Abstract: An apparatus for performing a vascular treatment is disclosed. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises two modules that are maintained in separate zones of an operating environment. The apparatus includes an elongate, intraluminal member that is shaped and dimensioned for passage through blood vessels of a subject. The intraluminal member has a proximal end and a distal end. A vein wall disruptor for degrading the integrity of the inner wall of a vessel is housed within a sheath of the intraluminal member. The disruptor includes at least one, but may include several, prongs. The distal ends of the prongs contact or communicate with the inner wall of a blood vessel. The disruptor can include a contacting tip designed to damage the interior of the vessel as the disruptor is pulled proximally therealong. The apparatus further includes an automatic injector to inject a sclerosant into the blood vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a vascular treatment is disclosed. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises two modules that are maintained in separate zones of an operating environment. The apparatus includes an elongate, intraluminal member that is shaped and dimensioned for passage through blood vessels of a subject. The intraluminal member has a proximal end and a distal end. A vein wall disruptor for degrading the integrity of the inner wall of a vessel is housed within a sheath of the intraluminal member. The disruptor includes at least one, but may include several, prongs. The distal ends of the prongs contact or communicate with the inner wall of a blood vessel. The disruptor can include a contacting tip designed to damage the interior of the vessel as the disruptor is pulled proximally therealong. The apparatus further includes an automatic injector to inject a sclerosant into the blood vessel.

Abstract: Tissue is examined with a device that includes one or more transducer elements, each of which generates a signal in response to force imposed on the transducer element in accordance with varying properties of an underlying tissue structure as the transducer element is pressed against and moved over the tissue. The tissue examination device further includes circuitry for detecting a variation in the signals as an indication of a composition of the underlying tissue structure.

Abstract: A urinary continence device for males, having a body to cover and seal the urethra of the wearer and capable of conformably securing to the penis of the wearer. In the preferred embodiment, the body has a substantially hemispherical configuration and is sized to cover the glans penis. One or more adhesives may be used to adhere the device to the penis and the one or more adhesives may be in a continuous or discontinuous layer. The device may additionally include a locating member to assist in placement and may provide additional sealing properties. In use, the body seals the urethra so as to prevent urine leakage. To void, the wearer simply removes the device, and reapplies the device or a new device when evacuation is complete.

Abstract: A novel urethral plug comprising a cooperating shaft and balloon, lying in coaxial engagement. The balloon possesses a contracted shape for insertion and removal through the opening of the urethra, and a larger, expanded shape for blocking the flow of urine in the urethra, bladder neck and bladder. After insertion, such an expanded shape is achieved by inflation of the balloon through the use of an external source such as a syringe which introduces fluid through an opening and into the shaft. The fluid acts upon a ball valve, thus pushing the ball past a valve seat, thereby permitting fluid to travel through the shaft and into the balloon. Fluid transmission continues until the balloon is expanded to such an extent as to block the flow of urine. The balloon retains the fluid therein, and the force of the fluid on the ball valve causes the ball to rest firmly against the valve seat. The balloon, when expanded thus functions to seal the plug to the urethra, bladder neck and bladder.

Abstract: There is presented a urethral measuring device for determining the length of a human urethra, the measuring device comprising a member having an expandable portion at a first end and adapted to receive fluid from an external source at a second end. The member includes graduations arranged such that the graduations are located a pre-specified distance from the expandable portion. In certain embodiments, the graduations also are located at least "x" distance from the meatus of the urethra when the device is inserted and in an operative position. The measuring device further includes a collar slidably disposed and movable on the member and is used as a pointer against the graduations to measure the length of the urethra. There is further presented a method for determining the length of a urethra, utilizing the aforesaid device.