Abstract: A device for sample collection, sample separation and for aseptically, controllably and precisely transferring at least one of the separated portions is disclosed. The device utilizes a metering syringe to collect a sample, such as blood, the metering syringe with the sample therein is centrifuged, the metering syringe is connected to a sterile syringe contained within sterile packaging, the metering syringe is used to controllably, precisely and aseptically meter a separated portion into the sterile syringe, the sterile syringe with the separated portion therein is then given to appropriate personnel within a sterile field without performing any further transferring steps.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for the packaging and handling of sterile syringes. More specifically, a syringe and a syringe package are sterilized. The sterilized syringe is placed into the sterilized syringe package, which package is sealed to enclose the sterilized syringe. A fluid is introduced into the sterilized syringe. The sterilized syringe with fluid is then delivered into a sterile field by removing the syringe from the syringe package. The syringe package is preferably a peal-open sheath with a fitting member at one end. The fitting member extends partially into and partially out of the syringe package. It has a connector inside the syringe package for connecting to the sterile syringe, which connector is fluidly connected to an exterior connector. Thus, the fitting member provides a fluid connection from outside the syringe package to the enclosed sterile syringe.

Abstract: A disposable bipolar electrosurgical probe which can be readily applied to the tissue to be treated, then discarded. The probe comprises an elongated substrate member having a peripheral surface of dielectric material and a longitudinal axis extending between a working end and an attachment end. At least a pair of electrically isolated electrodes extend continuously on the peripheral surface of the substrate member between an active region at the working end and an electrical terminal region at the attachment end for quick connection and/or disconnection, respectively, to opposite poles of an RF generator. A handle with a quick disconnect mechanism is provided to physically support the probe and enable it to be selectively energized. The probes can be of a fail safe construction so as to assure that only a proper probe can be used for a desired treatment.

Abstract: A gas pressure neutralizing device for use with a working channel of an inspection instrument. The device comprises means for providing a first gas pressure buffer, a second gas pressure buffer, a chamber formed therebetween and means for reducing the pressure in the chamber whereby gases are substantially prevented from exiting the instrument through a working inlet of the device at an elevated pressure or high velocity.

Abstract: A disposable bipolar electrosurgical probe which can be readily applied to the tissue to be treated, then discarded. The probe comprises an elongated substrate member having a peripheral surface of dielectric material and a longitudinal axis extending between a working end and an attachment end. At least a pair of electrically isolated electrodes extend continuously on the peripheral surface of the substrate member between an active region at the working end and an electrical terminal region at the attachment end for quick connection and/or disconnection, respectively, to opposite poles of an RF generator. A handle with a quick disconnect mechanism is provided to physically support the probe and enable it to be selectively energized. The probes can be of a fail safe construction so as to assure that only a proper probe can be used for a desired treatment.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device for use in the treatment of tissue, particularly in the esophageal and anal regions of the body. The device comprises a multipolar probe body sized for passage into and within a body cavity whose tissue is to be treated without the aid of an endoscope. The probe body includes an active member for providing focused treatment of tissue, the active member being cylindrical and having a peripheral surface on which are mounted a plurality of electrodes, those of one polarity being interposed with those of the opposite polarity. The length of the electrodes can be chosen to obtain desired longitudinal focussing. Additionally, the electrodes can be positioned within a restricted arc to obtain desired peripheral focussing. The probe body also includes non active rounded cap members at its proximal and distal ends, and at its proximal end is mounted on a shaft which extends to the user. A filliform may be mounted on the distal end of the probe body to aid in its insertion into the esophagus.

Abstract: An elongated, tubular inspection instrument characterized as having a control head at its proximal end and an objective assembly at its distal end. Flexible fiber or rigid optics extend between the control head and the objective assembly for the purpose of transmitting to the control head an image viewed from the distal end. Optics located at the objective assembly can be manipulated at the control head to provide, rapidly in succession, either a forward looking view or a sideward looking view. The sideward looking view is always at a positively positioned predetermined angle from the forward looking view.

Abstract: An inspection system in which a fiber optic borescope has an elongated flexible body extending between a control head at a proximal end and an objective assembly at a distal end. The distal end is slidably inserted through a tubular elongated flexible guide member which has an operating head at a near end and a distal collar at a remote end capable of deflecting in four discrete directions. The objective assembly of the borescope is capable of deflecting in two discrete directions. A telescoping rigid support member connects the control head to the operating head and slidably receives the flexible body of the borescope. When the support member is retracted, the control head is proximate to the operating head and the objective assembly extends far beyond the distal collar. When the support member is extended, the control head is distant from the operating head and the objective assembly lies proximate to the distal collar.