Abstract: A disposable diaper includes barrier cuffs around wearer's legs. Each of the barrier cuffs longitudinally extends on an inner surface of the disposable diaper and includes a supporting wall section adapted to rise on the inner surface of the diaper and a sealing surface zone which includes a first overhead section extending inwards from the supporting wall section and a second overhead section extending outwards from the supporting wall section. A first elastic member extending along an inner edge of the sealing surface zone in operative association with the first overhead section has an elongation stress higher than that of a second elastic member extending along an outer edge of the sealing surface zone in operative association with the second overhead section. The barrier cuffs thus constructed provide a good fit around a wearer's legs to prevent body fluids from leaking.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive overfill protection system for a refillable drug delivery device includes a collapsible link which, in a preferred embodiment, comprises an aneroid having an internal volume of gas at a reference pressure. The collapsible link, in its expanded state, supports on inlet valve in an open position to permit the ingress of new drug fluid into a bellows reservoir. The external surface of the aneroid is exposed to the bellows pressure. When the bellows pressure exceeds the reference pressure, the aneroid collapses and permits the inlet valve to move to a closed position under a biasing force provided by a spring. Further flow of new drug fluid into the drug delivery device is thereby prevented. Moreover, the closure of the valve provides a large increase in pressure is experienced in the refill device and may therefore be sensed by a clinician. Because the overfill protection system is pressure sensitive, it may be used with different sized bellows without modification.

Abstract: A device for laproscopic surgery with an expandable basket for entrapping cutting and removing target tissue. The basket consists of a plurality of elongate flexible elements with cutting edges facing the central longitudinal axis of the device.

Abstract: A catheter having a multiple locking mechanism for connecting a proximal portion of the catheter shaft to a distal portion of the catheter shaft is provided. Also provided is a method for connecting a catheter shaft employing the multiple locking mechanism of the invention. The multiple locking mechanism permits a proximal shaft to be joined with a distal end portions, while simultaneously ensuring integrity of the connection between the proximal shaft and the distal end portion.

Abstract: Aspiration catheters and methods for the treatment of an occlusion in a blood vessel. These catheters and methods are especially useful in the removal of occlusions from saphenous vein grafts, the coronary and carotid arteries, arteries above the aortic arch and even smaller vessels. The catheters of the present invention are provided in either over-the-wire or in single operator form. Radiopaque markers are preferably incorporated into distal ends of the catheters, and visual markers are incorporated into the proximal end of the catheters, to facilitate their positioning within the body. The catheters are provided with varying flexibility along the length of the shaft, such that they are soft and flexible enough to be navigated through the vasculature of a patient without causing damage, but are stiff enough to sustain the axial push required to position the catheter properly and to sustain the aspiration pressures.

Abstract: A surgical device which has an elongated body which is curved at one of its ends, and which has two through passages at each of its ends and two connecting lines connecting the through passages in such a way that each of the connecting lines connects one through passage at one end of the elongated body to a through passage at the other end of the elongated body. The elongated body also has both two selective control means mounted on it, each of which is capable of controlling the fluid circulation in the connecting lines, and two actuating members for actuating the selective control means. The surgical device also includes at least one first joining piece carrying a first tubular connector which can be brought into communication with such a body side. The first joining piece can be mounted at either end of the elongated body, so that the first tubular connector is connected, in common and in a sealed manner, to the two through passages of the end on which the first joining piece is mounted.

Abstract: An invention which provides for making low cost apparatus and one-hand activation methods for shielding a syringe needle as a safety precaution after each needle use. A shield, which may be used as a protective cover for the needle during initial transport to site of use, is linearly actuated to three distinct stops by action of a single hand, thereby leaving the second hand of a user free for patient care. The shield is releasible from two of the three stops to make possible uncovering of the needle preparatory to use and temporary needle protection between needle uses. The shield has an elongated hollow barrel shape which is sized to fit snugly about, yet slide smoothly over a body of a syringe associated with the needle. The barrel shape of the shield is longitudinally interrupted by a scissure in which an arm which is hingeably affixed to the shield resides.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for using a cooled fluid to be introduced into the lungs as a heat exchange which as a result of the circulatory system of the body, lowers the temperature of the brain as well as the temper of the body in general. In instances where cardiopulmonary arrest occurs and CPR is delayed due to the clinical setting in which the arrest takes place, the rapid induction of brain hypothermia by liquid pulmonary lavage secures valuable time for the subsequent application of CPR techniques. The method can be used on any elective hypothermic surgery.

Abstract: A steerable catheter (310) having a handle, a manifold strain relief (314) securely mounted at a front distal end of the handle, a steering dial (316) rotatably mounted within the handle, the steering dial (316) comprises a steering dial left fastener (316L) and a steering dial right fastener (316R). A lumen extrusion shaft (318) is securely fastened at a rear distal end to the manifold strain relief (314). The lumen extrusion shaft (318) has at least one lumen extrusion shaft large lumen opening (318B) and at least one lumen extrusion shaft small lumen opening (318C) contained therein. A lumen extrusion tip (320) is securely fastened at a front distal end of the lumen extrusion shaft (318) by a lumen extrusion shaft connection (318A). A manifold (334) is securely fastened at a rear end of the manifold strain relief (314). At least one luer lock (324) is securely mounted at a rear distal end of the handle. A steering wire (328) securely fastened at a rear distal end to the steering dial (316).

Abstract: Balloons for medical devices, particularly balloon angioplasty catheters, which have hybrid compliance curves in which growth rate slows at higher pressures are made from block copolymer thermoplastic elastomers.

Abstract: A cannula comprises a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends, wherein at least a portion of the cannula body is non-circular in cross section, preferably oval. A cannula wherein a portion of the cannula body is oval in cross section is ideally suited in surgical procedures wherein the cannula extends through a percutaneous aperture. The oval portion of the cannula body utilizes the space of the percutaneous aperture efficiently, thereby minimizing the necessary size of the access aperture.

Abstract: The invention provides a device having first and second balloons. Each of the first and second balloons communicates with an inflation lumen. A differential pressure gauge communicates with both inflation lumens. Each of the inflation lumens also communicates independently with a pump for inflating the balloon. The pressure gauge may include a shut-off valve for terminating inflation in the second balloon when the pressure within the first balloon exceeds the pressure in the second balloon. The pressure gauge may also include a pressure limiter. Methods of using the devices for measuring diameter and pressure of a balloon occluder deployed in a vessel or body cavity are disclosed.

Abstract: A balloon catheter comprising a body and first and second arms attached to one end of the body. A common inflation lumen extends along the body and branches into each of the arms. An expandable balloon is provided on each arm so as to be in fluid communication with the lumen of each arm. The catheter further includes a guide wire lumen in each of the arms. A method for dilating a narrowed bifurcated vessel is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a multi-function control valve assembly for use in aspirating the left ventricle of the heart during open heart bypass surgery. The control valve assembly includes a housing assembly which defines an inlet adapted for connection to a suction tube inserted into the left ventricle and an outlet adapted for connection to a pump. The control valve assembly further includes a valving arrangement that is operable to provide three distinct functions. First, the control valve assembly includes a unidirectional flow valve which is operable to only permit fluid to flow from the inlet to the outlet, thereby preventing a reverse flow situation. Second, the control valve assembly includes a positive pressure relief valve which is operable to vent the outlet when the pressure therein exceeds a predetermined positive pressure value.

Abstract: A one-piece hemostasis valve located within a longitudinally extended housing, with the valve comprising an extended sealing neck having a passageway therethrough, communicating with a sealing chamber having opposing sealing exit lips and preferably support shoulders on the outside of the valve adjacent to the sealing neck to provide support for the valve. The passageway of the extended sealing neck contains narrowed and broadened portions to prevent blood loss when receiving a guidewire and catheter inserted through the passageway of the sealing neck.

Abstract: Systems and methods for isolating a pressure gauge from sources of potential contamination so that the pressure gauge may be reused in multiple medical procedures without having to be subjected to a sterilization procedure. The systems of the invention may include a syringe assembly having a pressure gauge removably attached to a syringe. The pressure gauge is isolated from sources of potential contamination in at least two ways. First, a flexible membrane separates a pressure transducer diaphragm of the pressure gauge from the pressurized fluid of the syringe. The flexible membrane prevents the pressure gauge from contacting the fluid and transmits pressure and forces from the fluid to the pressure gauge. Second, a substantially transparent disposable bag or film covers surfaces of the pressure gauge that would be otherwise exposed to human contact or other contaminants. During medical procedures, the pressure gauge maintains its sterile condition.

Abstract: An inventive perfusion catheter is disclosed which allows for the flow of a bodily fluid across the catheter while the catheter delivers a treatment device to a specified bodily location. The inventive perfusion catheter finds particular application in the delivery of a stent. The stent is deployed from a chamber having perfusion openings in the proximal and distal ends. The perfusion openings are constructed and arranged so as to allow the flow of a bodily fluid such as blood through the chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for treating body tissue whereby a section of tissue is drawn into contact with the open distal end of the first passageway of the apparatus. A tissue treatment fluid is introduced into the second passageway for treating the desired section of tissue retained within the first passageway. Methods and apparatus are also disclosed for positioning a medical device at a desired location within the heart. A portion of the apparatus is retained at a desired location of the heart and a medical device is extended through a passageway of the apparatus for contacting the heart at the desired location.

Abstract: A catheter having minimal dead volume due to a "micro" or very small internal diameter for the majority of its length. The distal tip of the catheter, which is the end disposed within the body proximate the location at which the pharmaceutical agent or other fluids are to be delivered, includes a chamber, compartment or other relatively wider internal diameter section, so that the internal diameter rapidly expands in the transitional region between the proximal portion of the catheter (with the very small or micro internal diameter) and the distal portion of the catheter (which includes the catheter tip). The expanding internal diameter causes the velocity of fluid being delivered to decrease prior to its ejection through a distal opening. Also disclosed is a fluid delivery system comprising a stylet lumen separate from a delivery lumen.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of a stenosis or an occlusion in a blood vessel in which an occlusive device is first delivered and activated at a site distal to the occlusion to at least partially occlude the vessel. A therapy catheter is then introduced to treat the occlusion and a debris removal device is delivered to aspirate debris from the vessel. The present invention eliminates the need for a separate irrigation catheter and irrigation fluid which allows the procedure to be performed quickly and efficiently, and is especially useful in the removal of occlusion from saphenous vein grafts, the coronary and carotid arteries, arteries above the aortic arch and vessels of similar size and pressure.