial dome-type valve and an inflatable anchoring balloon. The valve has a peripheral trough to maximize drainage. The catheter body and balloon are integrally molded from silicone to produce a uniform and symmetrical balloon shape. The balloon shape may be selectively altered by varying bonding patterns or wall thicknesses. Valve openings traverse an arcuate pathway, and adjacent valve elements are separated by an intermediate rib to ensure a reliable closure. Valve elements are readily displaced by a drainage tube connector that engages the valve body. A collar on the catheter body moves axially along helical threads to adjust tension on the balloon.

Abstract: A system for use in delivering a thrombolytic agent to a firm obstruction in a blood vessel by effecting longitudinal extension of the distal infusion segment of an infusion device through the obstruction as the obstruction is dissolved by the delivery of the thrombolytic agent. The infusion device is inserted into the lumen of an introducer to straighten the distal infusion segment and the assembly is advanced through a selected path in a patient's vascular system to the obstructed site. The distal infusion segment is advanced from a distal end opening of the introducer sheath lumen and assumes the pre-biased J-shaped bend configuration when positioned that tends to present the infusion port in a side wall toward the obstruction. A spring loaded assembly is coupled between the proximal ends of the infusion device and the introducer catheter that applies a force axially along the body of the infusion device against the resistance of the obstruction in contact with the distal infusion segment.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing endoscopic surgery at locations where tissue inserts into bone which includes cutting instruments having a novel knife blade with a blunted palpitation end to sever tissue without snagging while palpitating underlying tissue.

Abstract: A connecting device for connecting together two or more medical instruments so as to allow, or control, the flow of fluid between the various medical instruments. The connecting device includes an intermediate conduit element having two inlets, to which the medical instruments may be connected, along with fluid directing members located inside the intermediate conduit element and able to move linearly therein. The fluid directing members are able to restrict, or allow, the flow of fluid, by way of the intermediate conduit element, between two or more medical instruments when they are connected to the conduit element, depending on the linear position of the fluid directing member inside the intermediate conduit element.