Abstract: The invention is directed to a catheter formed at least in part of a multilayered member having a first layer which is fusion bondable to another catheter component such as the skirt of an inflatable balloon and a second layer which is adjacent the first layer having a melting point greater than the first layer so that the multilayered member of the catheter is not deformed when the other catheter component is fusion bonded to the first layer of the multilayered member. The second layer is preferably lubricious in nature. In one embodiment of the invention, the multilayered member is a tubular element with the lubricious second layer defining an inner lumen extending within the tubular element. The outer layer of the tubular member may extend beyond the distal end of the inner layer and form a non-traumatic distal tip. Alternatively, a flexible non-traumatic distal tip may be fusion bonded to at least the outer layer of the multilayered tubular member.

Abstract: The puncture closure for closing a blood vessel with a puncture, in particular an artery, a vein short circuited with an artery, a shunt or a prosthesis, etc. has a pressure chamber in which an overpressure may be created, provided with an opening for receiving a pressure medium and fastenable to the body in the area of the puncture. The part of the pressure chamber that faces the body is extensible. In order to create a puncture closure that reliably closes the puncture of a blood vessel without too much blood loss, without forming significant hematomas nor completely collapsing the blood vessel, the opening for receiving the pressure medium is located above a piercing channel of the puncture hole and the blood that flows out of the blood vessel is used as a pressure medium.

Abstract: A modular blood filter device and delivery system, comprising a hollow vessel insertion device with a modular filter apparatus. The insertion device, which can be an introducer, includes a distal end adapted to enter an artery, and a proximal end adapted to receive a modular filter apparatus. When the insertion device is a cannula, the modular filter apparatus is received through a side port. The modular filter apparatus includes a shaft and an adjustable filter device or a removable filter associated with the shaft. The adjustable filter includes filter mesh, an adjustable flame capable of assuming enlarged and contracted conditions and a frame sizing mechanism associated with the frame. Certain embodiments include a filter cartridge, and the shaft is inserted into the cartridge, thereby protecting the adjustable filter device therein. The cartridge may then be removably received by the insertion device. An expandable obturator may be used to ease the entry of the insertion device into the vessel.

Abstract: A surgical device for cutting substantially across a cornea of an eye of a patient, the device including a positioning ring structured to be temporarily attached to a portion of the eye surrounding the cornea to be cut, and defining an aperture sized to receive and expose the cornea to be cut. The surgical device further includes a cutting head assembly structured to be guided and driven over an upper surface of the positioning ring in a generally arcuate path, and having a cutting element positioned therein and structured to oscillate laterally to facilitate smooth and effective cutting of the cornea. The cutting head assembly is structured to be detachably coupled to the positioning ring by a coupling member which permits movement of the cutting head assembly relative to the positioning ring along the generally arcuate path, but maintains sufficient engagement therebetween to ensure that smooth, steady, driven movement is maintained.

Abstract: Block copolymers wherein the first block contains from about 40 to about 65 mole percent of repeating units derived from glycolide randomly combined with from about 60 to 35 mole percent of repeating units derived from lactide and the second block contains repeating units derived from glycolide and repeating units derived from lactide, the second block containing a higher proportion of repeating units derived from glycolide than the first block, with units derived from glycolide constituting from about 75 to about 95 mole percent of the entire block copolymer are useful in forming surgical articles, including sutures.

Abstract: A skin closure device made of flexible material adhesively attachable to the skin of a person who is preparing to undergo surgery, the device including optional non adhesive areas along opposite sides of an incision and bridging members adapted to engaged the skin closure member on opposite sides of the incision to hold the skin closure member closed against the skin surface adjacent to the incision. The subject invention is also directed to the use of a surgical drape having a window opening through which or in which the subject skin closure can be positioned, the subject skin closure being removable from the window at the conclusion of surgery so that the skin closure device with remain attached to the skin for as long as desired and the surgical drape can be removed for use elsewhere. The subject invention also contemplates attaching a medicated strip extending along the skin closure device in the area of the incision to provide medication help at the conclusion of surgery.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an angioplasty catheter for expanding and/or opening up morbidly constricted or obstructed blood vessels, comprising at least one rotor (3) that is rotatively mounted in a cylindrical housing (4) at the distal end of the catheter, is connected to a rotational actuator (2) and is guided in the axial and/or radial direction along a preset path of motion (5), where as a result of the guided motion, the turning rotor (3) mechanically generates endogenous sound waves, especially sound waves in the ultrasound range, and induces a corresponding motion of the housing (4).

Abstract: A surgical clamp or tissue retractor is disclosed having gripping surfaces from which extend resilient filaments. The distal ends of some of the resilient filaments abut against the engaged vessel or tissue to restrict movement of the vessel or tissue relative to the gripping surfaces. In the preferred embodiment, the resilient filaments are arranged in rows and oriented at particular angles relative to the gripping surfaces.

Abstract: A system for sealing a percutaneous puncture in a blood vessel in a living being and a method of sealing the puncture. The system includes a hemostatic closure, a blood vessel locator device for determining the position of the blood vessel via the percutaneous puncture, and a deployment instrument for deploying the closure within the puncture to seal the puncture. The vessel locator includes means for enabling blood from the vessel to flow therethrough so that the position of the vessel can be rapidly determined. Once the vessel has been located the deployment instrument, which includes a tubular carrier storing the closure, is extended into the puncture to deploy the closure. The closure basically comprises a radiopaque rigid anchor for location within the blood vessel, a compressed collagen plug for location within the puncture tract leading to the vessel, and a thin filament connecting the two in a pulley-like arrangement.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical retractor for use during a laparoscopic spinal procedure, includes an elongated sleeve member having proximal and distal end portions and defining a longitudinal opening therethrough and a valve assembly mounted to the proximal end portion of the elongated sleeve member for sealing a surgical instrument introduced within the longitudinal opening of the sleeve member. The distal end portion is configured for insertion at least partially into an intervertebral space between adjacent opposed vertebrae to distract the adjacent vertebrae. A method for inserting a fusion implant with the use of the retractor is also disclosed.

Abstract: A ratcheting compression device is provided which is very strong, which can be customized in length, which can be retightened periodically to maintain compression, which allows precise placement and alignment of bones with both grossly tuned compression and finely tuned compression, and in which only a limited inventory of parts is required. The two-piece compression device comprises (a) a novel first piece having a bone screw located at a first end thereof and having a ratcheting means located near the second end thereof and comprising teeth having their crests lying substantially in a plane and (b) a novel second piece comprising an anti-rotation means which acts in cooperation with the ratcheting means of the first piece to compress two segments of bone together.In yet other embodiments, two embodiments of a driver are provided for quickly driving the stop onto the ratcheting means to a desired extent.

Abstract: A medical construct particularly useful as a stent, comprising an axially compressible bellows of a material and dimensions sufficient to provide negligible resistance to flexure transverse to the axis and negligible recoil under compression or expansion along the axis, and apparatus and a method for deploying the same.

Abstract: A low profile unobtrusive occluder device is disclosed which is particularly applicable for occluding blood vessels in minimally invasive beating heart CABG surgical procedures, wherein relatively small surgical openings are provided. At least one flexible member is provided on the occluder, which is placed against the vessel. A suture thread is passed under the vessel to encompass the vessel between the occluder and suture thread. The suture thread is selectively attached to the occluder such that the flexible member, when deformed, applies continuous selected tension on the suture thread to apply a corresponding compression on the vessel which occludes the flow of blood. An applicator is attached to the occluder to enable installation thereof, but is detachable after installation such that only the low profile occluder remains on the heart surface during surgery. The applicator is re-attached to the occluder to facilitate removal of the latter.

Abstract: A method and device for sealing an opening in an anatomical structure within a living body involves the positioning of the tissue adjacent to the opening within a gap between proximal and distal parts of a flexible tube formed by a curved central part. A needle coupled to a suture loop is drawn from a needle retention channel formed within the distal part through the tissue received in the gap and into a needle receiving channel formed within the proximal part. The needle may be drawn out by pulling on either the suture loop or a separate pull cord which extends through a lumen to an opening formed in the first end of the proximal part. After the device has been rotated and the procedure repeated, a second needle attached to the suture loop is drawn through the tissue in the same manner and the two ends are knotted together and tightened to seal the opening.

Abstract: An elongate tubular body extends between a rotatable cutter tip and a control. The cutter tip is connected to the control with a rotatable element. The control has an indicator which reveals resistance to rotation of either the rotatable element or cutter tip. Material which has been processed by the cutter tip is aspirated through the tubular body for disposal.

Abstract: A fastener for use during a surgical procedure for securing a surgical component to a vessel wall is disclosed having a flexible fastening assembly for securing the surgical component to the vessel wall under a compressive force. The fastening assembly has a first portion located on one side of the surgical component and the vessel wall, a second portion located on another side of the surgical component and the vessel wall, and an intermediate portion connecting to the first portion and the second portion, the intermediate portion extending through the vessel wall and the surgical component. The first portion, second portion and the intermediate portion act together to apply a compressive force to the surgical component and the vessel wall to secure the surgical component to the vessel wall. The fastening assembly may further include at least one supplemental fastening assembly to secure the surgical component to the vessel wall.

Abstract: An arterial catheter system for removing plaque from the aorta and other arteries is disclosed. The system typically includes an elongate catheter member, a filtration apparatus disposed within the distal region, and an atherectomy assembly which includes a mechanism for trapping and holding mobile or fixed plaque and an excising mechanism for removing the plaque. In use, the catheter is positioned so that the atherectomy assembly lies within a region of interest, the filtration apparatus is deployed downstream of the region of interest, the plaque is trapped and held by a snare, vacuum, or other trapping means, and then the excising mechanism is activated to remove the plaque. Methods are also disclosed for removing plaque from the aorta and other arteries.

Abstract: A forceps includes a pair of grip pieces which are pivotally supported about a first fulcrum to be mutually openable and closable. A pair of tip-end forceps pieces are pivotally supported about a second fulcrum to be mutually openable and closable. The second fulcrum is separated from the first fulcrum. An operation transferring member transfers opening and closing operation of the grip pieces about the first fulcrum to opening and closing operations of the tip-end forceps pieces about the second fulcrum.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in raising cattle, and in particular bulls, wherein bulls are:(a) fed a particularly nutritious liquid having a distinctive odor prior to weaning;(b) fed a combination of this liquid and conventional feed after weaning in a feedlot;(c) castrated using a ligation tool that provides a ligating tension to endless elastomeric ligation bands wherein the tool indicates the tension applied to such ligation bands; and(d) treated for infection prevention at least around the time of castration.Accordingly, cattle growth is accelerated due to enhanced nutrition, reduction in disease and a reduction in the stress upon the cattle. Furthermore, late castration of bulls (at approximately 5 to 14 months) is employed, wherein the tool of (c) provides a substantially stress-free ligation technique. Moreover, the meat produced from the cattle processed using the present invention has superior cutability characteristics.

Abstract: A device for sealing openings in anatomical structures comprises a longitudinal member including a proximal portion having a longitudinal suture channel extending therethrough and a central portion, wherein the suture channel extends through the central portion to a suture opening formed in the central portion distal end and a distal portion coupled to the central portion distal end. A plurality of needle channels extend substantially longitudinally through the distal portion from the distal portion proximal end and, in an initial configuration, each of needle channel incldes a needle with a length of suture forming a suture loop coupled between respective pairs of needles, so that, when the suture loop is pulled in a proximal direction, the length of suture pulls each of the needles to which the length of suture is coupled from the initial position to a deployed position in which proximal ends of each of the needles coupled to the length of suture extend outside the corresponding needle channels.