Abstract: A catheter is disclosed comprising a first generally tubular body segment formed about a generally first longitudinally-extending axis and having an outer diameter of no more than approximately 5 fr; and a second generally tubular body segment formed about a second axis and having an outer diameter of no more than approximately 4 fr, the first and second axes intersecting at an acute angle. Preferably, the catheter additionally includes a third generally tubular body segment formed about a third axis and having an outer diameter of no more than approximately 4 fr, the third axis intersecting the second axis at a second acute angle. Preferably, the sum of the two intersection angles is approximately 90°. In addition, the intersection angle of the first and second axes is preferably in the range of approximately 30°.

Abstract: A catheter is disclosed comprising a first generally tubular body segment formed about a generally first longitudinally-extending axis and having an outer diameter of no more than approximately 5 fr; and a second generally tubular body segment formed about a second axis and having an outer diameter of no more than approximately 4 fr, the first and second axes intersecting at an acute angle. Preferably, the catheter additionally includes a third generally tubular body segment formed about a third axis and having an outer diameter of no more than approximately 4 fr, the third axis intersecting the second axis at a second acute angle. Preferably, the sum of the two intersection angles is approximately 90°. In addition, the intersection angle of the first and second axes is preferably in the range of approximately 30°.

Abstract: An endovascular surgical method comprises the steps of (1) incising a patient to gain access to the interior of a selected blood vessel, (2) inserting a cannula through an aperture formed in a sealing member comprising an elastomeric membrane having an aperture for receiving the cannula, an elongated wall portion surrounding the aperture, an outer flange region, an expandable bellowed intermediate portion between the flange region and the elongated wall portion, and a layer of adhesive on the bottom surface of the flange region, (3) orienting the membrane so that the bottom surface of the flange region contacts the patient's skin when the cannula is inserted through the incision, the aperture and cannula being relatively sized to form a tight fit and seal around the cannula, and (4) perform surgery from within the selected blood vessel by inserting and withdrawing surgical instruments through the cannula to so that the intermediate membrane portion resiliently supports the cannula for movement against its elo

Abstract: An intra-arterial catheter for uterine artery embolization is disclosed comprising (a) an outer generally tubular catheter having a main body portion formed about a generally longitudinally-extending axis, and a distal generally tubular end region extending from said main body portion at an angle in the range of approximately 45° to and including approximately 75° and (b) an inner generally tubular catheter positioned for sliding movement within the outer catheter and terminating in a generally tubular cobra-shaped distal end region sufficiently flexible to fit for sliding movement within the outer catheter and to assume its cobra shape when extended beyond the outer catheter. Before use, the inner catheter is retracted within the outer catheter, and the catheters are inserted into the interior femoral artery.

Abstract: A laparoscopic smoke evacuation system for removing surgical smoke containing undesirable contaminants, including a trocar having a working channel adapted to provide access to an operative site and a stopcock communicating with the working channel. A source of vacuum is coupled through a fluid conduit to the stopcock to remove the smoke. Filtration is provided along the fluid conduit to remove the undesirable contaminants and the residual gas is exhausted to the room or the source of vacuum. A liquid collector can also be disposed along the fluid conduit together with valve means which is either mechanically or electrically operable to control application of suction to the trocar.

Abstract: An improved curette is disclosed having a spoon-shaped scoop attached to an elongated tapered handle. Substantially the entire periphery of the scoop is sharpened, allowing the curette to be used in a lateral or rotating motion to remove and collect tissue samples. The new curette also has a sharpened interior edge on its forward end allowing curetting when drawing the instrument backward. Small drainage holes through the bottom of the scoop allow the curette to efficiently capture more tissue.