Abstract: A device for thermally coupling to a head and/or a neck of a patient is provided which includes cooling coils configured to allow for controlled cooling of the head or neck of the patient. The cooling coils are formed with tubing for directing cooling fluid. A plurality of fluid flow paths are provided whereby the flow of cooling fluid can be controlled to thereby selectively cool the head and/or neck of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tracheal intubation device and method for placing an endotracheal tube within a patient's trachea. More particularly, the endotracheal tube includes primary and secondary cuffs, in the form of inflatable balloons. A stillette is positioned within the endotracheal tube. The tracheal intubation device includes a guiding mechanism for guiding the stillette and the endotracheal tube within a patent's body. The guiding mechanism is positioned external to a patient and sized and shaped so as to transmit a signal and to receive a signal indicating the location of the stillette in a patient's body. After the endotracheal tube is positioned in the oropharynx, inflating the secondary cuff urges the endotracheal tube toward the trachea of a patient.

Abstract: An angioplasty device with emboli pull-in mechanism is provided that includes an infusion catheter with a proximal end and a distal end. A balloon catheter having an inflatable cavity formed by an inner wall and an outer wall is disposed coaxially with the infusion catheter. The balloon catheter has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the balloon catheter is sealingly attached to the infusion catheter. And the balloon catheter has at least one communicating channel disposed from the outer wall to the inner wall of the balloon catheter. A suction catheter is disposed between the balloon catheter and the infusion catheter. The suction catheter is in fluid communication with the at least one communicating channel in the balloon catheter.

Abstract: An angioplasty device with emboli pull-in mechanism is provided that includes an infusion catheter with a proximal end and a distal end. A balloon catheter having an inflatable cavity formed by an inner wall and an outer wall is disposed coaxially with the infusion catheter. The balloon catheter has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the balloon catheter is sealingly attached to the infusion catheter. And the balloon catheter has at least one communicating channel disposed from the outer wall to the inner wall of the balloon catheter. A suction catheter is disposed between the balloon catheter and the infusion catheter. The suction catheter is in fluid communication with the at least one communicating channel in the balloon catheter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tracheal intubation device and method for placing an endotracheal tube within a patient's trachea. More particularly, the endotracheal tube includes primary and secondary cuffs, in the form of inflatable balloons. A stillette is positioned within the endotracheal tube. The tracheal intubation device includes a guiding mechanism for guiding the stillette and the endotracheal tube within a patent's body. The guiding mechanism is positioned external to a patient and sized and shaped so as to transmit a signal and to receive a signal indicating the location of the stillette in a patient's body. After the endotracheal tube is positioned in the oropharynx, inflating the secondary cuff urges the endotracheal tube toward the trachea of a patient.

Abstract: A funnel or cone-shaped portion of a funnel device is fixed to the distal end of a guide catheter. The funnel is configured with an adjustable opening. The funnel can be fixed to a guide catheter and the orifice of the funnel may be expanded or collapsed via adjusting the tension on a wire controlling the size of the orifice. Alternatively, an outer catheter over the funnel is used to adjust the orifice. The funnel may include a pair of expandable rings of different diameter, or it may be configured from braided wires heat-shaped into a funnel. Preferably, a funnel sheath is provided. An engagement member may be provided on a support member.

Abstract: An angioplasty device with emboli pull-in mechanism is provided that includes an infusion catheter with a proximal end and a distal end. A balloon catheter having an inflatable cavity formed by an inner wall and an outer wall is disposed coaxially with the infusion catheter. The balloon catheter has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the balloon catheter is sealingly attached to the infusion catheter. And the balloon catheter has at least one communicating channel disposed from the outer wall to the inner wall of the balloon catheter. A suction catheter is disposed between the balloon catheter and the infusion catheter. The suction catheter is in fluid communication with the at least one communicating channel in the balloon catheter.

Abstract: The cardiac compression device can comprise an esophageal insert having at least one magnet. The esophageal insert's magnet(s) may be attracted or repelled by one or more additional magnets located outside the esophagus. Controlled activation and/or deactivation of the additional magnet(s) causes the esophagus to move toward or away from a patient's heart, causing compression. A method of cardiac compression in a patient may be achieved by placing an esophageal insert comprising a magnet inside the esophagus of the patient and an excited external magnet, causing movement of the esophagus toward or away from the heart and thereby causing cardiac compression.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for establishing a static column of gas inside a blood vessel and a system for automatically regulating the delivery and removal of the gas from the target blood vessel. The regulated gas delivery system for use with the gas-column angioscopy procedure comprises a gas reservoir, a pair of syringes operated by computer controlled electromotors, a valve system for directing the flow of gas into and out of the system, and a catheter assembly for establishing the gas-column inside the target vessel and for introducing fiber optic and microsurgical devices into the lumen of the target vessel.