Abstract: Syringe for dispensing medical foam having a substantially cylindrical barrel with a nozzle at its forward end and a plunger with a substantially cylindrical shaft disposed within the barrel. A flexible annular flange is provided on the inner surface of the barrel which extends toward the nozzle to contact the shaft and form a seal between the barrel and the plunger.

Abstract: A foam transfer or dispensing device is described which dispenses foam from a source of foam, typically a pressurised canister, and which enables efficient purging or air and an initial volume of foam from the device to ensure foam sterility and quality when a syringe is filled from the device. The device comprises a foam inlet arranged for communication with a source of foam, a foam pathway in fluid communication with the foam inlet and comprising a foam outlet, arranged for engagement by a syringe nozzle; and a waste outlet in fluid communication with the foam pathway. The foam pathway comprises a tubular projection arranged to extend through the foam outlet and into a syringe nozzle when a syringe is connected to the foam outlet, which improves the efficiency of the purging process and prevents pooling of air or foam. The device further comprises a means for restricting displacement of material through the waste outlet, so that the user can control the volume of foam that is wasted.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and devices that generate sclerosing microfoams for the treatment of venous disorders, such as varicose veins. The invention includes adaptors which provide fluid connections to microfoam generating devices, to enable filling with gas and/or dispensing of the microfoam produced. The adaptors are generally cylindrical elements with open ends to enable attachment to pressurisable container on one end and are configured to enable rapid and easy attachment of a filling means or a dispensing means through the other end of the adaptor. A particular configuration comprises three or more circumferentially and downward extending cam tracks which cooperate with corresponding cams on the filling means or dispensing means and which connect a pressurisable container to a fluid path of a filling or dispensing means when the pressurisable container and filling or dispensing means are rotated relative to each other.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and devices that generate sclerosing microfoams for the treatment of venous disorders, such as varicose veins. The invention includes adaptors which provide fluid connections to microfoam generating devices, to enable filling with gas and/or dispensing of the microfoam product. The adaptors are generally cylindrical elements with open ends to enable attachment to pressurisable container on one end and are configured to enable rapid and easy attachment of a filling means or a dispensing means through the other end of the adaptor. A particular configuration comprises three or more circumferentially and downward extending cam tracks which cooperate with corresponding cams on the filling means or dispensing means and which connect a pressurisable container to a fluid path of a filling or dispensing means when the pressurisable container and filling or dispensing means are rotated relative to each other.

Abstract: A therapeutic foam for the treatment of, inter alia, varicose veins comprises a sclerosing solution foamed with a physiological gas such as carbon dioxide, oxygen or a mixture thereof. The foam has a nitrogen content of less than 0.8%. It may be generated using a pressurized canister system incorporating a fine mesh of micron dimensions through which the gas and sclerosing liquid are passed to make the foam. Alternatively, the foam may be generated by passing gas and solution between two syringes through a fine mesh. Techniques are described for minimizing the amount of nitrogen in a canister or syringe based product. A technique for generating and delivering foam simultaneously using a syringe based device is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for making sclerosing foam, which is useful in the treatment of varicose veins and other venous conditions. The device comprises a continuous pathway that is at least partly formed of flexible or compressible material and that comprises a foam generating structure within the continuous pathway; the foam generating structure being formed of two or more elements, wherein each element defines at least one passageway of cross sectional area 1 ?m2 to 10 mm2 and said two or more elements being arranged in series; a port which allows introduction of material into or extraction of material out of the continuous pathway; and a liquid pathway that is at least partly formed of flexible or compressible material and is arranged to deliver liquid into the foam generating structure between a first and second element of the foam generating structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a canister device that is suitable for producing sclerosing foam for intravenous injection, in the treatment of varicose veins and other venous disorders.

Abstract: A venous compression element is provided which is useful in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency, such as varicose veins. The compression element comprises a central core of fluid filled cells and an outer layer of soft material suitable for maintaining contact with skin for a prolonged period of time and which covers the core. A particular embodiment comprises a folded or rolled cylindrical core of air or nitrogen filled bubble wrap sheet material covered by a skin compatible bandaging material. The compression elements described are particularly useful in providing consistent compression to a blood vessel after endovenous endothelial wall damaging techniques.

Abstract: A foam transfer or dispensing device is described which dispenses foam from a source of foam, typically a pressurised canister, and which enables efficient purging or air and an initial volume of foam from the device to ensure foam sterility and quality when a syringe is filled from the device. The device comprises a foam inlet arranged for communication with a source of foam, a foam pathway in fluid communication with the foam inlet and comprising a foam outlet, arranged for engagement by a syringe nozzle; and a waste outlet in fluid communication with the foam pathway. The foam pathway comprises a tubular projection arranged to extend through the foam outlet and into a syringe nozzle when a syringe is connected to the foam outlet, which improves the efficiency of the purging process and prevents pooling of air or foam. The device further comprises a means for restricting displacement of material through the waste outlet, so that the user can control the volume of foam that is wasted.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and devices that generate sclerosing microfoams for the treatment of venous disorders, such as varicose veins. The invention includes adaptors which provide fluid connections to microfoam generating devices, to enable filling with gas and/or dispensing of the microfoam product. The adaptors are generally cylindrical elements with open ends to enable attachment to pressurisable container on one end and are configured to enable rapid and easy attachment of a filling means or a dispensing means through the other end of the adaptor. A particular configuration comprises three or more circumferentially and downward extending cam tracks which cooperate with corresponding cams on the filling means or dispensing means and which connect a pressurisable container to a fluid path of a filling or dispensing means when the pressurisable container and filling or dispensing means are rotated relative to each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical clamp comprising a temperature sensitive shape memory material, the clamp capable of taking up a first form in which the clamp (6) is shaped to at least partially encircle a tubular structure (14); a second form shaped to substantially completely encircle the tubular structure (14) and constrict it, the clamp changing from the first form to the second form above the transition temperature of the shape memory material; and a third form derived from the first form by resilient deformation of the clamp in its first form. The present invention also provides applicators for delivering the clamps and kits comprising the clamps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for making sclerosing foam, which is useful in the treatment of varicose veins and other venous conditions. The device comprises a continuous pathway that is at least partly formed of flexible or compressible material and that comprises a foam generating structure within the continuous pathway; the foam generating structure being formed of two or more elements, wherein each element defines at least one passageway of cross sectional area 1 ?m2 to 10 mm2 and said two or more elements being arranged in series; a port which allows introduction of material into or extraction of material out of the continuous pathway; and a liquid pathway that is at least partly formed of flexible or compressible material and is arranged to deliver liquid into the foam generating structure between a first and second element of the foam generating structure.

Abstract: A medical syringe which is suitable for dispensing and injecting medical foams is described and claimed. The syringe has a standard syringe plunger and barrel arrangement but comprises a flexible annular flange on the inner surface of the barrel. The annular flange extends inwards and forwardly from a base portion, affixed to the inner surface of the barrel to contact the plunger shaft and form a seal. The shape and orientation of the annular flange enables injection of medical foam with reduced sputtering of the syringe contents which make administration of sclerosing foams more controllable.

Abstract: Improved therapeutic sclerosing microfoams and methods and devices for making them are provided that have advantage in producing a consistent profile injectable foam with minimal input by the physician yet using high volume percentages of blood dispersible gases, thus avoiding use of potentially hazardous amounts of nitrogen.

Abstract: Device containing sclerosant liquid for use in the treatment of blood vessels having an aerosol valve housing containing gas-entry ports. The aerosol valve housing is mounted on a canister having an expandable inner container in which the sclerosant fluid is contained. The expandable inner container is affixed to the outer opening of the canister or to the aerosol valve housing above the valve gas-entry ports so that gas taken from the interior of the expandable inner container can mix with the sclerosant liquid to create a micro foam, such that introduction of pressurized gas through the aerosol valve causes the expandable inner container to inflate to accommodate the pressurized gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical clamp comprising a temperature sensitive shape memory material, the clamp capable of taking up a first form in which the clamp (6) is shaped to at least partially encircle a tubular structure (14); a second form shaped to substantially completely encircle the tubular structure (14) and constrict it, the clamp changing from the first form to the second form above the transition temperature of the shape memory material; and a third form derived from the first form by resilient deformation of the clamp in its first form. The present invention also provides applicators for delivering the clamps and kits comprising the clamps.

Abstract: A therapeutic foam for the treatment of, inter alia, varicose veins comprises a sclerosing solution foamed with a physiological gas such as carbon dioxide, oxygen or a mixture thereof. The foam has a nitrogen content of less than 0.8%. It may be generated using a pressurised canister system incorporating a fine mesh of micron dimensions through which the gas and sclerosing liquid are passed to make the foam. Alternatively, the foam may be generated by passing gas and solution between two syringes through a fine mesh. Techniques are described for minimising the amount of nitrogen in a canister or syringe based product. A technique for generating and delivering foam simultaneously using a syringe based device is also disclosed.

Abstract: The method of determining eligibility for seeking medical intervention to treat venous insufficiency. An individual is presented with a group of questions relating to varicose veins and an output score is calculated based on the individual's answer and the predetermined weight of the question. The output score is analyzed to determine the individual's eligibility for medical intervention.

Abstract: A device containing sclerosant liquid for use in the treatment of blood vessels comprises an aerosol valve housing (29) mounted on a canister (26) having an expandable inner container (25) in which the sclerosant fluid is contained, wherein the expandable inner container is affixed to the outer opening of the canister or to the aerosol valve housing, whereby the introduction of pressurised gas through the aerosol valve causes the expandable inner container to inflate to accommodate the pressurised gas.

Abstract: A venous compression element is provided which is useful in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency, such as varicose veins. The compression element comprises a central core of fluid filled cells and an outer layer of soft material suitable for maintaining contact with skin for a prolonged period of time and which covers the core. A particular embodiment comprises a folded or rolled cylindrical core of air or nitrogen filled bubble wrapsheet material covered by a skin compatible bandaging material.