Abstract: A noncontact type tonometer has a nozzle for discharging a fluid toward an eye to be tested; an alignment target projecting optical system for projecting an alignment target ray of light in form of parallel pencil of rays toward the eye from the axial direction of the nozzle in order to verify the alignment between the eye and an apparatus body; an illuminating light source for emitting an illuminating light for illuminating the anterior portion of the eye; and an anterior portion observing optical system for observing the anterior portion through an objective lens. The anterior portion observing optical system is commonly used as an alignment target light receiving optical system.

Abstract: A carrying device (20) for use in conjunction with the use of a wheelchair (70) by a catherized person. A preferred carrying device (20) is adapted to attach to pivotally connected cross-braces (72) of the wheelchair (70). Another preferred carrying device (20) includes catheter tubing (12) of a gravity flow drainage system (8) for an indwelling urinary catheter (4). The carrying device (20) is preferably used to maintain the gravity flow drainage system (8) by supporting the excess catheter tubing (12) in a horizontal orientation when the carrying device (20) is engaged at an elevation lower than the elevation of the seat (74) of the wheelchair (70) such that substantially horizontal orientation. An alternate embodiment of the carrying device (20) preferably includes drainage bag support means (42) for supporting the drainage bag (6) at an elevation lower than the elevation of the excess drainage tubing (12). Methods for maintaining the gravity flow drainage system are also provided.

Abstract: An alignment apparatus of a noncontact type tonometer has a target projecting system for projecting light emitted from a light emitting source to an eye to be tested along the axial line of a fluid discharging nozzle for discharging fluid and forming a target image on the eye, and an alignment light receiving optical system for receiving the target image along the axial line of the nozzle and forming an image of the target image on a light receiving sensor. The alignment apparatus of a noncontact type tonometer is characterized in that the light emitting source comprises a first and a second light emitting sources, the light receiving sensor comprises an area sensor, and the apparatus further has a control unit adapted to detect the positions of the target images of the first and second light emitting sources formed on the area sensor and to output an alignment completion signal when such detected positions are within a preset range on the area sensor.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for use in for example obtaining a soft tissue biopsy sample from a patient. In one embodiment the device comprises an outer needle 16 and a sampling needle 18 in coaxial relationship, a handle 34 to which one of the needles e.g. the sampling needle is secured, and a lever arm 36 arranged to enable the other needle e.g. the sample needle 18 to be moved slidingly over the one needle. A spring 40 is arranged to bias the lever arm 36 and hence the sample needle 18 to a predetermined position. In use the needles 16,18 are inserted into a patient and a portion of tissue is trapped in a slot cut into an end portion of the sampling needle 18 as the outer needle 16 slides fully over the sampling needle. The portion of tissue is removed from the device by releasing a catch 38 which causes the outer needle 16 to be drawn back under the influence of the spring to expose the slot in the sampling needle.

Abstract: A guide useful for guiding a catheter within a blood vessel is formed of a single length of shape memory alloy. The guide has a central portion of uniform diameter and substantially identical tapered end portions each terminating in enlarged diameter portions defining smoothly rounded beads which function to reduce trauma to the lumen of a blood vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a closed wound drainage system with a clearing port connected to the system, having a permeable membrane for sealable passage of a needle therethrough for injection of fluid into the system in order to flush the system without opening the system. The clearing port may also be used to withdraw fluid samples from the system for laboratory analysis without contaminating the system or the sample during the withdrawal procedure. The present invention also relates to a method for sterile clearing of obstructions in a closed wound drainage system.

Abstract: A thoracic cavity drainage device includes a first vessel having a plurality of chambers one of which is a regulated drainage chamber, and a separate transfer vessel which receives fluid collected in the drainage chamber of the first vessel. The chambers of both vessels are interconnected in a series by fluid passageways which cooperate to maintain a uniform range of suction in the drainage chamber while preventing passage of water into the drainage chamber and permitting a different level of suction in the transfer vessel. This operation is effective despite relatively large pressure and vacuum impulses caused by stripping of drainage lines, patient coughing, and the like, and despite discrete changes in the physical configuration of the system caused by disconnection of the transfer vessel, connection of the transfer vessel to an infusion line or the opening or closing of fluid lines and ports. A novel transfer vessel empties the drainage device and provides gravity reinfusion of the collected fluids.

Abstract: A split lamp applanation tonometer includes a tonometer tip for contacting a corneal surface of an eye, a mechanism for moving the tonometer tip to applanate and vary the degree of applanation of the corneal surface, an optical viewing axis along which the applanated corneal surface can be viewed, and an electrical and/or optical system for transforming the degree of applanation to an ocular pressure value and displaying the ocular pressure value at a location at which it is visible when a user views along the optical viewing axis whereby both the applanated corneal surface and the ocular pressure value thereof can be viewed simultaneously.

Abstract: A drainable ostomy or similar pouch (22) is provided with a closing means (10) which in principle is a clip of known type encapsulated between two layers of plastic sheet material, preferably of the same kind as that constituting the pouch walls (24,26) which are joined together by a seam 28. At least one of the layers of plastic sheet material encapsulating the clip is integral with a pouch wall. If only one of the layers of sheet material encapsulating the clip is integral with the pouch wall, a discharge opening (34) of the pouch is situated at the very bottom of the pouch, between its walls. If both of the layers of sheet material is integral with the pouch walls, the discharge opening (34) is a slit adjacent a hot-melt seam serving to join the layers encapsulating the clip, between that seam and the remainder of the pouch wall in question.

Abstract: A biopsy syringe for removing a specimen from a subject includes a tubular housing having a long hollow needle and two pistons. The first piston carries a mandrel received in the hollow needle. The second piston defines a chamber between it and the first piston enabling the syringe to be pre-loaded with a vacuum which is manually controllable so as to permit the first piston to be actuated to a retracted position in a smooth and simple manner while holding the biopsy syringe.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for immediate self-treatment of sensorineural hearing loss, vertigo, tinnitus and aural fullness includes a probe for establishing a hermetic seal with the ear canal and a pump for establishing a positive or negative pressure in the ear canal via a hose connected to the probe. The portable apparatus further includes special controls accessible only to a physician or audiologist for establishing the maximum pump pressure and duration of operation optimal for the individual patient. The portable apparatus also includes controls accessible to the patient for initiating pump operation and varying the pump pressure and duration of operation within the limits established by the special controls. The apparatus includes its own independent power supply and may be conveniently carried anywhere by the patient so that it is with him at all times.

Abstract: A medical guide wire for insertion into body channels for accessing specific inner body areas without major surgery. The guide wire comprises an elongated, flexible guide having a core of a shape memory alloy, the guide utilizing the two-way memory properties of the shape memory alloy to impart tip-deflecting and rotational movement to the guide wire in response to a controlled thermal stimulus.

Abstract: A fine-needle aspirator for collecting a biosample from a subject into a closed sterile system. The aspirator is adapted for use with a variety of needles and comprises a motor driven pump capable of continuous suction in a biosample collection system. The biosample collection system may comprise a biosample connector such as elastomeric tubing in communication with the needle and a collection space in a biosample container whereby a biosample collected by the needle may be transferred to the collection space. A flushing substance flushes the biosample through the biosample collection system. Additives may be added to the biosample after collection in order to treat, preserve or analyze the biosample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the construction and use of a device to compress biological parts (such as the abdomen), during the performance of interventional procedures (such as percutaneous biopsy), guided by cross sectional imaging procedures (such as computed tomography). The device is composed of a compressive surface with a hole. The compressive surface is constructed as part of a downward protruding member and lateral flanges or a rim, which can be attached, for example, to an abdomen, by means of a strap mechanism. An optional back plate can be used, such that a strap mechanism compresses the body part between the back plate and compression plate, or the compression plate alone can be place. The device can remain in place during cross sectional imaging, provided effective compression of the animal or human body part, yet access for percutaneous intervention is maintained by means of the hole in the compression surface.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive mouth piece has a pressure detector-sound unit assembly mounted on or embedded in the molded bite guard. When a patient clenches or bruxes his teeth, the pressure detector senses that condition and activates the sound unit to emit a tone audible to the patient. The patient is thereby alerted that he is clenching or bruxing his teeth so he can stop. Alternatively, a mechanical clicker can be embedded in the mouth piece and will emit an audible tone when the patient clenches or bruxes his teeth.

Abstract: An implant comprises interconnected compartments with intlet and outlet and can be used for sampling of entered serous fluid or to hold drug concentrate for selective delivery, if desired. The compartments are formed by sealing around porous foam rings between a top and a bottom layer of biocompatible elastic membrane with a polymer paste which sets to form a rubbery shell. The top membrane layer over the compartment is punctured to create a small resealable channel. Upon subcutaneous implantation, serous fluid under hydrostatic pressure seeps into the interior through the puncture orifice. The entered fluid may be withdrawn by an hypodermic syringe through the rubbery side wall to obtain serum-borne bioactive materials. If a drug concentrate is included, the entered fluid will dissolve some of the drug therein. When delivery is required, external sidewise compression of the elastic compartment over the skin fold expels the drug containing solution therein through the orifice.

Abstract: The method for measuring the elasticity of a superficial layer (2), in particular of the skin, comprises defining a zone (7) of this layer; creating a negative pressure in this zone to cause a deformation of the zone; and measuring the negative pressure necessary to cause a deformation of predetermined amplitude. The measuring device includes a sensor (3) provided with a cavity (5) defined by a rim (6) arranged to be pressed against the layer (2) to be studied, and a pump (17) for creating a negative pressure in the cavity (5). A suction opening (20) is provided in the cavity at a predetermined distance (d) from the superficial layer, in such a manner as to be obturated by the layer when the deformation attains the predetermined amplitude. A pick-up device is provided for measuring the negative pressure that has produced the deformation of predetermined amplitude.

Abstract: Tissue needle for extracting a biopsy sample including a pistol style squeezable hand grip for single hand tissue needle operation during a biopsy procedure. A spring tensioned sliding cannula, including a configured cutting edge, is actuated by a squeeze trigger and cam arrangement to slide over a fixed position stylet for entry into a tissue sample area. A squeeze trigger manually cycles using one hand to obtain a biopsy sample contained in a tissue sample notch of the sharp stylet tip whereupon the tissue needle can then be manually withdrawn. The tissue needle can be left temporarily in position in the tissue sample area in preparation for additional sampling while the stylet is withdrawn independently of the cannula prior to other samplings after subsequent reinsertion of the stylet into the cannula.

Abstract: A flexible guide wire for use in the placement of a surgical instrument or the like within a human or animal body includes an elongated shaft with a coil spring mounted on its distal end, the shaft being tapered at its distal end to enhance its flexibility, and the shaft having a stepped down portion near its distal end defining a reduced diameter portion for the shaft which is less than the inner diameter of the coil spring to facilitate attachment of the coil spring thereto while providing a smooth transition between the shaft and the coil spring at their junction point.

Abstract: A biopsy instrument is disclosed with a pair of blades which may be brought into an interference fit contact to generate a shearing force therebetween. The blades form an assembly which is removably attached to the instrument and is disposable. A trigger-type mechanism is provided for operating the blades. A jig is also provided for installing and removing the disposable blade assembly.