Abstract: An implant having a tube for permitting fluid flow has an outer flange at the outlet end and a retention projection near the inlet end. A delivery device for implanting the implant has a central bore for accommodating the implant during the implantation procedure. When the implant is loaded in the delivery device, the retention projection of the implant protrudes beyond the outside surface of the delivery device. After the delivery device and implant have penetrated the tissue through which drainage is desired, and the retention projection has fully penetrated through the tissue, the delivery device is withdrawn. The retention projection acts as a hook engaging the inside surface of the tissue, causing the implant to stay implanted in the tissue. An implant may also be provided with a mechanism for temporary occlusion, in whole or in part, of the flow passage.

Abstract: An implant for implantation into an animal or a human body, that includes an axial interior section for fixation inside the body and an axial exterior section, extending outwards from the body for mounting of a device which can be detachably connected to the body via the ring. The interior section and the exterior section are connected to each other by at least one connecting section with at least one transverse opening. Through the transverse openings, tissue can be formed for fastening of the implant. The fastening can be additionally secured by placing a number of anchoring members in the transverse openings.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a slit valve catheter has a generally tubular catheter body with an exterior surface exposed to an environment and an interior surface defining a lumen. The catheter further includes a valve which has a protuberance projecting radially from the catheter body.

Abstract: A preshaped tubular catheter for percutaneous transradial approach to catheterization, comprises a distal bridge shaped portion having a distal arch defining a primary curve, a top defining a secondary curve, and a proximal arch defining a tertiary curve. The proximal arch is connected to a straight shaft. The shaft is stiff and the bridge shaped portion has a flexibility extending at least up to and including the primary curve and a stiffness extending at least up to and including the tertiary curve.

Abstract: A dental syringe system having a syringe body containing a needle assembly wherein the syringe body serves as a protective shield after medication is injected. A reusable plunger assembly pushes a slidable seal of a carpule and the needle out for medication delivery and then pulls the needle back within the syringe body after the medication is delivered. The needle assembly, syringe body, carpule carrier and carpule are disposable and the plunger is reusable.

Abstract: Total occlusions are crossed by passing a guidewire or other penetrating wire from a point proximal to the occlusion into a subintimal space between the intimal layer and adventitial layer of the blood vessel wall. The wire is advanced to a point distal to the occlusion and thereafter deflected back into the blood vessel lumen, typically using a deflecting catheter which is advanced over the guidewire after it has been positioned within the subintimal space. After the guidewire is returned to the blood vessel lumen, the deflecting catheter may be withdrawn and the guidewire is available for introduction of other interventional and diagnostic catheters.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved surgical instrument and method for the aspiration of tissues and fluids from a patient via suction through a small diameter cannula. The device and method achieve improved results (e.g., speed and efficiency of the surgical procedure) using a continuous, precise amount of vented air of between about 3 and about 40 cubic feet per hour.

Abstract: Epilepsy and other neurological disorders that are affected by the electrical potential difference between intracellular fluid and extra-cellular fluid and therefore the cell membrane potentials, and therefore the thresholds for the communication between brain cells can be controlled by re-circulating extra-cellular brain fluid after the fluid has been treated to alter its ion concentrations. A computer-controlled pump can precisely control the extraction and delivery of brain fluid after the ion concentration of the fluid is appropriately adjusted, e.g. guided by the Goldmann equation. Well-known techniques for modifying ion concentrations can be used to raise or lower ion concentrations as needed.

Abstract: An intraluminal catheter having an expandable tubular open-walled element for immobilizing at least part of the catheter within a patient's body lumen, generally comprising an elongated shaft and a tubular open-walled element secured to the shaft, wherein the tubular open-walled element is at least in part expandable from an unexpanded diameter to a larger diameter expanded diameter within the body lumen. The expanded diameter configuration is configured to contact a wall defining the body lumen and thereby releasably secure at least part of the catheter within the body lumen. A cannula member, used for delivering or removing fluids from the body lumen, can be positioned in one or more optimal perfusion locations within the body lumen during use, independent of the secured site. When occlusion of the axial flow is necessary, an optional occluding member may be reversibly deployed so that it expands inside and against the expanded tubular open-walled element.

Abstract: A device for ablating the stratum corneum epidermidis of a subject, including a plurality of electrodes, which are applied to the subject's skin at respective points. A power source applies electrical energy between two or more of the plurality of electrodes, in order to cause ablation of the stratum corneum primarily in an area intermediate the respective points.

Abstract: A method of deploying a helical structure having at least one operative element within a bodily structure defining an orifice includes the steps of inserting at least a portion of the helical structure through the orifice in an uncoiled state and returning the helical structure to a coiled state while at least a portion of the helical structure is within the bodily structure such that the coiled helical structure engages the orifice.

Abstract: Implants and associated delivery systems for promoting angiogenesis in ischemic tissue are provided. The implants may be delivered percutaneously, thoracically or surgically and are particularly well suited for implantation into the myocardium of the heart. The implants are configured to have a first configuration having a low profile and an expanded, second configuration having a large profile. The implants are delivered to the ischemic tissue location in the first configuration, implanted then expanded to the second configuration. The expanded implants maintain a stress on the surrounding tissue, irritating and slightly injuring the tissue to provoke an injury response that results in angiogenesis. The flow of blood from the surrounding tissue into the implant and pooling of the blood in and around the implant leads to thrombosis and fibrin growth. This healing process leads to angiogenesis in the tissue surrounding the implant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymeric medical articles comprising the anti-infective agents chlorhexidine and triclosan. It is based, at least in part, on the discovery that the synergistic relationship between these compounds permits the use of relatively low levels of both agents, and on the discovery that effective antimicrobial activity may be achieved when these compounds are comprised in either hydrophilic or hydrophobic polymers. It is also based on the discovery that chlorhexidine free base and triclosan, used together, are incorporated into polymeric medical articles more efficiently. Medical articles prepared according to the invention offer the advantage of preventing or inhibiting infection while avoiding undesirably high release of anti-infective agent, for example into the bloodstream of a subject.

Abstract: A device is provided for treating skin on the body of a subject. The device includes a plurality of electrodes, which are adapted to be placed in contact with the skin and then moved across the skin while maintaining electrical contact with the skin. The device additionally includes a power source, which is adapted to apply a current between two or more of the plurality of electrodes at the same time as the electrodes are being moved across the skin.

Abstract: A drug delivery apparatus for dispensing predetermined volumes of drug, drug solution or other substances into an opening, such as a TMR channel in the human heart, or other laser treated area within the human body, the apparatus consisting of a bifurcated needle with a laser inlet for guiding a laser delivery means, such as an optical fiber or fiber bundle, to adjacent a surface of the human heart or other body structure for creating an opening, such as a TMR channel, or other laser treated area thereon. A drug inlet is for receiving the drug and transmitting the drug to the TMR channel or other laser treated area. Optionally, a piercing tip and/or suction device assists in positioning the apparatus adjacent the tissue to be treated. Drug is dispensed by manually or automatically actuating a piston or syringe element. A method of use is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved nerve stimulator needle which allows for improved ease of use and efficacy in the performance of targeted drug delivery to nerve. A variable control mechanism is contained in a housing to which a needle is attached and several electrical conductors are attached. The housing contains an embedded fluid path through which a syringe is attached to the needle. The variable control mechanism and the housing allows for positioning the needle and applying current to the needle with the same hand. The needle may also contain a linear resistive coating that enables the determination of the depth of the needle by determining the resistance of the length of the needle above the skin surface of a patient. Another embodiment of the needle may include an optical variable control mechanism.

Abstract: An increase in agent residence time at a tissue site is provided for by the presence of a barrier. The barrier is a separate entity from the agent when introduced to the tissue. A binding member is included in the barrier for coupling the barrier to the surface of the tissue. In one embodiment, agent is introduced to the tissue prior to attachment of the barrier to the tissue. In another embodiment, agent is presented after the barrier is positioned on the tissue surface. A delivery vehicle may be used to administer the agent and barrier to a patient.

Abstract: A micro perfusion device and method for obtaining at least one constituent of a body fluid. The at least one constituent is obtained using a subcutaneously-positioned perfusion catheter into which perfusate is introduced by a supply channel and an injection needle. The perfusate absorbs the at least one constituent as it flows out of the perfusion catheter and through a discharge channel.

Abstract: A medical needle adapted for conducting fluid comprising a generally cylindrical tube having a central longitudinal axis, a first end and a second pointed end adapted for penetration into a bodily cavity of a subject, wherein the pointed end includes a plurality of prongs defined by at least one notch formed in the pointed end. Said notch between the prongs being beveled to allow for easy penetration of the needle into a blood-vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a needle protection arrangement (2) for a hypodermic syringe (1), with a needle protector (2′). The hypodermic syringe (1) includes a container (10) and plunger (12), inside the container, to which a rod (11) imparts reciprocal motion and a needle (14) affixed to, or fastenable to, one end-part of the container. The needle protector (2) has a sealing membrane (2b) across its tubular cross-section at the opposite end from the container. The needle protector (2′) has a first distinct position (100) prior to use and a second distinct and locked position (200) after use.

Abstract: 7-Fluoroprostaglandins represented by the following formula (I): ##STR1## In the formula (I), R.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are hydrogen atoms or the same or different protective groups, respectively, and R.sup.5 is a straight chained, branched or cyclic alkyl group having from 3 to 7 carbon atoms.