Abstract: A catheter for use in treating pleural diseases, such as pleural effusions and pneumothorax, includes a tip portion that is configured to irritate the pleura when the catheter is inserted in the pleural cavity, thereby initiating mechanical pleurodesis. The tip portion has a substantially rough configuration and may include one or more protrusions that contact the pleura when the catheter is in use, thereby irritating the layers. This irritation causes the creation of fibrous adhesions between the parietal and visceral layers that close off the pleural cavity and prevent further fluid and/or air accumulations that occur as a result of pleural diseases.

Abstract: A catheter for use in treating pleura diseases, such as pleural effusions and pneumothorax, includes a tip portion that is configured to irritate the pleura when the catheter is inserted in the pleural cavity, thereby initiating mechanical pleurodesis. The tip portion has a substantially rough configuration and may include one or more protrusions that contact the pleura when the catheter is in use, thereby irritating the layers. This irritation causes the creation of fibrous adhesions between the parietal and visceral layers that close off the pleural cavity and prevent further fluid and/or air accumulations that occur as a result of pleural diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating pleural effusion in a subject, comprising removing fluid from the pleural space at an increased frequency, as compared to previous methods.

Abstract: A drug eluting catheter includes an active agent, such as a drug or chemical substance, which is integrated with the catheter and allows variable dosing of the agent for elution to the patient's body. The catheter includes a dosing region and graduated markings or is associated with a measurement device that includes graduated markings that correspond to a range of dose of the active agent associated with the catheter. By removing or masking an undesired dosing region prior to administration, a user may vary the dosage to suit a patient's needs.

Abstract: A drug eluting catheter includes an active agent, such as a drug or chemical substance, which is integrated with the catheter and allows variable dosing of the agent for elution to the patient's body. The catheter includes a dosing region and graduated markings or is associated with a measurement device that includes graduated markings that correspond to a range of dose of the active agent associated with the catheter. By removing or masking an undesired dosing region prior to administration, a user may vary the dosage to suit a patient's needs.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating pleural effusion in a subject, comprising removing fluid from the pleural space at an increased frequency, as compared to previous methods.

Abstract: A catheter for use in treating pleura diseases, such as pleural effusions and pneumothorax, includes a tip portion that is configured to irritate the pleura when the catheter is inserted in the pleural cavity, thereby initiating mechanical pleurodesis. The tip portion has a substantially rough configuration and may include one or more protrusions that contact the pleura when the catheter is in use, thereby irritating the layers. This irritation causes the creation of fibrous adhesions between the parietal and visceral layers that close off the pleural cavity and prevent further fluid and/or air accumulations that occur as a result of pleural diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of producing pleurodesis in a mammalian subject, comprising administration of a low dosage of a sclerosing agent such as silver or a salt of silver.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical device is provided, including a ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism includes a single button or lever that may be used to release or defeat a ratchet engagement.

Abstract: A resilient compressive surgical retractor securing device with capture assembly includes a compressive securing device that compressively joins the resilient compressive surgical retractor securing device with capture assembly to a surgical accessory bar of a halo style head fixation device and a capture assembly that releasably retains the elasticized band of a scalp hook retractor. The compressive securing device is formed with an arm that is configured to form a neck for receiving the surgical accessory bar or other external support between the arm and the compressive securing device. The arm may be resilient or non-resilient, and may employ releasable closures to close the neck. The capture assembly may include a pivotable cam that releasably retains the elasticized band of a scalp hook retractor by compressing the band between the cam and the surgical accessory bar or other external support.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical device is provided, including a ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism includes a single button or lever that may be used to release or defeat a ratchet engagement.