Abstract: The instant invention describes a zipper lubricating applicator device for dispensing a lubricant to components of a zipper. The applicator device is designed to fit various lubricant reservoirs and is capable of dispensing lubricant in the form of liquids, gels, or aerosols. The zipper lubricating applicator device contains a lubricant receiving cavity constructed and arranged to receive a lubricant reservoir. A lubricant dispensed from the lubricant reservoir is received by the lubricant receiving cavity and is directed to at least one inner lumen. The lubricant is dispersed at a controlled rate and to a desired portion of a zipper through the zipper receiving channel. The zipper receiving channel is constructed and arranged to provide dispensing of the lubricant to a portion of the zipper as the applicator device slidably moves upon the zipper track. The instant invention further describes systems for applying a lubricant to a zipper track.

Abstract: The instant invention describes a zipper lubricating applicator device for dispensing a lubricant to one or more components of a zipper. The applicator device is designed to fit various lubricant reservoirs and is capable of dispensing lubricant in the form of liquids, gels, or aerosols. The zipper lubricating applicator device contains a lubricant receiving cavity constructed and arranged to receive a lubricant reservoir. A lubricant dispensed from the lubricant reservoir is received by the lubricant receiving cavity and is directed to at least one inner lumen. The inner lumen provides a pathway for dispersal of a lubricant from the lubricant reservoir receiving cavity to a zipper receiving channel. The lubricant is dispersed at a controlled rate and to a desired portion of a zipper through the zipper receiving channel. The zipper receiving channel is constructed and arranged to provide dispensing of the lubricant to a portion of the zipper as the applicator device slidably moves upon the zipper track.

Abstract: The present invention provides new and useful features and mechanisms for the localization and transport of biopsy specimens. The invention having a specimen board, an absorbent material in operative engagement and in coplanar alignment with the specimen board, a compression sheet, radio opaque indicia located within the specimen board, and a flexible connection between the compression sheet and the specimen board, and an attachment device which provides for removable engagement of the specimen board and compression sheet. The apparatus further provides for a clear visualization window and operating instructions. The absorbent material is capable of adjustable movement between a first and second position, providing orthogonal positioning relative to the specimen board. As a result, the apparatus may be used to create three dimensional radiographic images allowing tissue analysis resulting in orthogonal views while maintaining original positional reference points.

Abstract: The instant invention describes a zipper lubricating applicator device for dispensing a lubricant to one or more components of a zipper. The applicator device is designed to fit various lubricant reservoirs and is capable of dispensing lubricant in the form of liquids, gels, or aerosols. The zipper lubricating applicator device contains a lubricant receiving cavity constructed and arranged to receive a lubricant reservoir. A lubricant dispensed from the lubricant reservoir is received by the lubricant receiving cavity and is directed to at least one inner lumen. The inner lumen provides a pathway for dispersal of a lubricant from the lubricant reservoir receiving cavity to a zipper receiving channel. The lubricant is dispersed at a controlled rate and to a desired portion of a zipper through the zipper receiving channel. The zipper receiving channel is constructed and arranged to provide dispensing of the lubricant to a portion of the zipper as the applicator device slidably moves upon the zipper track.

Abstract: A polyaxial flossing device constructed to provide a flossing portion with a plurality of axes of pivotal movement relative to a handle which can assume a straight or intermittently-angled shape position is described. The dental flossing device is formed by interconnecting a flossing portion and a handle portion by a universal joint to define a polyaxial joint. The universal joint includes a substantially spherical end and a substantially spherical appendage extending outwardly and sized to cooperate with the spherical cavity. Such construction and arrangement provides universal movement between the flossing and handle portions. The dental flossing device further has at least one resilient member extending between the flossing portion and handle portion of the invention, providing resistance to the pivoting flossing portion with respect to the handle portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides new and useful features and mechanisms for the localization and transport of biopsy specimens. The invention having a specimen board, an absorbent material in operative engagement and in coplanar alignment with the specimen board, a compression sheet, radio opaque indicia located within the specimen board, and a flexible connection between the compression sheet and the specimen board, and an attachment device which provides for removable engagement of the specimen board and compression sheet. The apparatus further provides for a clear visualization window and operating instructions. The absorbent material is capable of adjustable movement between a first and second position, providing orthogonal positioning relative to the specimen board. As a result, the apparatus may be used to create three dimensional radiographic images allowing tissue analysis resulting in orthogonal views while maintaining original positional reference points.

Abstract: A polyaxial toothbrush constructed to provide a brush portion with a plurality of axes of pivotal movement relative to a handle which can assume a straight or intermittently-angled shape position is described. The toothbrush is formed by interconnecting a brush portion and a head portions by a universal joint to define a polyaxial joint. The universal joint includes a substantially spherical end and a substantially spherical appendage extending outwardly end sized to cooperate with the spherical cavity. Such construction and arrangement provides universal movement between the brush and handle portions. The toothbrush further has at least one resilient member extending between the brush portion and handle portion of the invention, providing resistance to the pivoting brush portion with respect to the handle portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a minimally invasive apparatus and method of use to correct varicose veins by sclerosis. The apparatus comprising a semi-flexible first catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and an outer surface. The first catheter also has a lumen area extending the length of the catheter and capable of receiving a guide wire. The proximal end is fitted to receive an inflation device and/or a closure device. At the distal end, a collapsible occlusive balloon is attached. Additionally, the apparatus has a second catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, an outer surface. The second catheter also has a lumen area extending the length of the second catheter. The second catheter has a larger lumen than the first catheter, allowing the first and second catheters coaxial alignment. The distal end of the second catheter adapted to from a sealing engagement with the periphery of the first catheter, allowing the second catheter to movably extend over and retract from the first catheter.

Abstract: A medical bolster for alleviating the effects of poor circulation supports either the legs above the heart or the heart above the extremities to improve blood and lymph fluid flow in a patient. The collapsible bolster has an articulated frame pivotally connected together for adjusting the angle between the base frame member and the support frame member. A brace extends between the base frame and the support frame to fix and secure the frame in a selected position. The brace has a safety stop to prevent injury during collapse and the brace is oriented to vector the forces within the articulated frame.

Abstract: A catheter system for treating pulmonary emboli has an multi-channel access port for establishing and maintaining communication with the vascular system and provide guidance for endovascular catheterization. One catheter may traverse the port and extend through the heart to the pulmonary arteries to inject lysing agents, contrast media, medicaments and to remove blood clots. Another catheter may traverse the port and extend through the vena cava to other parts of the venous tree to supply the same agents and to remove blood clots there. A third catheter may telescope over the treatment catheter through the vena cava and occlude the affected vein. Gas pervious tubules on the third catheter provide oxygen enrichment of the venous blood.

Abstract: An apparatus for incising a stenosis within a vascular conduit of a patient includes an inflatable balloon attached to an elongated catheter that defines a longitudinal axis. The distal end of the balloon includes a tapered section and at least one incising blade is attached to the tapered section. Each incising blade is oriented on the tapered section with the proximal end of the blade radially distanced from the longitudinal axis at a distance r1 and the distal end of the incising blade radially distanced from the longitudinal axis at a distance r2. After the balloon has been inflated, each incising blade is oriented with r1>r2 to position the incising blades at an angle relative to the axis. This cooperation of structure allows the incising blades to cut an incision into a stenosis during axial advancement of the inflated balloon.

Abstract: An apparatus for incising a stenosis within a vascular conduit of a patient includes an inflatable balloon attached to an elongated catheter that defines a longitudinal axis. The distal end of the balloon includes a tapered section and at least one incising blade is attached to the tapered section. Each incising blade is oriented on the tapered section with the proximal end of the blade radially distanced from the longitudinal axis at a distance r1 and the distal end of the incising blade radially distanced from the longitudinal axis at a distance r2. After the balloon has been inflated, each incising blade is oriented with r1>r2 to position the incising blades at an angle relative to the axis. This cooperation of structure allows the incising blades to cut an incision into a stenosis during axial advancement of the inflated balloon.

Abstract: The present invention is a device and a method for boring a perfusion channel from a coronary artery into a cardiac muscle of a patient. Structurally, the present invention includes a positioning catheter, anchor means and a cutting catheter. The cutting catheter includes a plurality of blades and is advanceable through a deployment lumen of the positioning catheter. Advancement of the cutting catheter through the deployment lumen causes a distal end of the cutting catheter to project laterally from the positioning catheter. In use, the positioning catheter is positioned within the coronary artery. The anchor means is then expanded to anchor the positioning catheter within the artery. The cutting catheter is then advanced through the deployment lumen to bore one or more perfusion channels in the myocardial tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for incision and dilation of stenotic segments within the vascular system of a patient. Structurally, the present invention includes a rigid ellipsoidal dilation probe mounted at the distal end of a catheter. A series of longitudinally oriented blades project radially from the surface of the probe. A tapered inflatable balloon is also mounted on the catheter in a position that is proximal to the dilation probe. In use, the probe and catheter are advanced over a guidewire to reach the targeted stenotic segment. The probe and blades are then advanced through the stenotic segment to incise the stenosis. The balloon may then be inflated to adopt a tapering fusiform shape, allowing the balloon to be advanced through the stenosis to further dilate the stenosis. Alternatively, the balloon may be positioned across the stenosis and inflated to dilate the stenosis.

Abstract: A cotter pin which is engageable with a fastening member is formed from a wire and includes a bight with a pair of legs that extend therefrom. Specifically, the bight is formed with shoulders that will substantially conform with a surface of the fastening member. Also, each end of the legs of the cotter pin is formed with a retainer member which has an abutment that will substantially conform with another surface of the fastening member. More specifically, one surface is at one end of an aperture which passes through the fastening member, and the other surface is at the other end of the aperture. Each retainer member is formed with a point at the end of its respective leg, and these points are spaced from each other by a distance which is less than the diameter of the aperture that is formed through the fastening member. For engagement of the cotter pin with the fastening member, the points of the retainer members are positioned at an opening of the aperture.

Abstract: The present invention is a device and a method for boring a perfusion channel from a coronary artery into a cardiac muscle of a patient. Structurally, the present invention includes a positioning catheter, anchoring structure and a cutting catheter. The cutting catheter includes a plurality of blades and is advanceable through a deployment lumen of the positioning catheter. Advancement of the cutting catheter through the deployment lumen causes a distal end of the cutting catheter to project laterally from the positioning catheter. In use, the positioning catheter is positioned within the coronary artery. The anchoring structure is then expanded to anchor the positioning catheter within the artery. The cutting catheter is then advanced through the deployment lumen to bore one or more perfusion channels in the myocardial tissue.

Abstract: A cotter pin which is engageable with a fastening member is formed from a wire and includes a bight with a pair of legs that extend therefrom. Specifically, the bight is formed with shoulders that will substantially conform with a surface of the fastening member. Also, each end of the legs of the cotter pin is formed with a retainer member which has an abutment that will substantially conform with another surface of the fastening member. More specifically, one surface is at one end of an aperture which passes through the fastening member, and the other surface is at the other end of the aperture. Each retainer member is formed with a point at the end of its respective leg, and these points are spaced from each other by a distance which is less than the diameter of the aperture that is formed through the fastening member. For engagement of the cotter pin with the fastening member, the points of the retainer members are positioned at an opening of the aperture.

Abstract: The present invention is a device and a method for boring a perfusion channel into the myocardial tissue of a patient. Structurally, the present invention includes a positioning catheter and a cutting catheter. The positioning catheter is formed with an inflation lumen and a deployment lumen and has an inflatable balloon mounted at its distal end. The cutting catheter has a sharpened distal end and is advanceable through the deployment lumen of the positioning catheter. Advancement of the cutting catheter through the deployment lumen causes the distal end of the cutting catheter to be directed radially outward from the positioning catheter. In use, the positioning catheter is positioned within a target vessel. The inflatable balloon is then expanded to anchor the distal end of the positioning catheter.

Abstract: A device for incising and dilating a stenosis in a vessel of a patient includes a dilator housing and a plurality of blades which can be selectively extended from the housing. Specifically, the housing is formed to surround a chamber and the chamber contains an inflatable balloon. The plurality of blades are formed to have a falciform shape with a curving cutting edge and a similar, curving inner edge. The blades are mounted on the inflatable balloon and pass through slits in the housing. The housing is attached to a placement catheter which includes a lumen for inflating and deflating the balloon. In the operation of the device, the balloon is selectively inflated within the chamber to move the device between a retracted and an expanded configuration. In the retracted configuration, the balloon is deflated and the blades are withdrawn into the housing and the housing is used as a dilator.

Abstract: A device for incising and dilating a stenosis in a vessel of a patient includes a dilator housing and a plurality of blades which can be selectively extended from the housing. Specifically, the housing is formed to surround a chamber and the chamber contains an inflatable balloon. The plurality of blades are mounted on the inflatable balloon and pass through slits in the housing. The housing is attached to a placement catheter which includes a lumen for inflating and deflating the balloon. In the operation of the device, the balloon is selectively inflated within the chamber to move the device between a retracted and an expanded configuration. In the retracted configuration, the balloon is deflated and the blades are withdrawn into the housing and the housing is used as a dilator. In the expanded configuration, the balloon is inflated and the blades are extended through the slits in the housing and the device is used as an incisor.