Abstract: An open weave fixation device is secured to a distal end region of a catheter or other diagnostic or treatment device, for either temporarily or permanently fixing the device within a body cavity. In one approach, the fixation element is constructed of braided, helically wound filaments of resilient stainless steel. A sheath surrounds the catheter and fixation element to elastically deform the element into a reduced radius configuration to facilitate insertion and deployment. With the fixation element positioned as desired, the sheath is withdrawn to permit the fixation element to self-expand against body tissue, thus to secure the fixation element and catheter. In an alternative arrangement, a dilation balloon surrounds a catheter near its distal end, and in turn is surrounded by a plastically deformable fixation element. Following desired positioning, the balloon is dilated to permanently deform the fixation element into contact with body tissue.

Abstract: An open weave fixation device is secured to a distal end region of a catheter or other diagnostic or treatment device, for either temporarily or permanently fixing the device within a body cavity. In one approach, the fixation element is constructed of braided, helically wound filaments of resilient stainless steel. A sheath surrounds the catheter and fixation element to elastically deform the element into a reduced radius configuration to facilitate insertion and deployment. With the fixation element positioned as desired, the sheath is withdrawn to permit the fixation element to self-expand against body tissue, thus to secure the fixation element and catheter. In an alternative arrangement, a dilatation balloon surrounds a catheter near its distal end, and in turn is surrounded by a plastically deformable fixation element. Following desired positioning, the balloon is dilated to permanently deform the fixation element into contact with body tissue.

Abstract: A body implantable stent consists of two or more generally tubular, coaxial and slidably connected stent segments. Each of the stent segments is of open weave construction, formed of multiple braided, helically wound strands of resilient material. The stent is elastically deformed to a reduced radius when deployed. When released after positioning, the stent self-expands radially into contact with a tissue wall segment defining a blood vessel or other body cavity. As each stent segment expands radially, it contracts in the axial direction. To preserve a consistent length of the stent in spite of axial contraction of the segments, the axially outward and non-overlapping portions of the stent can be designed for secure fixation to the tissue wall segment, for example as radially outward flares. Accordingly, axial contraction occurs as a reduction in the length of the medial regions where adjacent stent segments overlap.

Abstract: A penile prosthesis system involves the use of an inflatable penile prosthesis which is expandable under pressurization from a flaccid to an erect state. The prosthesis exhibits a low modulus of elasticity in expansion but ultimately reaches a modulus transition after which it exhibits a high modulus of elasticity and resists further expansion. The prosthesis may also be formed of a material which elastically expands from a flaccid to an erect state and elastically contracts thereafter. In its erect state the prosthesis is taut and the surrounding tissue may be similarly taut and pressurized because of the expansion of the prosthesis in girth. If a weakening occurs in the surrounding tissue, the tendancy to form localized penile bulges is limited because of the inability of the prostheis to expand readily beyond its modulus transition.

Abstract: Device useful as a heat exchanger for blood or as an apparatus in which blood may be treated or reacted with selected reactants. Device comprises hollow tubing which has spacing means on its outer surface, said spacing means being in the form of continuous or discontinuous projections or ridges of material. Hollow tubing having such spacing means is also included.

Abstract: An implantable penile prosthesis for overcoming male erectile impotence in the form of an elongated cylindrical device of malleable construction. The device is adapted to be implanted within the corpora cavernosa of the penis. A malleable rod capable of holding any shape to which it is bent is encapsulated within a cylindrical insert member made of biocompatible, flexible material. A thin walled sleeve of predetermined wall thickness may be positioned over the outside of the cylindrical insert member in covering relation thereto for adjustment of the outside diameter of the implant device. The cylindrical insert member tapers along its distal end section towards the distal end extremity of the device.

Abstract: A unitary, inflatable penile prosthesis system includes a prosthesis implantable within the corpus cavernosum of the penis in order to alleviate erectile impotency. A tubular enclosure includes a distal pump, a medial pressurizable chamber, and a proximal fluid reservoir. A pump draws fluid from the reservoir through an external fluid passageway into the pressurizable chamber. The pressurizable chamber is defined by an internal, tubular, substantially nondistensible portion and a concentric tubular sleeve. The nondistensible portion is crimped so that it may expand in diameter. Upon expansion, the prosthesis assumes a straight, erect state. The sleeve may elastically bias the nondistensible portion to its flaccid state. Fluid for filling the nondistensible portion may be stored in a rear fluid reservoir having a rigid internal stabilizer.

Abstract: Device useful as a heat exchanger for blood or as an apparatus in which blood may be treated or reacted with selected reactants. Device comprises hollow tubing which has plastic monofilament placed in a generally spiral configuration around its outer surface, said monofilament being in the form of continuous or discontinuous projections or ridges. Strands of wire may be substituted for the plastic monofilament. Hollow tubing having such plastic monofilament or strands of wire is also included.

Abstract: Hollow fibers, particularly useful as semipermeable membranes in separatory devices such as blood dialyzers, having a non-uniform cross-sectional area along the length thereof. The fibers have recurring points of maximum outside diameter and minimum outside diameter and such points may recur on a regular basis or at random. Fiber wall thicknesses may be substantially uniform or non-uniform. Methods and apparatus for making the fibers are disclosed.

Abstract: Hollow fibers, particularly useful as semipermeable membranes in separatory devices such as blood dialyzers, having a non-uniform cross-sectional area along the length thereof. The fibers have recurring points of maximum outside diameter and minimum outside diameter and such points may recur on a regular basis or at random. Fiber wall thicknesses may be substantially uniform or non-uniform. Methods and apparatus for making the fibers are disclosed.