Abstract: A closed system, spikeless, positive-flow valve device includes a body defining an internal cavity. At the proximal end of the body is an opening which is preferably sufficiently large to receive an ANSI standard tip of a medical implement. The valve includes a plastic, resilient silicon seal which fills the upper cavity and opening with an oval seal cap having a slit. The opening presses the oval seal cap to keep the slit closed in the decompressed state. The slit opens as the nose of the medical implement compresses the seal into the cavity and the seal cap is free from the opening. The housing also includes a fluid space which facilitates fluid flow between the medical implement and a catheter tip.

Abstract: The malleable cryosurgical probe includes a cryostat assembly and a cryoprobe assembly. The cryostat assembly includes an elongated shaft assembly having a bellows portion thereof and a closed distal end. The shaft assembly includes at least one freezing portion comprising the bellows portion, at least one thermally insulated portion and a thermally insulating element positioned about the thermally insulated portion. A cryostat is operably associated with the elongated shaft assembly. It includes a cryostat inlet for receiving gas entering the cryostat, a cryostat outlet and a heat exchanger positioned between the cryostat outlet and the cryostat inlet. The heat exchanger receives gas from the cryostat inlet and provides heat transfer between gas flowing within the cryostat and fluid exterior thereto. At least one Joule-Thomson nozzle is in fluid communication with the cryostat outlet. The at least one Joule-Thomson nozzle expands gas expelled therefrom.

Abstract: A stent delivery catheter is disclosed. The catheter includes an inner catheter tube and an outer catheter tube which are rotatable relative to each other. The inner catheter and outer catheter include releasable attachment structures to releasably engage the ends of the stent. A proximal hand piece includes controls for enlarging and deploying the stent in a body lumen.

Abstract: The malleable cryosurgical probe includes a cryostat assembly and a cryoprobe assembly. The cryostat assembly includes an elongated shaft assembly having a bellows portion thereof and a closed distal end. The shaft assembly includes at least one freezing portion comprising the bellows portion, at least one thermally insulated portion and a thermally insulating element positioned about the thermally insulated portion. A cryostat is operably associated with the elongated shaft assembly. It includes a cryostat inlet for receiving gas entering the cryostat, a cryostat outlet and a heat exchanger positioned between the cryostat outlet and the cryostat inlet. The heat exchanger receives gas from the cryostat inlet and provides heat transfer between gas flowing within the cryostat and fluid exterior thereto. At least one Joule-Thomson nozzle is in fluid communication with the cryostat outlet. The at least one Joule-Thomson nozzle expands gas expelled therefrom.

Abstract: A closed system, spikeless, positive-flow valve device includes a body defining an internal cavity. At the proximal end of the body is an opening which is preferably sufficiently large to receive an ANSI standard tip of a medical implement. The valve includes a plastic, resilient silicon seal which fills the upper cavity and opening with an oval seal cap having a slit. The opening presses the oval seal cap to keep the slit closed in the decompressed state. The slit opens as the nose of the medical implement compresses the seal into the cavity and the seal cap is free from the opening. The housing also includes a fluid space which facilitates fluid flow between the medical implement and a catheter tip.

Abstract: A closed system, spikeless, positive-flow valve device includes a body defining an internal cavity. At the proximal end of the body is an opening which is preferably sufficiently large to receive an ANSI standard tip of a medical implement. The valve includes a plastic, resilient silicon seal which fills the upper cavity and opening with an oval seal cap having a slit. The opening presses the oval seal cap to keep the slit closed in the decompressed state. The slit opens as the nose of the medical implement compresses the seal into the cavity and the seal cap is free from the opening. The housing also includes a fluid space which facilitates fluid flow between the medical implement and a catheter tip.

Abstract: A stent delivery catheter is disclosed. The catheter includes an inner catheter tube and an outer catheter tube which are rotatable relative to each other. The inner catheter and outer catheter include releasable attachment structures to releasably engage the ends of the stent. A proximal hand piece includes controls for enlarging and deploying the stent in a body lumen.

Abstract: A medical valve device for use in selectively establishing a fluid flow between first and second medical implements is disclosed. The valve has a body defining a passage from a first port to a second port. The valve defines a first fluid volume when both medical implements are connected thereto, and a second, smaller volume when one of the implements is disconnected, thereby causing a positive flow of fluid from the valve to the second medical implement when the first implement is disconnected.

Abstract: A medical valve device for use in selectively establishing a fluid flow between first and second medical implements is disclosed. The valve has a body defining a passage from a first port to a second port. The valve defines a first fluid volume when both medical implements are connected thereto, and a second, smaller volume when one of the implements is disconnected, thereby causing a positive flow of fluid from the valve to the second medical implement when the first implement is disconnected.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical connector for introducing medication to a patient in a safe, convenient way by releasably locking an influent fluid line to a receiving port, and method of manufacturing the same. The connector comprises a cannula recessed within a cavity defined by a housing. The housing contains a retaining ridge and gripping members to prevent accidental disconnection of the connector for the port.

Abstract: A collar or ring is disclosed herein for protecting and encouraging the growth of plants which includes a circular sidewall defining an open-ended cavity with a flanged handle at one end and a soil penetration edge at its other end. The flanged end is reinforced by the contour of the flange construction and/or integral ribs connecting the underside of the flange with the sidewall. A hole or groove may be provided in the flange to accommodate a watering device and the sidewall may incorporate straight or tapered sides or a combination thereof.